Dream On - 39th Milo Marathon Lucena Leg 2015

"Great things start with small beginnings. Run a Milo Marathon and let your Champion story begin."

While others were on their quest to physical greatness on their journey of achieving their dreams as a Runner or as a Race Director,  I too had my own share of story to tell on my quest of fulfilling my dream as a 'forever hopeful' runner. Yesterday was a weekend of so many races, UTMB in Chamonix, TMBT in Kinabalu, MURA's Malaysia Eco100 in Penang, Danang International Marathon in Vietnam, Mt. Balagbag - DLB Trail Challenge of  Pilipinas Mountain Running Series Leg 2, Team Malaya's Last Stand of Yamashita to name few. Mine was my continues quest to qualify to the finals of Milo Marathon,  the Lucena Leg of the 39th Milo Marathon. 

When I was short of 7 minutes on the full marathon on last July's  Manila Leg, I continued my 2nd year of dream to qualify  the Finals of Milo Marathon  at one of the Regional Races, the Lucena Leg. Trying my luck one more time, this will be on  the 21km category before I give this quest for this year a rest and move on to the next project. Whatever the result, at least I give my best. 

Together with my few Ayala Triads family, we traveled to Lucena City bringing with us high hopes and exciting spirits to go for what we are aiming for. Hoping for the best we stand at the starting line together with the rest of the 21km runners. Lots of familiar faces including my TPK dear dear friends. Just like my countless other run races, standing at the starting line always gives me mixed emotions no matter what the distance is. This time around, counting the few minutes left before the gun start while  listening to the opening program, it gives me a teary eye watching the video of the many runners' journey on several Milo Marathon in the past. Building dreams and each one's champion story is a very individual journey, a very inspiring one. As I continue to write my own story on this journey, I hope for the best and always reminded myself of what my Malaysian friend Hui Mathews told me the night before the race, 'most important u do your best and enjoy it!!' Even before the start of the race, I reminded myself again of that.

And as the count down brings to zero and all 21km runners were released, I run only to my own convenient pace. Most of my runner friends run fast ahead of me. As much as I wanted to zoom fast on the dark streets of Lucena, I also have to listen to my body, I do not want to push to much that might bring me to trouble. Reaching the first u-turn made me realize I am not too far from the lead pack of runners. The next long stretch that runs several kilometers in a  highway is a slow ascending part,  I slowly picked up my pace to a faster rate and I catch up few of my friends ahead of me early on the race. 

After the second turn around is already a downhill part. I still hope of making to my qualifying time so I run with all my might on the downhill stretch but towards the last 4km where I only got 12 minutes left, I know that will be too hard for me to reach within my qualifying time. I just reminded myself to just enjoy the beautiful scenery, the more green and open space as far as my eyes can see. Two more kms to the finish line,  one marshal told me I ranked 10th  among the female on 21km. I really did not hope much as most of the time I run really slow towards the last part  of the race. I will do my best to maintain my ranking and hope to catch up with the 9th female which I did at some part but she also catch up with me few meters before the finish line. 

I crossed the finish line 6 minutes beyond my qualifying time but  happy. I am always grateful and thankful that I finish safe and injured free and most of all for making me the 10th Female runner on this category. This may not be a big race like the races that  I mentioned above but for me this is a small beginning towards a bigger dream. What a sweet reward to all the training and sacrifices that I did prior to the race. It gave  me goosebumps when my name was called at the stage for I never thought I will be sharing the stage with elite runners much younger than me in age. Having to share the stage with Mommy Del (4th place) and Miss Rhina (5th PLace) is already a dream come true for me. 

There goes my story. I congratulate all the finishers on this leg of  Milo Elimination race. Salute to all the qualifiers. As I end my Milo quest for the year 2015 I will continue my speed training as I long to improve my speed and continue on to bigger longer races.

I'd like to congratulate all my friends near and far who race big races yesterday. My salute to fellow ultra runners who made it to UTMB, to Ige, Mia, Roland, George and Xerxes, Amy, Simon, Sang, Cynthia, Janet, Steve,  and those I forget to mention, you guys will always be an inspiration for me to continue loving the sport. I am one of the many who salute you all for braving yourselves to be even at the starting line. Congratulations too to all my RD friends who did a successful race as well.

Thank you Milo Marathon for another year of great running. For as long as there is life there is hope. I will never give up on you. I will continue my journey of becoming better runner  for I believe one day my name will be put on the List of  Wall of Qualified Runners on the Milo Finals. For now I have to move on to my next big race. On to the trails of Merapoh. 

Thank you Russel Hernandez for accommodating us and feeding us on our stay in Lucena.

A race powered by Altra Torin Shoes, Feetures Socks, Ash Be Nimble Running and Yoga Apparel, Trail Toes  Anti Friction Foot and Body Care, Coqionone and Rev3 and Tail Wind Nutrition.

Photo credit to Janina Valderas of iCloud Running Group, Miss Jackie Gutierez  and Runaholics. Thank you for capturing the moment.

4th Mayon360 Ultramarathon 2014 (50mile Road Race) - The Beginning of My Re-Learning Process

Running ultra races over the past three years is a continues learning process for me. I have my own share of triumphs and defeats, joys and frustrations along the way. I come to learn so much about myself, got amazed with what I can do beyond what I imagine I can. I am blessed I am able to run that long for I know not all can despite their desire and will to do it for their body cannot endure the extreme activity that the sports is asking for.

