Vibram HK100 2012

Vibram® Hong Kong 100 Vibram ® 香港100

The Vibram® Hong Kong 100 is an ultra endurance race that takes place in Hong Kong.  The 100km course starts in Pak Tam Chung on the Sai Kung Peninsula and covers some of the most beautiful scenery in Hong Kong, including remote and unspoilt beaches, ancient forests, nature trails, reservoirs and steep hills.  The course is based around Hong Kong's famous Maclehose Trail, but with some diversions to ensure that runners spend more time in its most scenic sections, as well as finishing with the descent from Hong Kong's highest peak (Tai Mo Shan).  The course involves a cumulative elevation gain of over 4500 meters and the cut-off time is 32 hours.  This is a unique, challenging and beautiful run for the trail running enthusiast and a chance to take part in an unforgettable event. (Extracted from event's site) 

the view of the trail that I am going to take up to the mountain

I decided to sign up and join the race and make some amazing memories! That in itself is already an adventure for me, taking the challenge head on, saying yes despite the fact that I know I will face on the actual race. Upon finally registering, it's a mix feelings of excitement and scared. I know it's going to be a very long run and despite that I want to take the challenge. Especially that it's going to be on a winter in Hongkong, how it will be running on the mountain slopes of this place on a cold weather. Inspired by some of my friends who did this trail before and those who wants to do for the first time just like me, I gave it a go. I made use of whatever available days left of me after my big climb to train for the event.

here is the elevation chart, towards the end of the race is the killer trail

I said to myself, I'll just have to goal of finishing the race, though having to run for 32 hours I cannot imagine myself doing it that long. After which I thought, it would be nice if at least I will be able to bit my time on my first 100K run, I'll just goal for that. Though having  a trophy would be nice as well but that would already be a super bonus if I will be able to do it. As I always mentioned on the past, I don't run fast, I just do it consistently and never give up while on the race and  while my body can. I run to develop physical endurance and mental toughness to prepare myself for bigger outdoor adventures.

So with so much prayers, I got so excited on the race day. I prepared the best that I can, and just made sure that I have with me in my pack whatever I needed in  the race. At the starting point, there are so many runners, 750 all in all both locals and international participants, coming from more than 30 countries. We meet our fellow Filipino runners, there are more than 10 of us running for this event and I meet some of my friends from other country like PS from Singapore and Seow Kong of Malaysia. It's great seeing them again.

The race starts at the eastern side of Hongkong, at Pak Tam Chung Park. As the  runners are released, it also is the start of my run/ walk strategy, having in mind I have to take this slowly for this is going to be a very long run but always making conscious of how my body is reacting to my pace and the distance that I have been running. And I am always conscious that I  should also enjoy the view of this beautiful place.  Upon reaching the start of the first trail head, it was already a bottle neck of humans, all eager to pass the entrance  of the trail and start doing the ascend. The uphill trail is  manageable and I am beginning to see the beautiful view of the mountainous part of Hongkong with body of water and islets in between. Reaching the first 10 kilometer, at the Support Crew station, there are already food. I grab some though I am not hungry yet. I am not mindful at all how many hours I've been running.

I manage my energy by refueling on each CP stations, sometimes taking some energy gels and gatorade drinks even before reaching the next station. Thank goodness for the food on each CP, that was a big help though upon reaching CP8, I just force myself to take something even if my throat cannot swallow anything anymore. Drinking some water while eating helps  me have something on my stomach towards the end of the race. I know I need to have food in order to sustain my energy.  The support crew and volunteers are really of great help. They are always helpful upon reaching each station, they help refill my bladder with water, offering what ever food I want to eat from the array of food that they have. 

It has always been a cycle that after each CP is a long road after which it leads to an uphill steep cemented or rocky trail up to the highest point of that area then a downward steps most of it cemented as well before it goes again to a road before it reaches to another CP. There are times just when I already enjoy jumping from one rock and boulder to another before reaching another check point, the trail leads again on a cemented one. I guess it is around 60% of the trail are either cemented stairs and trail and  road making the course really challenging. I can always do long treks on a real trail but not on paved and cemented one. But at this time I have to deal with it.

I am doing very well on each stations, I know my legs started to ache upon reaching CP4 but it's still manageable. I am just conscious I need to hydrate well and have enough sugar level before reaching each station for I do not want to have that same experience on my first 100K run. Having that in mind is a very big help for me. At CP4, I already wish I brought with me my trekking pole. It could have been a great help on the steep ascends. Upon reaching CP5, it already starts to get dark. It's a big relief I got to go the the toilet and after which I eat hot noodles. It keeps me warm on this cold temperature. I put on my headlamp, my gortex jacket, bonnet and started using my trekking pole.

Beginning at the half point from CP 6 onwards, I trek alone most of the time, my training in mountaineering helped me a lot to be more conscious of the trail signs, that helped me not to get lost and it never dawned on my mind to be afraid despite the total darkness on the wilderness. I also thank my resent climb in the big mountain, that helps me sustain the cold night and strong winds on those exposed areas of the trail.  It was the barking of the dog before reaching CP8 that I got so afraid I waited the next runner  to arrive.  He said I have to be afraid of the monkeys not the dogs. Whahhh....and he asked,  don't you have any companion from the Philippines that can join you trekking at this time of the night? So brave of you to do it alone at this time.  I told him all of them are already ahead and most likely are done and cross the finish line. With that I have no choice but to trek alone, besides I am having fun doing it alone, it's like having a date with myself in the wilderness. 



