I had not planned on running the RUNRIO TRILOGY LEG 3 but BF, Paolo Carvajal, was so “makulit”…
so this time, I decided to just go with the flow...
The race started at the OKADA Hotel with a 4:45 gun start. Before getting there, we took the service shuttle from MOA just like ordinary folks to the race venue. The bus ride was actually fun which made us feel like grade schoolers going on a field trip. We got to the venue an hour early and bumped into a few friends... a runner for the national team, a lawyer, and her running brother and found ourselves comfortably chitchatting and laughing away while waiting. Because our little group was having such a great time, we somewhat decided to pace each other and stick together during the entire route even if our personal speed and distance specialty differed. When the “horn" gun was fired, we were off, running and enjoying ourselves. The clowning around and exchange of banters continued during the race which threw off our pace a bit but it was clear that everyone was in on just having a good time. As for me, though I've lost some speed because of a lingering knee injury, I experienced no pain.. I had a better attitude and was just glad to run. Because the "group" kept in pace, we more or less finished together with only a few minutes apart. I must say that 10k can go by like a breeze when you're having fun.
They say the best things in life are the unplanned and what started out as just another race turned out to be a happy excursion. Sometimes it's good to just go with the flow, put on a healthy attitude, have fun and just let life happen.
P.S. Due to security reasons, the identity of runners in this group cannot be mentioned and shall remain anonymous... 😜
Me, Mervin Guarte - National Team for 800 and 1500 meters. and Paolo C.
Rick and Daughter
