Natures Valley Run

I am glad that I was able to contribute 1 tree for my run in the Natures Valley Run. This is one of the races which supports a good advocacy and I hope that all the trees are planted as promised. There were about 8,400 runners who officially participated and finished the run based on the race results. Everytime you go to a run rio organized race there are improvements seen. Few observations;

1. Wide screens in place.

2. Long hydration tables and it didn't run out of stock. Good replenishment method I must say.

3. Km markers are very visible, it helps in motivating yourself as you see the remaining distance.

4. Medals are immediately awarded to you as you cross the finish line. This is better rather than qeueing at the back to get the medals.

5. Ice cream at the finish line!

I must say that this is one of the good races I joined and glad that I was a part of it. Great Job to Rio and the rest of the organizers and staff.

During the race, I was thinking of giving my all in the first few km of the run to gauge whether I can keep up with the target pace in my mind which was to maintain a 5:40 pace for the 1st 10km and will manage the next half of the run from there. As much as I wanted to believe that it is possible, it was not. Reality tells me that this will just be an easy run considering that I did a 90km ride the day before. But I was all positive at the start line and told Jay that will try as much as I can to keep up with the pace.

My optimism suddenly changed after km 2, my legs suddenly felt weird and heavy as if I had finished a 15km run already. I was slowing down from a 5:30 pace down to 6:00, then 6:30, then 7:00 and even had 1km with an 8:45 pace. Honestly, I was seriously thinking of quitting this race (for the 1st time). I have been always an optimist but this time I was really planning to quit. As I cross the turnaround for the 10k runners, I wanted to take off my bib and call it a day. But then again, as I see familiar faces in the race, I just kept on going because I dont want them to see me quitting. This was a very difficult run for me and was taking 1km at a time until I reached the finish line. I set a target time which was 2:25 at least, but ended up finishing at 2:30:06 as I had to stop once in a while to stretch as I was getting cramps already. Good thing I didnt quit because I will surely regret that for a long time. No matter what happened, stay focused and never quit.. it is not an option!

But bottomline, always be prepared for a race.

It was a good day also because one of the GRC member, Vince (14 yrs old), have completed his first Half Marathon. We were all proud of him because he said he will, and he did finish it! Congratulations to Vince and his proud Dad - Val. Also, it was the first official 10k run for Allen Co who is a new member of GRC. I remember him telling me that he can't even complete a 3k run, but with his determination and discipline in preparing for this race, he have accomplished his goal. He will continue with his training and eventually complete his first half marathon in August. Let's wait and see on his progress.

Overall Gone Running Club contributed 16 trees in this run.

Here are some photos courtesy of Ric Inion:

Neo finishing his 4th official 3km run.

Ric and Allen, challenges each other for their 21k run in August.

Group Photo