And It's Time to Travel to Argentina

On November 28, after several months of planning, the time has come for me to finally leave the Philippines and make a 36 hour travel to Argentina for our expedition to Mt. Aconcagua. I pass by Narita Japan via Nippon Airways, a lay over of 2 hours then travel for 11 hours to Houston, a lay over of more than 7 hours then a 10 hour plane ride via Continental Airlines to Buenos Aires. Traveling alone on such a long flight is a no joke, I wish I have a buddy around whom I can share the adventure and misadventures but I just really cannot be on the same flight with my climbing buddies on this adventure. Because I have a US visa and Continental Airways is much cheaper than Qatar Airlines, our first airline of choice, I just really cannot be with  them and they cannot fly through Continental as well due to visa issues, so I travel alone.

But one good about traveling alone I got to meet new friends. From Manila to Houston I met Jenny who travel for the first time to the US to finally reunite with her fiance. We had a long trip together, Manila Narita, Narita Houston.  And while on my way to Buenos Aires I met Nely  while at the pre-boarding area,  she lives in Buenos Aires who travel from China She was kind enough to help me with the transportation when my supposedly hotel taxi airport pick up did not show up. She wants to invite me to her place when I drop by Buenos Aires after the climb but of course I was not able to do that anymore.

Having to sit on the plane for several hours is a no joke, I just make use of what ever the plane can offer, eat the food that is served, watch movie when ever I want to, take enough sleep for as long as I can. And having to wait at the airport is a no joke either, I just explore several corners of the airport after finding out that a wifi is not available and my phone's international roaming is not activated, only to find out later my other phone will not work on a develop country like US and Argentina.  And because I am really saving what ever amount of money I have on this trip, I decided to bring food from the Philippines, unfortunately most of it is on my supposedly carry on luggage that I check in after the counter told me I am allowed one more luggage for check in (making it 2 check in luggage). I made sure my 4 bread talk corned beef bun will keep me nourished until I board the plane going to Buenos Aires.

Boarding the last leg of my flight shows that I am now going to a different continent or rather even before boarding the plane. While waiting at the pre-boarding area, Latino looking and speaking passengers are already everywhere, I very much look different to them, and I think I am the only Asian looking person on that flight.

Arriving Buenos Aires on November 29 is a mixed feeling of relief that my long flight is finally over, excitement because so much adventure is in-store for me  on this big country and at the same time a bit scared, I really do not know what will happen to me on my almost a month stay here. It took me more than an hour to pass through immigration, the line is just really too long and so many tourists passengers  like me.  I thank Nely for waiting for me at the baggage area. After passing through customs, Ezeiza airport will be more an hour drive to the city where my hostel is located. It's still 10:30 in the morning.

As we leave the airport, my eyes are all around the place, looking at the places we pass by while talking to Nely who happens to speak very little English and I happen to speak nor understand very little Spanish. But we managed to converse. I drop her off first before I proceed to my hostel, Hostel Colonial. And to my surprise, our hostel is at the second floor of a commercial establishment, what makes it more surprising is that the door of the hostel leads to a long stairway to the second floor. It is where the hostel reception is located without elevator. A super good luck to me, how will I be able to carry my 24 kilos XL duffel in order for me to reach the reception area, if only this is a backpack, I  know I will be able to manage to carry it. After several minutes of thinking I thank one guy from the second floor offer a help, he is one of the guest in the hostel.

I check in, settle on my bed on a room packed with 4 double decks without aircon  unit. The lady opened the door from the terrace for a cooler ventilation. Ok, probably this is how things are here, the room does not have windows but big doors. The room is really crowded but I think this will just be for the night, this is going to be ok. After eating a late lunch from the food that I bring from the Philippines (canned tuna paella, sachet of swift corned beef and red ribbon  ensaymada bread) I decided to take a nap. I am just too tired to even take a bath. I noticed it gets dark late so I take a light dinner from my food again that I bring from PH, I am just so scared to explore the place alone on the evening. My climb buddies Zenon and Ramon arrive 11:00pm. And finally we are complete.

