Malaysia Women Marathon 2015 - Woman's Way to Stand Up and Shine

My recent trip to Malaysia was more than just running a full marathon. It was one of my most memorable and meaningful travel among the many travels that I did in the past. More than being  reunited with many friends and gained few while I  enjoyed the local food, I was with Malaysia Women Marathon (MWM) on a  greater mission and that was to inspire women through my personal journey in life and running to go out and achieve their dreams.

Ultra running and high altitude expeditions are two things I never thought I will be doing. An interest that I never thought  I had,  thanks to the encouragements  and inspirations of my two good friends, Joy M and Mike W. I took the challenge 15 years ago,  right opportunity and right people came, and  here I am so passionate with it until now. I never thought time will come that I will be sharing my experience to others in a larger scale. I got invited to talk to small groups, opportunities to teach to those who wanted to start running or hiking but I never thought I will get a chance to share to an event as big as MWM.

Background

Despite the geographical distance, MWM has always been close to my heart since its inaugural race. Aside from the fact that the  race organizer has been a good friend and an inspiration,  this is a race for women.  Since year 1, I may not had the chance to join, I had been following the race, its pre and post Facebook and webpage posts.

July of last year, I received an invitation to be one of the Guest Speaker for 2015's MWM. With the theme Stand Up and Shine, they decided to feature Asian Women to be part of the Expo event. Together with 3 more ladies of great achievements in running, Aida Othman from Malaysia who lives now in Dubai,  Kelly Lim and Jenap Said from Singapore, I accepted the invitation.

MWM is not just a race but a 3-day event of festivities celebrating women's life more so that this year's race falls exactly on International Women's Day. The two day Expo featured several international races, running gears most especially for women, some activities featuring Malaysian women  passionate on active and healthy lifestyle and the series of talks about running which I was a part of.


My Personal Highlights on 2015 MWM
Radio Interview
First stop was the radio interview at BFM 89.9. Featuring several women on different sports in celebration of the International Women's Month, they made MWM part of the program having me as one of the several runners interviewed. This was my very first radio interview experience ever. Excited and anxious gathering my thoughts as I waited at the main lobby at BFM's office, thanks to the company of Maggie Kim Hong Goh, she kept my mind occupied. Until BFM's team headed by Angeline Teh led me to the audio room. They were so natural that they made the interview so light and comfortable for me that I did not realize we reached more than an hour already. Listening  to the recorded result was such a nice feeling.

Link of the Radio Interview: Run Girl, Run!!!!

Expo Talk and Panel Discussion
This part I was really nervous. Though I already got a glimpse of how  the venue will be the night before my talk and I prepared what I am going to share even before I left Manila, still butterflies in my stomach cannot be avoided. I will be the very first speaker for the day followed by my room mate Aida Othman (at first night). I opted to stay in my room hours before my talk, to prepare myself, condition my mind and make sure that everything will be in order. The company of Aida lightened the day and took away my nervousness.

As Karen called my name, the stage was now all mine. I was trying to get comfortable by moving  here and there as I started. There were few guests seated on the chairs in front, few of my Malaysian  friends were there too despite the heavy traffic and rain outside (appreciate that a lot) but the four corners of the pavilion filled with exhibitors and runners interested on the Expo Event were also part of my audience.

Slowly I got comfortable that I even went down the stage when  I realized my slide presentation has not been played. Sharing my Inca Trail Marathon experience was the highlight of my talk, being the most difficult marathon in the world. I was amazed with how my talk turned out, and there I conquered the most challenging part of my trip as I enjoyed sharing my experience.

With that,  I hope I was able to inspire women to take the challenge, face the most difficult race in their lives, not necessarily running the most difficult marathon in the world but by starting what they find they love doing the most.

The following day was sharing my Badwater135 experience as Chief Crew to my friend Kelly Lim from Singapore, afterwhich was followed by a panel discussion on the topic: Do women perform better in ultra distance races? Thanks to Sarah Joyce, a Triathlete, Publisher and Editor of Women's Running Australia magazine who shared the result of her PhD research about the same topic. She said, "If men and women finishing the same time in a full marathon, in a longer distance (ultra distance) women will most likely finish ahead than men." Why is that? Because of the powerful hormone estrogen that is largely produced in women that helps women endure pain, such as endurance running.

Link: Can women run better on a longer distance than men.

Fashion Show by Ash Be Nimble
The show featured a local creation by the ever talented young lady, an active and outdoor person herself so passionate about fitness, Hui Mathews. She designed and produced various outfits dedicated to active ladies in healthy lifestyle, runners, gym lovers, yogi, etc.

I ran with her the day I arrived Malaysia on her playground at Bukit Kiara. Before we hit the trail,  she handed to me  a pair of  her creation, an aqua marine colored top and a purple running shorts. We were just having fun on the trail for 45 minutes while Karen has to meet the official photographer of MWM. And before we parted ways that day, she invited me to be part of few Malaysian gorgeous women who will show case her creation at the Expo. Of course I said yes without reservation, such an honor to be invited. Thank you Ash be Nimble.

Day 2 of the Expo, we had to rehearse before the actual fashion show. Wow. The ramp may just be that short but really it was inspiring to be with the rest of the women of various backgrounds and sizes too. They are all gorgeous. Some are real models, others are mothers, the rest are single ladies but all are passionate of being fit and healthy.

The Fashion Show was attended by few top personnel of Tourism Selangor. More people came and the show was festive. With the narration of Hui herself, it was really fun. Twenty women including Karen Loh and one gentle man were just enjoying the show. I thank Hui for giving me the opportunity to do this.

Pacers in Skirts
One feature of MWM (which I found unique) was having male pacers in colorful running skirts during the race. They were male runners who  dedicated their day to be part of the success on every woman's dream of finishing a race, more so a full marathon for the first timers. Some of them were so used to wearing skirts already while others were a bit shy of showing off there legs. It was so inspiring to see them support the event when in fact they could have done another longer race on the same date. I found them very encouraging as pacers, they kept me up with my pace but at the same time they made the road more colorful.

Each night at the Expo before the day ended they were being introduced, a parade at the four corners of the  pavilion before finally going to  the stage, and asked what their strategy be. One Pacer replied, we will come on skirt to support every woman on the race day, for it is not easy to train, runners who tirelessly find the time to train despite the challenges at home and at work. They were the Most Wanted Men of MWM.

