Venue:  Fort Bonifacio – Skyway – Bicutan – Fort

Distance: 42km

Decided to register 3 months before race day so that I could have at least 12-weeks of training. At the same time force myself to commit to the plan and goal. The goal was to finish and hopefully in less than 5 hours. Also, had a “side bet” with my friend Maris to make the race more exciting.

Training:

12 weeks was all the time I had to train. The usual 42k programs were usually 16 weeks. However, I was consistently running and did a number of 10k & 21k races prior to training. I used the Runners World smart coach for my training program. I also got training tips from friends who have already done marathons and triathlons. I didn’t do much speed work but had a number of tempo runs and short races along the way. Most of the time, I was just trying to complete the weekly mileage required of the program. The training mileage was more than enough and my body was still getting used to the increased running volume.

The 32km long run:

The long run was the most important session for my marathon training. However, I wasn’t able to complete the required 32km (20-mile) long run during my training. The best that I could do was a 29k, 3hours ++ run.

Race day:

I couldn’t sleep night before the race although I went to bed real early at around 9pm. Probably I was nervous and excited as thoughts of running, work and everything kept me awake. I was half awake all night then decided to get up at 2am. I had a trailmix bar and water as pre-race meal. Then went straight to Fort Bonifacio.

3am: I thought I was very early but there were already a lot of runners warming up. The start was different because everyone there seemed to be serious and strong runners. Mostly everyone was having their pre-race routine.

The race started 4am. I decided to go as slow and relaxed as possible trying not to go over my target heart rate. Most of my friends went ahead of me but I just maintained my pace to be sure. They are experienced marathoners anyway. First part of the route was through and around Lawton drive to the Libingan road turn around then off to Buendia where I caught up with Maris at the flyover. I wanted to go ahead since we had our bet on. But decided to just run side by side (to keep the race/bet interesting) with her until my stop over at buendia. I was hoping my support team of Chiqui(my girlfriend), Bem(her sister) and Allen(Bem’s boyfriend) would be there at Caltex Buendia to greet me and take some pics while I was still fresh and strong. Unfortunately, they were a bit late so I just went ahead to try and catch Maris.

Inside the Skyway:  Maris was slightly ahead of me after I took a stop over at Buendia. I deliberately stayed a bit behind as I watch her glance at each runner that passed her.  Since it was still a bit dark, I hid behind other runners and overtook her. I tried to increase my pace a bit hoping to build a slight lead, but before I entered the toll plaza there she was beside me again. Haha! She laughed at me thinking I could outrun her that easily. So we were side by side again- trying to beat each other but at the same time pacing and encouraging ourselves.

Our time during the turn around was around 2:13. If we could maintain our pace or go a bit faster, then we could end up within the 4:30 finish. The problem is that after more that 21km, running more gets harder and harder.

NAIA 3 uphill: When I saw this uphill going to the NAIA 3 turn around, most of the runners before us were walking already. This was probably the hardest climb of the route. Lucky for us Chiqui, Bem and Allen were waiting for us at the turnaround with banana, Gatorade and water. Allen and Bem were taking photos of me and other runners. The Gatorade and banana gave me extra fuel for the run back to Buendia.

30km: Finally30km! 12km to go.  I looked back at my 29km long run when I reached this part of the race and thought to myself that each step that I take would be my longest run ever.

Back at Buendia: It was a party atmosphere at Buendia. There was the motivational band playing loud and aid stations giving out banana and more water. There was someone spraying liniment too and I took the opportunity to get some sprayed on my legs. My support team were there already eating banana and taking pics.

Last 5k: Probably the hardet 5k I’ve ever run. Neither me nor Maris stopped to walk the entire run. Well, I tried to stop a little during the aid stations but Maris just kept on going that’s why I had to keep up and drink on the run as well. I think our slow pace throughout helped a lot. Our bet also helped us to just keep going. By the way, our best was just P500 worth of either breakfast, dinner or beer! And we were killing ourselves to win. Haha!

Finish: It felt good to be back at the Fort. The goal was just to keep running the last 3km. Some runners were reduced to walking at this point. Some in obvious pain. There was a final loop at the 10th Ave – University Parkway then back to 32nd St. Some early finishers were there to cheer and support the other runners. Then there was the finish line after 5th ave then to 29th street. Success! In the end we both won the bet. Our time was 4:36:09 & 4:36:10. Amen

Highlights:

• Running the skyway all the way to Bicutan and back.
• NAIA 3 uphill! Killer.
• P500 bet.
• My great support team. Thanks guys!
• Marathon = physical + mental endurance
• Points in the race where I felt goosebumps and cold sweat. Mostly after 30km point.
• Coors light beer station after the race!
• Great event by Condura!

Will I do it again? You bet!