The race that introduced timing chips to the local running scene is back, the Globe AyalaLand Run for Home 2010, this time bringing a running event, also for the first time, to the heart of the country’s financial capital, Ayala Center, Makati Central Business District.  The firsts don’t stop there—Facebook live updates were also introduced providing updates to your status as you pass each timing stations (provided you activated this feature of course).

Organize

This year saw registration fees reach all-time high and even Globe Run which used to be practically free was not spared with the trend, but as a cost effective option Globe provided discounts for group registration. Naturally the running community took this opportunity and formed groups (via takbo.ph) and I of course joined one.  Unfortunately for me and one of my buddies our group “organizer” didn’t “organize” and we were left hanging 48 hours before deadline!  We had joined the group early and I was told that by our “organizer” as late as four days before the deadline that everything was okay, until I went to takbo.ph a day after when he didn’t reply to any message I sent and found out that the group was actually dissolved!  I was so dismayed that I had placed a trust to a person whom I thought was responsible (which made me realize not to easily trust anyone online without a known reputation).  He single-handedly brought down nine other runners with him (which hopefully were able to regroup) just by doing nothing.  The funny thing was that I had successfully registered two other persons with another group!  I was so ashamed with my buddy but I was thankful he had a good mindset and told me it wasn’t my fault.  He had bought a Globe Tattoo HSDPA modem that comes with a free race kit.  I dropped the idea of running Globe.

Blessing in Disguise

I was so frustrated that I hanged out at takbo.ph’s shoutbox to chat with friends.  Fortunately Timmy had 15 slots in total for 10K and 5K courtesy of Summit Media (publisher of Men’s Health, Women’s Health, etc.) and offered me one as he read from the forum what happened to our group.  I was really gunning for a new 21K PR then which remained untouched for ages, but as I’ve no budget for the full 21K fee I reluctantly, but thankfully, signed up for the 10K group.  Little did I know that it would be more blessing than I realize.  (Thank you Timmy for saving my race!)

No such thing as a free lunch

I asked Timmy the “catch” of our free race and when he explained it I was pleasantly surprised—the “catch” would be running as a group (same pace all throughout) while wearing Runner’s World singlets!  Woah! From tragedy to ecstasy. This would be in line with the formal launch of Runner’s World Magazine Philippines, by Summit Media of course.  Me, a Runner’s World endorser?!

Pre-Race

It was two weeks after BDM102 and my right knee is yet recovered!  I was hoping badly that it would heal by race day but it didn’t so I was very thankful that I’m doing a 10K “only!”  I was barely able to keep up with our adiNation pilot run and doing a 10K was a real challenge.  Would I be able to keep up with my group?

(Continued to Part 2: Race, Route, and Review)