Our First Two Racing Events

Image credit: Ayala Malls, Inc.

[No. 1] The Alabang Town Center organized a running event in the summer of 2009 which we thought would be the perfect initiation so we registered for the 5k run. Later on we discovered there was also a 3k category but it was too late to downgrade, so we got stuck with the 5k category. And we're glad we did 'cause we found out we could finish the 5k, with lots of walking in between the running :). Our race times? Bong at 53 minutes and Min at 58 minutes. Not impressive at all, but a good start. Just finishing was very encouraging, and, by participating in the event we got a feel for an actual running event. There was a big crowd then and it was an uplifting experience to see all those people of all ages up and about at that hour in the early morning all geared up to run. Assembly was at 5:30AM -- that's in the morning. It felt good just to be there. We suffered during the run itself, for sure, but it was definitely worth it. Plus, the route was pleasing to the eyes. It was mostly inside the posh Ayala Alabang Village, aside from the start and finish gates outside the Alabang Town Center mall.

Image credit: Robinson's Supermarkets

[No. 2] Soon after that, we found out about the Robinson's Supermarket's Fit and Fun event, a buddy format race held on July 12, 2009. Again, the crowd was big, the assembly time was just around sunrise, the mood was festive, and the event was held in another pleasant environment -- around Bonifacio High St. and through the impressive office and residential buildings of the Bonifacio Global City. Since this was a buddy run, Min and I had to finish together. Everyone had to have a buddy to run with and go through the finish chute together. Didn't have to run together all the way, but the faster finisher had to wait for the buddy near the finish. But, as for us, we stayed pretty much within 10 feet of each other all the time. Min actually ran better than I did. By this time, she could keep going for a longer period, whereas I still need to walk every now and again. All in all, another excellent experience and we even improved on our race times. We finished in 48 minutes -- a 5 minute improvement for me, and a 10 minute improvement for Min. Looks like my heavy frame is a disadvantage. But that's part of the reason why I also got into running. To lose some weight. Especially around the middle. Add this to the reasons I've cited elsewhere in this blog. :)

Image credit: Globe Telecom, Inc.

[No. 3] Sunday, July 19, 2009 we will be running the Globe Run For Home event to be held also inside Bonifacio Global City. We signed up for the 5k run, but there are also the 3k, 10k, and 21k categories (this one steps outside toward Makati). I'll write about that soon.