 I learn to adopt techniques as I go from one race to the other. There are those that worked for me the first few races that does not work for me anymore now. Along the way there are also things that I developed that I wish I did not. One concern is my nutrition and hydration. I become so sensitive with my nutrition and hydration that after over two years of running,  a taste of a gu gel or any gel is not acceptable to my stomach anymore. I cannot take any kind of soda even if I wish to. I have to be very diligent with my food and hydration intake otherwise  I will develop acid reflux along the race. Though I learn how to deal with it, I know if I want to do longer on this sports I have to address it.

I use to tape my toes on my races in the past,  now I no longer do it with very minimal or no blisters at all. But my speed did not get any better, infact I feel it is getting worst, I got slower than before. I wish I had the same fresh legs the day I started running 3 years ago, no pain on the knees, hamstring, calves, etc. That condition leads me to my next move in the field of running: work on my speed and study my nutrition and hydration.

Early month of March I promised to really work on my speed, one thing that I know I have to do if I will really aspire to do tough long races in the future. With that,  I know I had to work on my core, do more short distance races, speed works and intervals and lessen my ultra races. But barely one month of doing such with the help of my few running mates, I have to make a decision if I will join a race that I have been wanting to tick off from my list, running through the most perfect coned volcano in the world, the Mayon360 Ultramarathon. My stubborn self won and I decided to join. The 80km distance will be too long of an LSD to cover my total mileage for the week.

My goal in mind? Take an easy pace, study my nutrition and hydration, survive the heat, test run the Altra Intuition1.5 road running shoes and Feetures pair of socks  and most of all HAVE FUN. Compared to my other ultra races of almost the same distance, this time I came at the starting line on a very less expectations and less running gear. I want to run light and run free, so I only bring my 320ml hydration bottle, small sachet of wet ones and enough amount of cash. No hydration belt, no power bars, gels and chocolates, no chia seeds, electrolyte drink nor nutrimeal, no watch, cellphone, camera. There will be aid stations every after 5kms on the stretch of the race course and some support vehicles that we can always ask for food and water. The specific vehicle that I ride with will also be around though I am not sure if I can have it available if needed. I also did not study the race course, the elevation profile nor the area where it will be most hot and exposed to the sun. This race is known to be hot and humid, it reached 41degrees C last year, others said. Without much heat training the past weeks, my mental conditioning on race day was 'I experienced the extreme heat of a desert race in Arizona and Utah without the luxury of so much supply of water and ice cubes to cool my body, I overcome the microwave temperature of Dinalupihan in BDM102,  I should survive the heat again this time with out much trouble.  

An hour before the gun start, we were already at the starting line. Lots of runners, over 700 with over 400 from the 80km solo category and 300 spread to the two sets of relay. It's overwhelming to see several familiar faces, and most especially toeing the starting line with some of the few elite runners in the country. The cash prize is a very good attraction that this race draw more runners every year. How I wish I can have my share but ofcourse that is only in my dreams. Even if cash awards will be given to top 30 and first 5 female, I still cannot grab a portion of it.  All I am aiming this time  is to finish with in the cut off time. That will be more than enough for me as I  am doing my LSD anyway.  

As soon as the 10 second countdown ended to one, I just run on my own pace on the streets of Legazpi with enough light from the street posts. 4:00am is still dark. Thank God I decided to bring my headlamp, that saved me from the streets with far apart lighted houses and street light posts, buses and vehicles are rushing fast so it is always best to stay on the safe side and better be alert not to move to close to the white outer lane of the highway. I was feeling comfortable with my speed, though no wrist watch with me to monitor my time, I am pretty ok as I pass the first aid station to the next, it is still dark. I barely drink the water on my hydration bottle, I hydrate from the first few stations. What worries me though is that solid food will only be served at kilometer 20 aid station. I really wish I can survive as I do not have any food with me. True enough before the day breaks I reached the aid station with food. The start of my  boiled bananas, hard boiled eggs and chocolate diet on this race.

As I go from one station to the next, I really did not think of the time, I just run if I want, walk a little if I feel like I need to. As the broad day light come,  I just enjoy the view, at first Mayon Volcano is on my right, until it is nowhere to be seen until it will appear again. It has always been like that all through out the course. There are some parts that is uphill which I welcome it with so much joy and same goes with my downhill. One thing I noticed, I become so patient with the flats now as compared on my past road long races. One little achievement for me there.

I celebrate success as I pass by every after 5 kilometer aid station. I see to it that I grab food, drink water and this time I tried few sips of soda, just very tempting (Sprite and Coke) really hoping that it will not give me trouble on my stomach. As I go on, there are times that I feel like peeing, I stop at the back of waiting sheds and at barangay halls but thrice at the aid stations I just sit down and pee on my running shorts, have water ready to pour on myself. Yakky? I just have to learn to do it.   As the sun is up and shining  the mercury started to go up as well. I started to pour water on myself which slowly made my shoes and socks wet. I asked for ice cubes if available and put it on my headwear, my usual strategy when it is too hot, balance in my head while running. What is so amazing on this race, in between stations, people prepare pail of water where runners can pour to cool our body, others prepared ice candy which I really welcome it with so much joy, I got 6 on the entire race.

The festive ambiance at each aid station bring so much encouragements as I go along the race. Volunteers, marshals, fellow runners especially on the relay either waiting for their turn to run or just finished running and just waiting for their ride back to the finish/starting line and spectators are just there to help which lightens the atmosphere. Aside from banana and egg, I live with suman that our support vehicle prepared, I see to it that I always have that in my hand alternating it with boiled banana. Before mid day, I welcome real food of rice and fired fish, though I did not eat much.

