TNF100 SG

As I am always an avid fun of TNF both on its products and races, at this time I decided to join for the second time the race organized in Singapore. I goal to go the longer distance, 100K Duo with a Filipina partner as well. Booked my ticket and set aside my race registration. I'll just do it some other time, I said. Time passed, I got so busy with all the activities ,  I totally forgot the registration, when I finally sit down and register, it was already closed....sad, I already book my ticket, what will I do. I tried to explore options, look possibilities til I finally find a link where I can send message to the organizer, I begged and finally they replied and giving in to my request. So happy out team finally registered. Looking forward to the race. Go Team Pinay.

Antipolo LSD Again

Picture taken by Pie Valencia

September 11 - back to our long slow run on our favorite venue, on the uphill road of Antipolo, my third time. Ati Pie is with us, her first to do the run on this route. Our favorite parking is already full when we reach Sumulong so we proceed few kilometers further, at this time in Caltex. That is few meters less in the distance that we will be doing today.As a tropical depression is expected this weekend, it is cloudy but did not rain. That makes our run easier and faster as well. 

On our way back, we decided to run the other side of the road. An additional load of  worth P100.00 of suman was added to my hydration pack, a good food before breakfast right after our run.  What I noticed at this time are the bikers coming up. They take the side most part of the road leaving no paved space for me to run but on the gravel part of the shoulder of the road. This is just like doing a trail run again. Until after the Al Padi Estate, we decided to do it on the other shoulder of the road making things easier for me. 

Picture taken by Pie Valencia 

The group ended our run with a breakfast at Buddy's Timog and a good dessert and nap at Rasver's Place. That was a good run after all, we deserve a good food. Thanks to my running buddies, 'til the next run.

Wall on a Saturday

Doing some traverse

September 10 - Decided to do the wall, I haven't been climbing since I left for Mt. Talinis. It's a Saturday, not my usual schedule but because Marlo agreed to join me, I said I'll just go. I know I have so much domestic work to do but I need to stretch my body again. Uncertain that I will have my be-layer at this time, I decided to go. There were just few climbers but unfortunately there were also few instructors, my climbing buddy did not show nor send message that he cannot come. Nonetheless, I did my usual routine, traverse, climb up and down on several walls. It was just an endurance climb. That was a productive one.  

Tarak Ridge - A Different Climb at this Time

September 4 and 5 our two good friends who is getting married this December come up with a pre-nup pictorial up in the mountain ranges of Mariveles, not a usual thing. Because the travel entail trek with a full load, only those who are into mountain climbing join this trip. This is among close friends of the couple who are also available to leave from work on a Monday. Lucky for me I got invited and without hesitation I said yes despite being absent on a Monday.

It has been raining few days prior to the climb making the trail really slippery and muddy, at some point the group has to set up a rope to hold on to and dig the sticky soil to make some steps just for us to be able to reach 'the gate'. But God has been so good, on our ascend on areas the group has to stop and the couple has to take pictures, the weather cooperates, the sky clears making it a perfect time to shoot. The blowing wind makes it easier for the photographer to play with props on the pictorial.

Since pictorial has to happen at some designated areas, the trek becomes a relax climb, taking things just on an easy pace. The mountain is so full of life at this time, the bushes are so lush, the trees are so green, there are lots of insects along the way even snake, hammer head worms, stick legged spiders,  the river swells and bigger at this time, clear water cascades just so inviting to swim. I decided to swim though on the second day, I just want to keep my inner layer dry up to the second day. Just when we arrive the campsite, after several minutes of picture taking, the rain started a heavy down pour.

What makes this trip more fun is that this is not a usual climb for us, having to change to a formal dress for a pictorial. It's just really great seeing each one on formal dress scattered on the mountain slopes of Tarak just below El Saco Peak. It was a great weather on the second day as well, just in time for the remaining pictorial shots.

I may not be around on the actual date of the wedding, I am glad I join this pre-nup shot, I witness the love of two great friends whom we share the same passion and love of the mountain. 

Stair Climbing with SMC

View of Smart Tower from my ofc. 

Sept. 8, I let go of my usual wall climb session and  decided to join stair climbing with the group that I will be climbing with in Kanlaon two weeks from now, the SMC guys. I'v been wanting to do stair climbing on their building, it's higher than the building that I do stair climbing and besides it's a new venue. This will also be a good catching up with my good friend Jing, we haven't been seeing each other for quite some time now.

6:30 is our meeting time, I was there few minutes later, started our drill and off we do the stair climb. But because I am catching up with the things that is going on with Jing, I decided to join with her pace, so we did it on just a slow pace and in just two rounds. What's so good about it is there is a cold water station on the last floor before turning back down the stairs. I also got a chance to meet other climbers that will be joining the trip.

