Condura Run 2010: The First 21km Story

It was a few months ago that I decided on running a half marathon. At first I targeted a December race but the 21ks were scarce and...umm...the kms logged were likewise scarce. Hehe. The announcement came that Condura will be held on the February 7th and so, as it was a more feasible goal for me, I started running seriously come the last weeks of November. Too serious perhaps, as I injured myself with 2 weeks remaining, and hence an earlier, and longer, taper period.

At Sunday of T minus 2weeks, I was scheduled for a 16k long run. But the shin acted up so badly, even at a really easy pace at that! So I stopped at 15k. Next day, went to the doctor to hear what I already knew: Rest it for a week; next time don't run too much hills and stretch before and after!

Confidence dwindled as each day passed without running, so instead, I did everything I could to recover fast while maintaining endurance: leg sleeves compression, therapeutic massages (oh, it's a valid excuse!), anti-inflammatory medication and cross-training. I enjoyed it, actually. Thursday prior to Feb 7, did a final easy run just to boost the confidence, although there was still some minor pain.

That's the story of my training.

Fast forward to the Condura Run. The festive air was so encouraging, but all I could think of was I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO RUN BEYOND 15K. Oh Sh*t.... It had to boil down then to strategy just to finish. And with strategy (and faith....and sometimes, force, threats and intimidation...:P) i do accomplish some unexpected things. The strategy for this feat: music, hydration planning, compression and a pace chart. Haha! :O

Its been a while...

Since the last time i posted I ran 216k and rode 61k, including Botak Paa-bilisan (15k) and SCSM (10k).

I bought a bike too, so i can pursue my triathlon dreams and redeem the effing slow sprint time. I named it/her barbie girl, because its bar tape is barbie pink, plus the pedals are keo elles, girly girly.

Bought some gear along the way like fuel belt, 2xu elite compression tights, a pair of sporty shades (which matches my helmet) and newton lady isaac (to replace the nb which just retired)...you see, i motivate myself by buying stuff. So far, they work...especially the newton shoes.

I keep track of my training using dailymile.com now, which is why i seldom write here, and also because I am in the process of writing a legal research paper...too much writing might be bad for me.

And lastly, I've been increasing weekly mileage since xmas vacation. Training for what? My first 21k in Condura. Target time, secret. Haha. But i'm not expecting a good time, nutrition and sleep deprived, and was set back one week due to an asthma attack a week ago. The legs are becoming stronger but I'm not so sure if i can maintain a good pace for more than 2 hours. Also, I'm constraining myself to one race per month because by racing it means I should miss a sunday bar review session. That's the boring life of a bar candidate.

Well, that's all for now. Until Condura. :)

P.S. This entry is boring because I'm too lazy to frill it up.