53:40 - my unofficial 10km race time.
General: Great race. daming runners (around 5000+). top of the line sensor equipments. plenty of water and 100 plus isotonic drink hydration stations.
Complaint: Should have a Fast Lane to separate the walking 3K runners from the sprinting 10k runners particularly at the last kilometer of the race. 10k runners are pushing themselves harder while 3k runners are enjoying the "walk". Please give way to the more serious runners. Better yet, a fast lane should be cleared for the 10k runners.
Personal Assessment: A new Personal Record! 53:40 (still unofficial). Great Push! Congratulations to me. (Previous PR was 56:00 at the Race For Life 08)
Less Injuries. Except for the side-stitch and cramping calves past the 7th kilometer mark on the fly-over climb, I did not suffer from injuries and prolonged muscle pain and fatigue. Yehey! My body has now adapted to the physical conditions and requirements of a 10km race.
Rooms for Improvement:
1. Buy a pair of running shoes. My Reebok cross trainer isn't suited for running (especially for the 10km run). The heat of the road and the weight of the shoes contributes to slower race time, fatigue and raising body heat.
2. Buy a race shorts. A long and heavy cotton shorts isn't suited for a running race. The heavy fabric and the sweat-absorbing property of it does not help me run faster.
3. Train harder and train for the race track. I was caught unprepared for the fly-over climb. Hence, the side-stitch and the cramps. Thankfully, I was able to overcome both as they were'nt too serious. The pain lasted for about a minute only.
4. Start at the head of the pack. Starting at the middle or at the end of the running pack costs time. To achieve a better timing record, start at the head of the pack.
5. Build stamina for the 7th and 8th kilometer part of the race. Admittedly, the last 3 kilometer of the race is where I am weakest. Try to run better during this stage of the race.
6. Sprint Now, Rest Later. Use everything you have at the race. Towards the last 2 kilometer of the race, let it all out. "Take No Prisoners" mentality. Leave everything on the race. You have prepared hard for weeks, you have done everything you needed to. What are you waiting for? The last 2 kilometers of the race, show what you've got and empty your tank (of air, of energy, of everything). Let it out.
Future Plans:
The 50-minute or less goal is more achievable now more than ever.
I think I can get it done on the next one. The next is probably this August. :)
August 6 Updates:
ReplyDeleteAttempt to break the sub-50 minute for 10K at Hataw Pilipinas Race in UP-Diliman on August 9.
1. Race Shoes -> not bought.
2. Race Shorts -> Bought Adidas Response Baggy 5" Running Shorts.
3. Train Hard -> Completed 75km in 3 weeks before the Hataw Race.
4. Start at the head of the pack-> Will try as close to the head as possible.
5. Stamina -> OK. Trained hard.
6. Sprint to the finish line -> Ok. Will try at the last 2 kilometers of the race.