tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29121405332024945902024-03-14T02:09:20.096+07:00Curly Climberkeep dreaming...never give up...just believeCurly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.comBlogger320125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-28819667583254702592019-12-31T12:10:00.000+07:002020-02-04T06:19:40.889+07:00Grateful for 2019 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Coming from an uncertain 2018, I said to myself I will take it easy the following year when it comes to my races. I will only join races that I can<i> </i>manage to squeeze into my schedule.<br />
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With no definite goals and targets for 2019, indeed I choose races that I can manage to travel. My Saturdays becomes open which gives me time for trainings and racing, indeed I became literally a weekend warrior. When I do not have commitment in my family I take it a chance to train in the mountain, when a race that I joined can be done without me being away from my work, I do that, even if it means I have to go straight to the airport from work on a Friday and go straight to the starting line to catch up the start of a race with less sleep and rest or no sleep at all. I sleep at rest during the travel. And same goes on going home after the race. Most of the time I go straight to the airport after finishing a race, to catch up my flight and there were instances that I have to bring my Monday office uniform for I will go straight to the office after I get off the plane. And for all those travels, I only had a carry on luggage, aside from the fact that it will save me some penny, I can be out straight from the plane to catch up a taxi ride rather than waiting for my luggage at the assigned luggage conveyor. <br />
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But surprisingly I managed to do more races than I thought I can. Statistics for the year are as follows:<br />
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27 Registered Races<br />
2 DNS<br />
4 DNF<br />
4 Full Marathon (Road and Trail)<br />
4 50km Ultra Race<br />
5 55 to 50 mile Race<br />
3 100km Races<br />
5 Below full Marathon Races<br />
8 Out of the Country Races (Malaysia, Taiwan and Hongkong)<br />
7 Asia Trail Master Races Category <br />
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My 2019 races are the following:<br />
1) HongKong 100km Ultra Trail Race - January 19-20, 2019 (HongKong) DNF, #1 Out of the country travel <br />
2) Seven Eleven Road Race - 32km Road Race - February 3, 2019 (Philippines) <br />
3) Lumban Challenge - 16km Trail Race (Philippines) 3rd Place, Female Category, February 10, 2019 <br />
4) Conquer Ascend: Maragondon Peaks Challenge - 42km Trail Race (Philippines ) February 24, 2019 - 2nd Female Category<br />
5) Cordillera Mountain Ultra - 50km Trail Race (Philippines) ATM Race#1, March 10, 2019 <br />
6) Sungai Menyala Forest Trail Race - 50km Trail Race (Malaysia-#1) ATM Race#2 - 2nd Female on Age Category - my first international race podium<br />
7) Ultra Trail Mt. Guguan - 100km Trail Race April 27 and 28, 2019 (Taiwan) DNF, #2 Out of the country trip <br />
8) Tayaw Trail Festival - 25km Trail Race ( Philippines)2nd Female Category, May 12, 2019 <br />
9) Hardcore Hundred - 100mile Trail Race May 17 & 18, 2019 (Philippines) - DNF<br />
10) Penang Eco Trail Race - 100km Trail Race (Malaysia -#2) ATM Race#3, July 13 &b 14, 2019<br />
11) Run Against Cancer - 12km Trail Race (Philippines) 2nd Female Category, July 21, 2019 <br />
12) Milo Marathon Elimination - 42km Road Race (Philippines), July 28, 2019 <br />
13) Trail Mania PH Marathon - 42km Trail Race (Philippines), August 18, 2019 <br />
14) The Magnificent Merapoh Trail - 100km Trail Race (Malaysia - #3) ATM#4, August 25, 2019 <br />
15) Conquer Assaul: Maragondon Trail Trip Ultra - 55km distance, (Philippines) September 21&22, 2019<br />
16) South Sierra Ultra - 50km Trail Race, Sept. 29, 2019<br />
17) Mt. Talinis Mountain Ultra - 70km Trail Race, (Philippines) 3rd Female, ATM#5<br />
18) Ultimate Trails of Penanng (UToP) - 100km Trail Race, October 12 & 13, 2019 , (Malaysia #4), 5th Female<br />
19) The Great Malaya Race - 100km Trail Race (Malaysia #5) DNF<br />
20) Altra Superior Talamitam - 16km Trail Race, (Philippines) October 27, 2019, 2nd Female<br />
21) Survivor50 - 50km Trail Race, (Philippines) November 3, 2019, 3rd Female<br />
22) Clark Mayamit 50 Ultra Trail Race - 87km Trail Race (Philippines), 6x joining this race, 5consecutive times and made me a certified badass<br />
23) Punisher 50, 80km Trail Race, (Philippines) ATM Race#6, 2nd place, my 10th Grand Master Race, making me 2star GM<br />
24) Monte Alba - 42km trail race (Philippines)<br />
25) Malaysia Mountain Trail Festival - 70km Trail Race, Malaysia #6, ATM Race#7, 6th Female<br />
26) UTMB - August 31 - Sept. 1, 2019, DNS<br />
27) Iranian Silk Route Trail Race - Sept. 29 to Oct 5, 2019, DNS<br />
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-67578830090089775342019-06-24T13:05:00.000+07:002019-08-17T15:25:09.386+07:00Penang Eco 100 Ultra Marathon 2019 - Malaysia <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My very first Endurance Nature Race: Penang Eco Ultra Marathon </div>
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On that one weekend in June, my dose of adventure in the trails of Malaysia was like two separate races in one event under the scorching Malaysian sun and torrential monsoon rain on over a 100km distance. When finally the schedule of the 5th edition of Penang Eco100 was a month after H1, I thought it will be an easy chance for me to join, but a major office activity was set on almost the same date as the race, I cannot travel a day earlier nor not be in the office a day after the race. Thanks to the unusual start of the 100km distance (1pm), that gave me the chance to travel the night before the race with enough time to catch up the gun start and traveling back right after the race. It was a fly in - run - fly out thing for me. Alen was kind enough to help me collect my race bib a day before the race (though I missed the Event Expo) and he had me in his hotel room for me to change to running attire and fix my drop bag the day I arrived and change to travel clothes right after the race before I flew out of Penang. I even haven't got a chance to enjoy the famous Penang food nor enjoy the tourist areas in the island that I visited more than a decade ago. It was a long tiring Friday for me at the office, so I took advantage of the 4hour flight to KL from Manila to get my much needed sleep and rest (though this was also where I lost my precious expensive eyeglasses inside the plane), the waiting at the pre boarding area on my lay over before the boarding gate opened and the 1 hour flight to Penang. That was my only sleep before I embarked on this adventure. As soon as I got out of the arrival area at Penang International Airport I rush looking for an open store that sells SIM card, there was none that early, I got a taxi hoping to reach the hotel earlier but I went to a different U Hotel (apparently there are two which I did not check). Finally when I reach U Design Hotel I had just enough time to fix my things and catch up the bus that will bring runners to the starting line. <br />
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I arrived at the school at Sungai Lembu where the start and finish of the race still with enough time to prepare my things, final check on my drop bag and luggage before finally handling it to the baggage counter. A lot of familiar faces, local and foreign runners, including Filipino contingents, which was a nice time to reconnect. I met few of the 100mile runners already covered more than 50km since their gun start more than 7hours earlier, Ali Ajis from Brunei was there who decided to stop from the race, Yim who was looking for his second drop bag, Narnia (Adelinah) was in a hurry going out to do the next part of the race and Razif was there too who decided to stop from the race. We went inside the hall for the gear check, collected our timing chip and GPS tracker. The place was huge to house hundreds of runners. Adjacent to the start/finish arch is the activity area, arranged in such a way that runners, volunteers and organizers can move and do things freely. Each category has it's own race briefing before gun start. So while waiting for the race briefing of the 100km to start there were already food at the aid station area, as we haven't eaten real meal yet (especially for me) Alen insisted that we should look for food somewhere, for those at the start/finish line aid station are for the runners already in the race. There was a small family restaurant that opens at the intersection of the road which we hurriedly ate. Even before midday, the scorching heat of the sun is already evident though the forecast says it will rain within the day. Before the race briefing ends Alen already grab ice cubes to his hydration bag which I went out in a hurry right after the race briefing to grab some as well. I should have put some on my headware and wet my clothes early on which I regret I did not do. <br />
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MY RACE <br />
Thankful and grateful that I am finally standing at the starting line and finally able to join this race, I look up the cloudless sky and whispered a prayer asking the universe to keep me safe and protect me the entire race and guide me as I aim to finish not later than 30mins before COT, for me to be able to catch up my 9:30pm flight. Few minutes after, the countdown begun and off the 201 runners started this adventure. <br />
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Though I have been racing countless times in few parts of this country, I got excited to embark on my very first Penang Eco ultra race, excited where the trail will lead me. My strategy in mind is start slow as I listen to my body, to get a comfortable pace, move my feet forward for as long as I can, kilometer by kilometer from one aid station to the next. <br />
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From the road to the trail that goes through endless palm and rubber plantations to the villages in between with lots of open areas and roads too, from the starting line this is going to be an almost 10km distance to the very first aid station. I just took it slowly keeping a comfortable pace as I am trying adjust my body to the heat of the sun. Early on I was already sweating like buckets. The ice cubes that I put in my hydration bladder helped a lot in keeping my body cooler, I constantly hydrate with my mix of tailwind with chia seeds and plain water to avoid dehydration early on and alternating it with solid food, my pie's energy bar. On my slow pace I just appreciate the green scenery around catching up few runners in front of me while few runners pass by me too without me noticing 19minutes after an hour of running I reached the entrance of the temple, CP1 finally. Rene and Uncle Ray were there, and Alen was about to leave. I immediately look for ice cubes to refill my hydration bladder (full of ice cubes), replenish my mix of Tailwind while eating watermelon and sandwiches. Few minutes after, I thought of grabbing few more ice cubes in my headware for my head, there was none left, all consumed, which most likely the refill came after, I hope. I wet myself with the remaining cold water at the bucket and grab more watermelon and off I go to the 2nd aid station. <br />
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As I moved forward, I noticed the hydration bladder full of ice cubes in my vest becomes heavier but I did not mind the extra load for as long as the melting ice inside my vest keeps the temperature of my body down, a sip from it from time to time give me so much pleasure. From one part of the road to the next as we continue to thread through the maze of this flat terrain, it passes through rice paddies, with few villages around, there were times we went through small loops of roads in between houses, sometimes under a road, a marker very visible to the eye. Once one will hear the sound of the vehicle then this will cross the road through another plantation of palm and rubber probably. I reached CP2 with no more ice cubes which I was so looking forward to refill my water bladder, that disappoints me as I was so hoping to have another supply in my hydration vest, probably I was too slow, one runner shared his to me, after grabbing few slices of watermelon, I proceed to the next. I went up to that hill which runners like almost bump into each other, which I hope it could have been longer and higher before it goes down and back to the road again. CP2, 20km with running time 2hours 51minues. <br />
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Now on to another flat terrain, from the trail beside the river seeing water buffalos, herds of cows and monkeys too, it goes through another palm plantation, trail signs are just easy to follow, white ribbons with event logo, red E paint on the posts, trunk of the trees, and on the road itself, a signage of turn left or right is positioned on major crossings and intersections most especially that part that will cross main roads one will not miss. At some parts there are roving marshals on motorcycle on sections almost to an aid station informing runners that aid station is just few meters away. I consciously keep a steady pace, running along few 100mile runners gave me some boost of motivation and inspiration, my admiration goes to them. I salute those runners infront of me too who can run a steady fast stride. I am in awe with their persistence. Me? I was down to my constant snail pace. From the trail to main road watchful of the fast moving vehicles few big drops of rain came, until it became faster then finally a heavy down pour. While other runners put on jackets and raincoats, I welcomed the rain with so much joy. This is what I needed to lower the temperature of my body, i did not mind having wet shoes and socks nor wet running clothes. I have been wet just few kms since I started anyway. I reached CP3 with running time 4hours and 19minutes. Though wet from the rain I still hoard ice cubes in my hydration bladder, ice cubes in my headware and on my tank top. KT tape on my knees now started to fall apart which I hope my knees will hang on despite loose tapes, I do not have any knee support even on my drop bag. Watermelon is the most refreshing food to take on this hot and humid race that the rain gives us a little break from the heat. <br />
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But the coolness that the rain brought did not last long. As I tackle the next 13km to Suling Hill, the sun came out again. My shoes and socks gets dry fast as I slowly move to the next aid station. From the flat terrain the road finally leads to a climb which gives me joy. I feel early on I had too much of the flat terrain already. Had a short stop at the comfort room along the road, that gave me the chance to do number 2 and wet myself again before reaching the aid station at the top. Right after I had my timing chip scanned, I saw Alen again about to leave, Doi doing the 100mile resting on the grass. As soon as I move to the aid station table volunteers were ready to attend to my needs, refill ice cubes to my hydration bladder, refill my tailwind bottle, but because the mix was a bit pale to my taste, I always add from my own sachet with chia seeds, refill my collapseable flask with cooler water, grab more of the watermelon again and sandwich and off I go. CP4 at 42.8km with running time of 6hours and 38minutes. <br />
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Though it was still bright I decided to bring out my headlamp early on, left CP4 the soonest. Crossed over the gate barricade and search for the next trail sign. The road still goes a little uphill before it finally goes down all the way down. It was quite long and I was just running and running and running was all that I remembered, and I cant help but recall my MMTF experience in this very part, a never ending going down on the road. This is going to be little over 7km to the mid point of the race, the next aid station CP5 which is the start/finish line. I was on the main road with lots of fast running vehicles, I can see few runners in front of me, until the remaining 4km turn right into the trail inbetween trees mostly uphill. Finally finally all the time I wonder when will ever this race gets inside a trail finally came. I love so much this section, it was already dark, the reflectorized trail signs already becomes visible. I catch up with Alen and few other runners infront of me. I was just pushing on the uphill, run a bit on the runnable parts and down hill until it reached back to the start/finish line. I saw Jennica and Desrie on their way out as I enter to the finish line. CP5 covered 50km in 7hours 52minutes running time. I thought of going straight to the baggage counter when Renee Tan came and told me to get some food while she will grab my drop bag for me. After Renee handed to me my drop bag, the very first thing I did was look for my set of change clothes, while eating bits of the fried rice, Renee refill my hydration bladder, I said I will go to the nearest CR to change, I went to the Male RR for I cannot find one for the female, total change of running attire including shoes which I seldom do in a 100km race. When I return to the table Renee was still there to assist me, she gave me more water, I continue eating rice, I thought it could have been nice if there was soup, but it was fine. I asked her if the RD is around, for I did not notice on the few minutes that I was there, nothing really important but it could have been nice to see any of them. I brushed my teeth final trip to the rest room and at 9:20pm I left the aid station. I thank Renee for her kindness in assisting me. I owe you one girl. This part reminds me so much of my TMBT experience with Jefferlyn Castillano, having a mid point of the race back the start/finish line where buffet of food and festive atmosphere was so tempting to just stay and enjoy the party, This time I was so time conscious that I left right away after doing my thing. <br />
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First part done! 50KM, 7hrs 52mins! On to the second part! <br />
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As I started the second half of my adventure, I went out on my own, I look around hoping for another runner at least I will have company especially on the major intersection. I saw one, we walked together and follow the trail sign that direct us to CP6. Its all road again, until it enters the rolling rough road, one local runner catch up with us until the trail leads up towards the hill beside a fence. It was totally dark now, I lead the way going up, I can see lights from runners infront of us, as we reach the open part, I can see a painted trail sign pointing a bit straight but towards the left. I can see one reflectorized ribbon attached to like a stick a bit elevated from the height of the grass in front of us but I cannot see any after that. I can see the contour of the mountain a bit on my left but there was no trail sign at all. Few runners are down below on the road on our right, I shouted where to go next, they replied to just go down. We went down and joined them on the road, a little further while already on the road as I look up on the mountain slope on my left there I saw another stick with reflectorized marking. There must be another one before that that probably fall down or we just missed. It was all road after this, on the right was like a body of water on the left is the contour of the mountain which I wish we were somewhere there rather than on the road again. <br />
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And the left turn towards the mountain starts the several jagged peaks of the race. The trail switched back on slope of the mountain. I dont have much recall of the details of it anymore but what I remembered is that I had so much joy and fun despite me pushing to move faster on all the climbs. The trail inside the forest inbetween trees really give me so much fun, I just move upward forward and run on those runnable parts, downhill has always been of extra care holding from one tree to the next so as not to stumble and fall. For the distance of almost 10km it took me more than 2 hours to cover (11:32pm at CP6), still hot and humid despite night time, just like my routine in the daytime. I still refill ice cubes on the bladder, watermelon and sandwiches and still a mix of tailwind drink. The next 10km with two major climbs that took me a little over 3hours to cover but really I did not complain, I was not even mindful of my time, I just move forward climb those endless ascents, run those runnable parts including going down, I did not think so much on the fact that I did not have my trekking pole and that it could have been very useful on this part of the trail. I just hold into the trunks of the trees, take my balance on those parts with nothing to hold into. The reflectorized trail sign become so visible, closely placed to each other. There were white paper trail signs too with drawing of two barefoot that are attached to the trail with some are scattered on the trail which I thought almost all through out the race was part of the event’s trail markers. I reached CP7 3:10am, I take some food and when I decided to change the battery of my flashlight, I decided to take a nap. I was not really sleepy. I was already awake when Alen called me that we should keep going. He went ahead, I grab some food then I followed. He said he will only be walking so I was hoping I will catch up with him. Few meters after I left, Jen and Desrie followed, I can see them from behind. It started to drizzle but I did not mind the rain, then turn left of the road then right entering under the road to the next community. I tried to wait for them at the covered part but to nobody appeared, I moved forward following the trail sign. Inside the village with rows of houses, despite my being alone, I woke up the dogs, I decided to move to the other side to the road, and waited for Jen and Desrie, I decided to go back a bit but nobody appeared until one Malaysian runner came. Alen was nowhere to be found, probably he run so much faster this time. <br />
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And we just walked, from the village to the road on an open horizon wide and flat until it started to rain, heavy down pour of rain, with thunder and lightning. We continue on, few runners pass by us. This open part I imagine to be like a rectangular in size, never gets to end any sooner, we were just walking under the rain. I did not put on any jacket nor rain coat. I stopped to a shelter when I saw one senior Malaysian runner taking a shelter, after sometime the other runner whom I walked with early part of the trail came, I joined him. We finally cross the road we have to search for the trail sign, we had to walk back and forth from the last arrow to make sure that we were on the right direction and it was road again all the way to CP8 with some barking dogs at some parts. <br />
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Less than 20km left, I went to the rest room again and do my number 2, the chaffing around my waist is now painful but tolerable, I went back to the aid station had a cup of hot choco grab some watermelon and sandwich and left. <br />
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The trail inside the forest after the heavy downpour of the rain now becomes muddy and slippery. The senior Malaysian runner whom I share a shelter went ahead of me at CP8 but I catch up with him on the slope on the slippery trail. Minutes later it was Kitto whom I shared the trail with for quite sometime. As the going down becomes so slippery now I took the time to hold into the rope installed in critical parts. Nothing to complain despite the slippery trail, I was just enjoying this part and prefer this more than the flat roads. I arrived CP9 bright enough now I put back my head lamp to my vest. I just grab few pieces of food then get back to the trail, it took me more than an hour to cover the less than 4km distance to the next aid station, then finally to the CP11 switching back on the mountain slope of the Durian plantation. The most awaited CP11 seems to be forever to arrive, on to the second day of the race, I slowly tackle the rolling terrain. I catch up with the two lady runners of 100mile distance, the second and the third, my admiration goes to them. The last aid station was on the side of the road, I hoard ice cubes once again, I take my time to eat, put ice cubes on my headware and slowly push the last 8kms of the race. I can’t help but shed tears, I know this is still going up, but it’s already very hot again. It was just a very very slow pace for me. On this uphill concrete road I tried to push a little harder, think of all the positive thoughts to keep me going and motivate myself to do it a little faster. After a minor descend another uphill part until finally it goes down. I was warned that the last 4km will be rolling uphill and downhill until finally it goes back to the road that leads to the finish line. As I cross the road towards the finish line, I was a bit hesitant of pulling out my flag but I did it anyway and wave it high until I cross the finish line touching that finishing banner held by two volunteers, right after one volunteer handed to me the finisher medal and the finisher shirt and a bottle of water, another volunteer cut the raceyaya ribbon and take back the gps tracker. I insisted of having another photo holding my flag then holding the finisher banner. I looked around and hope for familiar faces but there was none not even the RD, so I get inside the activity area and gather my drop bag and my luggage. <br />
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Few minutes after I crossed the finish line I was asked by the RD, ‘did you finish the race?’ <br />
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Second part done in 16hours 21minutes. 104km in 24hours 29minutes<br />
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THE RACE <br />
It was a well organized race, the organization is up to the international standards, every aspect of the event is well thought of, from the drop bag that is to be given to the runners, to the runners booklet that was sent out before the race day containing all the details about the event, the choices of hotels that runners can stay, the buses that runners can avail to the event venue, the use of gps device, the very informative signages in every CP, a well stocked aid stations of different options of food and with lots of ice cubes, the ever ready volunteers to help runners, very visible and well placed trail markers, distance of aid station to the next is just right, roving marshals in motorcycle are very helpful especially to a runner like that is afraid of the barking stray dogs. The down side though, there's just too many roads. I mean I am not good in the trail but it is where I find my happiness. Probably that is what is the best that can be done on that side of Malaysia, the best that the organizer can look for a route on the trail rather than using too much road. </div>
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But still I salute them to strict implementation of rules, no head phone, no playing of music. Since there are more roads, blinkers should be a must in front and at the back of each runner for safety purposes most especially in the evening, to make the runner visible. The paper trail signs especially those that were scattered in the trail were not so good to the eyes, I wonder if there will be a cleanup of trail signs after the race. At the rope sections, putting some knots a foot apart on the rope probably will be helpful in order not to get rope burn, and marshals on few critical turns that runners missed a section this year. The food was great, the pansit was just too oily though and soup could be helpful at midpoint. Trekking pole will help runner a lot in the second part of the race. Have one if you plan to do this race. <br />
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Running is a very personal thing and runners join races with different goals, probably fulfill that dream of finishing the first 30km or first 100mile race. Over the years of running, I personally believe that running is more than just the finisher medal and finisher shirt that one collects after a race, it’s the community that you share the journey with that adds meaning to what one is doing, and that includes having a hand shake from the RD after finishing a long journey. This really is just very minute detail of a race and a personal preference, a personal opinion. Not many races does this in fact only very few races.<br />
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The race. The race for me sums up the many races that I joined in this country. The flat terrain that goes through the palm, rubber, fruit trees reminds me so much of TMMT and Sungai, the heat and open spaces is like Sungai and the road section especially with fast moving vehicles reminds me so much of C2C. The muddy trail and the long road descent from the top reminded me of MMTF. <br />
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I finished the race without blisters despite the scorching heat and torrential rain. No issues with my stomach too. Another race ticked off from my list. I thank Alen, Razif, Rene for all the help and I thank God for all the strength. <br />
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Congratulations Endurance Nature for another successful event. <br />
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#penangeco100<br />
#trailrunning<br />
#malaysiatrails <br />
#asiatrailmaster<br />
#mythirdatmtrailrace<br />
#altraph<br />
#altralonepeak<br />
#feeturessocks<br />
#goodr<br />
#tailwindnutrition<br />
#piesenergybar<br />
#ayalatriads<br />
#proudtobetriads<br />
#amci<br />
#philsky</div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-64535834913750765332019-05-04T16:33:00.001+07:002019-05-04T16:39:01.996+07:00Ultra Trail Mt. Guguan UTMG 2019 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Fun Taiwan, Run Guguan. Trails of
Taiwan led me to the beautiful mountain peaks of Guguan. Steep climbs
and endless downhills, a little of r<span class="text_exposed_show">ock
scrambling, rappelling and river crossing in between switched back
trails and rugged mountain ridges, farm lands and local communities.