As I run beyond 60km and it gets really hot and humid, clueless of the time, I just push a little harder. I can feel my skin is already burned, just run a little further. I was with the company of Del for several kilometers now, I always welcome running with the company of other runners for most of the time on most of my races I run on my own. Having her is such a blessing, my another first experience. We push together, most of the time she's at my back but at some instances she's infront of me. But at kilometer 70 I lost her, and as I move a little longer at times I look back hoping to see her from a distance, the street is at its highest heat,  but nowhere to find her. I wish to cross the finish line with her. This part also starts the unbearable heat of the sun, I feel it was just too hot. I started counting the kilometer posts kilometer by kilometer. Reaching the 75km aid station was such a big relief, hydrate some ice cold water was such a big joy, I go on with the hope that it will not take me longer to the finish line, seeing the last 2 kilometer sign was suppose to be a big relief but not. As I become so accustomed with the distance despite the absence of a watch, I can already determine more or less how long  a kilometer distance is, the last 2 kilometers seems to be taking forever, the sight of the finish line did not come soon. There were still many more electricity posts to count and some unofficial aid station along the way, one with ice candy that I grab two more pieces, my 6th now. Until the last turn came, I remember this will be the last one, a run around the Astrodome before reaching the finish line.

I was just too glad I cross the finish line still on day time for I do not have my headlamp with me anymore. And my run free mode is a success. I did not even bother to look up and see what my official time as I cross the finish line. I only realized that after several minutes of moving around after the race. It was fun, I conquered another ultra on a really relaxed manner. It was one good race that I highly recommend to others. Its one well organized race supported not just by the LGU but also by the locals and the local community. Runners will survive even without support vehicle, aid stations are full of hydration and food, a good heat training for future races, and most of all a well coordinated event.

I achieved my goal, I did not push much, I had a happy stomach and gallbladder and no acid reflux this time, few sips of soda is a big leap of success for me on this race, had sunburn but not dehydrated. I survived with no blisters on my feet despite my wet shoes and socks, Altra Intuition and Feeture socks is great.  I salute all the finishers, my hats off to the race organizer and my huge congratulations to all the podium finishers. Really, all of you are my inspiration.

I thank the people who made my journey on this race enjoyable, memorable and  possible. To my Ayala Triads family (Sir Zaldy and Mam Gia and the rest of the company) thank you for all the coordination and fun, to Fairveiw Runners Sir Larry, if not because of your encouragements I could not have run this race, Sir Lao for the transportation and accommodation with the company of  Sir Joey, Nina  and Del, that was one great weekend, thank you for your warm welcome despite our first time being together, to Sir Miles, thank you for being our support during the race. The nutrition and hydration helped me a lot finish this race.  Thank you SingPhil Ltd./Inc, to Altra Shoes, Feeture Socks and Elete Electrolyte Drink for supporting my races and expeditions. To my family for all the unwavering support, to my number ONE supporter and fan, Xie Xie, every distance is dedicate to you, thank you for all the encouragements and believing in what I am capable of doing. And to God Almighty, you never fail to give me strength to endure, thank you. Dios Mabalos.

Next stop will be on the trails of Hamilo Coast.

6th Bataan Death March 102KM Ultra Marathon 2014 (BDM102)

Bataan Death March (BDM) Ultramarathon  is a commemorative race tracing the route where around 70,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forcibly transferred by foot from the battle field of Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga during the World War II. Thousands of Filipino and American prisoners of war died before they could reach the final destination at Camp O'Donnell. This race, BDM as famously known by  most runners in the country is at its 6th edition this year. 

I had been part of the race for several times in the past, twice to be exact, as support crew/pacer in both BDM160 and BDM102. I witness how tough the race seeing from the experience of others but I never thought it will be that challenging as I add my  own BDM102  experience to my running adventure. For some,  it take six months to a year to prepare for the race. One friend of mine compare BDM race to a wedding preparation, one year in a making. The physical and mental preparation, the support crew and support vehicle as the entourage , the food and hydration as the food in the reception, to decide on what running gear to wear as the wedding gown and the 102km distance as  the long aisle that everybody will walk through and be part of. Mine was a different one, a photo finish event. 

BDM102 was not on my list of races to run this year. I know I will be able to run it one day  but not very soon. Mid week before the race date,  our mission (together with my other two friends) was just to convince a friend who registered but decided  not to run it anymore, mission accomplished for us but with a package of me having to run the race as well. Coming from a mountain trail run of the same distance the weekend before the race, I know it was a foolish decision to do such. I haven't really recovered from the race last weekend yet. But my stubborn self gave it a thought and finally said, why not. I come to the starting line on a half support crew half runner mode. I really do not know if I can run the race, I cannot even get excited with the thought that I am going to run it. 

Thirty minute before the gun start my race bib was finally handed to me, this is it, I will be running BDM102km in few minutes. I had to rush to get myself ready for the race. I was finally standing at the starting line now as a runner, not a support crew. Lots of familiar faces, 300 starters. And to my surprise there were around 6 of us from H1P1 race that also joined the race including Mr. Sang from Korea. My game plan, I know this is not going to be an easy race for me but I will just take my own pace and enjoy the route. I know my friend Kat with Bren,  as I share the support vehicle of my friend Bernard, will  take care of my needs as I go along the distance. I will just take things one at a time, distance by distance. 