Jing treat me to KFC after our climb, it's her birthday the past days, and we continue our story telling until late in the evening. Allan and the some other climbers join us. What a good way to end my day, a good work out and a good chat with friends. I wanted to do the climb again on that building on a faster pace next time.

Can't Get You Out of My Mind

Picture taken from the album of Mark Horrell

This Aconcagua preparation has been going on my mind for several days now. I've been anxious with how I will be able to do all of it at this time. Actually what made me more anxious is how I will be able to purchase the remaining gears for the expedition. I still have to finalize my documents for the visa application, finalize my plane ticket, complete the remaining vaccine shots. Until now, I am busy doing my physical preparation hoping that all of it will be enough for me to be physically prepared to this major expedition.

Sound stressful, I just hope as the time of the event slowly approaches, I'd really be ready for it.

you may visit Mark Horrell's site: www.markhorrell.com 

Planning a Dream to Reality

EBC Basecamp

Been wanting to do EBC but it was  a one acquaintance in FB  that ignites my long  interest of doing it. I admire those friends of mine who does Nepal, Annapurna, Tibet, EBC, I thought I know I can do that one day but really no concrete time when.

Until one FB acquaintance encouraged me to do the Everest Marathon that happens every 29th of May. That sounds great. And what a great coincidence, one of my close friend and climb buddy Jeffrey Ledsema commented on my post that doing the Everest Basecamp has been his long dream. I really never thought that he'd be interested of doing a long expedition like this for in our past expeditions he never really showed interest. With this, all the more I got excited of pushing organizing the trip.

Everest Basecamp Marathon, high alti race

As I look for possible outfitters that would handle the fourteen day trek before doing the marathon, I come across a Filipina who married a Nepalese who happen to own a guiding company. Wow, this is such a small world and since my inquiry with her, she becomes close to me already as if I know her for a long time now.

View in Nagarkot (1,940MASL)

The trip will happen next year yet but doing the planning for this trip really excites me. This really sounds crazy, I am still bound for a major expedition this coming December yet here I am planning for another big expedition for the following year.

I just hope everything will turn out fine for this trip.

Back in the Road

Sept 3, I decided to run again along the busy road of Libertad  to the open and less busy streets of MOA. It drizzled a bit but that did not stop me, I just love to run again on familiar place. But because I also wanted to drop by the wet market and get some fresh sea foods for our next week's food consumption I had to cut my run a bit shorter. I only had an hour of run which ended in the wet market.

It's my first time to go straight to the Cartimar right after a run, I am sweating continuously while getting some fish, crabs and squid. Yay, all of them were amazed seeing me on my running attire doing the marketing. I was thinking of just getting less at this time for we still have stocks of food in the fridge but I ended up getting more.

Doing the marketing is also a stress reliever for me. There is something on it that made a part of me relaxed and relieved.  It never tires me going to the market, and I am always excited buying fresh foods that we will be eating for the following days ahead.

No Place Like Home

Of the many places I've been too, far north or down south or even beyond the thousand islands of the country, there's one place i won't tired of going, my home province, Siquijor. Despite it's simple and backward living, I always wanted to go home, enjoy it's natural beauty.

I am always grateful to God, He gave me a family that value tradition and family ties that much. Until now we are living on a house build by my great grand parents.  It may be empty at this time for Mom is not around, we made it a point to have somebody to take care and live with it day and night time. So that as we decide to go home, the house is  well maintained and in good condition.

Going home despite it's challenge on the travel always excites me. I just love going to the home, seeing the green surroundings, having a long ride on a road with less or no vehicle at all, it's slow paced life made me slow in life as well, the familiar smell at home, seeing the simple things brings back good  and happy memories as we were all complete and  growing up. All of these gives me energy that I feel like it charged my inner self every time I go home.

My favorite things to do at home, sleeping in my bed, watering the plants, going through the fruit trees around, going to the beach, running on the empty streets every morning, lighting candle for our departed loved ones,  and most of all visiting the homes of our relatives and friends. Simple yet it gives so much meaning in life.

Long Run Up into the Hills

Been wanting to do a run from my place, Sandugan, to the home place of my mom's great grand parents, up in the mountain slopes of barangay Cabulihan. It's distance is not that long, but it's hilly road going up to the mountain that's making the route more challenging.

I am determined to do it at this time, though I started not too early, decided to bring my hydration pack and off I go on the road. The first kilometer from my place is just a flat asphalted road  until I turn left on a barangay road with minor ascend to barangay Cangmalalag.

