The year that was 2011

Everyone loves to summarize how they spent their year during its last day. As I close my 2011, let me give you a glimpse of how my year was...

2011 was an awesome year of running. 2300+ km of mileage, 4 FM, 8 Ultras (3 ultra trails), a few half marathons and a bunch of training runs made this year very memorable. I also experienced the pain of being injured and sidelined for almost 3 months, a situation that I really hate as I felt the pain from an inflammed ITB. I was able to do a race within Visayas and Mindanao plus a short race in Australia. To cap it all off, I got my very first podium finish in a challenging trail half-mary before the year end! It was an exciting year as I had a chance to meet new friends and strengthen a bond with my existing running buddies. :)

2011 gave me the biggest heartbreaks and sorrows as it was the year that my remaining grandparents died. My lola Bacion and Ama died while I was away in a business trip. It was so painful because I was not here during the time of mourning and they were brought to their graves. It took me some time to accept it but I guess two deaths in a family was really difficult. I'm hoping and praying that wherever they are right now, they are finally resting in peace :(

Work-wise was quite good as well. Bigger responsibilities and goals were attained this year. Biggest goal was something I waited for and worked hard for the past 8 years which finally materialized :). Though the sad thing was I had a few who left my team :(. I'm not used to high numbers but I guess I learned how to handle the situation. I was also assigned for almost 2 months in another country where I gained X number of pounds when I got back here. It took me time to get back in shape as I love the food there!

I guess that was my year 2011. It's a colorful year where I learned a lot of things and experienced both the worst and best stuffs in life. God planned it that way and I'm thankful to Him for guiding me thru the year.

Looking forward to a great 2012. I had set a few goals for the new year already and hope that they will all materialize (BIG plans!!!)

Happy New Year everyone!!!


 

CDO-Kadahilayan 55K Ultra Trail Marathon

I swore that I missed doing ultras when I left for Australia. I failed to join my supposedly come back ultra in Cebu because I have to catch up a flight for my business trip. Ang hirap talagang maging k!!!

Kaya naisipan kong salihan ang pinakamalapit na Ultramarathon pagbalik ko ng Pinas. At boom! Swak ang CDO-Dahilayan Ultra ni boss Francis (BDM batchmate) sa aking hinahanap. First day pa lang ng registration  bago ako tumulak papuntang Australia, nagparegister na ko. Pati flight ko, pinaayos ko na rin! Ganyan ako ka-excited!

PRE-RACE

It was my first trip to CDO. I really don't know what to expect there except that we stayed in the city proper. I had reserved that place a week before the race (talk about cramming) with Ambo and Blas, my fellow UNGAS-es.

At dumating ang araw ng paglipad. Ang aga ng flight namin papuntang CDO. Buti na lang at sanay ng gumising ng maaga kaya walang problema ang aking trip patungong airport. Pag check-in, derecho na ko sa gate para sa aking flight. Check ng email at laro ng kaunti habang nag-aabang, mukhang madami nga ang pupuntang CDO.

Lilipad na nga lang ng may kalokohan pang nangyari sa akin. Muntik na kong mawalan ng wallet!!! As in, namutla, nanlumo, nagmura, nagmukhang-tangang hinanap ang wallet ko sa kung saan-saan. Paksyet, paano na ako mabubuhay sa CDO kung wala kong wallet?! :((. Buti na lang at may magandang loob na nagsauli ng wallet ko pagtapos ng ilang sandali. Nahulog pala dun sa kinaupuan ko kanina. Laking pasasalamat at nawala din ang kaba, sumakay na kami ni Blas sa aming eroplano.

Paglapag ng CDO, unang napansin ko ang aming tatahaking daan. Amp, puro ahon at burol!!! Kaya pala ang lakas ng mga taga-dito dahil sa kanilang lugar ng ensayo! Ito pala ang sikreto nina Francis sa kaniyang malupit na oras sa BDM 102.

Pinili naming mag-jeep ni Blas papuntang siyudad pagkat mas mura at tipid. Buti na lang at madalas si Blas dito noon kaya alam na niya ang mga pasikot-sikot. Nag-2 sakay pa kami kasi hindi dumerecho ang jeep papuntang bayan. Mga 10 na ata nung marating namin ang aming tutuluyan.

Pagkakuha ng aming racebib, agad akong nagpahinga at bumawi ng tulog. Gabi pa ang dating ni Ambowt kaya pagkagising, sinubukan kong lumibot ng kaunti. Malapit lang ang starting line namin bukas mula sa aming tinuluyan. Kayang-kayang lakarin!

Nung gabi, nagcarboload ng isang bandehadong pansit at kaunting sinuglaw (must-try pag nagawi kayo dun! kinilaw na isda na may liempo) bago naghanap ng supplies kinabukasan. Balik na sa tinutuluyan at pahinga dahil mahaba-haba pa ang tatahakin bukas!

RACE DAY

Nagising ng maaga, nagbihis at dumerecho papuntang finish line. Matagal-tagal din akong walang mahabang takbo at sa bigat ng aking katawan, di talaga ko umaasa na kakaripas sa takbuhang ito. Isa pa, ito ang aking paghahanda para sa nalalapit na Milo elims sa katapusan ng buwan pati bubunuin ko naman ang Fort Magsaysay Ultra sa susunod na Linggo. In-short, bawal mag-adik at dapat i-enjoy lang ang ruta ng karera.

Pagdating sa starting line, sinalubong kami ng ilang adik at mga mananakbong mula sa iba't-ibang bahagi ng bansa. Andun ang Ungo na galing Cebu, ang mga taga-Iligan na malulupit, CB at syempre ang IlabBoring. Nandun din si Berns at Irene na i-pace ni Mr. Pogi 1996 Bong Bernardez. Matapos ang maikling programa at pagpapakuha ng litrato, pinutok ang baril bilang hudyat ng simula...

