Race Log Of My Life Beginning YR2012

January 22, 2012

Subic International Marathon

Full Marathon (42K)

5 hours 20 minutes 20 seconds

My very first race for the year 2012

my very 3rd full marathon
since February 2011

 

 February 5, 2011
Condura Skyway Marathon 2012
second race for the year 2012
4th Full Marathon
Time: 5:16:24

February 12, 2012

Discovery Channel's Vertical Run 2012

my 3rd race for the year

my 3rd vertical race ever 

10k run and 19 floor stair climbing 

Time: 1:15:57

Vibram HK100 2012, Hongkong

February 18 and 19, 2012
Vibram HK100 Ultra Trail Running Race
My 4th race for the year 2012
My second 100 kilometer run
Time: 24 hours and 45 minutes

February 26, 2012
1st Vinta Ultramarathon 50K
My fifth race for the Year 2012
Zamboanga City, Philippines 
My first road ultramarathon 
My second 50K run
My fourth ultramarathon (3 trail, 1 road)
Time: 8hours and 35 minutes

 March 4, 2012
Run United1 2012 (RU1)
My 6th Race for the year 2012
My tapering for another ultra race next weekend
Distance: 21K Run
Time: 2:36:30

March 10, 2012
1st All - Women Ultra Marathon (50K)
Cebu, Philippines
My 7th race for the year 2012
My second road ultra marathon
My 3rd 50K race
My fifth ultramarathon
Distance: 50K 
Time: 7:13:52

March 31, 2012
Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2012
Tagaytay Highlands, Tagaytay City
My 8th race for the year 2012
My second trail run for the year
Distance: 24 kilometer
6th place Women Category
Time: 3:21: 54

April 1, 2012
MVP Olympic Fun Run 2012
Meralco Compound, Pasig City 
My 9th Race for the year 2012
5 kilometer fun run
Time: 31 minutes 

 

April 21-22, 2012

TNF100 2012

Baguio - Benguet, Philippines

My 10th Race for the year 2012

100 Kilometer distance, 5,000Meters Elevation Gain 

My 3rd 100K race

My fifth ultra marathon 

6th Overall Women's Category 

Number 51 Overall rank 

Time: 29:28:25

May 20, 2012
Bohol 50 Miler Ultra Marathon
80 Kilometer run
My 11th race for the Year 2012
My 3rd Ultra Road Run, My 1st 80K road run
My 6th Ultra Marathon
8th Overall Women's Category
Time: 13 hours and 27 minutes

 May 26-27, 2012
King of the Mountain: 4 Lakes 100K Trail Run
100 Kilometer Race
My 12th race for the Year 2012
My 4th 100 Kilometer race
My 4th Ultra Trail Run
My 7th Overall Ultra Marathon
Champion on the Women's Category
11th on the Overall 100K Category
Time: 27 hours 58 minutes

 June 2, 2012
Merrell Adventure Run 2012
21 kilometer trail run
My 13th race for the Year 2012
Time: 4 hours 8 minutes 

July 1, 2012
Valley Trail Challenge 2012
57 Kilometer Trail Run
My 14th Race for the year 2012
My first 57 kilometer trail run
My 8th Overall Ultra Race
2nd place on the Women's category
Time: 8 hours 24 minutes

July 28, 2012
La Ultra - The High 2012 3rd Edition
Shanti Stupa, Leh India
My 15th Race of the Year 2012
My 5th Full Marathon
My very first High Altitude Ultra Marathon
at 3,500MASL
The only female among the 4 full marahon runners
the last to cross the finish line
Time: 5hours 46minutes

  August 2-4, 2012
La Ultra - The High 2012 3rd Edition
222 Kilometer , 60 hour cut off
Leh-Manali Highway, Leh Ladakh, India
Crewing for Mr. Seok Kong Ng, Malaysia
My very first crew assignment
Finish Time: 42hrs 4 mins 30 secs

 

August 19, 2013

I Shall Return An Intense Ultramarathon Challenge 2012

Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines

50 Kilometer Road Race

My 15th Race for the year 2012

My 9th Overall Ultra Race

My 4th Ultra Road Race

Finished 45 Overall

Ranked 6th on the Female Category

Time: 6 hours

 

August 26, 2012
2nd Fort Magsaysay Dingalan Ultra Marathon 2012
60 kilometer Road Race
My 16th Race for the Year 2012
My 10th Ultra Overall
My fifth Road Ultra to Date
Ranked 36th Overall among the 118 runners
Ranked 4th on the Female Category
Time: 8hrs 12mins 54secs

September 15, 2012
PAU National Championships
102 kilometer Road Race, my longest distance so far
My 17th race for the year 2012
My 11th Ultra Race Over all,  6th Road Ultra
Ranked 24th over all among 46 102 km runners
Champion on the Women's Category
Time: 16 hours 29 minutes (?)