This is also an almost a kilometer of rough road until I turn left again back to the asphalted road now all going uphill up to the community where my great grandparents used to have a house and live a happy life with all their relatives around.

I am glad the weather is great, the sun is up, the breeze is cool. But aside from that, all those that I meet along the road while I do my run, is just amazed that I will be running into the hills of  Cabulihan. They can't believe that I will do it. Upon arrival on the community up in the mountain, our relative Manang Incar wants to show me the lands that my Lolo owned from their ancestors. With this I have to stop running, and walk with her as well. She also showed me another way to the next barangay. This gives me a thought of doing on my next run.

After my short tour, I rush down the mountain returning to the same route as I go up, it's getting late and sun is getting hotter. I am glad I did it, I come back home safe and happy. 'Til my next run.

Finally Apo Island

View of Apo Island from our boat

Apo Island is a place I've been wanting to visit and most people in our place asked me if I had been there especially that  I am into mountain climbing and nature tripping. I heard so many good things about the place but I really never had the chance to drop by despite my being so near on the island, it's a neighboring island where I grow up.   

The rock formation that I've been wanting to climb

Even before our trip to Mt. Talinis, I've been excited thinking that I'd be able to visit Apo Island. Despite the no specific itinerary for side trip after the climb, Pastor Noel ignite my enthusiasm when he said he'd in Negros the same time when we will be there and give a thought of climbing the rock formation of Apo Island. Without hesitation I included my climbing gears in my luggage despite my limited weight allocation.

Lunch time

After our climb, I tried to send sms messages to Pastor but haven't got reply. So my sidetrip plan is now uncertain. Thanks to Rica, she also signify interest of going to Apo Island because just like me, she also  has been to Dumaguete several times but never had a chance to visit the place. After our breakfast just in time when Arlene and Sue arrived our Apo plan got confirmed. Thanks to Lester and Jepoy for taking the time to look for a ride going to the nearest port, in Malatapay, Zamboanguita, Negros. Apo Island is already visible from the port, big boat for P3,000.00 will ride 8 persons, just enough for us.

Nice shot by Lester Susi

The boat ride to the island took us around 20 minutes, thank god the waves is manageable despite our small boat. Upon arrival, we register, thanks for my being an islander my fee is much cheaper than the others. There I see the rock formation that I've been wanting to climb but on this trip I had to set aside that dream.

The group decide to do the snorkeling

Snorkeling time

where the sea turtles are, but unfortunately the waves just really not appealing to me. I don't want to dare myself into the water on that rough shore. Despite the big waves the rest of my friends braved the sea and they see the sea turtle, I said to myself I can always go back someday and see it. But it was when Arlene show to us the shots of the sea turtle that ignites my excitement again, at this time I want to go back to the water with the assistance of our guide. It was a holding hands time with him while I was on the water, but I am really glad I did, I saw and follow the sea turtle while eating with other fish with him. The greatest site ever. When the creature swim deeper we leave him to his playground and we go back to the shore to enjoy our late lunch.

Low tide

A fresh catch of fish is our food, we ask the locals to cook it for us, grilled, in soup and raw with bottle of soda eaten just beside the shore. We couldn't ask for more, the food is so yummy. And towards the end of our meal, group of souvenir vendors crowded our place bringing different designs of shirts and other items. After our shopping while eating we proceed to the other side of the island, did a long stretch of snorkeling again. Because it's low tide, the park ranger is very specific in giving us instructions not to stand on the corals and  to just follow the path that is designated for swimming. The site of a boulder possible for bouldering did not stop us to play a bit, scary because I am not on my rock shoes and not crash pad but that did not pass on our site, we did some bouldering. 

bouldering time after the snorkeling

As much as we wanted to stay longer, we need to leave the island for its getting late. For sea safety, our boat needs to leave Apo Island on a daytime.

Deep within me I know I will go back on this island, and on that time it will already be at least an overnight stay.

There are so many things to do in so short a time. i truly had a great time.

Pictures taken from the album of Jeffrey Ledesma and Lester Susi. Thank you guys. 

Cuernos de Negros

When I read the fb posts on some of my friends stating 'booked' i knew it was for a trip, either just a mere sightseeing trip on a beach or a climb or could be both. Curious, I asked bugs, 'headed where?' she replied "Mt. Talinis.' Booked my ticket as well, went home for the holidays with a thought that I will finally climb the mountain that I see everyday of my life as I was growing up the province.