Km 00 - 10

Sa sobrang excited, may isang bagay akong nakalimutan... STRETCHING!!! Dahil matagal ko na ring di nagagamit ang trail shoes ko, nanibago ang aking mga paa sa simula ng karera. Ambigat at masakit ang aking calves/shin pero buti na lang at medyo nasanay na rin kaya dahan-dahan nakabalik sa pacing. Ramdam na agad ang ahon sa simula pa lang pero kailangang medyo makapondo para di abutan ng sikat ng araw.

Naalala ko dun sa race guideline na madaming kakaibang ahon na aming dadaanan. Pwes, sa km 4 pa lang, isang malupit na ahon ang sumalubong sa amin!!! Amp, sobrang taas at steep ng ahon na hindi ko talaga kayang takbuhin! Kaya walkathon ang ginawa para makatipid ng lakas.

Parang walang katapusan ang ahon. Sumasakit na ang aking paa at likod dahil sa aking dala pero wala pa rin. Di kaya ng light jog, talagang lakad dahil na rin sa 5 kg. bag na suot ko sa likod. Tiis na lang at alam kong matatapos din ito. Kaya pagdating sa lugar na medyo patag, ayun pumondo na uli. Kapagod...

Km 11 - 20

Trail na ang aming dinadaanan. Mini ahon nung km 11 - 14 sa isang mabato at malubak na daan. Pilit kong tinataasan ang bilis pero naisip kong medyo malayo pa to kaya kailangan tipirin ang lakas. Pababa ang daan papuntang km 15 pero dahil malubak, ingat pa rin at baka matalisod. Naabutan ko si Ambowt sa checkpoint at naalala ko pa yung makulit na timekeeper na kumuha ng bib number ko. Amp, maingay!

Lakad ng kaunti sabay light jog ang ginawa. Ramdam ko na ang pagod dahil sa kulang sa ensayo at ahon na ginawa nung una. Buti na lang at andyan si ambowt para masabayan. Naabutan pa namin si Sir Raul ng ARC na support ni Michelle para sa race (una't-huling beses na nakita namin sa buong karera). Uminom ng kaunting tubig at kumain ng kaunting saging bago tumakbo uli.

Km 17 nung makarating kami sa isang barangay na namimigay ng mga higanteng saba! Ang mga sabang matitigas na parang tira-tira. Naisipan ko sanang magbaon kaso sa sobrang bigat ng dala ko, kumagat lang ako ng kaunti bago tinapon. Sayang kasi ok din yung baon. Dun ko rin naabutan si sir Francis na nag-abisong may mahirap na ahon na naman pagdating sa km 19. Oo nga...

&%*$(%!!! Ahon na naman!!! Mas malupit ang ahon na ito kasi: 1. Mabato at steep 2. Pabilog (di mo alam kung kailan matatapos). Masasabi naming steep ito kasi umiiyak ang makina ng motorsiklong dumaan sa amin. Dahil ayaw naming maubusan ng lakas, lakad-galore na naman kami ni Ambowt. Wala kaming magawa at ayaw namin masunog agad...

Km 21 - 30

Naabot namin ang dulo ng malupit na ahon pagsapit ng km 24. Nagsimula namang maging rolling hills ang daan (ahon-pababa-ahon) na mabato at malubak. Maganda ang pacing namin nung medyo pumatag at nakita pa namin ang long-lost twin sister(bro?) ni Simply_Carly. Sayang, di ko nakunan ng litrato pero sa malayo talagang aakalain mong si Carly sa get-up at running form.

Isa pang malaking ginhawa sa lugar na ito ay maganda ang simoy ng hangin dahil na rin sa mga puno. Di pa gaano mainit kasi mahangin. Dito kami unti-unting bumawi ni Ambowt, 5-2 galloway para hindi mapagod agad. Kaso ako'y minalas. Km. 27, umatake ang pulikat.

Syet, malas talaga. Di na ko makatakbo ng matino. Pero gusto kong tapusin ang karera. Kaya chillax lang, tuloy pa rin ang pagtakbo. Dito rin pala namin nadaanan ang unang pinyahan. Akala nga namin papunta na kaming Tagaytay :)).


KM 31-40

May nadaanan kaming isa pang barangay. Nakaka-4 na oras na kami sa takbuhan pero oks pa rin, medyo alalay kasi baka atakihin ng pulikat. Tuka ng isa pang Alaxan pangkontra sa sakit at baka umatake si ITBS. Dito inalok si Ambowt ng tubig sa kakaibang paraan. Napangisi na lang siya kasi may hitsura yung "nag-alok" sa kaniya :)).

Ito yung daan papuntang plantasyon ng Del Monte. May parte nito na umikot pa kami sa kanilang Bgy, Hall upang kumain ng pakwan at uminom ng tubig. Dito rin nagsimula ang sangkatutak na pinya sa aid station. Ibang klase talaga ang pinya sa Mindanao, kakaiba ang tamis!

May nasabayan din kaming isa pang Ultravirgin na lalahok sa Camsur. Pinatikman kami ng kakaibang suman (nakalimutan ko na ang pangalan, suman siyang may bao sa gitna). Ibang klase, tinanong ko nga kung saan nabibili. Sabi niya, inorder niya lang yun. Sayang, di tuloy ako nakapag-uwi (amp, food trip ang takbuhang ito)

Inabutan kami dito ni Papi Jonel at Jael na steady ang pacing. Pumipitik-pitik ang pulikat pero pilit na tinatakbo hanggang kaya. Kada aid station nagpapabuhos para di mainitan kaso talagang kakaiba ang ruta nito pagkat umabot kami sa pangatlong malupit na ahon na naman! Maikli pero steep na ahon, hindi siya ok para sa akin pagkat pinupulikat na talaga ko. Kaso iba talaga pag adik, kailangang takbuhin!

