"on a shoestring"

I don’t have enough time to train nowadays because of the weather (raining and very cold) and I’m always out of town. Good thing that I’m registered to run at Nuvali for the Finishline Road X Trail Run. I just said to myself that I will treat this as one of my training runs (for the upcoming marathon).

(With Jojo & Vans)

The day before the race, I did some trail run up to Agila Base, Mt. Makiling. It was a good 2-hour run to and from. Uphill, rocky and slippery. This trail deserves an organized race. Any takers?

Anyway, Saturday came and I was excited for the challenge of Nuvali’s terrain. I arrived early, uncharacteristic of me, and found my friends (Jojo, Irish , Vans & Anne). Them saw SIX:30 group, Allan, Kat, Pedz, Bave, Cris  and many more.

with Vans, Cris, Bave & Jojo

I was a little bit (just a little bit) frustrated with the race. For one, I know I can finish it with a faster time (1:52:xx for 16K), problem is I can feel my legs and body already weak because of the trail run (training supposed to be) I did the day before. Second, I was expecting a more challenging “trail” run. Turns out that about 30% of the route is on concrete and the trail is not that challenging enough. Again looking back to my trail run the other day, I would say

The training I did was harder than the race itself.

I was expecting a harder route, I’m prepared to get wet & dirty. But all I saw was grass and more tall grasses. Exciting right? hahahahahaha

I also like to note that there is not enough water station along the way, especially at the first 5kilometers, there is literally no water. I think at KM.12 then run out of water. One thing more, I really don’t like 100Plus, its carbonated and is painful on the stomach- a psuedo-sports drink. So I’m thinking, maybe this is the challenge.

Anyway, I’m just happy with the mileage I have for this week. Still lagging behind for the Condura Skyway Marathon.

Lessons Learned:

1. Bring your own hydration.

2. Don’t run hard the day before the race day.

Thank you Finishline for the race & Reebok for the socks. I so love the finisher’s medal:

Before I forgot, just wanna congratulate the winner of the MacBook Air, Mr. Vans Cammanong:

Sir Vince & Ms.Anne sorry for the not so nice photo

Shoutout to Bloggers/Runners I met:

Allan- http://runningfreemanila.wordpress.com

Irish- http://runnerishi.blogspot.com/

Bave- http://shootnrun.wordpress.com/

Pedz- http://runningatom.blogspot.com/

Photos from Vans Cammanong & Kat Katrina. Thank you!