Thanks to Pong Pong Law for this shot

But it was on CP 9 towards the finish line that I wish there could  have been an injection that I can  temporarily take away even for just that stretch  of the route my feeling of pain on my legs. But ofcourse that is never possible, I just thought, giving up at this very moment is not an option at all. I can feel the pain in all parts of my legs up to the toes, I've been running/trekking for more than 20 hours already with very minimal rest. Where is the love of the Race Director of this race, just when one is about to finish, you have to go through this long challenging stretch again. I gave up my wish of having to finish the race on sub 24, but my only goal is  to finish it before 9:00am.  The 4 kilometer descend from Tai Mo Shan seems like forever, I've been waiting to see the arch  of the finish line or wish to hear a sound system, music or some  voice from an announcer at the finish line. But that did not happen soon. I have to run fast again  despite my painful legs and cross the finish line, it was 8:45am, that was almost 25 hours of extreme adventure without sleep at all. Painful but awesome adventure. I like the view so much, that side of Hongkong that I never thought exists. The awesome view of the mountain slopes and bodies of water on day time and the glitters of the lights on the streets and skyscrapers on both sides of Hongkong at night time is just really fantastic. I know I cannot see such magnificent view without having to go through that challenging trail.  I thank  my running mates for convincing me to join this race, I thank  the organizers for such a great event and  I thank God for giving me the strength to endure that long.

What helps:

1. Having been able to run the same distance before, I am very mindful when to eat and when to hydrate, in order to sustain the sugar level of my body.
2. Being conscious when to put additional layering of clothes and not wait for me to get cold.
3. Eating real food on every check points.
4. My experience in mountaineering, having been able to do several night treks before and  probably my being lead pack most of the time made me so mindful of the trail signs and making me aware that I should be on the right trail. I thank God I never get lost on this race.
5. My recent AC climb help me a lot on how to deal with the cold wind at the middle of the night.

6. When it was already around 2:00am, I thought of bringing out my music to keep me awake, though I only use it several minutes, it run out of battery but it helps.
7. Taking an all alert chewing gum, though the taste was really bad but somehow I know it keeps me awake.
8. Having Boy Bawang and Happy Peanut as my trail food on those dark stretch of the trail,  having to count how many I have put on my mouth made me awake on those wee hours of the night.
9. Saying the rosary over and over again especially on those parts that is so dark and I am alone trekking.
10.  Bringing a trekking pole, it could have been better if I brought two but one is better than nothing at all.
11. Keeping a positive happy thoughts especially on those moments that I am just alone.
12. I love doing the stairs, even when I did my  first outdoor adventure training almost 12 years ago,  than running. But on this race, it's a never ending steep ascend of stairs or a forever descend of either cemented or stairs made of rocks and stones. I learn to bless them and send positive vibes on them, that they will not harm so much my knees and that I never curse them, instead embrace the challenge with enthusiasm. I think that helps too...hehehe 

Inspirations

Several days after my year 2012 started, fresh from my big expedition and still uncertain what races to join and mountains to climb for the year, I learn from my friend  Seow Kong Ng whom I met last year  in FB and personally  meet at Kinabalu Climbathon that he is running this year (2012) those races that I dream of doing in the future. All I can say is WOW, amazing, he truly is an inspiration for me to aspire for more. At times I thought, where did he get all his strength having to do all that he is doing now. With that, all the more I cannot say that my being a woman and at my age I can make it an excuse not to push beyond what I think I can do.

Having that awe inspiring feeling,  I thought it's about time for me to write down my list of inspirations on the field that I love to do. They are not the people on the limelight but rather they are simple, humble, low-key people whom I meet along the path that I love and enjoy. I admire their passion and enthusiasm to do the outdoor sports and adventure. They inspire me to do the same as well. They are the people that I meet on different mountains that I've been to for several years now which I keep in touch until now.

Sky Biscocho (Philippines) - is one of my mentor when it comes to matters about outdoor adventure. A fellow climber from Tanauan, Batangas, I met him on my training years in AMCI when I was first introduced to this adventure almost 12 years ago. Since then I look up to him when it comes to strength and endurance on climbing whether on an exploration or on an established trail. And aside from his passion on climbing he paints well and sings well too. Outdoor person and talent in arts combined, blessed guy. 

Mr. Su (Taiwan) - my very first mentor in alpine/snow climbing. I met him on my very first snow/winter  climb way back February of 2008. Without any knowledge and experience on winter climbing (it's even my very first time to see a snow), the three novice on alpine climbing decided to climb on a winter and he  agreed to guide us all the way despite our being inexperienced and unprepared. He patiently check our gears and recommends to us what to use, which gear we should buy and which gear we can improvised, what to do on a high altitude trek, when to stop on the trail,  when to eat trail food, what to do in order not to feel too cold, what we should do on the camps, and he cook great food for us. He speaks very little English but he makes it an effort that he will get his message across when we are conversing. And one thing I really admire him, despite his age he is still very physically active in sports, mountaineering, badminton and biking. He has been to Nepal twice. As short and stocky and at his age, he is strong, carries more than 35kgs pack, not really pack but a cabinet and he treks fast. He takes care of us every time we are in Taiwan, brings us to the best local restaurants and order the best fresh foods and drink with the boys too and tour us around. Thank you Mr. Su for the friendship and the fun. He is my father in alpine climbing.

Tatang Haron (Philippines) - is from General Santos. I met him on the 3rd Mt. Napulak invitational climb in Iloilo last January 2011. Since then we become good friends.  His playgroun is Mt. Parker,  he promised to bring us there, which he did and not only that he also showed us to neighboring mountain, Matutum and enjoy the beauty of Lake Sebu. What made him so amazing, despite his age, he still trek mountains a lot and joins adventure races and triathlons too. Strong man, and full of life.