 

On My Wish List

Ariel 75, Red

I've been thinking of buying an expedition pack that would fit to my need on long trips. And at this time I am thinking of getting Osprey pack, probably Ariel 75. It is available on line, on my favorite website, it's on sale from USD278.95 to USD223.19. Something I really want to have but still expensive. I know this can wait, but really I will take one not now in the future and I know I can get it at a super sale rate, but someday.

Morning Run, Evening Walk

I run this morning, I leave home already late, 7:00 am but I manage to go for more than 2 hours of run, around 20 kilometers. It is a gloomy morning making my run easier. Had the sun come out early I should have stop earlier than that. I just proceed back home when I was already hungry. That gives me a good practice, my most needed one. I have less than a month to prepare for my first ultra race this year. 

 But my evening walk is an unexpected one. I need to bring the shirt that Tita Chitas asked me to buy for her to be send to Argentina through Tito Rey. I do not have any other day left to carry the items but today. Tito Rey is leaving the end of the month already. He gave me the address but incomplete, there is no street name. My plan, when I reach Filinvest Mall, I will just ride a taxi then just ask the guard for the street where they live. But that did not happen. I asked the guard and he told me to just take a jeep, which I did. Upon reaching Town Center, the tryc driver asked me of the street name. So that starts my waiting, I tried to get the exact name of the street, reply take longer than I expected. When I get the complete address, I take the jeepney going inside the village. To my surprise I need a gate pass in order to be allowed to get inside. I do not have that, I've been calling their landline number but no answer. I have no choice but to call Tito Rey. Only then he realized they change another landline. So there it goes, they will allow me to get inside now. But the problem is I do not have a jeep to ride to anymore. The guard told me to just walk, turn left, then turn left, it will only be a short walk. But it turn out it's not. It's already dark on streets with no houses. But it's okey with me, to my mind this will be my evening exercise and besides seeing the big beautiful houses inspires me to aim for big, to dream. I wish I am on my running shoes though. My walk take longer than I thought and I become conscious of the streets that I pass by. Upon reaching the house number, their boy is already waiting outside. I just give the package and leave.

Going back is now faster for I already know which turn to take. But I need to go back to the guard asking what should I do before leaving the village. I need to log, and they need to call to confirm that I come from that address. A bit hassle but it's ok. And I walk going out up to the main street. That was a long walk but I do not mind, it's part of my training.

Alpine Climbing - What Should I Do Right the Next Time

After my attempt to summit Mt. Aconcagua last December 2011, I have been thinking what should I improve when given the chance to do alpine climbing again someday. Doing Aconcagua is not my very first high altitude climb, nor not my first winter or cold climbing. I have done several in the past but not as challenging as this one. This is the highest that I've done when it comes to altitude and the coldest because of the strong gusty winds that we encounter on the trail and on the campsite.

On this climb I believe I did my best to prepare on the best of my ability, mentally, physically, emotionally, in terms of my gears and other equipment needed for the expedition. I do countless research for me to have an idea what situations other climbers in the past encountered and anticipate what might happen on my trip. But not unless one is on the actual situation, one will really never know if what you prepared for is really enough, more than enough or not enough. And I want to  assess myself how I do, what went wrong and what should I do and improve the next time I will climb on the same kind of terrain.

On the Food

On long expeditions like this,  I guess nutrition to sustain ones energy and strength especially on the summit bid and up to the end of the trail is very important. I really do not know if it's only me who feel that.  I feel I do not have enough nutrients with the food that I am eating while up in the mountain. With that, on the next long expedition like this,  lesson learned, I should insist of having the list of menu months before the actual expedition. Why is that? That way I can think of a strategy on how I can get a proper nutrition while on an expedition. On the last expedition that I had, I should have done either of the two things; 1) for more than a month prior to the expedition, I should have practiced a rice less diet with more on cookies and biscuits and pasta while on my training. That way I guess my body will adopt to such kind of nutrition while exerting so much energy on the actual climb. or 2) plan the menu in such a way that it will support the existing menu of the outfitter and probably add/bring some food in order to have the nutrients that I needed in the mountain. Rice, not on each meal but most likely on an alternate meal, but I should also bring an MSR stove that has a moderate control in order to cook for rice, worst scenario in an absence of rice, I should have brought an oatmeal, not the instant one. And aside from rice, I should bring other rich protein food to balance with the carbo that the outfitter is bringing. 