Sunset view from Triad, Mt. Talinis from afar

True, I grow up seeing the mountain ranges of Negros, the peaks of Mt. Talinis, every single day of my  life in Siquijor. Who will not, where we live is a six kilometer road that leads to the town and almost a kilometer of it is a boulevard by the shore that gives a magnificent view of Dumaguete. But of my more than 30 years of passing by Dumaguete every single time that I go home and of my more than 10 years of being a mountain lover, I never really had a chance to pass by and climb Mt. Talinis.

 Until a group of my AMCI friends organized one lead by Mher and I set it to my mind that 7 months from December I will be able to climb the place. August 24, what was suppose to be a fun climb turned out to be a major one. Despite the bad weather, 13 climbers from Manila were all excited to board the plane headed down south. It was really a bad weather, this is the most turbulent trip I ever had on my countless flights to Dumaguete, the stewardess had to stop serving drinks in some instances for the ride is so bumpy.

View of Mt. Talinis from the boat to Apo Island

We arrived Dumaguete Airport greeted not just by the organizers of the Silliman's 110th Founder's Day Celebration but also by the cool weather due to the rain. Our trip coincides with the tropical storm Mina which all of us thought it will not affect down south for the direction of the storm is up north, to the mountain ranges of North Luzon, that's according to the weather forecast. 

Our guide and companion on the climb already waited for us outside the airport on a jeep big enough for the 15 of us  to fit with our fully loaded packs. We travel to the town of Valencia for almost an hour and stopped at the police station where we had to register. Policemen and civilian people alike who were present at that time were really curious what comes to our minds climbing the mountain on that bad weather. They said, if it's raining where they are posted all the more that weather up in the mountain would be worst and dumpy, rivers could swell and leeches could be alive. That made me think, what could be the worst scenario that could happen to us. 

at Valencia police station picture from Julius album

They made sure that we put all the necessary information especially our contact numbers and our guides contact numbers, in case of emergency. They made sure that the group has enough basic gear needed to cross a river and to open trails in case it will close due to fallen trees.  Be it the weather nor that policemen's concern did not stop the group from climbing the mountain. After the registration and taking a late breakfast the group on jeep proceed to another 20 minute ride to the jump off of Apolong Trail.

at Casaroro Falls

Up to where the jeepney can carry us, the road was so rough and inclined that we need to finally stop, final packing with loads being distributed we started our trek. It was an easy trek on the road, after almost 20 minutes of trek we stop at Casaroro Falls signage, this is the last water source for day one. And since it is already almost noon, the TL decided to just have our lunch here. He also announced a change of campsite since we started late already and the weather condition seemed like will not improve on day 1.

After almost an hour of rest, the group started it's ascend. It was through a trail that follows the big water pipes that supplies drinking water in the lowlands of Valencia. As we slowly gain elevation, we also felt Mina's fury as rain and strong winds constantly hound us. As the rain did not stop, we follow the trail that passes by farm lands and forest trees and lush bushes cold and wet. Sometimes we pass by trail that's full of water it becomes stream and at times muddy area that we call it kumunoy.

I was with the lead right behind  Manong Paping our lead guide with my two climbing buddies, Jepoy and Aaron with our TL Mher, Lester and Julius. Until we had to cross the first river, it was just a short and shallow one. After that we were already following the river side until we had to cross a longer and deeper one.  The river was below the hip deep not raging but not so calm as well. Despite the river's condition the team decided to put a life line, just a rope for every person to hold on to while crossing. After the entire lead crossed, we decided to wait for the rest of the team, enjoy the beauty of the water despite being cold with wet clothes on. Trail to the campsite will just be rolling anyway, according to our TL. But after almost an hour of waiting, we decided to start our trek, it was so cold already, TL and Jepoy stayed to wait for the rest of the team. What was suppose to be just a rolling trail leads to an uphill ascend at times we had to use our hands in order to go up. We still pass by one stream, a short but deep and with slippery rocks.

Rancho Yayong serve as our muddy campsite

 After more than 3 hours of trek we finally reach Rancho Yayong, a farm away from civilization with only one house around. Alas, the owner was not around, we can only ask shelter from it's roof beside the walls  outside of the house. The rain did not stop so we have to brave ourselves to pitch our tents under the rain, my first time to pitch my tnf rocky 23 having the flysheet to stand first. The rain did not stop nor the weather improved, it even get worst, hearing the sound of the gusty wind while we rested on our tents.

At sulfur area, beside the trail

Day 2 of our climb the weather did not improve, it seems like it even get worst. We left past 9 in the morning while the rain is still pouring, enter some bushes until a forest line. On the trail we can already notice the sulfuric smell, is there a volcano nearby? I wonder. Until we notice a site of dead young trees beside the trail. This is because of the sulfur, as much as i wanted to stop, see the source and take some pictures, I decided to proceed with the lead pack, it's getting colder staying longer in one place. The trail is leading uphill with some parts we need to use our hands as well. It leads to ridge of the mountain range until it goes down to Nailig Lake. On our way going down the ridge the wind was really furious, I think that was my first trek scared of being hit by fallen trunk of trees.

