Conquering KM0-KM56... at last...

Sunday, December 6, 2009 @ 1AM

While some of our friends were in Baguio, Corregidor and Singapore either sleeping or preparing for their respective races that day. A dozen running souls were at the KM0 in front of Dr Rizal’s monument getting ready to start the much anticipated repeat of the Luneta to Tagaytay LSD.

This LSD repeat was a test for me as I did not finish the distance on my first try.

KM0-KM8
1:07AM, after the pep talk and prayer led by Mar aka Pojie we started the run.

We ran at the right side of BayWalk up to the CCP where we decided to transfer to the left side of Roxas Blvd since it was safer and well lighted.

Upon reaching the corner of EDSA, the group again transferred to the right side of Roxas Blvd until we reached the Uniwide Coastal Mall footbridge.

More than an hour of running. We took our 1st break at 7-11 NAIA Road. After a few minutes, we continued our run now in Quirino Ave positioning at the left side of the road where it was safer.

KM8-KM16
Passed Paranaque River Bridge, St. Andrew’s School, St. Paul’s College and San Dionisio Chruch then making a quick pit stop at 7-11 Kabihasnan. After which we ran again in Quirino Ave.

Passed St Joseph Parish (Bamboo Organ Church) in Las-Pinas City then the boundary of Las-Pinas / Cavite. Took a break at Jolibee Zapote Kabila branch where Pojie and I ate breakfast.

No sign of ITB yet. So far, so good.

KM16-KM31
After a 10min break we continued our run. I was surprised to see that the Bacoor to Imus road was well lighted and was freshly asphalted. Thumbs-up to the Senator from Cavite and DPWH for the good work. Last time we ran here it was pitch dark and very unsafe. And blinkers from my fellow runners ahead of me gave me a head ache.

GAS STATION, BACOOR/IMUS AREA

el capitana: power nap

el capitana: power nap pa din!!!

We made two more stops before reaching KM31, WALTERMART DASMA.

WALTERMART DASMA

Paul, Angel, Eric and Raff stopped at this point. This is where my ITBS showed up the last time. And I was assessing myself if I should continue or make a u-turn at KM35 and run back home just to complete the 56K.

KM31-KM42
After passing the KM35 marker and ITBS nowhere in sight, I decided to move forward going to Tagaytay.

After Doc T and I bought noodles and pinipig ice cream at 7-11 Dasma we were greeted by the cool and fresh air of nearby Silang.

DOC T: are we there yet?!?

KM42-KM46
Along KM45 we were greeted by a familiar face.

Hardcore runner Jerry Karundeng saw us and gave me, Tere, Sam and Jun, Gatorade Tiger drinks. Jerry just came back from a mountain run in Mt. Batulao that morning and saw us runners invading his playground. Hehehe! Thanks Jerry!!!

KM46-48
KM48 was our last pit stop. I removed my Camelbak hydration and relied on a bottle of Gatorade. The buses there was a nightmare as they were really driving dangerously fast.

KM48-KM54
At this point I was like in cruise control. Speed walking more than running.

GAB & SAM

may gaaaaaadddddd.... ang laaaayyyooooo....

KM54-KM56
The last 2K of the run was the real killer for me. Good thing Gab was with me as we psyched and pushed each other to finish the last stretch. It felt like there were metal balls chained in my legs.

Mark's inspiration... next to Bea of course... =p

But when I saw the rest of the guys waiting for us, cheering at KM56, I know I have won this battle.

the group @ KM56

KM0 - KM56 finishers(Gab, Mark, Me, Doc T, Sam)
(glenn not in pic... tumakbo pabalik ng manila =p)

The route according from GF305

Till the next…

thanks Doc T for the pics


LSD QUOTE OF THE DAY:

Somewhere in KM48 from a Buko Vendor (BV)

BV: Nag-jo-jogging pa kayo? Tanghali na ah.
Gab: Oho... papunta kami Tagaytay... galing pa kami ng Luneta...
BV: (Imagine Tito, Vic & Joey) HAAAAAAA?!??

gusto nyo tumakbo ng mabilis?!?