Osprey Women's Ariel 75

On Expedition Pack

I use a TNF Creston 65 as my pack. I know from the start this is not an expedition pack but I thought I cannot afford anymore to buy a new one just for this expedition. I will just make use of what I have for this trip to save expenses. True enough when I was there I feel my pack has just no enough space for my gear though not all the time as well. For there are days I have to avail the porter's services so my pack is not that full. But really I find it difficult to fit all of my things on it. With that I've been thinking I should invest on a good pack, spacious enough to carry all my things on long expeditions and I've been thinking this kind of pack. I heard so much good review about osprey and I feel it fits to my need in future long expeditions.  

On Double Plastic Boots

I got a Scrapa Inverno size 7.5. It turn out it is still  an inch bigger on my feet. Despite my two socks on (one thin and one thick) it still has space on my feet which making it difficult to walk on uneven terrain for at times it seems like  the interior shoe will just slide out. Leo was right in telling us that this should fit well into our feet otherwise it will be very difficult to use. Next time, I thought of getting a size 7.00 koflac shoes. Looking at some climbers while on the trail during the expedition, this kind of plastic boots looks less bulky than that of the Scarpa Inverno. 

On Gaiters
I brought a water proof dueter gaiter, the one that Ive been using for several years on a high altitude cold trekking. But it turned out with the kind of shoes that I have and the pants, the one that I have is much smaller. It was always a struggle for me to put on my gaiters before I can have it fit to my shoes. I should get a bigger size, the one that should cover the shoe lace portion of the double plastic boots. Gaiter is very essential especially on a deep snow to protect the snow from getting into the shoes, minimizing the moisture that get into the socks.

On the use of Crampons
I know it is impossible to practice using crampons on an actual snow where I come from, there is no snow at all. But in high altitude climbing, we will not be walking in all snow with crampons and on double boots on. There are areas that it's just the scree and the rocks. I thought of practicing using this gears on an actual mountain here with a heavy load. Maculot is the mountain I thought should have been a good mountain to practice on, with a heavy load pack as well.

A Good Summit Gloves and Liner
Keeping my extremities dry and warm especially on the summit assault is very essential. I feel like the one that I have on that day is not sufficient to keep me warm. Making my both thumbs really very cold even when I keep on moving. I should get a real expedition gloves that would be warm and that which will protect my hands from the cold and the wind.

Summit Layering
I feel so cold on my summit day. I should have put an addition layer of inner clothes to keep me warm while struggling the cold gusty wind when the sun is still not out. It's a very big factor when you are warm enough on a tough times of fighting the cold wind and the altitude.

More Exposure on High Altitude Snow Mountain Peaks
On this expedition, I feel like I tried every physical activity in order for me to be physically prepared. I am up in the mountain  almost every single weekend for the past 10 months just to prepare myself physically prior to the expedition. I joined every possible race to build endurance and mental toughness. I even join a climbathon race, a high altitude run  at  Mt. Kinabalu doing the 4,092 summit twice.  But still on the actual climb I still feel short of strength to finish the climb. I am thinking what else should I do? To be exposed to the actual snow terrain with heavy load and with gears on I think is the best way for me to conquer such difficulty. I know it will be expensive but I guess that's the way for me to get the experience.

Team Dynamics
I wish the next time I do expedition like this,  I can convince a crazy female like me to join the expedition. I think I would be very lucky to find one, I am not saying there are just very few crazy minded female who will venture on the same trip that I am doing, but really it's very rare to get one. And others may wonder why, will I still wish to convince another female to join me,  that is because female still has a different strength than men. I acknowledge that men are still stronger and faster than female, they have an advantage to female in terms of body build and mechanics. With that, having to do a long expedition such as that of Aconcagua, it's always best to have somebody of my same sex, that way I will have someone on the same pace and same strength.

