1st PAU 50k [Tanay]

Joining a race organized by the Bald Runner is always a delight for me, for I am to expect fun and challenge at the same time.

Photo courtesy of Emil Ancheta

Since I'm preparing for the upcoming 34th National Milo Marathon (targeting only to make it to the 5-hour cut-off), I was at peace with myself to decide to skip PAU 50k Tanay and join the support crew and pay forward to my running friends who are participating the event. After all, there are two [2] more PAU events lined up for the year, which will serve as my preparation for 2011 BDM 102k.

However, a discussion with running buddies Mar, Gab, and Rod made me decide otherwise and gave in to my REAL and INNERMOST desire. They are also preparing for Milo, and learned that they will treat PAU 50k Tanay as a long run.

Being the conservative runner that I am, I calculated the average pace (9:36 min/km) required to finish the race within the cut-off time (8 hours). Doable, I said to myself.

Always checking my pace...
Photo courtesy of Rod Apolinario/Makoy Lontoc

As race day nears, certain events were unfolding and plans were changing. We kept our cool and focused on the race at hand. A day before race day, we've finally finalized our team composition as follows:

Runners: Gab Gabriel , Vic Viola, Mar Marilag, Aaron Anievas, Roselle Diva, and myself.

Support Crew: Rod Apolinario, Makoy Lontoc, Karen Talosig, and Edwin Rara.

Maraming maraming salamat po! Kayo ang aming lakas!
Photo courtesy of Lorie Padua

TANAY, RIZAL

I have only been to this place once, for a service I was asked to do in CFC Singles For Christ. I remember the killer ascends that even vehicles are downshifting gears to make it uphill. The route recon of fellow running friends further affirms my recollection of the place. I knew it will be VERY VERY DIFFICULT, for uphills are my Waterloo, but I recalled my personal resolve to love the hills.

Best describes this race!

Photo courtesy of Rod Apolinario/Makoy Lontoc

APPLYING MY ULTRA LESSONS

Preparing for PAU 50k Tanay, I ensured applying the two [2] hard lessons I learned from my BDM 102k experience:

1. BLISTER - I taped the 'hot-spots' of my soles and ensured putting foot powder before wearing my socks.
2. STRAINED FOOT MUSCLE - I stayed away from the banking roads and tried to run on leveled grounds (dirt, grass, pebbles, etc).

RACE RECAP

Kilometers 1 to 8: soft incline.
7:58, 9:04, 8:12, 9:24, 8:01, 7:57, 7:57, 9:05

Kilometers 9 to 11: what the???
10:52, 10:32, 11:00

Kilometers 12 to 14: getting back into the groove...
7:04, 8:24, 8:33

Kilometers 15 to 20: uphills feels like forever!
10:44, 10:58, 9:53, 9:48, 9:39, 9:54

Kilometers 21 to 26: time to make up.
9:06, 8:14, 9:25, 6:22, 6:55, 9:07

Kilometers 27 to 29: uphills again!
10:49, 11:21, 10:13

Kilometers 30 to 33: remedial pace...
7:51, 6:25, 9:09, 8:21

Kilometers 34 to 41: uphills + heat = exhaustion!
10:00, 9:32, 15:32, 11:44, 11:58, 12:19, 15:49, 10:11

Kilometers 42 to 43: reprieved!
8:04, 8:37

Photo courtesy of Rod Apolinario/Makoy Lontoc

Kilometers 44 to 47: survival mode...
10:52, 10:58, 11:22, 11:05

Photo courtesy of Rod Apolinario

Kilometers 48 to 50: one last push!
8:59, 10:29, 8:19

Just in time! 8:00:25 official

Image source: http://bugobugo85.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/this-is-pau-we-do-it/

PAU 50K [Tanay] Official Results