Finally, here is what I have been practicing for – The Manila Half Marathon Challenge. After being postponed due to typhoon Frank, it’s finally going to happen. It’s my first time to run a 21km run. Although I was able to run 22km during one practice, running with other racers is still a different experience.

The starting Line
Quennie and I arrived at around 4:45 at Kilometer 0. It’s the marker in between the Quirino Grandstand and the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park. This is where all distance measurement starts in Manila. This will also be the starting point for the half marathon. When I arrived, I was instantly intimidated. Other runners were there already and they are not just ordinary runners. Many have the Philippine flag in their shirts or shorts. It could only mean on thing. These guys and gals can rally run. I already have a feeling I would be terribly left behind.

A new name?
The gun fired to start the race by 5:15. I joined a group of runners and followed their pace. As I was running, I saw PatCon of Running Shield just a few feet beside me. He looked at me and asked,” You’re Manok right? Manok Runner?” I smiled and said yes. I was glad he recognized me from my blog and I was able to recognize him also. I also read his blogs on running. He has been running for more than 10 years already and had a total of more than 70,000km based on his logs. Wow. Then he said “See ya.” and run past that I could not catch up. Hah! Show off. Hehehe. Joke lg pre.

A Manila Experience
For this run I decided not to bring my music player. I wanted to experience Manila. The route will be covering the perimeter of the Manila District. Based on the map, half of these places are still unknown to me. So it will be nice to discover these places while running. I want to see it and feel it. I should be careful for what I am asking for.

So what have I experienced? Two things. Number one is pollution. I was exposed to a lot of smoking cars and dusty roads which were under construction. And number two is smell. There was a bridge that was littered with… well, shit. I thought they were dog’s manure. But they were forming a line at the side of the bridge showing that the creatures responsible for it have bigger brains than dogs.

Left Behind
I was running quite well in the first 10 kilometers. I must have mastered this distance already. But what happens next got me very tired. I started walking at 13kms and walked half of the time until the finish line. But of course I run to the finish line. I dont want people to see me walking on my way there.

I must have been the uphill bridges that got me exhausted. Or the hot sun at 7:00 in the morning. Or a fast pace at the early part of the race. I was getting worried since I could see a few runners left behind me. I dont want to be left behind in an unfamiliar place. I could esily get lost.

I was left behind already at the 15km mark. The pack I have been following is far ahead. I even saw Bald Runner run past me at Nagatahan Bridge. I wanted to call him to say hi. Or maybe just to slow him down. Hehehe. I wonder why I can’t post a comment on his blog. It always says I need to log in.

Seeing Manila in 21kms
Nonetheless, it was a good run. I was amazed at where my foot took me. I run from Luneta to Quirino Ave, to Nagtahan, to Tayuman, to Binondo and back to Quirino Grandstand. I run past those places where I used to take a ride. Made me thought, Manila is such a small place after all. I finished the race at 2hours and 24mins which was below my target of 2hours and 30minutes. Still a good time for my first time.

Well Organized
All in all, I thought it was a well organized race. I like the presence of the Binondo Riders Club. They made sure the runners were safe. They are at every busy intersection, stopping the cars to give way for the runners. They provided directions to the runners. Thanks a lot guys. There were also markers for every kilometers in the 21K route. Several water stations were available. We never run out of water. I just wish the water was cold. I had to stop over at MiniStop to buy a cold Gatorade. It made a difference.

Quennie’s Story

Quennie joined the 10km run also. Before the race started, she saw a kid who was preparing for the race. The told the boy that she’ll run against him. Show must have thought the boy was an easy target. Lo and behold, the boy out did her. The boy was actually running in preparation for a bigger race with Milo next month. Quennie should learn whom to pick for a challenge. As a result, she pushed herself a bit harder and is now complaining with her leg.

The Aftermath
I was kind to my body for this run. This time I didnt feel pain in my legs after the race. But we went home and slept from 10am to 3pm. If I never felt hungry at that time, I could have slept more. I rewarded myself after the race. I bought a new running jersey for my practices at 40% off from a factory outlet and I ate a half chicken. I wanted to finish the whole chicken but I failed. Maybe next time if I made a full marathon, I get to eat a full chicken.

Manila Half Marathon Race Results can be viewed here.

Next race
I’m planning to join the One Run, One Family, One La Salle Run this Sunday. They say that “artistas” can register for free for the race. Hmmm… I could take my chance on that.

An early announcement
I have noticed several runners who are blogging and exchanging comments in their blogs. I visit their blogs and leave some comments as well. I decided to come up with a new website where all the runners will have more exchanges of ideas. It will be an online running forum for Filipino runners where we can discuss about our passion, encourage one another, and keep each other up to date. The website will be www.takbo.ph or takbo.ph. My friend and I are still setting it up. I hope it will be ready by next month. I’ll keep you guys updated with this site.

If you have suggestions on what to put in the forum, just place them in the comments below. The domain is already registered and should be online within 24 hours but there will be no content yet. The logo is just a draft but I like it already.