Tips on what to bring on a more than 36 hour trip:
1. Toothbrush and toothpaste. It feels good after a meal in the plane to at least brush my teeth before going back to sleep.
2. Comb and other toiletries. I totally forget to bring mine on the carry on luggage, not even a comb. So I just hide my hair on a baseball cap that I wear.
3. Panty Liner. After several times of going to the lavatory, it just feels great to feel fresh by changing the liner.
4. First Aid Kit with Meds. My allergic rhinitis got triggered by the cold temperature, and I am just glad I brought meds with me.
5. Food, many of it and substantial one. While on long lay over on several airports and while on tipid (save) mode, it's best to bring food, not just candies and cookies but substantial one like bread or even rice and viand.
6. Enough warm clothes. It gets so cold on the plane and on the airport.

Facts about the trip:
Stayed at Hostel Colonial in Buenos Aires for $48.00AR (PhP480.00)
Taxi from the airport $150.00AR   (PhP1,500.00)
Upon arrival at Ezeiza airport, change at least USD$100.00 at the bank right after you exit the airport after passing through customs. The exchange rate is not so good but you will need AR to pay for the ride to the city and upon check-in in the hotel. At least enough money even before  one can find a money changer or bank with a good exchange rate.

WHAT WEATHER SHOULD WE EXPECT ON MT. ACONCAGUA

A newsletter forwareded to my email by Aymara Adventures and Expeditions a day before I leave for Argentina. I just want to have a copy of it as my reference.

Mendoza City
Our expedition programs start in Mendoza City. Since these trips take place during the summer, and since our province is in a semi desert weather region, it is very usual that during midday and in the afternoon, temperature ascends to 35ºC or 40ºC. During the night, temperature descends and you may need a coat, since it is not strange for it to be 15ºC.

Weather during the approximation to Base Camp
As we get closer to the base camps at Mt. Aconcagua, we might find a difference in temperature between day and night. With good weather conditions, on a sunny day the temperature might be very nice; approximately 25ºC. Normally, during midday the wind starts, turning the weather unstable during the afternoon. By the end of the day the wind calms down and the nights go on quietly. During the nights the temperature reduces considerably, and it is possible to experience temperatures of 0ºC or even colder. For this reason, you must be prepared for these changes and carry adequate equipment and clothing. During the trekking in this first stage of approximation, it is important to bring a coat, preferably a rainproof coat that protects you from the wind or occasional snow that might surprise us on our way. It is also necessary to put a pair of gloves in your backpack and a pair of sandals is also important to have, since in the afternoon, it is very common to cross rivers. All these cautions are necessary, because it is better to be prepared - taking into account the varying weather conditions above 3.000 m.

Weather during the ascent, up above 4.300 m

Aconcagua climbing season takes place during the summer (December, January and February). During these months the mountain generally has good and stable weather conditions, but it may change very quickly. Weather forecast is not very precise in this region.

Atmospheric pressure and the sky, are some of the signs that our guides and other people use in the mountains in order to forecast weather.

A particular detail that is very possible to observe in this part of the Andes, is the formation of a lenticular cloud, very high up, known as the "HONGO". This sits at the top of the mountain, very still. It is formed by powerful air streams coming from the west (from where most of the storms come) and it moves over 5.500 m. Being in the presence of the "Hongo" during your expedition on Mt. Aconcagua is, undoubtedly, a sign of alert to take into account when planning our ascent, even if we have good weather conditions in the valleys and base camps.

It is also very common, to be in the presence of electrical storms. As we get higher, weather conditions turn more rigorous with regards to temperature. During the day, temperature will not rise more than 0ºC and sometimes, we might be walking with -15ºC. In the higher Camps, like in Berlin or in Camp 2 at the base of the glacier, we will experience temperatures of -25ºC to -35ºC during the night. Icy and persistent wind is constant on Mt. Aconcagua, making the temperature lower than the thermal sensation; it can make you freeze in a few minutes. These low temperatures along with the strong wind can result in a terrible white wind storm. This phenomenon is produced by the wind separating us from the floor and everything turning completely white (Blizzard).