Managed to reach 4 mountain peaks and covered almost 50km distance in a
little over 5,000M elevation gain. Such a wonderful weekend adventure in
Taiwan! </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> It’s been a while since I last visited this country,
the past two trips were all for a multi day climbs in Mt. Shueshan also
in Taichung County but always on a winter season almost a decade ago,
mountain slopes up to the summit were on thick snow for those
expeditions served as our acclimatization climbs before heading to
another big alpine expeditions. So last weekend’s 3rd visit was my first
summer trip and its trails and mountain peaks were green and clear from
snow. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> I signify my interest when I learned about this race as
I really want to do some trail running in this country. And when asked
what distance I will run, without hesitation and studying the elevation
profile I thought of running the longest distance 106km with 10430M
elevation gain. Ultra Trail Mt. Guguan Super G8 with cut off time of
40hours, looks generous cut off and doable distance to finish. As I
prepared my travel documents for immigration including details of this
race as part of my attachment immigration papers, I learned that there
are only around 33runners for the Super G8 category, list of mandatory
gears are quite long from a usual 100km distance race and learned
closely the number of mountain peaks we are going to climb with its
corresponding elevation of each peak. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Looks like there will
be lots of mountain trekking that will happen to me on this event then.
Posts from the FB event page, Taiwan Ultra Runners FB group page and
email communications that runners received as the race was approaching
provided details of this race including detailed information of
transportation to the race venue. Mr. Bill Ku, the Race Director has
been very helpful too and patiently answered my questions regarding the
race. I left Manila with almost all mandatory gears prepared except for
the very first on the list, phone with gpx file of the map of the course
on the category that I am in. I thought I will do that when I arrive at
the race venue and will ask for help from someone who knows how to
download it in my phone, honestly I really haven't used such on my years
of running. It was only then I realized the many numbers of check
points, on mountain peaks and refreshment areas (aid stations), though
it is at aid stations that has the hard cut offs. I become a bit
insecure and I feel so unprepared with my gpx map knowledge. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show">
The race starts and finish at Kulaos Village, among the Songhe Tribe at
Guguan, Taichung, Taiwan. A room near the race venue has been my home
few days before and after the race, the place is surrounded by tall
beautiful mountain peaks left and right separated by river and the main
road which I am going to face come race day. Runners local and from
foreign lands were welcomed with hospitality beyond compare by the race
organizer and its team, Taiwan Ultra Runners. After passing through the
mandatory gear, check in and giving my drop bag, I am all set and
excited to explore another unknown territory with a game plan of running
one mountain peak at a time. Minutes before the race, Hope Annie, the
host has been repeatedly announcing to be extra careful on the trail as
it rained heavily 3 hours prior to the race, the trail must be
slippery. They will patiently wait for our return at the finish line. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> RACE DAY</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Starting Line to Refreshment 1 (Check Point 3) - 18.18km distance </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Check Point 1 - 1) Dong Mao Peak - 1690masl</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Check Point 2 - 2). Wuwowei Peak - 1796masl</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Time: 12:00Midnight to 7:30am Cut Off Time </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show">
Hoping for the best, I toed the starting line with other 30 brave Super
G8 runners. At exactly midnight on the 27th of April, my adventure at
the unknown trails of Taiwan started. From the downhill road up to the
bridge that leads the main highway, across is a road that gradually
leads to the trail of the very first mountain peak. From the road,
runners enter a narrow trail, from the very start I was already at the
tail of the pack, not the last runner though. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Dark, I can see
the blinker lights from runners ahead of me. Trying to get a comfortable
pace as I adjust myself to the rolling terrain, one by one the blinker
lights in front of me were getting smaller until its nowhere to be seen,
early on I was running on my own on this dark trail. From time to time I
can see the lights from the local communities and streets down below
and I can see the light of the crescent moon too. I know there are still
few runners behind me. It’s an established trail, I just have to be
mindful of trail signs on junctions, my wish as early as now while
running most of the time on my own is my safety, extra careful not to
fall on some parts that has raven and wish there will be no snakes or
other wild animals that might harm me. That was one thing I forget to
ask from the organizer before the race started, thank God there was
none. Early on there were already climbs, few parts aided with ropes and
some I had to go through rugged and slippery boulders and rocks. As I
was trying to conserve my battery on my watch and phone, I did not put
on any gps to keep track the distance I covered, though I carry power
bank but running for 40hours that may not even be enough. So I really do
not know how many meters of elevation I had climbed nor how many
kilometer distance I had covered. I am just thankful on the long uphill I
catch up runners infront until I reach the very first peak, Dong Mao
Peak - 1690masl. One peak DONE. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> The weather was just right for
running even on the first mountain peak. At some point I had to pull
down my arms sleeves and was just on my t-shirt and long tights. From
the peak, the trail passes through rocky parts, I had to look for my
own spot on where I feel safe to step until the trail enters the forest
again on some steep descend. The distance to the next peak is not that
far but I was still running it on the dark mostly on my own. I am real
slow going down as I wanted to put much caution on my knee but I also
welcome the uphill parts as I always pass through runners infront of me.
I reach Wuwowei Peak with 1796masl, the Second Peak, still dark. The
way going down seems to be endless, light from my headlamp getting
weaker, but instead of stopping to change battery with an hour before
day break, thank God this country is like the Philippines that has early
sunrise, decided to push harder going down. Some runners whom I pass
through on the uphill passed me going down but I just focus on my own
pace. At some point I was running on my own again, trail signs of
several colors of ribbons, white, red, orange (which I remember orange
is that of the race) sometimes with captions written on chinese
characters which I don’t understand what it means. As it seems like its
taking forever this downhill part, few times I had to pull my phone and
check the gpx map if I am on the right track. Getting lost in a foreign
land with dialect I cannot speak is the very least that I want to
happen. I continue moving forward on this downhill part on my own and
still no sign of Refreshment Area and I can feel I am still on higher
elevation. No wonder Race Organizer requires runners to carry at east
1.5L of water and enough food as it really takes forever to reach to
the next refilling station. It was really endless trail passing though
different terrain, some vertical descend aided with ropes. I finally
reach the aid station a little less than an hour before cut off time.
There are still few runners ahead of me loading with water and food.
First Refreshment did not fail me, lots of food to choose from and lots
of drinks too. Conscious with my time I load up with food what ever I
can take, water and lots of ice cubes and off I was determined to face
the 3rd peak. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Refreshment 1 to Refreshment 2 - 15km distance </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Check Point 4 3). Bojinjia Peak - 1772masl</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> 1:30pm Cut Off Time </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show">
On broad day light now, this section has 15km distance total to the
next Second Refreshment Station. The route starts on an almost 3km road
until it turns left to a trail beside the post office of the town (which
the spray marker on the road I missed for few meters), it’s a park with
an established route with few hikers already on the trail. We now got
company! This is going to be around 7km out and back trail. Early part
from the park are mostly steps of different kinds and sizes, natural, of
cement and steel and of wood, I take my time to adjust and enjoy the
ascend, some trails switching back on the mountain slopes, some parts
with big rocks with ropes on both sides until runners had to climb with
an aid of some ropes. It is on this mountain slope that I had a close
encounter of a big blue bird with white spot on the tail and red spot on
the head. Too bad I was too lazy to bring out my phone to get a photo
of it. Reaching the top has the most spectacular view, I cant help but
ask the marshals for some photo despite me on a hurry. After few shots I
rush going down. Those that I catched up on the ascend pass by me going
down and one runner even noticed my knee concern going down.</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show">
DONE with the 3rd Peak. Back at the main entrance I can see other
runners across the Family Mart refilling supplies and got few cold
refreshments, and ice cream maybe? I did not. I carried 2 liters of
water anyway and still loaded with cliff bars and my mix of tailwind. I
proceed to the remaining 5kms of road. Such decision I regret few kms
after as it took me forever to tackle this part on my own under the
scorching heat of the sun. One time confused which road to take when
there are 3 to choose from and my gpx map says its just there, thanks to
the roving volunteers they reach just in time when I was looking for
the right road. I had to go through the tunnel with moving vehicles. All
through out the 5km distance I only encounter 1 runner already done
with the 4th peak and on his way to the 4th Refreshment Station, back to
the starting line. Whahhhh!!!!! So fast. The gradual ascend road turned
right steeper now, with few houses along the way with few barking dogs.
Thank God they are inside the fence. But no more stores where I can buy
any cold drinks. I can see one runner infront of me, also struggling
just like me. I keep a steady pace in order not to lost him in sight.
With mercury now going up, this part really seems like forever. I
reached the 2nd/3rd Refreshment Station around 12:40PM with no water
anymore. Few runners were still there including Terence from Singapore
who is about to leave. I did not see Puzi from Malaysia so I assume he
went ahead. The main business is to replenish food, THERE WERE A LOT,
its a buffet of food, noodles, soup, roasted chicken, and other meat,
shrimps, watermelon and other fruits, sandwiches, dried fruits and nuts,
etc. and lots of options of cold drinks too. I ate whatever I can but
hesitate on asking for some ice cubes. Volunteers persisted there was
none, at some point I asked if somebody can go down and get some ice
cubes at the village below as there are vehicles available, until they
bring out the supply they have. I thank them for that, refilled big
blocks to my hydration vest, went to the toilet and just before I
thought of leaving Puzi arrived. He got lost at the park before going
out to the main highway at the Bojinjia Peak.</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> 2nd Refreshment to 3rd Refreshment (same area)- 14.4km distance </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Check Point 6 - 4th Peak - Malun Peak - 2305masl</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> 6:30pm Cut Off Time </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show">
I left 2nd Refreshment Station around 1:05pm with few runners already
decided to DNF on this part. I was determined to push in whatever way I
can on this second to the highest peak of the race. There was one
Chinese runner with one trekking pole ahead of me, I kept a steady pace
in the all uphill road, inbetween farm lands and houses with few barking
dogs, again. As I pushed a little harder going up, I met few fast
runners on their way down back to the 2nd/3rd Refreshment Station. They
are real fast. At some point I pass the one Chinese runner with one
trekking pole infront of me, and there were less runners coming down
including Fanny the first Female runner. The trail goes around the
mountain with some parts with wooden stairs. Most parts I was on my own,
sometimes I met hikers with big backpacks going down, some of them
asked me something in Chinese which I replied I can only speak English,
sometimes I asked them if they saw runners like me up on the trail, most
of them don't understand me so I act like running and point my bib
number which they said yes. It always gives me an assurance that I am on
the right trail. Some of them were kind enough to offer candies and
others asked why going up the mountain this late. I had to reply
'because it took me forever to go up on the previous 3 mountain peaks'. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show">
Indeed the it took me forever to cover 7km going up, I met the second
Lady Runner, (I was the 3rd), few runners on their way down but still no
other runner overtaking me. The trail getting steeper, some parts
switching back on the mountain, some parts direct ascend, one hiker said
at the peak is a hut where the two marshals are waiting for runners to
arrive, that will serve as our turn around point. She even answered it
will take me still like an hour to reach that part. I just patiently
push myself forward, until I saw one familiar face behind me, THE
SWEEPER. He cannot speak English but really is a fast strong runner. I
asked him where are the rest, he made me listen to his phone saying,
'everybody abandoned the game.' That in a way made me sad, that means I
am the last runner now but thankful that I am with the Sweeper as there
were parts that the trail is suppose to go around the mountain rather
than taking a direct ascend. Towards the peak finally I saw Terence, on
his way down. Finally I got company. He asked to go down first before I
go up as the stairs can only accommodate one runner/hiker at a time, as
Terence can speak Chinese, the Sweeper asked him to ask me if I will
continue up to Refreshment 4, which I said yes. I reached the peak
4:22pm. Right after marshal tag me, without wasting time I turned around
and determined to go down now on a faster pace. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> I did not
mind my aching knee anymore and was just focused on getting faster down.
I know I can reach the Refreshment area way before the cut off time. As
I run and run and run surprisingly I saw Terence still on his descend. I
know he can run so much faster than me downhill as I saw him running
down from Bojinjia Peak. I move a little faster in order shorten my
distance with him, it always feels good to have company, though not far
behind from me is Mr. Sweeper. Upon reaching the road, I slowed down a
bit as saw dogs barking and asked Terence to run side by side with
him. And there he said he will stop at the 3rd Refreshment Station.
That made me sad as I am determined to continue to the next Refreshment
Station. We reached the 3rd Refreshment Station 6:22pm, 8 minutes to
spare from the 6:30pm cut off. I had to sit down, take any food and
drinks I can take and THINK. It's going to be another more than 10km
mostly on a downhill road, no peak to climb on this section but with a
part that will pass though a river of how deep I have no idea. I have
3hours and 30minutes (10:00pm cut off time) to tackle this part or even
longer given that its already dark or maybe shorter. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> But after
sometime of thinking just when Terence agreed to walk with me, with
another big race coming in 3 weeks time I decided to stop at KM48.8 at
18hours and 22 minutes. With standby vehicles ready, the marshals
brought me, Terence and the Sweeper back to the start/finish line. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show">
Was it really a right decision to stop at that part and not proceed to
where ever I will be cut off? I may had time left, I had a little over
50km more to cover with more than 20hours left of me on the remaining 4
mountain peaks, 5. Basian Peak - 2366masl, 6. Aleng Peak - 1540masl, 7.
Baimao Peak - 1522masl, 8. Tangmadan Peak - 978masl but they said its
the second half that is more difficult and yes with the highest peak to
climb. As I recon my experience on the first half, I strongly believe
at that time that this is a doable race to finish, for as long as one
will train hard for it, with no knee problem and making this an A race
without any other coming race at a short span of time. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> As I
stayed at the start/finish line the following day watching each runner
come back from the race, some G8 runners who run so much faster than me
surprisingly was cut off somewhere and DNF from the race as well just
like Norman from Singapore and many more. Among the G8 31starters, there
were only 9 finishers with 1 female. The very first finisher is a
55year old veteran adventure sports athlete with a sub 3hours marathon
time finished the race in 31hours, the only female finisher finished in
almost 38hours, Fanny Wu from Hongkong who is one of HK4Trail finisher.
Wow!!!!! This indeed is a real tough but beautiful race to do. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show">
I salute every one, all the brave runners who take the challenge, I
congratulate all the 9 strong and fast finishers, but most of all I
salute and congratulate the race organizer for putting such a very well
organized tough beautiful race. Thank you so much for having me in your
race, thank you for your hospitality, and thank you so much for being
so understanding despite my not speaking any Chinese at all, Thank you,
Shi-Shi 谢谢. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Your hospitality is beyond compare, the
overflowing buffet of food at the finish line from the time I arrived
after I decided to stop until the very last runner arrived until the
race event closed, food was just overwhelming and anybody can just get
as much as they want. And same goes your aid stations with marshals and
medics on standby ready to help when ever its needed. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> I come
with a strong and determined mind, I am always grateful that I covered
that much distance and climbed more peaks safe and without any injury.
That's all that I can handle at that time. I will come back stronger and
aim to cover more mountain peaks next time. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> This is one beautiful tough race that any strong fast runners must do! </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Thank you Taiwan! Thank you Taiwan Ultra Runners! Thank you!</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Photo credit to all the photographers and runners whom I grab the photo from.</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <br /> Video Links: <br /> <br /> Mandatory Gear: <br /> <a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvQcD6db9YQM%26utm_source%3DFacebook_PicSee%26fbclid%3DIwAR2FLv0-1KQ5ew-xBrdQHg2KW4ryHHV6d7_q3n3nqTAN2zHLmcG7YxhqRzI&h=AT3BIATvdaZkm71Al4auWTLxDeh54Hg9Bs8XgMCgavLIGCD60NbgZjRQ2xz0dDAkUnmKMwx82NeHeMyRkhq56kxJdd0bQUY3GURh1-ZNdRskwPU5xIeZ3QPnnfg-XjpbozE" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQcD6db9YQM&utm_source=Facebook_PicSee&fbclid=IwAR2FLv0-1KQ5ew-xBrdQHg2KW4ryHHV6d7_q3n3nqTAN2zHLmcG7YxhqRzI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>watch?v=vQcD6db9YQM&utm_sou<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>rce=Facebook_PicSee&fbclid<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>=IwAR3QBYAWfxMqm2_TAC4J4zv<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>gSymC0heG1Aw4BapR8Iyjw5ug7<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>Tt2GuiQ-1M</a><br /> <br /> Longer Video: <br /> <a data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DG8UeG9L49oM%26feature%3Dyoutu.be%26utm_source%3DFacebook_PicSee%26fbclid%3DIwAR1t7wO71AMz2s2MELk_N6uakieb18Z2OGoUJq3s3hkia8eLORSSoPeB40Y&h=AT2l1mKC8Yi06Xbfje_Abe_cltav_c_2vBBEz1MmsoU1l9wSTvSJN03gharQWueMy3h1YNnBfnWhouSqFgNtIuUUKDNH1xtD87C1G4_Ygjyb2zYte4ZCttSZQCu3wU7NYezJukp5zRuesr8q" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8UeG9L49oM&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Facebook_PicSee&fbclid=IwAR1t7wO71AMz2s2MELk_N6uakieb18Z2OGoUJq3s3hkia8eLORSSoPeB40Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>watch?v=G8UeG9L49oM&feature<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>=youtu.be&utm_source=Faceb<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>ook_PicSee&fbclid=IwAR2_eI<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>SIiiQLLDmWu3Uqu0GeFCbj_Zom<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>SleTKa3nMtiu2cKqLZX4-v_-VV<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>g</a><br /> <br /> Another video of the race: <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deziLin/videos/976579992539522/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>deziLin/videos/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>976579992539522</a></span></span></div>
Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-12593348101120272092018-10-07T08:15:00.000+07:002018-10-15T22:16:07.540+07:00WHY DOGS LIVE LESS THAN HUMAN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lovely story <span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f6c/1/16/1f499.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">💙 (A re-post)</span></span><br />
<br />
Here's the surprising answer of a 6 year old child.<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their
little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were
hoping for a miracle.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I examined Belker and found he was dying of
cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and
offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their
home.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought
it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They
felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker‘s family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last
time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few
minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The little boy seemed to
accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat
together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad
fact that dogs' lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had
been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT9ebF5WP6BQ7fcyBe3ir4CBOi805C4V9UxNVgxBlM0frsv-avat6tP25wGk06jQ4XLBOaXbyiteC2O0HD1_KgmlxKjpFU14gWUwOTbo_ER-L6x3kpX-sGZWf0Eu-XX0IAd4qrLakjxk/s1600/IMG_6022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="711" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT9ebF5WP6BQ7fcyBe3ir4CBOi805C4V9UxNVgxBlM0frsv-avat6tP25wGk06jQ4XLBOaXbyiteC2O0HD1_KgmlxKjpFU14gWUwOTbo_ER-L6x3kpX-sGZWf0Eu-XX0IAd4qrLakjxk/s640/IMG_6022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Startled, we all
turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never
heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and
live.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said, ”People are born so that they can learn how to
live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice,
right?” The six-year-old continued,</div>
<br />
”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay for as long as we do.”<br />
<br />
Live simply.<br />
Love generously.<br />
Care deeply.<br />
Speak kindly.<br />
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Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:<br />
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• When your loved ones come home, always run to greet them.<br />
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.<br />
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.<br />
• Take naps.<br />
• Stretch before rising.<br />
• Run, romp, and play daily.<br />
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.<br />
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.<br />
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.<br />
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.<br />
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.<br />
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.<br />
• Be faithful.<br />
• Never pretend to be something you’re not.<br />
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.<br />
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.<br />
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That's the secret of happiness that we can learn from a good dog.<br />
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LɪKᴇ ᴀNᴅ SʜAʀE<br />
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credit to the original owner of this write up and photo </div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-54305437057685738412018-09-12T11:52:00.000+07:002020-01-30T21:26:25.162+07:00Transpyrenea Off 2018 -Through the Path of the Pyrenees - France <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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More than a month has passed. Having had the opportunity to set foot on the trails of the Great French Traverse will always be a life long adventure that I will cherish more than this life time. I may not be able to recall every details on my day to day adventure on this trip, but there are those that remain vivid in my mind up to now. A never ending walk only God knows how long my body can hang on to the challenge.<br />
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I mastered the art of walking in the mountains of Pyrenees, mastered the technique of using a trekking pole, learned a clean trick of peeling an orange without getting my fingers all sticky and learned that no matter how muddy a trail is, there will always be a hard section that runners/trekkers/hikers can pass through of not getting wet or muddy.<br />
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Ten days and 10 hours covering almost 500kms. I did some running of course, but really it was mostly walking, day in and day out on different terrains on different weather conditions. Under the heat of the scorching sun, on a cold freezing temperature, on a heavy down pour of freezing rain, ice and hail, on gusty wind and on zero visibility trail, on shaded trails under pine forests, on an open narrow trails with thorny vegetation on both sides, (that was just really painful to the legs that I tried avoiding), the sound of the cowbells that really is a music to my ear, the traffic of herd of cows along the trail (I am just too afraid to move despite the fact that not a single cow will hurt me, they are just too big), the herd of horses and sheep, when caught at the middle of a flock of sheep when a horse, a dog and a shepherd is trying to move hundreds of them to a different pasture land (what to do, I freeze), the hikers that we met along the way, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups and in family, with dogs and children even with toddlers that barely can walk, some of them who knows about the Transpyrenea race are in awe with what we are doing, the local people who showed their hospitality, the different kinds of flowers of different colors and sizes (yellow, lavender, white, red, big and small), the alpine lakes, waterfalls, the streams, the snow and the scree, the mountain huts and refuges.<br />
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On picturesque trails that passes through charming villages, beautiful local communities, postcard perfect pasture and farm lands up to the high peaks of the mountains, on stunning and magnificent views and vistas of the unending beautiful mountain ranges that feed my mind, my heart and my soul, I walked and walked and walked. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Transpyrenea</b></span></div>
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A 16-day single footrace covering almost 900km in distance from the shores of Banyuls facing the Mediterranean Sea to the shores of Hendaye, in Southern part of France facing the Atlantic Ocean. Two big oceans separated by big mountain ranges of the Pyrenees passing through France's GR10 routes (Grand Routes). Majority of the hikers do the west to east, Transpyrenea race do East to West of the same GR10 route.<br />
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GR 10 is a French GR footpath or hiking trail, that runs the length of the Pyrenees Mountains. It roughly parallels the French–Spanish border on the French side. Those attempting the entire trail often choose to walk it from west to east, from Hendaye on the Bay of Biscay to Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean Sea. Hiking the entire route is estimated to take around 52 days for hikers who are in good shape and used to mountain hiking. Some stretches involve a lot of ascending and descending, including a few one-day sections that can climb and then descend 1,200 metres (3,900 ft), but the GR 10 is a hiking trail, and there is no actual mountain climbing involved. The trail covers a distance of 866 kilometres (538 mi), with 48,000 meters (157,000 ft) of ascent and given the coast to coast nature of the route the same descent. </div>
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I heard and know about the race in 2015 months before the first edition in 2016. It took me a while to decide, until I let go the idea of doing the race that year. A year after in 2017, I finally got the guts to give it a go. July that year I signified my interest, submitted my letter of application. Got accepted and registered. The race was originally scheduled August 1-16, 2018. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Transpyrenea Off 2018 </span></b></div>
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It's hard to figure out how to prepare for the race but as I gather the papers that were needed to be<br />
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processed and be submitted, prepared the long list of mandatory gears needed, one month before the race, participants received an email that the race is going to be cancelled. I don't know how to react, to be happy as I can concentrate on my UTMB race or to join the group of runners who decided to continue with the race non-official, self supported, on their own. There were around 100 runners from the over 270 registered participants on this year's edition that decided to still go with the non-official race. Therefore the creation of Transpyrenea Off 2018. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>And My Long Journey Begun </b></span> </div>
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I arrived Toulouse late evening of August 6, on my own I catch-up the earliest train out of Toulouse, arrived at Bagares de Luchon 9:45am. Mark met me at the Bus Station and joined Evelyn who did some grocery of food for the runners. At the camping site near the small air strip along the GR10 route in Bagares de Luchon, Mark and Evelyn set up an aid station, water, juice, soda, fruits, bread, cheese, cold cuts. etc. We patiently waited and after several hours the first 2 runners pass by. Already on their 9th day and covered almost halfway of the course, I can see they are tired, skin a bit burned, swollen ankle, torn and muddy shoes. Lily from Indonesia convinced me to start the following day as weather forecast will have thunderstorm on this area in the evening, going to the very first heavy downpour of rain since they started. Runners who passed that area had already covered 28km and already did a major
climb of a total elevation of 1900MASL for the day. There will be remaining 21km of another 1900MASL
climb for the rest of the route. I did not thought of the thunderstorm (but hopeful for an inaccurate weather forecast) nor the <br />
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remaining distance and climb for the day. When the 5th runner passed the aid station, I grabbed my hydration bag and decided
to start my adventure. I did not want to waste time, all I wanted was to hit the trail. I took a slow start as I get myself acquainted with the trail marker/trail sign to follow that we runners shared with the hikers, I need to know how to read them while
slowly leaving the bustling village of Luchon until slowly the trail goes switching to the mountain slope under the shade of tall huge pine trees.
