Long Run at Nuvali

Part of the marathon training is having the 30kms long run, so last saturday, June 25, the TBR dream marathon organizers organized the 3hr and 30mins long run. 

The long run is held at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna where the actual marathon will be held. Me and my office group friends joined this, so that we can actually try the Nuvali landscape and see what we're about to face on the day of our marathon. 

Me and the Manlosa couple before the run. Yes, I look fresh and I am cold! I wore this jacket all the way through - best decision ever. 

The group run is divided into different groups, depending on the pace they want to do on the day of marathon. There are 4:1, 3:1 (fast), 3:1(slow), 2:1 (fast), 2:1(slow) paces (4:1 means 4mins run and 1min walk). 

I tried first the 4:1 pace, which was quite ambitious on my part because I could not run the fast pace it is 6:30/km at least. Since, I could not keep up, I opted to be left behind. I walked then caught up with the 3:1 (fast group) and they are a bunch of really fast people. I could not keep up again, until I got lost and isolated in the middle of Nuvali. Until the group of 3:1 (slow) caught up with me, I realized that this should be the group I went with in the first place. I was planning to join this group when they were already doing the grouping, I should've listened to my guts. 

My alone moment time where I thought - "Where is everybody?" 

I guess one of the things I realized here is that it's hard for me to keep up with a herd of people and to stick to my own decisions. When I was left alone, these are the things I thought of, I shouldn't have listened to my colleague, I knew he will just leave me behind when I could no longer keep up. Good thing I always know how to be alone and it is not something I am afraid of.

Enjoying the sunrise view at Nuvali

When I could no longer keep up with the 3:1 (slow) group, I walked. I think I only have 3kms left to cover. I was coughing (which was my handicap on this day due to - as indicated by the doctor later during the day - pharyngitis) all the way through.

I could no longer feel the long distance, I wasn't thinking of when it's going to end, it is not something I do not enjoyed doing. I just love it that I could not speed up so that I can enjoy the view and the wind and all. I also cut off my mp3 usage because I was enjoying the whole experience. 

I think with this pace, I can finish this at 7hrs or less, which is okay I think. I wish I can do better but there'll be other marathons. I want this first one to be enjoyable as possible. :) 

So this long run is an experience to remember, this gave me the first taste of my long run, and also how will my first marathon will be. A good "alone" experience, I learned to talk to strangers and enjoy my own company and enjoyed the good Nuvali view. 

Can I say I am ready for my first marathon, a hundred percent yes for that. But, I won't be as fast though. But it is okay. Goal is to finish this first. :) 

Me and a couple of batchmates after the long run. Thanks to Faye for the pictures. 

But of course, time for some pampering for my tired feet. I do not like the salon though, will not return there eveeer.