Starting with this post I am back again with my blogging.

Thinking back almost nine (9) years ago, I started this blog to document or journalize my daily running activities; write Race Reports in my running events (whether I am a participant or a Race Director); try to remember and document my previous running experiences; and re-post whatever running resources or information I have read in the books that I’ve purchased and read and what I’ve read in the Internet. Sometimes, I would post my personal opinion on what has transpired in the running world, whether it is within the local or in the country and in the international arena.

So, I am going back to what I know about blogging——sharing and letting my readers know what is happening to me in my running workouts, activities, and adventures. From time to time, I would also share things that are important or worth knowing in the field of running (specially on ultra running).

However, this blog will remain as the main source of information on the Ultra Races that I organise and direct.

I will not be competing with my Facebook account but in essence this blog will be “What is on my mind…about running”.

Now, it is time to go out and run!

Trail Running In Kayapa, Benguet, Philippines

In my country, Philippines, elite runners come from poor families. It is either they grew up in the mountains and in areas which are not easily accessible by public transport system. You can ask those consistent Podium Finishers in our local races and you will find out that I am telling a fact.

Show me an elite runner who was raised in a rich family and in a populated city and if you can tell who he/she is, then I would say sorry for telling the reality of our sports in running.

I had a chance to live and train with elite runners who have the potential to become members of the National Pool in long distance running. I even went to the extent of housing and feeding them immediately after I retired from the active military service with the thought of developing them as members of the National Pool in Running. And through my daily conversation with them, all of them belong to lowest income bracket of the Philippine society.

The sad reality of everything is that, even if they are qualified for the National Pool, there is still “favoritism” on who will finally join the National Team. Worst, when they send my elite runners to the National Training Camp without any stipend or financial support. In the end, due to frustrations, my elite runners left the training camp after one week and finally, decided to become a soldier.

In our National Games, “raw and native-talent” runners who represent their respective Regions and considered as Podium Finishers with potentials for development to become an Elite Runner are being “scouted” by Coaches of the different Colleges and Universities and they are offered free tuition/scholarship as long as they represent their respective Alma Mater in Collegiate/University Sports Competition. So, most of these poor athletes would take this opportunity to earn their education and leave the locality where they grow up. Whether they earn their College Diploma or represent the country in international races or in the South East Asian Games, they still remain to be poor.

Why? Because they are not properly supported by the National Sports Federation where their sports belong. If you are an elite runner or elite athlete in general terms, you must prove your worth first in international competition before you are being recognized by the government, the National Sports Federation, and probable Private Sponsors.

That is the sad reality of our long distance elite runners. They are poor and they remain to be poor!

I have discovered the use of trekking poles in my readings in the Internet about 5 years ago where it was used to aid older people in their walking and hiking on the road and on the trails. As we know, these trekking poles or first popularly known as ski poles which were always being seen in every event in the Winter Olympics and other skiing sports in temperate countries. Some writers would say that the origin of these trekking poles came from the European countries where trekkers, hikers, and trail runners (during the Summer Season and drier months) would use them for balance as well as to preserve their leg strengths for the long haul and also aid them in steep ascents and descents.

For the past few years, almost in all the European Trail Running Events as well as Ultra Trail Running Events you would see almost all the participants carrying with them trekking poles during the race. I would have the impression that the routes of these events have very steep ascents and descents that one would need these trekking poles.

When I first used these trekking poles on the paved road, I received some laughs and negative comments from cyclists who would pass me along the road to the point that they would ask me where is the SNOW and my SKI? But a few months after such incident, I would see Marshall Ullrich using these trekking poles on his successful USA Trans-Continental Run few years ago. If only these cyclists would see the video and read the book of this famous ultra runner, they would be convinced that trekking poles are also used in ultra running.

Using Trekking Poles In My Adventure Runs

Lately, I’ve seen that some of the Ultra Trail Running Events in the United States have already allowed the use of these trekking poles as compared when it was then a “no-no” for runners to use these poles. Some would say that one is having an undue advantage from the other runners who would not use these poles. Some would say that it is a form of cheating in ultra trail races. But whatever it is worth, I have a personal experience in using these trekking poles on the road and on the trails.

Let me first give some suggestions on the use of trekking poles with the following enumerated observations:

1. Do not use trekking poles for the first time in a trail running race without having used them extensively in your training. It follows the over-used advice in racing of not using something new during race day.

2. If the trail running event is a marathon distance or 50K, do not bother to bring or use these trekking poles if the total elevation gain is less than 3,000 feet or in a relatively flat course.

3. If the number of runners is more than 300 runners where the course is 100% single-track trail with less than a marathon distance (42K), don’t bother to use trekking poles as it will slow you down, slow down the runners behind you, or you might hurt somebody else in front or behind you. Use good judgement in using trekking poles on a single-trail trail, most specially in a most populated trail running event.

4. It is highly recommended to buy those trekking poles which could be folded in 3 parts as they could be easily stashed and held by the hands as if one is holding a baton while running. Since they are light, their weight is insignificant and they could be easily brought back to their intended lengths in a few seconds. There are hydration packs that have strings or elastic bands that could hold these poles or stashed/held by the pack while they are folded. Make some practice in removing or stashing the poles to and from the hydration pack during your training runs.

5. If you carry the trekking poles with your hands, while running, on its expanded length, make sure that there is no one behind you as you might poke the tip of the trekking pole to the runner while swinging your arms. If there is somebody behind you, make sure you don’t excessively swing your arms to the point that you might hit the runner behind you. You can have the option to carry the trekking poles with only one hand and be able to control that arm from excessive swinging or you can simply fold the poles and stashed them in your hydration pack or hold them with your hands.