The Food
I never got hungry in MWM. From the day I arrived, until I left, from the kitchen of Karen to the streets and restaurants of Malaysia. I tasted lots of food that I haven't tasted or enjoyed eating before. Karen and few more friends  brought me to several restaurants and got me some local foods like nasi kerabu, asam laksah, some roti tisu and thosai, some biryani bukhara kambing, the beef and chicken satay, the Chinese food as well. Thanks to a lot to all. It was a never ending eating for me. And I enjoy the food so much.

But one memorable food adventure was with Aida Othman the night before the full marathon race. Saturday, we decided to go to the race venue, where international runners claim their race bibs, few expo items still on display and the set up going on. Hot and humid, Karen was still on her highest of energy being on the 3rd day of this event. We told her we can be of help on whatever things still needed to be done.

She brought us in one mission, to set up the several parking signage on different parking areas. With signage on steel frames inside her car, two speakers and one race director went around the place. After the mission, still no breakfast and lunch for Karen we decided to go back to the hotel and accompany her at the restaurant. With no intention of really eating a full meal (it was still early for dinner for us) we were just there, until she got a phone call, she needed to leave. We were left at the table, not sure what to do we decided to just eat. Enjoying the food that we thought was just the same menu as breakfast, only to find out it was not, we were just taking our sweet time. Until one waiter came to us and said, "Mam, five more minutes and we will clean the buffet table." Aida negotiated, we have a full marathon to run early morning later and we need to eat. He said that's the rule but we can get whatever food we want  before they clear everything.

And guess what happened next? We were having ultra marathon picking food that we thought we want to eat without us realizing we had one table full of food and another two small plates at the other table. It took us more than an hour to attempt to finish everything even trying to strategize how we can possibly do it, ice cream and noddle  alternating for a  variation. Until we gave up. Just cannot finish everything. We went to our rooms really full.

2015 MWM Full Marathon
Woke up by 3am, tried to eat but only two buns of small bread, ready to go, we  walked to the race venue by 3:45am. As we  got closer we can hear the festive atmosphere, Kunan's voice echoing on the streets of Shah Alam and Karen as well. We wonder did she even got a sleep. Few more minutes of greeting runners around, taking photos with the pacers and our gun start came. 4:30am sharp. I toe the line with over 300 full marathon runners, almost 40% first timers. Was just so inspiring seeing everyone so ready for this day.

I felt good despite the fact that I was a little worried on my over eating the night before the race. I did not have much expectation on my finish time. Haven't really got a solid training the past months. My thoughts, I will just enjoy the race, will try my best to follow  the 4:30 pacer, and hopefully can go for sub 5:00 hours. Still dark, I was just enjoying my pace. Running side by side with all female runners, it was fun to see male pacers on colorful skirts with balloon ones in a while. I followed the 4:30 pacers at first.  Was doing well, my first 10km was 1:00:56, not bad. The runabouts were good as I can see runners on the other side. I did not have problem with signages either. Water stations were stocked with all the freezing cold variety of hydration and some power gels and bananas at some aid station,  1 special station with water melon, chocolates, marshmallows and candies. There were also stations with salt water, the first race I joined that served such. The bands and cheerers at some distances also gave encouragements to runners to push a little harder. The gradual uphills on few parts of the race course  were good to give variation of the terrain.

I tried to hydrate as much as possible and ate small bites in between. But before reaching 20km distance, I can feel my stomach is not too well, I can taste the food that I ate the night before. I tried to stop at one portalet (portable toilet) to at least let out the food but to no avail. I continued on, having in mind the watermelon that I saw on the first loop.

I reached 21km mark 13 minutes after 2 hours. Still not bad. Still dark, I continued now on the second loop of the course with 21km runners already out. The first few kilometers got crowded now, so full of gorgeous  runners. I love the atmosphere, its just that I had to be extra careful as I now ran at the right most side of the area with traffic cone lane closed to vehicles for runners with right most lane open to vehicles. A little further, the street again was left to the 42km runners. I got slower now that  4:30 pacers were no where to be found.

I felt really weak, seemed like I did not have  enough energy anymore even if I can feel that  I still have lots of food in my stomach. I wanted to hydrate and eat but can only do so little. Until the 5:00 hour pacer pass by me, Jeff asked if I am fine and offered some power gel. I had power gel with me but  I just cannot take anything. Still hoping that I can move a little faster, and go for sub 5:00 hours I was already dragging myself. I drop by another portalet and tried my luck for the second time but still to no avail. I decided to just run thinking I will just push to the finish line.

The sun already up and shining bright, humid and hot, I was about to finish my second loop and do the small loop towards the finish line. Looking at my watch, I know I will be short a little over 5 hours.  I finally return to where we started, finished  2 minutes over 5 hours but no regrets.  I cross the finish line with big wide smile on my face, seeing Suzie around and my dear friend Aida who was there more than an hour ago.

We just stayed near the finish line watching with joy seeing different expressions on the ladies faces as they finish the race. Such a beautiful sight to witness. And I salute to each one of them for taking that step and finishing what they started.

The Counter Is Already Closed

And I though my adventure in MWM ended the day after the race, as originally scheduled. Time to leave with Karen who brought me to the airport, we left early.  On our way, we decided to drop by  Putrajaya, the home of the  Putrajaya Night Marathon. She showed me around and I was just enjoying the view, the big buildings, different bridges, I went down and take photos at some areas. Until Karen realized, looks like we cannot make it to my flight. She drove in the highway like mad woman, in full speed trying our luck.

As we arrive KLIA bringing my things I ran to the counter, it has been closed 30 minutes ago. We tried to negotiate, Karen called the office of the airline, but the plane is about to leave.  My very first time to miss a flight, an international flight. But no regrets, I was meant to stay two more days on this beautiful country and enjoy.

Dance and Celebration

And since my stay got extended, I got a chance to attend the post celebration hosted by the gorgeous MWM Ladies. Lots of food, drinks, lots of stories, we danced and sing. And as we were about to leave with the loud music playing, Claudia, the lady from Chile took  my hand for a dance. I am not really a good dancer, I mean, I can dance but not the Tango or whatever Latin dance. She taught me how to do it until I got the rhythm and the timing. God,  it felt good and it was  just like running, make the feet do the job.

