Going to race another 15k, Corrida 1º de Maio. This time with a not so easy second half. It will be somewhat like a reverse path compared with the former Corrida do Metro.

Expectations: Decrease in two minutes my time, which means ending the race in a 1h18min time.

Looking forward to it!

First race I did with a team, running integrated with them. It was a really enjoyable experience. I managed to race the 15k race in a 1h19min53secs mark. Acceptable for my physical form. The race itself was easy, since I only had to do some effort management at the beginning (first 5 kilometres. The second half of the race was a “all way down” thing, in very familiar sites (Lisbon centre). Long distance running is becoming a natural thing in myself, now. After almost a year running 10k to half-marathons, I am pleased to see that I’m at ease in this distance range.

Marathon will be the next logical stage, but with supported workouts, consistent training schedule and above all, realistic mental preparation.

As the team blog is fairly active, I might slow down my individual post here, at least those concerned with races and events and start to do more recent updates there (portuguese only).

Found a good reference calendar of races and events in Portugal.

You can check it out here.

I’ll get a way to put these informations better organized in the blog, namely by using a plug-in or table manager. Not easy to find one good and practical, thought.

I fully accomplished my workout schedule for this week and I’m feeling completely ready for the race. Just a few stretching exercises tomorrow and off I go on Sunday!

The day started early, Woke up at 7:15 a.m., took a reinforced breakfast and off we went to Oeiras. We left the car there and got to the starting point (Algés) by train – participants in the race could travel for free – a nice attention from the organization.

The race started at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Since I was in the last group of participants (those with no official mark or with more than 48min. per 10km), we only started effectively 4 minutes later.

The first two kilometers where dedicated to pass slow runners (or fast walkers as I call them), so I could only get into my normal pace at 3 km.

The race itself was pleasant to do, with only three moderate climbs, especially the last one at 8 km, with a slight inclination but lengthy. The last kilometer was a breeze, and I even managed to accelerate as I arrived to the finish line.

I decided not to take the Nike+ kit nor the iPod, in order to get a full impression of the race and its ambience, since it’s my first participation in this kind of event. Despite being now officially addicted to run with the Nike+ kit, I’ve managed to control my pace smoothly.

8.500 people participated in the race, only 7.165 classified (view race’s classifications here).

Winners:

• Men – Rui Silva (Portugal) 29:04
• Women – Vanessa Fernandes (Portugal) 33:29

Top marks for the organization of Corrida do Tejo 2007! Hope to do it next year!

Corrida do Tejo 2007 official t-shirt


My time: 54:14


Corrida do Tejo 2007 participation medal