The Green Cursor

El Nino is on the loose.  The Nature Valley Run was right on its heels.  The throng of runners, who heeded the call for this event generated more heat than anyone could ever wished for.   The barker announced that a total of 11,200 registered for the event, although the results showed a tally of only 9,031.

I was really worried about the heat, as this can precipitate an attack of cramps.  I was getting paranoid so to speak.  I did not want to suffer a third attack.  I did not feel good about my chances of getting a PR for this race.  My knees hurt during training.  I have to listen well for body signals, lest I want to reach the finish line in an ambulance.

When I entered the starting corral, I noticed several bouncers in black.  It seems that these guys are fast becoming permanent fixtures in races.  Are they getting paid more than the usual marshals? 

The 21k race started promptly at 5:10 a.m.  Soon after, I was already perspiring profusely.  The sweltering heat was taking its effects fast.  I felt my legs becoming rather heavy.  Surprisingly, at the half-kilometer mark, there was already a water station – a long table with an ample supply of electrolyte drinks.  The organizers really anticipated the runner’s extra need for hydration given the unusual heat brought about by El Nino.  I always carry though my own hydration bottle, which I usually drink after the first 10k.  But this time, it was different.  I had to take sips after each kilometer.

The kilometer markers were present, and they tallied well with my Garmin readings.  

The first 10k seemed an eternity.  I felt pain in my knees.  My legs were tiring.  The heat was all too real and becoming to be unbearable. 

At 16k, I started listening for signals of cramps.  Luckily, there were none disturbing.  My hydration bottle was now empty.  I had to make stops at each water station.  I was like a castaway stranded on a deserted island yearning for a drop of that precious, refreshing liquid.  But I had to drink only water, as my stomach could not tolerate the isotonic drinks they were serving.  I was afraid I might get stomach cramps. 

The last two kilometers were the hardest.  I seemed to be motionless.  I was like running on ice.  When the finish line came to view, I let out a final grunt and sprinted to the finish in 2:19:57.  Not a good time.  The only consolation I got was that I did not suffer any cramps.  Good enough to boost my confidence for the third and last leg of the RunRio Trilogy.  A daunting, difficult task.  I have never run a 32k yet.  Nonetheless, I still can grin.  By that time, El Nino won’t be around to cheer me anymore.