The Trails
With Hui Mathews, I got a taste of the trails on the hills of Bukit Kiara. Lovely playground full of trees, over looking the city that is only few minute drive from where they live. Lucky ladies, I wish Metro Manila has the same.

And on the day before my re-booked flight,  Allan Lee brought me to FRIM. Together with his running mates we explore the trails of the place. Four men, I know they run fast, I was just taking my time as I enjoy nature and do my recovery run. What a convenient playground for running enthusiasts to do the daily mileage needed. I am having fun despite the one leech bite that I got. Good remembrance.


The Wings Behind MWM
True to its name,  Malaysia Women Marathon is headed by a woman of great vision with so much energy. With a goal of providing a venue for women who dream of starting to get physically fit through running, MWM provided an atmosphere that women will be  comfortable of achieving their dreams. Malaysia is one lucky running community to have an event such as this. Yes, anybody most especially women can just join any short distance races that they feel like doing. But in MWM, it takes care of those who needed assistance  especially the  first time runners to  be confident on themselves that they can do it. The running clinics organized on weekends, the long runs few months prior to the race, the open forum and consultations on issues of women while running, the proper running gear, are few things that the event provided to all women participants prior and even after the event.

Karen Loh is a Wonder Woman, will do her best to make things happen. A mother of two loving and adorable boys which she has to attend to their everyday needs and a household to run, despite all her domestic duties, she  finds the  time to organize the event to the best of her ability. I only witnessed the tip of the iceberg, arriving on the day before the start of the Expo Activity. She is a lady that never gets tired. Before the Expo started she has to make sure that everything was in order. During the Expo, she hosted the event from the time it opens until it closes for day 1 and 2 and at the same time welcome the guests and the VIPs, talk to the exhibitors and runners too. One can never see a trace of tiredness on her face nor on her voice. That goes for two days. And more so on the race proper until after the race.

Indeed, there is no limit to what a woman can achieve for as long as she wants to do it with all her heart and with so much passion. Together with so many volunteers and field workers, she made MWM a successful event.

This is a race that will go a long way on the streets of Malaysia. It may have its areas for improvement this year, but there are also lots of good points to be acknowledged and praised as well. With her positive outlook and very open minded to areas that needed to be improved for the futures races, MWM will surely count years as it continue to inspire women to go for their dreams, to stand up and shine despite the roles that each of us needed to portray. Congratulations to each and every lady runners on this event, thank you to all the pacers and volunteers, marshals and event logistics, thank you to MWM. Cheers to a successful 2015 event. We look forward to next year's celebration of Womanhood.

With that, for this year's race, I will be forever grateful to MWM for providing me the microphone to share my story and providing me the audience to be inspired. Thank you for the many first times that I experienced on this event. Happy running to all the Wonderful Women and Gorgeous Men too.

MWM 2015 Race Result - Rank74 (BIB#2062)

Exploring the Terraces on a Lighter Weight (Banaue Batad Mountain Marathon 2014)

Of my over a decade of mountain climbing and several years of mountain running, I have been to Banaue many many times and been to Batad via Cambulo a number of times with a heavy load of backpack on a multi day climb from Mt. Amuyao. Batad has always been a final destination and a great place of reward after 3 days of challenging  trek over several kilometers through the rice terraces. Since I started trekking,  passing through the rice terraces has always been my challenge, I just really find it so hard to get my balance on the narrow pathways  in between rice paddies with few meters high apart. Even with a trekking pole, having a load of almost 20kgs always gave me a hard time. I always cause a long queue  to hikers at my back every time we were at the terraces part. Few of my friends even tease me few years back, a Race Director should come up with a race on the terraces and they were quite sure it will slow me down.

A little of history (Photo by Wilnar Iglesia)

And around 3 years ago in one of our stop in Banaue with running friends, we saw a post of a full marathon in the area, this place could really be a nice venue to run,  to immerse once again to the Cordillera culture and be one with the famous rice terraces.

Until my race last weekend, I already forgot my fear of walking through the terraces nor my desire to run such race when I saw the marathon post few years back. The very first event along the terraces, the race really got me so excited that I did not recall any of what I thought and felt in the past. This could be a good break from the busy life in the city and to spend the long weekend with good friends will also be great to be done on a race again. Besides, I haven't been to the mountain for quite sometime now.

The Race, The Place, The People

Running with friends (Photo by Kian Vicera)

Banaue Batad Mountain Marathon is Team Malaya's 3rd Leg of the Cordillera Series, the Golden Harvest,  with route passing through the rice terraces along Banaue, Batad and Bangaan via  Cambulo. I miss the two earlier races hence this is my very first race with this group but I am very much familiar with most part of the race course.

I was with the company of my great friends Rollie, Mommy Del, Ati Myla, Shelly and Wilnar, we travel together from Manila Friday evening via Ohayami Transport for 9hours. Upon reaching Banaue, the organizing team (Team Malaya) was already at the Municipal Tourism Center (just few meters from Oyahami Banaue Bus Terminal) welcoming every race participants. After checking in, we settled in our lodge, Spring Village. Banaue is one of the 11 municipalities of Ifugao, a landlock province of the Philippines Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. This is  a small town of over 20,000 population and a home of  Unesco's World Heritage Sites, the Batad and Bangaan Rice Terraces, a 2000 year old terraces carved into the mountain, the main tourist attraction of the place.

From the town of Banaue, the race route will pass by Cambulo and Batad. Since the place has been visited by tourist all year out, there are Inns available within the town proper and  restaurants overlooking the view of the terraces. A good meal after our long bus ride was a very good start of our adventure with the first glimpse of the terraces over breakfast. It's harvest season though so most of the paddies are yellow colored ready for harvest or others has been empty for it has been harvested few days ago. 

A bright sunny day in the morning and a heavy down pour of rain in the afternoon has been the weather of the town lately. But the rain did not stop us, we claim our race kit, went to View Point to get a good sight of the Banaue Rice Terraces then went back for the race briefing and carbo loading of overflowing supply of brown rice, sinigang na chicken, steamed vegetable and fresh banana. It was a good way to see again the runners whom we will be sharing the course with the following day, most of them I know. 