Nailig Lake, picture taken by Jeffrey Ledesma

Two hours and fifteen minutes of trek, we reached the second campsite:  Lake Nailig, our suppose to be first campsite as well. The lake is high, that's what Manong Paping said. We tried to look for a better campsite until we decided to settle for the flat area near the lake where we had to cross a deep stream. I tried to ask Mher if there could be a better campsite a bit covered by trees to protect us from the gusty winds and away from the water. I  was afraid the lake might overflow but he assured me that will not happen for there is no source of water higher than we are situated. With is assurance, we decided to settle on that place. But because the rain did not stop I don't want to open my backpack and pitch the tent. I wait for the boys to set up the kitchen tarp first. They had difficulty pitching the kitchen, the wind never stop blowing not just in one direction but from different directions.

Nonetheless, they were able to set it up, we settled under the tarp when the rain poured again but we cannot even sit straight while inside. With the help of the guys that I was able to set up my tent still not on a very nice way. I was so worried that the pole might snap due to the winds that keeps on blowing.  No one dared to  do an assault to Nailig Peak, as  originally planned, the weather is so bad, there will no view to see anyway. After lunch we had nothing to do but play games in the boys' tent until we need to go out and cook dinner. The highlight of the day is the food, despite the weather, we still able to cook the best food: white pasta, beef curry, milk fish, mountain salad and drinks. I settled in my tent praying that the wind will not break my poles and the lake will not overflow.

Third day is a relax day for us, we took the time to take pictures on the lake despite the no view at all. We left for the final descend. The weather improved, it wasn't raining that hard anymore and the wind is not as strong as yesterday. We reached another lake, Yagumyum,  the foot of the trail going to Mt. Talinis Peak. But because there is still no view to see, the group decided to just relax at the shore beside the lake. On the final descend it was the most slippery part of the trek, no one was spared by  the slippery trail even Manong Paping. We ended our trek at Magsaysay in Dauin.

Truly, a climb to remember. I haven't been trekking again this wet both on the trail and on the campsite. It seems like this is just going back to a training climb that no matter what the situation is the team will proceed with the climb. And this too is my training climb to an expedition that I will be doing soon. Trekking on a cold condition, cold not may be due to high altitude but due to the fact that I am wet and cold due to the rain and wind could be a simulation  of up to how long can I withstand on cold condition. The comment of Ai struck me when I was pitching my tent on the first campsite when I make a sound feeling so cold, she said, papano na lang kung mag-aconcagua ka. that statement made me think. Second thing is the test of my patience while on the campsite doing nothing. This is a simulation again on times that it will be our rest days, how will I deal with it. Though at this time I was with group of friends whom we entertain each other by doing different games. And this is my another training of carrying load, not may be 25 to 30 kilograns but at least heavy enough for me to practice.

Another great climb with great people. 'Til the next adventure.

Running Beyond the Clouds

At the landslide area

The 3rd of the series of  trail run trainings organized by the Philippine Skyrunning Association, is a  skyrunning to Mt. Sto. Tomas and Cabuyao, 7,400Ftasl. This is in  preparation to the coming Kinabalu Climbathon and for myself,  also a preparation to my Aconcagua Expedition.

Contrary to what I thought that this would be an easier run  having been able to use the same trail early this year on a race organized by the same organization, it feels like this is more challenging than before. After several meters of uphill run from where we started, we were already lost, the group has to back track hoping to get some lead on where the trail will be. Bushes are much more taller and closed the single trail, there are more landslides on some areas as well. And at this time, we started late in the morning already, the sunny day greeted us on the first 10 kilometer uphill trail making the first few kilometers really a challenging one.

Rest stop before pushing to the summit

The group had lots of longer rest stops after every hour of run which is much more relax than the actual race that we had on the same trail. Reaching to the summit was a bit of a struggle, it will still be along way down to the village and first community. After several meters before reaching the summit, I already got confused which trail to go, I and Carlo decided to wait for the tail end group, afterwhich we decided to join them on the short cut trail. This is much  easier terrain, just an easy flat and some portion uphill. I still decided to run, going ahead of the rest of the tail end group. I was alone now on the train until I reach a familiar road already, I have been here the first run and during my Nomads competition. But even then I was just alone in the road. At some point the fog of the place engulf the entire terrain not even making the Cabuyao Tower visible.

