Action Moment - TNF100 Baguio Benguet 2012

When I am on a race and so intense with what I am doing, there are moments that my mind just wish a camera somewhere is hidden to be able to capture the moment, be it  a running form that I just did, or capture my facial expression of  happiness or frustration or just a simple joy,  in such a way that it will create a story of how things are on the actual race .

Of the pictures taken from others of  this race, I have my few favorites, I thank those who take the time to capture the moment, the few precious pictures that I will forever cherish on this race.

Thanks Doni for this picture.

 I am not a roady person, running on a road is always a challenge for me. This race is no exception, even if this is a trail run, we still have to tackle the road portion of the course. What made it more challenging for me is the rough road with so  many gravel to deal with, if it hits my toes it's just really painful. And what is more challenging to that is when it is an uphill rough road. This is on our way to AS3, I am catching my breath after an uphill rough road, the group decided to  take few minutes of rest, thank God that give me sometime to recover.

Thank you Nix for this picture.

On this race, I really do not know why but I tend to hoard food, I eat at the aid stations and tend to carry extra on my both hands despite my carrying of trekking pole. In fact I wish I used a different bib holder, the one with elastic laces that I can hang food, but I did not. At AS4, in my wish to carry more food with me, one hand I bring the sweet potato, and I tried to tie the fresh banana on my hydration pack hoping that I will still have it when I needed it on the sharp descend of  Ligay Road to Camp 1. I did not notice, I loose it even half way of the run. Such strategy did not work.

Thank you Rax Cha for this picture.

 My fierce look, they said it's scary but looking at this picture while writing this blog, all I remember is how hot the several hours that I went through on that trail. For me that was the most brutal of all, and that is because of the blistering heat of the sun that reach almost 40 degrees celcuis. All I wanted when I reach at AS5 is really to pour water on my face and head. I feel like all those part of my skin exposed to the sun is burned. My reddish face tell it so.

Thanks Rax Cha for this picture

On this race, we cross several hanging bridge. I always feel challenged and not safe every time I cross one especially when I have load on my back or when on a running mode sharing the bridge with other runners. On this particular race I cross this bridge and the several bridge there after, but as seen here I just take my time to cross it, make sure I hold the wires on the side to make sure of my safety.

Thanks Ati Pie for this picture.

No enough words can explain how happy I am almost crossing to the finish line. I was just smiling and what an amazing feeling seeing friends and other runners cheering for me to cross the finish line.

Thanks Rica for this picture.

After several minutes of crossing the finish line, I am still stinky, hungry, thirsty and tired, I notice Edu and Iker coming to the ROX ground. I cannot let them pass without giving a hi hello to them, which I did and I am happy I did. At least Iker confirmed through our conversation that trail was one of the most difficult  100 trail run he ever did. I did not even notice their facial expressions as I was busy conversing with them. I thank God my social skills come back after the race....

Another One for the Trail - Camaya Coast

I haven't got any race nor out of town trip that weekend, having the volunteer spot still open, I decided to join as volunteer of the Camaya Coast Aquathlon Challenge. This will be my very first visit to Camaya Cove, my second time to volunteer and be part of the marshal of a race. I am not used to it, I am used to be part of the action, to be one of the racer and competitor. I left home hoping that despite my being a volunteer I can still run on the trails of this place. 

Upon arrival at the port where the ferry will bring us to the cove, some of my friends are already there. I know some of the competitors but most of them are new faces to me. This is a group of athletes that I haven't been exposed to, the triathletes; the swimmers and the bikers. And it inspires me to see them on their tri-suit. I wish I can wear the same, but I know that wouldn't be that realistic at this time. 

It's a two hour ferry ride to the cove, upon arrival, we are greeted by the serene atmosphere of the place, white powdery sand, clear water,  blue skies, cool sea breeze and most of all hospitable host of the event and staff of the place. We settle at one table, get ourselves organized then proceed to the registration table and see in what little way can I be of help. It's not that busy, more hands are already at helping things out to make sure distribution of race bibs and singlets goes well, I just go around take pictures, enjoy the view and really thinking of running. I talk to my fellow marshals and ask if sweeper is needed, the trail is a two loop route with marshals on several meter intervals, a sweeper is not so much of a need.

As all the participants for the five category race both on trail run and aquathlon has been called for mass start, I just position myself at one corner making sure that I have a good view of the starting line for a good shot of the start of the race. Though I am already on my running attire and  had put on sun protection, I am still not decided if I will run. The heat of the sun is building up. But as all the athletes are released, my itchy feet cannot resist the temptation.

I decided to follow the run part of this race. It started on the beach running on the sand to road run, to the rough road, I'll just follow the last runner I thought. The distance gets longer from the rough dusty road in between the coconut trees it enters a single trail. Until it leads to a little uphill under the shade of several trees, crossing a creek, small enough one not to get wet when you can hop from one stone to the other, until it goes to the open ridge. It's sunny hot humid and dusty. The turn around leads to a downhill rough road until it goes back to the beach front.

Nice trail, it's short but it's a good taste for beginners on the trail, a little of everything. I ended just running one loop, after which I decided to witness the crossing of the participants at the finish line. It's just really inspiring to see people able to finish the race. At some point I thought I should have registered instead of just being a support....but all in all I have a great time, the run, the beach, the food, the people I am with....fun on the sun.  

TNF100 Baguio-Benguet Philippines 2012

I come at the starting line of  this race with so much excitement, finally the several months of  waiting has now come to an end, there will be no other day but this one.  But I am scared at the same time. Knowing the difficulty of the race course and knowing what I am putting myself into, I just hope my several months of physical training and preparation will be enough for me to survive this ordeal and finish the race within cut off time.

Familiar faces now slowly fill up the ground near the starting area,  the atmosphere is festive and fun, runners for 100K are slowly gathering at the starting line as the gun start is almost approaching. To ease my feeling of anxiety, I take pictures with friends, greet and wish other runners good luck, and most of all go the bathroom several times. I have my monthly woman thingy again, another challenge to deal with aside from the very challenging course of this race. The weather is not as cold as I expected it to be even at this wee hours of the day. My game plan for the race: take my steady pace, push a little harder on flats and minor ascend and descend slopes, take advantage of the daytime, be extra careful on the sketchy part so as not to injure myself, stick with other runners as the dark will come and most of all enjoy and have fun no matter how difficult things may be.

