TNF Mica 1 - Will You Be Mine Please

TNF Mica 1 with Fly Sheet

Been wanting this tent so badly, I can say I fall in love with it. Since I joined a climb outside my circle of mountaineering buddies last January, I realized I need to get a tent that would only be big enough for me. Carrying  a two/three man tent on climbs that would be possible to bring just one man tent is just really thought bugging for me. I always envy those who have a small tent which one can bring anytime there is an invitation for climb outside my circle of close friends. Unfortunately, since I do not have one, I ended up bringing my 2 man roadrunner 23 tent, a heavy one though. And since it can accommodate 2 to 3 persons, I ended up accommodating 2 to 3 more climbers in a climb.  No big deal for me, I always have tent mates in my eleven years in the mountain. But since I always have this attitude of not wanting to share  the parts to my  tent mates especially if we are not of the same pace, I ended up bringing the entire tent on my own. 

TNF Mica 1 Tent Body

Until I saw this tent several months ago on Altrec website. It was on sale. I've been wanting to buy it, but I put aside my purchasing it thinking that the price will still go down. After several days the sale ends, and the item is back to it's original cost. Yesterday, I saw it again, on sale at lower cost at this time. Without thinking I put  one item on my basket right away, putting the purchase on hold for several days, getting the right reason if I really needed it. I will be needing much more money in the next few months for my coming big expedition, and I am trying to save whatever amount of penny that  I can save just for that trip, this gear is not in my list of needed items for the expedition, I know I can set aside the purchase but I will never know if it will still be on stock or even on sale by then. Honestly, I  am just looking reason my urge and wanting so badly of getting this item in the next few hours or days. God shed me light on this one....
 
As I come back from a skyrun 3 days after this post, Mica is still there but it is back to it's original price. So I guess not at this time Mica, I will wait for another major sale season, probably on Thanksgiving.

Mica was on sale on Thanksgiving but not on the price that it was originally put on sale. I thought it will still go down on other sale season I guess.

But when I saw Mica today (November 26) at ROX, all the more I was determined to get one like that. I can fit well inside, I know that kind of tent will just be right for me. But it cost so much here, PhP15, 999.00 All the more I am determined to get it on line. I hope when I come back from my Aconcagua expedition I'll be able to get one when I will have enough money for it.

January 14, 2012 - after several months of thinking of buying this item, I finally decided to get it when it has finally on sale, fromUSD228.95 to USD155.69. In as much as I said to myself after my trip I should not purchase any climbing gear for the moment, when I saw it  feel like I should have this at this time. I reserved my thoughts of buying for almost 3 weeks until there are only 2 items left on this model. I said I should get one now. Yahoo...Excited to use it in the mountains. I now have my home small enough for me to carry. Cant wait to use it.

January 25, my sister called the house, she needs to talk to Mom, I asked her if my package has already arrive, to my surprise she said she did not. When I check the address that I write on the last order, I input a different unit number. I become sad, that costs a lot, and I can't imagine my shipment being lost because of my carelessness, my being absentminded. I asked my sister to check if there is a real unit number and there is but it seems like no one is renting it. She said to just relax, she will check it with the admin office while I have to ask Altrec too if it has been delivered and received by an individual. I did as instructed. After a day my sister told she found my Mica 1 tent at the admin office. Thank God, you are still very kind to me. 

On the Streets of Negros

Left Manila for Bacolod on an early Air Philippines flight, the group's first agenda when we arrive Bacolod is to eat breakfast. Our dear lead on this trip, Jing, who happens to be from this place brought us to Palapala, a place with stretch of restaurant that sells fresh sea foods, good thing they are open at an early time of the day on a rainy day, and they have sea foods, frozen from the freezer though, not freshly catch but fresh enough to fill our empty stomachs. The group had grilled blue marlin and mayamaya soup. Some of us got halo halo despite the rainy early morning. That was a sumptuous breakfast for a major climb. 

