Weekend Trilogy Part 1: Revenge (Michelle Estuar's 2nd Fund Racing Race Review)

Last year, at the same date and same venue, I ran the first edition of Michelle Estuar's Fund Racing.  At the time, I was nursing a freshly stubbed toe, It was one of the sweetest runs I have done.  Even though I was in pain for the whole 10km that time, I still managed to finish at a respectable time (55mins).  So when the registration for this years edition started, I gave no second thoughts on joining.  To motivate me more, I decided to make a bet with my team mate.

It was a cool November 30 morning, I headed to Philsports Arena (formerly Ultra) for the run.  Upon arriving, I prepared myself for the run.  Then one by one, my team mates arrived.  Among the team that were present that day was Elvin, Tope, Riz, Ralph, Rhea and Chona (who was going to be my running buddy for the weekend).

LOL!

Then, Sir Boy (Running Host) gathered all of the runners at the starting area, Michelle Estuar said some words of encouragement and then counted us off.

3,2,1.... the run started... said a short silent prayer which I normally do, stepped on the starting mat, then off I went.

 

Km 1 - 5 (Warming Up)

 

The route started with a lap of the oval, then we headed out to the streets.  There was an early assault on the route, but with fresh legs, I was able to maintain a fast pace even in the uphills.  I tried to maintain a sub 5min/km pace to win the bet.

 

 

Km 5 - 10 (Smoky C5)

At the 5km mark, we entered c5 road.  Since it was almost 6am, there were vehicles abound, hence it was smoky.  I tried to keep my pace while also playing with my breathing pattern because of the smoke.  To add to the difficulty, the hydration station was few and far apart.

 

 

Km 11 - 13 (Doña Julia Vargas)

 

At every run I join, I make sure to familiaraize myself on the route.  I knew then that there will be two uphill challenges.  First one of which was Doña Julia Vargas Ave.  sure enough there it was, the road was steep and it was starting to get hot.  Needless to say, I was forced to walk in some portions of that part.

 

Km 14 to Finish (St. Martin)

 

Upon leaving Doña Julia Vargas, we headed to the finish line.  But the route to get there means to run through another uphill monster that was St. Martin.  channelling every strenght I have left, I plowed through St. Martin while keeping a good pace, once passed the street there was smooth sailing up to the finish line.

 

 

With my signature pose



Group picture



 

After the run, we ate at Shakey's.  For the other's it was going to be start of their rest before T2N, but not me and Chona.  Our meal at Shakey's served as our carbo loading for the next run which was going to happen the very next day.

 

Oh in case you wondered, I won the bet.