D's first 5K.

This is also posted at TheFitMommy.

Our kasambahay had to go to Marikina on Saturday afternoon, she had to go visit an uncle who suffered an accident while he was doing his runs in the morning. Ate Ging’s (our house help) uncle is a runner like most of the readers here. She was in shambles when she learned the news because apparently he’s in critical condition. I gave her some money that may be of help and told her to go.

“Paano ka bukas? May takbo ka?”

“Marami pang darating na takbo. Mas importante yan kesa sa takbo ko.” I replied to her.

Both my husband and I were registered to run for VSO. Duane was registered for 5K, me in 15K. However this is D’s first race. And it was an easy decision for me to make.

“You’re running dad. We’ll watch you go at the starting line.”

I woke up at 0420H, heated some hot water for hot chocolate and got all Sky’s paraphernalia in the car. I woke D up when I was about to get Sky dressed. We left home at 0445H. Sky was wide awake on the way to The Fort.

D was driving and didn’t know if he needed to pee or what. He was so anxious and nervous at the same time. He runs regularly and sets great times on his own. My husband is far more athletic that I am. He runs with boxers occasionally and spars as well. He used to mountain bike too. (Which we’re planning to add in our mix of outdoor activities.)

He just didn’t know how it felt to be running in a sea of runners like himself. He is a pretty quite and admittedly anti-social. He knows it and his okay with it people knowing that. To those who met him, hindi ba sobrang obvious that we’re complete opposites when it comes to socializing?

After getting a decent parking space, D was pinning on his race bib as we walked towards the starting area.

The place was abuzz with excitement. Knowing that Coach Rio and his team of associates organized this race. I’m pretty much sure it’s going to be an awesome run for everyone here.

I had to give Jaimie her race bib for 10K, since I registered for her. She had to go find Coach Rio to change her race bib from a 10K to a 5K. For reasons of lack of training the past week.

I felt a twinge of jealousy seeing Jonel and the other runners in the starting pit for 15K. I didn’t have a chance to talk with the 15Kers. I know most of them are psyching themselves up for the long run ahead.

We saw Chris, D’s friend from work. And D’s faced softened a bit in seeing a familiar face. After the 15K went off on the first wave, they queued after the 10K runners in the starting pit.

Armed with a toddler on my left arm and a camera in one hand. I clicked away.

- D and Chris waiting for their turn. -

- And then they were off! -

After the 5K runners, I didn’t know there were walkers for 2K!!! If I knew, I would’ve just registered for it! Darn!

I watched how busy these organizers also become as they set-up the Finish line. Coach Rio was always moving around and checking on something during their time “window”.

- Sky trying to nibble my nose -

Around 15 minutes has passed since the 5K runners went off, and all of a sudden a couple of runners came charging to the Finish! I wasn’t prepared with my camera! I was able to get a shot of this little girl with bib #968, she finished 3rd in the women’s division with a time of 23:58! Whoa!

D came in with an official time of 25:58 and 35th in the Men’s division! Another Woohoo! I was so happy for him. It was a great time for his first race. He said there was ample water, but he was kicking himself for not being able to give his best. And I tell him, he still gets a prize tonight!

- D’s first post-race photo –

After I took D’s picture, I went back to the Finish line and waited for some familiar faces. I saw Mikey finish his 15K with a great time of 1:19:18. Also saw Quennie and Jinoe setting yet another MR (Mutual Record) for 10K. TBR ran to the finish like a gazelle with a time of 1:33:35 for her 15K.

I was able to chat with Vima “the Kulit Runner”, who coined Duane as “The Fit Daddy” after me As usual, I can’t help but LAUGH with all the positive energy this lady gives out. Also met up with Roselle, Vinnia, Aljo and the rest of the Happy Feet group.

D was busy watching some of his friends from work finish their races too. He beamed at me when he saw me talking with my running friends.

And I also met Ms. Nora, “the golden girl” for the first time! Of course, I had to have a photo with her There is a certain warmness about her. One of these days, I’ll ask her to run in the South with me.

I also saw a glimpse of Wayne, flocked by runners for a photo-op. He seems to be enjoying himself.

 - With Nora, the Golden girl -

- Jaimie finished her 5K in 36:51! -

- Aljo, Jaimie, Me and Vima -

- Wilbert -

- Doc Gigi -

Even if I didn’t get to run my 15K this morning, I feel that I ran 15K with a 22 pound weight! Sky was a handful as usual. He was so busy climbing the rails, arranging and re-arranging the cones and dancing to the tune of “tootsie roll”.

Sky had a number of fans during this run. Thank you for all the runners and spectators who find him adorable despite his hyperactivity! What can you expect? He came from D and me. It’s in his genes.