What followed in the next three days is a major climb at Mt. Kanlaon, the very purpose of this trip. Upon descend, the group stayed at  K'Mas Hostel, an inn nearby Robinson's Bacolod, this is care off Jing's good friend, Joan, who knows the owner of the inn personally. Thanks to her they granted our favors and requests. 

A late dinner is served at Manokan Country at Aida's Restaurant, Bacolod is known for it's grilled chicken, and at this time, not on a fine air conditioned dining but rather on a traditional restaurants, the food is good, it's just that the service is a bit slow, or probably we were just so hungry that I just want to have some food. 

After dinner, despite my urge to go to bed and rest I had to go to Joan's place and hang my wet, stinky clothes and gear from the climb. It has been raining the past three days and most of our stuffs are soaked in  water. In my case I got so worried that I will have an excess luggage, on my way here my luggage already weigh 15kilos. Lucky for us Joan is so kind to offer her place, it becomes a place of stinky muddy clothes for a while. 

Our last day in Bacolod we visit the ruins in Silay, a place I missed when we visit the place 2009. This is a must to visit when in Silay, a mansion built even before the war, build out of love a husband to his wife. It was all worth the trip and being wet, the place is just simply nice. 

After being wet getting pictures at the beautiful ruin of the mansion, the group went to Balaring, Silay, a floating restaurant that sells fresh sea foods. But the wind was just blowing so hard, but despite that the group enjoy our meal, the talaba is just delicious, the sinigang is yummy enough to keep our stomach warm, the kinilaw is yummy, etc.

My Bank Account of Endurance for Aconcagua Expedition

This is just a compilation of what I have been doing since January of this year in preparation to my Aconcagua trip. A combination of several physical outdoor activities, trekking, climbing, skyrunning, trail run, runs, long slow runs,  and marathons. This does not include the practice runs, ramps, wall climbs  and other physical activities that I regularly do on a weekly bases. It's to the hope that all of this will keep me prepared as the time for the big expedition comes.

Mt. Napulak, Jan. 20-22, '11 (Igbaras, Iloilo)

Mt. Napulak - A climb organized by Iloilo Mountaineers, Talahib Higher Ground group, I trek to one of the peak in the Igbaras area. My first time to join a climb outside my comfort zone group through my friend Philip, I got to know another climbers Julius and Farah whom become my good friends. As I am on a mixed group, the only instruction is I should be self contained, true enough I did including my tent, water load, food and cookset. A challenging trek to the peak but all worth it,  I was surprised by  solid rock formation I wish I can climb someday is it's highest peak.

Jan 29, '11, Sto Tomas Akyathlon

Mt. Sto. Tomas & Cabuyao Pilipinas Akyathlon Race - A trail run organized by the Philippine Skyrunning Team, my very first race for the year. I always wanted to do trail runs, it's just like running on the trail while we are carrying heavy packs on our back, the only difference at this time is I will only be carrying my provision for the day, the very minimal load  yet be able to sustain me til the end of the race. But because this is done on a high altitude, it makes things more challenging, as we go longer altitude goes higher and air becomes thinner. I have difficulty catching my breath. But the place being part of the cordillera mountain ranges, the view is just really beautiful, the pine trees are just really nice to look at, plus the rays of the sun as it raises from the east with clouds on the horizon, the view is just magnificent. Going down to the finish line is another story, it's a long rough road descend to the community where the finish line is. And the sun is gets higher, as I struggle to push myself to the most awaited finish line, it's really getting hotter. I know some of my friends are already in the finish line but some of them are still at the back. I finish the race second on my age category, not bad.

Jan 29-30, '11, Ambongdolan Bouldering

On that same day, right after the race I had to rush to another event, a bouldering to Ambongdolan, still in Benguet. Others call it crazy, after a race like that myself with Zean will do another strenuous physical activity.  But on my thoughts, this is going to be my chance to visit the place and at least do some bouldering. It's within the same area anyway. Thanks to Baguio climbers for arranging a transportation for us. The travel to the place is not easy though, it;s a long rough road ride up and down the mountain slopes. We went directly to the place where other climbers are already there. But we are too tired to climb, we slept in our tarp instead. The following day is so much fun, walking on the streets of Ambongdolan bringing our climbing gear. We go through dry river beds with big walls and boulders. Nice place to climb. We ended our trip with a caving activity on the nearby place.

