Zillan Made it to 21K

I always name my running gear from apparel to shoe. My long time best buddy is my running shoe who is Zillan, he's gray with a neon green shoe lace has been with when I started my first 5K race. Yesterday own partnership was strengthened with we when ran together for my first 21K race. We been together from day zero of my running career, up to training and races. He has the witness of all the struggles during the training. He has been washed by flood in midst of downpour of the rain.

with Mich, ultra marathoner coach Abby and Jessica

with Joseph, Atty Jill and Calvin

Armed with his toughness, we braced ourselves to he challenge, my first 21K race. Joining the race was a bit challenging, I consider myself as a short distance runner not as long distance runner. I've done a lot of long distance run for a minimum mileage of 15K. When I decided to join the race a lot of jitters came to my mind. Will make it to my goal? Will I survive the race?

I woke early in the morning, had breakfast and went to the race venue. I arrived with welcome from organizer and introduce to the pacers for the race. I felt relaxed since they have a lot pacers for the 21K category. No pressures. I drop my bag to baggage deposit and I headed to aNR booth and there was no one and luckily I saw Maan and she was in aNR Alabang waiting for someone. I headed to usual warm up run and went to starting line. I saw my aNR Ortigas team, we had a short chat for gun start. I heard dreams beating and it signaled for the beginning of the race. I with my game plan. Dennis, teammate from aNR, we are playing like Indian run and we counted off the number of kilometers. I soaked myself with water since I really felt that it's really hot and when I reached KM 16 mark, I went dehydrated already, I really wanted to die out on middle of the street. Seeing water station ahead, I gush up with glass of water and took a bath with the ice cold water. I felt refreshed, i began slowly run, walk, jog, run and walk. When I saw the last turnaround to finish line, I decided to run the fast that I could to hit my goal of 2hrs and 30 mins alas I got it for less than 2hrs and 13 minutes. It's a personal record for my first 21K. Upon receiving my finisher's medal, mixed emotions came in, I felt high and tired. 

Thanks to the training that we have done with aNR Ortigas. The training paid off when race day come. We hills sprints and speed drills were just a simulation to reach my goal. Thanks as well to all first time 21K participant, coaches Abby and Luis, the team mates who cheered showing their support, thanks a lot.

After the race, I headed to aNR Ortigas booth and chat with my friends. I was still on runner's high. I was so noisy and helped out distributing forms for our new members. Hope they could join us starting this Wednesday. 

When I arrived home, Zillan was literally wet and dirty, placed him on the side and stared at him. Our partnership is getting stronger, we have love and hate relationship but we continue to be the best buddies for running no matter what will happen. Zillan will have more stories on my training for my first full marathon by March 2011.

Photo credits: Jessica Tiu Laurel and Atty. Jill Alcibar