In moments such as these, goggles are essential. We will, however, feel the harshness of the wind even on a sunny day and with good weather conditions, especially very early in the morning, when we have left the warmness and comfort of our tents, in search of the summit.

Weather during the summit day

Undoubtedly this section of the mountain has the hardest weather conditions. The day we start the ascent to reach the summit, we leave one of the highest camps very early. This is a very demanding experience, in which the wind can produce temperatures of -25ºC or -30ºC. Eventually, it may be harder during the first hours in the morning, than staying in the summit by midday when the sun warms us, and it is possible to have temperatures of 0ºC.

Teacher Cesar A. Mochi

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Our Argentina Visa is Finally Out

Getting an Argetina Visa has been a challenge for the team. At first we just comply  and prepare the documents required and decided to file early part of November. We still have more than 15 days to do it anyway. But when the Argentine Embassy in the Philippines required additional documents that needs to be notarized in Argentina and original papers should be submitted to their office it was where the three of us got concerned. It's a big hassle requesting the documents notarized in Mendoza by our outfitter, Aconcagua Trek. Good thing their Director was kind enough to do all the hassle just for us to get a visa. So, this is it....

Aconcagua expedition - dispatch 02: team pre-climb meeting & send-off party

Keeping a copy of what we've been doing for this adventure. Thanks Zean for the video, and not just that, for documenting this adventure.

TNF's Women's Free Thinker Jacket

You will only be on my dreams for now. I encountered you today as I  browse on my favorite website. This jacket will be a big help up in the freezing temperature in the mountain. The original price is extremely expensive, and even when it's on sale it is still expensive. 

I love the color but unfortunately  my size on this color is not available on line. I hope our path will meet someday and I will have that fund to purchase you on exactly the same color that I want. 

Meet My Climb Buddy Today

I have to meet Pedro today for two things, I haven't been seeing him lately, he is busy with his business while I am busy with my weekend adventures and I need to get the trekking pole that I borrowed from him for my Aconcagua trip. I am leaving Monday so I am now pressed of time.

I decided to get it first thing in the morning before I went to the office. I was hoping that I will only get it, see him, get the poles and then leave. But that did not happen. As I saw his white van, I thought he will only hand  me the poles but he asked me to get into his car, drive a little while I updated him ofnthe final leg of our preparation before we leave for Aconcagua Expedition. Though he drives just super slow, we went further until he asked if I have the time to spare, ofcourse how can I say no to Pedro,  we have  lots of updates to make.

We ended at Figaro for more two hours over a cup of tea and cofee. We really had so much to talk about. He is just as amazed and excited about our upcoming major expedition just like the first time we did the very first summit of the seven summits, Mt. Kilimanjaro. He was with us then. And I am just as amzed and excited to try listen his inputs about how to keep hydrated and insulated up in the mountains. What possible good food one should take up there and how to possible prepare it in a best way. I did not notice the time at all, it was already almost lunch time. Before I head back to the office he accompany me of buying coconut oil, one thing that I should have up in the mountain to keep me warm. We part ways with a promise that when I get back we should get together more often, so that he can try is recipes he thought would be best up in the mountain while I thought I should see him more often so that I can start learning to ride the bike and keep him physically fit as well. It was really nice talking to you Pedro.

The North Face®: The Denali Experiment

Great video of the few great athletes of TNF on the slopes of Denali. It's just inspiring to watch them, seeing their gear especially their outer shell jackets gives me a thought, I have some of that...hehehe...but I can never have their skills that qualifies them to become a TNF athlete. 

A long road for an Argentine Visa

Finally we had our interview at the Argentina Embassy yesterday, 10am in the morning. Our most awaited letter from Aconcagua Trek in Mendoza, Argentina got delayed and it did not arrive yet. But still we proceed with the interview. Unlike other embassy that I've been to, this is different. We (as a group - of three) were asked to get inside a conference room with the Argentinian Consul and the lady that we've been talking the past months. 