Sunny but we traverse on shaded trail, until it reached an open area with snow peak mountain
ranges visible from afar. Green scenery down below if one will look back where we come from.<br />
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As we are following the GR10 route, the only marker/trail sign that I need to search and follow is the white and red stripe painted on whatever is available along the trail, on the trees, at the rocks, some on a post, there are posts far apart purposely erected for makers to be visible on the barren open space, on the walls of the houses or buildings, on electrical posts, etc. No additional markers that are visible on the trail, no reflectorized ribbons, no blinkers, no ribbons, no caution tapes that one can see on a normal trail race, even on first edition it has be been like this. The race is meant to be self navigating with the aid of the map and gpx file issued by the organizer. (Which I don't have both.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC1ZvzOyWC8TTzg6z2vJThyH1P3-C1TOWoF8u10MSIc4UEIgVBFXZ3lRB14Q-G4XVXCX4yRzsGzgZNI7GNtgQX6jJeTzOCQ1uBWY_6OKEAREbWTq3o6cqUXS6jpvITZo676nRtiB0PWQ/s1600/IMG_5245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC1ZvzOyWC8TTzg6z2vJThyH1P3-C1TOWoF8u10MSIc4UEIgVBFXZ3lRB14Q-G4XVXCX4yRzsGzgZNI7GNtgQX6jJeTzOCQ1uBWY_6OKEAREbWTq3o6cqUXS6jpvITZo676nRtiB0PWQ/s400/IMG_5245.JPG" width="300" /></a>As the trail goes higher now on an open route, along the way is a Ski Resort of Luchon and to my surprise a support vehicle waiting for runners to pass by. A refreshing drink after that climb was a real treat and some bread. That was a relief until a sudden a downpour of rain came. Could this be the start of a thunderstorm that they said? But it is still mid afternoon. Continuing on, the rain stopped, the horizon cleared a bit and the sun showed up. From the plateau to the mountain slopes until going up again to the Col ahead with the trail switching back and forth in the now open mountain slope. From one Pass or Col to the next, I was just enjoying pushing on the uphill and running a bit on the downhill with all smiles from ear to ear. I was just so happy and so at home with all the mountain peaks and valleys in between ahead of me. I want to fly. I am in so much awe as I start threading and weaving the trails along the mountain slopes, seeing ahead and around me the grandeur of nature. I lost count even on day one how many climbs I did until late afternoon (or early evening, it gets dark as late as 9:00pm) I can hear the roar of a thunder. Traversing the mountain slope on a trail that switched back gradually down, what was a sunny late afternoon becomes gloomy again until the rain started to drop. With the goal of covering more distance, stopping never occur to my mind, but the rain becomes heavier that the trail was slowly filled with water. Had to stop and put on the waterproof jacket and pants. The rain was just persistently pouring, now a freezing cold water. Navigating on a heavy down pour of rain searching for the trail sign ahead as I continue moving down has now become a bit of a challenge. The immediate goal is to be out in this open space the soonest and hope for a tree line to appear. <br />
But that never happened too soon. The rain drop now becomes painful once it touches the jacket only to realize it started raining with ice, hail came. The open horizon becomes dark and I can see nothing except that is within the range of the light of my torch. A roar of a thunder followed by a lightning many times. Cold and wet and scary maybe but the sight of the lightning that illuminates the lake ahead and below the trail really makes a beautiful unforgettable picture that I will forever remember. Finally from the open trail it leads to the tree line but still raining with lightning and thunder. The trail now with running water becomes rocky thank god not slippery. I noticed some species came out on the trail, I got a company of unknown insects to me. One is a shell-less snail (it looks like a snail of black or brown/reddish color) and a stripe black and yellow small lizard that turns out to be a stripe poisonous salamander. <br />
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Now endless down on the rocky trail with water flowing. Cold wet and hungry, looks like I will survive my very first day on the trails of GR10 that welcomed me with so much rain with matching flashes of lightning and a band like sound from the roar of endless thunder. Slowly few lights down below becomes visible. Somewhere in that community must be the bivouac area of the runners to rest for the night. Until finally no matter how long the descend is, the trail ends and merged the road that leads to the community. It's a small village with less lights apart from each other. The next challenge is to look for the campsite this late on a not so well lighted community. At around 10:00pm finally my initiation day ends. A bivouac site with kitchen and luggage area inside a barn. Thank God I have a partial impaired sense of smell, I did not smell much of the horse/cow dang. I am now with the company of some of the few runners who went ahead of me and with the volunteers/support crew. This area is already on higher elevation that it was really cold aside from the fact that it is raining. No toilet and no running water to take a bath. Finally I changed to dry warm clothes, eat a hot meal and finally get inside the tent and zip into the warmth and comforts of my cold weather sleeping bag. </div>
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My daily commute from second day on-wards has been a routine of getting up early, changing to running gear, packing and putting back all my things to the duffle bag, packing my essentials for the day on my hydration bag including food and water, eat as much food as my stomach can take and carry whatever I can and leave for the day's task and target to reach the next bivouac area on time. Getting up early isn't on the same time every day. On days that has longer kilometer distance to cover, runners need to leave at the wee hours of the morning. Putting on a wet dump running attire, getting up so early and clearing the campsite reminds me of my long alpine expeditions in the past. Hydration pack needs to be replenished with what I think I will need for the day, the dried foods that I brought, other essentials like wet ones and toilet paper, waterproof jacket and pants, mid layer long sleeves and thinner jacket, gloves, extra head wear, torches with extra battery, sunglasses, extra socks, a small sleeping bag which I decided not to carry on the latter part of the adventure. </div>
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More often than not, bivouac areas are not within the GR10 route. It can either be a campsite within the target village, or a big hall that can accommodate tents or a place that runners can sleep for the night. Most of the time this areas has water and electricity which is really convenient for us. It is the support team and the volunteers that identifies the place and will put markers for runners to follow once it will reach the community. Since this is not part of the GR10 route more often than not leaving the campsite still dark, it has always been a challenge to get out and connect to the next GR10 destination. Same goes when looking for the campsite at the end of the day's traverse. We have our maps and GPS files but there were instances it took us few kilometers of looking for the right trail and still nowhere to be found. Once daylight came, it becomes easier to navigate looking for the trail marker to the next destination. And as usual from the village to the trail will definitely goes up to a Col or mountain passes and goes down again to the next community. </div>
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In between villages I rely on my own food that I carry in my Amihan go-lite fuel belt that was very convenient for easy access of food. I live on Cliff power bar every single day (3 packs per day) alternating it with dried fruits and mix nuts, chocolate and nut bars, cookies and breads and sometimes fresh fruits like oranges, bananas, apple that I grab from the bivouac area. Reaching a community or village after a long traverse is a relief for it means getting something solid to eat, a cold or a hot drink and more importantly my most awaited time to rest my feet, my legs and my body for a while, while waiting for the food to be served. </div>
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Arriving on small villages with less visitors in between meal time means no more lunch or dinner food that will be served. A search for a next place that will serve food will always be the immediate goal. On the more than 10 days that I was in the adventure, I only eat rice ones, that was in the community 21km away from the finish line in Hendaye. A Spanish restaurant cooked a very good beef with rice. And at Col d'Ibbardin, 12km before the finish line, on a very cold rainy late afternoon, a fresh grilled shrimp with potato fries was a <br />
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real treat. At Larry, on a restaurant inside a Ski Resort that has lots of motorcycle riders, I got turkey strips with mushed potato, at Saint Jean de Pied de Port, it was a fine dining dinner and at Ainhoa when the family offered the food in their house. The rest of those days, my food were French Sandwich, lots of it. I lost count the number of times that I had sandwich, but that was the most common food that was available and I had. Baguette bread with ham and cheese, ham not cooked, no vegetables like lettuce or tomato on it. I can't help but compare as I am not used to it back home. I learned to love it and carry the rest of those that I cannot finish and eat it along the trail when I feel like hungry again before or after a long climb, stopping on a spot with beautiful view as far as my eyes can see. <br />
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Hydration is a combination of water and tailwind all through out the adventure. I carried a 20L Raid Light Hydration pack with 1.5L hydration bladder and 2pcs 500ml bottles, 1 bottle is my tailwind mix and carry 3 extra packs of 3 scoops each pack each day and the other bottle is filled with water. On day 2 on wards I decided not to put any water on my hydration bladder anymore. As I started on Central Pyrenees with high mountain peaks, along the trail is abundant with flowing cold clean water. On times that it feels overheating on a sunny day, a site of a stream is just rewarding. A chance to replenish cold drinking water direct from a stream mostly were every runner's source of drinking water while in the mountain and it was that clean that there was no need to cure the water with puritabs or live straw which I did not bring any.<br />
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It is common in villages that we pass by that they have free flowing faucet where runners and hikers can replenish water, in restaurants that we buy food, we make it a point to ask for drinking water before leaving. One that I cannot forget though coming from a Col, it was a steep descent on scree, until the trail passes a snowy part. I was hesitant of going through that part as I thought it is going to be slippery, I even thought of how I will go around that part, but I saw some footprints right through the middle to the snow, which I followed. Down that part was a flowing water from the melting snow. I cant help but stop and change the water in my bottle. I can vividly recall that portion that is lagoon of water and that portion that is snow. Beautiful. Too bad I did not have a photo of that.<br />
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It was on my fourth day that fatigue started to sink in. On the long ascents I cant help but stop and stretch my legs once in a while. Both feet started to swell already with hot spots started to form, a luekoplast plaster has always been reliable and constant rubbing of petroleum jell, if I had the chance, in order to prevent blisters from forming. It is now evident that my Lone Peak 3.0 has been worn out from the sharp rocky parts of the trail. It has always been the goal to reach the campsite earlier to rest the now aching legs and swollen feet. But as runners were counting the days, there were nights that campsite was just too far to reach for me. On the technical rocky terrain on a pitch dark night on a typical European trail of very long descends, it's just too impossible to move faster.<br />
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On my fifth night, on another ultra distance day, while most of the runners were about to leave the campsite, arrived the campsite almost 5:00am. Been out for more than 24 hours already, looking for a vacant tent, I tried to rest my aching legs. I can feel the throbbing pain on my legs despite my weary body. I thought who am I to complain, most of the runners had been out for more than 10 days now. Not sure if I rested, while most of the runners left, I took a shower, change to new set of running clothes, decided to rest my Lone Peak shoes and put on my Olympus 3.0, which turn out to be not a very wise decision. I thought the thick cushioning of the shoes will help on the rocky parts of the trail. What used to be an always bigger size for me on a normal day, with the swollen feet now, I can feel the discomfort on the downhill parts of the trail early part of that day. I had to stop several times and thought of a remedy, taking off the in-sole but did not work, taking off my socks but was painful to my forming blisters either. I ended putting on my socks and insole back and just bear the pain on the swelling feet, hoping that I will still be able to catch up with the support team on a bivouac area and have access with my duffle bag, but turn out I had to endure the pain 'til the end of the adventure.<br />
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That day, on my 6th day with less sleep, the goal was to cover more distance, turn out to be my very last bivouac area/campsite, the goal was to take a rest either at Refuge Jaendel or at the sports center at La Pierre St. Martin, 678km distance for those who took the entire route. As described by the Volunteers, the sports center is a facility with kitchen and food, shower and bath and bed that all Transpyrenea runners are welcome to come and rest. At the middle of a foggy cold night, not knowing exactly where the Refuge or the Sports Center among the lighted establishments, with no one to ask from, the search took longer, a place with no people around. Roaming on a place that seems like a ghost town, all of a sudden all the lights closed except for 1 building that seems to be like a hotel and lights on the posts. And even the barking of a dog that I thought I hear earlier while roaming the area seem to become silent too. At some point I thought somebody must be playing a joke here, like hide and seek, for finding the sports center or the refuge was to no avail.<br />
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Determined, the only option was to go to the well lighted building which at first I thought was a hotel with guests that I saw from few lighted rooms. On an uncertain path, going straight to the building through a dip drop of ravine was the only option. As promised by our support team before leaving the campsite for that day, there will be accommodation for all the runners at the Sports Center with food. In fact they called the person in-charged to inform that there will be runners coming. I imagine it will be like a hotel with reception area with someone waiting, a bed to rest, a restaurant where one can order food. Apparently it was not what I imagined. As the search continued and finally found an open door on the well lighted building. I was just too ready to just sit down on the floor and take a rest when along the aisle a signage Transpyrenea Off 2018 was visible. Following the several signage it leads to a room at the second floor with Transpyrenea photos and tarpaulins. In the corner of the room is a kitchen sink, a water heater, microwave oven with unlimited coffee and tea, chocolate bars and cookies. There was a toilet and bath but cannot find a bedroom to rest. Taking off my hydration pack, had something hot to drink, putting all layers that were available to keep me warm, I lay my tired body on the floor covered with flattened table. The original goal was to take a short nap and continue to cover more distance for the day. But with no more food at hand, no food available to grab this early on this place and uncertain on what community will be the next food available, decided to wait for day time and check what establishment will offer food. It turn out on the same building was a restaurant where people come in to grab for hot drink, sandwiches and a french bread. After having replenished food, had to face another day on this adventure.<br />
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On my 7th day of the adventure, I was still hopeful that I will be able to catch up with the support crew and see you duffle bag, change clothes, replenish food, change to my Altra TIMP shoes, charge my phone and carry the charger and have a longer rest, but that did not happen until the end of the journey. I had to make use of what I carried from the 5th day. Even if the trail is now approaching to West towards the Atlantic Ocean, there are still several high Cols to climb and long deep descends to face. Passing by Lake Aisling, seeing families taking their sweet time resting, I wish I can do the same, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. It was still a long way in between trails and roads until reaching a community was a chance to grab another French Sandwich. And stay for the night at Saint Jean de Pied de Port, a Unesco World Heritage Site, this pretty small charming Basque town has lots of tourists around. With almost a 100km left before Hendaye, I just take things one day at a time. Had a good dinner, replenish supply of food for the next few days, rest for few hours and left at the wee hours of the morning while the bustling old city was still asleep.<br />
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Another day, on my 8th day. My most unforgettable day that will lead me to the most sketchy part of the trail. Up to the Col traversing some long vertical drops, I had to rely my life on the rocks making sure of my hand grip and foot holds are secure on the rock face of the wall until finally I reach the very top. Following the trail marker, I saw an x mark on the left, same goes on the right side, I had no other means but to check in-front, which seem to be an abyss ahead of me. A long drop true enough a trail marker was down right in-front, with the light of my torch I reach the bottom part of this vertical wall which is more than two story building high with the aid of two sections of ropes. I was scared and hesitant to go down, on the many days on this trail, for the very first time I thought, can I back out and look for another option, if only there was other option but I had no choice. I had to face my fear of heights and hold on to the rope. I made it down in one piece without injury. It was rocky terrain on the next few kilometers sometimes scrambling on big boulders. I can imagine this must be a beautiful place with rock formations on day time. Trail markers were quite challenging to find most especially on the rocky part.<br />
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Looks like a turn is missed, nonetheless hoping that a marker will be just above to be what seemed like a lighted community, on what seem to be a barren place with gravel on the ground. Upon reaching the top was a structure with a ski lift, unfortunately marker was nowhere to be found. It was an empty Ski Resort on top of a hill with lights far down below. Hoping to see a marker a little further, decided to follow the rocky road that leads down below the never ending winding road. Apparently this place a Ski Resort without any snow on a summer. Few moving lights from mostly vehicles but not any closer. Moving slowly on a freezing night finally it leads to a community with few lights open but no people around. Decided to check on one establishment where few cars parked. Trying a luck on a closed door, bingo, it's not locked, it is open and it leads directly to a stairs to the second floor, on the right is a wall that one can hang things and to a kitchen with microwave open, refrigerator, water heater, dining tables and chairs, a toilet and bath with hot shower. I decided to take a shower, a short nap on top of the lined dining chairs. Apparently that place was a modern Rifugio up in the French trails. After less than an hour of nap its time to move on, still raining and still following the road below in between farm lots with few houses. Not really knowing where the road will lead, one guy came out of what seem to be a barn from outside. It is a shelter that hikers and campers can come inside and rest. There were 3 of them inside who patiently waited for the rain to stop. Too kind and generous they offered hot drink which was very comforting being wet and cold.<br />
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As it shows in the map, there should be a place to get some food somewhere, along the road is Chalet Pedro, the gate was closed, no one was around as it was still very very early but the gate was easy to open. From the wide green ground it leads to the houses but no sign of people until one door opened and offered some hot drinks, bread with jam and spread. They were group of friends one of which had a chance to work in Asia. After few minutes, it was time to move under the rainy weather. Reaching a community on an early afternoon means real food for the day. It has been a long day of climbing under the rain until evening of still never ending rain uncertain of where will the next stop to rest be. It was a never ending walk even at the middle of the night under the howling wind with no idea where the peak exactly ends. As the destination nears to an end, thank God Cols was never that high anymore but coming down uncertain of where the next shelter be. Upon seeing a Shepherd's Shed on the descend, I did not hesitate to stop, get inside and sit on the bench. I closed my eyes trying to rest my wet tired body from the never ending walk on a freezing cold rain and howling wind on I guess just around 4 feet by 2 feet shelter. Despite my closed eyes, I can hear the soft sound of the droplets of the rain as it collided on the roof of the boxed like shelter. Wind and rain did not stop and temperature remain to be freezing. Decided to continue hoping to get a warmer temperature as the elevation lowers. No sight of stars but pitch dark with fog that boils to very poor visibility with howling wind.<br />
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The traverse was long until it leads to a winding rough road with lights visible down below, it must be the next community, Ainhoa. As the road continue going down on a flat part on the side despite being dark, I can see 3 huge Crucifix which I imagine this could be the last of the Station of the Cross. And as the winding road continue to go down true enough on the side every after several meters are tall crucifix which I imagine is a confirmation that this ended is a way of a Station of the Cross in the place. Knowing that, this will definitely be a long way down counting each station. As it goes closer to the community I can hear a lively music. Looks like there is a party in town. Finally reached the road leads to the community lighted through the posts. It finally is a village of Ainhoa, at almost midnight. A site of a bench on what seems to be like a park, despite being cold, will be more than enough for me to at least take a short break and rest for a while. But God was too kind. The lively music apparently was a night of celebration as part of the community's festivity. Probably like an intruder to a partly, a family offered and opened their house, served a hot complete <br />
meal and warm bed for an hour of rest before continuing on to the very last stretch of this adventure.<br />
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One more day. This should be done in a little over few hours after 10 days for me. Down to a full marathon distance now from Ainhoa to Hendaye. How exciting could that be. Just as I thought it will be really be that close and easy, but really it was not. With all the drama came, and with a tired body, what seemed to be so close was like taking forever to reach that shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Reached the village of Sare just the break of day light, decided to take a rest and eat something at an empty covered shed. It's cold. Eager to get this done after few bites of what's left on my food, continued with the GR10 route until unknowingly the trail leads to a GR8 route, without having noticed which part it started to divert to a GR8 marker. Backed track to the very trail that GR10 marker last seen and trying to figure out where could be the next GR10 route to no avail. Using the GPX file leads to rolling local road that leads to a private land with an angry owner that can speak no English and worst owns big dogs not friendly to strangers, left with no choice but left the site. Continued the adventure on a terrain that has no marker nor trail yet one can hear the vehicle on the other side where the GPX file is pointing. From one attempt to the next, several turns made, with few queries to some locals yet with no luck, just when it was at the most unexpected moment, a turn leads to a trail that has a GR10 marker post that points to the next community where runners/hikers should be heading. A more than 3 hour wasted seems like nothing for what was more important is the right trail ahead. Reunited to the original route now down to the last 30km of this adventure from Sare to Hendaye. Eager for this long adventure to be done, yet I savor every minute that is left for me on this beautiful place. I recall the trail leads to an endless up and down on the side of the cliff, with much hope that there will be no trail that will lead to a vertical drop, and thank God there was none. <br />
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The trails was just up in the high elevation overlooking to a vast land down below as far as our eyes can see, all green. A lot of hikers of different nationalities and age on this part of the route, I can see big birds flying freely in the void up above the clear sky, and few hikers flying drone too. On few instances now, I wish I can just stay for a while, enjoy the beauty of the place, take as many photos as I want, to relax and not be pressured with time. Already delayed as majority of the Transpyrenea Off Drop Bag Group already reached the end of the trek in Hendaye a night befere and expected to already had a victory celebration on that same night. Upon finally reaching the last known community to us runners (hikers) a decision of getting a good meal was the right choice in one of the Spanish restaurant. It was a really good meal. What seemed to be a really short distance remaining it was a long and winding road and trail and finally seeing what seemed to be a huge community from afar. I never thought the last 12km of the GR10 will converge into this community that French and Spanish people meet, it is Col d'Ibbardin, a Spanis-French shopping Meca, a community that boarder between Spain and France. That decision to stop and take another sumptuous meal right before the heavy down pour of the rain was a good decision.I may not be too hungry yet but those pieces of shrimps were just really good. <br />
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At around 4:00pm all set and ready to go for the final push, the goal is to reach that shore of Hendaye with the last ray of day light for the day. With longer day time on this French Summer season we have 5 hours left to finish the remaining 12km distance of the entire race. Following the remaining uphill road until the very end while it was still raining, wet and cold I made a sharp left turn right infront a building structure, following the rough road with pine trees on both sides still with white and red paint stripes of markers painted on tree<br />
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trunks from time to time. A long gradual descend passing through farm lands and few houses until it reached a dead end, end of the road. A house with kids playing outside on this rainy day finally gave a little hope, tried asking for help on this seemed to be very less populated place, a man came out but unfortunately cannot speak English nor French but Spanish. I was trying to communicate what ever handful Spanish left in me through the lesson I learned in my college years more than two decades ago and finally realized this is a wrong trail, this part is already Spain and not France. That officially made me set foot on the land of Spain for the very first time without any stamp on my passport.<br />