Unguided Climb to AC on the next expedition?
I am not really sure if I am going to do this if  ever I will climb again this mountain, without a guide. I am still not solve to the idea. I  cannot imagine how one will do it without an outfitter's services. For me getting an outfitter is not just having somebody to guide the clients where the right trail is. I mean, with the trail that we did, one will never be lost, there is not much trail to follow except the one that leads to the next campsite. I think there are pros and cons of doing any of the option and I think it should be something that should be taken into consideration. The advantages of not getting an outfitter: it is going to  be cheaper for sure. We can maximize the number of days stated on the permit (20 days), we can stop and do the rest if we want to and proceed to the higher camps when we feel like our body has already acclimatize to the altitude and we have recovered and enough strength to move to the next camp. Something that we feel we lack the last climb we had.   We can plan our own menu and have the meal that we want to rather than eating the food provided by the  outfitter which we feel is not nutritious enough to sustain our energy up to the last day. The disadvantage of course are as follows: we have to arrange everything, on getting a place in  Mendoza, I know it is easy to arrange, the hostel to stay, on acquiring a climb permit. But on the part of arranging transportation from Mendoza to Penitentes, and back to Mendoza after the climb,  the arrangement of the hostel in Ayelen. I cannot imagine having to carry my own big pack from the entrance of the park up to Plaza Argentina, and all the more to the higher camps. Where are we going to get the 4-season tent, well, I think we can rent this, but how about the cook set and stove. And who will carry it and the food load? I cannot imagine putting additional load to what I  carried on our previous climb. One option could be get a group porter and budget a designated one personal porter. Can we use the services of the mules? of Daniel Lopez at Plaza Argentina or that of Aconcagua tent at Plaza de Mulas? Who will give a call if in the event weather condition at the summit bid would be too bad? or worst if something will happen that needs immediate decision. Who will assist climber like me? Really, those are the questions that we have to put into consideration. Are we really ready to go for an unguided climb on a big mountain such as that of Aconcagua.? That I have to put much thinking.

And still more lots of prayers and positive attitude towards the climb I guess.

 

A Good Read

Survivors: Mountain Accidents

I keep a copy of this link, I feel it is essential for person like me who go beyond the limits of my body and the normal pace of most people to at least know how other people survive worst situations up in the mountain.

I feel it's a must read not just for me but for others as well.

Subic International Marathon 2012

My very first race for the year 2012, and unbelievably I finish the race in 5:20:20. My PR of the 3 marathons that I've done almost a year ago.

As I said before, I really do not have concrete outdoor adventure plans for 2012 except the two that had been planned even before the year 2011 ends,  HK100 which I already made arrangements even before I leave for my major expedition last year and Mt. Fuji Skyrace. When I return from my trip, I know I have to practice for my ultra race, but really I find it difficult to go back to the road or trail. I force myself to do few runs but  I know it will not be enough. One  move that I do, once again, is sign up myself again to a full marathon, sounds crazy with very less training runs weeks prior to this race, but I think I have to do it to force myself to train. I haven't been able to join this race anyway, so I might as well enjoy it.

I've been to Subic and live the place more than a decade ago, and I always love here, the tall big trees, the green surroundings, the sound of the birds like bats and hawks around, the view of the sea by the bay. True enough this my best highlight of the race.

The race started few minutes past 4:30am, there were only few full marathon runners. I said I will just take it slowly, this will be my LSD (long slow distance run). So I just really take it easy. We start from Remy Field along the stretch of the road that leads to the airport, still with buildings and structures. Until the road leads to the forest. It's still dark but I can see tall big trees, I can hear the sound of the bats going back to their trees as the dusk almost break. The road is an uphill downhill terrain, a not so friendly to a full marathon road running but I love it, I just think this is a good training for our ultra marathon.   As the sun is out and sunny, I am still on the forested part, I am running with so much joy, I just love the beautiful green view all around me, as far as my eyes can see. And I savor the fresh air, something I do not experience running in the city.

The last 6 kilometer stretch is going back to where we started and it already has buildings and structures but I don't mind, I am almost there. I cross the finish line with joy seeing my friends smiling and cheering for me. Next training, trail run next weekend.

Food Consumed on this race:
sip water in each water station
1 pack of Gu Chumps
1 pack of Gu Energy gel
5 pcs of Argentinian Chewy Candy
5 slices of banana
lots of cookies serve in two stations

Mt. Aconcagua Climb - My MUST HAVE on the Expedition

On the entire expedition, I have few items that I can say I am glad I have, it has been very very useful. Some of it are already on my  gear  and equipment list, I just want to reiterate it's usefulness on the climb.

