There’s something about the Adidas King of the Road that makes the race a notch above the rest; it must be the presence of thousands of eager runners, the half marathon offering, great-looking singlets, a well-organized assembly, and a number of other things, but all I know is that the moment I arrived at the assembly area, I went on full race mode eager to get going. Instantly, I forgot about last night’s rantings about the missing route map or lack of race bibs in the days leading up to the Adidas KOTR; I was just wanted to race. And, that’s what I got.
After my warm up and stretching, I waited just a few minutes—with winning triathletes and showbiz celebrities Drew Arellano and Paolo Abrera right behind me and my favorite reader Cougcat right outside the barrier—before the 10k gun went off at exactly 5:55 a.m. My secret goal (sorry, I couldn’t share with you) was simply to run a sub-55 hour 10k, a very conservative goal, which I knew I could achieve in this fast course after two consecutive weekend races at hilly Ayala Alabang.
What can I say? The course was awesome! I enjoyed running so much (or was it because I saw super funny and witty Rovilson Fernandez pass by me?) that I snobbed my Garmin throughout the race. I disregarded time and pace and focused on simply giving my best. I didn’t even feel the need to compete against other runners. I just ran, and ran, and ran.
As we climbed the Buendia flyover, I was still in high spirits and it was a delight to see friends who joined the 21k making their way back towards Bonifacio Global City. When the first few running friends passed, I would yell “Go, Glenn” then “Go Joms” then “Go Ben” then “Go Annnnniiiiie” but then, after a while, I thought I would lose my mind (and breath) just cheering for them. To conserve energy, I waved at others to show my support.
Once we hit the flat roads of Buendia, I stopped watching the 21k runners on the other side of the street and looked straight ahead. It was time to get going. After all, flat means fast (hey, I’m talking about the roads, not chests). So, I ran to my heart’s delight. I only stopped to glance at my watch during the 5k turnaround at Reposo then I went on again.
Before I knew it, it was time to climb back up the steep Buendia flyover, which was a lot tougher than the 1st half. With the intense heat, most of the runners before me had began to walk while I slowed down to a 5:50 pace. Wow, it felt like forever trekking up that road but, with a little patience and perseverance, we survived. As I made my way back to Bonifacio Global City, I wanted to yell “Freedom! Woohooo!” as I rolled down the flyover towards flat roads but decided otherwise as the troop of PNP’s I was running with would have to cuff me and send me to Crame.
I ran towards the finish at a comfortably hard pace, again, enjoying every minute. I found my rhythm somewhere in between passing the Pinoy Ultra Runners who ran 21k and the finish line. It was pure fun!
According to my Garmin, I finished 10.02 km (hey perfect race distance!) at 52:44 minutes with an average pace of 5:16 min/km.
- Did you get to sign here? I didn’t. Maybe next year. Thanks to future elite runner Naombi for pointing it out to us -
- BWK united! -
I reached my sub-55 hour goal. CHECK (with minutes to spare)
Ended the race injury-free. CHECK (Actually, I did have an injury after the race. Silly me. I bumped my head against the bathroom door hanger as I was changing. Forehead was bleeding and now it’s black & blue)
I felt I could’ve pushed harder, gone faster, and broken my PR, but hey I’m happy. It was a great race. Adidas KOTR currently tops my list of favorite races this year.
- Aaaw, highschool classmates Tin U. and Jennie Bau! -
- with running bloggers, The Changeling Child, RunningDATcom, & Loonyrunner -
- Pinoy Ultra Runners Hector, Neville and Jeremy -
– BAGAY…ang shades ni Marga sa kanya. Diba Neville? -
- Congrats to Annie for placing 9th, even after coming in late, for 21k -
- Congrats to Queen of the Road Jo-Ann Banayag -
October 11, 2008 at 11:42 am |
had a great day this morning…I bumped with jeremy and other members of UR’s and on my way to buendia I saw BaldRunner on his way back to BGC. Was looking for you TBR but without luck. hehehe! I was in the last pack of runners…had to pull through on the 2nd kilometer and was able to catch up with the lead pack. Kaya lang…i got too excited i forgot to set the timer on my iPod. Hope they’ll post the official time A.S.A.P. hehehehe!
To all Finishers!!! CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERS!!! Especially to you TBR!!!
Hey ramnol, wow buti nakahabol ka pa. Congrats! Yes, I can’t wait to see official results too. See you at the next race.