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After few conversation and negotiations convincing the man to lead and bring us to the trail of Hendaye to no avail now left without option but to back track to that gradual descend trail, which is now going to be a slow uphill part. Passing through another house that has two barking dogs probably threatened upon seeing stranger, a man on his car came from behind. I moved faster and further following the rough road which the car followed me, after few hi and hellos, took the chance of asking where the right way to Hendaye is, despite his less English words he offered a help leading to the right way using his car. A bumpy ride while going back to the rolling uphill terrain that I freely run down earlier, until it lead to the very foot of the hill where I made a sharp left turn,. it was suppose to be a right turn after all. Indeed, it was a wrong trail from the very start of what I thought was the very last stretch of this journey. With a grateful heart the man left and continue the adventure I realized indeed that Spanish man was right, there was no way he can bring this lost runner to Hendaye as it is all single track trail from the foot of the mountain at Ibbardin a slow uphill trail up in the mountain. The key now is run and cover more distance hoping to reach the shore of Hendaye before the night falls.After few more kms at the the mountain top the trail now slow descend showing the bay of Hendaye. Despite the tired body and aching legs and feet no stopping now on the endless descend hoping to reach that shore soon. But really that stretch took me forever to finish. Slowly the street lights and lights from the community show up as I gaze through the horizon wondering where the finish line mark could be. At exactly 9:45pm finally the long downhill trail merged with the road of the Upper Hendaye. Setting foot on the road was like an achievement for me despite the fact that there is still a finish line mark to find. It took me another almost 3 hours to reach that shore, following the road at the upper part of another French city through local houses, churches and parks and establishments my eyes are still awe with how clean a French community is with few local people around. The road sometimes leads back to a trail then back to the road without sighting of the beach.<br />
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As I was about to end my journey in the Pyrenees, as I was still suffering and hoping this journey will come to an end, lots of things going through my mind, I cant believe I did such beautiful yet very difficult adventure. My feeling of admiration to all those brave runners who joined this race in 2016. My respect to those who finished this race during that edition. My salute to those who decided to do this race again on the suppose to be second edition, and my respect to those who decided to continue doing the adventure despite the cancellation of the event. All of them, those who has been to this race in the first edition (finisher or DNF) knows what they will be up to on this second edition again, yet they were up to the challenge again. For me, a first timer, this race was never an easy feat to tackle, infact it was a very very challenging one. And even on this Transpyrenea Off 2018 Edition, there were those who started the run/race but decided to stop along the way. <br />
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Upon finally reaching the beach, windy and cold and now dark, it is still a very long stretch of winding path way only God knows when exactly this stretch will end. I was just too tired and hungry that all I wanted was stop and sit down and take some rest, my legs are just too tired, which at some point I did, I just sit down and close my eyes on the side walk, until finally a group of Japanese runners who were way behind days before showed up, its just nice to see group of runners from the same group, they just came from where the finish line mark is. Without hesitation I gathered my things and really hope that finish line mark is not too far. Until the Japanese lady support team was kind enough to lead me and bring me to where the mark exactly is. In a dark spot facing the Atlantic Ocean is a STAR that served as the finish line. On my 11th day of this adventure, at 12:am of August 17, 2018 I finally set foot at the very end of the GR10 French Traverse route at the shore of Hendaye from the mountain range of Louchon covering almost 500km in distance.<br />
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Thinking it now, where I had been was an endless nature beauty in all aspect. I wish I took hundreds of photos but I did not. I was just too focused with getting the task done most especially on the steep ascend parts and more so on deep descends with raven only God knows how many kilometers is the vertical fall. <br />
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Doing this was a lifetime opportunity I will forever cherish more than this lifetime. The experience was priceless. IT is hard to describe how breathtaking the landscape was, the few photos that I took and those few that I grabbed from my fellow runners that I had the privileged and honored to share the trail and adventure with does not do justice how magnificent the landscape all of us were in.<br />
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My salute to all those who joined the Transpyrenea Off 2018. I thank all of them for sharing the adventure with me. I thank the selfless volunteers who adopted all of us, who thought of the logistics for 16 days, for taking care of our food and campsites, they shared their precious time with us voluntarily. I also thank the Transpyrenea Organizer, for without them this race will not be formed. The event did not turn out as expected this year but they were the brain of this all. </div>
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As for me, no regrets I decided to push of joining this race. I know I will not be able to take that opportunity again, I know I could not have covered that long, had it be in an official race. It was an adventure I will always be glad I decided to take my chance on and I am glad it turn out just how I wished it to be, and I was able to spend it with great runners whom I know I will not have a chance of running with in the future. <br />
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So was it really a dangerous course, too much of a danger for a single staged race? <br />
No any mountain race or activity that does not involved risk, I think all do. In the case of of GR10 route, it has to be done with extra care on those sections that are treacherous but it is doable. I hope one day the Organizer will be given a go signal to do this race again. </div>
Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0Pyrenees42.6681804 1.001189899999985839.681711899999996 -4.1623841000000139 45.6546489 6.1647638999999854tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-35009755083678889312018-08-05T04:03:00.000+07:002018-09-29T14:06:23.267+07:00Securing of a Europe (Schengen) Visa from France Embassy in the Philippines: Amazing 2018 France Adventure #1 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My travel to France this year brought me to so many adventures months even before I left for the trip. My decision to join Transpyrenea 2018 brought me to so many experiences. </div>
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Months after the acceptance of my application of interest to join the race (Transpyrenea) mid last year, the ballot for UTMB opened. My thought, after my DNS in 2013 and was rejected for a lottery last year, this year could give me an assured slot for next year if not accepted this year. But alas, I was accepted to the lottery this year. Now I have two big races on the beginning and end of the same month of August this year Transpyrenea and UTMB. Since then, it has been a puzzle to me how will I do it, how will I leave from work, how will I train for it out of my very busy work schedule.<br />
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Making arrangements for the trip itself, the preparation of the mandatory gears, complying to the medical requirements, among others, I have to squeeze in to my daily busy life at work. It took me a while to decide to book for a ticket and to process my visa. Until we got a news that Transpyrenea will not push through as a race this year but there will be group of registered runners who will do it as an unofficial race self supported and self navigating following the same route. I decided to push through but a week after the date they started.<br />
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Now the visa part. I cant leave from work, I only had limited time to prepare all documents, fast forward I only had on the day of my original date of departure had my visa figured out and launched following the online visa application.<br />
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So here I go. With so little time left I had no choice but process my Schengen visa. Though I had already purchased my ticket, I do not know if I can really fly on my intended day of departure.<br />
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Being
selected to participate in Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) or any
European race does not assure any runner of a Schengen visa. One still
has to prepare all the necessary documents and submit it to the Embassy
of the European country where you are going, for UTMB or Transpyrenea, in France Embassy
in the Philippines. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">REQUIREMENTS </span></b></div>
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List of requirements are found at the website for France Embassy www.vfs.com. Below are what I prepared, in addition to what were stated in the website and I prepared 2 copies of each:<br />
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- Back and forth plane ticket<br />
- Travel insurance for the duration of the travel<br />
- Proof of income<br />
*Bank Certificate and Bank Statement for the past 3 months - in my own experience this does not have to be too big, mine did not reach a P100,000.00 pesos when I applied. A lesser amount is okey for as long you can show that you got a regular income, there is a cash flow into your account every month, your bank account did not have a big amount of cash all of a sudden in one time.<br />
*Employment Certificate, Memo of Promotion from work, letter of salary increase, employment contracts<br />
*Payslip<br />
*Income Tax Return (ITR 2316)<br />
- Proof of Accommodation ( Email confirmation of the payment and other exchange of emails)<br />
- Detailed Itinerary of Travel<br />
- Letter addressed to the Embassy stating about your travel, why you want to join the race, why is the race important to you, tell them it is your dream race, assure them that you will return to the Philippines, etc. <br />
- Letter from the race organizer, include the very first communication that you got through email, including the payments for the race that you made.<br />
- List of participants showing your name, if available<br />
- Photocopy of your previous race certificates (so it is important to collect all race certificates that you can get)<br />
- Photo copy of your bibs or race numbers<br />
- Photo copy of your birth certificate<br />
- Passport valid to travel for 6 months<br />
- Passport size photo ID with white back ground<br />
- Photo copy of all the visa issued to your passport on your past travels. You may include the travel stamps stamped in your passport (though mine they did not ask for it, but I guess this will also show what countries you have been to)<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>SET AN APPOINTMENT </b></span><br />
With all the documents ready, go online at France Embassy Website www.vfs.com. Open the submit application tab. Make an account, fill up the necessary fields.Go out of this site.<br />
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Go to visa.france website and make an account using the same email address. Choose an appointment date.<br />
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Print all the documents, filled up application form and confirmation of date of appointment.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>APPOINTMENT DATE</b></span><br />
Be at Mega Plaza an hour before your appointment time. They accept appointment as early as 7:00am which is convenient for working runner like me. Look for the line of the country you are applying for, in my case France.<br />
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To avoid hassle, do not bring any bag, ladies bag for that matter. Visa applicants are the only one allowed inside and can only bring all the necessary documents, wallet, ball pen and cellphone. If one is bringing a bag, you can leave it in a locker for P75.00 no time limit. Bu the thing is, hassle, the line is long, it can cause delay.<br />
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Have all your documents photocopied most especially all the visa on your passport. There is a photocopier machine inside, you will only pay P45.00 no matter how many number of pages you will need a copy, in my case 9 pages, but then again, there is a long line, another delay. Hassle.<br />
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Bring enough money. Though the website says fee is only 65.00euro, there might be additional charges, in my case finger printing and service charges summing up to P5, 300.00. There are ATM machines at the ground floor of the building, but then again, you will still go out which causes another delay.<br />
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They process pretty fast. Granting all requirements with duplicate copy of each, in less than 2 hours application will already be launched and accepted. No interview with the Consul, only agents at the counter that accepts the papers. And yes they release the result of the vise in 48hours. I finally filed my visa in a Wednesday. My ticket was scheduled on a Monday, 8:00am. They take note of that on my application papers. They released my multiple entry 40-day visa in the afternoon of Friday. Isn't that fast? </div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-36104012330357376472018-04-11T09:10:00.000+07:002018-10-06T13:15:12.099+07:00A Trip To Linhai (China) 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's nice to be back in Shanghai after almost 2 years, this time not for a business trip but for a weekend adventure in Linhai<b>, </b>a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County-level_city" title="County-level city">county-level city</a> in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taizhou,_Zhejiang" title="Taizhou, Zhejiang">Taizhou</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhejiang" title="Zhejiang">Zhejiang</a> Province situated on the banks of the Lin River in Eastern China. Thanks to Asia Trail Master<span style="text-align: left;">, Mr. Kris Van Delle for the opportunity and to Kien Lu for having us as invited runners. I am too shy to say no to an almost all expense paid trip. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">I was with two more Filipino runners given the opportunity to run at Ultimate TsaiGu, Khat and Majo. I decided to adjust my travel schedule to that of Majo and we were glad that a Shanghai based friend Yang Kai made arrangements for us (our hotel stay in Shanghai and purchase of train tickets for Linhai and back to Shanghai) and assisted us (in ordering food every meal and at race pack collection) and was even traveling with us. Travel to race venue from major airports seems easy through the instruction in English at Tsaigu website but I thought it would still be best if traveling with someone who can speak the language. Without hesitation I adjusted my travel schedule to that of Majo and we travel together. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">On a mid-week, I made it to my the evening flight via Cebu Pacific arriving Shanghai past midnight. As soon we cleared immigration, Yang Kai was already waiting us at the arrival area. The weather was cold. It was more than an hour travel by car to the city where he booked us for the night. Real late already but we need something to eat, he brought us to a nearby convenient store and finally settle on a hostel that he booked for us, a room with two single beds. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The following day he picked us for breakfast on a walking distance Chinese restaurant from where we stayed. Of course we cannot understand anything written in the menu, so he ordered our meal, two bowls of dim sum soup and a steamed dim sum. Two big bowls arrived which was just really a lot. After a good breakfast, we walk back to our hostel, got our things then go to the nearest train station. Destination will be the Central Terminal. The weather is cold despite Yang Kai saying spring weather will be warm.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">I have been to Central Terminal before and I did not remember this much passengers. There were lots of people every where, at the escalator, to the security scanner to the issuance of train ticket for Linhai. All instructions and signage in Chinese, I cannot imagine going through the travel without Yang Kai, though I know I will survive and probably can figure it out had I travel on my own. From the claiming of our train ticket to which plot form we are going to ride, all comes easy with the help of Yang Kai. We waited for almost an hour before we finally boarded our train. A 3-hour train ride, I </span><span style="text-align: left;">was just enjoying the trip by watching the places we pass by and getting as much sleep as I can. </span><br />
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Finally reached Linhai on a cloudy Thursday afternoon. A big backdrop of TsaiGu race welcomed us right at the door where we exit from the train station. Taking a taxi we reached our hotel, Grand Overseas Hotel with huge and big lobby, same goes with our room. Yang Kai settled in his hotel nearby where we stayed. Settled and had dinner together. Hot pot beef this time. </div>
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The following day after breakfast and after we got cleared and finally got our race bibs, we went to the starting line of the race and went further, to the last few kilometers of the race which is going to be a downhill part upon finishing, this time we went up. And a walk around the Walled Old City Linhai. Nice place with cobbled stone paths surrounded by preserved old houses. Late lunch and went to the race briefing. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">There was never a day in Linhai that I saw the sun. It was gloomy and rainy the entire five days that we were there. On race day itself, we all experienced that heaviest downpour of rain. (A separate write-up about this will be out soon.) It was only on the day that we arrived Shanghai that we saw the sun on our tour beside the river of Shanghai before we left for the airport to catch up our evening trip. Thank you Tsaigu for having us, thank you Yang Kai for all your hospitality. It was one great experience running the mountain slopes of China. Will be back one day to finish this race. </span><br />
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-5698410466255631792018-03-12T05:09:00.002+07:002018-03-17T13:15:34.422+07:00Pinoy Trails: Trail 101 with Altra Running PH <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday's run was spent with friends from UPNR who selflessly shared their expertise, knowledge and skills in trail running to participants who wanted to learn more about the sport at Wawa, Montalban, Rizal, headed by Mr. Pinoy Trails himself Mr. Jose Ramizares.<br />
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The event started at Ati My's backyard at the local community in Wawa, with a talk about the event, what to expect during the course of the actual trail run after which the main speaker, one of the most successful ultra runner in the local running community, Master Jon Las Bruce shared his experience in trail running.<br />
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Lucky participants they heard it from his first hand trail running experience the basics of trail running like gear preparation, a little of nutrition and hydration, how to manage uphill terrain and downhill sections and most importantly the leave no trace principle. </div>
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The UPNR Members were readily available to lead and guide the participants that were divided into teams in the actual trail run that passed through the VK Trail of RMR up to Parawagan Peak on a cooler sunny Sunday morning. A continuation of the short talk at the peak about Leave No Trace principle I can say was one of the most important part of the event.<br />
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We as trail runners, are merely visitors of the mountains and trails that we pass by, and that we should carry all trash that we have and should not peak or get anything that we see along the trail. After countless picture taking, the group went down and a lecture was continued at the Acacia Junction to show the downhill techniques. </div>
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Back at Ati Mys backyard, the event ended with a mini socials after raffling off merchandise from Pinoy Trails, Amihan and Altra. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8-DADsM_YvZe40FFKxrXwb5KIe_13iQM4RWyMeLp3-XNDX2OPTn61BoePFVeS3_QXqasvU2XBIpflQhERwdvzrHxuwyMdFpIohstHVaVsxBS6z4EFc9lLl6wYN2DLYp_4ZFrwdnmO_o/s1600/trail+talk+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8-DADsM_YvZe40FFKxrXwb5KIe_13iQM4RWyMeLp3-XNDX2OPTn61BoePFVeS3_QXqasvU2XBIpflQhERwdvzrHxuwyMdFpIohstHVaVsxBS6z4EFc9lLl6wYN2DLYp_4ZFrwdnmO_o/s640/trail+talk+15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Salute to the individuals behind this event, for it is through sharing that we can have more responsible runners that will take care of oneself and most importantly of the environment too. We are one in our passion and together we learn and train.See you all in the trails runners. Hope you learn something yesterday. <br />
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Photo credit to Barok, Pinoy Trails </div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-46576285054508500032018-03-10T06:34:00.003+07:002018-03-10T20:45:11.996+07:00Altra TIMP Trail - Be Seen in the Dark <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had my pair of lovely turquoise blue colored Altra TIMP Trail last year, but I said I will reserve it for bigger race. I still have my favorite Altra Superior anyway. Until last weekend I decided to make this my partner in the trail. </div>
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A right choice. With Cordillera Mountain Ultra's hard packed trails, some rocky and rooty parts and paved road on the last part, the maximum cushioning of this shoes protected my aching left mid sole foot from my previous long race.<br />
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I was just bouncing back and fort and flying on the 15km downhill part not noticing any pain that has been bothering me the past few days. The GaiterTrap™ hook-and-loop tabs provided attachment points for gaiters protecting my feet from the pebbles and soil. That gave me less hassle in clearing my shoes from discomfort.<br />
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The weight-balanced from front to back with a 0mm heel-to-toe drop of this shoes encouraged low-impact landing most especially on the downhill parts plus the wide toe box allowed my toes to spread naturally and move freely avoiding blisters on my feet.<br />
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The grippy rubber outer soles that comes with 4mm lugs and a trail rudder for mowing down all kinds of rough terrain was really perfect on the rocky parts of the trail.<br />
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And when it was just too hot and I just kept on pouring water on myself, the drainage holes in uppers help shed out excess water. I still have to test this on river crossings but it was already perfect at that moment. </div>
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And most of all, this pair just gives me joy every time I looked down into it, I can see it glows in the dark, the 360° reflectivity helps keep me visible in the dark. Isn't that lovely?<br />
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-44394580338251432812017-11-14T20:18:00.002+07:002017-11-14T20:20:56.133+07:00Sungai Menyala Forest Trail Race 2018 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sungai Menyala Forest Trail Race is a race I enjoyed running this year at Port Dickson, Malaysia. It is considered to be the fastest 50km Trail Race in the Peninsula, and it is now open for registration. Register now, I am sure you will enjoy the race. <br />
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Go to link below for more info and registration. <br />
<a data-lynx-mode="async" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fregister.raceyaya.com%2Fevents%2Fsungai-menyala-forest-trail-2018&h=ATPkiDonoLvLxN5WekChzPiDVMrYDk6E5J7GO1tzJVB7IcA0kecV_VzVzk7bWOxqRdB5tW1-jc_KjAsPKaldvaoRxqQzUfXM657l_72KqXkmGFc7rfshBTacgORy6XfQl3ft-IxQ2fSpy6sCw5TIt9li3nNvttMUbJtmeSBDrm6ZzVFTXNtAgZegKFaPw6yWCFdLYVfnblx3HEqfMP1vxNWSW0WUGwxXoEXYKSv267no88jjhg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>register.raceyaya.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>events/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>sungai-menyala-forest-trail<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>-2018</a><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/malatra">#malatra</a><br /> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sungaimenyala">#sungaimenyala</a><br /> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/portdickson">#portdickson</a><br /> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/asiatrailmaster">#asiatrailmaster</a><br /> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/malaysiaultraleague">#malaysiaultraleague</a><br /> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/raceyaya">#raceyaya</a><br /> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/tourismn9">#tourismN9</a><br /> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/jabhutann9">#JabHutanN9</a></span></div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-73623765409092096542015-09-21T06:35:00.000+07:002017-11-03T18:45:31.549+07:00Life <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">What
is your spiritual philosophy? Is it leading you to the places you want
to go? Your spiritual philosophy is the way you approach life. It is the
foundation upon which you can stand at any time, in any situation,
without fear of falling or failing. If your spiritual philosophy leaves
any room for fear, lack, hate, intolerance, anger, pain or shame, it may
be time for a change.</span></span><br />
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-89049205592954170482015-09-20T06:54:00.000+07:002017-11-03T18:39:05.338+07:00Unleashing the Hunter's Spirit Within Us - Mt. Balingkilat - Mt. BiraBira Twin Day Hike <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everything “out there” is You. You are One With Everything. One with
God. One with all other human beings. One with the Earth. One with Life
Itself, in all its forms.<br />
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I thank the opportunity to leave the busy life in the city once in a while and witness the vast horizon full of natures beauty. My source of energy. <br />
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Mother earth is my playground and I am so at peace being one with it. Yesterday was just that moment. After almost 3 hour car drive from Manila, eight adventurers in high spirits arrived the plains of Zambales hoping to traverse 4 mountain peaks. I have been to Zambales several times and been to its mountain peaks for few climbs in the past. The group started with Mt. Balingkilat. Together with our local guide we left at the jump off area 5:30am with our torches on. As the dawn breaks, the several surrounding peaks with few low clouds becomes visible up to the vast plains all green and several coves down the sea. A lovely and breath taking view to witness.<br />
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Mt. Balingkilat with over 1 thousand meter high is the highest peak on this side of Zambales. The single track trail with lash bushes on both sides and some parts slippery early part of the trek/run is a good warm up to start with. But this mountain is not a walk in the park trail to do as well. As our elevation gain went higher, trail slowly goes steeper and some parts treacherous scrambling on rocks and stones. As the sun goes higher so is the temperature. With very few scattered clouds and an open mountain peak, it is expected that we will have a sunny trek for the day.</div>
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I struggled the uphill on the first few minutes until I slowly got my rhythm. After few rest stops on the slopes, the group arrived at the peak faster than expected and was granted with a 360 degree view. A breathtaking sight to witness. An awesome 360 degree view with Silangin
Cove at the back, Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove in front. One can also see the overlooking view of Mt.