1. Pee Bottle (1 Liter Nalgene Bottle)

At first I thought of trying my best not to use it for I can't imagine how on earth will I use it, besides, my friend P.S. who climb the same mountain last year said she did not use it at all. She brave the cold night of doing the pee outside. On lower camps 1 and 2, I managed to hold my bladder until the morning but from base camp (even if our tent is the nearest to the latrine)  up to the last camp,  I use this item every single night, more than twice each night. The challenge when you are on 2 or 3 layers of pants is having to squat on the vestibule of the tent on a freezing temperature with one hand holding the bottle making sure that my pee will shoot to the mouth of it while the other hand is holding onto something to make sure that I will not be off balance with my position. It helps to practice using this before leaving for the expedition, in my case I did not.

2. Band Aid/ Leukoplast Tape/ Athletic Tape 

When up on the mountain on a high altitude for several days already, I always have this tendency of having my hands a minor swelling. The skin around my nails become sensitive and every time it bumps into any sharp object it bleeds. Band- aid is very essential to make the bleeding stop and to make sure that it won't be exposed to infection. I use leukoplast and athletic tape when I can feel that blister is almost starting on some parts of my feet due to long trek. 

3. Mirror/Comb/Cotton Balls/Baby Oil 

Since I do not get a chance to take a bath and wash my hair (actually on the 3rd day at Plaza Argentina, there is a hot shower but it cost 25USD) for so long,  14 days to be exact,  my every day beauty routine after saying my daily prayer every morning, it's automatic to get my mirror,  check if there is a swell on my right cheek, then get cotton balls with baby oil and rub it on my scalp. With no bath this is the only way that I get rid of dandruff on the expedition. 

4. Moisturizing Antibacterial Wipes (2 small size pack and 1 medium pack - one pack left after my expedition) 

The only way for me to feel fresh every after a  dusty trek at the lower camps and a long exhausting trek on the higher camps  and each morning before going out of the tent is the wet ones.  This is also very very essential in keeping my hygiene clean despite my no taking a bath at all on the entire expedition. 

5. Panty Liner (enough for the number of days up in the mountain) 

For us ladies, it's a must to change underwear everyday but I did not do it. Thanks to the invention of panty liners, I do not have to bring so much number of underwear but rather I maintain my hygiene by changing panty liners every after a trek and every morning. 

6. Tissue Paper (I brought 2 rolls but I asked for one more on the last high camp)

I always have colds even when I am at home. All the more I have it when I am on the extreme cold environment. On this expedition, I keep one roll  of tissue on a ziplock on the side pocket of my tent especially at night. When I feel that my nose is already congested I know where exactly to get a tissue paper, and also when I feel I need to pee, I can grab it easily even when it's dark. 

7. Nasal Decongestant Drops (Drixine) and Vicsvaporob

I am so much insecure with my colds on the climb, being a person who always have colds even on a normal day. So I bring nasal decongestant and use it in all the campsites before I go to sleep, that way it helps clear my nostrils. 

8. Decolgen/Claritin/Phenylephrine

Aside from my many medicine pills like biogesic, alaxan, diatabs, even diamox, this three pills that I ready and easily accessible every night on the campsite. It helps decongest my nasal as well.

9. Buff 

I brought 3 pieces up in the mountain and I lost all of it when I go down, sad. I use this while trekking not just to cover the lower part of my face (from my nose up to my neck) from the cold blow of the wind but when my nose will just be runny I just blow it here. Sounds disgusting but when you are struggling yourself to move up with heavy load and managing your big double plastic boots, I just do not have the time to get tissue paper on my back pack or from the pocket of my  trekking pants anymore. It works for me, but I know it does not sound good, Lito even noticed it and offered me his small pack of tissue paper.

10. Blistix (Medicated Lip Ointment)

I got this from the US when I to visit my sister last May, 2011. I thank God I brought one. Aside from the lip balm, I use this lip ointment more than thrice a day to prevent my lips from chapping and bleeding. And it's a big help. It work for me, I do not have that much burn on my lips.

11. Facial Lotion/Body Spray 

I seldom change my long sleeves and inner layer pants every time I arrive on the campsite, so I seldom use lotion on my arms and legs. But I use facial lotion every single day, this is to prevent the skin on my face to be too dry being exposed on the sun and wind. I also make use of a body spray every single day, I still want to smell good despite not having been able to take a bath. Though as we stay longer I cannot help but already smell myself. Note: all this items are being transferred to a smaller container. 