PSA Family

This may not be a fun trail run for some it becomes a trek, it was nonetheless a fun one. After a stressful week in the city, it has always been great being surrounded with pine tress, fresh air, green environment and most of all being with great running friends. I also got a chance to meet my friend Des Lee before heading down to the city.

Thanks to my PSA family for the great weekend. til the next adventure.

 

A Close Encounter

I can't get this out of my mind, so I thought of just posting it here.

On August 13, on our LSD in Antipolo, aside from  happy times running, road trip and chitchatting with Gabby and his family, I had one memorable experience which scared me the most, an almost attack by a dog.

On more than 30 minutes from the start of our run, it was still dark, the sun was not up yet as I  struggle the slowly uphill slope of the road, concentrate on my breathing while maintain my uphill stride, all of a sudden I encounter a big dog lying at an entrance of a compound. Jepoy and Aaron were obviously way ahead of me, while Ed was behind me by several meters, and Arvin was with Jing and Beng on the tail end.

At first I thought the dog was tied to where he is, but I noticed as he starts barking at me, stood up and started running approaching where I was, bringing his lace. Only then I realized, Oh no, this dog is not tied up. I noticed probably the care taker trying to stop the dog but too late he was too far to his pet already. Honestly my instinct was to run backwards instead of striding forward without even  mining the vehicle approaching from above.

As I run backwards I can see the dog really running approaching where I stand up, I stopped, I see him really close, his mouth wide open with his teeth and tongue visible and his eyes staring at me. I just surrender and thought, probably this could be it, an attack by a dog. Call it a miracle, Ed arrived to the rescue, he drive away the dog and I just followed him.

I thank God nothing happened to me, that really scared me leaving me shivering up to my bones.

Antipolo LSD (Long Slow Run)

Sunday, August 14, 2011

At Antipolo Church

As part of my training for my upcoming climbathon race and Aconcagua climb, I do long distance slow run, at this time on the uphill road from Sumulong Highway to the church of Antipolo. This is my second LSD on this route, at least I already know what approach to do on this road. It's the usual unending uphill on the first 45 minutes of the run with little flats in between, until it goes downhill on some parts before   reaching the junction to the church. It took us more than an hour to reach the church, take a 15 minute rest and resume our run.  

Few minutes of just walking on our way back, we saw the remaining two members of our team, Jing and Beng approaching. Arvin and Ed decided to join them while myself, Jepoy and Aaron decided to proceed with a run going back to the gasoline station. It's 75% downhill anyway, so that wouldn't be that challenging anymore compared to the way going up. On our way down, we past by Al Padi, we decided to take a picture, and thought of dropping by, only to realize it took us longer chatting with Gabby. 

At Al Padi 

We rushed down, but this will still be another around 4 kilometer run on a downhill slope. And it's getting late i the morning, I can now feel the heat of the sun and the smoke of the vehicle passing us. True enough when we arrive at Petron, the rest of our team are already waiting for us. It was a good workout though, I can feel the muscles on my legs being stretched by that run.

Back on the Road

After several months now of no run, I finally got the courage to do it again. This is by joining the Nikon Club Run for the Trees, 11K run. Not my usual distance but promise, it's an effort again to go back to the road. I always wanted to join organized run aside from my usual weekday short run routines, this is to gauge how I do when it comes to distance. After this one, I intend to do this regularly again....

My First Bite

When it comes to anything that crawls and that bites especially in the mountain, I am really scared, most especially to snakes and leeches. For more than 11 years of climbing in tropical country now, I really haven't been bitten by leeches, even in the limatik country of Halcon, not until last weekend's trek.

I am so freak out with leeches that I really prepare for it, my remedy, I will normally tack in my socks and trekking shirt to my trekking pants, I soak myself with vicks and always ready with a spray of alcohol.  I can say I am good at it, I can sense if they are starting crawling up in my shoes or in my pants. I just can't stand the thought that a small creature as that will suck my blood and what made it worst, due to its saliva that has anticoagulant, the blood wont stop bleeding. I can't imagine what to do if this tiny creature will get inside my eyes, nose or ears....

As mentioned, I got my first share of limatik(leech)  bite last weekend, in Mt. Osokan. This is my third time trekking on this place, the past two it was sunny and a bit dry compared to this one. At this time, since it was raining the past days until the day that we trek, it was really wet, super wet and cold. I never thought of the leeches, until true enough when we reach the three tunnels, there were already some leeches clinging to other climbers shoes and socks. I do my routine of limatik check, there isn't any, went on on our trek without checking anymore for we were already on the road trekking.