 

Feb 6, '11 Conduran Skyway Marathon

Condura Skyway International Marathon, a Run for the Dolphins. My very first 42K run that starts from Bonifacio High Street, going out to the streets of Buendia that leads to the sky way entrance up to Sucat, the very end of the Skyway at that time. I just follow the advise of my good friends who has done marathons as well, just thought of happy thoughts, just enjoy the run, the view and other runners. But of course this is not an easy one as well. the race becomes a test of my endurance, both mental and physical. I am just glad I finish it within my target time of six hours, I did it in 5:36 minutes and still able to walk after that. I thank my support Jing and Arvin, they were waiting for me in the finish line.

Feb 19, Nagsasa Traverse

I heard so much about Nagsasa slopes and it's cove but I really haven't been there. When got invited even if I do  not know most of the climbers I join the trip. We started 3:00 am, a trek under the light of the moon,  making the adventure dramatic and so much fun. It's an easy trek going through the slopes of Nagsasa especially that I am only carrying a day pack, just my provision for the day. The cove is calm and beautiful. I settled under the pine trees and just rest after our lunch, wait for our boat ride then proceed to the shore where our transportation is waiting. I thank Pastor Noel for bringing me here, it was a relaxing weekend in a hills and the beach.

Feb 27 to Mach 2, Syue Mountain, Taiwan

Climbing Taiwan for the second time is always fun for me. I love this country, it's place, it's people, it's food, it's culture, the outdoor shops and the mountains. And being with Mr. Su,  feel we are in good hand. At this time in the midst of the winter season the entire team of 5 climbers, 1 guide and 1 cook were able to summit Mt. Shueshan. It was a great feeling being able to finally do it now. It's still cold but a more relaxed climb for me being my second time on this mountain. Knowing what to prepare now helps a lot on how to conquer the mountain. Great adventure on a snow at this time.

Mt. Kanlaon on a Storm

Picture taken form the post of Mon Dysangco

Mt. Kanlaon, the highest peak in the Visayas region, the largest active volcano in the country, located in the mountain ranges of Negros Oriental. September 23 to 25, 2011, I conquered the mountain for the 3rd time, via Wasay Guintubdan trail, a 3 day traverse climb  from the town of Murcia to the city of La Carlota. My second time on this trail after ten years. At this time I am with Smart Mountaineering group, a climb that has been planned early part of this year. I got invited by some of my good friends who are part of the team, without second thought I said yes despite the possibility of just being the only guest on this climb.

At the airport, thanks Mondy for the picture

True enough, I was the only climber not from the same mountaineering group. They invited me to join them for the very reason that I've been to the same trail before but truly for it was a climb for a long time already, I truly cannot remember all details about it anymore, all that I can remember is that this trail is a scenic one, a variety of several lakes and lagoons, water falls, thick forest,  different flora and fauna along the way and a more challenging trail.

SMC with it's official service....

Majority of the group left Manila together on an early flight Friday via Air Philippines, it was already a cloudy day. When we arrived Bacolod Airport it was already raining. We waited for one of our team mate before  we left  the airport for Pala Pala for a sumptuous breakfast. The rain started to pour heavily while we are waiting for our food. After a heavy breakfast the team proceed to SM Hypermart to buy the remaining supplies for the climb. The rain continued until we transferred to SM hoping that we can fix our pack  on the covered parking area while waiting for the two remaining members of the team who are in another flight later than we had. We waited for more than an hour, when they arrived we traveled for 45 minutes to the jump off of our climb, at the main entrance of Mambukal Resort in Murcia.

