What Man Is A Man Who Does Not Make The World Better?

        However, this was way back in Diliman.

        Because of medical school, i have to transfer from Diliman to the other side of the metro. The certain disadvantage: No place to run at par with UP Diliman. The humble swimming pool of Robinsons is the consolation. In the also humble gym of Robinsons is a high technology treadmill machine. It measures distance, pace, heart rate, and for the weight conscious, calories burned. One can also manipulate the machine according to the type of training that one desires. But, i am not a fan of the treadmill. Running stationary is such a deadening experience. But, without any choice, i succumb, 15mins at the most.

       Running events also happen at this side of the metro. During the past 3 months, I already missed two. One, was the Olympic Festival Run. Tropical Cyclone messed the original date thus the event was moved a week later. Damn Typhoon. The final date of the event was in conflict with my first dragonboat boat race and i was left with a single choice. Second, was the Milo Marathon. This time, there were no more slots available. From the balcony 30 stories above ground of JACK's (Joshua, Andro, Clint, Kevin) LOFT, i see with envy the cloud of people prepping and waiting for the gun shot.

       I am not permitting this to be a series of unfortunate events. I will be running at the Blue and Gold Fun Run sponsored by Feati University. I woke up at 4am then proceeded directly to the registration booth situated at Rajah Sulayman. The race was scheduled at 6am. As for the remaining time, i went back home to check the updates of the Beijing Olympics.


        I would be running the 10K. With a lack of endurance training and a new environment, the run would not be a stroll at the park. At the first 5K, i maintained my normal 10K pace. At the second half of the course, the turn at Kalaw St., i reached for a glass of water, took a gulp, and hoped for a second wind. To my disappointment, it did not materialize. Thus, i have to continue with the current speed. At the last 2.5km, i was starting to experience side stich. Injecting what i learned from my medical study, side stitch occurs when the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm lack oxygen. Side stitch is also the usual consequence when one lacks endurance training. The pain prevented me from bulding up the intensity during the last kick. Thus i never managed to overtake runners during the last remaining distance. As i reached the finish line, it was relief and the sense of isotonic drinks rushing down through the esophagus was HEAVENLY!

I failed to check my time as i was oblivious of where the timer was situated. I am still waiting for the official results to be released in the internet.

Till the next RUN! (September 7, 2008)