October 11, 2008 at 11:48 am |
Wow ang bilis mag upload. Yup you were really fast today. You dropped the Pinoy Ultra Runners chatting at the back. Well done! amazing time splits, I like to think that it has somehow related to running aid clinic (joke). Thanks for the report. Hmm and something else, oh yes bagay na bagay si jeremy ay mali shades pala. Jeremy congrats for the fast time, naiwan niyo ako.
Next time can I just chat along with you? Sounds just as fun as running fast. We can talk about all the other things (or people) na bagay kay Marga aside from lanyards and shades. Dapat lang naka ipod si Jeremy.
October 11, 2008 at 12:22 pm |
hi TBR, bilis ng post a!:p i was in the race too, it was my first 10k-run and finished it with an hour and 3 minutes! grabe lang un flyover! kelan kaya yung results?hope to see you on the next races!
Ey congrats markt. Let’s all wait for the results. Hopefully within the week. I’ll post it here if I find it.
October 11, 2008 at 12:22 pm |
BWK united nga!!!
Bitin ako sa run mare! Sana pala tinuloy ko na lang yung 21k!!!
After all, flat means fast (hey, I’m talking about the roads, not chests).
Bitter ka lang. HOHOHO. :p
Bitin ka? Iba talaga pag inspired
October 11, 2008 at 12:59 pm |
hector… HUBAD!
Mare, respeto naman kay Hector, ang official photographer ng BWK
October 11, 2008 at 1:33 pm |
Hi.Ms.TBR. Grabeh ang bilis ilang hours lang after the race nasa net na anyway. Tnx for posting the map last night. it’s a big help. Enjoy ang 10k .
See yah. people at the next run. \m/
Hey Pentatonic, ganyan talaga kapag madaming lakad sa hapon at gabi. Pressured to post in the morning heehee. Congrats with your 10k
October 11, 2008 at 3:00 pm |
GO BWK!!!!!
Ate Virgie
Ate Virgie, tri ka bukas? Good luck!
October 11, 2008 at 3:54 pm |
for us in the boondocks and ricefields outside of the metro, your snappy reports certainly comes to us as a relief. we have been salivating for some update on the race and it’s a good thing we have an insider. talo mo pa ang people’s tonight at cnn breaking news. christiane amanpour, your days are numbered.
danke!
Hahaha, you’re welcome. As for christiane amanpour, shucks, looks like she eats bullets for breakfast
October 11, 2008 at 5:36 pm |
Oops sorry Hector… how can we ever thank you for capturing our best angles?! Hahaha.
GO ATE VIRGIE!!! Ang virgin sister ng BWK!
October 11, 2008 at 5:43 pm |
ei TBR, nagtatago ka ba?! ayaw mo magpa-outrun?! hehe. saw you at the end na.
nice report! cyu at next.
Renz! Ako nagtatago? Look who’s talking. I was definitely in a rush so that newly promoted but out of shape runners wouldn’t catch up with me.
Sayang di tayo nagkita!
October 11, 2008 at 7:11 pm |
Hi Jaymie, congrats on your 10K run. Good thing you posted the distance registered on your Garmin. Now I know my watch needs serious calibration. I didn’t find you after the race though. There were too many people at the KOTR. I still have your race bibs for the Octoberun. Let me know how I can give it to you.
Hey taki, I’ll text you when I’ll be at the Fort. Thanks again!
October 11, 2008 at 7:22 pm |
one not-so-good thing lang was there were no water stations for the 5K, and 2 for 10K(actually 1 lang daw since it’s the same water station, coming and going). i know the 5K run(my first!) was nothing compared to the 10K and 21K, but a lot of runners were already asking the marshals where the water stations are on the 2.5K mark. buti na lang i loaded up on gatorade before the race, but i was sooo thirsty na by the end.
i saw you finish, and napalakas yata yung pagsabi ko to my friends ng, “uy, si the bullrunner!” talagang may “the”!
Yes, I heard about the complaints regarding the lack of water stations. I was kinda oblivious to this problem since I had my hydration belt. But I honestly cannot believe that some organizers still overlook this.
Hey lia, congrats on your first 5k! May you have many more to come
Hahaha, oo nga dapat lang na may THE ang bullrunner kasi ibang site ang mapupuntahan mo kung wala. Salamat! hahaha
October 11, 2008 at 11:20 pm |
finally had a pic taken with you! hehehe congrats on the run… i’m sure you’ll eventually break your PR!
Loony, this is our 2nd pic. The first one just didn’t come out
Congrats to you too.