Km. 41 - 50

Nasa km 41 ang community ng mga empleyado ng Del Monte. Parang nasa ibang bansa ka lang o kaya UPLB pagkat maganda ang ammenities. May malaki silang parke kung saan may football/soccer field. Pero hindi yun ang pinunta namin. Nandun kami para tapusin ang karera.

Dito nagsimula ang tunay na kalbaryo. Ang tindi ng init ng araw ay nagsimula na. Ang daanan namin ay kaparangan na walang lilim, malubak, maalikabok at maraming dumadaang sasakyan. Ramdam ko na rin ang pulikat na umaakyat sa likod kaya di makabanat ng matino. Konting-tiis na lang sabi ko sa sarili ko. Si Ambowt ang talagang nag-push sa akin para tumakbo pa bagamat alam kong mahirap na.


Sangkatutak na pinya, tubig na nasa supot at kaunting yelo ang bumuhay sa amin. Pagdating sa km 47, iyon na marahil ang huling aid station papuntang finish line. Kaunting ahon pa at lubak matatapos din ang karera. Naalala ko pa nung umupo ako sandali para magpahinga pero nung maanigan kong may kasunod, agad akong bumangon para hwag matuhog :))


Limang kilometro pa at matatapos din kami!

Km 51-55

Sa wakas limang kilometro na lang! Yun ang nasa loob ko kaya dahan-dahan pumondo para sa finish line. Aabot kami ng sub-8! Basta babanatan namin ang huling 3 km. Ang ganda ng plano! As in!

Pagdating ng km 52, nagsimula na kaming pumondo uli. Takbo! Habulin ang target oras! Parang nawala ang pulikat sandali nung sinimulan naming tumakbo uli. Ngunit 500 meters pa lang ng ako'y may makita. Isang poster na nakapaskil kung gaano pa kalayo. "Dahilayan Adventure Park - 5 km". AMP!!! Kami'y nalinlang!

Simula noon, nawalan na kami ng pag-asa. Lalakarin na lang namin ang huling bahagi ng karera. Nilinlang kami ni Francis!!! (uso na talaga sa Ultra ang mga pa-bonus!). Ayun, lakad-galore na naman kami. Nagpa-iwan pa ko ng kaunti pagkat masakit na ang paa ko. Pinauna ko na si Ambowt at baka maurat lang siya sa akin.

Di makatarungan ang huling bahagi nito. Matinding ahon sa lubak na kalsada. Ramdam ko na rin ang sugat sa aking balikat dulot ng dala kong bag. Hindi ko rin pala nabawasan ang laman nito pagkat may nalasahan akong di maganda. Kaya wala ring kwenta. Gusto ko na talagang matapos ang karera!

At hindi nga nagbibiro yung nakita naming poster. Sa km 55, nakita namin na 2 more kms before the finish line.

Km 56 - Finish Line

Nanlumo man, sinabi ko sa sariling tatapusin ko ang karerang ito. Yun lang di makabanat dahil sa pitik ng pulikat at sobrang tarik ng daan. Umulan pa! Wala akong ideya kung hanggang saan matatapos ito pero desidido na talaga kong matapos.

Sa wakas, naaninag ko na ang Adventure Park. Nandun na nakaparada ang ilang sasakyan. Pero wala pa rin akong ideya kung nasaan ang finish line! Kaya jog muna para mabuhayan ng loob. Nakita ko dun si Sir Raul at sinabing last 100 meters na lang. Bumanat ako at muntik na kong lumagpas! Umatake pa ang lecheng pulikat!

Awa  ng Diyos, natawid ko ang finish line sa ganap na 8++ na oras! (Sinabihan ko si Francis na na-denggoy niya kami sa layo, Ultramarathon organizer nga siya :)) ).

POST RACE

Buti na lang at may masarap na pagkain sa dulo! Lechong baka at baboy! Simpleng programa para ihayag ang mga nanalo at masaya dyan, pagtapos ng lahat, zip-line to the max! Kasama si yaya ambowt, kung saan-saan kami sumakay na parang di kami tumakbo ng 55 km :))

Ito na siguro ang pinakamahirap na 55 km trail na nagawa ko. Tignan natin sa mga susunod na kabanata!

Pagkatapos ng una mong marathon

Kapag natapos mo ang iyong unang marathon, mapapa-isip ka kung ano ang susunod mong gawin. natural na sa tao ang maghanap ng magbibigay sa kaniya ng bagong challenge kaya malamang iniisip mo kung ano ang susunod mong gagawin. nandyan ang triathlon, kung saan makikipagbuno ka sa larangan ng bisikleta at languyan. at syempre, andyan ang ultra kung saan tatakbo ka ng higit sa distansya ng marathon, sa ilalim ng init ng araw na loob ng mahabang oras. o kaya pwede ring bumalik ka sa dating distansya at maging speed specialist kung saan talagang huhulmahin mo ang iyong sarili sa pakikipagbakbakan sa larangan ng bilis. Pwede mo ring gawin ang lahat kung talagang adik ka talaga.

Anuman ang mapili mo sa mga iyan, paghandaaan mong maigi at gamitin mo ang iyong puso. mas magiging maligaya ka kung iisipin mo na ito ay talagang gusto mo pagkat habambuhay mong dadalhin ang mga kwento at karanasang napulot sa iyong napiling larangan. higit sa lahat, nawa ay maging inspirasyon ang iyong mga kwento para sa mga taong nakatapak din sa wakas sa finish line ng kanilang unang marathon

Ako, gusto kong maranasan ang lahat ng iyan pero di ko pinagsisihan ang aking desisyon na mahalin ang larangan ng Ultra. Kesa nga naman drugs di ba?

