The first of its kind Rock and Run event was held last Saturday, June 19th. After doing some research, it’s similar to the Rock and Roll Marathon Series in the US . So the concept was to enjoy several rock concerts along the route. There would be stages set up along the route where runners would be able to enjoy running to their favorite rock tunes while running at the same time! A great concept, and definitely beats having earphones and toggle your music library while running.
The Goal
I knew that shooting for anything less than 50 minutes would be tough, given that I felt like I lack the training to do so. I just went for a more realistic goal since this was supposed to be one of my training runs in which I would aim for a sub-60 finish. I was basing this on my last 10kms run in the Chris Sports Epic Relay. I obviously didn’t too well, and felt that this time around, I’ll just enjoy the run.
A Pleasant Surprise
On our way to the start line, we noticed the clouds starting to get heavy, and that at around 4PM, it was already getting really dark. The race was scheduled to start at 6PM, and by the look of things, it looks like we’re in for a treat.
Not everybody likes to run in the rain, but after doing so in last year’s Ayala Malls Eco Dash, we were looking forward to it!
The sky started to get even darker, and thunders started to boom. This didn’t dampen though the spirits of the band playing, as they played their hearts out. After a brief introduction of the host, the band started to play. Almost instantly, it started to drizzle. Then shortly after that, the droplets started to get bigger, and before we knew it, it was pouring! A lot of people ran for cover, but not the running addicts like us. We actually enjoyed the rain, which for me, made the concert more festive! The band beating on their drums even harder, runners soaking in the rain and dancing! Well, not exactly dancing, more like running or jumping in place so that our pre-run warm up routine wouldn’t go to waste.
It was getting colder, and we started to feel each gust of wind as it blew past us. Drenched, the pleasant surprise slowly turned into fear. Fear that we would be too cold by the time the run started. It was still early, so it looked like despite the rain, the run would start on time. People already asking and hoping that the run starts already, and us, we were just hoping it starts soon… before the rain stops!
Off we go!
At about 4 minutes before 6:00 PM, we were off! I started off at a good pace in first 2 kilometers, doing a 4:48 split for both. At this rate, I knew I’d have a good buffer in case my legs would give in during the latter part. I felt strong, and fast! I was surprised at the fact that I didn’t need too much effort to run at this pace. I was actually also starting to feel a little scared since I was running too fast that I might burn my self out too quickly… again! (enter BF Pasko Run flashback here) I’ve learned my lesson that although some runners are used to the positive split, I’m really more of a negative splitter. It just feels so much better to have enough gas in the tank for a strong finish. I also remember that when I ran at about this pace during the Epic Relay, I was already panting by the time I hit 1.5 kilometers! Nonetheless, I felt strong and continued on with my pace, throwing caution to the wind!
Double knot!!!
After the 2nd kilometer, I still felt alright and that I can still hold my pace. Then it happened! Something that a lot of runners gunning for a new personal best dread… my shoelace came undone! I normally do a double knot whenever I run, whether it’s for training or in a race, but I don’t know why I did not do it this time around. Perhaps it was complacency since I initially thought of this as an easy run? Whatever it is, it totally ruined my 3rd kilometer as I had to stop, bend down, and this time, do a double knot on my shoelace. So from a 4:48 split, that kilometer took me 5:12 to complete. Almost half a minute off pace!
The great lake
After that disastrous 3rd kilometer, I was determined to put my head down and push to make up for lost time. Needless to say, what started as an easy training run, turned out to be a another go at a 2nd sub-50 10km run! After turning at St. Luke’s Hospital, there was another stage set. So this was going to be the 2nd area where the bands would be playing. Although there were no electrical instruments playing, they were still beating on their drums and cheering the runners on. This helped give me another push. My core still felt cool thanks to the rain, so I felt strong.
Suddenly, a heard someone shout “Mark!!!” Sid called my attention to the flooded area I was about to run in! I was so focused on my pace, that I didn’t notice that there was an ankle-high flood right in front of my. I shuffled a bit then made a quick turn and headed for the sidewalk. If it wasn’t for Sid, I would’ve had to do a ninja trick (maybe Sam would’ve been able to get through it) and run on water! That few seconds again put me at a pace above 5. My sub-50 run was slowly fading. Although faster than the previous kilometer, my buffer in the first 2 kilometers was slowly being chipped away.
Flash!
I just have to say this, man those Kenyans sure run fast! I was somewhere doing my 5th kilometer; while he was already well past his 6th and on his way back!
Look out!