October 11, 2008 at 11:24 pm |
it was my 10k run also and finished it at 59 mins..
October 11, 2008 at 11:25 pm |
it was my first 10k run also and finished it at 59 mins..
Congrats Deb! Wow, sub-1hr for your first 10k…bilis
October 12, 2008 at 5:26 am |
Hello “THE” BullRunner!
I saw you make your way back to The Fort at the flyover and at the finish area. You were so easy to recognize. Must be my frequent visits that made me do so.
I am really hooked into running already.
See you in the next races.
Hi jaja, you sound like another running addict. Welcome to the club
Congrats!
October 12, 2008 at 8:27 am |
Yeah it was fun..I was actually trying to keep up with your pace..but after the 5k mark, I totally lost it..with only an hour of sleep; my slowest 10k for 59mins..I was like telling my self that I have to catch up with you till the finish so I can have a picture with you..but then again..poor preparation..next time don’t be surprised when few people will ask for a picture with you..haha.. cheers anyway for the BR! never a hard read…
Thanks Carl! Congrats to you too! Oh I ran around BHS after the race so we might have ended at almost the same time actually
October 12, 2008 at 8:32 am |
You were so concentrated when I saw you running on Gil Puyat in your all black outfit! Great 10K run!
Sayang we were not able to meet up after. It took a while for me to recover and get dress after the race and get back to the finisher’s area. Next time!
I bet it took you long because you ran another 10k after! haha. Yup, see you next time. Tara, drive over to alabang again for Takbo May Yabang.
October 12, 2008 at 10:19 am |
[...] at the lowest right portion, do you see my name? -Photo from The Bull Runner- This entry was posted on Sunday, October 12th, 2008 at 10:19 am and is filed under World [...]
October 12, 2008 at 10:32 am |
congrats!
i wasn’t able to see you, but in any case, yey! i’ll wait for the results here! i wasn’t too sure of my time din kasi.. haha
Congrats to you too!
October 12, 2008 at 11:02 am |
I knew you’d have a good run. I had no doubt you will once again reach your goal. I am sure you used this time to just focus on yourself which is good. You talk so highly about KOTR, maybe next year I will join.
Yes, next time you guys should join
October 12, 2008 at 2:28 pm |
Hey Jaymie! Congrats!! I knew Sub-55 will be very easy for you… I started my 10k run almost at the same time and had extra 2K. Cant resist the spectacular view.
Yabang naman ng pacer ko…nakakainggit
Where are the pics?
October 12, 2008 at 3:43 pm |
Ms.Lia is correct about the water station. 1 is not enough and I saw a lot of runners looking for the sign of water after the first water station in front of Jaguar. Hope that the next run, the organizers can do something about it. \m/
Yup, I’ve heard a lot of complaints about the h20. Not just the lack of it but also that it caused some tummy problems for some runners. Don’t forget to bring your hydration belts
October 12, 2008 at 5:19 pm |
Ey TBR, Congrats on your time!I’m only a beginner in running and the adidas event was only my 4th event and ran it in 1:01 min. Any tips on how to improve my time?:) Also, I heard that you’re gonna run the half marathon in Singapore…have you ever tried running over running 10 km? Good luck on your future runs!!!:)
Hi Road Runner, if you’re just starting I wouldn’t focus too much on increasing speed. Just enjoy your runs. I think just by running 3 to 4x a week your time will improve. But, if you wish, you can try adding speedwork once a week. You can run intervals at a track or you can just run on the road, target a lamp post or hump ahead, and sprint towards that. Slow jog for recovery. Then sprint again. I’m no expert so best to consult a coach or read books for proper training.
My farthest distance was 20k when I was training for Pasig Marathon…then I got injured so that didn’t push through. My longest race has been a 10k only. I’m gradually increasing mileage now super paranoid about reinjuring myself. Currently at 15k. Adding 1k per week. Thanks and good luck to you too!
October 12, 2008 at 5:39 pm |
Like Lia, I would have to say that my only complain is the lack of water stations. I also ran 10K and the only water station is located at Buendia near the flyover.
As I was going down the EDSA-Kalayaan flyover, I decided not to get water as there was a huge pile-up of runners around it. I figured there’d be more stations along the way. But I was surprised to know that the next station would be at the same water station near the flyover. This time I got 1 cup to drink, 1 cup to splash on the face and 1 bottle to carry it with me. I was so thirsty as I made the ascend going back to The Fort.
But at the end of the day, this has been my best race so far. Was also able to set my personal record. And it was the race where i strictly followed good running form, something i learned from attending running aids 2 & 3.
