No Speed Limit 21km

Late Post: Run happened February 9, 2014

It took me so long to finally write this post because I was too upset to do so, haha! Did not have the gana to write about it.  But anyway, it's been over a month already and since I want to write about the Run United1 experience, I HAVE to write about this first, haha!

No Speed Limit is a benefit run by an Ateneo organization, SPEED.  Basically, it's a socially-oriented organization that allows the students exposure to underprivileged special children (I hope I got it right, this is what I remember from my college days).  In 2012, I did this run but joined only the 3km distance as I was 7months pregnant and mostly of course, walked the distance.  In 2013, they scheduled it on the same date as Chinese New Year so that ruled out my chances of joining (unless I blow my father's top).  So, this year, I told myself I have to join the run! At least to help the many former students I have who are now part of SPEED.  I signed up quite early (through a former student, Meg) that I was I think one of the first 3 registrants for the 21km distance, haha.  Excited, much.  I was looking forward to running along Marcos Highway as I have never done so.

I was surprised to see that gunstart for the half-marathon was at 5AM! Given that I more or less finish a 21km distance at around 2 hours and 30 minutes, that would mean finishing at 7:30AM which is already quite hot! Anyway, couldn't do anything.  I was on my own (as I always am these days at races) waiting for gun start to commence when it just wouldn't! I was already annoyed at the 5AM gunstart so it did not help that they started about 20minutes later.  Again, what can I do?

We started running around the Ateneo campus.  From Henry Lee Irwin theater towards the High School, then out to Katipunan passing through Bellarmine Hall and then Gate 3.  So far, so good.  Hydration stations were enough although they only served water.  No problemo.  We ran out to Katipunan then went up Katipunan flyover.  We made a u-turn somewhere along it going towards Sta. Clara Church then to Marcos Highway - it was a fun downhill which only meant one thing.  We would have to go up that in an hour or two.

I'm not very familiar with Marcos Highway so I just followed everyone else.  Passed SM Marikina, Sta. Lucia East Mall (I know only until here) then u-turned back.  We passed the same route going back and looking at my watch, I thought, if we (I don't remember the actual distances/digits anymore) run back the exact same route, it won't be 21KMs.  Unless we go around Ateneo again when we get in for the last few KMs.  As we entered Ateneo, I've never been this upset to see the finish line! :)) Normally it was a such a relief to see the finish arc.  Not this time.  So I sped up to the finish line,  got my medal, checked my watch again and there you have it - not even 18KMs.  I walked around and chatted up the others who also had GPS watches and they confirmed that the race was indeed short of about 3KMs.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to appear mayabang but I felt a little cheated.  We paid P900 for a race that didn't offer anything but water, started late and even did not measure 21KMs :( I get that it's for charity so fine, I don't mind so much that hydration stations only offered water, but sana naman umabot ng 21KM.  

I finished with a time of 1hour57minutes which is pretty good with an average speed of, if I'm not mistaken, 6:48.  I think I would have PR-ed for a half-marathon if the distance was completed.  Sayang. Thinking about it now, sana pala I ran the missing KMs inside Ateneo so I could record a PR ;)

ANYWAY, I tried looking for some SPEED members who were former students to give my complaints, I mean, feedback to and then decided to just shrug it off.  1 ) It is student-organized.  They have classes, due dates, reports, projects...and are not being paid for the work they do. It is completely volunteer-work... on top of their academics.  2) Proceeds go to the needs of special children so will just focus on that 3) At least I got a nice photo for it (just don't mind my hair) - see below.

I just hope they try to make things better next year :)