As soon as we are released to start the most awaited race, I just follow the runners in front of me where they are heading, especially on the first few kilometers on the road. As I am still warming up, I just do my slow steady pace, other runners run after me, and sometimes I over take other runners as well. Until we enter the familiar playground, the eco trail. This starts the unending trail mostly single track of this course. I just follow where the runner in front of me leads, trying to take the chance to overtake on those areas that I can, but it's just really very minimal especially that it is still  dark. I just enjoy the trail. I am closely running with my friends, sometimes am ahead of them, there are times I am at their back. As early as inside John Hay less than an hour after we are released, I am one of those who made a wrong turn. Good thing one marshal noticed us and give us direction to go down and be back to the right track. That is almost 300 meters of distance wasted. We go on running the single trail  after more than 30 minutes we pass by AS1 still dark and the table with drinks are not set up yet. Running at 8.6k still dark,  I wouldn't need any hydration yet.

As the light of the day slowly breaks the darkness of the surrounding few hours after we started,   I just continue with my run now outside John Hay. As early as here one can see that  this is going to be a hot sunny day.  I am just enjoying the view, the beautiful mountain ranges as far as my eyes can see, the cool breeze, the smell of the pine trees. The single track trail leads to a rough graveled road which leads to AS2, the 19th kilometer mark of this course. As early as this station, the marshals already told me that I rank 6th among the female contingents. Being lost on the first few kilometers inside John Hay, I lost track of my female friends Jules and Rash, I wish they were among the 5 who run ahead of me. My friends I am with on most part of the trail are already waiting for me at the station enjoying the cold water. I decided to just hydrate and continue on with my adventure. Even if I leave the station ahead of my friends they still catch up with me at some point. I am just not performing well on the road, so I decided not to waste my time. After one rest stop with them towards an uphill rough road, there and then I decided I should go on. I ask one of  them to help me pull out my pair of trekking stick, this has become my third and fourth leg  from then on until the end of the race. We run together on the road until we are lead on the trail again, under the shade of the pine forest at first a rolling flatland until it leads to an ascend. This marks the  start of the many challenging ascends of the course, our very first approach to the first major peak of this course, Mt. Kotkot, the very first steep ascend of the many ascends that we will make on this course. While my friends stop at the flatland after an ascend, I decided to just go on without taking any rest. Together with my effort of pushing myself on the uphill part is my conscious effort to hydrate and nourish myself too. Even on eating some power bars, I still continue with my trek and making a faster stride on downhill parts.

Finally the trail leads to a road that leads to AS3, the 30.3km mark of this race. It's 8:18 in the morning, I've been on the trail for 5 hours now only covering 30 kilometers.  I asked for a cold water, refill my hydration bladder while eating fresh banana, steam sweet potato and hydrating as well. I can hear other supporters offering sandwhich to other runners, I can't help but wish I hope they offer the same to me but anyway I just make use of the banana and sweet potato that is available at the station. Bringing extra banana and sweet potato as my reserve food I left without even resting my legs. As I continue on another group of supporters few steps near the station offered some food and a pack of assorted mix nuts and candies. I drop by to look what they have, I decided to grab the hard boiled egg,  deeped in salt,  I swallow the whole egg, I wish to carry the pack of mix trail food but I do not have space anymore, my two hands still holding the banana and sweet potato while I am still holding my trekking sticks. The ladies just laugh at me when I said I wish I have two more hands to carry more food with me. As I made a turn on the road, the scene looks familiar to me, this now is the place I started my recon few weeks ago, I am now at Sitio Batuang on my approach to Ampucao.

Thank yu BoyP for this picture.

I continue on, make a right turn to an uphill road that leads to an uphill trail. I feel so happy reaching this part of the trail for I always look forward reaching this far, I love this part of the course, the scenery, the mountain slope, the ridge. I know this will also start the brutal ascend to Ampucao Peak but I just deal it with so much joy. I am alone now, there are other male runners infront of me and behind me, I just continue running, now mid morning at this open slope of the trail the sun is also getting higher and brighter, it is getting hotter. My goal is to be out of this mountain ridge soon to the covered part of this course, to the forest area. It took me almost two hours on this part, the scenery is just really beautiful, I see some runners taking pictures  on the safe area, I did not bother to stop and take pictures. I just bring out my camera on the uphill approach along the ridge, at least have a souvenir of the place on actual race and continue on.

Entering the forest is so much fun for me, I just continue running like a child slowing at the descend and ascend part. I did not bother to use the rope on the two descend parts with rope, I just use my hands to balance on the ground while going down. And because the ground is loose,  the soil is powdery, my hands now is dusty which becomes sticky a my hands sweat as I continue on the trail. I was closely trekking with a Singaporean runner Chee Ming Tay. As I reach the second house with flowing water from the hose, I stop, wash my sticky hands and refresh by pouring cold water on my head. The marshal at this part happily informed me 15 more minutes to the next aid station. But ofcourse with legs starting to get sore after almost eight hours of run, that 15 minutes takes longer. The uphill trail is now exposed to the direct heat of the sun, been longing to reach the vegetable area where the next aid station is. Indeed I reach this part more than 30 minutes after, such a big relief.

Thank you Nix for this picture.

The aid station AS4 is exposed to the heat of the sun, I grab cold water, banana and sweet potato again. This marks the 42.1km of the race.  I see familiar faces, my mountaineer friends are part of the marshal and station support. Seeing familiar faces and hearing their words of encourangements while on the midst of the race is just very inspiring. I grab extra food and carry with me. This is going to be a 12.5 kilometer road run mostly  sharp descend on direct heat of the sun up to the next aid station. It's almost mid noon now. I just follow the road, making a faster stride on the flat and descend and a brisk walk at the uphill part of the road. Reaching the store at El Dorado Cooperative at Ligay is such a big relief after several kilometers from the last aid station, it's just really very hot. And the host of the house cook food for the runners. With out hesitation, I ask for food, rice and pinikpikan (chicken in soup). I pour water on my head again, while waiting for my order. Now almost 9 hours on the trail been sweating, I also wanted to change sanitary napkin, but that will take so much of my time. I have been thinking of changing at AS5. I eat my food standing, in as much as wanted to sit down, I just cannot, otherwise the chair will be all bloody red. Other runners are there too eating including Chee Ming Tay, Zean is at the other store drinking soda, I decided to take real solid food.

