Dante rang the doorbell at around 0400H this morning. Papa and mama insisted on accompanying me to the Milo run this rainy Sunday. They wanted to see what the hoola-baloo is all about 
Dante drove us to Manila at this unholy hour. Almost everyone we saw on the road were wearing “green”. It’s raining hard and if it were just me driving alone – I would’ve let some kids ride with me.
We were in Quirino grandstand at 0500H, and we saw the 42K marathoners start their run. Good thing we got there early – we found decent parking right at the Quirino grandstand. After gulping my still warm green tea with milk, I pinned my race number and off I went to the starting line for the 10K.
The starting point was right in front of the Kalabaw/Carabao in Luneta Park. There was just around 30 runners when I went inside the 10K starting area. I was a little bit cold – it was going to be a rainy run. I was doing some warm-ups and one of the runners caught my eye and she asked; “Is this your first time to run in Milo?” “Yes it is.”, came my reply. “Who are you with?” She asked. And I replied, “It’s just me running. But my folks are waiting in the grandstand. How about you?”
“I’m with my husband, he’s running the 42K and my daughter too, she’s running the 5K.”
Whooaaa… Turns out they’re a family of runners. She said they we’re able to buy their house from their winnings in running. Her name is Norma Navarette.
After our short conversation, she bid goodbye and went near the first row of the starting line. It was 0550H.
Slowly there were more 10K runners going inside the starting area. And I don’t mean to eavesdrop – but, I can’t help but listen to some of the runners talking…
“Pare, bagal lang ako ngayon, sakit ng hita ko. Baka hindi ko matapos.” (Dude, I’ll just take it easy today, my thigh hurts. I might not be able to finish it.)
“Pare, tignan mo yun lalaki oh, mukhang lilipad. Ang gara ng lalagyan ng tubig niya – hi-tech! Ako garapon lang pwede na.” (Dude, look at that guy, he looks like he’s going to fly. Nice water bottles – hi-tech! Me, I just use a big glass jar and I’m good to go.)
“Kapag naiihi ka, umihi ka na lang. Hindi ka naman mahahalata. Basa naman tayo sa ulan.” (If you need to pee, just pee. Nobody will notice anyway. We’ll be wet from the rain.)
I felt a little out of place wearing a running skirt and I didn’t want to wear my iPod at first because of all the comments that I’ve bean hearing. But then it suddenly rained so hard. And everyone started cheering – including me. And I glanced around, and everyone that I looked at – smiled back at me. We’re all runners after all.
After the gunshot at 0600H – we were off – simultaneously running with people in Tarlac, Cebu and Davao. Around 10,000 or more people running at the same time!
I took it easy in the first 3K and tried to squeeze in some sprints after that. I was so careful – I didn’t want to get injured. Some parts of Roxas Boulevard had an inch or so of rain water. More so by foot of the Buendia Flyover. I didn’t mind to get my shoes all wet, but I ran over on the sidewalk when the water was ankle deep.
After the 5K turn-around point. There was a guy who suddenly passed out. One runner, placed a bottle cap of Gatorade in his mouth and another raised his legs and I took off his shoes. He seemed to be having an “attack”. A lot of runners were trying to help. Me and some other runners started to sprint toward the ambulance to get help. They responded immediately. No news yet on the status of the said runner.
I was able to do a lot of sprints on the last 3K. But, I had to zig-zag when I was nearing the Finish line. A lot of 5K participants were walking horizontally and blocking the way back to Quirino grandstand. Me and some of the 10K runners were shouting; “Tabi kayo! Tabi!” (Get out of the way!) while we whizzed pass them. It was a sprint for me at the Finish line – but as usual there was a queue at the end. I stopped my watch at 59:00. I don’t know what my official time is - I don’t think I’ll ever know. But, I’m just glad I finished it injure-free.
I forgot about my iPod and stopped my workout 1 minute or two after I stopped my watch. Logged in the distance at 12.8K!
As I was waiting for my turn to have my number taken. The first 42K finisher came in. He finished 42K in 2++hours! WOW.
When the guy at the end took my number – I didn’t bother to get my free Milo because I needed a bathroom ASAP! I took some quick pictures before sprinting to the John.
With mama, taken by papa.
I was supposed to meet the Happy Feet runners – but being with my folks. I know they’re sleepy from waking up so early. We had breakfast at Aristocrat over at Roxas Boulevard and while waiting for my order. I went out and took some more pictures…
Sky was wide awake when we got to the house. Glad I still have a lot of extra energy to play with him