Race Proper

At the starting line (Photo by Kian Vicera)

Indeed this is going to be  very different from my several visit of the terraces. Bringing my lightest hydration pack without trekking pole we went to the starting line 30 minutes before gun start, 5:00am will not be too dark for a start so I left my headlamp at the lodge. So happy to be towing the line with lots of friends, running friends, climb buddies and skyrunning friends.

There is no cut off time for both 42km and 21km distance. For a race over beautiful scenery, some runners goal is really to take it easy and enjoy nature's beauty. I thought the same as well, as this part of the region is home to  some of the best road and trail runners in the country, I never thought of pushing hard and getting a good ranking on my category.

View at the early part of the race (Photo by Fredz Decena)

Same gun start for both distance, once released, I just run my own relax pace. From the starting line at Banaue Poblasyon goes a downhill road which was a good start. I made sure that I run side by side with others as there were parts that has stray dogs got awakened by us on this cold early morning. The route follow the main road passing by communities overlooking the vast mountain ranges with terraces on the side, the road goes uphill and downhill, a good warm up on this hilly race. The scenery of the breaking dawn as the sun creep out of the mountain slopes where we were facing was just really beautiful sight to witness.  Just my ideal way of doing my morning run. Lots of runners already pass by me, male female, just not sure what distance they were running. At the 4km mark was the first aid station but I found that too early to refill anything so I kept on running until I reach the second aid station with a direction of turning left for us 42km runners. Running almost 8km now we were still on the paved road, then a turn left to Cambulo via the Kinakin Trail of 10km distance ahead. Mostly uphill paved road that switched back on the mountain slope until it finally goes to a rough road, muddy but I prefer running this than the paved one. I was running on my own. I pass by another aid station which I made sure to replenish my Gatorade drink and get fresh local orange fruit (dalandan). I have been running over 3 hours now, I need to make sure my hydration and nutrition should be well managed. Along the trail I pass by  mini falls, until finally it lead to a downhill trail to the village of Cambulo. I have been to this place in the past and I never realize we will pass by this place on the same trail this time.

View of the terraces early part of the race. (Photo by Ferdz Decena) 

From Cambulo, I am very much familiar with the trail already. Who will not? I have been to this place several times. Exactly the same trail we used in hiking on the right side the race course followed the great river to Batad. OMG. Passing by the narrow pathways of the terraces brings back my fear of walking through it. I was on my own, no runner infront nor at the back. Early on the terraces, as I was trying to maintain my balance until my left foot slipped, I have to put my weight on the right as the left side will be a deep fall. I fell on the muddy rice paddy with my left leg on the mud knee deep. That was a good consolation than falling on the other side of few meters down. What a good way to start my terraces adventure. With muddy left leg I continue my traverse, passing by trails above the terraces. Mostly uphill now on single track trail, I know exactly where the view deck of the bigger wider Batad Rice Terraces is. After several kilometers I finally reach it then it goes down following the stairs of uneven steps beside the terraces, overlooking the community of Batad. The trail leads to the main falls,  Tappiya Falls. This part is really a steep stairs going down with some parts slippery especially from the rain. I now meet lots of runners, majority are my friends. Too many to mention. Until I catch up with Rash and Benj. Only to find out there is no marshal at the Falls, the supposedly turn around point. A push back up to the trail from the water falls was a struggle. It was just too hot and I was catching my breath with thighs really tightened now. My legs are both now complaining. Upon reaching the saddle of this part of the trail, lots of runners already resting at the Nipa Hut. I wish there is an aid station somewhere that serve cold drinks but what was available was a mini store with drinks for sale, smallest bottle of cold water for 50.00 or Gatorade drink and coke for 75.00. Well, one cannot blame the locals, drinks deserve to be priced high for they have to haul it for several kilometers over mountain slopes and the terraces by foot.

At Batad Rice Terraces (Photo by Ati Myla Go)

Only then at that Nipa Hut I learned going down to Tappiya Falls was OPTIONAL and not part of the race course. WHAT???!!!! How come I did not know that? I miss one vital instruction again. Honestly, I lost much morale there. But I had no choice but to go back to the trail going to Batad Village and push a little faster despite my disappointment. To the terraces again then finally leads to the trail above with the view of the terraces below. I really wish an aid station will be sooner but to no avail. Until I met ALEN ALBAN. What? How on earth did you come ahead of me, I did not see you on the trail. He did not go down the falls. Oh well...that falls. Never mind. I continue on leaving Alen behind, it's just too hot now. I wish an aid station at the community but only to realize that will be at the saddle yet. There were few sari sari stores and one store that sells ice candy (I can still recall getting one few years back when I was there) but I opted to just continue with my journey leaving the community, I now enter the few more kilometers of trail from covered shaded part to the more exposed to the heat of the sun until it gets nearer to the saddle. I have been on the race for almost 6 hours now covering almost 30km already. All I am thinking now is just to get this over with for I am already hungry for some real food. The saddle is a sweet relief, I had my AMCI Packer friends waiting for me. Such a sweet surprise. After eating 1 piece of sweet potato, replenish my hydration bladder and pour water to myself, I run down.

Batad Rice Terraces

The downhill road was a little easier now but not friendly to my precious knees. This  will be a little over 12kms of paved road all the way to the finish line. It's sunny and hot and I can feel I need to pee. Until at one curve I saw Bitoy. Wohooo, another friend.  I asked him to look after me as I really need to pee. That was a very big relief. All the way I run until I pass by  the aid station at the junction, a sip of coke, brinnging with me small bottle of Gatorade and sweet potato, I am now counting the kilometer mark. From 8km it goes down to six until slowly getting shorter and closer. Just before mid noon a heavy down pour of rain came, earlier today than yesterday. Such a big relief running cooler now.  Upon reaching the community I know I am almost there. This is an out and back race so going to the finish line will now be an uphill push. 7 hours 45 minutes not bad for a suppose to be walk in the park mode race on a total of over 45km distance, not 42km(as per the GPS of Ati Myla). It was a good race after all. Nice view, nice trail over good friends with a bonus of ranking 7th on the female category.

Indeed, it was another visit to the rice terraces on a faster pace and lighter weight for I did not strap my heavy pack this time but I am sure I gain a little weight from all the food from the bus up to the time we went home. I went home with lots of  fun memories with great friends around.