Mabuhay ang mga adik!

My BDM 102 story

I cried. First time I cried in front of many people. Out of the difficult route and the thought of how I was able to cross the finish line after running 102 kms. in one piece. This is how I ended the race. Let me tell you the whole story (why the hell should I be crying in the finish line!)

Before D-Day

Weeks before the race, I had trainings of some sort. Long runs, speed works, heat runs, you name it I did it. I even joined the test runs to familiarize myself with the route. I was guilty that I trimmed down my mileage towards D-day (which was one of my biggest mistakes...). Bought some new gears as well: Esmeralda, my green silence, camelback which I forgot on the raceday itself and new tights for recovery.

Last minute support plan was also pulled off when I decided to have my own set of support crew and vehicle. This was a very serious event that I want to finish within my plan. I learned from my previous ultras how difficult it is to have a shared support crew and I'm willing to fund my own to survive this race.

My support crew: Totoy (6th place from the previous BDM 160/driver), Ultramaan (ultimate support crew starting from the TPPB days) and Allan (Running Free Manila/blogger which wrote my story). We used my dad's car, the black vios as the support vehicle knowing that it will save me some money for the gas. I did my groceries and patterned my nutrition plan to Totoy's 160. Good thing I did support him on the previous week so I have an idea what to drink and eat during the race. :)

D-day: Prologue

We left Manila at around 11 am. Had a few stop over were we had lunch and bought some ice. We did a recon of the route and still I can't believe that a few hours from that point I will start the story of my journey. Sobrang layo niya!!!

We arrived at the same inn were we stayed for 160 the week before at around 3 pm. Beeps was already there, so as RD (running diva). The crew already put some ice in the ice box before getting some shuteye. I was anxious and probably had only 30 minutes of sleep before we woke up for dinner.

We had a chance to talk with Beeps, Nick and Millet during dinner. It feels like this is our "last supper" before we go on our little adventure later. We're all excited and nervous of this fun run (we were even blessed by a slight rain as we went back to get dressed).

To the Starting Line

For the first half, I decided to wear the orange technical shirt I got from the runfest and the short I got from ANR. I should have worn Esmeralda but Totoy advised me to wear something with more cushioning so I wore Milo (Adizero) instead. It was still raining and we all hoped that this will last till tomorrow when we reach the finish line. After some last minute check, we went to the starting line.

We were at the starting line at around 8:45 pm. I met a few familiar faces with their respective support groups eagerly awaiting for the run to start. I was still looking for Doc Art and DocT for my medical certificate, got them just in time before the program started. I asked my support crew to go ahead already and meet me at km 7 so they can get a good spot.

After a few snapshots and chat with fellow runners, we were summoned to gather at the starting line. A prayer, the national anthem of Japan, US and then the Philippines before some final reminders were given. At exactly 10:10 pm, the longest race in my life has started...

KM 00 - 32

We did this route last Feb and our strategy was to cover as much distance as we can before the sun rises. Beep beep was my pacemate for the entire race and this was our strategy during the test runs. We were doing quite ok from Km 00 until the start of the ascend route towards KM 7.

As soon as we hit the uphill part, we jogged. We want to save as much time as we can without burning out all our energy so we decided to jog the dreaded uphill. This part was dark but once you reach the upper area you will see the beautiful lights of Mariveles. Thanks to the slight rain and cold temperature we reached the end of the uphill still strong.

We bumped across a fairview running club member earlier during the race. He said that he has 6+ teammates and they only have 1 van to support them. We decided to have him stick with us as he will have problems with the support later on. So it will be a trio of us until we reached the finish line!

Same strategy, run the downhills and walk the uphills. I decided to have my support done every 3 km. There were parts of this route which have inaccurate distance such as the long run from km 16 to km 24. In my garmin, it was 1 km longer but that didn't matter. All I wanted was to finish the race based on the strategy we made.

I brought along a couple of gel already for emergency purposes. I planned to take them every 20 km (or in-case I'm drained and tired already).

As we paced thru the dark road, we remained alert with our environment. Raging trucks and buses were avoided (damn, they are fast!) while we move away from cracks along the road. I stepped on some but thankfully I didn't experience any problem. There were "landmines" as well (poopoo) but we're glad we didn't stepped on any of them.

Dogs, drunk, bargirls, etc. Not your typical run were even gays who pimp them are chasing after you. We refer them to KB (this man has ABUNDANT support; ewan ko na lang talaga kung di niya matapos pa yumg race). We lost him at km 24 when mother nature called him (he dumped in a gasoline station after km 24).

After 4 hours, we were able to reach the fork at km 32. At this point, we have to change our strategy...

KM 33-50

From this point on, the roads are practically flat. We are about to enter the town of Pilar and here we started our galloway method. I dictated the pace and timing; 5 minutes run - 2 minutes walk. This will help us conserve our energy until the later part of the race.

From km 32, we passed by Pilar. My support crew brought some pandesals already (I only ate one as I don't feel hungry yet). I asked them to prepare some coke already as I'm getting bored with the water and energy drink routine.

Farmlands, small buildings, trikes and jeepneys; those were abundant during this part of the race. But since it's night time, they were like ghost towns, it's like we own the road for ourselves. I was still strong at this point as we follow our galloway method.

When we reached Balanga, we crossed path again with a familiar soul. KB has reached us already from the time he answered mayor's call at the gasoline station. We made an agreement that all of us will cross the finish line together and stay loyal to the strategy that we set.

Finally, after 6:00 hours we reached km 50 (PR plus we reached the halfway mark on our target time!). Halfway to go!



KM 50 -68

The original plan was to reach km 70 before daybreak and had a change of outfit. Since we still have some time to spare, I change my wet shirt already with something comfortable. I decided to wear my TPPB shirt and dropped the headtorch already. I ate an egg and drank some soda before I joined the group again. Felt energized, we continued on with our journey.