It was only when we reach the last house before our final destination that I noticed a blood just below my neck above my breast. I knew it, it's limatik bite, no doubt at all. And true enough when we put down our packs the limatik is still there, already full of blood. Damn....I can't do anything about it anymore. Decided to change my trekking shirt for the front part already has patches of blood. I tried to remedy by putting folded clean tissue with plaster on the bitten part without noticing I put it in a wrong spot, without mirror and changing just in the open shed on a rainy time, it was really difficult to determine the right spot of the bite. I was conditioned the blood will stop now.

And just on my way to the chapel which serves as our headquarter for this trek (we decided not to open our tents) I noticed another one just above my pinky finger, and it started sucking as well. I asked Des to take it off, me already freaking out. Now, it's not just one but two bites. I put plaster and folded tissue on the second bite as well for blood keeps on dripping too.

But I realized, it was not that bad after all. It's just very itchy the following day which I remedy of putting vicks alternating it with caladryl. Hopefully this will work.

A Weekend Trek to Benguet

As a result of the adventure that I joined, I gain friends that loves to go outdoor just like me. This trip is one of it, sort of reunion to our race escapades and with additional adventure, rappelling with AMS (Angelinos Mountaineering Society). 

We visited one of the mountain that we gain points in Benguet,during the race, Mt. Osokan. This is the third time that I will be in this mountain range, the only difference now is that we are going to do it overnight on the beautiful mountain top in Englandad, and on third visit it is just really raining. Since we arrived Baguio that morning it already started raining and never stopped. We proceed with the climb anyway despite the rain, it was cold, wet, muddy and most of all the leeches are alive. 

This climb also served as my training climb in preparation to my Aconcagua expedition. On purpose, I load 18kgs, surprisingly just my regular weight on my usual multi day climb. This climb though is just a short trek both on day one and day two. 

We are blessed, the community allowed us to us the chapel as our headquarter, with very limited flat space on the mountain top, there would not be enough space to pitch tent for everybody. There were only 2tents pitched, the rest rested on the chapel and the bunker. The nearby house generously offered us hot coffee and breakfast on the morning of second day. 

And we were blessed with little window of sunshine, just enough for all of us to jump for the rappel and for the first timers to witness the beautiful landscape around, afterwhich the fog engulf the scenery again. 

Our exit was to Sayangan, Atok, Benguet still raining We reached Baguio past 9 in the evening, had dinner and socials, ride Victory bus 1:30am and arrive home 9:00am Monday.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150281160014560.345902.648974559 

Back to the Wall

I've been wanting to go back to the wall, haven't been doing it regularly after so many other physical activities to do for several months now, which I hope to do it again beginning last night.

Sadungo Wall, from Ai's album

As usual, I was in my playground, Sandugo Wall, the nearest from where I work. I just really feel at home on that wall having the gym staff just like brothers to me. They are also kind especially to me, they belay me in case I am just alone. Last night, I did just few endurance climb of climb up and climb down with some route climbs on easy walls for three hours. But I still did not regain my confidence with heights, I still have that feeling in my mind again of what if my biner is not properly locked, what if my harness is not properly set up while I am up on the air on belay down. And most of all I still did not regain my confidence of doing the overhang again. I've been doing that way back but when I stop I did not have the confidence to do it again.

On the next few sessions, I hope to do the overhang again. After last night's climb, I went home with pumped arms, sore palm and legs......great climbing session.

Preparation - Aconcagua Climb Expedition

Since I decided to finally join the Aconcagua expedition last week of July, I now have to prepare all aspect of it. I will only have four months left to prepare.

Physical Preparation 

The post of Aconcagua Trek on how to prepare physically prompt me to start a regular daily routine in preparation to this expedition.

I tried to follow this routine:

PRIOR TO EXPEDITION	WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Six Months a. Aerobic : 4 days/week b. Strength: 3 days/week c. Recreation: 1 day/week d. Rest: 1-2 days/week	WORKOUT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Aerobic X X X X Strength X X X Recreation X Rest X

I said to myself, I will begin strictly doing it August. So here it is:

August 1 - a.m. -  20 minutes of strength exercise (sit-ups, pull-ups, push-ups)
                 p.m. -  1 round of 26 floors stairs

August 2 - a.m. -  20 minutes of strength exercise (sit-ups, pull-ups, push-ups)
                 p.m. - 5 rounds of 26floors stairs with 5kilos backpack load
August 3 -  a.m. -  20 minutes of strength exercise (sit-ups, pull-ups, push-ups)
                  p.m. - 156 stairs of climbing up and down with 6 kilos of backpack load
                  (it's still a rainy after office, so I decided to just do an indoor activity)
August 4 - my wall climb day - 3 hours of combination of endurance and easy route climb up and down until my arms and legs become pump and sore. 
August 5 - a.m. 20 minutes of strength exercise with weights for arm strength
                 p.m. just a 2 rounds of stairs without load, a relax day for me for I am   leaving for a weekend climb later