Banaue Batad Marathon is also my entry race to an international race that I intend to take part of on a virtual category, #i2PRun. Organized by Impossible 2 Possible (I2P), this is a race in celebration to trail running showcasing the beautiful trails of Gatineau Park in Quebec, Canada. The date of the race falls on the same date as I am running in Banaue race, though I was not able to register on the virtual category online, my heart and mind was with i2P Run hoping that I was with the group of talented athletes running 100km through the beautiful trails of Quebec. Hope I can join one of the group's race one day. I believe in the group's advocacy and hope to take part of its mission by either sponsoring a young outdoor enthusiast or supporting their work one day and hope in my little way can help spread the mission globally.
Link of the i2P Run:  http://i2prun.com/i2prun.html

Post Race

A simple hug at the finish line, thank you Mariel.

I crossed the finish line 45 minutes past 12:00 noon, I was hungry and been wanting to eat real food. I was just too glad Kian and Mariel were there, I got a good photo upon crossing the line but most of all I got a good hug from Mariel. Thank you so much Mariel, I already smell stinky and been very wet yet you were there to hug me. I  don't know why but I just love to get a good hug after a good race.

Done. Thank you for the photo Kian.

After the organizer handed me my finisher shirt and talk to James Telias, I left the finish line without asking my ranking or where to claim my trophy or buckle or medal. I just want to have a good meal. At the restaurant nearby the finish line where a buffet post race meal was served, I met the runners who finish hours earlier than me, Mommy Del, Roland, Iris, and a lot more. Until the organizer call our attention that awarding is about to begin. I ate slow so the rest went ahead, been thinking of going straight to change in our room but thought of just dropping by the ceremony. The awarding just started. Mommy Del told me, room key is at the reception  of the Inn. I decided to stay despite being tired and feeling cold.

The awarding took longer than I expected, been wanting to leave until the top 10 for female 42km distance was called. My good friend Rashel was called which Mommy Del excitedly talk to me that for sure I belong to the top 10. Little did I know I ranked 7th without me knowing upon crossing the finish line. Glad I decided to stay a bit longer.

My signature smile...Happiness ( Photo by Mommy Del)

My thoughts after the race?  I think I got my money's worth. A race event shirt, personalized race bib, a carbo loading meal, post run meal, a long sleeves finisher shirt, a finisher's certificate and a buckle plus a finisher's trophy. Race such as this that covers vast distance over varied terrain is not an easy one to organize and I salute the organizer for doing their best to give the best to their runners.  I would like to share my thoughts which I hope the organizer will take it in a positive way.

• Red colored ribbons of wider and longer measurement were good visible colors. The placing and distance were strategic that it helps a lot for runners follow the right trail. Banner signages of THIS WAY were also a big help.
• Marshals were placed strategically on the areas needed but additional marshal should have been placed at the turn around point before going to Tappiya Falls. And should have informed  runners that going down is OPTIONAL.
• Aid stations - where it has been placed were already good but an additional should have been better, at the Cambulo area before the ascend or at the turn around point before Tappiya Falls.
• At the finish line, even if awarding has been going on, a designated marshal to welcome the coming runners crossing the finish line should be there at all times. Each runner deserve to be welcome after a great effort.
• It must have been great if all finishers trophy has been distributed at the finish line.
• A better fit of the finisher shirt should have been an additional plus. A small size is still much bigger than I thought.
• This is an event that passes through great historic view especially that of the terraces. Having a professional photographer on that part of the trail could have made the runners be happy to have good photo taken and for sure such photo will travel a long way which will also be a good advertisement of the race in the future.
• I commend the organizer's fast reply despite my late notice that I will use a friend's bib for he cannot join the race. They accommodated our request. Thank you.

Overall I can say it was a successful race. A very unique race which Team Malaya was able to put together. Looking forward to the next one.

A  race powered by Altra Lone Peak and Feetures socks. Thank you Singphil Ltd.Inc. for all your support.

More photos can be viewed here: Banaue Batad Mountain Marathon 2014

Running through the Beauty of the Lost City (Inca Trail Marathon 2013)

Arrived the city of Lima late night on the 29th of May greeted by the  Andean cool winter breeze. It was cold (at least for me). Coming from a place that has been experiencing extreme summer heat, all I hope for at that very moment was that I hope I  packed enough winter clothing to keep me warm  on the entire trip especially on the days that I will be at the camp and most especially on the race proper. It was dark, and just few steps out of the airport was the hotel where I will be staying for the night. Carmela from Andes Adventures was there to assist us and as soon as we got settled in our rooms, I excitedly claim my welcome drink, I opted to try the famous native drink of Peru, the Pisco Sour. I am not into drinks  with alcohol but I said I'll give it a try, not bad after all. I just had few sip and decided to hand it over to my friend. Aside from Coca Tea, I never thought this will be the start of my several Pisco Sour welcome drinks in the coming days.

An early flight the following day bring us to the ancient city of Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city. Hoteles Costa Del Sol will  be our home for 6 days of this adventure. And just like Lima, the weather in Cuzco was also cold. Each day from the 31st of  May has been  spent on running and exploring the beauty of this ancient place. 25 participants, 20 of which are runners from 7 countries,  with the American Race Director, Devy, and 2 local guides. Thanks to the five days spent  few hours of running and a day of trek to the campsite before the full trail marathon race came, all of those activities give myself a chance to acclimatize to the altitude and get used to the cold weather. Each day of running has been spent on famous landmarks and historical places significant to the culture and history of this region. I am so blessed for not all runners/trekkers and/or tourists can experience and see the beauty of  some parts if this country by running.

I come and join this expedition with less expectations for I do not even thought that this scheduled trip will ever push through. Last minute decision, finally packed my things and boarded the plane. Everything did not sink into my mind that I am going for an adventure of a lifetime, that I am going to a sacred place of a long lost civilization, a place that most people dream of going, my dream destination as well. All I think and know is that I am going to run a full marathon on a trail/road  that is  carved and artistically  laid by the hands of the Inca people hundred of years ago. Just enjoy what ever this trip will bring me was all I think of. As usual, I thought, just smile, explore and make the best out of what the place can offer.

