License to Run, 7 Dec. 2008

Woke up too early today. Excited? Not, really. Jitters? None. There must be a very good reason why am up early. I’ll be joining the 25th Executive Classic 10k event. This is the country’s only running event that is exclusively for executives, businessmen and professionals. Runnex is celebrating its 25th anniversary run and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to be part of their running history. A close to a thousand runners are expected to participate.

The theme for this year’s Executive Classic race is ”Human Energy for the Filipino Race” with the objective of promoting not only physical fitness but also energy conservation and environmental protection.

Runnex as a club has its rules on membership. And I qualified not because I’m a business person nor an executive but as a professional librarian. Yes, librarians in the Philippines are required to take and pass the licensure examination first before they can practice the profession. My license is my ticket in this event. A license to run.

I arrived in the venue just good enough to do my warm ups and stretching exercises.

While chatting with fellow Happy Feet runners, I was caught off guard when suddenly I heard the sound of the gun being fired. A signal that 10k race has just started. Out of reflex, off I went and just ran. Well, there was no pressure for I only compete with myself. Targeting at least a sub-hour this time. Crossing my fingers.

The 10k route.

32 minutes for the first 5k distance wasn’t bad. I think I did well. Maybe the sub-hour target might be possible after all. I was wrong! I finished the run in 1:07! Though a bit disappointed, I consoled myself that it was a good practice run, especially, after not doing any long run during the week.

We didn’t go home right away because Totoy (center), a fellow Happy Feet, did a podium finish. He placed 7th in the 10k event Men Division.

Mon and the others wanted also to witness the awarding ceremony. Then, I saw Sir Jovie who waved at me. It was then at this time that I said to them, “Kailan kaya ako magka-podium finish?” (When can I have a podium finish?) Sir Jovie answered, “Malapit na ‘yan.” (It will happen soon.) Even Mon and Ipe agreed on what Sir Jovie said. I was so surprised that after I asked that question, the emcee announced…”8th place …” I heard my name! Whooah! I did a podium finish! It was a nice feeling to receive a winner’s medal and a gift certificate from a leading sports brand.

Top 10 10k event Women Division.

Baldrunner had his podium finish too!
L-R: Mon, Baldrunner, me, Sensei John

The lucky bib number which led me to victory.

The goodies we received from RUNNEX.