We remain loyal to our strategy as we traverse the road from abucay to hermosa. Daybreak was near already and we estimated to reach the 70 km marker by around 8 am. My support crew are still strong and we continue to share the resources with my group. When we get bored, we try to entertain ourselves. I can feel fatigue already at km 55 but we need to move forward!

At km 62, we were given a surprise treat from KB's crew. His pom-pom girls had arrived! The UP ANR folks were in full-support of him even throwing this! We had some pictures taken before we ran again. At this point, a puppy was following us. I thought it would follow us until we reached San Fernando.

Km 67,  we're back at the main road. It was past 7 am already so we hurried along the busy road. At km. 68, we had our support crew wait for us as we will be resting for a while and have some breakfast. I'll have my foot massaged as well plus change into my Condura technical shirt + the "Japanese" cap to welcome the new day!



KM 68-80 

The long agonizing final 34 km has begun. I switched my gear to "Esmeralda" my green silence and started our run towards the town of Dinalupihan. This is freakin challenging as the roads here are not shoe friendly; they have a lot of gravels and sharp rocks which I felt as I inch my way to the next town.

Reaching the "Halo-halo" point, we met up with manager Jj and Joen which gave us a bunch of food and water. I'm actually feeling some soreness already (who wouldn't after running 70++ kms?) and tired but I know I still have a few more kms to conquer. We're stuck with the 4-2 run/walk strategy and it will stay until we reach the finish line.

Around km 75, I felt some pain on my left knee wall. Crap, I think I'm starting to have ITBS! I've had it massaged and gulped a painkiller to slow down the pain but I know it will never stop. So I have to slow down and increase the frequency of walking. KB already left us as I can't keep up with a faster pace. At this point, it was me, Beep-beep and the fairview running guy left in the small group

KM 80 - 90

As time passed by, the pain became more intense. The heat was already increasing and I can't run any faster. Darn it, why now?! But I swore to finish all my races regardless of what happen. So I continued the journey, frequently walking rather than running. Thank God for Beep-beep in accompanying me in this race!

We passed by the town of Gua-gua under the tense heat of the sun. There were slight jogs every once in a while but I really can't hold a decent pace. This will be a long walk towards the end.


Last 12 km

 After passing through the town of Guagua and towards km 90, I really want to end everything. I'm tired and in-pain. I'm psyching myself to never give up, I've already invested a lot of time and resources for this race.

I don't care if runners are passing by me as I'm not here to race. I'm here to finish the race! (Beep-beep even had a last second banyo break in km 92). Igol had reached me already and we paced for a km before he speed off. I guess it's really up to me and beep beep now to finish this.

The sun was already up and beating us up with the heat. Beep beep was encouraging me to run but I really can't do it anymore. It hurts like hell. I told him to go ahead but he never left me. We will finish this together and with style.

At last, the final km. Beep-beep told me that I should go ahead before them towards the finish line. I planned to sprint the last few meters to have a fantastic photofinish. But what if it alleviates the pain in my knees? What if I suddenly fell down before I reach the line. Amp, bawal ume-emo. Bahala na si batman...

With last ounce of strength, I poured water over my head and began to build up my pace. I don't care anymore. I wanted to finish the race. I feel a nth-wind passing thru me again and it was a sign. I felt my feet getting lighter as I ran the small road. People were already there, finishers cheered as I pass them by. One more step and finally, I accomplished finishing the longest race in my entire life...

Finish line Moment

Sir BR gave me his traditional hug. I can't help but cry and told him it was really difficult. I can't believe that I was crying! Syempre, nung may camera na I have to smile as if I didn't cry. Mahirap na masira ang image nyahahahaha!

Everyone was congratulating me but I cried again when Maan told me that I finally finished. It was very akward moment but a warrior can burst into tears as we are humans too. I was so tired and swore that I can eat whatever food was available. A few picture moment then I rested at the sidewalk waiting for the rest of the runners to cross the line.

This is my BDM 102 story. It might be late but I want to have it documented so I can share it with other people the crazy race I did in March 2011. Now, let me tell you my BDM 160 story...

BDM 160: A support's perspective

I consider myself lucky for being part of history. I personally witnessed the gruesome task of completing the very 1st 100-miler road race here in the Philippines last weekend by one of my good friend, Totoy Santos. It was a very-very memorable experience even if I only supported a runner.

The Beginning

We started our journey at around 3 pm when Totoy picked us up from our meeting place. I acknowledged that I was really late as I wasn't able to pack earlier. Nevertheless, we went straight to the lodge, some hours before the actual race to relax and remove some of the anxiety.

At around 330, we already started gearing up as we have long days ahead (take note, long days kasi 2!). We wore the team UNGAS shirt plus my regular running shorts as I was planning to pace totoy in his last few km. I loaded up my camera and helped in preparing the support items at the back of the van. I was surprised when I found out that Luis (GBM) with Abby, Idol Ronald(yeah, the guy who's the living model for VFF) and Sir Jonel stayed at the same lodge. I felt the anxiety and worry in the air as it was the longest and most difficult "fun" run that they will do in their lives.

At exactly 4 am, we left for the starting line. We passed by the darn hills which I will be conquering next week gave me a freaking anxiety attack. But that will still be next weekend; the 160 warriors faced them today.

At the starting line, we were greeted with our fellow runners. The street near km 00 was filled with support vehicles and cheering crews. There were laughter and prayers as everyone wished the runners luck during the race. We took some souvenir shots (oo, kinunan ko sila habang nakakangiti pa) before the gunstart. We decided to leave earlier and move to km 7 immediately before the actual gunstart so we will have a decent parking space.