After having a sip of the hot soup from pinikpikan and several spoon of rice, I continue with my adventure on this part of the road. Zean followed, we walk together, he has an upset stomach which caused him to slow down. I just continue with my run walk run walk technique, running on those parts  that I can. It's really terribly hot  on this part of the course, hitting almost 40 degrees celcius. I just thought this will already be part of my heat training for whatever desert race that I might be lucky to join someday. 'How more hot will it be there?' I thought. Most of the guys that I am trekking with on this part take refuge on the shaded area and even rest at the bench along the road, I decided not to. I know how far this part of the trail is and I know how difficult the never ending descend is so I just continue on. I can feel the blistering heat of the sun on my entire body, I just hydrate and hydrate and hydrate.  I pray to God I wont suffer from heat stroke on this temperature. Other runners who are with me  keep on asking how far it will be, what signs will there be that we are almost there. I told them if we will hear vividly the sound of  vehicles passing by and the cemented road. But that did not happen very soon. Upon reaching the curve towards the sharpest descend of the paved road, I know we are already there. I am just so happy reaching AS5 despite the heat of the sun. This is the 54.6km mark of this race, the midway and a cut off of 14 hours or 5:00pm is imposed on this station. Those who will not reach on this part by that time will be disqualified to continue the race.

Thanks Rax Cha for this picture

It's 2:00pm. I am very glad and happy seeing familiar faces of friends that are part of the marshals on this station. I look for something cold to drink. Sadly the water available at this point is not cold, the cold water, banana and sweet potato is still a bridge away. I make use of whatever is there. I went to the store to buy the coldest drink, a soda and ice candy. God, it's just really very hot that I need something cold. In as much as I wanted to sit down, I just cannot, I need to change. Janice asked me what I need,   I just want to hydrate first, I feel like this is the very first business that I should do on this station. She gave me the news that Iker Karrera is on the lead but I also receive the bad news that my friend Jules DNF at AS4, that  news made me sad. I just wish the rest of my friends will be able to make at this station on time. After having enough cold hydration and been able to pour water on my head, as my drop off bag has been handed to me, I just go directly to the rest room, time to do the second most important thing: change shirt and change sanitary napkin. What  a relief.

Thank you Rax Cha for this picture

Janice, Jho, Aris and other marshals check on me if I am doing ok. I am doing good and fine. I appreciate a lot Janice's offer some real food while the other marshals make an effort of transporting some water and food from the other side of the river in order to give us some food.  More and more runners arrive, some of them are my friends and my running mates. I eat, hydrate and soon leave. It's still hot, the sun is still high but I got to keep moving otherwise I will not have the enthusiasm to continue on. My friend Zean was so weak that he decided not to continue on the race at this part. So many bad news coming I decided to leave and start my adventure again.

Thank you Rax Cha for this picture

The next part is going to be a brutal ascend to Andolor. As I continue on, some runners are resting at the river, while some followed me, Doc and Bert are there too. I decided to stick with them,  in few more hours from now I know it will already get dark. They become my trekking buddies from then on. After the minor ascend we are lead to a single trail that is a never ending steep ascend. It really took us a while to tackle this part until we reach the road. I know we are almost at the house that offers cold drinks. We decided to take a rest buy some cold refreshments and continue on, the next station AS6 is just few meters away. At this time we know it really is just few meters away. This marks the 64.7km distance of the race, I am now more than 14 hours on the trail. It is here that I just really need to use the rest room, nature calls. I might as well do it here rather than on the bushes at night.
 

And it is a big relief after that, now I have to add water on my hydration pack, get banana and sweet potato despite my not so fan of it anymore, I begin to wish for another kind of food on the next station. The Baguio runners catch up with us here as well. Before we leave, the marshals tell us that the cut off to the next station is 12:00MN. We all know that it is 1:00am but instructions has been sent from the basecamp that it has been changed, though we are confident that we will reach Mt. Sto Tomas ahead of the new cut off time. We left the station complaining why change the rules at the middle of the race. When you are already tired and social skills has been depleting due to fatigue, hearing such change is not a very good news. But despite that we continue on with our headlamps already out. It will get dark very soon.

Now we tackle the long road again, what we thought  to be just a short distance from how we remember it the last time we are here, at this time the stretch on the road is just really taking us long. It is now dark and all our head lamps are already on. We have been waiting for the right turn to the rough road that leads to the single ascend trail. When it's dark and legs are already tired, that did not happen soon as well. Few kilometers before the final turn is a sub-aid station of all lady marshals offering us water and bread before we tackle the start of a long never ending ascend on the road and on the trail. Finally we see the blinker signaling us to turn right. The group of Baguio runners are already way ahead of us. I am now with seven other runners and being the only female of the group I make sure I will be at the front part of the group. As it is already really dark and we are leading to a rough road each one of us now has to be conscious of the trail signs so that we not make a wrong turn. Doc take the lead while I follow him making sure that we see the signs to the right trail. After  the rough road ascend is now the first part of the 4 ascend segment of this stretch of the mountain slope. It was just here that I realized that this has 4 segments of ascend, I cannot remember it to  be like this on our recon day. We decided to stick together, Doc being the leader, I followed him to make sure  that we will see the trail sign for the right trail and Bert being the sweeper making sure that all of us are able to follow. This really is a long stretch of ascend and each  segment of ascend has a flatland that served as our rest area and there are sub-aid stations as well to make sure that runners can be guided to the next trail. Though when asked about how many more kilometers, they are not so well knowledgeable about it.

It's getting cold despite our being in motion, some  members of our pack decided to put on their jackets, I just put on my gloves to contain the heat of my body. As we finally reach the wall of boulders, I know we are almost there. The trail now leads to a rough road that finally leads to the summit of Mt. Sto. Tomas. It is me who has been to this part of the course, Doc just keep on asking me how long it will be. All I remember is just an uphill trek. At this time the bushes are just really tall, this part of the trail has not been cleaned and cleared. Each of us are just being mindful of the trail sign and I know we are on the right track, just follow the light of the tower. Doc trek ahead of the group, I now make the lead, just when we arrive at the 2 towers I thought this will be the aid station already but no it is not. We continue on, another sub aid station on the vegetable area greeted us, but still this is not the aid station. We continue on, until finally and finally we reach AS7, the 73.7km mark of this race. It's 11:00pm. As much as we wanted  to refill hydrate and eat, the marshals told  us we need to rush to the next station to reach there before the cut off time. We are already tired, exhausted, and hungry. We do not want to argue anymore, we left and target to reach the  next station on time. We have so much time at hand but because this is rough road again even if this is all the way a descend road, I just want to make my pace a fast and consistent one. The mountain slope to the radar is very visible despite the dark surroundings. We just target to reach that part on time. And we did, we are still way earlier than cut off time. AS8, the 76.6km mark of the race. There are more marshals here, and my wish of having more variety of food has been granted. An option of hot coffee or chocolate is available. Wow, heaven...hot drink on a cold  temperature. Perfect timing. And aside from banana and sweet potato, an option of rice and viand is available. I just sit down on the cemented road, keeping myself busy refilling my hydration pack while drinking hot chocolate and eating rice, the viand is pork so I opt to eat my left over fried chicken. After few minutes, Doc signal us to leave. Just before we left my batch mates Jepoy and Alen arrive. It's good to know that the two of them reach AS8 just before the cut off time.

