One La Salle Run

This is mostly ranting, so reader beware.



The La Salle Run was held last Sunday at The Fort. The runners was estimated to be over 5000 strong, so it's by far the biggest run event I participated in for this year. As with other run events, there was Fiesta atmosphere at the area. Everyone happy and

Now, I have to tell you, a week prior to the event, I only had one run all throughout. I also had to go to two Olympic Village store to find a registration form (16K was sold out at the first store, and almost missed the last one at second store, that's how popular races are becoming). A few days before the event, I had a slight fever so my body's aching all over and my knees felt like jelly. And the weather was just sporadic the whole week, sunny half the day, rainy the other half. So all told, it kinda took away my enthusiasm and I wasn't as gung-ho or fervent to run last Sunday.

But like a real trooper, come race day I was there, pump and ready for action. Then right before the announcer can say "ready-get-set-go", it drizzled and pour. Hai, yai yay. But still, off I run. But the mood is now more downbeat, less spirited and none of the usual rah-rah of my previous runs.

The race organization for me was fine. Of course, some of the event details could be improved on like putting more marshall but since I was running in the middle of the pack, it wasn't a biggie for me, I just followed the runners ahead. This is my 4th race of the year, so expectation is something I've learned to tone-down.

Perhaps, the two real bummers for me was taking shelter during the downpour not so much because of the rain but because I was thinking of my running shoes and how I'll ruined it in this rain (already thrashed a good pair in my last MensHealth trail run, hate to see another one get wasted) Thinking of it now, that was just so lame :-( Then I also had to walk for quite a stretch. I wasn't prepared for the race and felt it early in the race.

By my watch, I clocked 1:43:23 for the 16K.

Also, suggestion to organizers/sponsors: Perhaps it might be better to give runner a small cup at the water station. Giving bottled water might seem generous and convenient but seeing runners throw bottled water still half-full after only a few drinks is just a waste.


Here's my obligatory pose at the Start/Finish line (the after-race-wet-look :-)) May not have enjoyed the greater part of the race but still felt like a He-man crossing the Finish line.

Next run - Milo Elimination (21K)

Trivia: Did you know that most security guards at The Fort (or those not on duty during races) participate in the run events?