Bringing inside my bag tones of excitement and less of expectations on my running performance,  I did not even know that in the next few days I will embark to do  "The Most Difficult Marathon in the World." The past 17 years, in the absence of the GPS technology to measure the correct distance of the trail, what Andes Adventures (the organizing team) has been doing is just 33km trail race along the ancient Inca Trail which is now called the Inca Classic Trail Run. Beginning this year, with the right measurement, (thanks to the invention of GPS), the distance has been measured and corrected to  a full marathon, 42.2km to be exact,  with an elevation gain of 10,384ft. Those figures did not really sink into my mind at all. Not even the running cut off time of 13 hours and a cut off of 3:30pm at the main entrance gate to Machu Picchu National Park.  Otherwise runners who will not reach within that time will go on detour to the trail that will lead to the hotel that the group will be staying,  that will serve as the finish line rather than on the famous Machu Picchu ruins.  Much worst if runners cannot really reach the detour point within day time,  an emergency camp at Phuyupatamarca, few more kilometers before the entrance gate to of Machu Picchu is being prepared. After the race briefing, two of the runners who originally signed up to do the Full Marathon  down graded to the Inca Trail Classic distance which I did not know even before few hours after the race proper. 

All the runners doing the two race categories stayed for the night at the camp on a tent before the race proper at Llactapata (2,638MASL), less than a kilometer away from the starting line. The campsite is situated on a valley surrounded by towering mountains of the Urubamba mountain range facing on an ancient ruin. The place is cold but with a magnificent view. The early lights off did not help me get an early good night sleep. It was cold inside the tent, even inside my sleeping bag. I wish I brought  my much warmer one, and much warmer inner layers, it took me a while to get a comfortable position and finally doze off to sleep but had to wake up several times to pee. The magnificent view of the glittering stars that shines bright through the Peruvian sky is just really beautiful.

Race Proper, June 5, 2013

I have been awake even before the wake up call of 2:00am, I am not too sure if I really got a good sleep, I can hear my tent mate snoring which I wish I had the same deep sleep too. As I hear one porter giving the signal for full marathon runners to get up and prepare, I pulled myself out of my sleeping bag, change to running gear, pack all my things, go out to pee  and eat breakfast. This is it, no any other day but this day. This is what we come here for and all of us are really excited to finally do it. It is still cold, with my lavender water resistant TNF jacket on and a buff to cover my face, we started the trek to the starting line 30 minutes before the gun start. It's a trek of a little over 15 minutes on a gradual ascend trail that eventually joins the old Inca Trail.

While waiting for the gun start I had to take off my last outer layer of upper clothing, my rain jacket leaving only my TNF technical long sleeves and another technical short sleeve shirt as my base layer. All set and ready to go.

Standing at the uphill of the Ancient Inca Trail that is only lighted by the rays of our head torches,  with my fellow 13  full marathon runners, few local crews and the Race Director Devy, I had no ambitious goal on my finish time on this race. All I thought was just douse myself with  positive vibes while running through the beauty of this magnificent place and just enjoy my run. I did not even have my usual chart of calculated time on certain distance, one thing that I always prepare on almost all my runs in the past. It is still dark, at exactly 4:00am all us started our most awaited adventure. Off we go. As usual I am taking my slow pace after gun start while most of  the other runners just run to their faster strides and slowly one by one were gone out of my sight in front of me. My slow pace was just proper to adjust to the gradual ascend of the trail while getting used to the cold early morning breeze while my lungs was getting used to the gradual thinning air.

And just few kilometers from the start even before reaching the last inhabit village of the Inca Trail, the village of Wayllabamba (2,951MASL), it already started to rain. Though it is only a steady minor drops combining it with the cold breeze of this season, early on I wish I brought with me my favorite red gortex TNF jacket. All I hope for was the rain to stop or at least will not continue to a heavier down pour. It gets colder and colder as I make my way up to the first major hill to Chakrachay (3,642MASL). This is just a 6km distance from the starting line but with an abrupt elevation gain of almost 700M through climbing at the edge of the hill. I catch up with the New Zealand runner Tim Manning early on the slope and we were running/trekking almost together on the climb of this place, with me leading the pace. Few kilometers after we catch up with Dawn Estelle, the Triathlete Mom of Winter Vinecki from Salem, Oregon. I was still ok with my pace  despite the gradual ascend, it was my wet upper clothing that made me worried this early on, I might not be able to sustain on the more higher elevation.

As the day slowly breaks while negotiating to this uphill trail I can  hear the sound of the river below way below the slope if teh mountain side.  I am already soak on the rain. But despite my condition it was rewarding to see and witness the beauty of the tall mountain ranges  that surrounded this place. And surprisingly the leading runner, Matt Pepler from New Zealand is already running his fastest stride on the way back down the trail. Wow...Amazing, he is just incredibly fast. Until more runners followed on their way down. Running 10th among the 16 runners that I know will be running the full marathon, I can hear the coming runners saying 10 more minutes, almost there. 2 and a half hours after the start I finally reach  the turn around point at Chakrachay, a little over 12km from the starting line. I am cold, wet and both arms  numb, I cannot feel anything. I know I had to go down faster to recover. While taking some food, Tim arrive and just few minutes after Dawn did. After few bites of bread I run down ahead of them, until Dawn and Tim catch up with me running down fast, in fact they were not running, I see them flying. They were really fast that it was just impossible for me to catch up with them. Hhhmm, I shouldn't be the last runner for there are still two runners negotiating this uphill slope towards the turn around point. At the junction on my way back to the village of Wayllabamba, I was already with the sweeper of the race, a local guide. Only then I found out that  I am the last runner of the full marathon.   Jeff and Mike (all the while I thought will be running the full marathon) decided to do the Inca Trail Classic route. As early as this part,  I was already with the company of the sweeper, which turn out to be  a very big help especially towards the second half of the race. 

Oh by the way, this is a race that is kept at a very very  low key. Runners do not wear bib numbers, no trail signs along the trail and no start and finish archs and banners at the start and finish line. No flaglets, no usual running signages at the side of any part of the route.

Back at Wayllabamba village mark a little over 18km distance, almost 4 hours on the trail, I am now with the company of Tim Manning. He is just few meters ahead of me. But as soon as we join the Inca Trail proper, it was already a never ending uphill for me and I am now joined by the hikers, local guides and porters carrying around 20kgs on their back. Sorry for me, it was all steep steep uphills, at some point I wish there were flats or a downhill part. Until we enter the mossy trees on rocky steps. Starting at this point all I wish for are my precious trekking poles. I know it could have been of great help on this part especially that I am seeing Tim on his poles way ahead of me.