Michael Wardian At San Diego 100 Carrying Trekking Poles

6. If you intend to use the trekking poles with their extended length and if you are a slow runner or if you intend to power hike the first half of a 100K or 100-mile run, I suggest you start behind the runners and not mingle with the faster runners behind the starting line. However, if you are a fast runner and intend to be in the podium finish, you can have you folded trekking poles stashed with your hydration pack or just simply hold them with your hands.

7. In my experience of using trekking poles and seeing the faster runners using effectively these poles, I highly recommended buying a longer length from the suggested size or length that is based on your height. Three years ago, I bought a Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z-Poles with the length of 120 cms and I found it to be useful in my training runs as well as in my races. Last year, I bought another Black Diamond Ultra Distance Carbon Z-Poles with the length of 110 cms thinking that they are lighter and which are specifically recommended for my height. But I would find them to be the same weight with my 120-cm poles and I found them a little short for my height. In my ultra races in Hongkong, I found out that most of the trail runners have longer trekking poles than what their recommended size for their height and I tried one of my friends’ trekking poles which are 130-cm in size and I found them to be more adapted to my hiking/running style. Hopefully, I would be able to buy them soon!

Having stated my experiences and observation in the use trekking poles in running events, the following are their advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

1. If used in 50-milers, 100Ks and 100-milers and other longer trail runs, these poles will preserve ones leg power and strength for the long haul.
In a technical route and with lots of stream/water crossings, the poles with provide an extra “leg” for balance and stability for the body, instead, of falling or injuring oneself along the route.
2. For safety and protection from wild animals and “creatures” along the route. The poles can be used to ward off snakes and other creatures in the forest/mountain that have the tendency to attack you. I once used my poles to “whack” or strike on the head of an attacking and barking dog in one of the populated areas in the mountains. My swing with the poles to the dog was so strong that it tumbled down as if the dog was knocked out by a baseball bat!
3. For contigency purposes, the poles can be used as a support to ease the pain or body imbalance just in case one has rolled an ankle, or in cases when a runner is injured. In cases of extreme accidents where there is fracture to the runner, I guess, these poles could be used as emergency splints!
4. I’ve seen a runner during the Translantau 100K where he was holding a very long trekking pole and I’ve seen him using the poles as “pole vault” as he jumped along the sides of a single-track trail while overtaking a group six runners on a single file! He did it while we were descending on the said trail. The runner was so fast that I was not able to see his back even if I was able to pass these six runners after him.
5. In this year’s Translantau 100, the winds on the second night was too strong that my body would not be able to stand on my own. But having my trekking poles as extra “anchor” to the ground as I was ascending on the last two mountains of the course, I would have stopped or crawled along the slope up to the peak of the mountain avoiding to be knocked down by the strong winds with almost zero visibility due to thick fog. I was glad that I had my trekking poles with me while trying to keep my sight on the couple of runner in front of me.

2016 TransLantau 100K With Trekking Poles

6. One time when I first joined the TNF Philippines 100, the trail was blocked by two water buffalos/carabaos and I with the rest of the runners behind me could hardly drive them away from the trail. By using the trekking poles as extension of my arms and raising them into the air, the carabaos thought that I was a BIG figure to contend with and slowly I was able to drive them away from the trail. But that incident and delay wasted a lot of my time and I eventually DNFd after one kilometre away from the place of incident. The trail was supposed to be the start of an ascending trail route towards Mt Santo Tomas which considered as the most challenging part of the course.

Disadvantages:

1. Obviously, it is an additional gear to be carried by the runner which means additional weight. Even if the trekking poles has a total weight of 280 grams, carrying it or holding it on a 50-mile, 100K or 100-mile or within a duration of 30 hours would be taxing to the body and you may end up carrying a total of about ten kilos or 5 pounds on the course. Additionally, it will delay you for some seconds in unfolding and folding them while you are running. If you add these few seconds within the distance of 100 miles, they will add up to minutes of maybe half an hour! Without proper training and technique on how to effectively use these trekking poles would mean a delay in finishing ones race.
2. In my three-year successive finishes of the Clark Miyamit 50-Mile Run (CM50), I have never used my trekking poles. I was then 61 years old when I had my first finish in this race and I would outpace and pass younger and stronger runners on my way up to the highest elevation of the course which happens to be the turning point of the race back to the Start/Finish Line. Simply put, if you have the proper training and preparation, there is no need to use those trekking poles in a 50-mile race. If you are less than 50 years old and I see you using a trekking pole while we are competing in the same race, my smile to you would mean that you are a “weak & newbie” trail runner!
3. In some of the international races, they allow runners to carry trekking poles but if the route is a “single-track” trail, they advise you not to use them, most specially if you have runners in front or behind you who are one or two steps away from you. There are also ultra races that require the runners not to use their trekking poles at the first 20-25 miles as most of the runners are running near to each other. Make sure that to ask from the Race Organizer/Face Director if the use of trekking poles are allowed in the race if their use is not stated in its rules and regulations.
4. Do not use trekking poles for the first time in a race you are going to compete. You will be saving the strength of your legs but your shoulder and arms muscles will take a lot of beating that you might no longer move your arms during the later part of the race or after the race.

At my present age of 64 years old, the trekking poles are my “necessities” and mandatory gear in my training and future races. I will be using them more often as I have already bought the proper size for me.

Training With Trekking Poles Has Started

I have one year to train with them in preparation for my plan to join the @CCC in Chamonix, France next year, hoping that I will be in the race after the lottery.

Go out and run!