Gun start at 10:00pm of March 1, all runners at its reflector vest for safety, the first 2km is flat which is a good warm up and it goes to 5km uphill, which was just fine with me. I take my own relax pace as I started climbing the ascend part, it wasn't as humid as I expected it to be. Kilometer by kilometer I go, Kat  and Bren has been doing great in handing me my nutrition and hydration from time to time.  Runners catch up with me, I sometimes catch up with others. I wanted to take advantage of the night time so I just went on with my own relax pace.  I started to sweat as I move further, everything seem fine except for one thing. I just had my monthly period a week ago and I still had my very minor discharge but I did not wear any pad on the race anymore. As I slowly move a little longer I can feel a little discomfort on my private part, looks like a chafing started. This is my first time to experience such on the many ultra races that I had in the past. I did not mind it but I never thought this will become a major discomfort towards the end of the race. 

I reach 50km mark (midway) 7:00 hours after gun start, it was still dark. I decided to take a 15 minute nap, elevate my legs but wasn't really able to sleep but at least I was able to rest. I loaded my hydration bottle with water, drink my favorite Coco Quench hydration drink and eat a little and off I go again. The road was dark and I felt cold. The breeze from the rice fields and the trees were cold. I have to run on a faster pace a little bit to warm up my body temperature. Slowly from dawn to dusk I witness the break of the day. This is going to be a hot day as I saw the horizon.  I slowed a bit on my pace, I got hungry, and can now feel the mercury going up. It gets warmer. I am now on the busy highway of Bataan, seeing clearly the other runners, the support crew and the rest of the community wondering where we come from and where we are going.

As I move further, I was getting slower, it was getting warmer. My feet slowly get wet, but no signs of blisters, thanks to the injinji socks. Its my legs that I can feel the soreness, my calves, my quads, my right knee aching. I really do not know which one that was giving me discomfort but I know I am not getting any better. And as I started to sweat continuously and water drips up to my feet, I can feel discomfort on my private part too. As I enter the 15 kilometer stretch of Dinalupihan highways after running of over 60km distance even at mid morning, I started my routine of applying sunblock on my exposed skin, ice cubes wrap on my neck with buff head wear  and ice cubes on top of my head under my salomon cap, regular spray and pour of cold water on my body. I survive on  freezing cold water melon and Coco Quench drink. I know this is going to be the most difficult part of my adventure, the scorching heat of  the sun. I can feel I was placed on a huge mircowave oven at its highest temperature. It was a torture seeing the long stretch of the highway, so straight,  so flat without any curve and so hot. Hearing runners' word of encouragements as they pass by me really lifts my spirit and all the more from the support crew, my own and those from other runners,  who offer their supplies, food, water, etc.

At some point I decided to change shoes and socks hoping that it will help my slow snail pace pick up a much faster pace as I just want to get this race over with and be done with it but still to no avail. I was just too slow, alternating with brisk walk and jogging pace. My tough race a weekend before is now calling its toll on my not fully recovered body. All the discomfort I felt, the chafing on my private part got worst that I can feel it every time I move faster and every time I pour water on my body, my legs getting more painful. Time passes by, mid day, I was still on the stretch of Pampanga. A bright cloudless day, others said it was 32 degrees C, others said it reach 39 degrees, but there was just one thing I was sure off,  it was just too HOT and this is part of the challenge.

My hope of a much earlier finish was not a realistic one anymore, I just take my own time, walking, jogging just making sure that my legs will get me through until the finish line within cut off time. Having been to this route twice in the past, I know too well the curve, the bend, where to turn left and right up to  the finish line. I know I am not going there very soon, while at its hottest part of the day, I just move a slow pace forward together with other runners with the support of the crew from different runners. All of them were just too kind to offer help to each and every runner that will pass by them.

At some point, while trudging the long street under the scorching heat of the sun, it dawned in my mind how hard what our soldiers went through during the war, I may not have any of my immediate relative who took part of that  ordeal during the war, but I am sure they went through worst than what I  experience during the race. I also think those  runners who joined this race from the very 1st edition up this race, and most especially those who did the BDM Grand Slam each year. Really my salute to them for this race is not an easy feat. This year's edition may have been much much warmer as compared last year or even in the past editions due to the dry spell that effected not just the country, but really my  respect to all of those who did this race in the past.

I cross the finish line with a time of 17 hours and 17 minutes with so much lessons learned from the race.  One thing I realized BDM race is not only about the runner, it is a community of runners and support crew that make dreams a reality. I know I could not have made it and cross the finish line without the help of great people along the way. I'd like to thank Bernard for sharing his support team with me, Kat and Bren for taking care of my needs, to my Ayala Triads family for all the support and all the support crew who in one way or the other helped me on my journey. I thank God for keeping me safe while on the race, I thank Him for giving me the patience to finish despite all the discomfort. It was indeed a very long uncomfortable aisle for me but I am glad I finally make this a check of my list.

BDM is about helping each other, its about a runner with a dream having to run through the historical route  and a group of support team that tirelessly and selflessly share their time and strength just to make the mission fulfilled.  It is also a race about endurance, perseverance and patience. One thing that may help a lot in finishing to those who dream of doing this in the future aside from the hard training months prior to the vent, it will also help if one will crew first on the same race, or join the trial run that is organized by the Race Director and at least do your own trial run. Do not be ashame to ask for help from the crew of other while on the middle of the race. And please do not cheat, do not ride just to save time and finish within cut off time. Please show respect to those who suffered first during the Fall of Bataan way back April 9, 1942 and to those who run the race in the past editions.