The team at Wasay jump off

Luckily on our way to Murcia, the rain stopped but the weather is still gloomy, after 45 minutes of jeepney ride we unloaded our packs, met our guide and eat an early lunch before the start of the trek. It's best to have our lunch while in the community  area, it's almost lunch time anyway, so despite our not so hungry yet from a heavy breakfast the team decided to just eat our mid meal, to avoid eating along the trail. After final fixing our pack, say a short prayer and physical stretching at around 12:15pm off we start the trek. We had two guides one in front and one as the sweeper of the team. I followed right after the lead guide.

 climbers for wasay guintibdan trail -  register here

The trail started on an uphill cemented steps on the right side of the main entrance outside the resort. It passes through several community on the side of  a fenced roaster farm for cock fighting. After several minutes is an open trail, good thing the  sun shine a bit, we feel it's presence despite the muddy and slippery trail. After several minutes it passes through a rough road which leads to the house where we need to register as climbers of Wasay Trail. We followed again the road and a left uphill turn to the thick mahogany trees, tall enough to keep the trail shaded from the sun. After several minutes bushes becomes thicker until big leaves of ferns are now visible on the trail. This also marks the start of our constant look out for lematik (leeches).  Some parts of this trail is expected to have leeches but because it has been raining the past few days, the appearance of leeches come earlier than expected. After several minutes, we come to a rough road again used by the PNOC.

At PNOC rd while waiting for the team

This is just as passage to another uphill turn towards the forest. This also starts our unending uphill trail passing through trees sometimes under or over it. There are times that I hit my head of a tree under estimating how low it is. This also starts my trekking alone most of the time. Being with the lead and following right next to the guide, I had to cope with is pace, but of course, this is his playground, I really cannot follow him that close. So he walk faster, disappear in my sight  then at some point will wait for me, once I am visible to him he will start trekking again. Such style of trail management is being observed from day one up to the end of  our trek. There was a very minimal rest stops and trail food stops for me. The person next to me is also behind me for several minutes, sometimes almost an hour.

Emergency Campsite, Day 1

Due to delayed itinerary, our guide decided to camp on emergency campsite for day one, right after the river, we arrive 4:00pm, still has light and still early but because the next campsite is another 2 to 3 hour trek, we decided to have our day 1 camp area on this side of the mountain, not an ideal campsite for the terrain is sloping but that's the best that we can have, besides it's just right next to the river, our water source. Since I carry my entire tent, I choose a site and pitched right away, after several minutes it rained.

mossy trail

Thank God I already finish pitching my tent. the rain did not stop, it continued pouring heavily, as in literally it's like a water pouring in a gutter of a house. And it did not stop, thank goodness I brought my new tent, it is moist on the floor but at least we are dry with the help of the inner ground sheet. It's time for us to cook dinner but because it is still raining, I feel like not going out of my tent. I help the kitchen by doing some slicing of the chicken meat inside my tent. What made this campsite more challenging there are leeches around so every time my tent mates get inside, I made sure that they do not have any leech with them. It is already a cold campsite but I thank god i brought enough cold weather gear that keeps me dry and warm the entire night. What's just bothering me is my congested nose on the wee hours of the night.

at the river

We woke up on the second day with no more rain at all. I got to start cooking, we are still the one assigned to cook for breakfast and pack lunch. And take note there is still leeches even on the kitchen, it is really a challenge to just even pee or poo on this site. Our original target of leaving the campsite by 7 am becomes a reality by 9am. My pack now is more heavier, my tent is all but soaked in the water with minor mud. As usual I trek right next to the lead guide, trail at this time is more challenging with more uphill ascends and some downhill slopes. The trail is now more slippery than the other day probably because of the rain the night before. Now trekking becomes more challenging, with the terrain I have to double my pace to cope up with Kuya Bakla at the same time check myself from limatik bites.

