Last February 1, 2015 Sunday, the most awaited marathon event is finally held. (most awaited because it was cancelled last year due to Typhoon Yolanda a.k.a. Haiyan)
This is the Condura Skyway Marathon 2015.
Run for a HERO...
The running event aims to help the orphans of Soldiers which died while on service via HERO Foundation. That was the cause defined last year, which was left the same for this year. However in an unfortunate turn of events, the theme Run for a HERO coincidentally was given another important meaning.
The heroes which is collectively known as SAF 44. The event is held in honor of the 44 slain members of Philippine National Police - Special Action Force in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The cause will also aim to help the orphaned of the said victims.
Condura Skyway Marathon is a prestigious event held in the Skyway, an elevated private expressway of around 21km in length. It's the same route as the last Condura run. The skyway passes over 5 municipalities. Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Taguig, Pasay and Makati
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| Route per Category |
Preparation
As I am training regularly, (by running, core exercises, dumb bell lifting, ankle weights), what I did 2 days before the event was take a lot of rest and sleep. My meals included Tuna, extra servings of vegetables and fruits like banana and papaya, and also drank Prune Juice. These food are rich in Potassium - which lowers blood pressure and bolster bone strength (which I'll surely need).
Goal
Last February 2013, Condura Skyway Marathon is the first 42k I finished Sub-4 hours, timed 3:50:17
But this time my record to beat was Milo Marathon last July 2014 where my record was 3:38. it's a high record for me. I don't know if i can pull it off again but here I go!!! :)
I'm also happy if I finish it injury-free :)
It would mean that the training I'm doing is effective and in a way getting stronger.
The Event
I'm a participant for the 42k category. Wave A, which will start at 12 midnight on February 1. Arrived just right on time as the venue is just a 30 minute bus ride away from home. I deposited my things and rushed to the Wave A area. Waves are implemented to control the flow of people entering the skyway due to the number of participants (5000+) in the 42k category. Waves will proceed at 2 minute intervals.
Wave A started. We pass by PNP officers holding the pictures of each of the SAF44. We honor them with a salute in the initial kilometers of the event.
This is it. The race is officially underway. I ran through the crowds of participants with Pride by High and Mighty Color as the first song to rev up my engine. And yes, I listen to music while running. Even if it is a race.
There are aid stations along the way, about 2-3 kilometers in interval. I always sip on water on every station, then on the later part, sip gatorade and follow up with water. Sometimes pour cold water on my neck and face to freshen up. And don't forget to smile on the race marshals.
There are some ahead of me. Yeah they are really fast. :) At my current pace I wouldn't be able to catch up to them. But that's not the goal. I'm happy of what I've achieved so far. I have a good idea what place I am.
There are lots of photographers covering the event and taking pictures of participants. Of course I don't forget to put a nice pose and smile for them :)
Then come the last 2 kilometer. Gathering my remaining "conserved" energy, I increased my pace. Was able to overtake additional 3 participants. And when the finish line is visible, I gave it my all and sprint! I don't like finishing looking weak and tired. I love to finish strong and full of power!
I'm very happy rushing to the finish line. Listening to Nike+ GPS telling me my current pace average, I knew it. Looking at the time I've confirmed it. I've broken my record. It's a new Marathon Personal Record for me. 3:23:24! I'm fulfilled. everything was worth it. :)
And that wraps up the event for me. After the event, just claimed my loot (medal, finisher's shirt, banana, bottled water, gatorade), get changed, ate at Jollibee for breakfast, then went to watch at the area near finish line. I'm waiting for my officemates who also participated.
Aftermath
No, it's not me being injured. I'm perfectly fine. :)
The result just got published by the Organizer and the ranking is 17th out of 5000 participants! I'm really happy about this result. I got to meet some of the top ranking runners this time, unlike before where I only read their names. The training really paid off. It took 3 years in the making to reach this level. :)
On the office the race results were published via email communications.
