My Longest Training Run: Good vs Evil

I had my farthest distance in a training last Wednesday.  Ideally, they advice to run until 32K only or 20 miles when you practice for a full marathon.  They say it should be enough.  But I remember Bards aka BananaRunning told me to push it as close to 42K as possible to be more familiar with the distance.  I believe you Bards.

The good plan was to run just 36K.  That’s 10% of my previous long run of 33K.  The evil plan was to go for a 38K.  Was I good?  Or was I evil?

Good

It was the usual lazy day.  My alarm clock went of at 3:30.  I wanted to run early to avoid the sun.  But as usual, I had activated the snooze again.  I woke up again at 4:15. I have to pull myself up and start dressing up for the run.  It’s the first step that was difficult.  Eventually, I was out of the house and ready for the run.

Evil

It’s not only runners who are early on the road.  When I crossed the Ayala-Buendia intersection, a certain man, either he was lunatic or drunk, suddenly swung his fist towards me.  It was a low swing that caught my tights.  It wasn’t strong maybe because of the direction of the throw.  No damage done.  But I was quite sure there was the intent to harm me.

Good

I reached McKinley Hills.  I saw a few runners along the way.  They must be practicing for a full marathon too.  At one point, I saw familiar faces.  It was Jonel aka Bugobugo, Tina aka Chizcake and Mylene.  They were practicing for the Bataan 102KM on March.  I know that the whole run would be boring and the thought of joining them for a few kilometers will take away the boredom.

Evil

I tried to run faster to catch up.  Then, I saw them walking.  They were training ala Galloway.  I was able to get close to them but they never noticed me behind their back.  It was dark and we were walking under the trees near Blue Leaf.  Should I greet them?  Should I tap them at the back?  Should I scare them?  Hmmm…  I don’t want to scare Jonel.  I’m scared.  Tina was the best victim.  Vulnerable and managebale. 😀

I kept myself close hoping they would notice anyway.  But they were busy talking.  So I tugged Tina’s pony tail to get attention.  Tina turned her head to see who touched her.  Waaaaah!!! She screamed.  Jonel and Mylene froze.

Hi!, I said.

@#$%^&*!!!, Tina replied.

After we got ourselves together, We run towards the British Embassy and back to Ministop.  Jonel went ahead.  Tina, Mylene and I took a pit stop.  I joined them as we resumed running from McKinley to Bayani Rd.  Later, Tina and Mylene run back to Makati while I stayed at McKinley for another round.

Good

I was alone again.  I had 21K so far.  I wish it was over but I was just about halfway.  It was getting boring.  Good thing I had my iPod with me.  I usually don’t use it when I run in highways, but I need some company for the next 15K or more.  Music saved the day.  But I had to be extra careful to keep my attention on the road and not on the music.

Evil

Will it be good 36K or an evil 38K?  I started making my calculations.  I decided to do a 38K but take the uphills lightly.

Good

I finished my 38K practice run after five hours and thirty minute.  Plus a least two kilometers of walking towards my way back home.

Evil

I think I pushed myself too much in this 38K run.  As a result, my right knee would become painful during two of my recovery runs.  My last run was last Sunday and the pain was still there even if it was just less than 5K.  I hope they will be well for tomorrow’s 32K Rizal Day Run.

So much for being evil for a day…