12. Beautification Gear (Nail Cutter and Puller) 

When you are up on the mountain for several weeks, and you have nothing to do, it's best to have this two items. Your nails will definitely grow longer and it does not look good especially if it's dusty, the color of your nails is not also good, and in my case I sometimes use my hands while trekking on a difficult part. So with that, some particles are inside my nails. It's good to cut your nails, but one good tip that others should remember and should not do, do not cut it too short. Promise  you will thank me on this one. In my case, since I do not know as well, I cut it short enough  up to the skin near the nails. And as my hands swell a little, it's just very painful every time the skin near the nails touches sharp object. I regret that I cut it too short. The puller on the other hand I use it when I have nothing to do by plucking my eyebrows. 

13. Notebook and Pen/Pencil (just a small thin one)
These are items not really essential on the climb itself, in fact these things that one can do away with especially on the higher camps. But on my case, I am glad I have it all the time. In each campsite, I made it my daily mantra to write what I feel during the day and I am glad I did it, it keeps a record of what I've been through each day. And these also serve as my note pad every time I think of asking email address from my acquaintances on the trail and and campsite.

14. Rosary Bid and Novena Guide
Another non-essential especially on the mountaineering, but I am glad I bring one. It becomes my daily routine to say the rosary every morning after bed before doing anything. I just feel confident  knowing that He will always be with me on this adventure.

15. Compression Sack
This has been very useful every time we move to higher camps. It is where I put all my not do big gears that I need to give to be carried for each move. I just compress all my things here. That way it's more compact and less bulky.

16. Puritabs
This is not available in the Philippines, I get mine in Singapore. Not highly needed though for my stomach is not so sensitive with where the water is coming from but when you are on a very long expedition, the very last thing that you want to happen is to have an upset stomach. It would all the more  be a very challenging one to stop at the middle  of a slope because you need to poo.  With this  I just want to make sure what I am drinking is safe. So on the water that we drink every day I put every single liter with this before putting either juice or tea just to have a different taste on the water. And mind you, we are required to drink at least 5 liters of water every single day. A big challenge.

17. Juice Powder/Tea/Chocolate
When you are required to drink at least 5 liters of water every day and when you are in high camps with melted snow as the only source of water, it's best to have an alternate of these items. It gives flavor to fluid that one needs to drink each day. In my case it has been an option of chamomile, peppermint, ginger tea or juice. Thanks to Lito and Cesar they have this ready.

18. Pei Pa Koa (for cough, sore throat, horseness or loss of voice)
I keep few  pieces on my trekking pants and outer shell every single day on my trek and also on the pocket on my tent every single day. Even if I do not have sore throat, I thought of preventing me from having one by having this on the trail. It also gives me additional sugar when I cannot bring out any trail food while on the trek. And on the campsite, I have this as alternate something to my trail food.

19. Sanitary Napkin
Because the expedition will take so long, in my case, I already expect that I will have it while on expedition, on our 3rd day at base camp to be exact. Being a woman on expeditions like, one has to anticipate it already. Hassle, not easy, very challenging but I just have to deal with it. Though Heidi told me, it wont be that strong or I'd be lucky if it will stop, in my case it did not stop but it was not as strong as I have it at low land.

20. Skyflakes Tsokolate, Boy Bawang, Happy Peanuts and Kraft Eden Cheese sachet
If you are on a guided expedition, for sure you will be provided with a trail food every single day. But it's also good to bring your own favorite food. After eating a not so familiar taste for so many days, it's a good reward to eat what is familiar to my taste buds. In my case this are my reward to myslef. I also alternate the cheese and skyflakes as my midnight or early morning snacks, when it's so cold and I feel hungry and the breakfast food is not yet ready. I thank God I brought something with me.

My Aconcagua Gear List 
List of Gear from Outfitter 
On Being a Woman on Aconcagua

Kilian Jornet - Slow Motion

An inspiration, I wish I can do just a nth of how Kilian is doing on the trail. Seeing him in action is such a big privilege. A humble and down to earth man despite all his achievements.

I am Glad I Push for Sembrano

An event by the  Nomads group had been planned and announced but because I already made an earleir commitment to attend the baptism of my friend's child, I did not think of going anymore.  Though I know my presence on the activity would matters a lot. But when I talk to the founding member and he convince me to be there, I decided to let go of my other plans. I just can not say no to him.  I will just stay for the night then go down early on the morning. That was the plan.