4th ANTIQUE 100 & 50-Mile Ultra Marathon Race

Assembly Area & Starting Line: Antique Provincial Capitol, San Jose De Buenavista, Antique

Start Time & Date: 10:00 PM September 23, 2016

Finish Line: Army Transient Facility (ATF), Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan

Finish Time & Date: 6:00 AM September 25, 2016

Course Cut-Off Time: 32 Hours

Intermediate Cut-Off Times:

Kilometer #40 —- 7 Hours

Kilometer #80 —- 15 Hours

Kilometer #130 —- 24 Hours

Number Of Starters (100-Mile): 14 Runners

Number Of Starters (50-Mile): 2 Runners

Starters At The Antique Provincial Capitol

RANK                           NAME                                       TIME (Hrs)

1. Gibo Malvar (Champion, Overall) ——————- 28:44:56
2. Jonathan Moleta (1st Runner-Up, Overall) ——— 28:45:07
3. Ruben Veran (2nd Runner-Up, Overall) ———— 28:45:23
4. Glenn Rosales —————————————— 30:24:26
5. Dondon Talosig —————————————- 30:24:34
6. Emma Libunao (Champion, Female) —————- 30:39:25
7. Marlon Santos —————————————— 30:39:37
8. Tina Aldaya (Female)————————————- 30:51:17
9. Fer De Leon ——————————————— 31:31:29
10. Rod Losabia ——————————————— 31:39:54
11. Arvin Sauler ——————————————— 31:39:56 

Champion Gibo Malvar

Female Champion Emma Libunao

50-Mile Ultra Marathon Race

1. Archimedes Musni II (Champion, Overall/Male) —– 12:55:03
2. Angelica Paz (Champion, Female) ——————- 14:26:28

50-Miler Champion Archimedes Musni II

50-Miler Female Champion Angelica Paz

Congratulations To Everybody!!!

Race Report: 2nd Zamboanga Mountain 50K Ultra Marathon Race/September 18, 2016

After I finished the first edition of this race last year, I promised to myself that I would join every edition of this race as long as I am still strong to run an ultra distance event. I would make this race as my evaluation run as part of my training for my future ultra races here and abroad.

Three months ago, I have started my training for this race but instead of doing it on the trails and places where there are considerable elevation gain and/or loss, I have to do my training on the paved streets. I have to follow the usual training program and daily mileage which I have followed for the past three years of ultra running training. However, these street running workouts had to last for about two months before I had to go back to trail running.

The only difference with my training this time as compared for the past 3 years, is my desire to be faster as I grow older. I placed more emphasis on the conduct of “strides” during my daily runs and do at least two times of “tempo” runs during the week. Weekends would be devoted to long runs up to 18 miles with a faster average pace.

On the third month, I did a lot of hikes in the mountains on weekends which would last up to 6-7 hours and on weekdays, I would do 8-9-mile runs on trails with an elevation gain/loss of at least 2,000 feet every workout. This is where I would train myself on my hydration and nutrition with only water as my fluid intake. I tapered for about two weeks which consisted of hikes and easy runs in my “playground”.

The Mandatory START Group Picture

What is good with this race is that the Hotel (Palmeras De Zamboanga) where I stayed is the Starting and Finish Line of the event. I went out of my room 20 minutes before the start with enough time to greet and have “photo-ops” with the other runners. Before I went out of the Hotel, I was greeted with free sandwich and hot coffee at the end of the hallway and was able to take advantage of this offer as part of my stay in the hotel. I knew that the coffee and the sandwich would be enough for my food intake before I reach the first Aid Station at Km #8.

The race started promptly at 5:00 AM after a short prayer and 57 starters left the starting line. It was still dark when we were running along the street leading to the Pasonanca Park but the streetlights were enough to light up our way. Knowing that the first kilometre is flat, I made an easy pace and just followed the runners in front me. At Km #3, a runner started a conversation with me and I asked if my prevailing running pace would be maintained up to the finish line and replied him, “Yes”. And then asked permission if he would be allowed to pace with me during the duration of the race. And I said, “Yes”! We would be running side by side from this point up to the Finish Line. At that time, we were on a speed of 4 miles per hour as gleaned from my Suunto Watch.

It was my intention to maintain the said speed throughout the race. As I had predicted before the race, I have announced on Facebook that I intend to improve my ranking of #17 and finish time of 8:34+ hours from the result last year. Actually, my target goal was to finish the race below the 8-hour time and maintain the speed of 4 mph up to the Finish Line.

Route Map & Description

We reached the 1st Aid Station (Km #7) without any problem and tried my best to run through those ascents without any brief walks or hikes. I took me less than 2 minutes to refill my bottles with ice cold water and eat some suman. From the Aid Station, we had to follow the paved road as the route became a “roller-coaster” and it started to be warm. After about 4-5 kilometers, we reached the 2nd Aid Station in front of an Elementary School. I had to refill my hydration bottle with ice-cold water, douse some ice-water on my head and face as the day was starting to be hot. I ate two ripe bananas and I was back on the way. From this Aid Station, it was the start of a single-track technical trail which has some rocks, mud, and flowing water.

Course’ Elevation Profile

As I tried to speed up my pace on the descending portion of the trail which was muddy and slippery, I started to feel some “cramp” on my left calf and I asked the runners behind me to pass while trying to walk my way down the trail. I was still running downhill but I made sure to slow down my pace. I brought out some of salt tablets and ingest some and kept it to my mind to regularly ingest some every hour during the run. After a few seconds and minutes, I was able to regain my pace and it was just a matter of time before we would reach the first Turn-Around point which happens to be the Zambales Elementary School.

Marvin Sicat, My Running Partner During The Race

At the start of a newly cemented road inside a thickly vegetated area in the course, we met the two leading runners. This is where I started to hike the ascending parts and run the flat portions and descending parts of the route and kept on drinking my water in my handheld bottle during my hikes. As we got nearer to the Turn-Around point, we had to meet those runners who just left the 3rd Aid Station at the Turn-Around Point which happens to be in a School. As I count the number of runner that I and my companion-runner would meet, I was ranked as #12 runner with my partner as #11.

