1st Run for the Rivers

1^st Run for the Rivers

2 June 2013 SM Northwing 4:30 am

21k Time: Secret

First of all, I want to give myself a pat on the pack and say “Congratulations for finishing your 1^st half marathon” I feel so blessed and happy today. A year ago when I started running last June 2012, I didnt think running a half marathon was possible. After I had my surgery, I considered it an impossible dream. Everytime I run a 5 or 6 or even 10, I always feel that this is too hard for me, how much more for 21k. Here's what I discovered, the feeling of tiredness you experience in running other distances, is still the same when you run a 21k. In fact,I had a harder time when I ran a 16k last March, my body was really aching that time. So just keep on running, preferably uphill roads.

I've been praying so hard for this run and I guess God heard my prayers. Here's what happened

1. I was able to get a taxi right away, in fact I was able to arrive at the venue at 4:00 a.m.
2. It was raining but it didnt rain where I was running. I noticed the roads were wet. Wow! This is a miracle
3. The sun was late in coming out.
4. I have a finishers medal
5. The SM guards were nice, they led me to the travelers lounge so I can change at the CR.
6. I have pain on my feet, but my body is okey, just the usual pain after running. And no dead toes.

Congrats to Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Coach Raffy (of Runnr Ayala) for a successful fun run. 2100 runners is already a lot in Cebu. I've run in a lot of fun runs, getting even a thousand runners is considered successful, Here's a tip to get more runners next year.

1. Early announcement. To get more runners, invite runners in near provinces and even from Manila. Online registration is also an advantage.

2. Promote your run in facebook and other social networks. Remember what SM did, they did full blast promotion on their facebook. Also offer big raffle prizes and special awards for “best in costume”, oldest, youngest, largest contingent etc.
3. It would be an advantage if you schedule the run when classes have started so you can get support from schools. You can also offer discounts for students

4. No cutoff time. You will lose would be runners if you have a cutoff time.

Comments on the fun.

1. No distance markers
2. Didnt start on time
3. Only 1 banana and gatorade station. There was 1 person in the gatorade station who was already drinking a bottle of gatorade. I really wanted to steal a bottle. I wasnt able to get a banana. They also ran out of foam, I was only able to get 1. One hydration station ran out of plastic cups.
4. I had a hard time with the directions after m.j. Cuenco, I couldnt find a marshall or citom officer. I felt abandoned.So I just kept asking from street vendors for directions. When I saw queensland motel, thats when I remembered we passed by the cemetery. I have a poor sense of direction thats why I dont like running in mandaue.

Observation:

The last runner was an old guy who was just walking when I saw him at SRP, I wonder if he finished the whole 21k run.

Will I run for Run for Rivers next year? My answer is No for now.