HyperSports Get Fit Run 2012

July 8, 2012
Accomplices: John Paul Lipardo, Jobert Dela Victoria, Victor Cruz, Tiffany Evangelista, Angel Evangelista, Jonah May Trapal, Jose Ramizares, Jayson Agustin, Jennifer Bayani, Catherine Mariano, Ynny Cee, Supladong Irish Runner, Catherine Manuel, Wheng Ison and many other running community groups and icons :)
Venue: Quirino Grandstand

1st big event organized by HyperSports Philippines Inc., the support from the running community is overwhelming. Runners from different groups all came in and acted as if we are one. The atmosphere was very lively and good vibes are felt all over the activity area.

Me and running buddy John Paul came in past 4:00am, greeted familiar faces, got everything ready for the race when we bumped in with Running Atom himself. It was nice to finally meet him in person (he even took a picture of us) and had a short chat.

Here is a picture of me with one of the ambassadors of Diadora also known as Diadora Philippines Running Team and the picture he himself took with me and running buddy John Paul Lipardo:

Photo taken from Running Atom via Diadora Philippines Running Team

A few moments later it was some sort of a "reunion" of for the attendees of weekly trainings at Philsports Arena (formerly known as ULTRA) which I was a part of and thus named as HyperSports Reserved Energy B&G. Short talks but mostly photo-ops. It was nice to actually start the race with your training buddies. Here are some photos of the so-called "reunion" while we are waiting for the opening remarks and warm-up activities:

Photo taken from Yongsky via Running Photographer's

Photo taken from Yongsky via Running Photographer's

Photo taken from IronBaby

Photo taken from IronBaby

After some photo-ops, a few introduction by our hosts The Running Host, Boy Ramos and Coach Edward Kho, its warm-up time. Not to be outdone, the Cherifer mascot also joined the 21k participant warm-up. Some pictures of the warm-up.

Photo taken from Sigue Correr! Runners

Photo taken from Wheng Ison

 Photo taken from Pinoy Fitness

Photo taken from Pinoy Fitness

Photo taken from Pinoy Fitness

Photo taken from Justin G. via Running Photographer's

Then it was all concrete against rubber. Similar to Run United 2 2012, I didn't take much photos as I was only focused on finishing the race as fast as I can. With the help of an android application I based my distance (the route was lacking in kilometer markers) on the five minute report interval on the distance covered and time spent. After completing the route at SM Mall of Asia, we had to do another U-turn at Buendia Flyover, I was certain that there were a few more runners that I was ahead of and was surprised that only some was behind when I took my last U-trun at EDSA Extension. Anyway, some claims of cheating the route because some did not cross Buendia Flyover did not matter, my main goal is to finish the course no matter what (a few hours before the race, my left knee is really not feeling like running 21k).

I was fortunate enough to finish this race, by 8am, the sun was really scorching the road and is draining my energy, hydration was scarce on the last 5 kilometers and I had to make do with what I have left. As a member of the  HyperSports Reserved Energy B&G, I had to gather what is left in me in order to finish. With the sight of crossing the finish line and receiving my medal, I rallied onto the last 3 kilometers of the route and was lucky to have a photo taken on the last 1.5 kilometers. As you can see here, I was the lone participant at the vicinity when the picture was taken.

Photo taken from Running Photographers

On to the last stages of the course, I did a run-jog-walk method until the finish line and making a final attempt to stride on the last 40 meters. By the finish line are the friends eagerly waiting my arrival to provide support and cheer me. I felt that I was the luckiest runner that time. The finisher medal being hung around your neck and friends who wanted to immortalize this memorable event in my life by taking a picture of me at the finish line. Here are some pictures of me before crossing the finish line and after receiving my medal. I appreciate the team waiting for me.

Photo taken by Joseph Sibal

Photo taken by Joseph Sibal

Photo taken by Yani-Si

Photo taken by Yani-Si

Photo taken by Jobert Dela Victoria

Photo taken by Joseph Sibal

After that, it was another short photo-op for the members of the  HyperSports Reserved Energy B&G, with our running coaches and the Running Host, Sir Boy Ramos (it's nice to finally meet and greet you). By the way, good job on hosting the event, you truly are a certified HyperHost.

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Here :)

Photo taken from Here :)

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Yani-Si

After all this, it's breakfast time at Chowking! We headed to the nearest one and ate our breakfast, of course not with a few more snapshots to immortalize this rare opportunity to eat together as one happy group. We join similar fun runs but not do we have this kind of opportunity to actually have a meal together. It was perfect!

Photo taken from Runtek

Photo taken from Jonah May Trapal

Photo taken from Jonah May Trapal

Photo taken from Jonah May Trapal

As I always say in my previous entries, "It's not the food, it's the bonding." Nice to see some more runners dining in at Chowking with us. The environment was so lively, as if most of us did not run 21 kilometers. Smiles all around, it's refreshing!

Until next race HyperPeeps :)

Thank you so much to all my running friends who took pictures of me while I am about to cross the finish line and received my medal. Mabuhay po kayo!