Relax and enjoy the view.
That was my mantra for my 5k run at the Subic International Marathon. It was our first run for 2011 and we wanted to have fun.
Kernan and I brought the kids along and we went to Subic as early as Saturday so that we’ll have time to go to Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari.
On the day of the race, our schedule consisted of Kernan’s 21k race in the early morning, a trip to Zoobic during the midday and my 5k run in the afternoon. I would have wanted to run in the morning too so we could enjoy the rest of the day but I guess the organizers can only manage so many runners along the route.
We went back to the hotel from Zoobic just an hour before my assembly time. I was so hungry when we got back, I made the mistake of eating a hefty late lunch: rice, fried chicken and spaghetti. Yeah, I know, big mistake.
My big realization
When I got to the assembly area, I was quite disappointed by the crowd that turned up. I could only spot a few serious runners, and when I say serious I mean people who really joined the race to run.
Most of the participants seemed to go just for the sake of being there. Some even had make – up and jewelry on!
I think it’s great that a lot of people are getting into running. I believe running is for everyone. But when you join a race, at least take it seriously. Some youngsters who joined were running as if they were playing habulan and they were rowdy along the road.
I wouldn’t mind so much if they were at the sidewalk, but they were doing it in the middle of the route, distracting everybody else.
Anyway, that’s when it dawned on me. Five kilometers is a relatively short distance and I guess that’s why most people don’t take it seriously. Parang alay lakad lang.
So right then and there I resolved that it was time to move up the running ladder. Subic International Marathon would be my last 5k race. My next one would be a 10k.
The race
The route was quite enjoyable since we passed by the yacht club. My technique was to keep looking at the sights surrounding me so I won’t be thinking about how long I still have to go.
The road was well marked and there were enough marshalls to ensure that all runners ran safely along the main road.
I chose one runner ahead of me to be my pacer. For about 3k, I was running just a few steps behind her. I admired how she was so relaxed while running, I don’t even remember her stopping to take a sip.
As we were starting the fourth kilometer, I suddenly felt a little acid in my throat. Acid reflux!
I was tasting the chicken, the spaghetti and gravy all at once, and not in a pleasant way. I had to slow down to calm my stomach and my throat. Whenever I would try to speed up, the reflux would start again so, whether I liked it or not, I had to go slow.
My pacer just kept going and going until she was almost out of sight. I just focused on calming myself and finishing the race strong. Slow run but fast finish.
I thought about my hubby and babies waiting at the finish line, I knew I was going to make it.
My energy surged when I saw the final bend toward the finish line. When I saw the FINISH banner, I managed to go faster and faster. Ironically, Linkin Park’s “Faint” was blaring in my ear, but I was getting stronger and faster by the second.
I sprinted the last few meters to the finish line with a new PR.
Time: 36 minutes and 30 seconds.
My last 5k run at the QC International Marathon was 37:20.
I came away from that race with three big lessons:
- Never eat a hefty meal before a race.
- Always aim for a strong finish.
- Nothing beats seeing your family cheering for you at the finish line.
I’d still say it was a great experience for my last 5k. I wouldn’t miss running a shorter distance. I was ready to be a more serious runner. 
I’m Jayme, a runner’s wife and a running mom to two girls aged three and two.
Cool! My next run is this weekend… Miles for Smiles at the Fort....