It was a casual interview, asking each one of us what we do for a living, what on earth come to our minds of traveling that far and climbing such mountain. He is even amazed to see one female member of the team, that's me. What come to my mind engaging on such risky hobby. And after hearing each of us, the conversation leads to where to buy those TNF Jackets, and other gears, help them build  their website in the case of Zean.

And he asked for additional documents: 

1. copy of each of our credit card (which I do not have)

2. Health Coverage
3. Travel Insurance
4. In my case a copy of my passbook

They will go with the processing but we need to submit the following day all the added documents asked and only then we can pay for the visa. Today, I personally join Mondy to the embassy, I need to show my original passbook and explain to them about my not having a credit card. I have to make sure I  will be the one tp personally explain it to them. Thank God they did not bother to ask me and just proceed with the payment. That was a big relief in my things to do. 

Now I can concentrate on my long list of things to do that I need to finish before I leave.

Nathan Ridge Run 2011

My Sunday race, it's a Nathan Ridge Run in Tagaytay High Lands. I've been to this place when I was still active on my training work, I had run several areas,  so more or less I am a bit familiar of the terrain of the place. But a 21K route is long, so I expect it to be a tough uphill race all through out the race.

(work in progress)

Kabalikat sa Kalikasan - A Treeplanting Day for SCNoys at Ipo Dam

A relaxed Saturday for me. I decided to join Jing's invitation for a tree planting activity led by Smart in partnership with their sister company PLDT. Both companies are close to my heart, I have friends from Smart whom I become close in running and climbing. I also have friends in PLDT whom I can rely on not just when  I have problems with our high speed internet connection in the office but also become close to me personally, and I also have friends in climbing from the same company. 

I've been invited to join the company's community service activities  several times but it is only at this time that I join them. I have nothing scheduled on this day anyway. This will be at Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan, one of the water reservoir that provides water including in Metro Manila. I know it will be a mix group of participants but I am confident I won't feel out of place, for sure there will be several friends who will be joining the activity. 

We are all taken cared off. I arrive in Smart Tower still dark and Pompo was still there. I thought he was joining us but he will be joining another activity of the company. Few minutes later familiar faces arrived. Our rides are already waiting for us but we ate our breakfast first before leaving. It's a two hour travel from Makati to the planting area. Upon arrival at Ipo, others were already there, mostly not familiar face to me. We gathered our things needed for planting, had a short orientation and proceed to the planting site on a 10 minute boat ride and short uphill trek. 

I become excited again, when it's being with nature it really gives me so much joy. Though it was just a short trek to the planting site, I wanted to do a short trail run, attempted several times but ofcourse I cannot do it continuously, there people ahead of me. We planted several seedlings in a readily prepared area, traversing the inclined uphill slope of the place. After several hours, we head down and go back to the entrance area for lunch and freshen up before leaving. 

I am glad I joined this event, I did not only give back to mother earth but I also gained new acquaintances who are also into climbing and running. It was fun doing a community service with them. Til the next outreach program friends.   

Sleep-Warm Tricks for Cold-Weather Camping

A very last minute useful read. Just when me and Mondy where trying to figure out how on earth did we miss the correct rating of our sleeping bag that would keep us warm up in the high camps, I come across this REI Blog about keeping warm. All the more I am convinced that I should get a sleeping bag that will be sufficient enough to keep me warm.

Sleep-Warm Tricks for Cold-Weather Camping: Sleep-Warm Tricks for Cold-Weather Camping | REI Blog: Weblog for an active community of people who love the outdoors

The North Face®: Behind The Lens Fall 2011 Tetons Commercial

As mentioned on my earlier post, I admire Jimmy and other athletes who are really good of their skills. A beautiful video that I want to keep on my blog, that will inspire me to keep on aiming for more and improve the sports that I love to do, not skiing though.

Our Visit to the Argentina Embassy

We finally went to the Embassy of Argentina located in Dela Costa Street today. We only have our documents checked, want to make sure we have the right documents before our very schedule of interview, Monday 10:00am. Due to the last minute document requirement that the Argentina Embassy asked from us that needs to be signed and notarized in Mendoza, Argentina,  the processing of our visa is delayed. With almost a week left, we just hope there will be enough time for our visa to be processed and released before our scheduled departure date for the expedition. Crossing our finger on a speedy processing of our visa.

