1. Stay Relaxed and Comfortable—A week before the race, I ran the 2008 Pasig River Marathon and the day before this race, I had a recovery run of 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles which I completed in 57 + minutes. My strategy in this race was to stay relaxed and comfortable and improve on my running form, starting slowly on the first 2 kilometers and hopefully, picking up my pace on my way back to the finish line from the turn-around point. I did not think of breaking the 50-minute time before the race, but instead, just for me to enjoy the run. But I started to pick-up my pace at the approach of the Kalayaan Flyover and maintained my 5:30 min/km pace. I guess, I love running on hills! From the 5-Km point, I increased my pace from 4:30-5:00 min/km pace up to the finish line. However, I was overtaken by 3 “triathletes” on the last 2 kilometers who are at least 20 years younger than me. I gave them the pleasure of finishing ahead of me and hope to beat them in my future races.
2. Inspiration—I was inspired to run this race because I could see signs of an orderly, well-planned, and well-organized road race from the race packet I received days before race day and during the check-in processing of runners. Entry of runners in the starting area were distinct and separated from one another—10K runners were received near the starting line; the 5K runners were received at the middle of the starting area; and the 3K runners were received at the back of the starting area. What inspired me most are the kilometer markings every kilometer, bottled water in water stations in every 2.5 kilometers and the absence of any vehicle along the route of the race.
3. Running “Boom”—I strongly believe that there is now a running “boom” in the country where all sectors of the society, youths, professionals, and the senior citizens are participating weekend road races. I am happy to see that people are becoming aware of their health and body fitness. I have observed also that there are so many running clubs in Metro Manila and from other provinces in the country.
4. Corporate Involvement in Physical Fitness and Conservation of the Environment—Business corporations and other private entities greatly contribute in sports and physical fitness awareness to the people. Aside from physical fitness, these corporations have also their corporate social responsibility to help preserve our environment. Condura’s effort is very commendable and I hope that other business entities and private corporations should also take this direction to bring or “payback” something to the society and environment.
5. Running Celebrity—A lot of people talked and approached me while I was at the starting area, during the race, and after the race. This website/blog is making me a celebrity! Ha! Ha! Ha! Joy Maddela of the 2008 Pasig River Marathon approached me and extended her thanks of the things I wrote about the said race. Joy, if you want to publish my post, you have my approval. By the way, all my posts here are for public consumption. To my co-runners and blog friends, consider me as a private citizen (as I don’t run with my security detail) when you see me in a road race, don’t call me “Sir” or “General”, just simply call me “Bald Runner”.
6. Running Fashion—“Who says that running is not an expensive sport?” I just bought my singlet and shorts from New Balance at Shangrila Mall two days before race day and it is becoming a habit to buy a new running attire every time I join a road race. Well, that is the price I have to pay for being a celebrity in the running community!..Ha! Ha! Ha!
Note: My overall rating/grade for the conduct of the 2008 Condura Run—97%
Bald Runner 