The run was held at a pretty busy time of day. Rain or shine, it was still a Saturday evening, and the area was packed with cars. Despite this though, I would expect the organizers to have a better control of the traffic, especially if it involves the safety of the runner. A jeepney was on the left lane, which was designated for runners which should lead us to the first turnaround. The jeepney kept on honking his horn to force runners to the right lane, and they were fast! A jeepney, followed by a cab, and another car. Too many vehicles on the race route! It came to a point that the jeepney, after overtaking me, nearly hit the runner in front of me!!! The runner had to do dodge by running laterally!! Had he not, I was pretty sure a terrible accident would’ve happened.
Dear race organizers… I think with the high registration fees you charge us, you can work on road closures? Boston can do it, New York can do it, London, Tokyo, Singapore and all other major running cities can do it, why can’t we? Just to add, kudos to Coach Rio for the excellent traffic management and advisory in the Nature Valley run!
Slight incline?
Now back to the run.
There were several slight inclines along the route which eventually took it’s toll on me. I knew that this pace would be hard to maintain. I found myself slowing down, and starting to feel my quads. Those slight inclines apparently takes its toll on your quads. I found my pace starting to slow down. A terrible 6th kilometer, I had to make up for it!
EXCUSE ME!!!
On the way back, despite my quads and calves starting to feel fatigued, I managed to do 2 sub 5 kilometers. I continued to push, and started to get my 2nd wind. One more kilometer to go, and I’d hit another sub-50 10 kilometer run! Time to put my head down and push!
On my 7th kilometer, the road began to become narrower. Not only because of the actual road width, but because of the slight flooding, and the rest of the other distances staring to catch up.
Now, I have nothing against leisure runners, but please, as a part of running etiquette, please do not block the entire road!!! There were several groups of 2’s, 3’s, even 4’s all horizontally lined up as if they were in a rally! All of them walking, chatting, and all beside each other! They easily took up the entire road!
If you are one of these runners, please attend one of Bald Runner’s sessions where he can give you a quick run through of proper race etiquette. If you wish to run as a group, and probably using the run as a training session, please have the courtesy to move to the side and walk in a single line.
Since I was starting to get frustrated, I have to apologize, but I had to push and shove people out of the way after them not moving despite me screaming excuse me. Quite inconsiderate of them if you ask me. We all have the same entitlement to the route since we all paid for that race, so please be polite enough not to be a road hog!
Traffic?!?
On the last stretch, along 26th street, where I could see the finish line to my left, my calves began to slowly cramp up! So close, I can’t allow that to happen! I couldn’t push as hard though since I didn’t want to throw away a good pace due to cramps. The cold must’ve gotten to it, or maybe I pushed too hard at the start. Whichever it was, I was not going to let ruin my race!
When I turned into 11th avenue (between BHS and Serendra), there was a buildup of cars! I had to slow down, and run slightly sideways to avoid hitting the side mirrors of the cars. Yes, it was that tight! What the hell happened to traffic management!? My pace was slowing down again, and my goal of another sub-50 was slowly slipping away.
Heartbreak Lane?
My Garmin FR310XT read 9.33 kms, so I asked the marshall if the 10km runners had to run straight before turning into the finish line. I was surprised when he told me to already make a left! It looks like heartbreak lane was not part of the route. Seeing that the route was short, and I still had enough in my reserves, I made a mad dash to the finish, running at a 3:45 pace despite the risk of cramps. Finally finished, clocked in an official time of 47:31! This would’ve been a PR run if only it were really 10 kms. Based on my FR 310XT, the route was only around 9.5 kms! Half a kilometer short! Heartbreak lane would completed the balance, but it looks like it wasn’t meant to be. Extrapolating my finishing time from my average pace, I would’ve finished at 49:50 if the distance were correct. Still sub-50, so despite not being a PR run, it was still my 2nd sub-50 performance.
Unsolicited review
Pre-race: Although I had an easy time, it looks like there was some confusion during the claiming with other runners
Reg Fee: Quite pricey if you ask me, but given the band (although the rain prevented them from playing), hydration, and nice singlet I’d say it’s worth it!
Hydration: Excellent! The race route was lined with hydration stations offering more than enough water, Pocari Sweat, and Red Bull!
Route: A PR route! Recreational – Intermediate level. Another plus is the marketing strategy of Honda who lined the dark areas with cars and lit them up with headlights! Kudos to them and since these were lights from the cars, the rain didn’t affect them!
Distance: Short!!! The race route was short by 500 meters
Marshals: Race marshals were courteous, I didn’t encounter any problems with them
Traffic Management: Poor. I will continuously hold all the races I join to a high standard of traffic management. So race directors, please get your act together and coordinate more with local governments.
Overall assessment: 3 out of 5 strides.
Great run mark! Horay on your 2nd sub 50 10k despite the lack of training!