What I learned in completing my Run United 2014 21K trilogy

 

DONE.

Early today, I completed my Run United Trilogy of 21k races at Mall of Asia in Pasay City. I considered the feat as a huge accomplishment in my amateur running career. As they say,  "Finish, finish lang."

The blue medal you can see in the photo above was the first of the three medals I collected in completing in the trilogy. The red medal was the second and this morning I received the white medal.

Now I am thinking that next year maybe I can do the 21-32-42 trilogy. I have yet to put my mind into it but finishing a full marathon is in my bucket list for awhile now. Maybe next year I can finally accomplish it. Maybe

My QCIM runs

I always enjoy running in the Quezon City International
Marathon. Two years ago , I ran my first half marathon during
the second staging of the now yearly event.

This is the newest among my bib collections, sadly I could not find my other Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM) bib.

I ran the 10k this time after running the half-marathon race two years ago.

There are two reasons why I participate in the QCIM. First, I want to support the marathon organized by the city where I am living right now.

Second is the fact that it is only during this event that runners  are able to navigate Commonwealth Avenue, considered as one of the widest but highly dangerous streets in the country.

My Mizuno Infinity Run

After my first trail run in the TNF 100 held inside the former US military airbase in Clark, Pampanga, I participated in the Mizuno Infinity Run 2009.

Since I was new to running then, I had difficulty in pacing myself. I was already tired and gasping for air when I reached the midway mark of the race.

I was literally walking when I reached the finish line.

But since my goal was to finish the race, I was happy that I was able to accomplish that.

Now, I know better. Experience taught me to pace myself in order to preserve my energy.

Experts said that rookie runners can opt for a 3-2-3 or three minute run, two minute recovery and three minute run in order to learn how pacing works.

What is your strategy in pacing yourselves in races? How did you learn to preserve your energy?