August 6-7 - an overnight trek with 18kgs backpack load, rappelling on the side
August 8 - a rest day for me, got so wasted from the weekend trip with less sleep

August 9 - a.m. 20 minutes of strength exercise with weights for arm strength
                 p.m. 2 sets of 26floor stairs 
August 10 - a.m. 20 minutes of strength exercise with weights for arm strength
                  p.m. 5 sets of 26floor stairs with 6kilos of pack load

August 11 -  a.m. 20 minutes of strength exercise with weights for arm strength
                    p.m. just a 1 round of stairs with no load
August 12 - a.m. 20 minutes of strength exercise with weights for arm strength
August 13 - 11K run
August 14 - 24K Antipolo LSD
August 15 - a lazy Monday for me but I did a long distance walking
August 16 - just a walk

August 17 - a 30 minute run along Legaspi Park before my pre-climb meeting for Mt Talinis
August 18 - my Wall Climb day, 30 minutes of traverse and 30 minutes of endurance climb up and down
August 19 - just a walk
August 20 - 20 kilometer trail run to Mt. Sto. Tomas and Cabuyao Benguet
August 21 - my rest day
 August 22 - my day in the wall - 3 hours of endurance, route, traverse and bouldering
August 23 - 1 round of stairs and 45 minute of fast running
August 24 to 27 - Mt. Talinis Climb - minor but a simulation of cold trekking, doing nothing in the campsite and heavy load packing
August 28 - cardio session, snorkling along the water of  Apo Island
August 30 - a long run to the hills of Cabulihan
August 31 - travel time but heavy load pack
Sept 3 - Short run in MOA
Sept 4 and 5 - Tarak Ridge Climb, another wet climb
Sept 8 - Stairs climbing, 2 rounds of 34 floors
Sept 9 - my long walk day
Sept 10 - Wall at Sandugo
Sept 11 - LSD Run in Antipolo
Sept 12 - Running Clinic with 5K run
Sept 14 - 4 rounds of 27 floors with 10 kilos of load
Sept 18 - 16Kilometer Skyrun at Mt. Pulag via Akiki Ambangeg Trail
Sept 20 - Recovery run of 5kilometers and stair climbing 
Sept 23 to 25 - Mt. Kanlaon Climb via Wasy Guintubdan, a 3 day climb with more than 15 kilos load
Sept 29 - 7km run along Valero Loop
Oct. 2 - Mt. Apo, 25 kilometer trail on 12 hours at 1,758MASL elevation gain
Oct. 5 - long walk
Oct. 6 - long walk
Oct. 7 - 32kilometer trail run to Mt. Ugo
Oct. 15 - 50kilometer trail run at TNF Singapore
Oct. 18 - a long walk at the streets of Kinabalu City
Oct. 19 - 21K Trail run with more 2,000 meter elevation gain at Mt. Kinabalu
Oct. 20 - 5 kilometer walk to Kundasang town
Oct 22 - 21K trail run with more than 2,000 meter elevation gain at Mt. Kinabalu
Oct 24 - Run on the streets of Kinabalu City
Oct 29 - 15 kilometer Adobo Night Run
Oct 31 - 30 kilometer trail run to Mt. Ugo
Nov 1 - 6 kilometer recovery trail run at CJH Yellow Trail
Nov 5 - 10K Energizer Night Race
Nov 6 - 25 kilometer Power Run
Nov 7 - 16 kilometer recovery run at Cogeo Antipolo route
Nov 13 - 32 kilometer Run United Race
Nov 15 - 4 rounds of 25 story stairs

Aside from the physical activity, I also try to follow the advise from the other blogs that I read, to practice drinking as much as 4 liters of water daily. For during the actual expedition, we need to consume 4 to 5 liters of water daily in order to adjust to the high altitude. I also start doing that August, I consciously keep record of how many liters of water had I drink for the day. 

Vaccine
September 7 - I had 2  (Hepa B and Typhoid)  of the 8 vaccines that I need to be updated of
September 15 - another 2 shots today, influenza and pneumonia. one more remaining of the shots and two prophylaxis and I will be done with it.
November 16 - got my Hepa B shot today, one last shot next week

Money
September 9 - purchase a big amount of dollar from my cousin.
September 12 - purchase another dollar bill from my sister
November 14 - I finally asked financial assistance from my dear sister and she agreed 

I really maintain my physical activity until we leave for Argentina. I manage to pull all resources that I can think of just to have this event push through. A great success.