The next part of the trail is the brutal sharp descend to Camp 6, the marshal told us that for a normal trek this will take 5 hours to the next aid station. We just hope it will  not take that long for us on this part. At this point of an elevation of more than 2,200 meters above sea level  we are going to do a sharp direct descend to an elevation of around 900 meters above sea level down to Camp 6 at Kenon road. Because I haven't been to this part of the trail I really do not have any idea how difficult this is going to be.  And just the same formation, Doc take the lead, I followed and the rest followed. Our trek started at  the right side of the radar, just before reaching the downhill slope another  sub aid station waited for us giving us instructions to be really extra careful on this part of the course, never to go near the 'caution' yellow ribbon for it's really dangerous, it is a raven. Passed 1:00am, it's really dark, we can only see the trail through the light of our head lamps, down below we can see lighted community. There are no much pines trees on this part but rather bushes, the  sharp descend is with loose gravel and soil, I can understand why, this has been the trail of the 50K distance earlier in and out. We just continue  with our descend very mindful of every trail sign ahead. But at another sub aid station, one runner ahead  of us for several minutes had one leg on blood told us he has been beaten by a snake. My goodness,  on this slope part of the mountain, it's dark, cold and we are very tired, that is the very list that we wish to hear. At one point Doc negotiated me to lead the  trail, of course I did not agree, I am as nervous as he is. We just continue on, now there only three of us trekking together. The rest of our trekking buddies are just really far from us. The descend just really take like forever. What made the situation worst  I feel so sleepy on this part. I know I need to fight for it, I cannot afford to be  left behind by my running buddies now and besides I do not have the luxury of time any more, and it is in this part of the trail that I  haven't recon before. I first  wash my face with water, it only work for several minutes. I decided to bring our my music, it helps but I can still feel my sleepiness. I cannot do the counting of the boy bawang and the spicy peanut, I have trekking poles on my both  hands. I decided to bring out my stay alert chewing gum.  I despise the taste  of this but I do not have any choice...there it  keeps me alive and awake again. Thanks to that.

It take us almost four hours to reach at AS9, the  84.2km mark of the race. Though it's still dark we know we have to keep our pace faster, after the brutal descend will be another brutal ascend. We still have 15 kilometers to the finish line. And because we are at a lower elevation now, we all know that this is going to be another brutal ascend too. But before that happened, we need to do the maze inside the community passing a walk way, a hanging bridge again and several houses, literally it's like a maze. And we wake up the community, dogs here and there has been barking and barking. Until we are lead a paved uphill trail until it goes to the forested area again, and it's all uphill. Doc is on a faster pace now, surprisingly Kuya Mimis followed us until he trek ahead of us. I stick with Bert. I cannot trek much faster on an uphill anymore. Been eating the food that I have but really I just force myself to take something. I have been on the trail 26 hours now.

Thanks Ati Pie for this picture.

It is day time again, we are now on the mountain slopes to PMA, from the trail we are now on the road but few meters after, we are lead back to the trail, now another ascend. After that many grueling ascend and descend just on our last 15 kilometers to the finish line we still have another ascend to do. Where is the love. As much as we wanted to rest, I just cannot do it anymore. I just want to finish it. Doc and Kuya Mimis is just way ahead of us already, I am now with Bert and Chito. Upon entering the slopes of PMA, I know the trail here for I have done this part before. But because the trail signs are on the reverse side, that made me confuse as well. I keep on asking Bert if we are on the right track. After sometime Chito just take his big strides I am now left with Bert.

Dad, I made it to the finish line.

Entering the road to Loakan is now AS10, the 89.9km mark. We are really almost there. We have to deal with the remaining 11 kilometer road now up to the finish line. I force myself to take another power gel even if my throat cannot swallow it anymore. Gado is ahead of us, Kuya Mimis just run his biggest stride,  Doc is nowhere to be seen. I am with Bert. A road upon crossing the runway is another up hill that leads to a downhill part, it is really long until we enter the side of John Hay. Finally we are almost there, I thought. But no, that did not happen soon. We have to do several turns on the trail inside the camp, I decided to take a faster stride, though I know we have enough time, I've been longing to see the finish line. Bert is just closely running with me at the back, besides I do not want  to take a big distance away from him for I do not want to get lost at this part. But what made me so confused was after the football field, as we enter John Hay again, we are lead to the trail of the 11K runners on their way back. I am not too sure if I made the right turn, all I meet are runners of another distance, I continue running but really uncertain, until I meet friends running this distance telling me that Doc is just few meters away. Thank God I made the right turn.

As I am almost at the water station I shouted where the next trail is, and it leads to an uphill trail again. After the ascend the trail leads to yellow trail, we have been to this trail early part of the race. No marshals to assure me if I did the right turn, I slowed down, waited for Bert, and he said there is no other trail either. Until finally we reach the slope at the back of the hotel where we enter earlier. Bert's child and wife is waiting for us, now I can say we are finally almost there. Upon reaching the side of the hotel I can now hear familiar voices cheering it's 300 meters more to go. I just take my biggest stride in order to reach the finish line. It's now hot and I am already hungry. I have been awake more than 30 hours already, and been in the trail more than 29 hours already. All I can think of are the faces of my friends waiting for me at the finish line. God, what an amazing feeling crossing the finish line. Indeed, it's not just the marshals are waiting for my crossing of the finish line but my dear friends and fellow runners too. TNF100 2012 Official Result
 