I was never happy with my pace at all. The only reward for me was the beautiful view of the mountain ranges with clouds down below. Until a surprise water station at the middle of the uphill slope. Wow. Happiness. At least this will give me a chance to rest. I am now a little over 21km with 3,306MASL elevation at Ayapata. I catch up with Reagan Rice, a retired Navy from Florida, USA who used to be stationed at Subic Bay, Philippines in the late 70's. He mentioned several Filipino food he was fond of eating on his stay in the country including balut. And I catch with Tim here too.

After grabbing a bite of bread and sip of the soup, without resting my legs, I resume my uphill struggle. It was a relentless climb up to another camp  with an elevation gain  450MASL from the last aid station. Lots of climbers and porters preparing to start the trek that will eventually join me on the uphill adventure. As I come to the open trail of steps made of laid stones leaving the forest line, all I can see is the beautiful mountain range in front,  both sides (on the left and on the right) and at the back leaving the valley down where we come from early this day. On the right side of the mountain is a sweet surprise of the magnificent view of Mt. Veronica that is covered by snow.

In front of me is my final task on this part of the trail, The Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwanusqa)  4,206MASL, the highest elevation of this trail, the highest peak of this race. With 5km distance from the last camp site, it has an altitude gain of 1,200MASL. No wonder I was just struggling this bad.  I can see each person in front of me moving, but on a slower pace just like me.  The Pass looks near but every step towards it was not easy, I need to stop, at some point sit down on the side and catch up my breath. What an agonizing feeling seeing Tim in front of me slowly moving forward while I am stopping more often to catch up my breath. I can feel the thinning air while my lungs is grasping more air. All the more I thought of my trekking pole. Several times I had to ask the sweeper to open my hydration pack to hand me some food. This difficult part  brings back my  memories of struggles on  my Mt. Aconcagua summit attempt and Kilimanjaro summit day. Hearing the words of encouragement from the hikers boosts my morale to step forward, push further and keep going. This part is just really agonizing but to DNF is not an option. I just had to move forward.

With a slow push further I finally made it to the top, covering almost 24km of the race course. Most of the hikers at this part take few minutes of rest, I wish I can do the same but I just cannot.   As I look ahead of me, the trail going down into the valley of Pacamayo is already calling. After few click of pictures, I rush down to the 3 kilometer descend on an uneven rocky steps of different sizes. One will just have to be extra careful not to injure oneself on this kind of trail. At almost noontime, I reach the next aid station, it was already hot including the Gatorade drink, a choices of fruits, noodles, soup, bread were available. I took little bites of some and proceed without even taking time to rest my legs again.  A little further after this station is another ascend of a combination of steps on ascending trail of stones to the next pass, Runkuchay Pass. It was already almost 12noon, I am still on my slow pace on all this uphill parts, despite the only 341meter of elevation gain. I was just struggling. Until the sweeper asked if I can still go on. Of course I had no other option but to continue the race despite my slow pace. He offered to bring my hydration pack which at first I refused. Passing by the ruins of the Watch Tower and the lake, I did not even take a picture at all, finally at the top of the pass again with an elevation of 3,962MASL. The mountain ranges covered with snow is just a great reward after a hard climb up.

And the sweeper said this will be the last steep ascend. Huh...what a relief. But hey, how many more hours for me to reach entrance gate of the Machu Picchu National Park, the entrance towards the finish line of this race? Around 4:30 to 5 hours Mam. What?!!! That was already 30 minutes after 12noon. Reaching that late was unacceptable. I asked further, 'if that is the case from this  part how many hours will it reach me to Phuyupatamarca?' around 1 hour 40 minutes. 'How about from that point to the entrance gate?' another 2 and half hours. Oh no, I will be in so much trouble if my pace will continue to be this slow. The gate will close at 3:30pm and they are strict about that. I need to push myself faster than my usual pace.

Giving my hydration pack to the sweeper, with a goal of reaching the gate by 3:00pm, I dash down the trail, run as fast as I can with the sweeper following me. I thank him so much of his presence, there were some junctions that I had to ask him which path to take. Remember, there was never a single trail sign placed on this race along the trail.

Leaving most of the climb, it's now mostly flat or downhill but on a rocky steps that leads to Sayacmarca, 3,580MASL. Passing three tunnels  in between stone paved trails, this is  such a magnificent construction of Inca trail with stone stair cases. It now leads to Phuyupatamarca, 3,653MASL, the 3rd and the last pass on this trail. I pass by Tim and few more kilometers I pass by Reagan. Few more meters down below is another aid station which I did not stop at all to grab anything, moving on was already the view of the Urubamba River.

I just run and run and run on the series of hundreds of steps made of stones which I finally learn the rhythm of hopping from one rock to the next of different sizes. As I go further, I pass by another ruins which we have to run on the stairs at the middle of the two terraces. I kept on asking the guide, 'where is the trail that leads to the Machu Picchu and where is Machu Picchu itself?' It turn out this part was still far to that point. Crossing the other side of the slope of the mountain, we then enter the cloud forest until I reach Weynay Wayna, 3,610MASL. Another campsite here, a small aid station with local marshals waiting for the runners and a toilet. The sweeper asked me if I need to have a bladder break, which I did not think at all. Even the sweeper probably noticed that I did not also do any toilet break on this race. All I have  in mind is to reach the gate before anything else. I proceed and few more meters is the most awaited gate to Machu Picchu National Park, its 2:40pm. I was just to glad  I made it to this part almost 20 minutes earlier than my target time.  The sweeper and my guide hand me over my hydration pack. It turn out he is not allowed anymore to enter the Machu Picchu National Park and I have to be on my own again up to the finish line.