I received lots of message of congratulations from colleagues, via email, chat, and personal. Other team managers also congratulated me. They even said that if in the future I'm going to join an event, I inform them so they can help in some way of sponsorship. Wow, that's generous of them. And much more the Philippine Leadership Team of our company also congratulated me. I'm really touched by these overwhelming message of congratulations. :3
Got an invitation to write an article for feature at our newsletter. In fact this blog entry is like a draft for what I'll submit there. Hahaha!
What's Next???
I don't have a particular event registered into as of yet. But I'm set to join the Milo Marathon again this July, and the event I'm really preparing for, the 1st Taal Volcano 160KM Ultra Marathon.
Work, Running Club Company Run and planning Club Activities.
Message
Compete with yourself.
All else may fail, but training will not fail.
It's not the quantity of event joined, nor the medal received.
It's how you set a goal and achieve it and how you felt during that time.
It's how you see the results of your hard work.
As I am training regularly, (by running, core exercises, dumb bell lifting, ankle weights), what I did 2 days before the event was take a lot of rest and sleep. My meals included Tuna, extra servings of vegetables and fruits like banana and papaya, and also drank Prune Juice. These food are rich in Potassium - which lowers blood pressure and bolster bone strength (which I'll surely need).
Goal
Last February 2013, Condura Skyway Marathon is the first 42k I finished Sub-4 hours, timed 3:50:17
But this time my record to beat was Milo Marathon last July 2014 where my record was 3:38. it's a high record for me. I don't know if i can pull it off again but here I go!!! :)
I only compete with myself. If I can beat my previous record, I will be very happy.
I'm also happy if I finish it injury-free :)
It would mean that the training I'm doing is effective and in a way getting stronger.
The Event
I'm a participant for the 42k category. Wave A, which will start at 12 midnight on February 1. Arrived just right on time as the venue is just a 30 minute bus ride away from home. I deposited my things and rushed to the Wave A area. Waves are implemented to control the flow of people entering the skyway due to the number of participants (5000+) in the 42k category. Waves will proceed at 2 minute intervals.
 |
| Wave A Pack at the Starting Line |
 |
| Officers holding SAF44 pictures |
There are aid stations along the way, about 2-3 kilometers in interval. I always sip on water on every station, then on the later part, sip gatorade and follow up with water. Sometimes pour cold water on my neck and face to freshen up. And don't forget to smile on the race marshals.
 |
| Passing by lots of participants, an empty Skyway awaits in front of me |
There are lots of photographers covering the event and taking pictures of participants. Of course I don't forget to put a nice pose and smile for them :)
 |
| Say Cheese! You're on Camera! :) |
Then come the last 2 kilometer. Gathering my remaining "conserved" energy, I increased my pace. Was able to overtake additional 3 participants. And when the finish line is visible, I gave it my all and sprint! I don't like finishing looking weak and tired. I love to finish strong and full of power!
I'm very happy rushing to the finish line. Listening to Nike+ GPS telling me my current pace average, I knew it. Looking at the time I've confirmed it. I've broken my record. It's a new Marathon Personal Record for me. 3:23:24! I'm fulfilled. everything was worth it. :)
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| Crossing Finish Line Shot! |
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| I Ran For A HERO |
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| Finish Line Picture with Officemates |
Rest up runners! Tomorrows another Workday! :)
Aftermath
No, it's not me being injured. I'm perfectly fine. :)
The result just got published by the Organizer and the ranking is 17th out of 5000 participants! I'm really happy about this result. I got to meet some of the top ranking runners this time, unlike before where I only read their names. The training really paid off. It took 3 years in the making to reach this level. :)
 |
| Official Results |
On the office the race results were published via email communications.
 |
| Official Race Report |
 |
| Special Mention |
Got an invitation to write an article for feature at our newsletter. In fact this blog entry is like a draft for what I'll submit there. Hahaha!
What's Next???
I don't have a particular event registered into as of yet. But I'm set to join the Milo Marathon again this July, and the event I'm really preparing for, the 1st Taal Volcano 160KM Ultra Marathon.
Work, Running Club Company Run and planning Club Activities.
Message
Compete with yourself.
All else may fail, but training will not fail.
It's not the quantity of event joined, nor the medal received.
It's how you set a goal and achieve it and how you felt during that time.
It's how you see the results of your hard work.