Come Friday, I have work unfinished, I tried bringing it home. Still I did not see myself finishing it despite my late night work. Just when I was about to text the organizer that I cannot join anymore, my friend Janelle talk to me of going  to the event in the evening. We will do night trek, I will join her friend who will bring a car while she will ride a bike on the way to Malaya, then at around 9:00pm we will do the trek. But when her friend cannot make it, I decided to commute. No problem with me. I left home a bit late, arrived Malaya already late, 8:00pm. Waited for Janelle, she is just few kilometers away.

It's already dark, but we need to eat before we head for the camp. We take our sweet time updating each other while eating, until we really need to start our trek, it's already late, 10:30pm. Chief Andy got concerned when he learned it will only be the two of us but we assured him, we know the trail. The trek becomes a continuation of our endless conversation. It's dark, it drizzles, at some areas we are welcome by the bark of dogs. We just continue walking at times we need to decide which trail to take.After almost two hours thinking why we still did not hear noise of the suppose campsite a light from the torch surprised us, saying we are on the wrong trail. We did not believe him at first but after few exchange of conversation we are really not on the right trail.

I was a bit concern, we do not know him, he is bringing a long bolo. He offered himself to bring us to the campsite but he said it's already far. After a while of exchanging conversation, he know some of our hiker friends. I am convinced he is a good man. At times he has to hack and open trail, cut bushes and branches just to get a short cut to the campsite. After more than an hour we managed to reached the campsite. A big thanks to Kuya Sam.

We arrive the campsite with several tents set up. We look for our companion. There were only 4 of them still awake. I do not know them all. Sir Romy and 4 others are inside the tent. We join their socials, they continue the drinking session while I eat and drink juice while updating things with the group.

We stayed late, up to 4:00am just before the rain pour. I thank Jaybee for making his tent available for us but I thank myself I decided to join this activity. It's worth the hassle when I know I am with the group that understand what I am doing at the same time I understand what they are doing. The time spend together. is just precious. I cannot forget when Sir Romy told me, when he read about my message to him regarding my climb in Aconcagua and that I decided to go down. I was so touched with his message and I almost cried. At least I know someone like him affirm my decision at that very moment. I am truly glad I decided to leave the city and take a short breather on this busy weekend.

Jimmy Chin at Titon

Beautiful video of Jimmy's adventure in Teton. I just want to have a copy of it.

http://espn.go.com/action/snowboarding/story/_/id/7451880/further-uplugged-jeremy-jones-xavier-de-le-rue-jimmy-chin

That Was a Good Run

With one week more to go for my 42K run and 4 weeks to go for my 100K run I cramp on dragging myself on hitting back to the road. I know I needed it, otherwise I will suffer the consequence of not training on the event itself. But after my climb I really find it hard to go back. I had several runs but it was just short and very seldom. Just tonight I managed to go back, just a short 11K run but I am glad I did it again. I hope to do it every night on the following weeks.

"Something Worth Suffering For"

Beautiful Plaza Argentina - photo taken by Mondy

Doing Aconcagua is not an easy one, in fact reading and transferring what I wrote on my journal to this blog until now made me realize that  I write so much about the challenges and difficulties that I encountered up in the mountain rather than the joy, happiness  and excitement that I had on each day that we are up there.

But now that I am back in the city, I can't remember so much how I suffer anymore, all I remember are the beautiful and magnificent place that I've been to, the great and priceless experience that I had with the mountain and the people that I was with on the expedition, the people that I meet along the way that leave mark in my heart for the rest of my life.

Most of the women of my age had already gone to the next level in life, getting married and raring children. I call that next level for it's a different stage in life, I call it higher level of life. I have that dream as well, but since it did not happen, I said I'll enjoy what life can offer to me to the fullest. But what I choose to enjoy is not the usual thing, not the ordinary thing that most people of my age do. Not so many women of my age will do what I am doing now. I myself sometimes asked myself too, why do I choose to do the hard thing to do, the extreme physical thing.