Again, let me say this, thank you so much Katrina Constantino for literally my strength on this race. Indeed you make dreams happen to those people who believe in themselves. Thank you too Bernard Enriquez for sharing your resources to runner like me. Thank you Rica Mendoza for always being there. To the Race Director, Sir Jovie, thank you for giving me a chance to run this race. It was indeed an epic one.

And my adventure will continue. Next stop will be another road run but a shorter one.

BDM102 2014 Race Result

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.

PAU National Championship 2012: A Test of My Patience

Philippine Association of Ultrarunners' (PAU) National Championship, my very first over a hundred kilometer road race. I come to this run with two goals in mind: to be at the starting line no matter what happens and to have dinner with Rica Mendoza on the second night after the race. In between that, I am sure I am still on the road trying to drag myself to finish the race within my target time. Recovering from a flu and a sore legs from a weekend's unavoidable major leg work out, I am not sure how I will really perform on this race. 

I know too well that it is going to be a 110km distance, a distance I have been wanting to test how my body will perform, a race I have been longing to join for I wanted to increase the distance that I will cover on a race.  But this will be  my very first over a 100km on a road as well, my past 4 100km races were all trail.  And what made things more challenging on this race aside from my physical state was the fact that we have to be self contained, not sure  which part of the course will there be an aid station or a sari-sari store and with no support vehicle we decided to carry a full hydration pack, mine weighs 4 kgs before the start of the race when it is still dry. 

We left Manila a day before the race with a typhoon, we arrived at the Island of Guimaras with a continues rain. The sea is rough, the road is wet, the entire day is cloudy and gloomy. After we settled at our foster family's home, we picked up our race bib.

An hour before the gun start, together with the other 45 runners for the 110km  and 35 runners for the 50km  we gather at the starting line really excited. It's always  great to see familiar faces of ultra runners around. Just before we were released for a start, a heavy downpour of rain again. So as we started running 10 minutes before the time I am already wet up to my shoes. Even if we are still on the streets of the town early part  of  the race, it is already pitch dark all over. Very minimal street lights, houses are far apart from each other. It is only the light from our headlamps that one can see illuminates  infront of us. From cemented road, it leads to a hardened limestone road, rough road then to a mud road. The first three hours I was with 50km runner Mish Maravilla and Wesley Noel Oraña. Maintaining my pace, we are together in the flat, uphill, downhill pitch dark part of the road. Until I realized, I have to slow down for I will be doing more than a hundred km as compared to them that will be doing just 50km. 

I move further on the dark part of the road alone, surprisingly there are aid stations available every after 10km and a roving aid station too. I can feel the weight of my load but I cannot do anything about it as well. I need it for me to survive on the race. 

As the day breaks I covered more than 40km already, I long to reach the 50km mark. I maintained a steady pace alone on the road, there are times other  runners  catch up with me and times  I catch up with other runners too. As I patiently move further, I finally see part of the road where there are more vehicles, finally the 50km mark. I reach the place almost 7am, with out resting my legs, I just replenish food and drinks and leave. 

50km done. The next more than 30km is a road with rice paddies on both sides. The scenery of the countryside is just so beautiful. They day is still gloomy, the sun comes out for just a very short time. After sometime, my stomach is already looking for real food, rice and any viand. Unfortunately, this stretch of the road since it's all  farm land, has less community so no karenderya too. I have to wait for a while before I can satisfy my craving for real food. Despite the gloomy weather, I was already thinking of ice cream, halo halo or even ice candy. But to no avail. 

And this part of the course is just really taking forever, I love the scenery of the rice paddies but at this time I just really wish this part will be over. I just wish after the hilly part will be an end of the rice paddies down there. But that did not happen soon. I really have to deal with it for some time. 

Being on the road for more than 11 hours now, I can already feel some pain on my legs, Alaxan has become my best friend from this time on. I can feel the weight of my pack now slowing my pace. I walk not just on flat parts but all the more on uphill part of the road. This starts to frustrate me for this is not how I perform on my other races. Until I catch up with Al R. Casas a little almost 70km. I was surprised for I know he is far ahead of me. From then on we become partners on the road. He calculates the overall distance that we need to tackle, while I take joy of few more kilometers to the next municipality. 

Both of us celebrate with joy in every kilometer of mileage covered. The last few kilometers, a support vehicle of other runners offered to take our pack and just bring a hydration bottle. Such a great difference. We can now run faster but as we move further with  sore legs we just have to settle on a combination of run walk run strategy. Our very goal now is just to cross the finish line still bright and injured free. I thank Al for patiently reminding me to just slow down, not to force myself to do a faster pace on a sore and aching legs. I started to become impatient to myself. 

The last 5km is just taking forever. With now blistered feet, it's just too painful to step on an uneven asphalted road. Those pointed pebbles on the road is just not very friendly to my blistered feet. I've been longing to see the very few establishments in the town, the very sign that we are almost to the finish line. 

