My First Half Marathon Experience

Months of training and it was all over in 2:42:20. -- Yep, that's my finishing time for my first ever 21K. I was hoping to do it in 2:30 at least, but again, my ankle (the drama queen) injury prevented me from achieving that time. That's why in my Facebook status I put,

"...it was a painful and humbling experience."

At 2:30 I was just getting off Buendia and up the fly-over to The Fort. My heart sank. I felt really frustrated with myself. I wanted to make it in 2:30 coz most of the other runners I asked said that that was a good time for a first 21K. I did everything I could to strengthen my right ankle during my training. I dunno why it started acting up again. I don't get cramps, shin splits, or even tire easily. Endurance was never a problem for me. It's just always this dumb right ankle and on top of that, my overpronation.

I actually had a lot of issues! At the start of the race, I wanted to pee so badly! This was due to excitement, I suspect. Gail pointed out several portalets to me but I refused to stop. Sayang the time! Thankfully, after 12K, my full bladder miraculously disappeared! I think I was THAT dehydrated!

Another issue was the pain I felt on my upper rib. I was CHAFFING! I carried that stinging pain all the way to the finish line. I did put petroleum jelly, so I wonder why I still chaffed. When I got home, I saw that the first layer of my skin was badly peeled off! Yes, nalapnos sya! When I took a shower I screamed in pain. I think I took my scream two octaves higher, sounding like a freaking banshee!

So, with a full bladder, chaffed skin and bum ankle...I still made it. With God's grace, I MADE IT!

A lot of issues, but I AM HAPPY!

I am happy and proud of myself for finishing the grueling long route albeit injured.



I am happy with my 1096 place. There were still around 500people behind me.

The Official Race Results

I am happy I finished strong and in style. Thanks to my fiancé for the belated Christmas gift (CW-X Stabilyx Tights). You were with me in each stride I made. Literally supporting me! Yihee. =)



I am happy to run along side my takbo.ph friends and pink ladies (Gail and Lally). Unfortunately, I didn't see Noelle and Vicky who were also wearing hot pink. =)

The Pink Pacing Ladies doing a 5-1 Galloway: Me, Gail and Lally

I am happy to be greeted by the same friends at the finish line. Unfortunately, I don't have a pic with Pat and Carina. I just wanna give a special shout out to these two because they really helped me with my training. Patiently answering all my questions and always asking how I'm doing. =)

Takbo ladies (L-R): Tin, Julie P., me, Rona and Yan

Ross, Lauren, Tere, me and James (looking tulala, hehe!)

I am happy I ran for the Dolphins.

I've always loved Dolphins (taken from the Condura run website)

I am happy that takbo.ph organized a support group during the race. I'm proud to say, these are my friends!

Luis (aka gingerbreadman) getting a massage while munching on a banana. San ka pa? Takbo rocks!

I was happy to be greeted by a beautiful sunrise while running the Skyway.

Thanks Suzi for this pic.

I am happy to be able to say to people when I drive on the Skyway, "Hey, I ran here!".

Me and Lally at the Skyway

I am happy that I was able to ice my ankle right away and get a free ice pop. Simple joys.

..and whatdya know..the ice pop matches my shoes! hehe!

I am happy to have my picture taken with running celebrities like Coach Rio and Jaymie (The Bull Runner), who was gracious enough to have her picture taken with us even if she just crossed the finish line and was still catching her breath! She didn't even look like she ran a full marathon! Starstruck much? ...*pic w/ TBR t follow* (Marky, where's my pic?)

Tere and I w/ Coach Rio

And lastly, I am happy that all the other runners were also happy to have finished their first 3K, 5K, 10K, Half Mary, and Full Mary!



Yes, on Feb. 7, 2010 at the Condura Run at The Fort, Bonifacio a lot of dreams came true, goals were achieved, and records were broken. It was a GREAT DAY for everyone!

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