VCMC Run for Charity

Sept 2,2012 4:45 am 12k

Time: 1:46:55

Park Mall

I learned about this run when the dean's office dessiminated the letter from vcmc via email. The first thing that entered my mind was that I'm not gonna participate in this run because of the venue. Still, I explored ParkMall during one holiday when I went to the One Cebu Expo in CICC. I decided to enter after I did y101 armscor because I felt I needed a change of venue.

Registration:

I went to VCMC on Aug 27 (it was a holiday) and I saw the sign outside “For VCMC run registration go to window 8”. When I went to window 8. it was closed. So I decided to go to RaintreeMall, still no luck. Accdg to the people there, there were no volunteers in their store for 2 weeks and they dont know the phone number so they cannot contact them. Who wants to register after hearing that. Then I went to Runnr Ayala to register, unfortunately the didnt give me the singlet/race bib. The person in charge was vague about the schedule, only told me she would text me...yeah right..

I texted the person in charge , good thing they replied, so I went to vcmc on friday, aug 31. I was so lucky they found may single/race bib right away, I heard others had to wait for an hour. Note to VCMC, get some tips from experts in this area. We runners really dont like delays in getting our singlets esp. working people. On friday night, an earthquake occurred. On saturday, it was dark and raining really hard. I was worried but all I can do is pray. I guess the heavens listened to our prayers coz the clouds were clear on Sunday.

D day: I went out of the house at 3:40 am, my earliest so far, I wasnt really scared.. I heard some motorbikes so there's people around.. Anyways, an old guy was driving the trisikad, I keep signalling him that I need a ride but he didnt react right away until I got nearer. Anyways, he told me that some guy in a bike was following his passenger earlier. I got a bit scared after hearing that so I told him to hurry so I can get a taxi. I really hope those guys in motorbikes arent bad guys. I dont really bring much with me when I run. I just keep on praying and trust in God to protect me. I also have my umbrella, just in case I need to whack someone.

When I arrived at Park Mall, the first thing I searched is the courtesy booth.Would you be believe a long line was already forming there. Grabe, bisan sa courtesy booth hinay gihapun. By the time I left my bag, the 21k runners have already had a gun start. (I didnt hear the guy by the way). I was surprised that the emcee was already calling the 12k runners to assemble. Ohmygod, I didnt have time to drink water. Btw,I decided not to use my beltbag during the run, I only brought my wallet. I really like starting the run early in the morning, the air is cool, no rays of sunshine beating on your head. I didnt feel thirsty in the beginning and I even skipped 2 water stations. Since this is my first time run in Mandaue during the day, I tried looking around and I realized there is really nothing much to see in mandaue. It also isnt a big place, I passed the welcome and you're leaving sign during the run. The route was really simple, straight, u-turn, straight, turn then return. There wasnt much trees in the route, just uneven asphalted road. There was a point when I ran in the middle of the road,that was interesting. There was also part of our route when you can smell the estero..eewww. Therefore I conclude, osmena blvd/salinas drive/cbp is a much better route and I mean that without bias. There is one good thing about the mandaue run, there were lots of hydration tables. As usual, I was left behind by other runners, there was a point when we were joined by 3k & 6K runners who mostly just walked. This was the time when I sprinted coz I couldnt see the 12k runners, I wasnt familiar with the route and I dont want to get lost. I finished at 1:46:55 minutes, not a good time but I'm not depressed. But when I went to the pocari table, they ran out of pocari cans, then I got depressed.why oh why.. I grabbed 1 hotdog and purchased 1 gatorade orange for P35 pesos. I also got a sample of a new drink, I forgot the name, it tastes like milk. I dont know if they had raffle prizes, maybe they did..who cares. I also saw some people holding a giveaway but I couldnt find the booth..maybe they left. One good thing happened though, for the first time in joining fun run, I was able to change my blouse/bra at the CR. Yey! It feels good to change into dry clothes..

Will I join the VCMC next year if there's a part 2....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh NO. I cant forgive them for running out of pocari...hahah ang babaw.

Next week: cscro VII and race for faith. Gud luck to me. Please pray for a nice weather.