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Sunday, October 12, 2008

Attack of the Half Marathon Virgin


After getting over the initial nervousness of almost not getting a race kit, I converted my energy into half marathon race jitters. With training runs of below 16K under my belt, I felt unsure if this half marathon attempt was way over my head. I mean, I knew I'd eventually finish whether by running or walking, but to actually finish in a decent time? Now that was the question.

I finished my first half marathon with a whole 2 minutes shaved off my estimated 2 1/2 hours! Not too shabby for a first timer, I think.

It was the perfect weather to run. The sun was bright, but thankfully not burning. The breeze was cool and a welcome running companion.

I had a good run (if I do say so myself) on the first half. Largely because I latched on to the training Pinoy Ultra Runners like a leech. I am so thankful they took me under their wing (Thanks again- Hector, Neville, Jeremy, Kiko... did I miss anyone?). Hopefully I get to multi-task (run/breathe/laugh/talk/blood-suck) in the future. Baby steps.

Around the halfway mark, I had to loosen my suckers and look for a new host. Luckily, I spotted a familiar head in the crowd and stealthily kept pace with Coach Rio. After a few kilometers though, I had to let go again. I'm afraid they were just too fast for me.

The last few miles were steady and calculated. Teeth unbared and claws retracted. It wasn't a defeat, but merely a recovery of sorts. I'm a little bit learned and hungry for more. Until the next half marathon (That would be the New Balance 25K in Clark).

{They come out at the crack of dawn.}
{The battle is almost over.}


{The last kilometer was the hardest!}
{Swag-sucking}

{Fierce Contender, Blogger Schlagger}
{Jinides literally sitting this run out as the 10K race kits were quickly usurped.}

6 comments:

  1. That's wonderful!! Congratulations!

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  2. hey j+. fierce contender... somehow it doesn't ring a bell. haha! :) anyway, congratulations on your full kotr... and see you in the power race. (or maybe sooner) :)

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  3. Hi Janine, congratulations on your inaugural half. That was a good run and a good time for a newbie. Astig no? Now, what's your plan for the NB, you're not new here anymore, he he. Happy running. See you..

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  4. Hi ganns! Thanks! I hope you're feeling better enough to join the runs na. More power steps to you! =)

    Hey schlagger. Fierce. Rawr. hahaha.

    Hi Run Unltd. Thanks! And yes, it was cool. I'm pretty happy I survived (esp. halfway with the Ultra Runners pa! hehe). I hope I can do better in the NB run on November. See you there!

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  5. Hello, I think Johnny introduced us after the KOTR, at the chute area. Congratulations on your first half! You'll surely be craving for more! See you at NB.

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  6. Hi datc. Thanks! I'm aiming for my first full next year. =) I'm looking forward to the NB race as well. See you!

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