Pundaquit and the islands of Capones and Camara. Plus the the unlimited
neighborhood mountains peaks so green like Mt. Bira-Bira, Mt. Mabiga, Mt. Dayungan and
the famous mountain of Cinco Picos. Everything is just really a beautiful place to play. With the breathtaking view, the group cant help but stop once n a while and take photos. </div>
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The group went down through Hunter's Trail now under the scorching heat of the sun. An open trail with no clouds it was just really very hot. But I was enjoying hopping from one boulder to the other while traversing the ridge going up and down. Looks easy looking from the mountain ridge where we are heading but its not, most especially that the heat was just getting higher. After a short break for lunch on a lone tree beside the trail, we decided to move down. Upon reaching the saddle of Mt. Bira-Bira just a little past 12:00noon the group has to make a decision. Though we just stop for lunch few minutes earlier, most of us run low of water already and of food too. It has been estimated that it will take us another two hours to reach Mt. Mabiga before going to Mt. Dayungan then Sinco Picos. Given our situation we head down to where we started. </div>
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We ended traversing two mountain peaks, Mt. Balingkilat and Mt. Bira-Bira that gave us over 8 hours of running and trekking covering over 11km distance with over a thousand elevation gain on the mountain slopes of Zambales under the scourging heat of the sun. That already made my dose of energy full enough to face me another week of adventure in the city before I head again on the mountain. Once again I gave thanks to the force up above for giving me the chance to enjoy nature with the company of friends who work hard to fulfillment a dream. Keep pushing Mountain Goats, together lets conquer our fears and achieve our dreams. Thank you Conqueror Pilipinas leader, Miss Jackie for organizing this getaway. <br />
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-43798007461455757512015-08-31T15:32:00.000+07:002015-09-20T07:52:43.555+07:00Dream On - 39th Milo Marathon Lucena Leg 2015 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Great things start with small beginnings. Run a Milo Marathon and let your Champion story begin."<br />
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While others were on their quest to physical greatness on their journey of achieving their dreams as a Runner or as a Race Director, I too had my own share of story to tell on my quest of fulfilling my dream as a 'forever hopeful' runner. Yesterday was a weekend of so many races, UTMB in Chamonix, TMBT in Kinabalu, MURA's Malaysia Eco100 in Penang, Danang International Marathon in Vietnam, Mt. Balagbag - DLB Trail Challenge of Pilipinas Mountain Running Series Leg 2, Team Malaya's Last Stand of Yamashita to name few. Mine was my continues quest to qualify to the finals of Milo Marathon, the Lucena Leg of the 39th Milo Marathon. </div>
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When I was short of 7 minutes on the full marathon on last July's Manila Leg, I continued my 2nd year of dream to qualify the Finals of Milo Marathon at one of the Regional Races, the Lucena Leg. Trying my luck one more time, this will be on the 21km category before I give this quest for this year a rest and move on to the next project. Whatever the result, at least I give my best. </div>
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Together with my few Ayala Triads family, we traveled to Lucena City bringing with us high hopes and exciting spirits to go for what we are aiming for. Hoping for the best we stand at the starting line together with the rest of the 21km runners. Lots of familiar faces including my TPK dear dear friends. Just like my countless other run races, standing at the starting line always gives me mixed emotions no matter what the distance is. This time around, counting the few minutes left before the gun start while listening to the opening program, it gives me a teary eye watching the video of the many runners' journey on several Milo Marathon in the past. Building dreams and each one's champion story is a very individual journey, a very inspiring one. As I continue to write my own story on this journey, I hope for the best and always reminded myself of what my Malaysian friend Hui Mathews told me the night before the race, <span class="null">'most important u do your best and enjoy it!!' Even before the start of the race, I reminded myself again of that. </span></div>
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<span class="null">And as the count down brings to zero and all 21km runners were released, I run only to my own convenient pace. Most of my runner friends run fast ahead of me. As much as I wanted to zoom fast on the dark streets of Lucena, I also have to listen to my body, I do not want to push to much that might bring me to trouble. Reaching the first u-turn made me realize I am not too far from the lead pack of runners. The next long stretch that runs several kilometers in a highway is a slow ascending part, I slowly picked up my pace to a faster rate and I catch up few of my friends ahead of me early on the race. </span></div>
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<span class="null">After the second turn around is already a downhill part. I still hope of making to my qualifying time so I run with all my might on the downhill stretch but towards the last 4km where I only got 12 minutes left, I know that will be too hard for me to reach within my qualifying time. I just reminded myself to just enjoy the beautiful scenery, the more green and open space as far as my eyes can see. Two more kms to the finish line, one marshal told me I ranked 10th among the female on 21km. I really did not hope much as most of the time I run really slow towards the last part of the race. I will do my best to maintain my ranking and hope to catch up with the 9th female which I did at some part but she also catch up with me few meters before the finish line. </span></div>
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I crossed the finish line 6 minutes beyond my qualifying time but happy. I am always grateful and thankful that I finish safe and injured free and most of all for making me the 10th Female runner on this category. This may not be a big race like the races that I mentioned above but for me this is a small beginning towards a bigger dream. What a sweet reward to all the training and sacrifices that I did prior to the race. It gave me goosebumps when my name was called at the stage for I never thought I will be sharing the stage with elite runners much younger than me in age. Having to share the stage with Mommy Del (4th place) and Miss Rhina (5th PLace) is already a dream come true for me. </div>
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There goes my story. I congratulate all the finishers on this leg of Milo Elimination race. Salute to all the qualifiers. As I end my Milo quest for the year 2015 I will continue my speed training as I long to improve my speed and continue on to bigger longer races.</div>
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I'd like to congratulate all my friends near and far who race big races yesterday. My salute to fellow ultra runners who made it to UTMB, to Ige, Mia, Roland, George and Xerxes, Amy, Simon, Sang, Cynthia, Janet, Steve, and those I forget to mention, you guys will always be an inspiration for me to continue loving the sport. I am one of the many who salute you all for braving yourselves to be even at the starting line. Congratulations too to all my RD friends who did a successful race as well. </div>
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Thank you Milo Marathon for another year of great running. For as long as there is life there is hope. I will never give up on you. I will continue my journey of becoming better runner for I believe one day my name will be put on the List of Wall of Qualified Runners on the Milo Finals. For now I have to move on to my next big race. On to the trails of Merapoh. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhLue3JOKhFHFUCJ7ei0KPKL6OjNTYL9BdXawj47rq5N3pv5Hl2D1Tzmsfxu0YroOKGUUzSR_wd5E0pgjS1FVGLuGOcJOuKqGDwuJRI9XL5yXmaSY9ij4LuKqicTdRB_aEq3Zn50H3dA/s1600/milo59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhLue3JOKhFHFUCJ7ei0KPKL6OjNTYL9BdXawj47rq5N3pv5Hl2D1Tzmsfxu0YroOKGUUzSR_wd5E0pgjS1FVGLuGOcJOuKqGDwuJRI9XL5yXmaSY9ij4LuKqicTdRB_aEq3Zn50H3dA/s640/milo59.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Russel Hernandez for accommodating us and feeding us on our stay in Lucena. </td></tr>
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A race powered by Altra Torin Shoes, Feetures Socks, Ash Be Nimble Running and Yoga Apparel, Trail Toes Anti Friction Foot and Body Care, Coqionone and Rev3 and Tail Wind Nutrition.<br />
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Photo credit to Janina Valderas of iCloud Running Group, Miss Jackie Gutierez and Runaholics. Thank you for capturing the moment.<br />
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-47666943867181261502015-08-22T06:36:00.003+07:002015-08-31T06:37:39.541+07:00Tough Human on Tough Race - La Ultra The High 2015 Edition <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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La Ultra - The High 2015 Edition - 333km distance<br />
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There are
runs. Then there are long distance runs. And then there are brutal,
cruel runs. Imagine running 333 kilometers across three mountain passes
in the Himalayas at over 17,400 feet in three days. Unthinkable? But
that is what some incredibly tough humans accomplish at the La Ultra,
the cruelest run on Planet Earth.</div>
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Meet the elite athletes who participated in what seems to be an impossible race. How do they do it? Why d<span class="text_exposed_show">o
they do it? What lessons have they learnt? I hope I can listen to them
and learn on the things that they will on how high performers live and
work.</span><br />
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<div class="text_exposed_show">
Sean Maley<br />
Winner
of 333 km at the 6th edition of La Ultra - The High in an time 64 hrs 3
min 35 seconds. Sean is an engineer who has taken year off to run some
amazing races around the world. Earlier in the year he also won Joggle
2015, covering 860 miles (1384km) over 17 days. That’s averaging 50
miles (81km) each day! The route follows the classic journey from John
O’Groats to Lands End and is all road.<br />
<br />
Ferenc Szonyi<br />
Ferenc
is the first runner at La Ultra to have finished the Race Across America
(RAAM) and Double Deca Ironman (20 Ironman Triathlons in 20 days). He
started his ultra-running and ultra-triathlon career at 43, and has
already run over 20 ultra-marathons and extreme endurance races.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4yplfOLu9CnJmwRA3FsiSj1sZhDWtHmytRP1i8l_HDu8AWocdnl7X2nxVARsPK_Qwg5D1BnJbEL5ZQASFbamIg5E9shZ3eJAqlHHcLj1DQsfwrn2xkaj_VPUSREPY09AvnS8rNMNjws/s1600/laultra2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4yplfOLu9CnJmwRA3FsiSj1sZhDWtHmytRP1i8l_HDu8AWocdnl7X2nxVARsPK_Qwg5D1BnJbEL5ZQASFbamIg5E9shZ3eJAqlHHcLj1DQsfwrn2xkaj_VPUSREPY09AvnS8rNMNjws/s640/laultra2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
William Sichel<br />
William at 62, has run over 90 ultra-marathons, won 14 of them, and
holds 153 world records in ultra-running. He recently ran the Sri
Chinmoy 4,960 km race in New York. He has run 100 km in 7 hrs 7 min.<br />
<br />
Mark Woolley<br />
Mark has attempted La Ultra - The High twice before. He finished 222 km
in 2012 and had to stop agonisingly 15 km short of the 333 km finish
line last year. He's run Spartathlon thrice, the Ultra-Trail du
Mont-Blanc seven times and more than 20 other ultras like Badwater, 100
km, 24 hour races etc. In his spare time he’s a schoolteacher who holds a
PhD. He has unfinished business at La Ultra.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWB77XGu71jhw_hTgTolasrcSOrp2y0LBwt0s-cVGJkzk4GKeYiIXzNJyEjVnjn6zcn2bopwH8mL2iVmgAD1Att9WDd-7XULByITXXvyhdKpBSr5Jn9ZbV1S8Lbi9Q4cddyrDUXFjxlw/s1600/la+ultra1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWB77XGu71jhw_hTgTolasrcSOrp2y0LBwt0s-cVGJkzk4GKeYiIXzNJyEjVnjn6zcn2bopwH8mL2iVmgAD1Att9WDd-7XULByITXXvyhdKpBSr5Jn9ZbV1S8Lbi9Q4cddyrDUXFjxlw/s640/la+ultra1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Darek Strychalski<br />
After an accident left him partially disabled, Darek had to learn to
write, walk and talk again. Today he is one of the finest ultra-runners
in Poland and one of the brave few to take up the challenge in the
Himalayas. He has completed over 34 marathons and tough non-stop ultras
such as Badwaters 135 and the Spartathlon.</div>
</div>
Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-67317182360117698322015-08-22T04:47:00.000+07:002015-08-23T14:04:30.685+07:00Time is Diamond <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApszOwn0skItLhzvjpBKsd7y2fMjDA9eEFl9CmjFf2M4x3p0BRyv8IkvPLDvPxzPAWFG3csN8smoJAs15X-PbCC4cskFZSMg8VjVces_UK0stdd1Jry_MNhWQQC8VzvgRTcDv2V1jfcA/s1600/dream+watch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApszOwn0skItLhzvjpBKsd7y2fMjDA9eEFl9CmjFf2M4x3p0BRyv8IkvPLDvPxzPAWFG3csN8smoJAs15X-PbCC4cskFZSMg8VjVces_UK0stdd1Jry_MNhWQQC8VzvgRTcDv2V1jfcA/s640/dream+watch2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The
path to greatness is riddled with thorns and potholes. Then, there's
the constant fog that hides the rest of the road. Too often we see no
further than just a few inches ahead. And in these times, when we have
walked too far, we look ahead and begin to wonder 'Is there even an end
at all?"</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> "Why did I even walk this path? And why do I keep going?"</span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> Of the few who chose to take the road, only a<span class="text_exposed_show">
handful keep walking on. No end in sight, nothing to hold on to but a
vision. A vision that one day, the road will end and the sun would rise
between the mountain peaks.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> And when the night is darkest, they raise their eyes to the sky and see the clearest blue!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> The night is over; tomorrow begins now!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <br /> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/timeisdiamond">#timeisdiamond</a></span></span></span></div>
Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-11320821097643773272015-07-31T16:57:00.000+07:002015-09-14T20:53:31.996+07:00An Ultra Traverse In Search for Mt. Ayaas <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Wednesday Warriors strike again. On to our playground: Montalban, Rizal.<br />
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"What mountain will the destination be this time?", asked the locals at the jump off who are already used with our presence on a weekday. "To Mt. Ayaas", our reply. " That is along walk from here", their common answer.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZqjc0UqHvH9SucHb8GKpFqRTnEhvP4u5ud5UhVIiI1KYfcFBOheQq8J-dT5pRqYlKkrUqxDFE3FQE8CTak3gDLio-DkVGP7-qhJ5_F-jHVliEXhFKDBwwqANRRXocbhDj1zECcxTbyY/s1600/11754534_1009987429020798_5589294416188554395_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZqjc0UqHvH9SucHb8GKpFqRTnEhvP4u5ud5UhVIiI1KYfcFBOheQq8J-dT5pRqYlKkrUqxDFE3FQE8CTak3gDLio-DkVGP7-qhJ5_F-jHVliEXhFKDBwwqANRRXocbhDj1zECcxTbyY/s640/11754534_1009987429020798_5589294416188554395_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peak of Mt. Ayaas. The story in between this part from the jump off is more interesting. Photo credit to Sir Joseph Sibal </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We left Sitio Wawa on our own. Our runner friend who is from here and familiar to all the trails of the nearby mountain ranges is not available to join us this time. Started with the same trail as that of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi, it is evident that it has been raining in this area the past days, the trail is just too slippery. My sore calves and quads from last Sunday's Milo Marathon did not have the chance to complain on the uphill trail early part of the trek. We stopped at the Uling Wall and only then Sir Joseph realized he did not put on the Strava program on his phone to keep track of our distance and direction. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzqEKi5lsKg6u5eX_68Q1TqedfbHgbcL6UNW-sZNwF_yKvU_UID_c1ls6y79_16cGEDz2sjapcRRcybfwgP2UdaX9meYeinjGZFyzoQVC2hXKQctxfnOWIKqh-TS4svd6BxjJH3P6XI8/s1600/11807155_1009985522354322_3232344295629479213_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzqEKi5lsKg6u5eX_68Q1TqedfbHgbcL6UNW-sZNwF_yKvU_UID_c1ls6y79_16cGEDz2sjapcRRcybfwgP2UdaX9meYeinjGZFyzoQVC2hXKQctxfnOWIKqh-TS4svd6BxjJH3P6XI8/s640/11807155_1009985522354322_3232344295629479213_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That peak on the left is where we are going. Photo credit to Sir Joseph Sibal. </td></tr>
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Upon reaching the saddle where on the right is Mt. Pamitinan and on the left is the trail that leads to Mt. Hapunang Banoi, there was one group of hikers resting. We proceed using the middle trail going down. </div>
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Bringing our gut feel and mountaineer spirit we used this as our companion from this point on. It's a single track shaded trail covered with trees, with bushes on both sides. Still slippery so we had to be extra careful going down. Shortly after our descent, we already encountered a fork (several trails going to different directions), a trail going to the right, one towards the left and another on the left most that is a little uphill. </div>
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Seeing the mountain ranges on the left, we know somewhere in the several peaks from afar is Mt. Ayaas. We decided to take the left trail. It's established and looks commonly used. Alas it went to an Uling site (Charcoal manufacturing by locals) and farm land. We tried to search for a possible trail further left going down but to no avail. Until a local farmer noticed us (he is the owner of the farm land - Kuya Roger). There is no trail on this side of the mountain to where we are heading. He gave us direction where to go back and what landmark to look for. From this part on, I know we are on a real adventure. This is going to be an exploration trek, no more running as we are mindful of the trail. </div>
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Making conscious of the landmark that Kuya Roger told us, we need to hit Ka Henry's house. We are still on a shaded trail, covered with trees and tall bushes and banana plants, sometimes with open view decks especially in areas converted to farm lands by the locals. Despite the slippery trail, I can say this is still more runnable and friendly to newbie trail runners, still very safe compared to the trail of Mt. Pamitinan, Binakayan and Haponang Banoi. </div>
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Reaching down the gorge we should hit a river, but before reaching that far as our elevation goes lower another major fork encountered. With Mt. Hapunang Banoi as our focal point, we decided to go for the trail on the left. We are already at the base of the valley but we did not pass any river. As we trek further following the trail we hope to pass by another community or a local house where we can ask for directions but to no avail. In rural areas such as this, houses are just kilometers away. And don't ever take their word for saying it's just near because their near more often than not is still kilometers away. </div>
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With Hapunang Banoi on the left where we are and another mountain range on the right, finally we reach another local house and lucky to have an owner around. We are at Sitio Lubog. We continue on hoping to reach a waterfalls as they said there is Lubog Falls and probably just settle of climbing the peak of Mt. Lubog. Reaching the house of Matandang Rolly, he said the right trail will lead to Mt. Ayaas. With his word, we again see light of reaching Mt. Ayaas on this adventure. </div>
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As we have been trekking for several hours now passing forest lands, bamboos and farm lands, crossing few streams on our search for the mountain, we hope to reach a community that has a sari sari store (local grocery store), where we can buy food and hopefully ask for a direction to either Mt. Lubog or Mt. Ayaas. </div>
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As we trek further on the left, it is evident on the Strava that we are heading to a counter clockwise circumferential direction from where we started. Until we reached the other end of Hapunang Banoi. We figured out there could really be a traverse on this mountain. It's an open farm land with upland rice planted. It's showing the wall of Hapunang Banoi. Just when we are all set to let go of the thought of climbing Mt. Ayaas, a group of locals showed up telling us that going left will be down to an access road to the community while the trail on the right will lead to Mt. Ayaas. There our hope of climbing Mt. Ayaas becomes alive again. Of course we want to accomplish what we come here for. They told us to take the left trail after the mango tree. As we stayed a little longer at the wall of the mountain to take few shots another local told us to take the right turn upon reaching the mango tree. </div>
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We followed the last direction given, turn right on the mango tree, and it looks like it make sense since the mountain peak seem to be like towards the right direction. But as we move few more meters on the right we encounter again the first group of locals that gave us the direction and asked us to go back and turn left. We followed. This time around the trail is more open that passes through farm lands that is following the contour of the mountain. But it never goes towards the peak but rather away from it. As we moved further, we encountered two of the group of locals earlier and said that we are heading away from the peak of the mountain. Though he said we can go further then we will encounter the church of the Rizalitas where we can ask for directions and probably someone to guide us. We are following the contour of the mountain side which reminds me of the trail in some parts of Mt. Ugo under the trees. We know very well that we reached the house because of the barking dogs. But there was no use as the caretaker said she do not know anything about the place. We had no other option but to move further, hoping to encounter another house. We encountered farm lands we went over fences. Until we reach another house. The old lady said there is a road that leads to the peak of Mt. Ayaas. Before leaving we asked for water as we run out of supply already. </div>
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The long haired man politely showed us the way after giving us 3 glasses of water, he walked with us. Until he showed to us a short cut, a trail that follows his farm land with fence on the side. This man is ended an angel. He said after the fence will already be the peak. It is a direct assault with no trail at all. We just followed the fence, holding on to what ever we can (tree trunks, the wooden fence, bushes and grass) as we negotiated that 60-80degrees inclined terrain. Until no more fence but tall sharp edged bushes. It is evident that this has been flattened not long ago, looks like just a week old. It gave us the trail to follow. Holding on to the bushes, we reached the first peak that is just too slippery. All that one can see now is an open grass land, with the view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges as far as your eyes can see. </div>
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After passing by single track trail that goes up and down to several local houses and streams, alternating with covered trails with old trees up to that part that is open and farmed by the locals, passing by bamboos and fenced land, it is also evident how civilization slowly eat up the green forested mountain ranges of this area. On the left is a growing community with houses and subdivisions slowly eating up the mountain ranges, while at some part is a quarry of gravel that is used for commercial business in building houses and skyscrapers. Until how many more years will this place be conserved and left to the custody of the locals and will only get what they needed for daily living. We will never know but I will be one that will be sad if slowly this place will be destroyed to accommodate modernization. </div>