Finish 51st among the 55 finishers, the 6th  and the last female to cross the finish line. I did it in 29 hours 28 minutes and 25 seconds. My longest run so far and my toughest I can say. The trail was tough, I do not have much to compare for this is just my third 100K trail run but others said the same, that was the hardest yet among the TNF 100K series. It was brutal, we experienced the best the the trail can offer, the steepest of climbs and the sharpest of descends and the grueling heat of the sun that reached almost 40 degrees Celsius made it all challenging. I conquer the pain that I slowly feel in my legs, the chafe and rashes on my legs, on my back and in front with sheer determination and a fierce will. I congratulate all the top placers, all the finishers and most of all  I salute all the 165  100K runners who dared to even begin the race, I admire all the runners who brave themselves to join this race, hearing their stories and seeing their achievements also inspire me to do more. I also salute those who brave to run the 50K distance and other shorter distances as well.  I thank all the marshals who one way or the other help us go through the ordeal, I thank the organizer for a kick - ass trail, that made me push myself beyond my limits. I thank my TNF/ROX/Primer friends who help me go through this race, I thank my friends who patiently waited for me,  I thank my trekking/running buddies who stayed with me until the finish line and  most of all I thank God for giving me the physical strength, determination and the will power to go through that tough trail despite my condition.  What a great feeling conquering the trail of this race,  indeed, I really feel so much at home when I am on the trail and so close to nature no matter  how difficult the condition may be.   'til the next adventure.
Pictures:TNF100 2012 Baguio-Benguet Philippines Series 
Sports Unlimited Video Coverage: TNF100 Baguio Benguet 2012 
Pictures thru Sports Unlimited: TNF100 2012 as Captured by Sports Unlimited 

I'd like to quote what the organizer put at the back of the token for this year's TNF 100 race finishers: 


The barrel man will no longer remind you of an overrated Filipino souvenir. It is the indestructible force inside you. The kind who braves a taxing long trail and makes it to the finish line without falter.  Alongside some of the nation's finest runners, you are a validation of the resilience of our tough ancestors.

You have broken boundaries and are now part of the legendary The North Face 100, which happened last April 21-22, 2012 in Baguio-Benguet, Philippines. Since it's first run in 2008, it has become a runner's most anticipated challenge to conquer.

The North Face 100 ultra trail running is a series held in several countries: Thailand, Taiwan, China, Australia, Singapore, Japan and the Philippines. This year's Philippine leg is vying for 3 points in the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc qualifying system. This puts The North Face 100 Philippines among the elite trail running courses in the world.

On this race, I just focus on my speed,  with a goal of taking advantage of the daytime, I just  continue my pace. I bring with me my camera but I did not take so much picture of the beautiful scenery that I pass along the trail. I did not  rest on each station too long and did not even rest on those slopes that has rest areas.  Despite my being so sleepy I did not take a nap.  I feel like every single minute of my time is very precious that I just need to move forward. Together with my pace and rest management, I consciously hydrate, eat as much as I can and never wait to get hungry. Though at some point I do not want to eat anymore due to fatigue and physical stress I just force myself to swallow something for I know how important food is for me to finish. The banana and the sweet potato is such a big help in my nourishment on this race too. I slowly feel the sore on my legs, I already have one blister on the left foot, I can feel the chafe on my waist due to the garter of my tights and on the garter of my tank top and even on the sides of my boobs,  I feel like I need to change another sanitary napkin on the 80 kilometer mark, but I did not mind all of those uncomfortable feelings. With the finish line on my mind, I just continue despite all this.

Heat Training

I have one upcoming 50 mile road race this summer, though it's already towards the end of the season, since it is a road run and at an island, I still expect it to be hot. So is my anticipation of exposing myself to the heat of this crazy weather  in order to be used to the heat come race day.

I've been exposed to the heat of the sun especially lately,  it's summer and it's terribly hot. I've been to several races that is hot as well but I never made an effort to really train and get exposed to the direct heat of the sun as part of my preparation for a race. But I feel that I should make it a point to train for it.   My heat training started on my race last weekend, the TNF100. From AS4 is a 12 kilometer sharp road descend to AS5. But unfortunately I trudge this stretch on the middle of the day at almost 40 degrees Celsius of direct heat of the sun. I know how long and how unfriendly the road to my knees is, I've done this route before. Unlike others who take refuge to the shade that we pass by along the road, what I did was rush to my might despite the heat. I can feel it scorching to my skin under my tights and arms sleeves. But if I'll gonna wait for the sun to go down, that will not give a enough time to tackle the rest of the trail.

Another training come in yesterday, as I have to go out of the office and attend some important matters despite the heat, I decided to take advantage of it. I did not take a ride nor bring an umbrella. I purposely walk on the part which directly hit by the sun. More than a kilometer walk under the heat of the sun.

Today, I did another one, not as long as yesterday but hotter I thought. And I hope to continue this routine, hoping that I will be able to get mileage on my heat training.

April 27, at Camaya Aquathlon, I  get my another chance of heat training. Join the trail, short though but already hot.

The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® (UTMB)

I heard about this race several years ago, in fact  I have friends who joined and finish the race and they are very inspiring. I also have a close friend who's dream is to be part of this race, he discussed this to me even before our big expedition. Aside from him, I have other friends who are vying for points as well in order to qualify for slot of the race. My thoughts, probably I'll pass on that extreme sports already. I am not too sure how I will be able to survive on that harsh and extreme condition. UTMB Info  

In order to qualify to register for a lottery slot of this race,  yes, qualified runners are drawn by lottery to get a final list of participants,  one has to earn points from the previous year on the several ultra trail (100 kilometer races) marathons listed as a qualifying runs. One has to reach the number of points required, now raised from 5 to 7 points. And each qualifying ultra race has an equivalent points depending on the difficulty of the race. Most races 2 and some 3 points.

As I join several actually 3 ultra trail races now, I did not notice I earn points as well. And after our very recent TNF100 which gives 3 points, I now have 8 points total. Wow, that qualifies me  to register for a slot of UTMB. Accidentally, I discuss this with a friend and she encouraged me to try it. "Why not try it, it's already on your lap, might as well give it a try", she said. Last night, as I met my other friend who help me on my recent TNF100, she said the same to me as well. And my friend from Singapore who happens to have a friend that run with me at the trails of Baguio Benguet also mentioned the same to me. They are all very encouraging, I become excited as well and that gives me a thought.

I know even just a thought of giving it a try  this December to register for a lottery slot,  I should never stop my training as early as now, I have to improve on a lot of areas on running,  especially on trail running, work on my speed on the flats and increase the distance that I have been running. My longest distance yet is 100 kilometers on a trail with a highest elevation gain of 5,000MASL, UTMB  is a lot lot lot bigger than what I already experienced. This should be something that I should anticipate if I will really join this race.

What my decision be, I really do not know for now, I just have to let my fate deal with it as the time for me to decide comes. With the divine intervention I hope I'd be able to make a right decision.

Simon Sandoval's UTMB Experience
Atty. Jon's UTMB Account  

What’s So Special About Racing?

Nice read, I just want to have a copy of this article.

The running related question I ask myself more than any other is why I race? I have no doubts about my desire to run, and have not questioned that in several years, but sometimes I wonder why I bother to race as opposed to just running independent of the structure, stress, and cost of racing.

