Failure doesn't mean the END

I rarely set my expectations so high that even I haven't realized that Murphy can bite. Something that you prepared for a long time would eventually crash down in an instance. Yes, I declared my first ever DNF during the last BDM 160 at km 79.

But I've learned my lesson. I won't stay at the rockbottom and wallow with grief. Life must go on and I'm thankful that I'm still alive to run another day. Thank you for all the support you showcased during and after the race, I'll forever be grateful. I might not have bitten the silver buckle for now but that won't stop me from trying again :)

For now, my BDM 160 story will have to wait for a fitting end:)

My BDM 160 tale: Prologue

Last year, after finishing the dreaded BDM 102 race, I decided NOT to run BDM 160. That was when I realized the challenge and witnessed it first-hand when I supported totoy last year. I vowed NOT to run it.

Fast-forward to 2012... I broke that vow. I'm now anxiously waiting for D-day to arrive and busy preparing for the long battle ahead. What happened?

1.  I was convinced by Totoy to do BDM 160 because he PLEDGED that he'll be my driver and support. I remembered that conversation after the Pinatubo 50K that he will no longer do the BDM 100-miler hence I was convinced. But addicts do change their mind quickly $&%*#$%


2.  In search for a purpose on why the hell am I going to stick my neck and do a freaking 100-miler, an opportunity struck me. I was so affected by the disaster Sendong made in Mindanao that I decided to make this as a charity run for them. Siento-sisentang takbuhan para sa pagbangon was born and together with my good friend, Alfred "Senor Alfie" Delos Reyes, we are gathering pledges as donations for the typhoon victims. If you're interested to help, do let me know :)

3. I realized that BDM 160 is a holy grail for ultra-runners so why not do it? It's a test of patience, strength, spirit and sanity as we try our luck crossing several towns in Central Luzon for the silver buckle. I want that buckle...period!

4. I'm an ultrarunning advocate and I hope that my story in this race would inspire a lot of runners to try and experience the glory of running an ultramarathon. As what each race bib from Sir Jovie's say "GO BEYOND YOUR LIMITS..." :D

5. Lastly, I'll be with my partner Beep Beep from km 0 until the finishline. We were the same duo who finished BDM 102 without leaving each other. This will be fun! (Jestoni, nakahanda na ang playlist natin :)) )

One more day before the big event. I'm really nervous right now as running such a feat is not a walk in a park. But nonetheless, before I start my race, I would like to thank everyone who wished me luck, supported our cause and helped me reach this dream.

To my support crew, Pedz, Imee, Hendy, Alex, Allan and Jenny, a huge thank you for volunteering in this crazy event. One day I hope that I can return the deed to all of you :)

I know I'll finish this race as God will always be in my side. He will be my guide as this is a gift I received from Him. I'll start and finish the race with a prayer of gratitude for He made this possible. Lord, kayo na bahala sa akin, salamat po sa lahat!

BDM 160 - Here we go, sagowwwww!!!

My Running Madness

During our holiday breaks, I decided to do something different. Instead of the traditional "pound-gaining" days, I chose something crazy. Yep, I did a running madness streak of 9 days straight. WTF! 9-days of running? Why the hell would I do that?!

For those who saw my FB updates, they saw 16 km, 32 km, 10 km runs during that period. And yes, I was flooded by messages like "Siraulo ka ba? Bored ka na ba? Anong naisip mo? yada-yada..." in my inbox. But I didn't mind them, it was a goal that I set before my vacation started and I was determined to finish it

So why the hell did I set a crazy goal like that when I should have been resting and relaxing in my vacation? First, I was inpired by the post from BR regarding the "mile-streakers". These guys have a goal of running at least one mile per day, 365 days a year. I want to get back to my fitness level and I think this is one of the fastest way to do it. Of course, I need to cope up with resting by sustaining sleep of at least 6 hours per day and eating! (since it was the holidays, this should not be a problem). I want to see if their method will work if I alter between long runs and short recovery runs during my madness period.

Second, I want to get back to my original fitness level. Prior to the vacation days, I roughly have enough time for my training! Add up the several days of parties which resulted to a low fitness level. I was still recovering from a hamstring injury due to a trail run so I really have no time to train. If this streak will continue over christmas, good luck to me then! I would probably bloat to my post-Australian self upon return from the holidays.

Lastly, it served as my training for the upcoming BDM 160 this end of January. If you think that my stint was crazy already, wait till you hear about this race. A few hardcore souls chose to do a non-stop run from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac to commemorate our fallen war heroes.I will attempt to finish this race within the cut-off and as part of my training will be increasing my endurance and running under stress. The best way to simulate it: Be crazy enough to do runs in simultaneous days!

Here was my Running Madness Log:

December 24, 2011 - 30K (Bahay -> Katips -> Tiende -> Katips -> Bahay)
December 25, 2011 - 16K (Bahay -> Commonwealth -> San Mateo -> Commonwealth -> Bahay)
December 26, 2011 - 30K (UP Diliman loops)
December 27, 2011 - 16K (Bahay -> Commonwealth -> San Mateo -> Commonwealth -> Bahay)
December 28, 2011 - 40K (Bahay -> Km. 00 -> Bahay)
December 29, 2011 - 11K (UP Acad Oval Loops)
December 30, 2011 - 33.1K (3rd RDR)
December 31, 2011 - 32K (Fort -> Mckinley -> Rescue Run -> Lawton)
January 1, 2012 - 13K (UP Diliman loops)

Total Mileage: 221.1 km


This madness provided me with the following results:

1. Increased my endurance running under the full heat of the sun (12 noon long run along Commonwealth) with minimum hydration.
2. Minimized soreness thru strategic walking in between the run intervals
3. Practiced galloway pacing! 4:2
4. Simulated running under stress and fatigue
5. Faster recovery time in between days
6. Feet are sore after the long speed runs (I thought I will have plantar fascitis)
7. No speed sessions were included so I'm not sure if I can still maintain strong with a faster pace

This is not the optimized training plan for runners and ideally, there should be a rest day in between the training sessions. The results I observed were almost all positive and probably this is because I tried to analyze the effects after each session then re-apply my learnings in the next run. Also, you need to listen to your body; in my case, I guess I was lucky because I didn't get any injury during my sessions. I'll stop immediately if I feel any sharp pain as I don't want to risk getting injured before the big day.

Madness made me do it. I'm thankful that I survived it and regained my sanity :))

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...