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As we continue to the next peak we can now closely see the flag that they said is the landmark of the summit of Mt. Ayaas. 11:45am, after 3hours and 15 minutes after so many wrong turns we finally reach the summit. Looking below at several mountain peaks rich with thick bushes, there are no tall trees at some mountain peaks. And with the grass land well arranged, looks like this part of the mountain was into upland farming decades ago, it has a well arranged terraces of bushes. And finally we found the established trail on the left. After few more shots of photos and little rest and eat some food we head down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eE0nFmued9k5arsFkEPYkCyXeiQ0e6e9hW57uQNe5gPf_r1aqsy1QKnlLBYcrE27nY9kcHMBtIyQMjQhHwQKuXPVutUcobImcvf-G7KAs9uUuUpBuXnZf3_soxdeX2vjg-YxFptcu5E/s1600/11782419_1009985192354355_7755574964035697196_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eE0nFmued9k5arsFkEPYkCyXeiQ0e6e9hW57uQNe5gPf_r1aqsy1QKnlLBYcrE27nY9kcHMBtIyQMjQhHwQKuXPVutUcobImcvf-G7KAs9uUuUpBuXnZf3_soxdeX2vjg-YxFptcu5E/s640/11782419_1009985192354355_7755574964035697196_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But mind you going down is another story. Following the established trail on the left, we bounced back and forth at the trail like a child happy on its playground. Its just so nice to run when we are sure of where we are heading. Going down passing by the electricity tower then until we pass by the house of Kuya Henry, the house that Kuya Roger told us early part of the trek this morning. Going down down down until we pass by a water falls on the left. It was 10 minutes before 2:00pm. It wouldn't be too far to where we come from probably we so take the luxury of spending some time on the water falls. After more than an hour of sprinting going down it is just a good reward to cool down our body on the cold flowing water. After sometime it rained. Then we decided to move on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAl7UgTFNelEo-BhqxzhdxTdGRQtkth46kaaIDqmNJysMgh_m5CV2gokWEV0SzvdT9J6Gh-kbtf4yGnkFRdwuZkmFKvAKG09TF3emdnbpYlt-dznnmRSMX3gX65RxJeJxvd_QL_pJReQ/s1600/11807709_1009984075687800_7492201267310701519_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAl7UgTFNelEo-BhqxzhdxTdGRQtkth46kaaIDqmNJysMgh_m5CV2gokWEV0SzvdT9J6Gh-kbtf4yGnkFRdwuZkmFKvAKG09TF3emdnbpYlt-dznnmRSMX3gX65RxJeJxvd_QL_pJReQ/s640/11807709_1009984075687800_7492201267310701519_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The next move going further down becomes another adventure. We encountered another fork which we had to decide which way to go. As we move right it leads to no trail, now bush whacking tall bushes and vines, slippery and muddy at some parts, beside big drops on the mountain slope. Until we figured out this could be a wrong trail. We went back to the last part that we entered, figured out it could be the other trail, went further down until finally we reached an old house with an old lady. She showed us the direction, until we reached another gate that leads to the river. Trying to figure out which way to go up to the saddle of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi, we move further down following the river. We encounter another house which the owner said just follow the river then go up on the left after passing by a house. House out of sight, we decided to go up on the right side of the river but the strava is showing a direction going away to where we are suppose to go. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_bXA64EDFtaBKjS1fKGkKpENs-XVEOpIiUleAuL9WtXShVOxyLUSkmhZK2xBCey88JqMoyEEVGesr-D6WYsa9i2qgEXeq0xTo36MGHriEsrZpwAh0uuUQOo70OuffEv6_o0-hIGFPu0/s1600/11053249_1009985989020942_2040558702172375843_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_bXA64EDFtaBKjS1fKGkKpENs-XVEOpIiUleAuL9WtXShVOxyLUSkmhZK2xBCey88JqMoyEEVGesr-D6WYsa9i2qgEXeq0xTo36MGHriEsrZpwAh0uuUQOo70OuffEv6_o0-hIGFPu0/s640/11053249_1009985989020942_2040558702172375843_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We decided to go back to the river until we come across another house, the lady Mom told us to just go straight into the river. Though it's not really a heavy down pour of rain, I am really afraid of trekking a river especially when it is raining. An incident years ago that take away 4 lives of dear mountaineer friends really made me so conscious when it comes to river trekking. We went back to the house where the Mom is and asked the direction. She said its just the river. We followed her instruction until finally one local man bringing his umbrella catch up with us also going to Sitio Wawa. He served as our guide. Thanks to his presence no more uncertainty of which direction to take. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcLmKM5NhXPE8x7fu4KEA1e9-s9LAtnOqsODs0Q_0RbAy1X9Mn62Si5zQqJsa22TMMbFYmyuigW-OAOP1zMt0n2M79fHcmRMXIU86_etEVpjWVb9PVlNJMCDPo4eahy8EtpLMV5pXLwc/s1600/11807733_1009983935687814_4711988201547301521_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcLmKM5NhXPE8x7fu4KEA1e9-s9LAtnOqsODs0Q_0RbAy1X9Mn62Si5zQqJsa22TMMbFYmyuigW-OAOP1zMt0n2M79fHcmRMXIU86_etEVpjWVb9PVlNJMCDPo4eahy8EtpLMV5pXLwc/s640/11807733_1009983935687814_4711988201547301521_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Until we reached Karugo Falls, the second water falls that we encountered on this adventure, a much bigger than the first one. We stopped for a while, played into the cold water while the local patiently waited for us. We left and trek further, encountered group of locals heading towards the water falls bringing some food and drinks. Until finally we get out and finally reach Wawa River near Wawa Dam. What a big relief. We are finally out of the jungle. What seemed to be endless inside the jungle is finally over. I still cannot figure out how we reached that side of the mountain and not back to where we started the trek earlier. We continue on up to the community. We reached where we started almost 4:00pm. What an adventure we had on this mountain traversing several rivers and streams uncertain of where it will lead to. We traveled 15km distance meeting several locals and local houses. Thanks to the generous people who showed us the way and I thank the mountain gods and goddesses for opening the trail gates of Mt. Ayaas and the gates of the river beds and the jungle to the Weekday Mountain Warriors like us, for giving us a safe passage and showing us the pristine and beautiful nature on this part of Montalban. Despite our ambitious spirits, they gave us the permission to enjoy the good weather and the long journey despite the puzzling trail along the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1w2gCRgwPID3qtfiOiLJ9wUu8HecOzOgYwkjr0JWmYKwhHcrLJijSOWvNW79zYT5OoO74xOlknNKG7rhxbJLlRooxKxo8ie3JpvArXBFbOZvh1nfmbCWZyaxhaNTKpMwcLbYkLf1wSo/s1600/11834687_1009981965688011_2728922068427746554_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1w2gCRgwPID3qtfiOiLJ9wUu8HecOzOgYwkjr0JWmYKwhHcrLJijSOWvNW79zYT5OoO74xOlknNKG7rhxbJLlRooxKxo8ie3JpvArXBFbOZvh1nfmbCWZyaxhaNTKpMwcLbYkLf1wSo/s640/11834687_1009981965688011_2728922068427746554_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The province of Rizal, especially that of Montalban is such a vast area that has a rich mountain ranges. A good place to explore, to practice and to enjoy for a free-spirit hungry for adventure and with passion to be with nature like us. We hope that in slowly exploring the several mountain peaks of the area, it will also instill in us the grit and the guts, will toughen our body and mind just like the champions in running that gained such while honing their skills in the same mountain ranges. </div>
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Compared to the 3 mountain peaks that I have been to on this place, Mt. Ayaas is the furthest and it also has a different character when it comes to terrain. As oppose to the rocky terrain of the first three towards the peak, Mt. Ayaas is not, its just mostly purely hard packed single trail which passes by rivers at time that is similar to other mountains in the country. It has the most uphills as well and the longest. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKikukrow1X7ItVvzS3Zf4BO5AH9Inv4JA-z62SPEmQcZCBCjCpN1xvNq8vSytoZ_ncBgcQrwh2Lteeg1NB67-g9ozQf-L9cHFHajuKqWFLR5ccxIO8BRtX-Vfi5QkvAmR0wP0iSoPXY/s1600/11794054_1009981792354695_2714094270161332630_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKikukrow1X7ItVvzS3Zf4BO5AH9Inv4JA-z62SPEmQcZCBCjCpN1xvNq8vSytoZ_ncBgcQrwh2Lteeg1NB67-g9ozQf-L9cHFHajuKqWFLR5ccxIO8BRtX-Vfi5QkvAmR0wP0iSoPXY/s640/11794054_1009981792354695_2714094270161332630_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My Assessment</div>
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When trekking this place, go get a guide or have somebody who knows the trail. Don't try it on your own as there are several trails that leads to nowhere. </div>
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This mountain can be a good training climb and a good place to climb for a gutsy newbie climber, otherwise one should be a bit experienced in tackling this place. </div>
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Have enough water that will last you the entire day and have packed lunch too. Even if you are a trail runner and just be there to do a run, its always best to be safe. Bring packed lunch, enough water, headlamp and first aid kit. </div>
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With the nature of the trail, this place can also be a good place to do a trail running event for newbie trail runners. A nice place to run around. </div>
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Most importantly I hope those who will climb this mountain they will practice the 'Leave No Trace (LNT) principle. There are few trash left in the summit. </div>
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Our Itinerary<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgprGZdUfgKbfd38VDxvSAq1s5nykEYXJpomlaoByJyLQHFlGeiXC8p2HXDe2kcjt-qohhXi8FP8Xqfncile92Hofs7JKhQ08haLoB-_34DvJPTOQLfewqWj9kA7RpJ0w4NU6qsbfrX8/s1600/11802635_1009981169021424_2471794901782739536_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgprGZdUfgKbfd38VDxvSAq1s5nykEYXJpomlaoByJyLQHFlGeiXC8p2HXDe2kcjt-qohhXi8FP8Xqfncile92Hofs7JKhQ08haLoB-_34DvJPTOQLfewqWj9kA7RpJ0w4NU6qsbfrX8/s640/11802635_1009981169021424_2471794901782739536_o.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Sitio Wawa crossing hanging Path Bridge </div>
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Saddle of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi</div>
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Down to Sitio Lubog </div>
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Up to the Peak of Mt. Ayaas</div>
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Down to Kuya Henry's House </div>
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River Crossing to Wawa River </div>
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The locals were right. Indeed, this is one long adventure with lots of great tale to tell. It was a very fulfilling fun filled day. Another mountain peak of Rizal ticked off the list. That was one great adventure that showed us how small we are compared to the jungle that we are in. It was one beautiful playground that sharpened our instinct, our land navigation skills less the gears. I thank my two companions, Sir Joseph and Coach JLB again and again, for tirelessly showing to me the beauty of nature and I hope in the many times that I am with you both I will be able to hone some trail running skills that you both already have. Together we will make our dreams of conquering big mountains and big races come true. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkb7pKIFBCSqhZJbHF60KFGmk3WWzXw3FJcYXtFtugs5dKvRRYBDAp-Qyz2SdJ-juGpG-9DzUO0utN2-mDKMB5qUVqmbB3RieL2yr6i6d-sVmvVTXbHY3zzynqJMx97NQH1R3DYjsOpU/s1600/11780049_1009983759021165_8340887646934098688_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkb7pKIFBCSqhZJbHF60KFGmk3WWzXw3FJcYXtFtugs5dKvRRYBDAp-Qyz2SdJ-juGpG-9DzUO0utN2-mDKMB5qUVqmbB3RieL2yr6i6d-sVmvVTXbHY3zzynqJMx97NQH1R3DYjsOpU/s640/11780049_1009983759021165_8340887646934098688_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another mountain conquered, battle scars added. One happy feet with a happy soul. Til the next adventure. Happy running. </div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-70047130054768912592015-07-26T20:07:00.001+07:002015-08-07T07:15:51.986+07:0039th Milo Marathon 2015 - Manila Leg <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success. - Unknown<br />
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I'd like to think my race this morning was a success. It may not be my best time on a full marathon and I may not made it to my qualifying time for the finals, yet I put my very best in every inch of the race despite my condition and I am happy with the result. I am happy I decided to gave it a chance. I performed so
much better from my previous full marathon last March. But of course I really wished I
qualified. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz2SAvnEqVb6KrrvQ4RjQCle06_XCk2Um9kSFN7yiUsglZrLYbxDaDSr7odRyyhyCEek0kGYLl-4ZyHiM3QOQWUFSVoaz41OhQMfn5Ti4D6eUh-kf_kajILouzGipQOH9wSnHU5nIOxI/s1600/11791732_10153647187579560_763037833_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz2SAvnEqVb6KrrvQ4RjQCle06_XCk2Um9kSFN7yiUsglZrLYbxDaDSr7odRyyhyCEek0kGYLl-4ZyHiM3QOQWUFSVoaz41OhQMfn5Ti4D6eUh-kf_kajILouzGipQOH9wSnHU5nIOxI/s640/11791732_10153647187579560_763037833_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit to Miga Dyna. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As oppose to my fear last night and contemplating if<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will go for it or not, almost the entire part of the race I felt good, ofcourse with constant checking of how my body is doing while counting the distance. I kept a good pace with the company of Miss Gia at the back. I moved
within my target time on the first 30km despite the fact that I had to stop at
the portalet few meters before km22, my upset stomach needed to be unloaded. I speed up my pace after and still catched up with Miss Gi. I slowed down at km30 and still has 45minutes left at km37. The
weather as perfect,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>kept a good pace
which surprised myself with how well I ran. I kept a positive mind and prayed
hard that I can make it within cut off time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkfwVxP9-moafw_dR9khb70CbQRjitrkdtTqmZtGFfqclqj73HTSJsS7EfdNFuYsA1iI-IKn3l97nb3dGbOoDsv8VL3Z7PLO4DQx0tiw9HmHWrUZEDL9-VhhboBV4kXxo8bOqxxtZyDg/s1600/11802123_10153647187704560_1719455139_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkfwVxP9-moafw_dR9khb70CbQRjitrkdtTqmZtGFfqclqj73HTSJsS7EfdNFuYsA1iI-IKn3l97nb3dGbOoDsv8VL3Z7PLO4DQx0tiw9HmHWrUZEDL9-VhhboBV4kXxo8bOqxxtZyDg/s640/11802123_10153647187704560_1719455139_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Got surprise at the last 2km though with lots of U-turn, it
could have been nice if they put the additional 2km distance going to Luneta,
but the bottom line is, I still did not qualify. I know, I should train more next time. </div>
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Coquinone, Rev3, Tailwind and 2 PowerGels brought me up to the finish line. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZEPmH9mPkhctqMffss7nR4nGdBnVZi5Y6mZFEorcgjE4TWn2UdA24ESzKSo_BiFYQCVlABihM0ZhpXjev8MXfgSC8-Erd7D8BBDlUV7h_JcTUVhx7BOKExiSDpgwaZVRUE-5WTCCNFA/s1600/11041658_397109567157890_6438146718326067356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZEPmH9mPkhctqMffss7nR4nGdBnVZi5Y6mZFEorcgjE4TWn2UdA24ESzKSo_BiFYQCVlABihM0ZhpXjev8MXfgSC8-Erd7D8BBDlUV7h_JcTUVhx7BOKExiSDpgwaZVRUE-5WTCCNFA/s640/11041658_397109567157890_6438146718326067356_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As a rule, whatever you will use on race day, make sure you had used it and tested it in your trainings and preparations prior to the race. From your running gear: shoes, socks, shirt, shorts, tank top, underwear, headwear. More so with your nutrition: hydration and food on the race.</div>
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Just like my quest of improving my speed since I started running, my nutrition and hydration has become a major challenge as I count the years that I get myself into the sport. I develop acid reflux as I add ultra races on my list, one of the major challenge in any of my races. This time since I suffer from gastro intestinal pain since Thursday evening and my condition made a slow progress of healing until yesterday, it was a puzzle for me on what nutrition to take. I used Coquinone, Rev3 and Tailwind in my past races, which I thought of using it as my main source of energy and nutrition this time. I brought PowerGel as back up but not so sure if I will use it for it might worsen the condition of my stomach, and gummy mixed fruits. Only taking water at the aid stations, the Tailwind and PowerGel sustained me all through out. I took 2 capsules of Coquinone 2 hours before the race, usually I took 3 on ultra races, and 1 sachet of Rev3 which usually I took another sachet as I count the days on my race. And it worked for me. I did not feel nauseous and felt energized all through out.<br />
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Tip: Always bring wet ones and lose bills. You'll never know when to use it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu_TVnkF68mzzYoVMuPnRzqogcMEYR2FZJi2oQQhF3LUfwtwkQDsuL3YekG9iPAKi3lz1TKzDjvzzZDEBUTF3n-6qJKmn8OXuoxbzVgsUC13ChWkKXaGxaw2vEUqrRUUoMhKkKdulOYM/s1600/milo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu_TVnkF68mzzYoVMuPnRzqogcMEYR2FZJi2oQQhF3LUfwtwkQDsuL3YekG9iPAKi3lz1TKzDjvzzZDEBUTF3n-6qJKmn8OXuoxbzVgsUC13ChWkKXaGxaw2vEUqrRUUoMhKkKdulOYM/s1600/milo.jpg" /></a></div>
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Altra Torin and Feeture Socks - Perfect Pair</div>
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I am not saying this because I am an Ambassador of Altra but because it worked for me. The big toe box really helped me with my blister concern in the past. Torin model is not perfect, the insole is slippery especially when it starts to get wet in my previous training runs, most likely because of the rubber on the inner side. What I did? Improvised. I used the insole of my Altra Lone Peak and it fits well. No blisters no dead toe nails on this race. </div>
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I guess having these two combined with my manual time monitoring as I progress on the race (as I do not have watch that monitor my pace - manual calculation of my time made my mind occupied but it could have helped probably if I had the watch and monitor my pace - just a thought) made up what I got for today: 4:49:22 (unofficial) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYUDGHi98X9dt7e0aoq_0HSi7-GZ_VSjFCBBtabnLZy2BzmjFmcWg6jHUUrq3KAoTkIqVHCLDsKHO1-sZw-7lFgt2VM2jqa67p0JjHMLIDVG7OsFcejZIZ9gO1iuDq_LLvYa7yqc2UdQ/s1600/milo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYUDGHi98X9dt7e0aoq_0HSi7-GZ_VSjFCBBtabnLZy2BzmjFmcWg6jHUUrq3KAoTkIqVHCLDsKHO1-sZw-7lFgt2VM2jqa67p0JjHMLIDVG7OsFcejZIZ9gO1iuDq_LLvYa7yqc2UdQ/s640/milo3.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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It was nice to run with friends that I know of for years and happy to gain new friends along the way (two Malaysian and one Japanese who came just for this race). Congratulations to all the finishers, my snappy salute to all the qualifiers most especially to those that I know and train with in preparation for this race. I make them my inspiration to train harder in preparation for the next race. Kami na ang susunod na mag qualify. For now I will remain part of Team Malabo. </div>
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A race powered by: Prince MultiSports Sunvisor, Ash Be Nimble Top and shorts, MWM Headwear, Altra Torin Shoes and Feetures Socks, Coquinone, Rev3, TailWind and PowerGel.<br />
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Happy feet with happy soul. I thank God for an injured free race and the strength all through out the race. On to the next adventure. </div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-73552838743981275682015-07-19T00:47:00.000+07:002015-07-30T04:41:50.564+07:00Weekday Warriors' Journey to Mt. Hapunang Banoi <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you love rocks and boulders and you have the adrenaline for heights and big drops, this is your mountain. 80% rock scrambling, 20% trail over forest and agricultural lands, no way for you to run anymore except the few meters after the hanging bridge, the community to the forested area before the ascend to Uling Wall.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnKgMlynFv6k0X-F7t9yeKkSaA1UEarxIioS7X50aleo-7OFFx7r6-q6sgJ_A0J4wyvI7POnhDDPzlhv_UpNXPWKSauVv-4GE7ymIWeCv53M9x2isZS9K6wxiCfeWrRvyH0fR2kEmPuE/s1600/JBL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnKgMlynFv6k0X-F7t9yeKkSaA1UEarxIioS7X50aleo-7OFFx7r6-q6sgJ_A0J4wyvI7POnhDDPzlhv_UpNXPWKSauVv-4GE7ymIWeCv53M9x2isZS9K6wxiCfeWrRvyH0fR2kEmPuE/s640/JBL1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At one of the view deck on the way to the peak of Mt. Hapunang Banoi. Photo credit to Coach Jon Las Bruce. </td></tr>
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The 3rd peak after Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan that has a close proximity within the area of Sitio Wawa, I can say this is the eldest among the 3. Mt. Hapunang Banoi is the highest when it comes to elevation, the longest when it comes to distance, a longer ridge at the top that one has to traverse over boulders and rocks with big drops in between at some parts before finally reaching the peak. Of the 3 mountain peaks, this is the most challenging and the most treacherous (at least for me). A total body work out. </div>
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Last week's adventure on the rainy day at Mt. Binacayan, Mt. Pamitinan and Sition Simano, it was just a right decision not to scale this mountain anymore. Aside from the fact that it took us almost 3 hours to go up this time, well of course that includes the many picture taking that we did and a little exploration that our Trail Master and Lead, Mountain Goat Sir Joseph Sibal, the rock scrambling part is just to treacherous to do on a rainy day. It will be too slippery. It was even sketchy on this day when it did not rain, the trail and boulders are dry, all the more when it is raining. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QdI5K8wU0LiaqiQ68UsWMZHGrT-yRxtTd6OlWs7QC2Vb_IFpxJMn1FSYqtXQLMV9sG168jKQ5W_p1PDvOq6UQg017VMuIV8RNQ_IHfVfZZ8ZpoDFNUCIXzXkCQvVvTZaigCQ60eYTOo/s1600/jlb17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QdI5K8wU0LiaqiQ68UsWMZHGrT-yRxtTd6OlWs7QC2Vb_IFpxJMn1FSYqtXQLMV9sG168jKQ5W_p1PDvOq6UQg017VMuIV8RNQ_IHfVfZZ8ZpoDFNUCIXzXkCQvVvTZaigCQ60eYTOo/s1600/jlb17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hold on tight. It's a little bit dangerous. Photo credit to Joseph Sibal. </td></tr>
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This is an out and back route (for there is no trail yet after the peak that continue to the other side of the mountain). We left Sitio Wawa without our local friend, Prof. Eric. He has school work to finish. So with my two friends who are local from Rizal too and this place has become their playground as well, we left bringing with us our experience in mountain climbing and trail running. The three of us new to this mountain, we will just follow the trail where ever it will lead us. It has the same jump off that of Mt. Pamitinan, and will have the same trail up to the saddle that separates to two peaks. Reaching the saddle after the Uling Wall, one has to go to the left side, that trail starts the way going to Mt. Hapunang Banoi.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdUdgH2AuN9Ds4saKVDO_HQBvTpajrwMfkoItn07h_3tcHnVinLjgs9FfcxVxbwY3t31X_gbF0R7-QugzsU-fV6YjYqLJc4ouvir6TcqOhT2Bhxe9e-lim9vcCEXvH5NhZ2zSw0JF4Lo/s1600/jlb7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdUdgH2AuN9Ds4saKVDO_HQBvTpajrwMfkoItn07h_3tcHnVinLjgs9FfcxVxbwY3t31X_gbF0R7-QugzsU-fV6YjYqLJc4ouvir6TcqOhT2Bhxe9e-lim9vcCEXvH5NhZ2zSw0JF4Lo/s1600/jlb7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can I get a ride? Photo credit to Coach JLB</td></tr>
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We are blessed with perfect weather, a little overcast but no rain at all. From the covered area on a forested part, it slowly goes up to the short agricultural land then goes to the side of the mountain where a kaingin part starts then goes up until we started going through the rocks and boulders. Until we catch up with the first group of climbers who went ahead of us. They were at the first view deck. Thank goodness of their presence, we come to know as well were to stop and get a good spot of ourselves to enjoy too.<br />
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The first view deck was a vertical wall of around 4 meters high, our friend Sir Joseph finds it at home on this very wall, making it just very easy for him to reach the top, go to the other side of the rock formation and going down with so much ease as if his shoes has some mighty bond that sticks to the rock face while me and Coach JLB has difficulty clinging to the wall going up on the other side. We ended on one surface with big crack not even standing at the top most. Going down is another story.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTLTrQPIxO9rcvZAuoxe8LjJgVNjhFXjWqLW0CPGP9Cuwt0f62LsTcxnyfeAVAfap-8NYWetOExrpXDY9QX81I7exKGJyQHN_8BOhZ7P43z7U3KisOELlEkdg-FFHiwq3ADcLtCHT4xQ/s1600/otep41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTLTrQPIxO9rcvZAuoxe8LjJgVNjhFXjWqLW0CPGP9Cuwt0f62LsTcxnyfeAVAfap-8NYWetOExrpXDY9QX81I7exKGJyQHN_8BOhZ7P43z7U3KisOELlEkdg-FFHiwq3ADcLtCHT4xQ/s640/otep41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get a right hold. Photo credit to Sir Otep. </td></tr>
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We continue on, really there were more rock scrambling, hopping from one boulder to the other and more parts where gaps in between rocks are even wider that at some point with our mountain goat friend Sir Joseph way ahead of us, me and Coach JLB just thought of staying at one spot as we are stucked at one part where a very big gap is un-passable to do until the other group catch up with us and showed us how it is being done. Funny, how easy it is to look at them how to cross it yet we find it challenging to do. Sir Joseph ended coming back for us and helping us cross that section by extending his hand to us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDCFu5F0RMtB-IiHdJcEBEiTF-DDxkjh-cmXRbv9ryXpgFpbwPe7837PJS8BPhAwZKkwZ3Gp9hj86TUBxXyyM-JrB8AbvSdaOuw9zW17di3o2VvXhrlE06HoBzz12zVkyCM8cvNSVyGY/s1600/jlb10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDCFu5F0RMtB-IiHdJcEBEiTF-DDxkjh-cmXRbv9ryXpgFpbwPe7837PJS8BPhAwZKkwZ3Gp9hj86TUBxXyyM-JrB8AbvSdaOuw9zW17di3o2VvXhrlE06HoBzz12zVkyCM8cvNSVyGY/s640/jlb10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We finally reach the summit where I thought was impossible for me to reach, thanks to the encouragement of Sir Joseph the other hikers. The view on the top was fantastic. We went back on the same route we did going up, this time still with extra care not to injure ourselves. I thank the mountain gods for a safe passage and allowing us to see the beauty of the place. One fine day on this beautiful mountain peak. Amazing to know of my 15 years of climbing and trekking there are still peaks like this on this area. <br />
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These 3 mountain peaks as I mentioned on my previous report, is a very good mountain to practice if one is planning to climb Mt. Guiting Guiting. More so if you are a rock and boulder enthusiast who loves a life hanging on the cliff on more than 500MASL. Go for this mountain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7UF9t1GjntakKA5N7tio-YK1d9E2CvxbX0KS82t28bTCscxUZjvR_tDDqgOWXg9p6jmqeO2ug_vjQaqxcFxySnUlm1d2yeugB8s99KPleUJCAWJe0UjcNxLOS-EklML0fxfMnFNJWHY/s1600/20150715_104645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7UF9t1GjntakKA5N7tio-YK1d9E2CvxbX0KS82t28bTCscxUZjvR_tDDqgOWXg9p6jmqeO2ug_vjQaqxcFxySnUlm1d2yeugB8s99KPleUJCAWJe0UjcNxLOS-EklML0fxfMnFNJWHY/s640/20150715_104645.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">I am scared of heights, the very reason
why I went into rock climbing. It is to overcome that fear. I may love the
rock formations but do not put me high above it, it will take me a
while to really convince myself to do it. On this very journey after a
long time of not doing rock climbing, it brought me back to that fear
again. But one thing I always put in my mind as I was in that situation,
I have to focus, concentrate, overcome my fear, do not let my fear eat
my self but rather just trust, enjoy the moment, and relax enjoy the
beauty of nature. This very adventure is just like life, it is not a
smooth journey but worth the experience. It is one adventure to be enjoyed. </span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Another mileage covered, battle scars added. Happy feet with a healthy soul. Our journey to H1 continues. </span></div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-84465401378579262112015-07-12T22:37:00.001+07:002015-08-07T07:14:38.978+07:00Twin Peaks and A Hill - Mt. Binacayan - Mt. Pamitinan Trail Run <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's rainy season already in the Philippines. But that never stop for few of us to continue with our training runs, be it on road or trail. Aiming for few major races in the next couple of months, even the stormy weather never stop us from doing our regular mountain run. Yesterday was no exemption. For few of us, we manage to squeeze in a training run on a weekday. But because the weather was too bad the day before yesterday, I asked our Coach if schedule will push through as planned. A go was agreed so we showed up.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn82366M6EaNIWFHjTcihKLoC0Ks8ohJ2HCzqaxgxBvB0BzTu5ikvxjn02EJRfhyphenhyphen4vtpVOjfbjVqN7LT67641vMqqg06BgqEqn_mROEQK2JP-s412xGdwep_jO6-cLI5yMrwPs-0L9Izw/s1600/Otep15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn82366M6EaNIWFHjTcihKLoC0Ks8ohJ2HCzqaxgxBvB0BzTu5ikvxjn02EJRfhyphenhyphen4vtpVOjfbjVqN7LT67641vMqqg06BgqEqn_mROEQK2JP-s412xGdwep_jO6-cLI5yMrwPs-0L9Izw/s640/Otep15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the summit of Mt. Binacayan (Photo courtesy of Joseph Sibal) </td></tr>