The big tree

After several minutes from the big tree it started to drizzle, I decided to stop and put on my rain coat, I wanted to be at least warm and dry on this windy cold trek. Eleven a.m. the guide and myself arrive at the Junction, our suppose to be campsite for day 1, which turns out to be our lunch area of day 2. As we stayed longer waiting for the next next person to arrive it becomes colder, we are trying to find heat in a ray of light from the sun the perched through the thick leaves of the tall trees around the campsite. It was also in this rest stop that I noticed one limatik bite in my left hip, damn, I have one limatik bite. I've been very careful on the trail but still I got one bite already.

At Junction Campsite, our lunch area for D2

After an hour the team arrives, we cook soup and boil water for the sachet of goldilocks food. This is something I do not do in most of my climbs, eating warm food for lunch. Going to the next campsite will be another 6 more hours from the Junction, that will be a long trek though the guide told me, with our pace that will be another 4 hours. After two hours we proceed with the trek, passing by hardin sang balo, a place of mossy and gray branched trees on a swamp area, a nice place to drop by when using this trail, it is worth the 15 minute spare of your time.

Harden sang Balo

After several hours of trek, it was already cold, the wind is just blowing furiously and due to the drizzle, I am already wet, though I tried my very best not to wet my shoes. Upon reaching the monkey trail, an 80degree ascend I asked the guide for a 5 minute break to replenish food, stayed for a while then resume our trek. It's all uphill now with some ridging on each slopes until we finally go for a descend, I know we are almost to the campsite and besides it's getting late already. Quarter to five the guide and myself arrive the campsite but the water is high, and there is no good place to pitch the tent. I can't even have my big tent pitched well. I give up looking for a big space and settle for what has been hacked for me. Not the best but at least I was able to set it up. The kitchen is not a good place either, it's windy and very cold. And since our group is not assigned to do the cooking I resign to my tent for a while with my tentmates Jing and Arvin.

Samoc Campsite, true to it's name, samok kaayo

Day 3 is colder, no rain but because of the mist from the wind that blows in all directions from the lake, our tent fly is wet and drizzle can be felt. Since I cannot sleep anymore I decided to wake up but no one is out, our target of getting started by 7am is not a reality again at this time. The cook at this time did not come out yet, so I just roam around the camp area despite it's cold condition. It was a double time breakcamp for us, I feel like we are slower at packing our things at this time and being the one bringing the tent, I cannot start packing without my tent yet. 8:30 we left to target the Pagatpat Campsite.

AT PMS Lagoon

Reaching the PMS campsite, I remember this area 10 years ago, and it's all the way to the gully that pass by some water falls. A long ascend first before it goes to the ridge before it goes down to the side of the Margaha Valley, now the guide is sure that there would be no view at the crater. The best is to go down for it seems like the weather will not improve. The group decided to go to the saddle first and up to the rock, the farthest that the group reached, it was really foggy and windy. There is just no way that we can reach the crater.

At Pagatpat Campsite taking lunch on D3

After an hour we come back to Pagatpat, cook our food for lunch until before we are going to eat  it rained heavily. We are now soaked in water making it more cold to stay. After eating we left, descend to the end of the trail. It was a literally trail running for us with a heavy load, especially on the fern area where leeches are waiting for human creatures like us. We arrived Guitubdan still on day time and spared by the heavy rain.

This is once again a challenging trek for me, with such a long terrain with many uphill slopes on a cold weather carrying a heavy load is again my deposit to  to my bank account of endurance. I thank the Smart Mountaineering Club for wholeheartedly accepting me on this climb despite that most of them is my first time to be with . Despite the no view, and the group did not make it to the summit, it has been a successful climb and all were able to come down safe and whole.