Clueless of how many more kilometers to the finish line, I was just taking my slow pace again. It shouldn't be much longer anymore, I thought.  I was running on my own, sometimes pass by hikers who are just too happy to see me running for they there were already 17 more runners ahead of me that already pass by them at this time. Almost an hour inside this trail I reached the most awaited part   before reaching Intipata (The Sun Gate). It's the few meters of inclined steps that I hope I can use a rock climbing rope and harness to bring myself up to the other side. It's a four wheel drive for me, using my two hands and both legs, if only I can use my chin too. With legs already tired I just had to push up. I said to myself, the Machu Picchu site must be very precious for I have to endure this much, I have to run this far, I have to struggle that much in order to see its beauty. True enough, upon reaching the top of Sun Gate, with the sun almost to set, there before me is the ancient sacred city that is laid out in all its splendor, standing tall with all its beauty. Standing this high overlooking the Machu Picchu ruins surrounded by the towering mountain ranges is just a magnificent view to witness. I wanted to cry. It was all worth the sacrifice.

But hey, I am not done yet. I still have over  a kilometer to run down to the finish line. Confused of which part of the trail to go, though there is just one, I asked the Park Guide, which he leads me. Another  uneven stoney path. Guided with the view of the ruins I just run and run and run down. Until I never realized I was already at the finish line. Thanks to the presence of Siane and Nikki Manning, they were waiting for Tim to arrive. I did not realize I am already done with my full marathon.

A finish line with out a finishers banner or even just a plastic string to indicate  the you are already done, I bring out my Philippine flag and asked Siane to take some photo of me. Happy, very happy that I finished 12th among the 14 full marathoners. I just did my most difficult race ever (that is at least for me).

I am glad I decided to join this trip, I did The Most Difficult Marathon in the World. It was all worth it. I have no right to do the analysis if it really was the most difficult full marathon after all,  for unlike the other runners of this race who did several extreme races compared to myself. (I only did 27 full and ultra marathons of my over 2 years of running, 8 of those 27 are full marathons.) More than the distance and the elevation gain, it is the running experience on this ancient place that makes this adventure a worth while adventure. Inca Trail Marathon is a big check. You are so lovely and sweet to me. Thank you.

I thank few people that has a big heart who helped me make this trip happen, without them I will not be on this part of the globe. My forever Sing Phil Enterprise team who continuously support my local and international adventures, thank you Elete Electrolytes, Altra Shoes, SLS3 for the support. Thank you to the power of Essentials, Coquinone, Procosa and Active Calcium...you keep me going.

This is a well organized race by Andes Adventure, it is always a pleasure to meet and to be with a lot of different runners and people on some parts of the world. You all make part of my story book. Thank you. I hope I will bump into some of you someday somewhere on my adventures.   

Race Itinerary - Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu 2013
2013 Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu Race Result
Inca Trail Marathon Photo Gallery taken by Othe Participants

Condura Skyway Marathon 2013

Picture by Jun Mendoza

It's my 3rd Condura Skyway Marathon!! my second full marathon running the same full stretch of the skyway. As Arvin said, "this is all because of the nice Finisher shirt & fortunately we got our preferred sizes. It was all worth it :-) "

I never thought of joining this race this year anymore. I run this event since the very first year it was organized (2009 I guess), had my very first debut of full marathon two years ago and did it again last year with the thought that it would be nice to think that  I was able to run the entire stretch of the skyway. But when I saw the finisher shirt for this year's race, I wanted to add one to my collection of  souvenir shirts again. I had the saucer sized medal last year but there was no finisher shirt. Fueled by Arvin's interest of joining this race, we rush to the last day of registration, took us an hour to decide if we will really register given that our preferred shirt size is not already available. We will have it repaired then if the organizer will not grant us the shirt size come race day.

Picture by Jun Mendoza

Truth to be told, every race is always a different experience. I may have run this event for the fifth time and on the same exact route the second time but as always I have another story to tell this time around. A thought of doing this at sub 5 hours runs through my mind, having to beat my PR on this distance will be too ambitious, I just come from an ultra trail race and haven't been back to work on my speed again two weeks after that. So I thought I'll just go with whatever pace I can do on this race.

Lots of familiar faces, festive atmosphere, heard lots of greetings not just before the start of the race but also along the race route and even after the race,  most of them I did not recognize or I was just too focused on my pace. I was with Arvin the first 20 kilometer stretch of the route. It was windier this time than last year. As we hit 10 km mark I know too well I will not be able to beat my PR. A push at the first half of the race has been my strategy before, upon reaching the 21km mark I was even slower than the speed I expected. Oh well, I 'll just push a little harder on the second half. 

On the distance beyond 15km I know I got to have something to fuel my stomach. Hesitant of using my shotz gel, I decided to have mini bite chocolates and candies. I know there will be supply of bananas in the next stations ahead. True enough few water stations more banana is already available. I started grabbing one, taking small bites while running and grabbing another piece once I run out of one. Until I already eat 3 pcs. But I noticed my stomach is starting to feel uncomfortable. Oh no, another stomach problem on just a full marathon. A not very good one. 

Before reaching 35km mark, I only have less than an hour to finish the last stretch, been wanting to push for a sub 5. But towards the 40km mark I just cannot take it anymore, nature calls, I need to line up in one of the portalets. I really can feel an upset stomach now. As much as I really want to push and not mind the trouble on my tummy, at some point I cannot ignore it anymore, I decided to stop, I do not want to cross the finish line smelling bad.

I lost more than 3 minutes on that stop but I hope that I can push a little harder and faster after that stop. Thanks to the presence of Alen, he was the one who inspired me to hang on and push a little farther. I do not want to eat another banana anymore. It was still dark, the route towards the finish line is an uphill part until it goes to a short 200 meter flat part towards the finish line, seeing the time I just want to get over this, it was 5:01:47. I cross the finish line with an upset stomach, hungry and thirsty. 

The race organizer did a great job, there were enough water and electrolyte drink despite the big number of runners, the atmosphere is festive, medics are available at every few kilometers, a roving ambulance is visible from time to time. A well organized race and not a crowded one, the release by wave helped not to crowed too much the skyway. This marathon never fails to be one of a memorable street party as ever.

Having been able to run the same route last year, the excitement may be lesser this time as compared before but nonetheless I am glad I cross the finish line still dark. I may be short by 1 minute and 46 seconds on my target time but I am still happy I did it. I ranked 565 of 2, 433 starters, I grab the shirt size that I wanted and most of all I indulged myself with  2 cones of cornetto ice cream and 3 ice cream sticks. That made my day. Happiness.

As always I thank God for giving me the physical strength and  the mental grit to endure every kilometer that I cover.

And yes I am running for LOVE, it's a Love month anyway.