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Four runners of different backgrounds came together with common passion, love of nature and running.<br />
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<li> Coach JLB said, it's off season! but keeps on running and/or biking every time some runners asked him to show his playground and backyard. </li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Professor Eric - there is no off-season for him for he lives on this place, he grew up on this place and has to walk 4kms going to the school and back to his home everyday, that's a total of 8kms a day plus his training runs. Running and the nature is his way of life. </li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Sir Otep on the other hand after a year and a half of sabbatical leave from running now decided to prepare for a major trail race almost a year from now. Out of the blue there was one thing that ignited his interest of going back to running and now unstoppable. I am amazed how he plans his trainings to have the best performance come race day. </li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">And me, who always love nature and running but really find it hard to look for motivation to train harder, to improve my speed and improve my total performance on running. Finding balance between work and going after my passion, I have to make sacrifices sometimes. </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0PfXwZ888FsIItKx0KsRhL_z80SxhRnNEYoz6RAF1n3DUoqDQ3buedoNbqLIjHbyMIuhyphenhyphen6qkcXHP8LgUOWs_06E6XlFKowYPRByZsGNa36BjyzE8A4LXDhmKfNmuwB7BzAZY8N-3grs/s1600/otep1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0PfXwZ888FsIItKx0KsRhL_z80SxhRnNEYoz6RAF1n3DUoqDQ3buedoNbqLIjHbyMIuhyphenhyphen6qkcXHP8LgUOWs_06E6XlFKowYPRByZsGNa36BjyzE8A4LXDhmKfNmuwB7BzAZY8N-3grs/s640/otep1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Manila Hills before the trail run. The background two peaks is where we are going. (Photo courtesy of Joseph Sibal) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This time around our goal for the day was, Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan at Sitio Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal. Of my many times visiting this place for an outdoor
rock climbing trip, this was my very first time to do trail run on the area. </div>
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Arrived Sitio Wawa at around 7:00am, had breakfast in one of the open restaurant, final check of our supplies, we left at exactly 8:00am for Mt. Binacayan. This is the peak at the right side of the picture if you will look at the photo on my photo album, Backyard of the Masters - Binacayan- Pamitinan. Just the same weather as I left home early that morning, it rains a heavy downpour for a short while then stop. And like the heavens are gathering enough water again then after an hour or so it will pour a heavy one again. But basically the weather was rainy, no wind thank God. The sky was all covered with white, no sign of Mr. Sun at all.</div>
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Mt. Binacayan<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BjHODyY_Ob_dLF1q9fOSwYlZS8PRRhWQugOZ7uKYe-sErBdbWq663Mz8E2Yd611Ty0MgAa9Rqh5e_D5n5cpnj-aK_I553OBm0g3TCPEPU-hBMSAHeaCfLNcv7U-uE66HEEyZvObeV6k/s1600/Otep4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BjHODyY_Ob_dLF1q9fOSwYlZS8PRRhWQugOZ7uKYe-sErBdbWq663Mz8E2Yd611Ty0MgAa9Rqh5e_D5n5cpnj-aK_I553OBm0g3TCPEPU-hBMSAHeaCfLNcv7U-uE66HEEyZvObeV6k/s640/Otep4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the agricultural area before the rock formations to the peak of Mt Binacayan. ( Photo courtesy of Joseph Sibal) </td></tr>
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From the community down below, we walk passing by few stores beside the road, after few meters is a slow ascend on cemented road. After less than a kilometer it will enter a rough road until it will just be a single trail. As the elevation slowly goes higher we leave the community area and slowly enter through an agricultural terrain with root crops and corn plants. On a rainy season and a sloping terrain, it is just not possible to run. We were just pushing fast with caution not to sprain our ankle if get out-balanced on a slippery ground. Slowly we enter the rock formations which reminded me so much of my rock climbing years on this area. The terrain alternates with bamboos. Towards the summit are all rock formations that one has to go over it with some parts using the upper body to make sure of a secure holds for safety. Some rocks are sharp which can cause cuts on the palm, arm or leg. We had few stops at several view points as slowly the fog and the mist cleared showing the beauty of the mountain ranges as far as your eyes can see. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqvyTjC_Ve1Ditka9VLzxCvd4L88qyHD39uXlBS9vw-kAB0HuaFVjx7IfFOAfVlotEfa474sUhZrUK1td7Vddkw5DokX0YJfYUEqwF6TubhD1kV038Y_QMR6IjPT6qjCkErHqh-MVPWk/s1600/Otep21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqvyTjC_Ve1Ditka9VLzxCvd4L88qyHD39uXlBS9vw-kAB0HuaFVjx7IfFOAfVlotEfa474sUhZrUK1td7Vddkw5DokX0YJfYUEqwF6TubhD1kV038Y_QMR6IjPT6qjCkErHqh-MVPWk/s640/Otep21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the peak of Mt. Binacayan (Photo courtesy of Joseph Sibal) </td></tr>
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The summit is a total rock formation of limestone that offers a beautiful 360 degree view of several peaks around the area including that of the view of the Wawa River down below including the community that live on the area. It took us less than 2 hours going up despite the intermittent down pour of heavy rains.</div>
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Going down was much faster though we had to be extra careful as well especially on the agricultural part for it is just too slippery. We reached the base in less than 3 hours. We really don't have exact measurement of the distance, they estimated it to be 7km out and back with 424MASL. Had and early lunch, refill water and food supply then left for the second peak.<br />
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Mt. Pamitinan <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ5qtVTJdqMXZP2uDwde2WWUEgihSyafQ-QB-OrABeFOuvtz_U_grzxdsgT0esoSB9qZIBiKYQ-OEw3dYe3vazMC0UaADYPCfYcJCldx_LFAwBmqBGYkbx63UxIgqvsr9Wwvvx_VptS4/s1600/Otep30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ5qtVTJdqMXZP2uDwde2WWUEgihSyafQ-QB-OrABeFOuvtz_U_grzxdsgT0esoSB9qZIBiKYQ-OEw3dYe3vazMC0UaADYPCfYcJCldx_LFAwBmqBGYkbx63UxIgqvsr9Wwvvx_VptS4/s640/Otep30.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Mt. Pamitinan (Photo courtesy of Joseph Sibal) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This peak is just higher by 2 meters than Mr. Binacayan, 426MASL. Coming from the community where we had our lunch, we walked through the hanging bridge where we used to walk during my rock climbing days. Passing by the forested area until it reached the wall where we used to climb, the part we call Uling Wall. Brings back old memories. A trek further is the junction to Pamitinan Peak on the right and Hapunang Banoy on the left. The trail going up slowly show more rock formations and boulders that one need to traverse, some a little sketchy and should be approached with extra care. Along the way are few view deck where one can see the mountain ranges of the Sierra Madre. Unfortunately for us, it was total white out and heavy down pour of rain. We continue on until we reached the famous peak of Pamitinan, but the 5 meter vertical wall made me a little concerned, more so when we were on this part the rain was just on its heaviest down pour. With my 2 companion already up and Coach JLB just down below waiting for me to finish. Again, my imagination lingers, going up will be fine for I do not see how high down below but going down on this vertical wall will be a problem for me.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFsc56GPFx3GsTu6n92Hsy2SvzhMX6Y7noBbviPnW4jhuNj2r2Km7JnXIC0KDluFdQiEde2LbXCW2aqg0WvLIZqs8QTCKg96FeWATv0_E-mRPHF5hRdEpTBOfIsDwZIMbR2mGQm2PcU4/s1600/DSC02282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFsc56GPFx3GsTu6n92Hsy2SvzhMX6Y7noBbviPnW4jhuNj2r2Km7JnXIC0KDluFdQiEde2LbXCW2aqg0WvLIZqs8QTCKg96FeWATv0_E-mRPHF5hRdEpTBOfIsDwZIMbR2mGQm2PcU4/s640/DSC02282.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the summit of Mt. Pamitinan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nonetheless, I reached the peak welcomed with heavy rain with no view. After few photo shoots we decided to go down. It's just getting cold. I used the other side going down with the assistance of Prof Eric. Hold your grip tight, I really hope that the hold of the granite rock will not snap, trust your core and secure your foot holds. OMG. As a rock climber, I know the margins of safety and risk, and this is really risky but I just have to trust myself, and not let my imagination linger. Otherwise I will really scare myself. That was only few minutes but few minutes of wrong more will also be fatal. Thank God I made it to the ledge safe. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the sketchy part, everything was just smooth going down of course still with extra care as some parts were really slippery from the heavy downpour of rain. In less than 2 hours we were back on the base.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPWLIBpDBkLoCWD18bUkH5xfz0U91OvgHDVkIxZh-Hd8JjzDWalsGamXgyxERHYWuVRH9TYnLy43Xn93ZsXG8iRxRABwY4qqrDjscznNHdrk_4HxI3igua_nQH9n7cvR2KlEyzOK5T60/s1600/JLB14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPWLIBpDBkLoCWD18bUkH5xfz0U91OvgHDVkIxZh-Hd8JjzDWalsGamXgyxERHYWuVRH9TYnLy43Xn93ZsXG8iRxRABwY4qqrDjscznNHdrk_4HxI3igua_nQH9n7cvR2KlEyzOK5T60/s1600/JLB14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit to Jon Las Bruce </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
Sitio Simano<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As much as Sir Otep wanted to explore the 3rd peak of Hapunang Banoy which we pass by at the saddle from Mt. Pamitinan on our way down, our TL Coach Jon Las decided to make the adventure to the 3rd peak on the next trip. We are still early from our itinerary, so we decided to join Prof. Eric to his place, at Sitio Simano, a place where he walk every day going to school where he teach, 8km back and fort in distance. The path way which passes by the community then pass by the short tunnel follow the side of the Wawa River eventually reach the non functional Wawa Dam.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Eo2z9ke8xMrbbjyd-xW8aBBcSP3tI_-8oU420lmV2Z1q68t6BJJfsFNAX467KjDzC1rQiHZ2k8aNFs-1zol-FFwvkmV56Js_6MFWuy_62VdpXGrDro463VntVdUrsjQCbGOc4k2lKdc/s1600/Otep39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Eo2z9ke8xMrbbjyd-xW8aBBcSP3tI_-8oU420lmV2Z1q68t6BJJfsFNAX467KjDzC1rQiHZ2k8aNFs-1zol-FFwvkmV56Js_6MFWuy_62VdpXGrDro463VntVdUrsjQCbGOc4k2lKdc/s1600/Otep39.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wawa Dam (Photo credit to Joseph Sibal) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite my several times of visiting Montalban, this is my first time to reach the Dam area, with floating huts where picnic goers used during summer when the water is calm and clear. This time though, the water in raging current and color brown due to the continues rain for several days now. A slow jog we just follow the side of the river, sometimes passing by small stream, until we need to ride a boat to cross to the other side of the river. Thank goodness despite the rain and strong current, the water is still calm. Few more minutes we reached the home of Sir Eric, had hot drinks and snacks, enjoy the presence of his dog, chickens and geese with the beauty of nature, then run back. It only took us 30 minutes running. Few minutes before 4:00pm we were already back at the community where we started.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3peE7coT-TAwuyPcXTOBB52FaJUGb9Zjtz1JhNOoVKwNXqaT7xzjDHYBSvWnuL0w6tXcRoL40Jl_TjdbIRmAoD2eZKVQJR0POQcEqgT2TIE0Bq4-MJVXeHoD2MJ_bNsOvxyEWUDA3-8/s1600/JLB8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3peE7coT-TAwuyPcXTOBB52FaJUGb9Zjtz1JhNOoVKwNXqaT7xzjDHYBSvWnuL0w6tXcRoL40Jl_TjdbIRmAoD2eZKVQJR0POQcEqgT2TIE0Bq4-MJVXeHoD2MJ_bNsOvxyEWUDA3-8/s1600/JLB8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit to Jon Las Bruce </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Assessment: <br />
One day of running in the rain, estimated 21km distance. Not bad at all. It maybe short but for me, running on that weather is a good training for trail races that happens on rainy season with feet wet almost the entire race. So this is a good practice. The elevation on both peak is quite abrupt which gives us a good full body work out. We may not be able to run anymore on steep slippery and rocky part of the trail but it give a full body conditioning.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv1XPLqw91NFiCh2z6_QuJqbJ54HfG-wd0kRyLnu7FzmtJwFayp0ck5WnPV0YOHjPtqZG_x66boyGgIpFoqZD-cHl1JqdeZvKulAnc9ZPhNYi3GeqYmf7fU57TyEPFJPWE08-6cx6Gv8/s1600/otep43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv1XPLqw91NFiCh2z6_QuJqbJ54HfG-wd0kRyLnu7FzmtJwFayp0ck5WnPV0YOHjPtqZG_x66boyGgIpFoqZD-cHl1JqdeZvKulAnc9ZPhNYi3GeqYmf7fU57TyEPFJPWE08-6cx6Gv8/s640/otep43.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Sitio Simano (Photo credit to Joseph Sibal) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
But aside from trail running, for hikers who wish to climb the challenging Mt. Guiting Guiting in Sibuyan Island in Romblon, this two peaks is a good simulation and practice to get used to the rocks, boulders, the vertical wall. This is my first time see peaks with such rock formation on this area. Very near from Metro Manila, it may not be as long and high as that of Mt. Guiting Guiting but this could be a very good familiarization place. It will definitely help climbers lessen the feeling of uncertainty of how it feels to be climbing G2. I climb it once and for me this place is a great place to practice. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRHslwx7Bo2PCy4N8cq6CP45We88ABMF4ufWkvnKXaqyzORmGr1CRSRej8SptdlbrBOfn6hnMBvqEJcViMO520HFowBzGiPGn_W77PfDBGfZbo0SDx03mjAVSxXT9JdN40uUYYau9tKY/s1600/Otep40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRHslwx7Bo2PCy4N8cq6CP45We88ABMF4ufWkvnKXaqyzORmGr1CRSRej8SptdlbrBOfn6hnMBvqEJcViMO520HFowBzGiPGn_W77PfDBGfZbo0SDx03mjAVSxXT9JdN40uUYYau9tKY/s1600/Otep40.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boat ride to Sitio Simano (Photo credit to Joseph Sibal) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gears: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suggested gears climbing these two peaks: arm sleeves or long sleeves, gloves, full tights or calve sleeves. Rocks are sharp that can cut your palm, arms or legs. </div>
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With that, we end our day happy. Another mileage covered, another battle scar added. On to the next training run. Our road to H1. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOULFUHNjsjp6sruB8ABPA-L3FWrYyxeY2xcNngVfMrZwCdeu-fni7_o6FEZWOowLq0Mdxht8ryx0Wu4v_zg8dUtOHVKb8CtqywVmiZTw1Zw5LTk4DXk0x0VNAoVzpcPfFhDLFRuNzk-4/s1600/Otep41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOULFUHNjsjp6sruB8ABPA-L3FWrYyxeY2xcNngVfMrZwCdeu-fni7_o6FEZWOowLq0Mdxht8ryx0Wu4v_zg8dUtOHVKb8CtqywVmiZTw1Zw5LTk4DXk0x0VNAoVzpcPfFhDLFRuNzk-4/s640/Otep41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adventure pa more!!!!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sharing the rough itinerary that we some how followed, courtesy of our Team Leader, Coach JLB. <br />
<br />
Pamitinan-Binacayan twin peak dayhike <br />
600hrs- meet up at manila hills<br />
700hrs- breakfast and meet up with prof eric (our host) at Sitio Wawa.<br />
800hrs- start ascend to Mt. Pamitinan<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 930hrs- peak/picture taking<br /> 1000hrs- start descend<br /> 1100hrs- lunch<br /> 1230hrs- start ascend Mt. Binacayan.<br /> 1400hrs- peak/picture taking<br /> 1430hrs- start descend<br /> 1600hrs- Snack/Chit Chat<br /> 1700hrs- uwian na! </span></div>
Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-77018015397533295292015-07-04T01:23:00.000+07:002015-07-28T07:52:25.724+07:00They said "Dont Look Back", I said "Dont Look Up" - A Trail Run to Sitio San Isidro <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"The mountain is calling and I should go." So is my running friends who wants to do a mountain run on a weekday. I just have to make arrangements at work and do a little extension when I get back in the afternoon. It's been awhile since my last trail run. Been too busy with lots of things lately. But who can say no to an invitation of two great friends whom I haven't spend some time with.</div>
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Destination: Mt. Balagbag to the famous "Don't Look Back Trail". One of the many and long playgrounds of our Coach JLB and few other hardcore trail runners and bikers in the Metro, it is where few got their grit and wit on how to approach major trail races in the country. I'd like to think that slowly in my own time I will be able to follow their foot steps and eventually finish few major races that I am aiming to do.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A short car ride from Manila Hills, we travel through rough and bumpy roads to the jump off of Sitio Licao - Licao. A restaurant opens as early as 6:00am, final check of food and water supply and off we go. Slow walk on a rough road warmed us up, a little push on the uphill until we reach the house before the place they called "helipad." My first time here, been thinking where exactly this place is. We are now higher in elevation and view of the mountain ranges are now more visible. The view is a such a breather. With few scattered clouds, the trek up is not so humid. After a short break we proceed by turning right from the rough road. We decided to try the famous Don't Look Back trail. No idea what to expect I just enjoy what nature brings me.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the top of the hill, we headed down to the valley down to the lowest part of the valley, a long descend which I find challenging hopping especially on some eroded parts. A beautiful view of mountain tops as far as your eyes can see. A little eye sore though on those parts that mining starts destroying the side of the mountain. This is a long descend with grass in between single trail. Once at the lower most part of the valley is a stream where we can cool down, swim and enjoy the water.</div>
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We went straight to the nearby community to replenish some water and food, then head back to the same trail. Now that long descend will all be going up. Catching my breath as I slowly push my self up, I can feel my legs now slowly complaining. A real challenge. A total leg workout. It slowly hurt my calves and quads.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I slowly pushed it dawned in my mind, how come they call this place "Don't Look Back", for me it should be called "Don't Look Up." Really. Just don't look up for you will never be happy to see how far you are still going to go to reach the top most part of the peak. And don't look up, just focus your eyes on where you will land your next step, and just imagine that the 80degree incline is just flat. Whow. I am perspiring big time. They said we are still lucky the sky is over cast and no Mr. Sun.</div>
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Reaching the view deck is a bigggg relief, stayed a little longer at the nipa hut, had few glasses of juice then proceed all the way down. Reached the community with a blast. Run around 4 hours on a 14km distance. Not bad on that elevation.<br />
<br />
What a day. The very start of the many adventure on this area. Happy feet with a healthy soul. Our road to H1 starts on this journey. <br />
<br />
Our Itinerary<br />
Sitio Licao Licao<br />
Nipa Hut before the Heli pad<br />
Dont Look Back to Sition San Isidro<br />
Go back to Licao </div>
Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-56630854795667670002015-06-17T22:48:00.002+07:002015-07-12T20:33:40.625+07:00Summits of Our Lives <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn52CAmbxEZU6yXYSWOSv-5rliMQ0RFqkYpUQDPdL3h68nVApzkveMW6kKice-BqpWGQEC3jetpwcXYXheKZdhepq-2xUUPJ2cjeeb1OCyIDL_P0uQCeo0OBEdumYUdfo3hSTHqu5MVU/s1600/UTCM+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn52CAmbxEZU6yXYSWOSv-5rliMQ0RFqkYpUQDPdL3h68nVApzkveMW6kKice-BqpWGQEC3jetpwcXYXheKZdhepq-2xUUPJ2cjeeb1OCyIDL_P0uQCeo0OBEdumYUdfo3hSTHqu5MVU/s640/UTCM+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Thailand Mountain Trail Official Photographer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It pays to look back as we climb the summits of our lives. The obstacles
that lay beforehand may overwhelm us, but there is a relief in knowing
that the view is better behind, pushing us to greater heights and
enabling us to move forward. (Thanks L.Ano)<br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Discover your potential and know how far you can go. Push your limits. See the beauty of the northern part of Thailand. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">UPDATE: The event for this year has been canceled. Hopefully there will be one next year. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Join the First Edition of Ultra Thai Chiang Mai (UTCM) - 4-6 December 2015! </span><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">150km distance, 8’800m+8’500m-, from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao, Northern Thailand. Let's do this. </span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> <br /> Register on <a href="http://www.ultra-thai.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.ultra-thai.com</a> for Ultra Trail single or Stage race!!!!!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><a href="http://cherylbihag.blogspot.com/2015/06/ultra-thai-chiang-mai-utcm-zero-edition.html"> </a></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">My account on UTCM - Zero Edition: </span><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><a href="http://cherylbihag.blogspot.com/2015/06/ultra-thai-chiang-mai-utcm-zero-edition.html">Ultra Thai Chiang Mai Zero Edition</a></span> </div>
</div>
Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-520096965718204212015-04-16T10:51:00.006+07:002015-04-16T15:46:19.009+07:00Attitude of Gratitude <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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“Dear Past, thank you for all the lessons. Dear Future, I am ready.”</div>
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If you never tasted a bad apple, you would not appreciate a good apple.
You have to experience life to understand life. Be grateful for the
profound teachings contained within times of great difficulty. When you
review your life, where have you learned more compassion? Where have you
learned more about yourself? Where has your heart grown wise–in just
having good times, or going through difficulties? In fact<span class="text_exposed_show">,
in some buddhist traditions, there is actually a prayer asking, “May I
be given the appropriate difficulties so that my heart can truly open
with compassion.”</span></div>
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<div class="text_exposed_show">
Practice gratitude for EVERYTHING, even difficult emotions, because of
their potential to wake you up. When life is sweet today, say THANK YOU
and celebrate. When life is bitter today, say THANK YOU and grow…<br />
<br />
It is said that the “stance of happiness” is a deep appreciation for
what is and eager anticipation of what’s next. Try this stance on today
by regularly repeating this mantra: “For all that has been, THANKS. For
all that will be, YES.”<br />
<br />
Thank you for this IvyM. A great reminder to self. Indeed, life is how you see things. </div>
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<a class="_6k_ _4-eo _5dec" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1591572917786377&set=a.1374571792819825.1073741827.100008010510795&type=1" rel="theater" style="width: 487px;"></a><br />
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<a class="_6k_ _4-eo _5dec" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1591572917786377&set=a.1374571792819825.1073741827.100008010510795&type=1" rel="theater" style="width: 487px;"><img alt="'“Dear Past, thank you for all the lessons. Dear Future, I am ready.”
If you never tasted a bad apple, you would not appreciate a good apple. You have to experience life to understand life. Be grateful for the profound teachings contained within times of great difficulty. When you review your life, where have you learned more compassion? Where have you learned more about yourself? Where has your heart grown wise–in just having good times, or going through difficulties? In fact, in some buddhist traditions, there is actually a prayer asking, “May I be given the appropriate difficulties so that my heart can truly open with compassion.”
Note: Practice gratitude for EVERYTHING, even difficult emotions, because of their potential to wake you up. When life is sweet today, say THANK YOU and celebrate. When life is bitter today, say THANK YOU and grow…
It is said that the “stance of happiness” is a deep appreciation for what is and eager anticipation of what’s next. Try this stance on today by regularly repeating this mantra: “For all that has been, THANKS. For all that will be, YES.”'" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="425" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p526x395/10418484_1591572917786377_6119370143509187130_n.jpg?oh=3498d4e75709ca3d61eea4e402f272f1&oe=55DC2808&__gda__=1440212899_138c7ca7dcd12a51de5c4175864c3182" width="640" /></a></div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-84377129336878941542015-04-02T12:01:00.000+07:002015-04-16T12:09:21.992+07:00Life's Journey <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMiKbZnOVzZyWETEc5eOO_DXYP3lV6RQjjUve2t7N7BvFyccXRd5lSBnaL3ZVJH8TtBGlM9aBVyp85OT2mPEqlEg6jnJc7NkiWqiwv1UfzcltouDnwH0LFs1ouphX6zhYnn5XDcdSF2E/s1600/candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMiKbZnOVzZyWETEc5eOO_DXYP3lV6RQjjUve2t7N7BvFyccXRd5lSBnaL3ZVJH8TtBGlM9aBVyp85OT2mPEqlEg6jnJc7NkiWqiwv1UfzcltouDnwH0LFs1ouphX6zhYnn5XDcdSF2E/s1600/candle.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></div>
<br />
'Life is a journey and not just a destination.' - a good phrase to reflect on this Lenten Season.<br />
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Of all the things I have done in my life, most especially the imperfect and unforgivable ones, the mistakes that I regret deeply, I realized despite all the imperfections, nothing beats kindness,
consistency, hard work, drive, passion, trust, self- respect, commitment, believe in oneself, hope
and most of all LOVE. All these, no matter how hard challenges maybe or how bad mistakes may have done, triumph will definitely be achieved. <span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></div>
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All these are the great ingredients of the so called life journey!!!<br />
Mix them all together and what do we have ... This beautiful thing called LIFE!! <br />
But NO life is perfect...<br />
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It's simply a matter of how we graciously hurdle the blows and challenges we face in our daily lives ! <br />
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All of us are responsible to light our own candles for hope that we
will all be guided to the path most appropriate for us .. The life meant
for us to Live continuously !! What God has shaped us to have...