The First 50 kms

At km 7, we parked and waited for the runners to pass already. It was really-really COLD which was made worst by the strong wind. I forgot to bring my jacket as I assumed that it will be hot in Bataan already. Thanks for the hot coffee that I got from the other support crew which made it a bearable!

The first batch of runners passed 30-45 minutes after gunstart. Simply_Wilnar was already pacing with Sir Jonnifer Lacanlale at a marathon pace!!! They were followed by Ka Totoy which asked for a bottle of water before running again towards km 14. We still waited for a few minutes before we left the post to take some more pictures. I took the famous picture of papa idol, GBM and OJ where they can still smile (yari kayo no!) then left to follow Totoy

We stopped at a nearby store to buy some more bananas and took again some more photos. What surprised us was Totoy was way ahead already and passed the km 14. It was a good 14 km rolling route and he was already able to conquer it immediately. We caught up with him a few meters after km 15 to give him a bottle of gatorade. The sun was already up but he was still fine (halimaw talaga!). We were still able to see Simply_Wilnar and Atty. Joni leading the pack while totoy was closely following them. He instructed us to meet him at km 23 already!

At km 23, we noticed that it was really far beyond the dictated distance from the markers. The 2 BR marshalls were there. They even set-up a small tent! We were ahead of schedule as the lead runners reached that point 20-25 minutes from the last time we saw them. Junrox and Gene already bypassed Totoy as they followed the lead pack. Totoy arrived already and asked for a bottle of water. From the point, we were to do support every 3 km. (did I mention that there was a small piece of wire which almost puncture my ankle while waiting?)

km 35, totoy complained that he was experiencing quad issues (the one he had in Samat). Bought him some alaxan and gave him some salt. We already felt the heat as noon closely approached. Totoy was already passed by the two Singaporeans.

km 38, felt the need to go to the CR and sagutin si Mayor! But a carabao had postponed his plans :))

km 41, we refreshed some supplies like ice and water. The singaporean guy was already asking for support so we have to give him some gatorade and water. Totoy was overtook by the Paulina as we pass by the busy town of Balanga. We're almost near the 50 km mark

km 44, totoy was icing his quads already but he remained strong. Man, he's good! Paulina was also tired and we were suprised as she was only holding a small bottle for her water. We can't imagine how she was able to survive this run with only a small bottle of water. We poured her some ice water and refilled her water bottle.

km 47, last support for totoy before we proceed to km 50. Gave him a bottle of gatorade as we saw the singaporeans has overtook him already.

km. 50, we got lunch from Jimmy c/o Mang Inasal! Also took the chance to take a few pictures with the halfway marker. Totoy was still strong and didn't stop to even change his clothes. The sun was already burning but still he's running in top form! One lesson I learned from him was the effect of the salt against cramps. It helped him recover from the aching quads and possible cramps during the first 50 km. Just 110 km to go!

The Hot Road Towards 102 Marker

And we began the road toward km 102. First stop at km 53 as we caught up with Jessie, Junrox Brother.. We learned that he was the only support of Junrox until the afternoon. He was the driver as well; imagine the stress that this race had brought him.

Junrox: Bili ka ng wine. Kahit ano basta Australian brand ha.
Jessie: Paano kung...
Junrox: Kailangan para makapagcelebrate!

km 56, Junrox took a CR break while Totoy was nowhere in sight! The Singaporean lady told us that he might be injured already and we decided to go back for him. Found him a couple of meters after still running. Tinawag lang pala ni Mayor. That was a relief as we thought we'll be throwing the towel sooner than expected.

km 64 we informed totoy that Luis was catching up. With that he went back to his very fast pace as if he didn't finish 50 km already!

km 68 We stopped to buy some ice from a local store while I bought a bottle of coke. When totoy stopped to get something to drink, he saw the coke.I gave him whatever was left as he was already bored with the water and gatorade hydration plan. I planned to buy him some more softdrinks when we passed by a store.

km 71 A pleasant surprise that we found a nearby halo-halo store! Nothing like a local halo-halo to cool us down. We bought some for Totoy as well. Maridol from team CB also passed us by and refreshed our stock of ice. She said that she prepared some arroz caldo for us when we reach km 102. Ayos, food trip! :D


km 76 Totoy was able to caught up with Junrox. I was also able to buy some rock salt (one big pack!) and a liter of softdrink. Junrox already stopped by the side of the road resting because of the heat. We gave him a cold splash of water to re-energize him. He swore that he'll make it up during the night, once the heat had already subsided.

km 79 Jessie and our crew agreed that we will be doing a convoy as he is not familiar with the route. Unfortunately at the detour we were separated as we were able to pass through the town. Since Jessie will be waiting at the bridge, we supported Junrox while we were in town. Good thing that we were able to met up with Sir Raul with Mich and Reylenne as they were looking for Junrox. Jessie can now rest from support duty!

At km 81,  we were waiting for him at the Caltex intersection. He was able to overtake the singaporean lady and still have the strength to go thru the remaining stretch until the city of Guagua. We learned from Totoy that BR gave him a bottle of water as he thought that we lost him already. :))

Moving forward to km 90 towards the busy town of Guagua, We are still on-track as he is planning to finish the 102 km within 14 hours. Outstandingly, he seems that he is still strong without the sign of being tired. 12 kms to go!

At km 97 We were able to find the other singaporean. He was still strong but very near with totoy. We can't find Paulina anywhere so I guess he had a very big lead ahead of her. This is the last stop before he instructed us to go to km 102 already.

Setting ourselves in km 102, we finally made it to the 2/3 of the distance! Totoy was still running towards the km marker. He quickly changed his clothes while we took some pictures! He got a new PR as he crossed the km 102 marker earlier than the planned 14 hours. After some pictures, off Totoy went to chase the remaining 58 km.