The original list of requirements for Argentina Embassy:
1. Duly accomplished application form
2. One passport size photo, pasted on the application form
3. Valid passport and photocopy of the information page
4. Letter of request stating the reason for the visit
5. Original Certificate of Employment
6. Original Bank Statement
7. Latest ITR
8. Confirmed Hotel Bookings
9. Confirmed Air Ticket

Additional Requirement(since they find out our purpose of the trip)
10. Original Notarized Letter from the Outfitter 
11. Letter of Certification from the Mountaineering Club
12. Itinerary of the Climb Expedition

Filing Hours: 9:00am to 11:00am
Releasing Hours: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Processing Time: At least 5 working days

Argentina Embassy Address
8th Floor Liberty Center, 104 H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
02-8453218/3219/3238
argvisas@eastern.com.ph

Just be kind and friendly to the lady in the front desk. Despite her stoic and flat sounding on the phone, she's accommodating and helpful in person.

The North Face®: The Denali Experiment Teaser

I am an avid fan of Jimmy Chin and what he has been doing on  the outdoors. I admire not just his skills in rock climbing and skiing but most of all on how he capture the outdoor adventure through the lens. He is a great climber at the same time a great photographer. His love of the sports and his passion in photography inspires me to  work hard in what I love to do. I hope to meet him someday on my travels on the wall. 

On Final Preparation for My AC Trip

Two weeks left and I still do not know how to organize my things for my major expedition. There are so many things on the list that I need to do and to organize. But aside from that I also have tons of office work to finish and personal things I need to attend to before leaving. Really, it's starting to scare me. 

But more than those things that I need to prepare and finish for the trip which I know I can finish before I leave, what adds up to my nervousness is my financial capability. I have just enough amount of money for the entire trip. But I need to leave some amount as well for my family. I cannot just leave for my expedition without leaving money for them. And just today my younger sister promised to lend me some amount to cover for that. Now I can breath and concentrate on my preparation for the expedition. Thank you so much my dear sister for being one of my sponsor on this expedition.

Run United 3 - A Race That Test My Being A Woman

My second 32K. I have done this last year, though at this time it will be on a different route, which excites me though I have done portions of the entire route on several different races before. It's a good weather, no sign of rain at all. The moon is still up while the 32K runners assemble at the starting line. I am early for the gun start so I just take my leisure time preparing myself near the assembly area. An hour later, I meet friends also joining the same distance that I will run. I visit to the rest room twice before the race starts.

It's the fifth day of my monthly period, something that I am confident it wont be so much of a bother doing a long distance race like this. I just wear a panty liner.

The gun starts at exactly 4:30AM. I am happy with my pace. I feel like it improves from my two previous races. It did not rain, I am not wet, and I make sure I will not be wet from the water on the water stations. There are many hydration stations along the way though there is only one station the gives banana. I get two which serves as my food for the entire race.

I am doing pretty ok, I love the uphill slope of the two overpass on the intersections of Buendia and EDSA. It gives me the edge to do a run on both going up and going down. My pace on the first 22K is pretty ok,  less than   2 hours and 30 minutes, I only have 10K left to finish. I did not feel any pain in my legs, I maintain a pace which is just a constant one not even dragging my foot to make one step forward. At times I even push a little faster.

But all of this changes the distance after 22K. With the effort that I am exerting and with the heat of the sun that started to rise higher at our back, my clothes are starting to get wet from my sweat. Without me realizing, my monthly period is still going on, it was when a lady runner nicely told me, 'ms. you're bleeding.' Oh shoot, I did not notice this early on, when it was still dark and the sun is still not up. I was just enjoying my run that I did not notice it anymore. She give me her last supply of tissue.

