Fit and Run.Info

I contented my self photographing runners in yesterday’s Rexona Run 2010 but a few hours ago, on the eve of my five months of running, I started August with a leisurely midnight run around Makati City. Nothing so special but traced an old route that I’ve been coming back from time to time: Dela Rosa – Makati Ave. – Arnaiz and two loops at the Legazpi and W. Sycip Park.

I need to start August right. After having paced a friend for around 3KM last week, my only run, I have to get back to my training for the upcoming 21K at CamSur. Anyway, today’s 2 August and marking my fifth month of my running addiction.

After the 10K with Vinson and Froi

10K loop that we did last night

Dagan ta unya gabie? (Let’s run tonight?)

Vinson, a runner friend, typed on the small screen at Facebook chat window inviting me to a 10K night run. That was last 24 May and the previous day, I just had my second 5k race.

I was tempted. The longest distance prior to this was just around 7K. Initially, I was hesitant since it will be the longest yet and because I just ran the previous day. I was also thinking if I can make it but it was just too hard to resist that I said yes. I was crossing my fingers and excited at doing this long run.

The initial plan was to start at Ayala Center in Cebu, head to IT Park then Gorordo Ave. We will then turn right along Escario St. and then to Jones Ave. before turning at Abellana and back to the starting place. We, however, agreed to start and end at IT Park.

Being with another runner is better than running alone. Other than having run related conversations, the challenge of keeping pace with a faster buddy is better. It somehow pushed me and, actually, was kind of pleased with my performance. Of course, there was a point that I had to walk but briefly. Froi, another runner and Vinz’s close friend joined us on the way back starting at Fuente Osmena.

That was the seminal 10K run that I had and felt great about it. My second came two days later. This was followed with a much longer run from MOA to KM 0 in Luneta with friends from Smart at 12k! Right now, as I’m preparing for my first 21K in CamSur, I’m doing weekly training runs three times a week with a starting average distance of 10K and progressing every week.

I’m now very much addicted with running!

7.12 KM, 48min 23 sec, 06:45 pace

7.12KM, 48 minutes 23 seconds, Makati - Legazpi Village loop

This run was better than last Wednesday! Hands down.

Not only did I increased my distance, at 7.12 KM, my longest to date, I was also running nonstop for 30 minutes (well, except a few seconds when crossing the street while vehicles were passing). I was able to sustain my run, didn’t feel tired compared to the previous and it was just good. It also helped that it was just a cool night due to the early evening rain.

Originally, I planned this early in the morning but then, I got sleep problems the previous night. Just imagine, I was already drowsy around 2330H but when I was abed, I can’t just sleep. Thoughts were still going through my mind and it was like this until almost 0200H. Undaunted, I said to myself,

I should run in the evening, come hell or high water.

And I did. Better than going out on a Friday night. Nevermind if there were no other runners I saw along the route.