Group pic at the rock, the furthest the grp can go

Total Expenses for this trip including plane fare: PhP4,620.00
Rented a jeep to meet at the airport going to Mambukal
Eat breakfast at Pala pala
Stayed at K-mas Hostel
Visited the Ruins
Eat at floating restaurant in Bilaring

The group's itinerary based on actual climb by the lead pack
September 23, Day 1
12:15PM start of trek at Mambukal Resort
1:00PM register at Nipa Hut, first water source
2:00PM PNOC road
3:45PM River and emergency campsite, our campsite for day 1

September 24, Day 2
9:00AM - start of trek
10:00AM River
10:15AM Giant Tree
11:00AM Junction Campsite
2:00PM Start of trek
2:15PM Harden sang Balo
4:45PM Samoc Lagoon, our second campsite

September 25, Day 3
8:30AM Start of trek
10:30AM Pagatpat Campsite
11:00SAM Saddle, picture taking at the rock
2:00PM Start of trek
3:00PM Camp 2
3:15PM Camp 1
5:00PM Guintubdan, end of trek

Mt. Pulag on a Sky Run

Different Trails of Mt. Pulag

Mt. Pulag, 2922MASL, the highest point in Luzon, and the third highest peak in the country. The mountain is situated on the borders of the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya. It can be climbed through several routes via Ambangeg, Akiki, Tawangan and Ambaguio.

I've been to Mt. Pulag five times, and I climbed several routes of the mountain.  I experienced the worst  weather, but I also experience the best of it. The easiest trail that I 'd taken is via Ambangeg and this is on a two day full pack climb. 

The Mt. Pulag Skyrunning Team

On this trip I am with the team of athletes from the Philippine Skyrunning  Association who are training for a major race in Mt. Kinabalu.  The group of 13  runners plus 1 guide that became the sweeper took the Akiki Ambangeg ,  a normal 3 day trek trail.  But this trip is a different one because the group will do the the route in 1 day  carrying only  food,  water provision and cold weather gear, all packed in a hydration pack. The least gear one can bring the better. Carrying a light pack would be a big help running through the slopes of the mountain.

On the Streets of Kabayan, raining.

This may be a run with so minimal load but it makes no difference trudging the slopes of Akiki, mossy forest up to the summit on a full pack. I may be carrying the very least that I can but the fast pace chasing the lead pack makes things challenging, my heart beats faster as I move one foot forward catching my breath as I can feel the thinning air as we go higher on our elevation. And this day up in the mountain is just really cold.

Hoping to see the Museum of  Kabayan

The group traveled to Baguio Friday night, since the travel takes longer than the usual trip, our leader decided to change itinerary, day one served as our travel time and rest day. It was a relax day, register at DENR, settle at the Lodge in Kabayan, replenish supply for the run and buy food for the three meal that we will have. On DENR yet it was already raining, and it never stopped until the evening. We spend the whole afternoon going around the streets of Kabayan on a rainy day. After our dinner we settle in our room and early to bed for an early rise the following day.

That's me crossing Eddet River at 6:00am

Day 2 is the day, wake up 3:00am, change, get ready and proceed to the jump off  through a patrol car of the town. It was still dark and cold but it  did not rain. It's going to be a good day. We meet our guide, Mang Pepito at Akiki Ranger Station, we explained to him that this is going to be a run not a trek may be not to all of us but to most of us. At first he took the lead especially that it was still dark, until few minutes later,  our Baguio Boys take the lead on the trail. Manong Pepito is now on the mid pack right in front of me, I've been wanting to go ahead of him but he never allowed me. I just take my pace slowly until we reached the first waiting shed. On our way down the next runner after me is nowhere to find not even their head lamp. Jules asked Manong Pepito to go back and wait for them.

A pose at Eddet River

We proceed with our run while Manong Pepitio waited fr them, since then he is already on the tail end as sweeper and we see each other on each compression stops. The trail after the waiting shed is mostly descend, Jules take the lead, I just follow her until after an hour we reach the bridge at the Eddet River, our first compression.  The river is so full of life, the water is just flowing on it's fullest. Take some pictures while waiting for the others, hydrate and eat energy food.

