Running couples. Mia and Anton Gonzalez and Paco and Christine Jacob-Sandejas.

"Todo es empezar!,” a loosely translated saying in Spanish that simply means the first step is the hardest.  That was exactly how I felt when I ran in the 10K event of the ‘Adidas King of the Road 2009’ (KOR).  It was my first race ever and I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into. I didn’t even know what a “singlet” was that I initially thought it was a jersey, just like in basketball.

“A lot of people sign up for it, because of the singlet. They simply love it. In fact I have runners who have been running in this annual event that collect it. They consider it a ‘badge of honor’ giving them bragging rights that they have ran in the KOR,” says Jillian Panganiban, Adidas marketing manager. 

Panganiban further explains that “there is a whole subculture in this country for runners and this event is the most highly anticipated annual run attracting competitive, serious and recreational runners alike.”  She adds, “Adidas wants more recreational runners to sign up for the event so that awareness in the country about running will reach a whole different level.”

Apart from supporting thousands of race enthusiasts in the country, KOR made a donation to Hope Worldwide Philippines (HWP), an organization that provides welfare and protection to young victims of abuse.  Adidas Philippines presented a check for P140,700 to HWP chairman Atty. Benny Sabidong and HWP board of trustee Babette Pascual Yllana.  Another portion of the proceeds went to the victims of the typhoons that recently hit NCR and the rest of Luzon.

Making this year’s race even more inspiring, Adidas held a running exposition in the tradition of major marathons across the globe.  Weeks before the actual run, the company organized a "prepare to inform and equip’"clinic headed by well-respected triathlete Ani de Leon and runner Jojo Macalintal.  Among the elements of the clinic was the foot scan machine that determines the type of runner an individual is and what shoes would best suit their running style – the same inscription found at the back of the singlet that says “because every runner is different.”

On with the race

I woke up at around quarter to four in the morning of Oct. 25th. To say that I was anxious was an understatement. I arrived at Fort Bonifacio with an hour to spare and saw throngs of runners making their way to the starting line. A lot of participants also lined up to sample free bread and coffee.  Several booths put up by sponsors were already giving out freebies.  Among them were Gold’s Gym, Canon, Gatorade, Globe, KFC Twister and Krushers, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Adidas Personal Care, gourmet’s, C2 Green Tea, and Nova Multi-Grain Snack.

I got my race pack a few minutes before the gun sounded for the half marathon. To my dismay I was signed up to 10K when I clearly remember ticking the 5K box when I filled out the registration form.   I am a weekend warrior, but the last thing I would want is to look like a complete idiot who bit off more than he could chew. Plus, I was in the process of getting my feet wet with the whole running thing and everything that came along with it.  So the fun run is a good place to start. But, as usual, pride and ego got the better of me. Sure, I may be considered a newbie, a recreational runner, but I played ball twice a week and trained with Kettlebells almost every other day. So, I decided to take the plunge and joined the pool of serious runners.

I opened my race pack and immediately wore my singlet that said race number ‘3888’. I always believe that the number eight brings luck and I felt that it was a good sign. While securing my race number, I saw a familiar face.  Melchor, a former officemate and a good friend was running 10K as well. He quickly called me and signaled that there were more friends near the starting line. I felt some comfort knowing that there would be people who will be around to help me finish the race (not that I would need any). Before the 10K run started, participants were asked to stretch for a few minutes, ably guided by a fitness instructor from Gold’s Gym.

Stacked closely together, runners eagerly awaited the green light. And a few moments later, the 10K run kicked off. The plan was to run at a pace that I am comfortable with for most of the first half and give all my strength at the last 3K or so. Most of the runners had the same thing in mind. Watching a collage of people trying to beat their personal record, it occurred to me that running is not so much outlasting the person next to you.  It is about challenging and overcoming one’s limit.  It is a solitary sport and mental toughness is the key. Some people would actually say, “How hard can it be?” To them I say, give it a try and let’s see if it’s all you thought it would be.

I ran and jogged for the first 5K as planned, but after making the turn, I felt the joint on my left toe start to hurt. Then I recalled somebody saying: “The only thing you need to run is the right pair of shoes.”  I guess mine was not the best fit.  I ended up brisk walking and jogging the rest of the way because of the nagging pain. I did manage to finish the race in an hour and 16 minutes, though. 

Over all, this was a worthwhile experience and I look forward to signing up for the ‘King of the Road 2010’.  But first, I need to visit Adidas’ pilot branch in Adidas, to get my foot scanned and get the perfect pair for next year’s run.

More snippets

After one hour, 13 minutes, and 17 seconds of pounding the pavement, Richard Mutisha was hailed King of the Road for the 21K men’s division while, finishing in one hour, 33 minutes, and 23 seconds, Nhea Ann Barcena was the leader of the 21K women’s division.

Over at the 10K tilt, Reylan Novallasca reigned supreme in the men’s division with a time of 35 minutes and 27 seconds as Christabel Martes cinched the women’s crown in 37 minutes and 47 seconds.  Mervin Guerte was king of the 5K run, clocking in at 20 minutes and 27 seconds, while 11-year-old Michelle de Vera was the young queen of 5K, crossing the finish line in 27 minutes and 22 seconds.

Meanwhile, spotted the mega racing event were celebrities, athletes, and personalities, including SEA games medalist Christine Jacobs-Sandejas, sportsman Paco Sandejas, actor BB Gandang Hari, TV host Rovilson Fernandez, radio DJ Sam YG, KArylle, Anton and Mia Nolasco-Cuenca, and blogger Jaymie Pizarro of The Bullrunner.

Tri-athletes, including former national team member Noel Salvador, Paulo Sauler, Tad Manas, and Ann Arellano also took part in the early day run.  Iron Woman Ani de Leon, the official coach of Adidas free running clinics, raised the banner of lady runners, completing the 21K run in one hour, 43 minutes, and six seconds.  She lands at number three.

(Write the author at wellbeing@mb.com.ph.)