Miguel 'Lito' Sanchez (Argentina) - an Argentine, our lead guide in Mt. Aconcagua. He keeps an active lifestyle on the outdoors and teach others who are into that same passion when it's off season of climbing in their place. His achievements on climbing as a person is superb, having been able  to do those difficult and not ordinary climbs in the past. He takes care of us on our climb to Aconcagua, making sure that we are doing well and adjusting well to the altitude. I know him not that long enough though but I hope to keep in touch when it is possible and hopefully when I go back to that big mountain I still can get him as my lead guide. His achievements in mountaineering inspires me to aim for more and never stop dreaming of climbing the big mountains. 

Seow Kong Ng (Malaysia) - a Malaysian that lives almost half of his life in China. When it comes to ultra running and ultra endurance races, this man is just simply amazing. I cannot believe where he gets all his energy with all the ultra races  that he has been joining. And not just that, despite his age, he still perform well in almost all of each race that he participated. I meet him through FB last year when one of my friend made a comment in one of his races, since then I followed his posts of his races and read stories about each race. Amazing is all I can think of him. He joined those races that I wish I can join and be part of someday. In his case, he did it already. Isn't that incrideble? His strong will to endure and grit to persevere is just amazing. With him, I know I cannot put again my being a woman and my age to be a hindrance of excelling in something on what one wants to achieve. I wish to do some of the races that he has done, I know not all but at least some, when I have the financial resources and still have the physical strength to do it.  His achivements will always be a source of inspiration.

Macon Dannogan (US) - the man I meet at Zara Tours in Springland Hotel in Moshi, Tanzania when we are about to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. He is not an African but rather he is an American from Charlotte, North Carolina who inspires US climbers  of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and guide them through Zara tours. Since my successful summit that year, he keeps in touch until now. He patiently answer to my queries about climbing, and outdoors. He has been to Mt. Kilimanjaro more than 20  times now. When it comes to climbing for a cause, he is a master of it. He never gets tired of bringing others and showing Mt. Kilimanjaro to those interested. I wish to join some of his organized climb when I will have the chance to be in North Carolina one of this days.   

Matthew Brown ( US) - my guide from Rubicon Outdoors when I did the Grand Canyon trek on a winter season December of 2009. He is very helpful in every way on my trip. And not just that, he made sure that we have the most comfortable accommodation on the tent despite the freezing cold temperature. He also lend us some gears without any rentals at all. It's his hobby to bring others not just to this amazing canyon but also to other beautiful outdoor destinations in Prescott Arizona. And not just his being an outdoor person that I admire him most, he is a family man too, married to an outdoor lady from South Africa and now having two beautiful little girls whom he also bring in the outdoors when possible. We keep in touch until now. 

There it goes. They will forever be my source of inspiration.

Less Than a Day in Iguazu - Argentina

Visiting a huge place like Argentina and a beautiful continent such as  South America, there are so many beautiful places that are really great and worth visiting for. Argentina  alone has so much to offer for a first time traveler like me. But the very main purpose of my trip is to climb Mt. Aconcagua. The expedition alone will take so much of my time (we are only allowed a 30 day visa) and financial resources. In as much as I really want to visit the other beautiful places like Patagonia, Arenales, or Punta de Inca in Argentina or La Paz in Bolivia or Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil or Macchu Pichu in Peru, I really cannot. 

There is just one place I said to myself I should not miss on this trip, visiting Iguazu, one of the great natural wonders of the world and listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage. This is located in Puerto Iguazu in northern part of Argentina and shared among the boarders of Brazil and Paraguay.  The falls stretch for over one and a half miles on the Iguazu River. Not only do the falls separate Brazil and Argentina, they separate national parks in Argentina and Brazil. In terms of surface water flowing over the falls, they are taller than Niagara Falls, and twice as wide.  2/3 of the popular Devil's Throat section of Iguazu Falls sits on the Argentina side of the border. When translated from the native Indian language, Iguazu roughly translates to mean "Big Water" because truly it's not just big, but very very big.

Both sides of the park are well served with foot trails. On the Argentine side of the park there's a small  train free ride leaving about every half an hour from near the entrance going all the way to the beginning of the trail to the Garganta del Diablo.

The  Falls are an awesome sight as tonnes of water throw themselves over cliffs and the mist rises amongst the jungle which forms some rainbow. It is well worth spending a day on each side of the falls, especially if you plan to do any of the boat rides or other activities offered. Don't just rush past the main viewpoints and leave. It's important to get a good perspective on the park overall to appreciate this awesome sight. Whilst the majority of the falls are in Argentina, a better overview is had from the Brazilian side, that's what they said but having to see just one side of the huge waterfalls, I am already happy overall. 

From Umnibus station at Puerto Iguazu, there is a bus that leaves every less than 10 minutes for AR10.00 starting 7:00am everyday to the Iguazu Park entrance. Bus ride is around 15 minutes from the main bus station to the park.  Park entrance every 8:00am. The same bus will take you back to the  city up to 7:30 in the evening. On the Argentine side (100 AR$ pp, second day for half price if you get your ticket stamped before leaving on the first day, subsequent days are free if you tell them you are staying at the Sheraton). Wear waterproofs and protect your camera as it can get quite wet on some viewpoints. Some people visit the waterfalls in swimsuits (recommended in summer). The park itself is fairly well organized, they have a train line so you can get from the entrance to the main circuits (Circuito Superior, Garganta del Diablo, etc.). They also have food stands inside the park close to the train stations, but food and drinks are very expensive there. It is a good idea to bring some food and water if you are going to spend the day on the park. During summer, it's going to be very hot, so wear cotton shirt or just tank top and board shorts, and bring lots of water. I saw one drinking fountain where one can refill water bottle, a good option than buying inside the park, it's very expensive.