Beyond km 102: Towards the Busy MacArthur Hi-way

Since there were no markers, we have no idea how far/close we are from the finish line. I'm also not familiar with the route since I didn't join the test run which covered the route from km 102 till km 160. So we relied on the direction that I got from Madam. First things first, dinner. Maridol gave us the stock of Arrozcaldo which we hungrily consumed while we are on our way to meet Totoy. It took us a while to figure out the way and we really have no idea where are we going to meet him so we decided to drive along the MacArthur Hi-way.

Finally found him at around 5-6 km from the km 102. Gave him something to drink and asked him what he wanted for dinner. Since there were no markers, we relied on the odometer. I bought him some noodles and bread from a ministop store. When he was able to consume his food, we took a quick dinner as well in a nearby carinderia.

I also gave the crew with a pair of essentials which will at least help them stay awake at least during the last part of the race.

When we reached the Angeles checkpoint, we found out that we were very far from Simply_Wilnar and near one of the Singaporean guys. We informed totoy about it and he was instantly energized; he ran towards the nearest opponent. At this point, we learned a lot have DNF already :(. Too many warriors had fallen but that should not stop us from getting the goal.

And what luck: we found the Singaporean resting near our support van...

Bakbakan sa MacArthur Hi-way

People who saw the post in my fb and twitter account can recall the events where Totoy and the Singaporean guy were overtaking each other towards Capas. The Singaporean was already injured but if you can only imagine how fast he was walking; I think his pace was around 6-6:15 mpk! Everytime we did a stop-over for Totoy, we saw how determined he is in overtaking his opponent! There was a time that they were actually running head to head and pacing with each other. Totoy did took the lead soon until we reach the Bamban bridge.

We were able to find the other Singaporean as we cross the bridge. It was freaking cold on that part of the route! Totoy was still on the lead but he was already saying that he was really tired. The Singaporean was hot on track as we can see him very near Totoy. Unfortunately, the Singaporean did win this battle as finally he overtook Totoy on our way to Capas.

Tired and Sleepy, Totoy was already saying how much he want to rest already. I can imagine as he covered more than 120 km already. Maan and I were already exhausted as well and as a pacer, I need to rest for a while to accompany Totoy towards the last few km of the race.

At Capas, we stopped over at the nearby 7:11 station and bought some coffee. We gave Totoy some coffee already. We noticed that he's really tired as he is doing run-walk as he approached us. I've already geared up and ready to run with him for the last 15 km.

By the way, Totoy tripped over as he was crossing MacArthur highway! Man, that was scary! Thank God there were no passing vehicles during that time.

Pacer Duties and the Finish Line

I started my pacer duties once Totoy crossed the MacArthur Highway. The route was cold and dark with lot of dogs barking. I didn't have any headlamp with me so I have to stay close with him. Whenever he needed to walk, I walk and talked to him and asked him if he needs anything. I also watched over our pace as I know he needs to reserve some more strength towards the finish line.

Surprisingly, as we approach the Capas shrine, we reached one of the Singaporean limping and out of supplies. We asked him if he needs anything then instructed our support crew to give him some food and water. He said that he was lost as he didn't saw the marshall at the intersection! We want to ask for more info but we still have a race to finish so off we went.

At the Capas shrine, we found out that our vehicle was already low on fuel so they decided not to support us on the remaining distance. I asked for bottles of water as we need to rehydrate. Totoy already warned me that it was pure uphill and it is a gruesome final road to the finishline.

Another surprise as we were passed by sir lacanlale and gene battling as if it was a 5k race! Man, that's how far Wilnar was from his rivals! We were passed by the other runners who were ahead of us including the 2 Singaporeans. Run-walk-run-walk until we reached the turn-around point. Totoy was low in energy until he learned that Arman was just behind us! Knowing his competitive nature, he suddenly surges and requested to make haste as we ran the downhills. Occasionally we have to walk but we ran towards the finish.

At last, the shrine. Remember how runners became possessed on their way to the finish line? Totoy was still able to sprint towards the finish at an awesome pace!!! At around 3:30 am in the morning, Totoy was able to finish the race and clinched the 6th spot of the historic first 100-miler in the country!

It was an awesome experience. From start to the finish, we witnessed a runner conquered a very hard challenge in his career and executed it with excellence. A week after this, it will be my turn. If totoy can finish 160, I can surely do a 102.

Who knows I might do the 160 next year? I'm already inspired but undecided :D

(Photos to be uploaded soon...)

BDM 102: A test of endurance

It's exactly 16 days before D-day and here I am still thinking if I can accomplish this insane task of running 102 km. For 17 hours, I'll be submitting myself to a test of endurance and will-power. I was still confident for this race but it changed when I did the 52K test run last Saturday...

I don't know if it was the right thing to do. All I want was to simulate the race condition of coming from a 50 km run with no sleep and already exhausted. I did that but with a bonus: I was suffering from UTI! Imagine risking my life running dehydrated because of my UTI. I have to do wiwi break every 2 km but nothing was going out: i only felt pain when I tried to run. And worst of all, my wiwi became blood red after a while. :(

It was only a bonus because the 2nd half will be the hottest part of the race. Literally. The heat will be insane during that time and I had a taste of it in the previous test run. It was only a spoonful compared to the real thing on March.

On a positive note, I found my new shoes awesomeness when I did the test run. I will write a separate review for it but right now, I'm happy that I made the right choice. :)

16 days to go and I'm shivering already *gulp*

Skyway Marathon: An open letter to the organizers

Hi mam/sir,

First of all, congratulations to the success of the recently concluded Skyway Marathon yesterday. I have no doubt about how it was well organized from the program till the awarding ceremony, I give it a big thumbs-up. 16K++ runners who signed-up and did their best to become part of the Philippine Marathon History!

