(Photo: angkulet.com)
Outbreak BGC, held at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
Date: July 28, 2012
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This is not my first time to chip in a running event (I joined the Manila Bay Cleanup Run 2012 last July 15), but I’m a real newbie to this “zombie apocalypse” run thing. And what does a newbie has to say about it?
Simple: mind-blowing, super exhausting, very unique, intense, and a total killer.
Just a little info about this zombie run: Outbreak Manila was inspired by “Run For Your Lives” and its first ever race was held last April 14 at Nuvali, Laguna. (I was there but wasn’t able to participate) Now, following the colossal success of the first leg, the brains behind Outbreak made the 2nd one a “night run” and took the suspense and adventure at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. And oh, they have this famous tagline that says, “Don’t think, just run.” 
(With my running buddies (Gala mag friends) Cindy and Ate Airiz ;>)
Basically, this was my first time to experience being chased by hordes of flag-stealing (not flesh-eating) zombies, and I really enjoyed it! 
Though I nearly gave up after just a kilometer (the route was 5K) because of leg soreness, blurry eyeglass vision, lack of oxygen, and the heavy rain (yes it rained moments after our wave’s gun start!), I still found the event very amusing. Yes, I was so nervous at first, but then I started to enjoy it, like I’m really part of an actual zombie apocalypse.
(My get-up: a comfy sleepwear, complete with a pillow and some unattended rollers on my hair. Hahaha!)
Okay, so now based on my experience (yes!), I will share some important tips to beat the outbreak.
Survival of the FITTEST: In order to emerge victorious at the end of the race, you must have a healthy heart and strong muscles to back you up. In short, you need some cardio exercises, man! When you’re fit, you’re sort of immune to long runs and heavy breathings, so your chances of survival will automatically increase. I’ve had my share of oxygen shortage because I don’t do my aerobics session every day, but I noticed that I can actually run farther without having to stop to catch my breath. So get your body moving and your heart pumping– it’ll do you good.
Survival of the FASTEST: Of course, if you’re aware that a bunch of zombies are already running after you, what would you do? Run fast… faster… and, yeah, fastest (lol). To get past the creepy zombies, you must run like the wind, because if you’ll just walk and goof around, these after-life creatures will devour on your brai– oops– flags. These flags are important in Outbreak Manila because it signifies your life– when you run out of flags, you’ll be pronounced “dead” and you won’t have any bragging rights anymore (haha!). And really, if there will be a true zombie invasion, would you just walk past them? NO. Value your “life” and run for it.
Survival of the SNEAKIEST: Yes, this is so true (hihi). This is just a mock zombie apocalypse, so the “zombies” won’t really hurt you (physical violence is not allowed in Outbreak Manila). In that case, you can find a way to sneak past them just so they won’t get your flags. How? It’s up to you. Runners are unintentionally advised to think fast and be wise, so I really don’t know about your sneaky plans. But to tell you the truth, I’ve had my share of effective tricks to beat the zombies. I’m not going to tell you (secret!), but they’re really foolproof, because even though I’m actually within reach, they didn’t get my flags. Yeap, I can be that sneaky!
(Me and the Gala team before reaching the finish line… wet look! Photo: Outbreak Manila)
(Wet and tired after the 5K run!)
To sum this whole thing up, I emerged with ONE flag (haha, so much for the tips lol) and the bragging right to say that I really survived the outbreak. Cool enough? Yes. But add the awesome freebies and the experience itself and you can actually say “super mega cool!”
To top it all off, I will never forget this running event. The experience was just so amazing that I’m planning to join the 3rd leg– as a zombie. So freakin’ radical!
(Cool “I Came. I Ran. I Survived.” shirt ;>)
Special thanks to the Gala Magazine team for providing me my race kit and for being my official buddies during the race. It was really nice to see all of you again.
To know more about Outbreak Manila, click here and here.
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Etcetera 