There are five main tracks all of which are paved and well marked with the exception of Sendero Macuco:
Circuito Superior - is a short walk to some nice viewpoints along the upper rim of the waterfalls
Circuito Inferior - is a longer walk on the bottom end of the falls with the main attraction being the lookout to watch Salto Bossetti and Dos Hermanas. This pathway leads also to the free ferry service to Isla San Martin (that may or not be closed), and the tour operators.
Isla San Martin - has two main lookouts to different sides of the falls. There are also a lot of birds. Access by boat only (free). This may be closed when the river level is high. You can always ask the park authorities or watch the information tv sets within the park to see if the access to the island is open.
Garganta del Diablo - The main attraction of the Argentine side. There is a free train running up to a 1 km-long walkway across the river to stand just back from the main horseshoe of falls where the roar and spray are most tremendous.
Sendero Macuco - is the trail through the rainforest to the Arrechea waterfall and is a good way to get away from the crowds. It's about 7 km return on an unpaved but easy path starting at the Estacion Central. Swimming is possible beneath the fall, so consider bringing a bathing suit and towel. An informative brochure for the trail is available from the park information desk. It is recommended to do it in daylight, so don't start it if it's 3 or 4PM.
Garganta del Diablo is the main attraction on the Argentine side - do not leave without having seen it.
boats. Go in boats on the river

Argentine side

• Iguazu Jungle Explorer, info@iguazujunglexplorer.com, [2]: offers trips, including boat rides (recommended) and rides on 4WD trucks through the park (not so interesting). To be booked near the entrance or on the circuito inferior before going down to the ferry. If you do one of the boat rides (AR$100 for a short one, AR$200 for a long one which also takes you some way down the river), prepare to get soaked to the skin (you'll receive a dry bag for your camera). 

I join all the rides, but if I may suggest you can do almost all on your own having just to follow the map that you can get at the entrance of the park. It's only best to join the boat ride that will bring you up close to the falls and even making you soak wet and come out drenched in the water. That has been a great experience for me. But because I am in so much hurry due to my time constraint, no regrets that I joined all the guided tour. This place is simply amazing and I will always want to visit this place again, given a chance someday. 

Vertical Run 2012

Feb. 12, 2012, my 3rd race for the year and my 3rd vertical run. For a change I opted to run a shorter distance, a sort of tapering to my  Condura 42k last week end and preparation to my up coming HK100 6 days after this event.  But this is going to be a run on a road and a vertical run on 19 floors. Something I have done before. I am suppose to have a climb on this date, but I prefer to stay in the city even if I really want to go outdoors.

The race started 5:30am, still dark for just a 10K run, though an advantage for the sun is still not out. But we have to share the lane with cars, motorcycles and tricycles. Something that I really do not want when on a race. After running  9 kilometers we proceed to a 19story building to do the stair climbing. Unfortunately, the stair space is narrow making even two runners congested on the same step, making it difficult for me to over take a runner infront of me, though I managed to do it on my way up. I skip 3 steps at a time on some part, it's manageable. Going down was just impossible for me to overtake until we went out of the building.

Finished in 1:15:57. Not bad for a 10K run with stair climbing. Yahoo, next adventure will now be HK100.

Ladakh, India

I'd like to quote my friend's post "I stare at the horizon and I see God's paintings. I feel a cool breeze kissing my face, I smell the fertile soil within the rich green plains. I see an easy passage across the mountains, while I glance at mother nature's riches embedded in the rocks. A stimulating climate for the birds to soar across the blue sky. What a glorious feeling to be one with nature! Thank you God for another opportunity at the peak!" 

She verbalize my thoughts about how wonderful our universe is. This is how I exactly feel when I am with nature.

Extracted from the Internet (from KC Leong's post): 

Ladakh, also called the Land of the High Passes, lies in the eastern half of Jammu and Kashmir in the far north of India. It shares its much disputed north-western border with Pakistan while to the north lies the Chinese province of Xinjiang, and to the east, province of Tibet. It is sandwiched between two vast mountain systems: Himalaya to the south and the Karakoram to the north. 

The Ladakh region is very thinly populated. The people who live there are migrants of Indo Aryans and Tibetan civilization. Ladakh has an altitude of 9000 feet at Kargil and 21,170 feet at Saser Kanri.
 

Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh; Leh has for centuries been an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus Valley between Tibet to the east, Kashmir to the west and also between India and China.
 

The temperature in winter reaches minus 22 degree Celsius and during summers, can go up to 20 plus. Leh and Ladakh have been said to be the only places where you can have a sun stroke as well as frostbit at the same time.

Water in such places is always scarce because the place hardly receives any rain. The main source of water here is the melted water from the snow which is carried down by smaller streams and thus helps in irrigation. It is interesting and shocking to know that the place does not receive any water from the rain for almost 300 days in one year.

There are beautiful mountains all over Ladakh and it is worth visiting if you are into mountain activities.

Trekking In Ladakh
Ladakh is one of the most favourite trekking destination, having some of the most picturesque and challenging treks in northern India. Located in the northernmost part of India some seven kilometers from the Indus River and its extensive valley.