Finally, past 4pm, the most awaited road signs in town is now visible. Al asked me to cross ahead then he followed at the back. I thank Al for patiently pacing with me, I thank him for being there when I was sooooo sleepy on the road, when I was soooo hungry, for reminding me to stop for few minutes and rest my legs, something that I could have not done when alone on the road. I thank Sir Jonel for offering his support vehicle to us, that was such a great help, I thank my team for a fun filled crazy weekend on the running oval of  Guimaras. I thank my friends and loved ones for all the prayers and well wishes, all of it means a lot to me. Most of all I thank God for giving me the strength to cross the finish line with a great smile. Salute to all the brave souls who dared to start and finish the race. Salute to Yob Red for finishing overall 7th place, to Al R. Casas for persistently pacing with me, to Andrew Alcedo and Kuya Roger Villareal for finishing the race, to Alen Alban, you prove that everything is a mind game, to Bernard, this will be the start of the many ultras and most especially to my partner in this crazy runs Rica Mendoza, you are one tough lady out there. You showed to us that everything can be done no matter what the situation is. Til the next ultra race guys. 

Another race conquered, another mileage added. Next stop will be SG100km race.

I Shall Return: An Intense 51K Ultramarathon Challenge 2012

"It's more fun in Tacloban." A phrase I heard from my friend Merlita A. Dunkin when we finally get a room where we can stay the night before the race. It was a last minute decision that I will stay with her for the night, and I am glad I did, it was just fun having her, though we have to sleep early, still we were able to update things about each other.

As our alarm finally ring, we need to prepare and leave the hotel, we just did a warm up jog to the starting line really excited. There were already runners around, some familiar faces. My friends from Manila were not around yet. We just did our usual routin: after check in, did minor stretching and taking pictures here and there. I stand at the starting line hoping that everything will turn out fine with me this day. I miss  last night's briefing and I only had one look at the race map, I did not even study it well, so I decided to  carry a copy  incase I will need it but really I hope I will not open it along the race.

Come 4:00am, all the runners are finally released. It's still dark, but despite the early start with the road open to motorists, there are several things I have in mind to be careful of on this race: not to miss any turn which might result  to being lost, not to be hit by any running vehicle, no injured legs, knees or ankle due to any uneven part of the road or ground or the  gutter of the road and most of all not be bitten by any stray dogs. I put on my headlamp with the hope that the incoming traffic will notice me at the same time I will make sure I will land on even surface of the road. There are parts of the road  that are dark even still inside the streets of the city proper. I started my run just  concentrating on my pace, more often than not there are more runners that catch after me, I pass by other runners but just really very few of them. My motivation at this time is minor goal of catching up a runner infront of me, most of the time I did, sometimes I did not.

As the day breaks, it is evident that this day is going to be a very hot day for all of us. We have been reminded by the Race Director before we were released to constantly hydrate, which I did. After almost two hours on the road, I finally decided to bring out some  jelly beans, I know very well I already need food. Some runners especially from the same region had support vehicles but there are also runners like us  who do not have any support vehicle at all and just rely on aid stations and on grocery stores that we will pass along the route and ofcourse our own provision of food and water that we can carry on the entire course. On this race, there are only two aid stations that are far apart. Without me noticing of the distance after more than 2 hours of running I finally come across the first aid station. Been thinking if I will drop by and get something as I am approaching the area, but I finally I decided to slow down, and grab some food. I still have water,  though after this stretch I keep on thinking about not getting some cold drinks or at least wetting my head and buff as it gets hotter after this mark. I grab as much food as I can, fresh banana, hard boiled egg, and puto. These foods sustain me until the next aid station.

As I go further, it's just really getting hotter and the main highway is now getting  busier with the passing of big trucks, big buses, tricycles, motorcycles and even bicycles. I just have to be very extra careful running, making sure that I am on the safe side of the road. The course of the race is just totally flat, no variation at all. With the green scenery and a smell of the grass that is wet from the evening dew, I just really enjoy my run. Most of  the time I still imagine the beautiful scenery of the mountain ranges from the most recent trip that I had with the good memories in mind. That has been my very inspiration on this run, happy thoughts, happy memories on this long hot run.

Signages of San Juanico Bridge has been visible after several hours on the road, until I reach an intersection that has the second aid station. Here I meet my friend Merlita. She just finish the bridge part and on her way to the gulf course section. She reminds me to hydrate, replenish cold water on my bottle and eat more food for it is just really very very hot on the bridge. It's not even past 8:00am yet. After having enough water and pouring some ice chilled water on my head,  my face,  arms and body, I proceed to the bridge. The sun is just shining to its brightest even if it's still an early part of the day. On my way up to the bridge I already meet runners going down. I can feel the heat but the view of the bridge that connects two provinces with the background of the blue sea below and blue skies above is just spectacular sight to enjoy its beauty. Truly, the heat of the place  is being compensated by its beauty. Thank goodness, the turn around point is not that far than I thought it will be though I already condition myself that this is going to be a two kilometer distance. On my way back, there are more runners coming, I just continue, enjoying the splendid beauty of the place but missing the view of the big jelly fish below.

On my way back to the aid station before going to the uphill 3 kilometer golf course, I decided to hydrate again, at this time I decided to use my buff as holder of ice cubes provided on the station. After getting food enough that my one hand can carry, I pour water again on my body from head to toe, now my both feet, socks and shoes wet, bringing the ice cubes inside my buff I decided to tackle this another hot uphill course of the race. With the ice cubes on my head, it really helps cool me down. I just concentrate on my pace  but on some parts I just cannot make any slow stride run anymore so I applied the alternate 50 steps of walking and 50 steps of running. It is an effective strategy  for me, and as we ascend to the slope of the golf course, I can't help but really walk already but I still manage to catch up with other runners. On my way down, I did some slow pace of running again until I come back to the aid station. My strategy on the ice cubes is just really really  very helpful so I replenish my buff with ice cubes again, eat food while hydrating, pouring ice chilled water on my body and replenishing my bottles, and carry as much food as my hand can.