In last year’s edition, I stayed in this Aid Station (Km #16) for a longer time as I tried to ingest more food and drink lots of water and craved for sweeter drinks. I even had more pictures taken with the other runners whom I was able to catch up in the said Aid Station. For this year, I was surprised to see a Zamboanga local runner who was still sitting and trying to cool off in the Aid Station when I arrived. “Chabby” is a very fast and strong ultrarunner and he beat me last year by almost one hour. I had to ask him his situation and he said that he was ok. But, I was brief in my stay by having my bottles refilled with water and then take in a mouthful of spicy noodles which gave me a little “jolt” and in less than 5 minutes, I was out of the Aid Station with my “partner” in tow.

It is a continuous uphill climb from the Aid Station and after about 1 kilometre, we started to meet the other runners behind us who were on their way to the Aid Station at Km #16. After passing the newly-paved road inside the thick forest, we were back again to the single-track trail before reaching the next Aid Station. Unknowingly, Chabby was few seconds behind us and we were together at the said Aid Station. However, he opted to stay behind as he changed his attire and wanted to rest for awhile. After refilling my bottles and eating some fruits, hard-boiled eggs, and rice delicacy, we were out of the Aid Station. The dreaded “Gulod De Medio” was already in my mind as I left the Aid Station! However, we passed another runner after about a kilometre away from the Aid Station. That makes me #11 and my partner as #10 as we battle the next ascent and the heat of the sun!

Steepest Climb @ Gulod De Medyo

As my running “partner” and I were about to climb the “Gulod De Medio”, we saw a runner clad in black attire (with 2XU tights) in front of us within a distance of 20 meters. I made my pace faster with the intention to close the gap with between us with the runner in front of us. As we were in the steep ascent of the “Gulod De Medyo”, the runner saw us trying to get nearer to him but as soon as he reached the peak, he started to run faster! At the middle of the steep ascent, I started to slow down due to fatigue and the heat of the sun but I had to exert more effort but slowed my pace just to be able to reach the peak. I knew that as soon as I passed the peak, it was a gradual descent to the next Aid Station.

I took some Ice Cold Coke and native rice delicacy at the Aid Station and after refilling my water bottle, we left in a hurry! I knew that the course/route to the next Aid Station was a generally downhill. However, the heat of the sun was the one which prevented us from increasing our pace. At this point, it was our last 18 kilometres and in a matter of time, we would be able to reach the next Aid Station.

Finally, we reached the Aid Station and the lady volunteers were excited to see me that they asked me to have some pictures with them! Since I needed time to rest and ingest more food, I allowed them whatever pictures they could take while I was there. I guess, this is the Aid Station that I rested the longest time on the course because of the heat of the sun and the fact that the course will be uphill from this point to the next/last Aid Station. I ate drank a lot of Coke while ingesting two pieces of their local Suman with Latik which are bare (without any banana wrap). I thanked the lady volunteers for being there and for being able to serve us with the foods we needed. This one of the very reasons why I keep coming back in this race——very happy, very encouraging , and very helpful and beautiful lady volunteers!!!

Fighting It Out With The Heat Of The Sun

I consider the next segment of the race as the hardest as one has to go uphill to the last Aid Station. It is not about the steepness of the segment but it is the continuous and gradual ascent that will force the runners to hike on the exposed portions of the road from the heat of the sun. This is where we could see again those who are trying to catch us from behind and from the distance we had made as a “buffer”, we can safely say that we will be able to maintain our rankings up to the finish line!

Reaching the last Aid Station was a relief as from this point, it is the last 7 kilometres of the course which is all downhill. We did not stay long in the Aid Station after we refilled our hydration bottles and ate some bananas. I carried a “Sakto” Bottle of Coke and my Handheld Bottle filled with water and I was confident that my liquid/water was enough for me up to the Finish Line but I was wrong! My running partner had to share some of his water and the Race Organizer had to place another Aid Station in about 3-4 kilometres from the Finish Line because of the heat of the sun. The descending portions of the course was steep and some are still rough with gravel and small rocks but the concrete pavement was too much for my knees but my legs were surprisingly prepared for the beating and pounding of my feet. My strides were short but quick and I was able to increase my pace as I took advantage of the gravity. It was the heat of the sun that really gave some problems to my body. However, I was prepared for it as I brought a lot of salt tablets and “coffee” candies; and really focused on my hydration strategy. The Aid Station at the last 3-4 kilometres was very helpful to everybody and I was able to regain my strength and keep my pace up to the finish line.

Lots Of Ice @ The Aid Stations & Emergency Aid Stations

On the last 1.5 kilometres to the Finish Line, my running partner begged off that he should stop and slow down for awhile because of leg cramps and I replied to him that we should finish together. But he started to walk while I was maintaining my running pace. I guess, he was very courteous and respectful enough to offer the 10th place to me as a guest and a Senior Citizen! At the Finish Line, I found out the complete name of my running-partner, Marvin Sicat, who happens to be a close friend of one of my “pioneer” runners in the Bataan Death March 102 Ultra Marathon Race.

Finally, I crossed the Finish Line in 8:04:30 hours even if my plan was to finish in sub-8 hours with a ranking of 10th finisher. I was able to improve my time for almost 30 minutes and my overall ranking by 7 slots and I attribute my improvement to my quick turn-around at the Aid Stations; having a running partner/“pacer”; training with more “strides” and tempo runs on paved roads on the first two months; and later on the last month prior to the race on my hikes to mountains with higher altitude. My focused nutrition and hydration were also followed where I had to drink water regularly, eat solid foods in the Aid Stations, ingest my salt tablets regularly every hour, and regularly placing some coffee candies in my mouth.