Congrats TBR! My friends were all starstruck as I pointed you to them. It was the first time they saw you in person. Hopefully, we’ll have the guts next time to approach you and have our pics taken with you. =)
Hey scrabble, wow double congrats. I think running a race in good form is more important than setting a new PR. PR’s will come when you’ve mastered the basics. Looking forward to meeting you in future races
October 12, 2008 at 5:43 pm |
where can we get the race results?
I’ll post them here when i get them.
October 12, 2008 at 6:00 pm |
Congrats Jaymie. Looks like you’ve regained your RED BULL prowess. I just got back. Bagay nga sila. See you soon.
Grabe, ang tagal mong nawala! Welcome back!
October 12, 2008 at 6:59 pm |
where can we get the race results of the KOTR?
October 12, 2008 at 7:36 pm |
hello! Adidas KOTR was my first race. Saya pala tumakbo. And I saw you!
Hey angelaze, glad you enjoyed. Congrats!
October 12, 2008 at 7:40 pm |
Hey tbr…Congrats for your pr of 52 minutes something! I did saw you and greeted you along the way,but it seems you’re too serious ha.. you’re an extraordinary athlete. I also did join but in the 21 kms event. I’m happy knowing you’ve won special awards and I’m really an avid fan of this blog.
God bless you always.
runnerforchrist.wordpress.com
You did? Shucks, sorry about that. Didn’t hear you. Blame it on the ipod
It wasn’t a PR race for me. Given up on breaking my PR from last year. Baka ma-injure lang ako if I attempt that again.
Congrats to you too. thanks for reading
October 13, 2008 at 12:21 am |
Congrats Jaymie! We saw you along Buendia as I was going back to the flyover. You looked so focused. Idol!
Idol?! Eh, masmabilis ka sa akin eh! hahaha. How was your run? Congrats!
October 13, 2008 at 7:13 am |
congrasts TBR for a great run! God bless!
Thanks mae!
October 13, 2008 at 10:00 am |
alu alu! apir jaymie! apir marga! salamat na ako ang official photographer ng BWK – kailan ang next photo op session natin? btw – i saw banggi sa flyover but i dont think she regocnized me.
gusto ko lang i-point out na sarado yung shirt ni jeremy before he took a pic with marga, and bigla nalang nya inopen. tsk tsk.
Bwahahahaha! Sure ka ba siya nag-open nun or si Marga? heehee
October 13, 2008 at 10:04 am |
and salamat na i still DONT KNOW THE MEANING OF BWK!!!!
Of course you dont. Maybe we’ll tell you if/when you become a member. And, when you get that perfect shot of the three of us—dapat super ganda kaming tatlo ha
October 13, 2008 at 12:57 pm |
Congratulations TBR for a great injury free run for you! God bless!
BroJ, thank you thank you. An injury free run was truly a blessing! Thank you God!
October 13, 2008 at 1:02 pm |
hector apir din! aba, photo op session? more than happy kami to have you as our official photog, kasi gumaganda kami lalo sa mga kuha mo.
oy di ah when jer crossed the finish line naka-unzip na yung shirt niya. silang dalawa ni neville.
we will tell you the meaning of BWK if you’re able to take super duper gorgeous photos of us that will catapult us to crush-ng-bayan fame. woohoo! ano jaymie, banggi, payag kayo?
si jay aka prometheus cometh pala i highly recommend.
Shyet, I answered hector above not knowing that you practically said the same thing. Marga, we’re hanging out together too often. haha
October 13, 2008 at 2:01 pm |
Also, take note, nakaakbay si kuya jerms kay changeling child
Ate Virgie
Ah hah. May progression noh? Ano kaya ang next shot nila, Ate Virgie?
October 13, 2008 at 2:05 pm |
Hey congrats on achieving your goal. Sounded like a great race and you had so much fun. Just ran and ran and ran. Pure joy of running and loving the being with fellow runners in an event.
Yup, that’s exactly how it went for me
October 13, 2008 at 2:09 pm |
from the looks of all your messages, you have become the tiya dely of running. welcome to the 21st century!
may cult following ka na ata.
Wait…sino si Tita Dely? hehehe
October 13, 2008 at 2:13 pm |
hey guys it was fun seeing all the runners of adiddas. i came 1hr before the race and looking for the jamie pero d ko nakita.i finish the race with the of 58min. grabe sulit ang run ko that day. im looking forward sa new balance this nov.sana mapost yung official result ng adiddas.tnx
Hey mikec, congrats! Yup, everyone’s looking forward to New Balance. See you there.