After several minutes we proceed with the run now the start of the unending ascent on the famous killer trail of Akiki. Truly it's a killer trail, it's unending going up, I may not be in full pack but it doesn't make any difference, I am grasping my breath as I move forward trying catch up the runners in front of me. We rested at helipad but because the lead had been there several minutes already, they had to proceed which I followed as well. The slope is still a continuation of the killer trail, it is a never ending going up, the next compression is at the Marlboro, time to replenish water as well. I did not, I have full load of water.

At Mossy Forest

 After several minutes we proceed to the mossy forest. The slope is a bit gradual  ascend now but it was here that I feel like I need to slow a bit, despite the trail food that I've been munching along the trail I still feel an empty stomach, I wanted to eat solid food. At some point I was just trekking alone, and at times I think could this be the right trail, especially when I saw one junction trail. Nonetheless I continue walking until Ambo was just behind me, a sign of life, at the compression on the small clearing in between the mossy forest Ambo go with the rest of the lead pack while I stay with the mid pack with Jules and Carlo. My strategy on the uphill slopes, 3 fast strides and 3 super slow walk, stretching my legs a bit and slowing my breath. I am not really to sure if what I am doing is just right, but I find this effective.

On our way to the Saddle Campsite

Since then I just took an easy pace, my energy is starting to go down. I know I had to replenish food for there is still one more ascend I need to do before the saddle, and I was just taking it slowly while Jules is at my back. She did not go ahead of me as well. As we are done with the fourth and final peak before going down to the saddle all the lead pack are just there, sitting on the grassland, the wind is just blowing from different directions. It's really cold. I settle in one place, put on my thermal long sleeve and eat my pack lunch.

A pose at the summit of Mt. Pulag

After more than 30 minutes, the tail end did not arrive yet, we decided to proceed to the saddle hoping that the campers will have a some hot coffee for everybody. True enough they offered not just coffee but also hot and chilly soup. That was a great help. After several minutes when the last person arrived we proceed to the summit, had some rest, photo opt to the max and proceed down. Going down the slopes of the grassland is just really rewarding, I super love the view aside from the fact the its going down.

After camp one is a forest line again, there are some uphill part but just minor, pass by some hikers on their way to the ranger station as well,  we continue on until we reach the dirt road of Ambangeg, since it's flat, it was just really a steady pace for me, I can't run any faster anymore. We reached the ranger station of Babadak feeling accomplished being able to do the run in 8 hours with rest stops on around 16 kilometer distance with almost 1000 meters elevation gain.

My TNF Chucky Rocky shoes

Some parts of my Chucky Rocky shoes are now starting to fall apart not good to look at, I know the sole will survive until the end of the trail, and I know I just need to put some glue on it, it will still be a good shoes for my next trail run. 

The run is so fulfilling, what I used to climb for 3 days now we did it in 8 hours. Not easy but it's possible. I thank the leadership of Mia, for arranging every aspect of the trip, she made things easier for all of us. I also thank the rest of the team, it was never  a boring run having everybody around, in fact it was a run full of laughter and fun.  Looking forward to the next skyrun with all of you guys.


I also thank PSA for organizing runs like this which they open not just to their members but to one like me aspiring to become a member as well. You made possible the unthinkable and not doable before. What used to be done in 2 to 3 days, we do it in just a matter of hours.

What's in my hydration pack which I hope I will survive if something will happen to me:

Nice job ladies.....my inspirations

1.8 Liters of Water
500ML Gatorade

Pack Lunch
Head Lamp
Personal Knife
Lighter
Trail Food
Tissue/Wet Ones
TNF Gore-tex Jacket
Lightweight Rain Coat
Whistle
Money
Identification Card
Camera
Umbrella
Arm Sleeves (which eventually I wear it)
Thermal Long Sleeves 

On our way down to Ambangeg

What I am wearing:
Nike leggings
Nike Tank Top
TNF Short sleeve dry fit T-shirt
Arm Sleeves
TNF Thermal Long Sleeves
TNF Socks
Chucky Rocky Shoes
Nat Geo Buff
TNF Cap

13 Runners
Stayed at Kabayan Coop Lodge- P200.00 per head per night
My Total Personal Expenses for this trip:
P2, 628.00

As I have been doing for several months now, this trail run is again one of my training for a major expedition that I will be doing this coming December. I may not be carrying a heavy load as I traverse the slopes of  Mt. Pulag, the cold temperature and the elevation gain can be a good simulation on my actual climb. I just hope that all the physical activities that I had been doing since January will be enough  for me to endure the grueling extreme cold temperature and weather up in the mountain. 