Crossing The Finish Line

The Zamboanga Runner’s Club and their Race Sponsors did an outstanding job for this race to be a successful one. I highly recommended this race to all my readers to this blog, most specially to those who are ultra runners, local or foreigners. It is worth the trip to Zamboanga City. Next year, I will be back!

https://www.facebook.com/notes/zamboanga-runners-club-ph/2nd-50k-zamboanga-mountain-ultramarathon-official-results/1463020747052863

Swags: Nice Finisher’s Shirt & Heavy Finisher’s Medal

4th WEST COAST 200K (Single Stage) Ultra Marathon Race

Starting Area: Remy Field Oval Track, Subic Freeport, Olongapo City

Finish Area: Barangay Lucap Port, Alaminos City (Pangasinan)

Start Time: 5:00 AM October 29, 2016

Finish Time: 5:00 AM October 31, 2016

Cut-Off Time: 48 Hours

Number Of Starters: 23 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 20 Runners

Starting Line @ Remy Field Oval Track, Subic Freeport, Olangapo City

RANK                                 NAME                          TIME (Hrs)

1. Ludovico Librilla (Overall Champion) —–35:34:21
2. Armando Olan (1st Runner-Up, Overall) —–37:17:25
3. Dondon Talosig (2nd Runner-Up, Overall) —–37:21:59
4. Glenn Rosales ———————————- 38:43:05
5. Ildebrando Yap ——————————- 38:43:10
6. Gibo Malvar ———————————– 39:32:00
7. Samuel Manigul —————————— 39:32:05
8. Rod Losabia ———————————– 39:34:43
9. Roselle Abajo (Female Champion) ———- 39:37:09
10. Jonathan Moleta —————————— 40:01:26
11. Remy Caasi (1st Runner-Up, Female) —— 40:37:30
12. Rolan Cera ————————————- 40:38:18
13. Tina Aldaya (2nd Runner-Up, Female) —– 41:03:13
14. Fer De Leon ———————————— 42:01:29
15. Reese Rogel (Female) ————————- 45:37:54
16. Jonathan Banaag —————————— 45:40:38
17. Bien Alcala ————————————- 45:41:45
18. Elmer Caballes ——————————– 45:42:32
19. Jeramy Blas ———————————– 46:56:09
20. Ken Molina ———————————— 46:56:20

Overall Champion Ludovico Librilla

Female Champion Roselle Abajo

Hundred Islands Arc & Wharf

Alaminos Beacon Light

Congratulations To All The Finishers!

Race Report: 11th Subic International Marathon & 10K Fun Run (2016)

This is my third time to join this very challenging marathon race. If you can see the cover picture of this blog, it was during one the earlier editions of this race. The picture was taken at the point overlooking the Subic Airport and the Subic Bay. The second time I joined this event was when the route covered the Subic-Clark Expressway from Floridablanca Exit to Remy Field, Subic Freeport. Since then, I never had the urge or plan to join this event even if it is near my “playground”.

I decided to join this race a day before the race as part of my “back-to-back” weekend run in order to evaluate my training for the previous weeks which was concentrated on “hill repeats” and tempo runs. Knowing the Race Founder who happens to be a Retired General of the Philippine National Police and a Cavalier from the Philippine Military Academy, I was able to get slots/Race Bibs for the 42K Race which is held on the early evening of Saturday and a 10K Run Bib for the following morning of Sunday.

Subic International Marathon Logo & Ads Poster

Marathon Race 42K (5:00 PM, Saturday, November 12, 2016)

A simple lapse on my part (maybe, it’s because I am getting older already) made me go back from Subic to where I left my iPods and Headphone as they are parts of my race goals and this lapse made me miss the Race Start by 10 minutes! Nevertheless, I knew that the Race Bib has a RFID and my Chip Time would start once I step on the RFID Mat placed on the Starting Line. General Samson Tucay, the Race Founder, was the one who handed me my Bib and wished me “Good Luck” as I left the Starting Area!

My race goal was to finish the race below 5 hours; attack aggressively the uphills by not walking; focused on maintaining my speed/pace; and regularly hydrating myself with water and regularly taking my Power Gels, Salt Sticks, and making sure that I have always some Coffee Candies in my mouth.

I consider this Marathon Race as the Toughest Marathon in the country because of its elevation profile. Two-thirds of the course are hilly (some consider them as mountainous!) and the dark surroundings slows most of the runners but the early evening breeze coming from the sea and the forest in the mountains is very refreshing. If I remember right, this is the very same running and bike route where “world champions” in triathlon were being trained under the tutelage of the famous Triathlon Coach Brett Sutton. Subic Freeport as a training ground was mentioned in the book of Chrissie Wellington and other Triathlon Olympic Champions. This was also my favourite road running playground when I prepare for my Marathon and Half Marathon Races in the past!

I was relaxed and composed when I left the Starting Line and maintained an easy pace with an effort range of 4-6 (from 1-10, where 10 is the most effort exerted) up to Km 5. At this point, I was able to pass two Aid Stations already where I had to take some sip of water that would wash down my saliva mixed with coffee candy. I started to switch on my headlight and EyeCatcher blinking lights strapped on my right and left wrists! It is also at this point where I had to pass the last runner that left the Starting Line 10 minutes ahead of me! As I start to get near the road intersection going to No Hands Beach, I overtook some male runners who were already walking. I started to pick up my pace as I was about to tackle the first uphill climb overlooking the Subic Airstrip and the Subic Bay. At the vicinity of the Airport’s Terminal, I would pass again some runners. At the second uphill climb near the APEC Executive Mansions, I would pass again a group of runners who were walking uphill. I never stopped on these uphill climbs making sure that I would be able to maintain my pace/speed.

The McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Hamburger which I ingested few minutes before I started the race gave me the power and strength to reach the “roller coaster” part of the course (Km 8-20) without having the feeling of getting weak. It was only after I reached the turn-around point (Mile #13) at the Ocean Adventure that I decided to ingest my first GU Gel, however, in every hour I would ingest at least two Salt Sticks while maintaining that my mouth and tongue have some coffee candies to play around. The GU Gel immediately kicked-in that I have to continuously attack the uphill climb up to the Subic’s Morong Gate and then back up to the Airport. I had my 2nd GU Gel on the last 8 kilometres to the Finish Line!

From the turn-around point, I registered a time of 2:15 hours (in my Garmin Watch) and I was happy. Knowing that I might not be able to have a negative split due to fatigue or some kind of incoming muscle cramps, I was contented that I would finish the race in 4:40-4:50 hours. At Km 32, my Garmin Watch registered a time of 3:40+ and I kept trying to increase my pace trying to push myself for a faster pace but I felt that between Km 36-38, I slowed down due to some technical problems with my iPod’s music (I found out later that it was going on a Low Power Mode as my new AKG headset needs a stronger source of power). Instead of listening to my erratic music, I opted to count my steps and do my “strides” (40 seconds fast, 20 seconds recovery) all the way to the finish line. I registered a time of 4:54:30 hours with my Garmin GPS Watch. It was almost 10:00 PM in the evening and I had spent some time to speak to the Race Organizers after crossing the finish line and greet some of my Ultrarunners who joined the race!

Nearing The Finish Line

10K Fun Run (6:00 AM, Sunday, November 13, 2016)

All I needed was to sleep at least 4 hours after the Marathon Race and then woke up early in the morning on the following day (Sunday) for the 6:00 AM Gun Start for the 10K Fun Run. I made sure to be early and I was at the starting line 20 minutes before the scheduled Start Time. I joined the Opening Program with a Prayer; Speech from the Race Organizer; and some Dance Calisthenics of which I enjoyed doing as part of my stretching exercises. If you think I did not have any sore muscles after the Marathon Race, you are wrong! I really needed those dance steps and jumping as my way of stretching my sore muscles!

The 10K and 7K runners were led to the Chute at the Oval Track where the Starting Line was located. I placed myself two meters behind the starting line and waited for the starting gun. I made my last wave to the Race Organizers and they acknowledge my presence before the Gun was fired.

Bang!!! I started to jog as I was able to find a space which was not crowded by the runners around me in about 20 meters. As I left the Remy Field Oval Track towards Rizal Street, I was already passing some runners and most of them were lady runners. The 10K route is the same first 5K of the Marathon Race and it was relatively flat. It was a matter of time before I would reach the turn-around point at Km 5.

At Km 4, a runner who is 10-15 years younger than me passed as I was approaching a bridge and he was the only one who passed me throughout the race. As I got nearer to the turn-around point, I started to count the number of runners whom I was meeting as they are on their way to the Finish Line. As I passed the turn-around point, I counted myself as the #64 and continued to run; tried to increase my pace and making sure that I would take a sip of water on those last Aid Stations towards the Finish Line. At this point, I was happy that I was registering 6.2 to 6.4 miles per hour as my speed. I was already sure that I would register a sub-one hour finish to this race.

Along the way back to the Finish Line, I was no longer sure if the runners I would be passing were the runners of 10K, 7K, or 5K. What was important in my mind was to be able to finish the race in less than one hour. As soon as I was running in front of the Subic Yatch Club Building (last 500 meters), I was already sure that I would be able to attain my goal.

Finally, I crossed the Finish Line in 58:30 minutes! I survived the race with only 6 pieces of Coffee Candies and sip of water in every Aid Station.

After my shower and eating my breakfast, I slept and rested the whole day. I am blessed and thankful to the Almighty Lord that I was able to finish my “Back-to-Back” weekend runs as part of my training for my incoming races.

Things That Helped Me Finish These Races:

