When I first heard of AXN’s challenge run, I already thought of passing up the run because for once, I want to become a race photographer.
But thanks to peer pressure, they were able to force me to run in this event under the 21K category.
Bad decision for me, though. The route almost ruined my life.
Click the link to see the route map: http://www.pinoyfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/axn-run-philippines-2011-21k-map.jpg
It was the toughest 21K I’ve ever run since last year’s Quezon City International Marathon(QCIM). The route was unbelievable; imagine 4 flyovers and one deadly uphill towards Julia Vargas Avenue up to the finish line.
To make things worse, I did not even bother to train for this run. Ever since my birthday marathon run July 31,2011, I trained just twice. Not to mention I gained 12 lbs in just 1 month, which clearly affects your running method.
I started strong on the first 7 kilometers. I was able to keep my pace running towards the first flyover. I was so satisfied that I tried running a bit faster. That time, I was able to cope up with my faster running mates.
But there goes a saying, it’s not how you start strong, it’s how you finish strongly.
Whoops. There goes the culprit.
It was along 11th kilometer on the E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave that I felt a pain in my back. After I crossed the second flyover, the pain was no longer bearable. I was having a hard time running especially when it’s uphill because the pain in your lower back drags you down. At that time, I even thought of giving up by riding on the ambulance all the way back to finish line. To make things worse, the tunnel that is below the flyover that leads you to Katipunan has a very foul odor.
From there, I slowly worked my way up. From Libis all the way back to Ortigas, I alternated running and walking, hoping that the Galloway method of running could at least help me release the tension. I was fortunate that their water station was properly placed. It was like every 1.5 kilometer, there’s a hydration booth. I was able to catch some of my breath and dehydration from 100 plus but it doesn’t take away the pain in my back. I was even seen most of the time crunching down, holding both of my hands to my knees, and stretching my back hoping that the pain would diminish.
Then I finally saw the 19th kilometer marker. From there, I started smiling, knowing around 15 minutes; my stupid decision to test the challenge is nearing to an end.
It was never looked easy as it seems.
It was a very steep uphill towards Ortigas. From there, I decided to just walk and never even bothered to jog nor run.
As I walked all my way up to the very steep uphill of Julia Vargas, I saw a signed of relief. From that street, the next turn is the finish line. I was so jubilant that I tried to run as fast as I could just to finish this hell-like adventure.
But again, my back would not just let me do the easy way.
When I stepped the final step of the finish line, the first word that came out of my mouth was “Shit”.
But still, it was fulfilling to complete this run. Even though I clocked badly, 2 hours 52 minutes, by the way is my personal worse when it comes to 21K, I was happy that I was able to place my time under 3 hours given my circumstances.
Nonetheless, the race was a success. I was able to run with my gym mates and running mates through out this run. Their finisher shirt and medal was so remarkable, that the moment I saw these items, it made me proud of what I’ve gone through. All the pain, sweat and time exerted for the run was worth it.
With this AXN run, runners were given a treat of a lifetime. From the adventurous routine with several uphill, flyovers and foul odor tunnel, to the numerous photographers who were there to share some limelight by taking every runners picture to ease the pain, up to the water station and lastly up to their finishers kit, it was a well organized run. Runners who are longing for new route and adventure have finally found themselves one in this run.
AXN’s tagline for this run was perfectly fit to the theme of the run, AXN Challenge run: I took the challenge. Yes, I did take the challenge and I almost paid for it. No thanks to my aching back and knee swelling. To those finishers, job well done. To those who were fetched due to cut-off, better luck next time and of course job well done for taking part the most challenging 21K and we know we did your best, unfortunately, these stuffs do happen.
I’m outta here. Gotta train for my next run, which is Manila International Marathon which happens this coming Sunday. Hoping my next run will be successful after 2 sub-par performances.
Again, it’s another big IF.. a humongous big which translates how hard or complicated for me to complete another successful run.
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