Picture taken by Mondy

It excites me, it gives me life, it awakens every blood that circulates my body. When I am up in the mountain or with nature I feel very at peace, I feel like I am talking to God face to face.  I really value the time that I get to spend in this wild places. I feel like it is important to my soul, the reason why I go out and be with nature. My recent experience thought me this. When your in this place that it's even difficult to put on your trekking shoes, your crampons or even your gloves,  it's difficult to get a good position to sleep or it's a challenge to do the bathroom routine for there is no rest room at all, or it's just too difficult and challenging to move one step higher, it's  just very easy not to have fun and just give up and not to endure. But it is in these moments that  I appreciate everything as well. I myself is amazed with the  endurance and fortitude that I have to overcome  all those challenges, and above all have the time to appreciate the beauty of the mountain and have fun despite all. I owe it all to God.

Ever Dream of a 17,500-mile Bike Ride? Meet an REI Employee Who Lived It

(Note: Just wanted to keep a copy of this wild adventure, i know I won't be able to do it but it's inspiring.)

Dream On.

Ever Dream of a 17,500-mile Bike Ride? Meet an REI Employee Who Lived It: Ever Dream of a 17,500-mile Bike Ride? Meet an REI Employee Who Lived It | REI Blog: Weblog for an active community of people who love the outdoors

PSA's Bakun Trio Adventure

I love the mountains in Bakun Trio, the pine trees are just really beautiful. My friends did it as part of their training run in preparation for the big run this coming February. Unfortunately I was not able to join them, I just arrive from my expedition and I need to fix things in the office, I just cannot be with them. I want to keep a copy of what they've done. Nice run guys.

Priceless Moments

On my trip to Argentina especially on the climb to Aconcagua, there are moments that I can say it will forever leave a mark on my heart.

Dinner with the Areros (Muleteers)

I am privileged and lucky I am one of those climbers who are able to mingle with them aside from the fact that their food really taste so good. The Asado is just really juicy and tasty. I only got a chance to taste the beef but I can say it was really the best.

Lunch on the trail

One particular lunch that I cannot forget is on our second day of trek when we just sit down on the side of the dry river bed of the Vacas River to eat lunch. The view is just great seeing line of other climbers from a far with the mountain range on the background.

Conversations

Little conversations with Cesar every time I am right behind him on the trail but one particular moment that will be forever remembered is on our approach to Plaza Argentina, when I was on the mid between Zean, Lito and Tito in front and Mondy and Cesar way behind, Cesar finally asked me to just join them rather than trekking alone. So the three of us walking, Mondy on the last, we just talk about lots of things, about his adventure, about my adventure until I got hungry and needs to eat and they go ahead of the campsite.

Another moment that makes me smile every time I remember it is when I am right behind Lito and I will start asking him questions about his adventures in life.When I will start to crack jokes of him when we are resting on our way to the higher camps or at the campsite. One particular moment was on our way to the exit of the park, when he told me to do this climb again, and there I opened up to him about my life as well. Another moment was when we are about to end the trek, few meters away from the gate, when he asked me how come I do not use an i-pod or mp3 player, for it's useful on long treks like this.

Snow at Plaza Argentina

It's summer they said, that's why it's climbing season once again in Aconcagua. But summer as it is but not on the higher camps of Aconcagua. When we arrive Plaza Argentina, our base camp on the traverse route, it snowed at first slow fall until it covers the entire campsite up into the mountain ranges of this plain. Beautiful site to look at, an early white christmas for us but it's cold. Making it challenging to move, to go to the latrine, to go to the mess hall, to empty my pee bottle, etc.

At the Tent on the Higher Camp with Zean

When we are not on the trail especially on the higher camps, myself and Zean will just stay inside our tent until we will be called to acclimatize or for dinner.  It's very cold outside that we even let go of watching the beautiful sunset at Guanacos because we prefer to just be inside the tent. Our tent is the warmest place to stay on the higher camps. One time on our conversation, I said, who could have thought that one day I will be staying on a 4 season summit series TNF tent for a long expedition. This is only done by my TNF idol athletes like Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, Rennan Ozturk, etc. And I only see this on their expedition video. Indeed, this is a dream come true for me. And he agreed to that.

At the end of trail

After almost 8 hours of trek, we are finally about to end the expedition. Emmanuel, Zean and Cesar with other climbers are already waiting for us at the car and we can see them from afar. I am with Lito walking fast, can't wait to finally take off our packs from our back and relax a bit. But despite our being on the lower elevation now, the wind is still blowing. As we are walking now on paved road and about to reach the car  with the wind blowing, I spread my arms and feel my entire body flowing to the blowing of the air. Lito turn to me and said, what are you doing? I told him, come on, do the same, it feels great. Truly it feels great just flowing through the air, I can feel the energy coming into my body. Indeed, that was priceless.