1. Three weeks of focused “Hill Repeats” and Tempo Runs leading to the event. Hill Repeats (on the middle of the week) are done at the middle of the workout at least once a week——The workout starts with an Easy Pace for one mile or 2K and then do “hill repeats” which would last for about 2-3 minutes from the bottom to the peak of the hill at 8-9 pace effort (where 1 is simply walking and 10 is my fastest pace). Jog easily in going back to the bottom of the hill. Do at least 8-10 repetitions. And then jog for 1 mile or 2K to end the workout. As for Tempo Runs, jog/run easily for the 1st mile, then at the middle of the run, do 10-minute tempo run (7-8 pace effort) with 5-minute recovery, do 2-3 repetitions of this 10-minute tempo runs, and then finish with 1 mile or 2K easy pace.
2. Recovery Runs. In between these “Hill Repeats” and “Tempo Run” days, I would do recovery runs which has 5-8 pace effort which covers a total distance of 7-8 miles to include 10 repetitions of “strides” (40-second “burst” of fast pace and recovery for 20-second easy jog) before my last mile for the workout. These recovery runs are done on the trails.
3. Long Runs. My longest run was the Rockstar MGM 50K Trail Run in Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan where I finished in 8:45+hours in a brutal and challenging course three weeks before this event. The succeeding weekends were done along the road for a distance of 20K. Before I hit my last mile in these long runs, I would do 10 repetitions of “strides”. However, in these road runs, I would do some “slower” tempo runs that would last for 30 minutes in every 10K. This is where I try my nutrition & hydration strategy and try my running gears to include my lighting system.
4. No Cross-Training. For two sessions, I just did some selected Pilates poses to strengthen my core muscles. No strength training. No Gym workouts.
5. Always remember that a Marathon Race or 10K Fun Run is a “speed-endurance” running event where a serious runner does not need to walk during the race. Actually, in Marathon Races and Fun Runs, I usually walk 1-2 meters before I pick up those cups filled with water in the Aid Stations and then walk again for about 3 meters away from the Aid Station while taking a sip of water. In the hilly portions of the course, I would not stop running and try to quicken my pace as if I was doing my “hill repeats” during my training. And that was my “secret” why I looked like I was a very strong runner during the event as what was seen by those runners whom I passed along the course. As gathered from my Garmin Watch and other GPS Watches from my friends who finished this event, the course has a total elevation gain of almost 1,500 feet!
6. Race Light. Everybody would notice that I would use Running Shorts with an inseam of 2.5 inches in my latest races with “cropped” muscle shirt with holes. It is because I was able to reduce or shave off some grams from my running attire. Try to compare a “wet” cropped muscle shirt with holes from another “wet” full singlet or full race shirt (with sleeves) by holding them each with both hands or weighing them in a weight scale. You will find out how many grams you will be lighter during the run. No Buff or neck gaiters. No Calf Sleeves. No hydration bottle. I was using a Merrell Light Racing Shoes and Light Drymax Socks. I was wearing a Petzl Light which is 115 grams and a Headset which is about 30 grams, weights that are very negligible. Just do the math. If you can save at least 100 grams in your racing weight with 42,000+ jumps alternately with your feet, your legs will be lighter and the tendency for some muscle cramps to occur will be farfetched, assuming that you trained properly. Lastly, in a Marathon Race, leave your Cellphone behind!
7. Hipster Belt. My Coffee Candies, Salt Sticks, GU Gels, and Power Bar were stashed in the pockets of my Hipster Belt. It became also as my “sweat absorbent” keeping my socks and shoes dry from my perspiration.
8. Safety & Lighting Gears. The blinking wrist straps from EyeCatcher and PETZL Headlight is a “must” during a Marathon Race being held during nighttime.
9. Music. Finally, I was able to finally search for and buy a very light, reliable, and of good quality headphone from AKG By Harman (Model: Y30). In the past, I would only use those cheap “ear-plug” headphones during my training runs but they could not stay steady in my ears and that was the reason why I don’t use any headphone in races. Music greatly helped me to motivate myself to keep on going and I would consider it as one of the factors that made me finished the race fresh and focused.
10. Familiarity of the Course. Having trained and raced in this course for the past years, I knew what to expect ahead of me along the course even during nighttime. Even if it was not part of my plan this year to join this race, I am confident that I could easily make this race as part of my training workout. Having said this, I would make it a point to join this event every year as part of my mountain trail ultra training.

Very Happy!!!

After I crossed the Finish Line at the Marathon Race, I was able to talk to General Sam Tucay and the rest of his staff. He lamented that he is not getting any profit from this event and its advocacy through the years even if it is already on its 11th edition. He was telling me that he is considering the idea of ending it as an annual event. On my part, I told him that he should not shelve the event and continue it as an annual event even if he considers it as not profitable. It will take some time to make his event as a popular marathon race as the years go by.

On my part, I did not tell him that I will be coming with this Race Report with an appeal to my ultra running friends and members of PAU to consider this event as part of their ultra running workout.

If you are a serious ultrarunner or training for a fast marathon race, you have to include this event as an evaluation or assessment race for your incoming A-races.

Thomas Combisen, the lone representative of the Philippines, finished and set a National Course Record at the 2016 IAU Asia & Oceania 24-Hour Endurance Run held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan last November 19-20, 2016. He officially represented the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU), the National Federation on Ultrarunning, and was invited by the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) to join this yearly event. He ranked #8 among the 27 International Runners with a total distance of 203.45 Kilometers covered during the duration of 24 hours of continuous running. The international runners represented the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Chinese Taiwan, and the Philippines.

Loop Course of 1.75 Kilometers Around The Kaohsiung National Stadium (World Games Arena)

Thomas Combisen qualified to join this prestigious running event for being a consistent Champion and Podium Finisher in PAU Races for the past years. He won in all the 200-Km+ distance races; set the Course Record for the Manila To Baguio 250K Race in 38:59:53 hours; and about to be awarded as one of the three candidates for the PAU 200K Grand Slam Award and to be considered as the Champion in this 4-event race as he won the past three races, namely, West To East 280K Run, Manila To Baguio 250K Run, and the North Coast 200-Mile Race.

Thomas Combisen is a native of Sagada, Mountain Province and works as a Civil Engineer in one of the Land Developers in Metro Manila and suburbs. He had been an active member of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners for the past three years.

Thomas Combisen @ The Starting Area

The Letter of Invitation from the IAU and the Chinese Taipei Ultramarathon Federation, as the Host and Race Organizer was officially received by the PAU last August of this year and Thomas Combisen was chosen and informed that he will represent the country in this international ultra marathon event with three (3) months of focused training. Major General Jovenal Narcise AFP (Retired), President of the PAU met with Thomas as soon as the Invitation was received and he informed him of the details of the race, how he will train and prepare for the race, and for him not to worry of the expenses for the travel, accommodation in Taiwan, and other logistics needs for him to join the race. He was advised to prepare his travel papers (passport) and PAU will support for his visa application for Taiwan. On a weekly basis, Thomas was advised to report on the progress of his training to the President of PAU.