 

Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2,750 m) at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672 m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperatures rarely exceed about 27°C in the shade, while in winter they may plummet to minus 20°C even in Leh. Surprisingly, though, the thin air makes the heat of the sun even more intense than at lower altitudes; it is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.

Leh has been a Buddhist centre since at least the 3rd century AD. Since the invasion of Ladakh by Tibet in the 8th century, when much of it became part of Western Tibet, Tibetan ('Mahayana') Buddhism has dominated eastern Ladakh, while Islam has slowly developed in Ladakh's western regions. Ladakh's colourful gompas (Buddhist monasteries) such as Shey, Alchi, Hemis and Lamayuru, have attracted devout Buddhists and interested travelers from all over the globe.

Trekking In Ladakh
Ladakh is a paradise for adventure lover given by its world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Greater Himalaya and the Karakoram, and two others, the Ladakh range and the Zangskar range. The most important feature of trekking in Ladakh is it's High Mountain passes which comes on the trekking routes gives you opportunity to have wonderful view of colorful mountains and amazing landscape everyday. Spituk to Markha Valley, Laayury gompa to Chilling and Likir to Temisgam are some of the popular treks that one can take. Acclimatization is the most important activity before heading for trekking and mountaineering. Rafting down the Zanskar is another exciting thought but it is imperative to take help of a rafting instructor or guide.

Ever thought of trekking on a frozen river? A part of the Zanskar River freezes during the winter and is used as trekking route by many seasoned trekking enthusiasts. The trek is one of its kinds in Leh Ladakh. If you are a novice when it comes to climbing mountains and negotiating treacherous treks, it is better to hire a seasoned mountaineer or trekker. A guide with experience and with fairly good knowledge of the area is of great help.The small isolated villages and hamlets and friendly people on the way greeting you with a magic word "Juley" (hello) makes your trek memorable.

Ladakh - A Mountainous Country

This two weeks tour to Ladakh takes you through Markha Valley which is one of the most visited trek route in Ladakh region. Its a must for every trekker comming to Ladkah and provide some of the best views of High Himalayan and Karakoram Ranges along with the greatest of the nomadic experiences in the Markha Valley area. One crosses the heights of upto 4500 mts on the high points and Markha Valley trek and the average altitude also remains above 3500 mts through the trek. Wanla, Konzekla give a grand panoramic view and makes this trek a paradise for all those want to be in the mountains for the obvious reason of being with the mother nature at its best.

The tour provides a great opportunity for a lover of culture and diversity when it takes you to Alchi, Lamayuru & Hemis monasteries which are also the oldest and the most beautifull monastries in Ladakh region apart from taking you around in and around Leh which is also the capitol of Ladakh. Popularly called as the moon land, The landscape around Lamayuru monastery is one of most spectacular things one could see on earth. 

Ladakh Holidays
See towering mountains reach up to a clear blue sky. Hear the rhythmic chant of Buddhist monks in an ancient monastery where time stands still. See the rushing waters of an icy river surge down from a glacial height. Ladakh - the Land of Passes and the Roof of the World awaits you. Leh Ladakh India offers tours to Ladakh, an exotic region in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. From age-old Buddhist monasteries to exciting adventure tours, Leh Ladakh India has a lot to offer. Explore a Gompa, go mountaineering in the Himalayas, camp on the Ladakh plateau where the earth seems nearer to the sky, trek on treacherous and breathtaking routes and see rare mountain goats ascend the slopes and cranes fly overhead. Leh Ladakh India welcomes you to holidays in Ladakh. Tour a land that will amaze you with its stark beauty and delight you with the warmth of the Ladakhi people. 

Leh Tourism
Leh, the capital of Ladakh is a fascinating destination. Age-old monasteries, quaint lanes, colorful markets and stunning views of the Himalayas make Leh an exotic destination. Leh is where your adventure in Ladakh begins. You can go trekking through the mountainous terrain of Ladakh, enjoy a game of polo in a high altitude arena or watch an archery contest where local residents compete in a contest that remains unchanged by time. Mountaineering, white water rafting and wildlife tours are other adventurous attractions of Leh Ladakh India. Though the weather can be freezing cold, the smiles on the faces of the Ladakhi people are sure to warm your heart. Feel on top of the world in Ladakh, on tours to Ladakh with Leh Ladakh India.

 

Honored to Support La Ultra-The High

No, the event is not soon, it will be this coming August 2, 2012 yet at Leh, Ladakh, India. And no I won't be running the ultra race, I will be part of the support crew but I am allowed to run a shorter distance 6 days prior to the ultra race, I decided to join the full marathon (42K).

La Ultra - The High is a gathering of extra ordinary people who have extra ordinary achievements not just in their work life but also in sports. I call it 'the gathering of the greatest of the great.'

The list of participants for La Ultra - The High has been released by the organizer Rajat Chauchan today. And as I go along the list I look first the name of my friend whom I will be supporting, Seow Kong Ng. The list includes not just the names but their achievement as ultrarunners as well. Seeing Seow's achievement really makes me so proud of being part of his crew team. All the more I am motivated to practice and prepare for the event.

But as I go along the list of each individual coming from different parts of  world, all the more I got so excited and thankful and grateful for being part of this event. Having to be with the best and extra ordinary athletes in the world  who achieve so much in ultra running  makes me so excited , one of them is a 7 summit finisher from Greece. And one thing more, Sudip will be around. This is going to be fun....yahoo.... I can say I am so blessed. Thank you Seow Kong and thank God.

Below is the list as copied from the site of La Ultra - The High. 