I pulled out from the road and go to the side on the sea wall. Good thing I have my buff, it serves as my towel, wiping the blood the drips on my legs. This is not good at all. But I have to get back to my composure and think. My shorts is already wet, with this condition will I stop from the race, I thought.  But I have gone so far already, I wanted to finish it. My change clothes is also at the  finish line, which means I need to be there as well.  I decided to go to the nearest available rest room. Unfortunately that is still after the US Embassy. It's still more than 500 meters from where I am. I started to do a slow pace run anyway. Upon reaching the one that I thought there is a toilet, it's closed. I have to go to the side of Luneta. But before doing that I have to look for a sanitary napkin. Good thing one kioshk sells one, then I proceed to the rest room and change. I  just hope this will work. 

I go back to the road, finish my u-turn at Luneta Park, but the position of the sanitary napkin has moved. So I need to go back to the only rest room available and fix it. After that, I went back to the road but now on a super slow pace. I need not to sweat too much so that my running shorts wont be wet and the stain won't drip on my legs. It's getting late and the sun is already up. As much as I wanted to do a faster pace, I just really cannot. 

With being so conscious that my legs will have stain of blood, I just take it slowly. My goal of doing a faster time now is all in vain, all I focus is just to cross the finish line despite my condition. Which I did, my time is just not the one that I expected it to be, 4 hours, 17 minutes and 9 seconds. I can say I survived. This is my first time to experience such condition on a race.

Lessons learned....always bring the following when running the next time with monthly period. In my case, I should have a different running attire.
1. Money
2. Sanitary Napkin
3. Wet Ones
4. Pins
5. and Lots of Prayers (that it will not rain, that you will not be wet, etc?

Kilian's Quest S3 E09 Kilian takes a break Part 2

Kilian Jornet, 2011 International Skyrunning Federation Supercup winner, Mount Kinabalu Climthon 2011 champion and Salomon athlete.  He win so many races before this race. He is young and really love running in the mountain. He grow up close to nature. I admire his discipline into the sports, the way he trains and put so much effort during the race. I am lucky I am one of those who witness his success during the last season of his quest, the race in Mt. Kinabalu. And how he push himself just to bit the one leading the race, Marco de Gasperi.

But all the more I admire him when he come out of this video, saying it's not all about the awards that you get in winning a game. But rather it's the emotions that goes with it. The people that you are with when doing the race, when you are with nature. Congrats Kilian for all you wins and good luck on your coming races.

Kilian's Quest S3 E08 Kilian takes a break

I come and join the 25th Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon 2011 race without any expectations. Ofcourse I wish to reach the cut off time and be one of the runners that finish the race, for I can say I prepared and trained for it several months before the race as well . But I am also prepared to the possibility of not being able to reach the cut-off time. 

Aside from the race itself, I never expect so much on what experience I will have on this event. I thought, this will just be like any other big races that I joined, register, train, prepare, claim the race kit and come on the race  day,  cross the finish line, get the finishers medal and certificate, eat a little, then go home.  But I was wrong, this race is a different one. The atmosphere on the two race events are very festive, runners and supporters alike are very enthusiastic and dynamic. The starting point is so much full of life despite its freezing weather on the early hour of the day. And once the gun starts and the runners are released, it's the finish line that is now full of life as well.

I come to know my co-Philippine contingent well and  meet other runners from other countries as well. And I meet Kilian. Funny, I do not know him at all before this race. Honestly, I am not a Salomon brand person, probably I do not bother to research and check who their top athletes are. I just heard of him from my team mates, the reason when I meet him on the rock face of the mountain on training, while I was freezing cold one shirtless guy pass by me, few minutes later he was back down the trail. I had a short moment of conversation with him, without really knowing  that he is already the star of the race.  

Team Salomon 5 Continents E05 - Kota Kinabalu intl. Climbathon Malaysia

When I first climb Mt. Kinabalu with the Smart Mountaineering friends in June  of 2010 doing the via ferrata route, I said to myself I will definitely come back on this mountain and will love to do a high altitude rock climbing on the rock face, my via ferata guide said they also offer such package. Never in my wildest dream will I ever come back on this mountain more than a year after to join a skyrace. I brave myself to sign up for the race, never thinking of the great ordeal that lies ahead on the race itself. It's not an easy one, I can say it's a very difficult race. But I  am always grateful I become part and a witness of an unforgettable race and is part of a fun-loving team from the Philippines.