The thrill of competition is a huge part of the answer to this question. I love the shared experience of pushing myself as hard as I can against other people who love running in the mountains as much as I do. I like to perform well, but I often take as much satisfaction in seeing someone else run a really effective race as I do when I run one myself. That’s the way I’ve always been. I like being around people when they accomplish great things. Sometimes in the sport of running you even get to feel like you “helped” someone else accomplish something great.

There’s something more than just the competition though. I realized this more than ever when I attended the Chuckanut 50k last month. Not as a racer, but as a spectator/volunteer. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t racing that day, it was still really satisfying and inspiring to be there among so many great people.

And this brings me to the larger point of this article. Training can, and often is, a very solitary thing. Racing, however, is a communal endeavor where the strength of the whole is far greater than the sum of the individuals. Competition, encouragement, and inspiration travel so freely at races that runners of all levels end up running much faster than they ever could on their own. This interconnectedness isn’t limited to individuals present at a given race. Often, it involves those who have run that same race in previous years, as well as individuals who have taught us or inspired us in other settings. When this all comes together on race day you end up with an event that feels more like a collective event with one single pulse, rather than a race among many individuals. Everyone ends up with their own individual result, but in the end it is the collective pulse that seems to fuel us and keep us coming back for more.

The beauty in all of this is that no one individual is any more important than any other. Whether you finish first or last you have the same influence on the collective entity that is that event. If you are a race volunteer you will shape an event as much as the runners battling at the front of the pack. Without everyone who is out there on race day, and without everyone who has taught and inspired each of us, the collective strength of the whole would be a little bit diminished. Each time we gather at a race we bring with us dozens of others, some of them thousands of miles away, some of them no longer alive, who become a small part of that event. And none of this is dependent upon how fast someone can run, but instead on what they have taught us or how they have inspired us, and shaped us as the runners and the people that we are.

In this way each race becomes a collection of tens of thousands of people all over the world. And in this way racing is a very different experience than the everyday run. When we go out and run each day we are doing so primarily for our individual benefit. Even when we run with other people our daily runs tend to be mostly about self-improvement or self-satisfaction. Races though are much more about providing a small piece of a larger puzzle that hundreds, if not thousands of people are influenced by. And it’s not just us providing this piece, but also the dozens of others that we bring along with us: friends, family, mentors, training partners, critics, etc.

Sometimes races don’t play out the way we hope. I had my fair share of those last year. But next time you have a race that doesn’t go so well, be sure to take the time to notice just how small a part of the larger whole your individual experience really is, and how successful the collective experience might be, even if your individual performance falls short of what you know you were capable of. Not that I’m saying we shouldn’t be disappointed when we have a bad race or excited when we have a good race, but our individual performance is only a small part of the larger experience of these races that we’re all a part of.

How to Rest & Recover after an Ultra Race

A good read just right after my brutal ultra trail run race. I just want to have a copy of this great article. 

By Danny Dreyer Author of Chi Marathon

Ah, the moment of completion! Crossing the finish line of a marathon (or half marathon) distance event is a symbol not only of running the event, but of the months of training, and possibly years, of getting out there and making running a regular part of your life. It’s time to celebrate your success and take time to recover from your event. 

During your celebration, put taking care of your body at top of the list. Get some carbs and good protein into your body within 30 minutes of the event. Chocolate milk has gotten a good reputation for a quick way to get nutrients into your body, but the higher quality carbs and proteins, the better. There are other great post-workout drinks on the market to get nourishment into your body within that 30-minute time frame. A turkey sandwich is another great option. Later on, a good meal with lots of veggies and some protein will support a positive recovery.

Listen intently to your body’s messages. Body Sense by stretching out leisurely and carefully. Be very gentle. There is often a lot going on at the end of an event. Perhaps friends and family are there to celebrate with you. A lot of people and a lot of energy can keep you focused externally, but it’s important to be internally aware of your body’s needs. Being internally present and externally aware is a great skill you will have learned from the Chi Marathon book and in your Chi Running practice that will serve you well.

It’s OK to feel good. If your training and event went well, the day after your marathon does not have to feel anything like what you might read about in many marathon books that talk about being “wracked with pain” or “feeling like you were hit by a bus.” It’s an antiquated concept that running a marathon will inflict that kind of damage on your body. If you run with good technique, plenty of time to build your aerobic conditioning, and a solid plan for your specific event, you may be a bit sore or stiff the day after, but the discomfort should be very manageable.

Even if you’re not pleased with your event results, you can follow the concept that there is never a bad run, only lessons to be learned, and give yourself a lot of credit for your efforts. There is no gain in being unkind to yourself.

In the days and week after the marathon, it is very important to keep moving gently. Body Looseners are a great way to get the energy flowing. Swimming, a bike ride, and walking are all great ways to keep moving. Short, loosening runs are absolutely fine, if you feel you can, but no pushing or straining or efforting. So many Chi Runners say they are amazed at how fast they recover. If you run using the intelligence of your mind to take care of your body, you really won’t have a long recovery time.

Take care of yourself with Epsom salt baths and good food. Eat really well all week with healthy carbs, lots and lots of vegetables and fruit, whole grains and protein.

Will there be an encore? The big question many people will ask, and you may well be asking yourself, is whether or not you’ll do it again. The first week should be focused on infusing other aspects of your life with your training and your event. You might have the feeling that you can do anything. Let this body memory sink into every cell of your being, because it’s true. You can do practically anything if you follow a system that allows for healthy progression, such as we present in Chi Marathon. It is a system for accomplishing any marathon-like experience, from writing a book to getting a degree.

When you realize what you are capable of, you can begin to ponder where you want to focus your energies and efforts. Perhaps it will be another event such as a half or full marathon. One client found the courage to start a non-profit she had been dreaming of for years. Her training and new-found health and well-being gave her the tools and energy to make those dreams come true.

The real gifts of marathon running reveal themselves after the event. The confidence, the ability to manage your energy and focus your mind, and the awareness of just how creative and powerful you really are becomes a natural part of how you move through life.

This is the time to reap the rewards of all your consistent efforts. Celebrating your success and If you’ve run with good technique and with a mindful approach to your training, your body should not be in pain, but it will still need time to rest and recover.