Participants for 2012 edition of La Utra - The High

To be considered for this event, the first  thing we are looking for is not to get participants killed. We look for people who respect for nature, these monstrous but beautiful mountains and people around them, not simply studs. And of course, have the potential to finish this run. Yes, that's the last criteria, not the first.

To us, every participant who makes it to the start is a WINNER. As Border Road Organization, the guys who maintain these high roads say, 'Failing is not a crime; lack of effort is.'

We planned to give away trophies, not medals or belt buckles, to all the participants at the start line. But non-finishers of the first edition, Bill Andrew and Molly Sheridan, wanted to 'earn' the beautiful trophy. Molly earned her trophy during the 2nd edition. Bill is coming again for his.

Good luck to all you common normal beings (most would not disagree with this), who are putting in the effort to do achieve an extra ordinary feat.

Daniel Lacoste (Canada) 

• Canadian Death Race 2003, 2004 & 2005. 125km mountain run, twice solo and once as a team - Best finish 15th place. Alberta, Canada
• Jay Challenge 50 km, Vermont
• Multiple Adventure races with distance ranging from 150 km to 350km (48 hour - 60 hour races) Raid the North, Adventure racing Series, WAR and others in Canada 
• 24 hour mountain bike races 

Jarad Kohlar (Australia) 

• 5th World Adventure Racing Championships (TAS) - 2011
• 1st Australian Multisports Championships (TAS) -2007/2009/2010/2011
• 1st Baise outdoor Quest (China) - 2009
• 14th Grand Traverse Crested Butte to Aspen (USA) - 2009
• 1st Team Desert Island Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge (UAE) - 2008
• 1st Bright Alpine 4 Peaks Mountain Run (VIC) - 2006
• 1st Australian Adventure Racing Champion Anaconda Lorne (VIC) - 2006
• First commercial crossing of Bass Strait and first crossing  of Bass Strait by ocean racing skis Peak Adventure
• 2nd Southern Traverse (NZ) - 2003
• 1st Solo Kayaker Murray Marathon (VIC) - 2004/05

Jiro Ishizuka (Japan) 

• UTMB 2011

John T Sharp (US) 

• has DNFed in 5 100 mile runs 
• Completed Hardrock 100 in  2010. It has 33, 000 feet elevation gain

Justyn Marc Brown (New Zealand) 

• 50 km per day for 67 days in a row, had 7 days off in that time, ran 2, 930 kms all together (2011) 
• Tensing Hillary Everest Marathon 2011
• 100 kms on a treadmill in 12 hrs. 12 mins. (2011) 
• 100 km on road in 12 hrs20mins. 

Kim Rasmussen (Denmark)

• Spartathlon finish 4 times best time 30 hours 
• Badwater 2008 38 hours 
• Western States 28 hours 2005
• 24 hours best 207 km
• 6 day race Mexico 665 km together with Arun from India also 
• 200 km desert race in Algeria

Luis Alfonso Guerrero (Mexico)

• 17 100 miles races (16 under 24 hours) 
• First international at the Sakura Michi Natural Run in Japan  (2011) 250 km
• 3 attempts to Spartathlon, 1 finish 
• 5 Marathon de Sables 
• 1 attempt to Badwater
• 1 Desert Cup
• Second place at the Himalayan 100 mile race 
• many adventure races and mountain bike races 

Lynne Elizabeth Hewett (Australia) 

• Didn't finish Brazil  135 due to a knee ligament tear 
• 7 x 100 miles Ultra's
• 10 Ironmans (many triathlons)
• 40 plus marathons 

Mark Hines (UK)

• Marathon de Sables (2007)
• Jungle Marathon 2008
• YAU 2009 & 2011 (450 miles) 
• Trans Alps 2009
• Wainwright's coast-to-coast 2010
• Rab Mountain Marathon 2010
• Plenty of non-race events 
• Ran 270-mile Pennine Way over Christmas, 2011

Mark Steven Woolley (UK/Spain) 

• 101 kms Ronda: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 9:50hrs. 12th Overall (2011) 
• Ultra trail Tour du Mont Blanc: 158 kms 9000M D+: 2005, 2006, 2007 (PR:39 hrs), 17 hours Courmayer-Chamonix after restart due t bad weather (2010), 44 hrs (2011)
• 115 kms 4000 M D+. Trans Gran Canary. 25 hrs:2007
• Spartathlon. DNF - 115 kms (2007), DNF Hypothermia - 170 km (2008), 246 kms. 34:30 hours. 77th overall, 1st Brit. (2009), 246 kms. 33:48 hours. 57th overall (2011)
• 24hrs Barcelona TV3 173 kms official: 7th overall (2007), 5th overall (2008)
• 100 kms Madrid. Spanish Championship. 9:02 hours. 13th Overall (2008), 8:46 hours. 10th Overakk, 2nd over 45 vet. (2009), 8:33, 8th Overall, 2nd Over 45 (2010), 8:27, 9th Overall, 2nd Over 45 (2011) 
• Malaga Almeria Carretera de la Muerte 210 kms 35 hours 40 mins. (2009), 35 hours (2010), 32 hours 15 mins. (2011) 
• Alandalus ultra trail 250 kms, 5 stages desert conditions. 22:53 hours total, 2nd overall (2009) 
• Puerto de Motril at 0 M - Summit of Mulchacen at 3482 M. 75 kms. 11:47 hours. Fastest ascent of Mulchacen (highest mainland mountain in Spain) from the sea to date - Hodl the actual record jointly with Francsico Contreras (2009) 
• Badwater Ultramarathon Death Valley, USA 42:36 49th Overall (2010)
• Madrid Segovia 100 kms 2000M D+ 10:06 3rd Overall and 1st team (2010) 
• Ultrabalaton 212 kms 26 hours 
• Ehunmilak 170 kms. 11,000 M D+
• Malaga Granada 163 kms. 3,500 M D+ 27 hours 