Believe, have faith and stay happy inside. </div>
</div>
Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-84357893038108074242015-03-14T13:29:00.000+07:002015-04-15T09:53:39.278+07:00Malaysia Women Marathon 2015 - Woman's Way to Stand Up and Shine <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My recent trip to Malaysia was more than just running a full marathon. It was one of my most memorable and meaningful travel among the many travels that I did in the past. More than being reunited with many friends and gained few while I enjoyed the local food, I was with Malaysia Women Marathon (MWM) on a greater mission and that was to inspire women through my personal journey in life and running to go out and achieve their dreams. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg9j0dvGP-Ld4WtReA9_azmMXi4PTfCz_JYaIu8yh-hTJeW4WTmcyJLJYTy9XOazuu6_FjeNZHr1B-BrSxqnJjYdYejro6wD4-LMpkyolEtUqmb7WE-DJf8RWKRlQq1PB_1H__d7trhk/s1600/mwm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg9j0dvGP-Ld4WtReA9_azmMXi4PTfCz_JYaIu8yh-hTJeW4WTmcyJLJYTy9XOazuu6_FjeNZHr1B-BrSxqnJjYdYejro6wD4-LMpkyolEtUqmb7WE-DJf8RWKRlQq1PB_1H__d7trhk/s1600/mwm4.jpg" height="640" width="417" /></a></div>
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Ultra running and high altitude expeditions are two things I never thought I will be doing. An interest that I never thought I had, thanks to the encouragements and inspirations of my two good friends, Joy M and Mike W. I took the challenge 15 years ago, right opportunity and right people came, and here I am so passionate with it until now. I never thought time will come that I will be sharing my experience to others in a larger scale. I got invited to talk to small groups, opportunities to teach to those who wanted to start running or hiking but I never thought I will get a chance to share to an event as big as MWM.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Background </span></b></div>
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Despite the geographical distance, MWM has always been close to my heart since its inaugural race. Aside from the fact that the race organizer has been a good friend and an inspiration, this is a race for women. Since year 1, I may not had the chance to join, I had been following the race, its pre and post Facebook and webpage posts. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnRHY7svaHY_U5EcUou-Fa-zxiW5A5EtdNNzGUpYsOVJiNLQ14F5Dq_CvjOWv69U4kYZTR1WB4Qgu-6umjtLYF3Nwn3_g-_Kyg0qY7U2X3jkYe2-ccpRzIgW_fggLZnuxSJkynWQ3Tpw/s1600/10865952_668418486613758_2294856111697167836_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnRHY7svaHY_U5EcUou-Fa-zxiW5A5EtdNNzGUpYsOVJiNLQ14F5Dq_CvjOWv69U4kYZTR1WB4Qgu-6umjtLYF3Nwn3_g-_Kyg0qY7U2X3jkYe2-ccpRzIgW_fggLZnuxSJkynWQ3Tpw/s1600/10865952_668418486613758_2294856111697167836_o.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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July of last year, I received an invitation to be one of the Guest Speaker for 2015's MWM. With the theme Stand Up and Shine, they decided to feature Asian Women to be part of the Expo event. Together with 3 more ladies of great achievements in running, Aida Othman from Malaysia who lives now in Dubai, Kelly Lim and Jenap Said from Singapore, I accepted the invitation.<br />
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MWM is not just a race but a 3-day event of festivities celebrating women's life more so that this year's race falls exactly on International Women's Day. The two day Expo featured several international races, running gears most especially for women, some activities featuring Malaysian women passionate on active and healthy lifestyle and the series of talks about running which I was a part of. <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>My Personal Highlights on 2015 MWM</b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Radio Interview </span></b><br />
First stop was the radio interview at BFM 89.9. Featuring several women on different sports in celebration of the International Women's Month, they made MWM part of the program having me as one of the several runners interviewed. This was my very first radio interview experience ever. Excited and anxious gathering my thoughts as I waited at the main lobby at BFM's office, thanks to the company of Maggie Kim Hong Goh, she kept my mind occupied. Until BFM's team headed by Angeline Teh led me to the audio room. They were so natural that they made the interview so light and comfortable for me that I did not realize we reached more than an hour already. Listening to the recorded result was such a nice feeling. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSt89m8ZheamM08jmsBD6LHpUG6SMyiNBv0mlJ6uka69o8zoJcjK0cpZ4lCB2hTyQGlC5EOZgcnewTmP6bkUa_GGgrL1-FAJrhiP92hckiKNsyiLq2FNT4AaNd-46BMg_u_ATBUI5GmQ/s1600/20150305_093052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSt89m8ZheamM08jmsBD6LHpUG6SMyiNBv0mlJ6uka69o8zoJcjK0cpZ4lCB2hTyQGlC5EOZgcnewTmP6bkUa_GGgrL1-FAJrhiP92hckiKNsyiLq2FNT4AaNd-46BMg_u_ATBUI5GmQ/s1600/20150305_093052.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bfm.my/bar-none-malaysia-women-marathon.html" target="_blank">Link of the Radio Interview: Run Girl, Run!!!! </a><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Expo Talk and Panel Discussion</b></span><br />
This part I was really nervous. Though I already got a glimpse of how the venue will be the night before my talk and I prepared what I am going to share even before I left Manila, still butterflies in my stomach cannot be avoided. I will be the very first speaker for the day followed by my room mate Aida Othman (at first night). I opted to stay in my room hours before my talk, to prepare myself, condition my mind and make sure that everything will be in order. The company of Aida lightened the day and took away my nervousness. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNTf-FOf4ns8RpnHNYFQX1DC1RVBBBMZtcFIjQn0UV1rjrClxLYXNfTwTHaDDhHakEY_eGmBPutDF6kpHhQGbvEVD3AWaZopUxEql-_wPH5TCmG1yxL-X_SHP3nOONbrKEZk4T05ntNM/s1600/10805575_763955500384203_9054290963071972300_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNTf-FOf4ns8RpnHNYFQX1DC1RVBBBMZtcFIjQn0UV1rjrClxLYXNfTwTHaDDhHakEY_eGmBPutDF6kpHhQGbvEVD3AWaZopUxEql-_wPH5TCmG1yxL-X_SHP3nOONbrKEZk4T05ntNM/s1600/10805575_763955500384203_9054290963071972300_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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As Karen called my name, the stage was now all mine. I was trying to get comfortable by moving here and there as I started. There were few guests seated on the chairs in front, few of my Malaysian friends were there too despite the heavy traffic and rain outside (appreciate that a lot) but the four corners of the pavilion filled with exhibitors and runners interested on the Expo Event were also part of my audience. <br />
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Slowly I got comfortable that I even went down the stage when I realized my slide presentation has not been played. Sharing my Inca Trail Marathon experience was the highlight of my talk, being the most difficult marathon in the world. I was amazed with how my talk turned out, and there I conquered the most challenging part of my trip as I enjoyed sharing my experience. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz9eO2eX6wJVTZQj6Fl-Wwjeq1BBItDcQcDklQD1Vcmk-0fzacqvMlIuCKbB_FQqTGLP245zsFZV133Iqme3mvO9w1pTH9wMuSOy4KfmR4h9YrTfBPRlSHZAFtUTZknE4YCeFMOmFe04/s1600/11037356_668418623280411_1082125889703166546_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz9eO2eX6wJVTZQj6Fl-Wwjeq1BBItDcQcDklQD1Vcmk-0fzacqvMlIuCKbB_FQqTGLP245zsFZV133Iqme3mvO9w1pTH9wMuSOy4KfmR4h9YrTfBPRlSHZAFtUTZknE4YCeFMOmFe04/s1600/11037356_668418623280411_1082125889703166546_o.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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With that, I hope I was able to inspire women to take the challenge, face the most difficult race in their lives, not necessarily running the most difficult marathon in the world but by starting what they find they love doing the most. <br />
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The following day was sharing my Badwater135 experience as Chief Crew to my friend Kelly Lim from Singapore, afterwhich was followed by a panel discussion on the topic: Do women perform better in ultra distance races? Thanks to Sarah Joyce, a Triathlete, Publisher and Editor of Women's Running Australia magazine who shared the result of her PhD research about the same topic. She said, "If men and women finishing the same time in a full marathon, in a longer distance (ultra distance) women will most likely finish ahead than men." Why is that? Because of the powerful hormone estrogen that is largely produced in women that helps women endure pain, such as endurance running. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9lA4hqsvgTarIo0a_wV-AOmdtpeyvHQVDA6KJSYFLi1GEvSCzYyFmF7DaeTlGD8Be77nHr7zsoOq4jw_D8BFB9XZsCLbmjTV3HrvBvCVdCpOz_vQGnJ-AniNx0sut-vJf4LQ0C3Dzk0/s1600/11025854_668418373280436_5500168297346237499_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9lA4hqsvgTarIo0a_wV-AOmdtpeyvHQVDA6KJSYFLi1GEvSCzYyFmF7DaeTlGD8Be77nHr7zsoOq4jw_D8BFB9XZsCLbmjTV3HrvBvCVdCpOz_vQGnJ-AniNx0sut-vJf4LQ0C3Dzk0/s1600/11025854_668418373280436_5500168297346237499_o.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://running.competitor.com/2011/05/injury-prevention/running-doc-are-women-more-suited-for-endurance-than-men_28063" target="_blank">Link: Can women run better on a longer distance than men. </a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Fashion Show by Ash Be Nimble </span></b><br />
The show featured a local creation by the ever talented young lady, an active and outdoor person herself so passionate about fitness, Hui Mathews. She designed and produced various outfits dedicated to active ladies in healthy lifestyle, runners, gym lovers, yogi, etc. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurmH3TiUlUxThyzCgByfCrJGCO43D86KMfXTu0NugJBS2o3olev59C7ETuMdQAi8DM1HFD0D10cZ92nZwlhRFAhP_tyQV2G5Sgo2rEDq0mYydIIzSY-5JXgAp858i0G9MBnEdWaBojfk/s1600/11000108_10152700712302546_4741750810974397717_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurmH3TiUlUxThyzCgByfCrJGCO43D86KMfXTu0NugJBS2o3olev59C7ETuMdQAi8DM1HFD0D10cZ92nZwlhRFAhP_tyQV2G5Sgo2rEDq0mYydIIzSY-5JXgAp858i0G9MBnEdWaBojfk/s1600/11000108_10152700712302546_4741750810974397717_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ran with her the day I arrived Malaysia on her playground at Bukit Kiara. Before we hit the trail, she handed to me a pair of her creation, an aqua marine colored top and a purple running shorts. We were just having fun on the trail for 45 minutes while Karen has to meet the official photographer of MWM. And before we parted ways that day, she invited me to be part of few Malaysian gorgeous women who will show case her creation at the Expo. Of course I said yes without reservation, such an honor to be invited. Thank you Ash be Nimble.<br />
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Day 2 of the Expo, we had to rehearse before the actual fashion show. Wow. The ramp may just be that short but really it was inspiring to be with the rest of the women of various backgrounds and sizes too. They are all gorgeous. Some are real models, others are mothers, the rest are single ladies but all are passionate of being fit and healthy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSWJsJqKHgWN4TZBGn79BsmfTSCdvtxkCbPMRmsrBu4HIeOTMQ1pc44-NGBogtnmeXlP7D2PHFVFoj08wBlngbRU3-hGk2Q_WraEM4oSKrMfv-rXcCwOO2bxYa0ww30R56-6LxT9Fz9M/s1600/11059508_10152700711582546_5692277629412961910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSWJsJqKHgWN4TZBGn79BsmfTSCdvtxkCbPMRmsrBu4HIeOTMQ1pc44-NGBogtnmeXlP7D2PHFVFoj08wBlngbRU3-hGk2Q_WraEM4oSKrMfv-rXcCwOO2bxYa0ww30R56-6LxT9Fz9M/s1600/11059508_10152700711582546_5692277629412961910_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Fashion Show was attended by few top personnel of Tourism Selangor. More people came and the show was festive. With the narration of Hui herself, it was really fun. Twenty women including Karen Loh and one gentle man were just enjoying the show. I thank Hui for giving me the opportunity to do this. <br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pacers in Skirts</span></b> <br />
One feature of MWM (which I found unique) was having male pacers in colorful running skirts during the race. They were male runners who dedicated their day to be part of the success on every woman's dream of finishing a race, more so a full marathon for the first timers. Some of them were so used to wearing skirts already while others were a bit shy of showing off there legs. It was so inspiring to see them support the event when in fact they could have done another longer race on the same date. I found them very encouraging as pacers, they kept me up with my pace but at the same time they made the road more colorful. <br />
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Each night at the Expo before the day ended they were being introduced, a parade at the four corners of the pavilion before finally going to the stage, and asked what their strategy be. One Pacer replied, we will come on skirt to support every woman on the race day, for it is not easy to train, runners who tirelessly find the time to train despite the challenges at home and at work. They were the Most Wanted Men of MWM. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Food</span></b> <br />
I never got hungry in MWM. From the day I arrived, until I left, from the kitchen of Karen to the streets and restaurants of Malaysia. I tasted lots of food that I haven't tasted or enjoyed eating before. Karen and few more friends brought me to several restaurants and got me some local foods like nasi kerabu, asam laksah, some roti tisu and thosai, some biryani bukhara kambing, the beef and chicken satay, the Chinese food as well. Thanks to a lot to all. It was a never ending eating for me. And I enjoy the food so much. <br />
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But one memorable food adventure was with Aida Othman the night before the full marathon race. Saturday, we decided to go to the race venue, where international runners claim their race bibs, few expo items still on display and the set up going on. Hot and humid, Karen was still on her highest of energy being on the 3rd day of this event. We told her we can be of help on whatever things still needed to be done. </div>
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She brought us in one mission, to set up the several parking signage on different parking areas. With signage on steel frames inside her car, two speakers and one race director went around the place. After the mission, still no breakfast and lunch for Karen we decided to go back to the hotel and accompany her at the restaurant. With no intention of really eating a full meal (it was still early for dinner for us) we were just there, until she got a phone call, she needed to leave. We were left at the table, not sure what to do we decided to just eat. Enjoying the food that we thought was just the same menu as breakfast, only to find out it was not, we were just taking our sweet time. Until one waiter came to us and said, "Mam, five more minutes and we will clean the buffet table." Aida negotiated, we have a full marathon to run early morning later and we need to eat. He said that's the rule but we can get whatever food we want before they clear everything. <br />
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And guess what happened next? We were having ultra marathon picking food that we thought we want to eat without us realizing we had one table full of food and another two small plates at the other table. It took us more than an hour to attempt to finish everything even trying to strategize how we can possibly do it, ice cream and noddle alternating for a variation. Until we gave up. Just cannot finish everything. We went to our rooms really full. <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>2015 MWM Full Marathon </b></span><br />
Woke up by 3am, tried to eat but only two buns of small bread, ready to go, we walked to the race venue by 3:45am. As we got closer we can hear the festive atmosphere, Kunan's voice echoing on the streets of Shah Alam and Karen as well. We wonder did she even got a sleep. Few more minutes of greeting runners around, taking photos with the pacers and our gun start came. 4:30am sharp. I toe the line with over 300 full marathon runners, almost 40% first timers. Was just so inspiring seeing everyone so ready for this day. <br />
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I felt good despite the fact that I was a little worried on my over eating the night before the race. I did not have much expectation on my finish time. Haven't really got a solid training the past months. My thoughts, I will just enjoy the race, will try my best to follow the 4:30 pacer, and hopefully can go for sub 5:00 hours. Still dark, I was just enjoying my pace. Running side by side with all female runners, it was fun to see male pacers on colorful skirts with balloon ones in a while. I followed the 4:30 pacers at first. Was doing well, my first 10km was 1:00:56, not bad. The runabouts were good as I can see runners on the other side. I did not have problem with signages either. Water stations were stocked with all the freezing cold variety of hydration and some power gels and bananas at some aid station, 1 special station with water melon, chocolates, marshmallows and candies. There were also stations with salt water, the first race I joined that served such. The bands and cheerers at some distances also gave encouragements to runners to push a little harder. The gradual uphills on few parts of the race course were good to give variation of the terrain.<br />
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I tried to hydrate as much as possible and ate small bites in between. But before reaching 20km distance, I can feel my stomach is not too well, I can taste the food that I ate the night before. I tried to stop at one portalet (portable toilet) to at least let out the food but to no avail. I continued on, having in mind the watermelon that I saw on the first loop. <br />
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I reached 21km mark 13 minutes after 2 hours. Still not bad. Still dark, I continued now on the second loop of the course with 21km runners already out. The first few kilometers got crowded now, so full of gorgeous runners. I love the atmosphere, its just that I had to be extra careful as I now ran at the right most side of the area with traffic cone lane closed to vehicles for runners with right most lane open to vehicles. A little further, the street again was left to the 42km runners. I got slower now that 4:30 pacers were no where to be found. <br />
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I felt really weak, seemed like I did not have enough energy anymore even if I can feel that I still have lots of food in my stomach. I wanted to hydrate and eat but can only do so little. Until the 5:00 hour pacer pass by me, Jeff asked if I am fine and offered some power gel. I had power gel with me but I just cannot take anything. Still hoping that I can move a little faster, and go for sub 5:00 hours I was already dragging myself. I drop by another portalet and tried my luck for the second time but still to no avail. I decided to just run thinking I will just push to the finish line. <br />
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The sun already up and shining bright, humid and hot, I was about to finish my second loop and do the small loop towards the finish line. Looking at my watch, I know I will be short a little over 5 hours. I finally return to where we started, finished 2 minutes over 5 hours but no regrets. I cross the finish line with big wide smile on my face, seeing Suzie around and my dear friend Aida who was there more than an hour ago. <br />
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We just stayed near the finish line watching with joy seeing different expressions on the ladies faces as they finish the race. Such a beautiful sight to witness. And I salute to each one of them for taking that step and finishing what they started. <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>The Counter Is Already Closed</b></span><br />
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And I though my adventure in MWM ended the day after the race, as originally scheduled. Time to leave with Karen who brought me to the airport, we left early. On our way, we decided to drop by Putrajaya, the home of the Putrajaya Night Marathon. She showed me around and I was just enjoying the view, the big buildings, different bridges, I went down and take photos at some areas. Until Karen realized, looks like we cannot make it to my flight. She drove in the highway like mad woman, in full speed trying our luck. <br />
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As we arrive KLIA bringing my things I ran to the counter, it has been closed 30 minutes ago. We tried to negotiate, Karen called the office of the airline, but the plane is about to leave. My very first time to miss a flight, an international flight. But no regrets, I was meant to stay two more days on this beautiful country and enjoy. <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Dance and Celebration </b></span><br />
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And since my stay got extended, I got a chance to attend the post celebration hosted by the gorgeous MWM Ladies. Lots of food, drinks, lots of stories, we danced and sing. And as we were about to leave with the loud music playing, Claudia, the lady from Chile took my hand for a dance. I am not really a good dancer, I mean, I can dance but not the Tango or whatever Latin dance. She taught me how to do it until I got the rhythm and the timing. God, it felt good and it was just like running, make the feet do the job. <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Trails</b></span> <br />
With Hui Mathews, I got a taste of the trails on the hills of Bukit Kiara. Lovely playground full of trees, over looking the city that is only few minute drive from where they live. Lucky ladies, I wish Metro Manila has the same. <br />
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And on the day before my re-booked flight, Allan Lee brought me to FRIM. Together with his running mates we explore the trails of the place. Four men, I know they run fast, I was just taking my time as I enjoy nature and do my recovery run. What a convenient playground for running enthusiasts to do the daily mileage needed. I am having fun despite the one leech bite that I got. Good remembrance. <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>The Wings Behind MWM</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span>True to its name, Malaysia Women Marathon is headed by a woman of great vision with so much energy. With a goal of providing a venue for women who dream of starting to get physically fit through running, MWM provided an atmosphere that women will be comfortable of achieving their dreams. Malaysia is one lucky running community to have an event such as this. Yes, anybody most especially women can just join any short distance races that they feel like doing. But in MWM, it takes care of those who needed assistance especially the first time runners to be confident on themselves that they can do it. The running clinics organized on weekends, the long runs few months prior to the race, the open forum and consultations on issues of women while running, the proper running gear, are few things that the event provided to all women participants prior and even after the event.<br />
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Karen Loh is a Wonder Woman, will do her best to make things happen. A mother of two loving and adorable boys which she has to attend to their everyday needs and a household to run, despite all her domestic duties, she finds the time to organize the event to the best of her ability. I only witnessed the tip of the iceberg, arriving on the day before the start of the Expo Activity. She is a lady that never gets tired. Before the Expo started she has to make sure that everything was in order. During the Expo, she hosted the event from the time it opens until it closes for day 1 and 2 and at the same time welcome the guests and the VIPs, talk to the exhibitors and runners too. One can never see a trace of tiredness on her face nor on her voice. That goes for two days. And more so on the race proper until after the race.<br />
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Indeed, there is no limit to what a woman can achieve for as long as she wants to do it with all her heart and with so much passion. Together with so many volunteers and field workers, she made MWM a successful event. <br />
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This is a race that will go a long way on the streets of Malaysia. It may have its areas for improvement this year, but there are also lots of good points to be acknowledged and praised as well. With her positive outlook and very open minded to areas that needed to be improved for the futures races, MWM will surely count years as it continue to inspire women to go for their dreams, to stand up and shine despite the roles that each of us needed to portray. Congratulations to each and every lady runners on this event, thank you to all the pacers and volunteers, marshals and event logistics, thank you to MWM. Cheers to a successful 2015 event. We look forward to next year's celebration of Womanhood. <br />
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With that, for this year's race, I will be forever grateful to MWM for providing me the microphone to share my story and providing me the audience to be inspired. Thank you for the many first times that I experienced on this event. Happy running to all the Wonderful Women and Gorgeous Men too. <br />
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<a href="http://racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16634&RId=16">MWM 2015 Race Result - Rank74 (BIB#2062)</a></div>
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Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912140533202494590.post-17686707724878975682015-03-08T18:09:00.000+07:002015-03-15T14:59:50.147+07:00Face That Fear - Mt. Maria Makiling - Reverse Traverse <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have a confession to make. But promise me not to laugh at me. I have FEAR of heights. <br />
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Yah, right. From rapelling at one of the building in Makati University to wall climbing at Power Up Capitolyo to Silver City in Tiendesitas to Sandugo Wall in Market Market to out door rock trips in Wawa Montalban to Atimonan or Krabi in Thailand or Batu Cave in Kuala Lumpur or scaling the vertical wall of Mt. Guiting Guiting or that vertical drop at Mt. Mayon and before the Knife Edge of Halcon, promise I always get that shaky knees and butterflies on my stomach. Only God knows how afraid I am and I know that is evident on my face. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwXOwjEUuhAkPsBYN19-7Q2PTkJ9MFntCiajKCkHhsiISwzeC1kqyNeaRDr4s56kTn6pgZB9VDCP2gu64cc7Tf_e3bku5ky9pT85ivcUbI5VzRrgaOwFmrK3rQV-Z67Kpx70f5l0qRJE/s1600/makiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwXOwjEUuhAkPsBYN19-7Q2PTkJ9MFntCiajKCkHhsiISwzeC1kqyNeaRDr4s56kTn6pgZB9VDCP2gu64cc7Tf_e3bku5ky9pT85ivcUbI5VzRrgaOwFmrK3rQV-Z67Kpx70f5l0qRJE/s1600/makiling.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last Saturday, I face that fear again. Doing some trail running at Mt. Maria Makiling with a Reverse Traverse route, we have to go down the few rope segments which mostly used going up by hikers. Looks like we are the only one doing that crazy route. The risk is just really very high, with no life line (harness and rope used in rock climbing), I know I have to hold my life tight into the rope otherwise my life will be at risk of one wrong move and if I can let go of my hand. With our lead, George, showing me how to do it, I just had to trust in myself and have faith that I can do this. Slow with every step down with so much care. Thank God, all of made it through the danger part and through the entire run safe and injured free, I may have 1 leech bite. </div>
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<a href="https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/708441349/share/0?lang=en" target="_blank">https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/708441349/share/0?lang=en</a></div>
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Of the many things that I went through in life, be it literally facing that height on my expeditions and adventures on climbing, hiking, trail running or that moment in life that I just do not know what lies ahead of me, I just have to overcome that fear, face it heads on and trust that everything will turn out fine. As I always said to myself and to others, that which will not kill you will make you so much stronger. And that fear, that is just a false evidence appearing to be real. So no matter how scary that is, just face it. </div>
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Let your DREAMS be bigger than your fears, your actions louder than your words and your faith stronger than your feelings. Vision yourself to be in one of the most beautiful place on earth.</div>
Curly Climberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18277801414704922162noreply@blogger.com0Philippines12.879721 121.77401699999996-2.8284714999999991 101.11971999999996 28.5879135 142.42831399999994