After two years in the African bush, a stint in Albuquerque, then uber-healthy Denver, followed by a quasi-urban experience in SW Washington, DC, we have spent the last year in a mega Asian city. According to this article, Manila is the most densely populated city in the world. It is palpable. Every inch of the city is covered with people, buildings, cars, pedicabs, bicycles, motorcycles. It is literally stifling at times. As you can imagine, exercising involves some creativity and flexibility. Lots of miles on the treadmill, many hours in the yoga studio, and some early mornings in the private suburban neighborhoods pounding the pavement.
Some dedicate colleagues suggested we join them in this year's Men's Health Urbanathalon. To say I am hesitant to join a race in Manila is an understatement Remember I mentioned the crowds? Well, with that come some serious pollution. Not everywhere, and not all the time, but when it's bad you can't see high-rise buildings two blocks over (don't worry, we have air filters running 24/7 in the house). Momentarily caught up in the excitement, I signed The Shark and I up.
One other thing, beyond the crowds and pollution, it is oh so hot in Manila. So, the race started at 5am. The first hour was pretty glorious being that it was dark. The second hour was a little rougher when the sun came out and the traffic picked up. Good morning smoke belching jeepneys! The race organizers squeezed in 14 drink tables in the 21KM route, including wet sponges. Tip: soaking your head in cold water feels really good.
2 hours and 12 minutes. Not bad considering we had to wait about 10 minutes for our turn to scale the wall. Check out the Men's Health Facebook page for more details on the race. See you next year?
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| Slippery monkey bars in the dark |
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| Yellow hand...poor blood circulation or spilled gatorade? |
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| Military hurdles. I had a small team assisting me on these (not pictured). |
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| Don't worry, strong men are waiting on the other side to catch you. |
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| That's me with the blue face. Taking names. |
Interested in running in the Philippines? Check out these websites for race opportunities:
http://www.takbo.ph/
http://www.pinoyfitness.com/
4 comments:
Yellow hand ... gatorade or ______?? right... This race looks amazing. I can't wait to plan our trip out there!
you guys are awesome atheletes! Rachie, you will love the Philipines! Love, Mom
I can't wait for your visit either - there are so many awesome things to do. Maybe a canoe ride through the natural underground river?
Thanks! The obstacles definitely kept me interested. And those monkey bars made my shoulders sore for days.
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