Michele Ufer (Germany)

• 250k Atacama Crossing - 7th overall position
• 2 weeks later - Everest Marathon 

Nikolaos Mangitsis (Greece) 

• Toubkal trail 2009 125km/ +9000 48 hrs
• VFT Greece 2009 105 kms/ +3500 21 hrs
• Everest Summit 2004
• Seven Summits finished 2008

Raymond Sanchez (US) 

• Came in 2nd during 2011 edition of La Ultra - The High in 39 hours and 3 mins. thenext day finished marathon in 3 hours 56 minutes and 20 sec. 
• Over 130 races in 5 years and all 135 races (Badwater, Brazil, Arrowhead, Europe) in one single calendar year twice 

Rodrigo Cerqueira (Brazil) 

• 2005 - first ultra, 24th track race in Curitiba, PR, Brazil, finishing 2nd in his category with 130.4 km
• in 2006, Badwater, as a pacer of a Brazilian athlete (manoel Mendes) and when he quit, helped the team of other Brazilian athlete 9Mario Lacerda) to finish the race
• Started the Brazil 135, the most difficult ultra-race in South America in 2007
• Arrowhead Ultra, MN, USA in February, 2007
• 12h in Sao Caetano/SP/Brazil in 2007 and again helped a Brazilian athlete in Badwater (Valmir Nunes) which broke the race record 
• 160km in 24 hrs, 2009
• Sahara Race, Egypt, October 2007, 2009
• Brazil 135, 2008
• Arrowhead Iltra, 2009

Seow Kong Ng (Malaysia) - I will be part of the crew team of this great athlete

• Coast to Kosciusko (240K single stage) 
• Magredi Mountain Trail 100 Mile 
• 100kms: HK 100k, Great North Walk 100k, TNF Beijing 100k, 100k del Sahara
• Marathon del Sables (250km) 
• Amazon Jungle Marathon (220km) 
• Comrades Marathons (Twice - Up and Down) 
• Has summitted Mt. Kilimanjaro, highest mountain in Africa 
• Adventure Marathons: Great Wall Marathon, Everest Marathon, North Pole Marathon, Antarctica Marathon

Sudip Rai (Nepal) 

• 24th Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon - 2nd place 2 hr 46 min 14 sec, 4th (2011) 
• Annapurna 100 - 1st in 100 km class 12 hr 05 min (2011), 2nd (2012) 
• Everest Ultra 2010 - 1st place 5 hr 14 min 30 sec
• Davos mountain marathon - 5th (2011)
• Everest Marathon 2009 - 1st place 3hr 45min 49 sec
• Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon 2012 - 2nd place 4hr 02min 35sec

Tim Garrett (Australia) 

• Northface 100km Blue mountains Australia 2010
• Kallahari Augrabies extreme marathon (240km) 2012
• Grand Canyon Marathon USA 2010
• Arctic ultra marathon (122 miles) Yukon Canada 2011
• Northface 100km Blue mountains Australia 2011
• Leadville 100 miles Colorado USA 2011

Upendra Sunwar (Nepal) 

• 2nd in Annapurna 100 - 2nd (2011), 5th (2012)
• Kinabalu Climbathon - 9th (2011)
• Annapurna 70 km - 6th (2010)

Dr William (Bill) Andrews (US) 

Dr William Andrews interview before the 2010 edition of la Ultra - The High

• Ultra marathon runner since 1996. Has completed more than 100 ultra- marathons 
• One of the three participants who came for the first edition of La Ultra - The High. He's coming for his trophy. 
• In 1998, completed the Grand Slam of Ultra-running, the Last great Race, the Western Slam, and completed more 100 miles that year than anyone else in the world
• Nevada State Champion in the Marathon for his age group (50-59) in 2006
• Badwater Ultra-marathon, twice
• Competed in twenty 50 mile races in 1997
• First 100 mile race in 1998 (Rocky Racoon) 

Rock n Roll

Mt. Ugo

Just want to share the trail of Mt. Ugo from Tinongdan Barangay Hall.

This is Tinongdan Baranggay Hall. From here, it's a downhill cemented road of I think around more than a kilometer leading to the jump off of Mt. Ugo. It's best to stay on the left side of the road as the other side is a cliff going to the river. Upon seeing the signage, it's a turn left leading to the bridge. One will not miss it, the signage is visible. 

After the bridge is a turn left to a community, just follow the trail, do not get inside the community of old houses, this is a trail that will lead to rice paddies.

 Please be mindful of trail signs as there are many local trails, you might end up following a wrong one. You will enter another community.

 After here  is another turn left now following an uphill trail. This will now be a trail leading outside the local communities and will now start the never ending ascend.  While concentrating on your breathing and making sure of your footholds, make sure to look around, the view of the mountain range is beautiful. If it is sunny, some parts of this trail will be too hot. But if it will rain, it could be very cold as well.

This is going to be a long uphill trail after which you will have some flats on some parts. Until the trail will lead to a descend, there will be a community of around  two or more houses, turn left going up hill again. On some part of the trail there will be cows and sometimes they run after you.

It's all the way going up already passing by some parts with pine trees and some parts open trail.

After several kilometers of open trail and trail under the pine trees, it will again lead to another community, Lusod, which one can refill water at the drinking faucet. This will be the last community before heading all the way up to the summit.

