Paul James G. Zafico, 2nd placer in the Cebu City Marathon 2014 - 42K men's local division, shares how the race has taught him to never give up.
This event has always been a mission for me. It frustrated me more and more everytime I failed in getting a podium finish or a personal record. But eventually those failures have given me a very important lesson. The lesson is "Never Give Up". Every race always has new challenges to offer but it's always that fact that comes to light. Before the race even started I was thinking of canceling due to the bad weather. But this is the 1st time that CCM is accredited by AIMS/IAAF.
The Race
This was going to be a bed weather marathon with a low pressure covering the entire area of Cebu. Its always been a fear of mine to run on wet shoes but it was a good thing that it didn't rain too hard during the race. As the race was about to start, I took some time to notice the competitors of the race. Their were more than 10 Kenyans but my worry would have to turn to the local/pinoy elites since we have a separate top 3 price. Was looking for Noel Tillor, the one runner that I have yet to beat.
The lead pack was really fast. I was wearing my garmin but one of my strategies was not to be concern about the time and run by feel. They must have been running close to a 3 minute per km pace. My goal was to maintain a 3:51 minute per km pace which is 1 hour 21 minutes on the 1st half (21km).
I've learned from my previous marathons that I should be patient. The technique is to apply that surging speed at the right portion of the race (about the last 10km). But the 2nd and 3rd pinoy was more than 1km ahead, that in my mind, I've accepted 4th place. Although, I was sure that I was on target for a new PR.
I've also mastered to drink a total of less than 8 once of water in the entire race. I only drank water to flush the 2 power gels that I took before the race and at the 20km mark. Meanwhile, getting close back to the tunnel. The part of the race that I feared the most. It's been the segment of the race where I get cramps. But I faced it anyways! I have no choice but to keep on going. This was the part of the race when I was smiling in pain. But I've gone to far to give up now. And just as I was about to exit the tunnel, the premise of getting cramps disappeared from my mind. It was when I saw the runner that was pacing Jobert, who was clearly become significantly weak and slow. It was a boost of moral for me to be definite that I've secured 3rd place. My mindset was changed to a whole new light!
I maintain my pace to have energy left for anyone who might be chasing me. This was also the 1st time that I wore iPod during a marathon. With Dubstep as my music, It kept my energy levels high and diverted my attention from the pain. So while the music was pumping, I was focused more than ever at the final 5km. And as I was about to reach the Fuente circle, I saw someone almost hidden in front of the running 21km runners. It was Jobert Carolino. I almost could not believe it. This guy is far better runner than me in 5, 10 and 21km. It was his 1st marathon as a competitor. At least, I got that fact correctly. And I knew as an experience marathoner that he has very fast sprinting speed. I've got to create a gap. I knew then that might once in a lifetime chance to beat this guy. The countdown by the distance was getting close. I tried hard but I could stop myself from constantly turning my head to see if Jobert was running close.
My 3:51 minute per km pace slowed down to 4:31. It felt like I was crawling my way up towards Lahug barangay hall. The climb was painful. My last mindset was sprint that last 1km downhill from JY to IT Park. Although it was only 4:10 pace. The best thing I could do. And in the last 200 meters, I kept closing my eyes while I was in pain.
It took 4 failed attempts since January 2010. I've made a lot of mistakes but I learned from them. All the negative thoughts faded and disappeared as soon as I focused on the job at hand. Just keep on going and everything will be fine. Mother Theresa said "Do small things with great love". I just had to break down the distance and focus on each kilometer. That was what brought me to the finish line. Wasn't surprised that I almost cried when I thought no one was looking. I finished with 2 hours 47 minutes and 50 seconds. I couldn't beat Tillor but I was able to beat Jobert. I'm happy for this result.
But in the end I still have the same questions that I've had since before. Could I be faster than that? Did I give everything that I could? Was I too afraid to push beyond my limits? Nothing could prepare for the event except for giving it entirely to training. As the Kenyans say "Train Hard, Win Easy."