I am lucky I meet some of the best and professional athletes of this sports. And not just that, I meet personally  some friends that I  have on facebook and gain more friends of the same passion and love of the sports as well.

Just Kilian

On (Trail/Ultra) Running and Those Who Are Good at It

On running, I must say I am not good at it, I don't have a body structure of a runner, I don't have the calves and thighs of a runner. I must say am not a fast runner. I grew up thinking I can never be a runner, it's my younger sister who has the body built of a runner, the reason she qualified to become part of a running team in school. 

It's out of a need that I am introduced to the sports, while on training I need to do a timed qualifying run. I had no choice but to do it. But that did not lead me the love of the sports. It was when I feel I need to loose weight few years after that training that I joined minor races but only on short distances. I started with just the shortest one until a bit longer several years after. I did not even think of doing a full marathon and a ultramarathon. Those are too much for me, I thought. Until I got inspired by my close friends whom I look up to in running. I thought it's about time for me to do a full marathon. 

Petzl RocTrip China 2011

No, unfortunately I did not join this trip.

But I always wanted to be at Petzl's Roc Trip in China, I saw this when our very own climber Dennis  Diaz with Karen Gudani attended the event two years ago. But unfortunately this year, I had so many other trips that I did not have the chance to join this trip anymore. Only to find out my good friend Sig Fernandez with her girlfriend Isa with Dennis again attended the event. And only to find out my idol rock climber Emely Harrington with other climbers were there too. I hope I can include this event on my list next year.

There is always something about rock climbing the entice my curiosity. I am not good at it, I always have that fear every time I am on the wall especially when  doing the lead climbing. Probably it's because I am up there and my feet are not on the ground. But there is also another part of  me that gets excited, every time I see rock formations especially big walls. And when I  am at it, I just really love the feeling that I am so close to it, I am hugging it, the nature can hear my breathe,  can  smell my sweat and can hear my  heart beat, can see my struggles into it. That's why I always admire those people who do it well. This sports is not for everybody, but the skills can be learned. And I just learn to love it along the way and in my little ways got to learn to do it. I  am still a long way of having the confident to really do it but at least I know that I love the sports no matter how difficult it will be. I can't wait to do my next outdoor wall. I haven't done much of it this year, it has been mostly running  and hiking that I do most this time. I wish to go back into it next year and prepare for two big events, in China and in California.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xm4d8v_petzl-roctrip-china-2011-first-edit_sport#rel-page-under-1

http://petzl.com/us/outdoor/news/events-1/2011/11/09/emily-harrington-roctrip-china

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10150455998992160.428778.603612159&type=1

Recovery Run - Cogeo Antipolo Route

Arvin has been planning to do a long slow distance run for Jepoy and Aaron, they will be doing a 42K run at SCM-SG this coming December. And my usual self said yes without even thinking what will be my schedule days before that. This is suppose to be an overnight stay at Tanay, so that we can run a longer distance the following day but because we are just few, cost of the resort will be much higher which the group decided to just leave the city early morning but on a different route as well.

I've been thinking of not joining anymore the night before, my legs are still sore from the run but I thought I can always just do a super relax pace, just walk while the others will run. Which I did the first 30 minutes, but when one runner pass by me and encourage me to do a slow running pace which he joined me as well, I finally started to run on the uphill part of the road. As the road goes further and the jeepneys and cars become lesser the horizon becomes wider and my sight has become more of the mountains, trees and green lush bushes, I begin to enjoy the run without thinking anymore my sore and aching legs.

As the one hour turn around cut off sets, I receive a text from Arvin, I thought of just continueing to run and just turn around when I meet them. As that happens, I was already with them going down up to where we started. It was a good run after all. I want to do this route next time on a fresh legs.

We ended our adventure with a great meal at Baliwag ERod, a cool choco vanilla with banana shake sooths our thirst from the run.

New Balance Power Race

No I did not win the Chevrolette nor win any place in the race that I joined but for sure I win another mileage of running on the road.