The North Face: On Everest Video Dispatch 1 - Sam Elias

Watched this video three times since it has been posted early this morning (Philippine time) on facebook today. I can't help but have a  teary eyes, even on my 3rd time watching, while listening to Sam Elias narrating his story. I just do not know why, it's a mix feelings of excitement, how beautiful Nepal is and all the more I've been drawn to keep my dream of reaching this place and be one with the Himalayan mountain ranges. And another thing is I can totally relate how it feels to be having that feeling of fear and excitement embarking to a major unknown expedition like this, and I can totally relate to Emily, how it feels to be slowly hit my altitude sickness and be the only girl in the team. 

I am excited for all of them on this adventure, praying for their safety and success . Again,  I just want to have a personal copy of this beautiful update from the team.

BENEFITS OF TRAIL RUNNING

Before I got hooked on trail running, I was first a trekker/hiker for more than 10 years. Hiking,  carrying a  heavy load on my back is a challenge running on the trail but we do that especially on the descend. Until I was exposed  on trail running, my very first trail run experience was right after my induction climb when we got invited to run a mountain, as a group. We did win, but that was never followed. Until just lately that run races give options to runners to do the trail rather than the paved road, I never hesitate to join it and I love it so much. I got to see nature and do running at the same time, two things I love doing.

I encounter this beautiful write about trail running, I just want to have a personal copy and share it.

As Written by Breathe Magazine

Healthy Living - Fitness ::: Sunday, 15 April 2012 08:00

Trail Running has many benefits and we here at Breathe thought we would take a stab at putting some of those down in a fun little illustration. Next time you get out for a run on your local trails, give a thought to some of these benefits and see if you can achieve point number 11.

1. Fresh Air – Although the air outside is generally cleaner than the air inside, and this is true of many running trails, there are areas that require our attentions. Clean Air Champions are certainly championing this topic and they provide excellent resources for athletes throughout the world.
2. Changing Scenery with Every Run – No two runs are the same – the way the light hits the trees, where you place your foot, the cool crisp air and the steam from your breath; it’s fluid.
    
3. Love Handle Remover – Spot reduction does not work. Never did. Doing side crunches upon side crunches will not leave you feeling any better about flabby handles. Have a read through Livestrong.com’s article on running and love handles!
4. Gives You Legs of Steel – Self explanatory. Try fell running and see what that does for “Legs of Steel.”
5. Get to Wear Funky, Wild-Colored Shoes – This year “wild-color” is even more prominent. Have a look at some of the trail running shoes from Salomon, Merrell and The North Face.
   
    
6. Mother Nature Provides Awesome Rest Areas – Yes she does: Rocks, Hills, Fallen Trees, Stumps…wait, stumps are man-made. Yup the trail was put there by someone or some organization and many have been carefully planned. It's all of our responsibility to maintain the trails that we use. The IMBA have provided two great books about managing mountain biking trails.
7. No Need to Wait for a Porta Potty – how to sh*t in the woods is a topic that has been written about, blogged about and even broadcasted on youtube. If you can master it, and make sure you clean up appropriately, your body will thank you and so will the others on the trail. And if your precision is up to spec, so will your funky, wild-colored shoes.
8. Hard Ass is a Legitimate Compliment – toning the buttocks is a great side effect of running but now you can respond when someone calls you a hard ass. Thank you very much.
9. You Get to Actually Use the Cool Gear you Bought at REI –That CamelBack will no longer smell like fresh plastic of a new item, but rather a musty sugar water smell from your favorite sports drink.
10. Clears a Cluttered Mind – a typical strategy for stress release and clearing a busy mind is to run. The brain needs a lot of oxygen to function efficiently. Endurance activities, like running, increase the available oxygen in the bloodstream. More oxygen in the bloodstream means more oxygen for your brain. More oxygen to the brain means a happier brain. A happier brain means a more efficient brain and a brain more apt to handle the stresses and clutter of regular life.
11. Puts a Big Smile on your Face – no explanation needed here if you have read the previous 10 points.

TNF Free Thinker Gortex Jacket - Another One for a Cold Assault

Just like the TNF Five Point Gore-tex Pants, this is also something that I've been wanting to purchase more than 7 months ago. Even before I left for my big adventure late last year, I've been wishing to have this item. But the price is just too high. I thought of waiting all possible ways that I can get it at a lower cost. It was put on sale for more that 3 months ago, I still thought of holding my desire to purchase it, until my REI dividend has been release and an additional 20% for members has been offered, I finally decided to get it at more than 60% off. Not bad. Now I should stop my purchases and concentrate on training.

Original retail price of USD429.00, on sale on USD229.00 plus tax it will reach USD289.00 less my dividend and sale promos for REI members, I paid a total of USD231.00

The North Face Free Thinker women's jacket, made of rugged Gore-Tex® Pro Shell fabric, gives bold freeriders the opportunity to thrive all day in harsh conditions.

 

• Gore-Tex Pro Shell 3-layer laminate fabric is tough, extremely breathable and durably waterproof and windproof
• Fully adjustable, fixed hood protects you in stormy weather, and is roomy enough to fit over your helmet
• Core vents feature polyurethane-coated zippers to dump excess heat and provide cooling ventilation while resisting the elements
• Secure dual chest pockets, handwarmers and wrist accessory pocket (with goggles cloth) also feature weather-resistant, polyurethane-coated zippers
• Internal storage options include a secure media pocket and a goggles stash
• Powder skirt helps seal out cold air and snow entry; zip-integration lets you connect the powder skirt to compatible pants (not included) for a seamless protective barrier

• Cuffs feature rip-and-stick? adjustment and Lycra® wrist gaiters for a comfortable fit that retains warmth
• Buddy lift clip keeps your pass close at hand in the lift line
• Embedded RECCO?® reflector enhances radio signals from search-and-rescue Recco? detectors for quicker acquisition of position in an avalanche
• As part of The North Face Summit Series, the Free Thinker jacket features cutting-edge fabrics and the most advanced technology for the ambitious, technical skier or rider

Item Review:

I ordered one size bigger (S) from my usual TNF size (XS) so that it will have space for layering in a very cold trekking.

I really haven't used it yet on a winter climb nor on a climb with snow. Since it arrived to me last May, I used it once on a cold trek on the tropics. It fits me well, it's warm and the hood is big enough to cover my head which is a bit extended. 

Inside PMA: A Runners Haven

Trail run inside the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)? That is such a great idea, I thought.  For never in my wild imagination will I ever experience running inside the campus of this fully secured training ground of the top most military officials of the country.

After my recon of the TNF trail, left with nothing to do and still eager to continue my trail run training, when an invitation from a friend who happens to be living that weekend in one of the headquarters of an official in the academy, without reservations I decided to join the run rather than do some shopping of outdoor brands in the ukay ukay. And it prove to be a worth while decision.