I have 12 more kilometers to tackle, that's what the others said. I really did not keep track of the distance that I covered but rather I want this race to be done for its really getting hot. After replenishing all that I need, I left for the final stretch. I noticed the road there after is a bit cooler compared to the two stretched of uphills on the bridge and the golf course, probably due to the shade from the houses, trees and buildings help. I stay on one side against the traffic, but despite my being at the edge of the road already, there are times I just had to go down on the rough road side, being side swiped by big trucks and buses would be very possible. At times I noticed my steps are not so stable anymore and I wable a bit my ankle and knees as I negotiate to step forward. I know I am already tired but I also cannot afford to be injured at this time. Concentrating on my steps, I just continue running on small slow strides. I am already tired and I really cannot run any faster anymore. Even before reaching the very last aid station, my ice cubes inside my buff that I put above my head all are melted and gone. So I just hope the station will not be that far for I am already struggling under the scorching heat of the sun. There are times I meet vendors of ice cream and buko but because I do not want to stop and dig on my belt pocket for a money, I let go of the thought of buying ice cream or buko juice but the thought of having one keeps on bothering me until I cross the finish line.

Finally, I arrive the last station and my hope of supply of ice cubes, ice chilled water and food are still available. I replenish all my supply again, at this time making sure that I have enough ice cubes on my buff, get more food and pour water again. We are now going to tackle the very last 4 kilometer stretch of this race. But this is going to be at the city proper, I have to make sure of the right route at the same time be extra careful with the very busy traffic. True enough, the turn is just confusing, thanks to the help of the other runners in front and behind me and  of others'  support vehicle who keep on guiding me. That was a very big help as I manage to get out of this last stretch of maze under the scorching heat of the sun. As I pass by the Provincial Capitol, I thought where is the statue of Mac Arthur? I guess I miss that part. The last few kilometers is just like forever, until I pass by a runner who has long been done just waiting for a fellow runner. He has ice candy with him, without hesitation I asked for it. He said it's just 500 meters more and it's going to be done.

Yahoo, my desire to reach  the finish line grows stronger as  I can now feel the heat on my entire body and I know I got tan lines already. As I turn, I can now hear the sound system with the Race Director announcing the names that cross the finish line, at 10 am 35 minutes I officially cross the finish line. I managed to improve my pace much faster than my previous race of the same distance on the road. The real challenge for me on this race is the blistering heat of the sun and safety from the vehicles. For others they call this race a fun run, for my friend Mayette who cross the finish line with one minute to spare before the cut off time she calls it a dying run for she almost fainted after finishing the race. As for me,  I am glad I finish the race safe and healthy. It's great seeing running friends around and I am glad I meet new friends along the way. Salute to all runners who take the  courage to run this race and congratulations to all who finish the run. Congratulations to my friend and inspiration on the road and trail Merlita,  for despite her no training prior to this run, she managed to place third on the Women's category. Truly she is an inspiration.  Congratulations to my lady friends as well, to  Rica, Kat and Mayette, another ultra conquered, such a job well done. Such a women power for us. Congratulations also to the organizer for a job well done. The support on the aid stations are just superb, it helps a lot get us through the blistering heat of the sun.

Indeed, it was a run with so much fun under the intense heat of the sun. Another ultra conquered, another mileage added. Til the next ultra adventure on the road or on the trail. Keep smiling, no whining.

A Little Step Further

I always love to run when I am in my home province. It's just so easy to put on my running shoes first thing in the morning before doing anything else, just before breakfast. This time around is just like the many times that I am home, the only difference is that it has been raining since the day I arrived. Which is a good thing, it has not been raining for almost a month now which is evident on the plants around the house. And the household helpers told me no matter how many times they water the plants, it just does not help so much. The leaves are still dry due to the the heat of the sun. 

I squeeze in a run twice despite my hectic schedule, I've been wanting to run for I haven't been able to run before I left home. On my second day, I decided to run on the opposite route that I use most of the time before, now towards Enrique Villanueva. I seldom use this route, for there are just too many dogs in one of the house near our place. Surprisingly at this time there isn't any. It was gloomy, but I am hoping it will not rain. I drop by the house of Maristel to inform her Mom to get the stuffs that I brought. After that, I just simply run. Some neighbors that know me greeted me, the usual thing, running again?  It's a weekday, and I pass by school children on their way to school. Most of them are amazed with how I push myself to run despite the weather. I did not intend to run further for I did not even bring any hydration with me, but it was just too tempting to go further. With how I enjoy the green scenery and the fresh air, I know I can reach the next town, but at some point I decided to turn back, for I do not want to be caught in the rain. And I am glad I did. Just less than a  kilometer before I reach home, it started to drizzle, I am beginning to get wet. 

The following day, I run again, at this time on the opposite direction and to deliver some stuffs to some of my relatives on the next barangay where we are. That way it will save me time of going there later the day. I did not go any further for it will be too late already for me on the road at the same time I might be caught on a heavy rain. 

