History-maker!
A prayer and then the presentation of the elite runners followed. My eyes were on the led clock while the seconds ticked by. At 12:06am my extraordinary journey at BKM 2025 began.
"Malupit." (Brutal.) This is what I uttered after covering almost 13km for two hours. Resting my legs, I saw a window for a selfie. Perhaps if I were not into blogging, I wouldn't pay attention to this conspicuous welcome arc. Advancing was the mission as I braced myself for the run route that would put my sanity to the test. *deeply breathes*
I guess if I ran on this terrain 15 years ago, my leg muscles wouldn’t have complained. But, at 56 I had to accept that it's becoming a hellish task covering 42.195km on a terrain where a runner's stamina was challenged. Fact is... I am getting old for this s**t! *echoing laughs* Well, my cardio endurance was perfectly alright. On the other hand, my lower extremities were already in the brink of surrender. The coldness was another contributory factor to my present bodily condition. Even my sweat was cold. Goosebumps seemed to be a permanent fixture on my skin. It is for this reason why the need to relieve myself came frequently which slowed me down before the first turning point. I looked for the public toilets since they were included in the run route map. None was positioned along the almost 9-km road. Thankfully I found a savior at a Caltex gasoline station. He quickly unlocked the restroom for me. It was a great relief!
Highlighted POV: The blend of uphill and downhill was really the arduous undertaking at BKM2025. Without the proper training for this running venture, I tell you, one wouldn't survive. Puhlease do NOT bet on your luck!
What served as my saving grace though was the downhill. As I ran on the loooong uphill I fervently prayed for it to end, so I could already return and run on the downward slope. This is where I would pick up my momentum and activate my heavy legs since even the flat elevation was unwelcome. Running on this level road seemed as taxing as running on the uphill.
At around 6:08am I bounced back and found time to take a photo at Patpat (Lapu-Lapu). Readers, allow my smile to convince you that I have truly fallen in love with this BKM 2025 intense course, surrounded by the captivating mountains.
I suppose this stop was my 36km. I could see that I maintained my 6km/hr pace which assured me a finish before 8:00am. Faced with a continued dip, I devoured it with gusto. Then, I was back to a flat road, then an uphill, then downhill again, then flat road...What a crazy fusion it was! Asking a cordial and motivating male marshal holding a pitcher of water later, I learned I was 5km away to the finish line. Yay! Then... screeeeeeeccccchhhhhh! I saw this 30-km marker nearby after hearing the estimated remaining distance. My senses went loony! Will I be able to cover 12km in 10 mins???!!! Helloooooo! I am NOT Ruth Chepng'etic! Afterwards a few steps behind the 30-km mark, the 40-km mark said "Hi" to me. I felt like blood was again pumped into my heart. It was the signal I was waiting for. My new energy burst came.
One kilometer away, there were no longer stationed marshals. I had to ask a traffic enforcer for the direction to Kaamulan Park. Belatedly I realized that I could have worn a sign which read: "Certified Poor Navigator. Need Immediate Assistance!" Hahahahaha. I passed through the familiar Kaamulan Festival stalls until I saw two orange uniformed young male marshals. I beckoned them, asked where I should proceed, and requested if they could escort me. Everything was granted! One of them stayed and ran with me until I crossed the finish line.
Pioneers.
Forerunners.
Groundbreakers.
I am now claiming these tags, the intangible badge of honor from the inaugural Bukidnon International Marathon 2025.
A TCS New York City Marathon 2018 alum, I was convinced to register for I believe this AIMS certification would mean delivering an event according to international standards. In fact, your very successful welcome dinner (soonest... a separate entry) on April 18 whetted my curiosity more about the execution of the marathon.
Second, you did not disappoint from the time I sent private queries to your Messenger account. I was attended to swiftly and patiently.
Third, the race kit was like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates which contained surprise items. Likewise, it was visually appealing that's why I strutted the streets of Malaybalay City with it. *smiles*
Fourth, you impressed me with your communication of race day logistics especially the early posting of the race routes! With the help of Google Map, I was given a peek of Malaybalay roads and trained more.
Fifth, you made sure to have strategically located hydration stations with a variety of food provisions. Personally I just wished to have something hot, Bukidnon coffee or rice porridge, to counteract my shivering that morning. Furthermore, you deployed proactive race marshals, helpful traffic personnel and medical support.
Sixth, you had uber-animated cheerers who shouted words of encouragement for us when we exited Kaamulan Park and along our way.
Seventh, I again experienced being photographed in my best and even worst mien because you positioned professional and patient lensmen especially at the finish line.
Eighth, the finisher medal and the shirt were both stunning beauties in actual! They have to be flexed.
Tenth, you emailed us a feedback form four days later. Obviously, you are aware that post-event evaluation is a critical component of successful event management. Bravo!
In every endeavor though, there were things that would happen beyond our control despite meticulous preparations. But what is important is to acknowledge these flaws, minor or major they may be, and be open to improving them. You see, it is in embracing our imperfections that we achieve personal growth.
First in my list is the consistency of proper lighting along the run route. I did notice stationary vehicles with their blinking lights on, but still it wasn't enough to brighten up the dark portions.
Third is the missing porta pottys along the 9-km distance. Under the published Code of Conduct, the participants' use of public or portalet was mentioned. The organizers stipulated that violation of this rule is subject to legal action. Surprisingly, access to public toilets wasn't readily available. Gas stations cordoned off their establishments, thus use of their toilets was denied. I was grateful to that Caltex staff who accommodated me, but I didn't get the same from another gas station prior. Now, I couldn't blame one male runner who answered the call of nature at the side of the road. And I think he wasn't the only one.
Fourth is running out of cups in two hydration stations even though this is no big deal for me since I could drink straight from the pitcher to address my thirst. And yes, I did it! However, this may not be okay to other runners.
Fifth is the absence of marshals and medical personnel as runners near the finish line. The fact that there were back of the pack runners, myself included, could indicate that something might have happened that derailed the run or worse, something might occur while pushing ourselves to cross the finish line. Frankly, leaving one's post before the last entrant had completed the run is a practice in many long-distance running races that must be changed.
Sixth is the distribution of the correct finisher shirt size. Well, this has been a perennial problem in running events wherein runners would change the size of their finisher shirt on the spot. Talagang may mga pasaway. Huhuhuhu...Maybe stricter but systematic shirt claiming guideline must be implemented.
2 comments:
Congratulations mam Mau from Marlene 👋 from Bukidnon with love 🫶
Hi, Marlene! Thank you and congratulations as well! We conquered BKM2025. Sending love back to you beautiful people of Bukidnon.
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