Bringing all our bags, we get inside the academy. Our friends are already waiting for us including our host and will serve as our escort, Major Ronald Illana. He said we will be running a restricted zone inside the campus ordinary citizens like us will be allowed to reach this area without any escort by an  inside official. Really lucky for us. This is a 10 kilometer trail traversing the two sides of the campus.  We started on the left side, the one facing Nugget Hill and the mountain slopes of Itogon. It's a gradual descend trail under the shade of the big pine trees. This also serve as the training ground of the military trainees, having the shooting range on this side of the slope. Unfortunately, the Nugget Hill, a beautiful mountain slope has been slowly eaten up by the deep excavation of small minors who continuously do mining despite the place owned by the government. As what May Illana told us on our stops from the run, this place used to be a mountain slope full of big pine trees which has been slowly cut and uprooted due to mining. I myself felt the sadness in  my heart, I wish they can do something about it to stop mining and rehabilitate the mountain. Oh well, but nonetheless, we end the first part, the day 1 of our trail with a smile on our face. It has been a great run and a tour of the sites of PMA open to the public. We have to rush back to the headquarter for Jules needs to catch up for the bus going home.

The other side of the trail, the one facing the mountain slopes of Mt. Sto Tomas and Mt. Cabuyao, on the area of Tuba, Benguet is explored the following day, still on the morning after breakfast before we head home. We started on the trail right next to where we ended our run yesterday. It's under the shade of huge tall pine trees. View not so visible at the first few kilometers due to lush bushes and branches, as we go further we reach the area above the run way of airport. It's beautiful, there again residential houses scattered but not as congested as that of the other day. Mountain slopes are still full of growing trees. It was not a very long run but a sweet one. It was long enough really for us to stretch our legs again, a good drill for the day. And just before we leave the place we tour the visitors center but unfortunately the museum is  close for it's holiday.

Truly, what a good way to spend my two day in Baguio, running on the trails inside this camp.

 

The World's 7 Toughest Races

As posted in Marathon Training Schedule Blog (just want to have a copy of it).

So you’ve run a marathon?  Think that makes you tough?  Think again!

Some 500,000 Americans proudly brag about their extraordinary marathon experiences. But considering the very tough and tiring and even torturous marathon races that take place in the world, the American marathons are like an easy stretch. Some races are so tough runners have died running in the heat. To give you an idea about how the world is toughing up on marathons, here is a look at seven toughest races in the world.

7. Idatarod Trail Sled Dog Race of Greater Alaska

Idatarod Trail Sled Dog Race is held in Greater Alaska. More than 60 teams enter each year. Each team has 12 to 16 dogs and they have to slide 1,161 miles of sharp-toothed mountains and thick forest from Anchorage to Nome.

This route is a historic one that was once used for mail services and supplies to mining camps in the Alaskan interior. The race is tough due to the extreme cold; contestants have to bear a minus zero temperatures, can get visual injuries, and even freeze to death. The race draws contestants due to the big prize money it offers, a handsome $72,000, for the winner plus other prizes such as cars and trucks.

6. The Raid

The Raid is a very popular adventure race. The qualifying process for this race is quite intricate. The world’s top professional teams compete to enter the race. The elimination races are held in several countries.

The Raid Championship will commence in September in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. Contestants go through five days and nights of physical and technical challenges valleys, mountain lakes and rocks, including the Massif of Mont Blanc. The Raid consists of running, biking, paddling and climbing over 360 miles.

5. Inca Trail Ultra Marathon

The Inca Trail ultra-marathon race is a tough endurance challenge for marathon runners. The race is not very long but what makes it tough is the Trail that goes through the Peruvian Andes to Machu Picchu.

Runners have to go through tough trail conditions, and get dizzy sometimes. The 27.5-mile course is made up of thousands of stair steps. Some of these steps are cracked and angled while the rest are smooth. The access to the trail is limited, but the race attracts runners from all around the globe. Runners have to sweat their way over the Dead Woman where they can run across the locals and tourists with backpacks.

4. The Tough Guy Race

The Tough Guy Race is meant for tough guys only. It was designed by Billy Wilson, a former Grenadier Guardsman. The Tough Guy Race is rated as the world’s hardest one-day endurance marathon. Perton, near Wolverhampton, England serves as host to the event that attracts thousand of competitors each seaso.

Most spectators describe the race as a torturous one. The race requires runners to finish a cross-country run before completing the assault course. Runners crawl through mud, climb obstacles, pass by flames, barbed-wire, smoke-bombs and even electric charges before they get to the finish line. Each participant has to sign a “death warrant” to accept the risks involved in the race.

 

3. The Barkley 100 Mile Run

Compared to The Marathon of Sands, The Barkley 100 Mile Run is a bit easier, but is still considered as one of the toughest ultra-marathons globally. Each year Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee plays host to the tough Barkley 100 Mile Run. What makes this marathon tough is the course that consists of a 20 miles long loop that has to be completed five times.

The limited time frame and no stops for refreshment, makes this marathon even tougher. Runners have to deal with 16,500 meters of vertical climb and they have to look for 9-11 books and tear off their pages as proof completion. Till date only 8 runners have been able to finish the race within the required time limit.

2. Le Marathon des Sables of Morocco

Of all the foot races in the world, Le Marathon des Sables is rated as one of the most difficult ones while also being the most expensive. The race is held every year in southern Morocco, and is also called The Marathon of Sands.

Each competitor pays a fee of $5,000 to enter the race. Participants wearing the backpacks with all their stuff are required to run through a hot 254 km piece of the Sahara Desert. They run through the intense heat and are allowed water at specific points. The race is also a lot of fun as the runners get to stay in tents and sleep in sleeping bags. Marathon runners who are ready for some heat and have a $5k can fly over to Morroco for an athletic adventure.

1. The Badwater Ultramarathon – The World’s Toughest Race

The ‘world’s toughest foot race” the Badwater Ultramarathon is a 135 miles long race held in heat of mid July. Cotestants run through terrain that goes through 280-feet below sea level in the middle of Death Valley to 8,360 feet at Whitney Portals located at Mt. Whitney.

What makes the race tough is the temperature that can go as high as 130 degrees, dealing with craggy highway, and the motorists. One can enter the race by invitation only and it is limited to only 75 runners. Most participants are known athletes, tri-athletes, mountaineers who have already proved their mettle. The race is so tough that the as many as 30% runners can never make end the race at their first attempt.

So what do you think?  Agree?  Disagree?  Completed them all?  Let me know – let me hear you!

BRING IT ON.