Nature Valley Run 2010: Injured yet Inspired

Event: Nature Valley Run 2010 (Leg 2 of RunRio Trilogy) 

Race Distances: 3K / 5K / 10K / 21K 

Race Date & Venue: May 30, 2010 (Sunday) at Bonifacio Global City

Race Organizer: RunRio

Beneficiary: Bayanihang Bayan Legacy Project. 1 Runner = 1 Tree. Trees will be planted at the Ipo Watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan

More than 9,000 runners showed up last Sunday morning at the Bonifacio Global City to be part of Nature Valley’s advocacy run. It promises to plant 1 tree for each runner.

I don’t have any plan of joining this race for several reasons: (1) I wanted to take a break from running until my left knee has fully recovered; (2) its expensive (P750 for 21K); and (3) I am bored of races held in The Fort.

A 10K RACE KIT AND A BAD LEFT KNEE

Still I found myself wishing to take part because I am one of those people who does everything to save the planet (running to have a tree planted seems great), I would say I like and promote green living. I even tried blogging about having free 21K race kit. Anyway, a day before the event a friend was offering a 10K race kit for free. Wish granted? Yes. Thanks Runnerisms, someone gave her a 21K race kit so she gave her 10K kit. Its like déjàvu of my forced half marathon race last month. Anyway, for the love of running I decided to run.

Knowing that my left knee is still aching after some short runs last week, I still pushed myself to run on my race pace. I can be easily see as I would run on the grass whenever there are grass to run on. It minimizes the impact of the ground on my knees and I love the feeling of running on grass. I was having a great run until I reached KM4, knee is acting up already and I don’t have any option but to slow down. In my mind, I know that I can have a new PR when I reached KM5 but after 7 kilometers my left knee continued to ache, it was painful. I have to slow down and finally walk the last 2 kilometers, pretending to run when approaching Photovendo. I told myself, at least I have good pics. So I finished the run 1:01:18, with an injured left knee.

RACE REPORT

Water Stations are enough, over-flowing 100 Plus drinks and cold water on long tables.

Race Route: It seems that Coach Rio and team are really doing great on plotting new routes. Good job!

Loot Bag and Freebies: Hagen Daz ice cream for 21K finishers, Photovendo and iFlick photos, post-race massage, Games, Onesport mag, Tuna Pandesal, 100 Plus bootle, and many more.

Race Results from Finishline can be seen here.

Race Pictures from Photovendo here, just look for Nature Valley Run 2010 at the bottom. Next time, you should smile at the camera. =) You can also check out the post race photos from iFlick.ph, just be patient to look for your face.

Race Analysis from Runpix here.

GETTING SOME INSPIRATION

It is my first time to really spend time watching 21K runners crossing the finish line. I saw runners from all walks of life trying to live the moment as they approach the last meters of their run. Someone raises his hands in triumphed, 3 would hold each others hand in unity, friends posed a jumpshot, others crying, others all smiles, cramps mean nothing just as he approach the finish line and kiss his hard earned medal, someone even proposed of marriage, most all wet because of the heat, perspiration and constant cold water dabbles on the head and face, Never Run Alone got lots of applause for the nice and fast finish, others having nirvana as they look at the clock knowing they beat their PR, a lot of TBR classmates joined for a recovery, every finish a different story, all half marathoners an inspiration.

Here are some of the photos I got:

Nature Valley Executive Tri Team

Never Run Alone gets lotsa applause

Argonaut and co.

TFC Runner

Mond still strong

some running friends

Running friends from ANR Alabang

Medals for podium finishers

trees that will be planted for our kids future

One Runner = One Tree

If you feel depressed or you know of someone who needs to be inspired bring him/her to a race (especially 21K / 42K) and let him/her watch runners as they approach the finish line. Inspiration guaranteed.

LEFT KNEE INJURY

When I got home I noticed that I cannot climb the stairs. My left knee is really injured. I have to pull

myself up to reached the 2nd floor and I have to go down the stairs backward. Knee is very painful I cannot walk properly.

Is this good-bye to running? I hope not! Maybe I should have a break. How long? I do not know. I need to visit a good doctor and hope that he/she gives me hope that I can still run. After all, I cannot think of any sports that can replace running. How it changed my life and how running help me discipline myself. Lord, I hope this is nothing serious. I hope this is just rest not good-bye from running.

I don’t want this to happened:

(image from www.tombunny.com/gallery/)