One of the rare races that has a 25 kilometer category, but I already tried it before. The only difference now is that I run the entire race under the rain. This is one of the long race that  I am sooooo wet. Even as early as when my alarm rings, I already feel of not leaving my bed especially on this kind of weather. One thing about early races, I really have to drag myself out of the bed, the reason most of my practice runs I do it only after work, in the evening not early in the morning.

Just like last night, I decided to just bring my shoes and put it on few minutes before the race, hoping the rain will stop and that I will have a dry socks and shoes. But it did not happen, it even rain harder. At this time, I decided to use my trail running shoes, my road running shoes is still wet from last night's run. So having a wet socks and shoes even before the race started I struggle the 25 kilometer distance hoping that I won't experience cramps. I feel it on my right thigh down to the sole that it's getting tighter as I run as I am  going the 19 kilometer distance. Probably its because of the wet sock.

With tha, t my last 5 kilometer is just a slow pace for I am so afraid I might not be able to finish the race because of cramps. I finish it. My time,  3 hours 10 minutes and 21 seconds.

Energizer Night Race 2011

My second night run, and I am beginning to like it.

After last week's 15K Adobo Run After Dark, I run again tonight's Energizer Night Race, just a 10K race though. But it's all fine with me. This is just  like a daily practice run for me, but there is always something on running when you are with the crowd, it gives me the enthusiam to push further therefore I slowly gain the speed that I am trying to build since I go into running. At this time though, we are running under the rain. I love running on the rain, though I hate the feeling of running on wet socks. The rain cool the humid temperature that I feel during the race.

The course merges with the other race category making some of the route congested and sometimes I am  bumped by other runners. While running we are required to wear the energizer headlamp that is part of the race kit, which is good, some part of the route is dark and bumpy and slippery.

It's a short distance though but a good warm up to my next race few hours from now, a 25K Power Run by New Balance and Chevrolette. I hope I will win the car.

The Wildest Dream Film Showing with SMC

As I keep on mentioning to my climbing buddies in Smart about the film 'The Wildest Dream' the club decided to have a group film showing in one of their corporate board room. I lend them the cd that I bought through Amozon. 

I always have fun times with the group, despite  watching this film for the third time it never bore me. It still gives me excitement and shivering thoughts of what the reality is up there where no human can function to its fullest due to the altitude. 

The film also reminds me that we are just a minute object in this colossal place called universe especially on the highest mountain of the world. But at the same time the film also inspires me to keep on dreaming, and it gives me the chance to dream even by just being at EBC.  

'Say It In Spanish' Pocket Size Phrase Book

Just to satisfy my  little anxiety and worry if I'll be able to communicate and convey my message across when I travel to Argentina especially on those times that I will be alone, I decided to drop by Power Books and get a pocket sized Spanish phrase book, Say It In Spanish.

As I go through the different Spanish dictionaries and phrase books, to my mind I was thinking, I will get one to the hope that this booklet will help me remember my little Spanish that I learn in college decades ago. And given the remaining three weeks left for me to go through the booklet, I just hope this will give me the courage to communicate in Spanish correctly.

I can now feel butterfly in my stomach.

Baguio Yellow Trail Recovery Run

We just can't get enough.

After the 30 kilometer 10 hour trail run the day before, the group decided to do another trail run on the slopes of Camp John Hay, the Yellow Trail that most of the previous trail runs used. We call this another recovery run from the yesterday's run. Funny, it's a never ending recovery run for all of us. At this time we are with Alex, Alfred and Manong Toots. It's a relax pace of uphill down hill on a combination of trail and road, at some point we reach the top most part of the place overlooking the airport, along the ridge and down again to the trail and road.

At this time I am at the tail end, I just let them do their pace and not minding that much if I ma left behind. I don't want to push myself that much especially o nthe uphill part. I feel like I have to much running already. The group also have compression at some point making able for me to catch up with hem.

After almost two hours of running we are able to run a distance of almost 6 kilometers with an uphill elevation. We finish the run back to the Filling Station where the car is parked and proceed to a buffet lunch. We deserve a good meal after a good run.