After Lusod, one will pass by small portion of rice paddies again then will lead to all uphill trail under the pine trees.

It's all ascend up to the summit passing by mini forests before seeing the signage of Mt. Ugo.

Going down is passing the same trail back to the barangay hall of Tinongdan. Reserve some energy after passing by the last bridge going back to the cemented road as it will all the way an uphill run up to the barangay hall. It's going to be too tiring to ones lungs  and to the knees. But this is going to be fun, promise, I've done this trail several times in the past and I love it. I tried it when it was raining and I am cold and wet and I tried it on a hot sunny day too. Both are fun filled adventure. Happy running.

Note: Some pictures are taken from the album of Mayan Nicolas and Badodong delos Angeles.

My Many Firsts on Condura Full Marathon 2012

No, this is not my first full marathon, in fact this is my 4th since I started running one. But this is my very first year anniversary of running a full mary. It was last year that I push myself to run a full marathon on the same event, inspired by my two running friends. But at this time, this will be my very first marathon that I will be wearing a full leggings. On road running I don't use leggings at all,  not even  half leggings, I find it too hot and uncomfortable. But this time, as I don't want my legs to be bloody red again, I decided to wear one. So then my next first is, this is my first time to run a full marathon having my monthly menstrual period. Whew.  A challenge of being a woman again. A super good luck to me.   And this too is my first marathon held on an evening, actually a midnight race. 

I am glad I anticipated on  my situation, at least I am prepared. And it turn real fine than what I expected. To start with, I love doing the run midnight. There is no sun so it's not hot. Something I really find challenging doing a long run on a bright sunny day. Doing it also on a Skyway is something that runners do not share the road with the vehicles. I do not have to compete with the vehicles,  it's less stressful. There are enough water at the water stations though I really do not get and drink water at each station, I bring my own hydration belt which I did not even consume and use all of my water and Gatorade. Bananas are available at km 21, I got 2 as my food. I eat one right away while I eat the second one on km 31, though I missed the Gu gels at km 32. Actually I did not know  that there are some and since I do not drop by that water station so I missed it. Oh well.

The first 10 km I pace with Arvin, he is really fast that there is no way for me to relax on my pace. Surprisingly I was able to cope with his pace. But after the 10 km mark, he just run fast. I did not bother to run after him anymore. I thought of just going back to my own pace. I just enjoy my pace, no view though because it's dark but I just find joy on looking at other marathoners running in front of me, whom others I know.The view of the moon is just very relaxing. It's like I am in communion with God while doing the run passed midnight. Upon reaching the 23 km surprisingly Arvin is infront of me again. I followed his pace, it was back to a fast one again. I am glad, I can push myself further, he mentioned of targetting a sub 5 PR, I got inspired of the thought I think it's possible. But after several kilometers he slowed down again which I am left alone ahead. I went back to my slower pace.

What I noticed though, on the stations that I get water I drink too much, it was not just a sip but a drink. The water is cold so I find it refreshing, but with this I feel like I need to pee but I do not want to do it while on the race. I noticed the portalets on several distances are with line of runners waiting for their turn. I do not want to waste my time.  So I proceed running with a motivation that I need to pee at the end of the race. I do not know if that helps me or not.  

What was effective for me on this race? I guess it's the following:   anticipating what will happen, timing on when to eat and drink, when to run a faster pace and when to slow a bit, always mindful of how my body is working, which part is in pain, am I sleepy or not and I goal of finishing the race without the sun yet. 

I consumed 2 bottles of water on my hydration belt and twice refilling it along the water stations, 2 sachet of Gu gels,  4 pcs of kisses chocolate, 3 pcs. of soft candy, 1 mini pack of boy bawang (I decided to bring out my boy bawang when I feel I am a bit bored which I got afraid I might feel sleepy) and 2 pcs banana.

My strategy on my being a woman having my monthly period on this event? Thank goodness to the advise of my good friend Rica Mendoza, I put a safety pin on both ends of the sanitary napkin attached to my undies, clip outside. And it worked. As I begin to sweat and I can feel my leggings already wet, the sanitary pad is still in place.


My security blanket on this race?
4 bottles of liquid on my hydration belt (2 bottles of plain water & 2 bottles of Gatorade) 
1 pc sanitary napkin (which I did not use, I did not even visit the portalets)
1 small sachet of wet ones
1 pc trail mix (which I did not eat)
2 pcs Gu Gel (I eat all)
5 pcs soft candy
4 pcs kissis chocolate
camera which I did not use at all while on the race
and lots of prayers

I thank Arvin for asking me to join this race, at first I did not think of doing again the skyway race. I had fun. And I also thank him for the ride and for the pictures. I also got a chance to meet his ultramarathoner friends, they are an inspiration. I also thank the rest of my friends who were around during tha race. Most of all I thank God for giving me the strength to finsh the race. It was another adventure acheived. 

Note: Some of  the pictures are taken from the FB album of Arvin Arcilla.

Pictures: Condura Skyway Full Marathon 2012

Nice Read

I am always a fun of Conrad Anker, his being a good athlete, a good man and a good father. It just want to have a copy of how his adopted son see him as a person. Nice piece to keep.  

Having two Athletic Dads 

Another Ultra Coming

REGISTERED. Another ultra race for me. A never ending race actually. Just when I said early this year I will lay-low a bit on any outdoor activities, here I go again. Just cannot resist on so many adventures lined-up. I was giving a thought on this one  geared towards no, not this one but when my good friend Merlita Dunkin, an athlete from Cebu assured me that this will be a race different from the other, I said, 'ok I will give it a shut'. And truly my adventure continues.....