Race Recap: Unilab Run United 2 – June 17, 2012

For the 2nd Unilab Run United 2012, I did not have enough training for another 21K. It has been six weeks since my last full marathon in Borneo. I had a 3 week rest. As in zero mileage in 3 weeks. Then I started running slowly back for the race. My longest run was a 14K with Craig in Nuvali, Laguna last week. But still I am crazy enough to tackle another 21K. I admit it, it’s for the second piece of the medal.

Two down.  One more to go.

Wake Up !!!

It’s a wonderful weather to run but the worst weather to wake up. I need multiple alarms and multiple snooze to finally get up and change to my running gear.

I bet there were those who prefer to sleep today. 😀

Late runners, here we go!!!

I arrived late at the starting line in BGC. It was around 4:50 already. It was intentional. I prefer to arrive there and start running rather than wait in the cold rain for the gun start. There were a few runners who arrived at this time too.

I still did the run/walk method to finish the race. Run for 5 minutes and then walk for 1 minute.

Catching up

The Kalayaan Flyover was slowing down some of the runners. It’s a hard one to tackle and I see some walking already. I was able to catch up overtook the runners but it was getting crowded as well.

Catching up with some runners at Kalayaan Flyover

Going down Kalayaan Flyover, I got to meet fellow bloggers. Bro J and Sweetheart, Dens and Per, Wilbert, and Bobby. It’s been a while since I ran the same race with them.

Dennis aka Running Fatboy is on a blur.

Traffic in Buendia was bad for the buses and jeepneys. But runners had enough pace to run side by side in Buendia.

Running along Buendia

It will take a while for these vehicles to start moving again.

Flyover +1 ?!?!

Unlike the previous Run United, the route did not include the Buendia Flyover. So I hated it when I saw runners taking a left to Roxas Blvd and getting ready for the uphill run after the turnaround point. I just stick to my run/walk method and the flyover was over before I know it.

Taking it one step at a time at the flyover.

I caught up with Carina aka Flyboar after CCP. We had a chat during the run and I asked a few questions about triathlon. Ehem… Hopefully, I can train with her during her swim schedules.

Picking up the pace

It’s about 6KM more until the finish line. I was still doing ok. I can feel a little pain on my right shin. My shin has been like that since Friday night but it was bearable. I still maintained a comfortable pace until we reach Star City.

Getting close to the finish at Buendia and Macapagal intersection.

I started increasing my speed. In the last 3KMs, I was running a lot faster. From a 7:00 min/km pace in the early KMs, I was doing 6:20 min/km for the last stretch. I always love a strong finish.

I reached the finish line with a time of 2:26:14.

I’m still waiting for the official Unilab Run United 2 Race Results.

Twice the support the second time around

It looks like Unilab doubled the supplies for the second leg. I think there are more water stations and more banana stations this time. There are plenty of medical stations too. Great job.

The Aftermath

I did not stay anymore after the run. I went home right away after breakfast with Team Boring.  It’s Father’s Day so I prefer to have more family time today.  I’m even forcing myself not to sleep.

Congrats to all the finishers and Happy Father’s Day to all dads out there.