Thanks to Jules Picato, Charina Javier and Zean Villongco for some of the pictures posted and on the album.

Pictures: Pulag on a Skyrun

Vaccine Shots Today

My second batch of vaccine shots today, two again, pneumococcal and influenza vaccine. And it's on both arms again,  on my right, it's ok, it feels nothing and not bothering me after. On my left is pneumo 23, I can feel the pain, it seems like swelling after several hours and I cannot even lift my arm properly. Dokie said it's just normal, I just have to hot compress it tonight. I hope the uncomfortable feeling will be gone soon.

Vaccine shots and prophylaxis has been part of my list that I need to update and accomplish before I leave for the start of my Aconcagua expedition. Though what is required and needed upon entry in the immigration of Argentina is just a certificate of yellow fever shot, it has always been my habit to update all my vaccine shots.

This is just a precautionary measures for me. Costly and a bit tedious going to the doctor for several weeks prior to the expedition but I feel like this is something to be done. I have to spare my time and budget into this for my own sake and safety. 

Here is my list of vaccine needed to accomplish: 

vaccine shots and prophylaxis

Yellow Fever

Cholera prophylaxis

Hepa A

Hepa B - Booster

Pneumoccocal

Tetanus Diphtheria Toxiod

Typhoid

Influenza

Miningo

Malaria prophylaxis

Back in the Park Today

It has been my habit to drop by the park on a work day, be it before, after or having lunch at Velasquez Park for more than a year now. I just love having a break from morning's work in the office and to be refreshed before facing the remaining hours of the day. 

Seeing the park on a broad day light is a refreshing experience for me. The park is full of life, people share bench with others, resting, eating lunch, or merely chatting. At times, there are group of people sitting on the ground eating lunch. On the playground are kids of expats playing while the moms and yayas are watching, at times there are those doing a noontime run/walk, others are taking a nap. 

In my case, most of the time I bring my lunch there, sit down in one of the bench, relax and watch while eating. There are sparrow birds that share my crumbs while cats want bones of fish and some lift overs. I take a power nap for just less than 10 minutes, refreshed and energized then head back to my office.

But I haven't been doing this lately especially that it has been raining and I also don't want to go down, I just stay in the office or eat the nearby restaurants. Not until today, I decided to have a different view while having my lunch. As always, the park is still full of life, the kids are full of energy playing, while others are just resting waiting for the lunch break to be over. A different lunch again today.

Salomon Running Clinic

September 12 - I got invited by my friend Janielle to join a running clinic conducted by ROX.  I miss the first session though and I am not too sure if I can join the following schedules but nonetheless I said to myself  I'll just come in support to the training program that my friend has been inviting me. 

Of my several years of running now, I really haven't been able to attend any formal training in running at all. Even in my BMC days who introduced me into running which I slowly started to love running up to this time, I can't remember having one session on  the right forms and other tips in running at all. They just asked us to run, build the endurance and finish the target distance within the required time. 

Despite my lack of training and not into the sports before, I drag myself into it and learn to love it. Until now I have difficulty running, I admit, with my heavy legs and  big thighs, I envy those who are just light as paper while running. But I said to myself, everything can be learned, and it's just a matter of  determination and strong will, everything can be possible. 

After the two full marathon that I did and one ultramarahon, 100K, I said to myself, that is already a very big achievement for me. I know I do not run fast, I just run consistent, do not stop while into it and do not give up. But I also goal that I will also improve in my time. And I hope through this running sessions I will be able to improve my time, running faster on my future runs.

Picture: Salomon Running Clinic 2011