I've been wanting to do some trail run, in fact I talked to some of my folks if it will be possible for me to join them in their morning routine of pasturing their cows and goats in the farm up hill, they do not buy to the idea of me running while they will be taking their time feeding the animals, but I know I can do it the next time I will be home. One thing that I also want to do is connect all the local trails that starts from the main road especially near home.

Running like a child, a happy soul.

Run United 2 (June 17, 2012)

Happy Sunday morning..... running like a child on the rain....oh what a joy.

I had it planned to be at the starting line an hour before the gun start, the previous Unilab Runs has been too crowded making it difficult if stuck with the traffic of runners. But just before I step out of my place heading to the starting line, there was just a heavy down pour of rain. Oh my, I am not prepared for this. Since the race will start at Bonifacio High Street and will end at Mall of Asia, I intended to put everything that I need for the run in my hydration belt pockets, for I do not want to carry and leave any baggage at the counter on this race, I did on the same race the last time. But with this down pour of rain I don't want to start with  wet socks and running shoes, and I don't want to be soaked on the rain and feel cold even before the race starts. I decided to bring my rain jacket, umbrella, a pair of slippers and change of clothes. To cut it short, I will have one luggage to be left at the baggage counter.

As I arrive at the starting area, I put on my shoes, my hydration belt, bib number and leave my plastic with wet jacket and umbrella on the mobile baggage counter, the parked buses. After one last visit to the portalet I proceed to the starting area. The rain did not stop, in fact the down pour gets heavier, for most of the runners they just enjoy the rain, just like me. But I noticed there are few that are creative enough of how to keep themselves warm, others put on a rain jacket which I thought might not be necessary for it will just keep warm as one goes a  longer distance. For others they used a big garbage bag to keep them warm and dry before the race starts, something that I thought I should have done. There was one I saw even putting a garbage bag on his head, it looks weird and I am sure it gets warm as the distance gets longer as well. 

As I approach the starting area almost 4:00am, all the runners are called for the first batch to come forward to the starting line. There are 5,000 runners on the 21K category, making the organizer release the runners by batches, three batches to be exact with 5 minute interval. The first batch will be released 4:30 in the morning. I stand right next to the person right in front of the line, beside the elite runners, the Kenyans. They are tall and have really lean legs. How come they have such legs, I thought. I saw some of my Ayala Triads family too. The ticking of the clock has become un-noticed  as program has keep us busy not even minding every drop of the rain. Just before the gun start, I can now feel my shirt starting to be wet, my shoes begins to get damp.

I am familiar with this route, I have done this on the past on the same race. What makes it different now, before the start of the race I am already wet, and few minutes after, I can now feel my shoes starting to get wet as well. I just enjoy every minute of it. It's cold as the rain never stops and sometimes the wind blows but the good thing about it I never had to think about the heat of the sun as it rises above the horizon.

I focus on my speed at this time. But a controlled one as well, as it is raining I am too afraid I might land on a slippery side of the road, I always aim for an injured free race. As my feet gets wetter and water just gets out of my shoes, I can feel the muscles on my legs getting tighter, I am too afraid to get cramps, I can not imagine how it feels. So I just enjoy the scenery of the city on a gloomy morning of Sunday. Concentrating on my breathing, other runners catch up with me, and I sometimes catch up with other runners. There are bananas on some aid stations that serve as my food on the entire race, leaving the food I bring untouched.

I crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours 22 minutes and 27 seconds. It is still a long way to go for me in running, I really hope I can improve better. The finish line and activity area has a festive atmosphere, lots of runners everywhere, saw friends and familiar faces. I am glad I completed second half of the medallion and I hope to complete it this year.

Kudos to the organizer of this race, despite the thousand of participants from the different categories,  they are still able to manage a well organized race. Hydration stations are well stuffed with water and bananas (on some areas), marshals are visible every after several kilometers. Even the claim stations for loot bags and baggage are well manned. I managed to get some freebies on the booths of different brands after the race.  The festive atmosphere made me stay for a while before I head home.

Another race conquered, another miles added. 'Til the next run. 

aNR Session 11: All Wet for a Core Training

June 5, 2012

It has been raining almost the entire day, then it stopped. Just before the scheduled 7:00pm regular Tuesday session of the Ayala Triads' adiNation, it started to drizzle again. But the rain did not stop the session from pushing through.

What's in-store for us tonight? Core training.

Group 1: Beginners
3 loops (3.6K) an easy pace, galloway 2-1
Group 2: CORE TRAINING + RUN
1. Glute Bridge (4 counts) then 1.2K Run
2. Abdominal Crunches (10-10-20-10-100, then 1.2K Run
3. Glute Bridge with Marching( 4 counts), then 1.2K Run
4. Sideways Crunches (5 counts), then 1.2K Run
5. Bodyweight Hight Bridge (20 counts), then 1.2K Run

Looks easy but promise it is not when properly done and when one is on a race pace on each running interval. The big team is divided into groups of 10, and I am on a group that sees the training as a good way to develop the speed. It's best to have a faster pace on training, then come race day, it will be a relax yet still a fast pace.

I like the idea, and I strive to cope the pace of the fast runners on my team. I am glad I did it though at the later set of the exercise I am on the last most part of the pack. We have to run as one group on the same pace.

Because the drizzle now turns to a rain that continue it's slow down pour,  all of us are drenched on the rain and the sweat as we continue each set of exercises. I go back to the office really wet but I am glad and satisfied on last night's session, it was a productive one. Til the next one Ayala Triads. Thank you Zaldy and Gia for another productive night.  Cheers