October 13, 2008 at 2:53 pm |
Just an opinion from a beginner. I recently took up running with my sister. With just 3 races under my belt, all 5k runs only.
I noticed during the A-KOTR water given only at the beginning and end of the race. Is that normal? My first 5k was a disaster (mizuno infinity) simply bec there was no H2O, i almost didnt finish it. I learned my lesson (the hard way) to bring a bottle of water with me during the run and good thing i did.
So far the Draw The Line run was by far the best in my very short list simply bec it had water stations every km. Hoping event organizers will make this a priority.
-joey
Hey joey, it’s certainly NOT normal for races to lack water stations. But, it frequently happens that’s why I always bring a hydration belt especially for races above 10k. Some organizers just never learn.
October 13, 2008 at 2:53 pm |
Hey, TBR! Sorry I was only able to reply now, “favorite reader” mo pa naman ako
. Anyways, congrats on achieving your goal. My dad was late for the 21k, though just by a minute or so. During the race, I went for a nice 3k around Boni with my mom, so even if I didn’t participate, the day was still a great running day for my family and I. Oh and, did you already find out about the UNICEF race on November 23? I’m planning to do the 5k. But I’m still waiting for more details (from you <-: )
P.S. You really think I’m your favorite? Aww, shucks *blushes*
Hey cougcat, aaaw yes you’re definitely my favorite reader. Promise to read my blog until you become the first pinoy to win Boston marathon?
Posted details of Unicef already. Good luck in your 5k! 
October 13, 2008 at 3:48 pm |
The KOR is the epitome of the true pinoy King Of The Road – the jeepney, this is what makes this race a fun endeavour. You’ll see all types of characters representing the jeepneys that ply roads around us…loud, slow, fast, reckless, blown engines, road hogs, you name it, it’s there. And the great thing is, in spite of the hassle we chose to hit the road and join in and looking forward to doing it again.
Para po sa tabi!!!
Till the next KOR (honk honk!!! pot pot!!!)
Hahahahaha! Buti nalang walang mga “King of the Road” sa 10k.
October 13, 2008 at 4:01 pm |
Oh no. Didn’t see you guys as well as Bau. I ran the 21k and had a banyo break so my time and pace was off. But am now looking at possible longer distances I hope.
Hey ricky, I ran the entire race with my bladder full. Lucky you you found a bathroom! Hope to see you at the next races
October 13, 2008 at 8:22 pm |
hi ms. bullrunner sorry di ako makapigil i just had to comment hehehe. concede ako na bagay kay margs. margs sorry cant resist pre pero may kanta na ako sa inyo ng brand new ka-labtim mo
EBONY AND IVORY… TOGETHER IN PERFECT HARMONEEEEE =)
– chuck pogi
Baka ringtone na niya iyan bukas
October 13, 2008 at 9:04 pm |
Except for the lack of water stations, the race was great. Nice meeting you, TBR.
x59, were you the one I met in front of the stage?
October 13, 2008 at 11:25 pm |
Nope. That was me taking a picture of you, Changeling Child, runningDATCom, and Loonyrunner.
October 14, 2008 at 11:45 am |
jaymie i can’t believe di mo kilala si tiya dely (may her soul rest in peace).
siya yung excruciatingly slow na love and life advice reader sa DZRH (isang AM radio station) na, later in life, mas naging tigbakera at masungit.
October 14, 2008 at 1:05 pm |
This must be the most challenging 10K I’ve ever run.
October 15, 2008 at 10:09 pm |
HI THERE RUNNERS! I DID MY FIRST 21K RUN IT WAS A GREAT RUN I MADE THIS YEAR. I DID A 2:40MINS RUN FOR A FRIST TIME TO RUN A 21K AT MY AGE I DID IT. HOPE TO MEET YOU MS BULLRUNNER. SEE YOU IN THE NEXT RUN.
October 20, 2008 at 1:01 pm |
[...] 5km while Jay & I ran 10km. It’s interesting to note that my running buddy, Jay ran the 21km Adidas King of the Road the week before. [...]
February 21, 2009 at 5:39 pm |
ms jaymie you’re all on nike gear!!!!
March 18, 2009 at 1:24 am |
[...] 5km while Jay & I ran 10km. It’s interesting to note that my running buddy, Jay ran the 21km Adidas King of the Road (coverage by Ms. Bull Runner) the week before. [...]