However, one of them was quite disappointed. He did his part in the race but he didn't received his finished medal. I registered very early for this race last December because I was so excited for my 6th full marathon. I haven't done my Cebu City Marathon yet but I made sure that I will run this event. This is where my I made my FM debut. I was eyeing for revenge as I really didn't like my results last year so I promised myself that this year I will redeem myself.

Alas, a few misfortune happened as race day came by. First, I lost my wallet due to negligence where I put all of my receipts. Second, I lost my racekit when my mom/dad threw it away accidentally when they were cleaning up my room. I discovered this exactly the night before the race so I have no time to look for a spare racekit nor tried to contact the organizers. I searched for your contact number to ask if I can still run the race but alas, I can't find it in the skyway marathon webpage.

This shattered my hopes for the race. I was really planning to abandon the idea of running this race but some of my friends encouraged me to continue despite of what happened. After a few mins. of contemplating and having no sleep, I decided to suit up and go to the fort. I will run my 6th FM. I thought to myself that I paid 1.2K plus for this marathon so why should I not run it even if I didn't have my race number with me. Plus the love of running made me decide to go to the starting line.

It was really difficult. I didn't have any sleep before the race. I have no idea on what will happen to me during the race. I performed well, paced with a fellow runner during the first 28 km then eventually slowing down because I felt some cramps already. At km 34, I walked and stretched, felt dehydrated and almost collapsed on the way to the takbo.ph aid station. Thank God for the Samaritans who helped me continue this race.

To cut the story short, I finished the race fair and square. I crossed the finish line with a time of 4:17:XX. I was not happy with the record but I was joyful because at least I made it safe and sound (minus the aching legs of course). So I went around and asked if I can get at least a finisher's medal to commemorate my achievement.

I was passed around the booths and I understand that I didn't have any proof that I finished the race from your system. They required the stub from the bib that I lost. I was so disappointed that I want to scream in front of the lady but no, that was not the proper way to do it. I just held back and do this letter to make it more formal and adequate to the situation.

Sir/Mam, I know you were runners too. You know how much we paid for our 42K race kit and you know it was quite expensive. But being told that you can't get at least the medal really crushed my morale. I worked hard for this race and even risked my life to finish it because I was really hoping to receive that award in the end. You know how difficult it is to accept that you've lost something already and it resulted to you not getting what you paid for.

I just want to express the feeling of being helpless yesterday and better customer support. Bottomline, I paid for the event (check my name: RONNEL GO registered last December 16, 2011) and I didn't get what my money's worth. I will bet my life if someone questioned if I finished the race yesterday as I claimed (this is also my preparation for BDM 102 this January).

I only want the finisher medal. I don't care for the loot bag nor the sponsor's freebies. I run for the glory of running and I would really love to get at least a remembrance which I paid with my hard-earned money.

I kindly ask for your consideration and help for this :(

Thanks,

Ronnel Go

Adination of Runners: 5th Sunday Run

Despite the mishaps I got from yesterday, this day was really a blessing and a break from my streak of unfortunate events. Today, I've got a chance to run again as a team with my buddies from Team Powerpuff Boys in the ANR: 5th Sunday Run.

I'm actually quite nervous for this race as I really don't have enough preparation prior to the event. Less speedworks and low mileage for the week made me think again if I really can perform and deliver my best in this race. Plus I was preparing for my BDM 102 so I focused more on endurance and little on gaining speed. With that in mind, I was really trembling from inside of my mind!


Gunstart for the 5k group run started at around 6 am which we joined for our warm-ups. The agreed pace was 5:00 mpk but the garmin registered a freaking 4:00 mpk!!! (Anak kayo ng pating Jixee and Pat). But nonetheless it was a great start and helped me relax a bit. We only did 2.5 km to shake off the rust from my body.

Akin na ang batuta mo!

Our event started at around 8 am. Man, the sun was already out and I can feel the spirit of competition among us runners in the corral. I was really excited in fact this was the first time I felt it again after the epic relay! Pat started first while Jixee did the 2nd leg. I did the 3rd leg! Jogging back and forth, anxiety was really building up. I'm really-really anxious for the baton! When I saw the marshall signaled that Jixee was already near I know it was showtime!

Running Form!

 

Holding the baton, I sprinted towards the turning point without hesitation. We were in 3rd place so I know there is pressure on me to close the gap. Stride after stride, I can feel the beat of my heart strong as I was chasing the runner before me. I don't know if I can really do it but I swore that I will try my best to come close to him. Past the 400 meters I can already feel the shortness in breathing and fatigue but I won't let that get in my way! I'm already near him as we approached the turn-around point (I envy him for the water that his support gave him) but I know I will reach him. After a few more strides, I finally overtook the runner!

But this comes with a price: speed is taking a toll on me. I'm not used to running short distances at top speed anymore (even my yasso's are not that fast) and I already feel dizzy. I'm really thankful for my pacers from fellow BHS runners and Beep beep as they helped me keep it going despite the fatigue that I felt. I feel so wasted but the sight of the finish line gave me hope and with the last puff, I dashed thru the waiting corral and passed the baton!

Wasak!!!

It was over! I feel my legs shaking, I'm a bit disoriented and really thirsty. I was really wasted to a point that I was begging for water already. But it was all worth it, we did our best and we were able to clinch the 2nd spot! Sweet!














Thanks to my fellow TPPB members, Mark M, Jixee, Pat and Joms for letting me be part of the team earlier. Thanks to Brando our photographer and #1 cheerleader during the race. Thanks to ANR BHS for the support and cheers as we cross the finishline plus giving us the opportunity to represent the team in the event. And finally, Thank God for the wonderful time and helping us finish the race unscathed.

The boys!

Wenners! (L-R: Mark M, Joms, Pat, Jixee, yours truly)

ANR BHS Rules!

 




See you on the next 5th Sunday race! :D

Special Thanks to Brando for the superb pictures! :D