It was only June this year that I have joined an official Running event. I started first with a 5KM run and I've thought of training more to improve my performance on this distance. Fresh from the run, I immediately searched and registered for my event and aimed to join one monthly. I thought running events were a great way to roam around the city with the different routes and also I do need new sets of shirts to use as each event comes with one.

Unfortunately, monsoon season came such that my next 5k run got cancelled due to strong rains-- twice! Nevertheless, I was still able to continue my running journey, special thanks to the Cubao Run Club. Being member of a club helped a lot as I can't imagine taking this as a hobby alone. I learned a lot and get inspiration from the other members.

After running several 5Ks, I thought of trying 10k next on my birth month. I chose the PCSO Charity Run given the route is in Ayala, Makati. This is a main financial district where my office is also located. I only had one practice 10km run before this event.

PCSO Charity Run

Call time was 3:30am on a Sunday, and gun start was 4:30am for 10KM runners like me. This is also my first time running alone in an event. I wish I had a companion with me, but it's ok since I'm in familiar territory.

PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) is on its 2nd year in hosting this event. There were several organizations who were on site as they were the beneficiaries of the proceeds of this charity event.

Below is the route of the 10KM run. I wanted to join this event to experience the areas where it's normally closed to vehicle traffic. While it's normal for Ayala Avenue to be closed on Sundays for Pedestrians, it was a great experience running through Buendia as well. The route going to and from the Kalayaan flyover is the hardest due to elevation, while Buendia is endured given it's the longest in the route.

Finally, my very first 10KM Medal!!!!

It was awesome. Felt very proud of myself that finally, I can say I have run some 10Ks. My average pace was even better than my first 5k run.

The Loot

Running events have different sponsors which usually give out some giveaways.

Next Run

I still have the rescheduled 5KM Charity Run; however, the new schedule is on February next year. I'm trying to check if there would be interesting events in between before that; hopefully something November or December. I may have a dilemma when choosing whether 5k or 10k. At some point, I've been asking myself as well, could I try 16KM (10-Miler) next? We'll see about that.