The 2016 IAU Asia & Oceania 24-Hour Championship Endurance Run was held on November 19-20, 2016 at the World Games Stadium Area in Kaohsiung, Taiwan with 27 International Runners from IAU-sanctioned National Federations and 450 Local & Foreign Runners under the Open Category. The race started at 3:00 PM of Saturday and ended at 3:00 PM on the following day, Sunday. Runners had to run a loop course with a distance of 1.75 kilometers. The loop course has two RFID timing mats placed at the Start/Finish and at the midway of the loop course that would record the time of the runner, the number of loops and distance the runner has covered during the event. The loop course has two Aid Stations and other amenities that the runner could use during the event. Pacers were not allowed and competing runners were not allowed to pace each other for the duration of two loops. Such violation would result to immediate disqualification of the runners.

Our main goal in this race was for Thomas to finish at least 200 kilometers during the duration of 24 hours just for him to gain experience.

First 12 Hours of Running

On the first two loops, Thomas was leading the race with a comfortable pace of 8:30+ minutes per loop and he told me that he felt easy on the pace and I advised him to just maintain the said pace and make sure to hydrate as often as possible. On the third loop, most of the international runners (IAU-sanctioned runners) started to speed up their pace until Thomas landed on the 4th place on the 5th hour of the race since it started. During the nighttime running, he maintained the ranking of #6. He finished 100 kilometres in 10 hours and 40 minutes and I advised him that our main goal of reaching 200 is doable.

Last 10 Minutes Of The Race

Thomas crossed the Start/Finish RFID mat with 200 kilometers covered with one hour before 3:00 PM and I advised him to just have his recovery run until the horn was sounded to officially end the event. As the event ended with sound of horn and gun fired, Thomas was able to officially register a distance of 203.45 kilometres and placed overall #8 among the 27 International Runners.

As a result, Thomas Combisen had officially set a National Record for a Filipino Runner with a distance of 203.453 kilometres with a pace of 7:05 minutes per kilometre for a 24-Hour Endurance Run.

The following is the Official Result on the Podium Finishers (Top 3 runners) among the IAU-sanctioned International Runner with their respective pace:

For the Male Category:

Barry Loveday (Australia)——235.868 kilometers (6:05 min/km)
Takayoshi Shigemi (Japan) ——230.868 kilometers (6:14 min/km)
John Pearson (Australia) ——224.849 kilometers (6:24 min/km)

For the Female Category:

Nikki Wynd (Australia) ——209.497 kilometers (6:52 min/km)
Nicole Barker (Australia) ——205.995 kilometers (7:00 min/km)
Sharon Scholz (Australia) ——189.173 kilometers (7:37 min/km)

Thomas Combisen’s performance on his first international exposure in IAU-sanctioned Championship Races is considered as a success and excellent performance on his part and whole RP Team. Our participation to these kind of events will continue despite the lack of corporate sponsors and financial support coming from the Government.

From the words of Thomas Combisen, he said, “Sir, if not for you, my dream to join an international running event would remain as a dream and I will remember this experience throughout the rest of my life as this is something very special to me and priceless that money could never, never ever buy!” I just smiled and replied to him, “This is just the beginning of your international exposure as more races will come in the future. Keep your feet on the ground and keep on improving on your training as I have plans already for you to join the 2017 edition of this race!”

Thomas Displaying His Finisher’s Certificate & Finisher’s Medal

Congratulations, Thomas Combisen!

Race Report: 2016 Clark-Miyamit 50-Mile Ultra Trail Run

The goal to attain for this race is simply to finish my fourth (4th) consecutive finish in this race. I admit I did not train well/properly for this race as compared to my previous editions. I considered this race as part of my training for next year’s Tarawera 100K in Rotuora, New Zealand where most of my training runs on the previous months were on the paved roads except for those trails runs I had in Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan last Octoder. My longest run for this race was the “back-to-back” Subic Marathon 42K on a Saturday and then a 10K run the following day which was held two weeks before this race. And since that weekend, I never had a chance to run/hike the necessary vertical distance needed for this event. In short, I did not have “consistency” in my training.

As usual, I only appear at the starting area two-three hours before the Start/Gun Start for my Race Packet Pick-Up and Mandatory Gear Check-Up. I don’t usually go to the usual Race Briefing and scheduled Race Packet Pick-Up. After my Mandatory Gear-Check-Up, I was back to my vehicle and tried to sleep for the remaining hours before the Gun Start. One hour before the Gun Start, I ate my last meal before the race with my extra “Jason Koop’s Rice Balls” with a CarboPro Drinks. I knew that this meal will last me for the next 2 hours after the race had started.

Fifteen minutes before the race started, I was at the Starting Arc and it was time to see some of the international runners and the “usual suspects” in trail running in the country. I could see new faces and younger runners among the crowd. Some would greet me and ask for group picture with me and I would also greet those runners whom I would see in other running events. After the usual “Start Briefing” of the RD, it was time to switch on my headlamp and GPS Watch!

Pak!!! The Gun Start had sounded and I was at the upper one-third of the runners. It was a fast start on the first mile and I think I was having a speed of 5.5 miles per hour and I tried to slow down! It is always the case in my previous two editions that I ended gasping for breath by the time I reached the trailhead towards the river. It was good it was a downhill that I was able to recover and slowed down with my pace.

Running along the river full of lahar was effortless as there were no water to wet our shoes for the first 5 kilometres. But on the first chance that my shoes was immersed on the river for the first time, I could sense that not much of the lahar went inside my shoes. The shoe gaiter that I was wearing was preventing those powdery lahar sand from entering my shoes! I was using a New Balance RC1400V4 which is a Racing Flat and I was happy that my shoes was very light even if it was wet and I could also feel that it would dry up quicker than my usual trail shoes. The only drawback is that if the trail is muddy and sticky, I need to be careful and slow with my footing!

With George Dolores At The Peak Of Mt Miyamit (Turn-Around Point)

At the Aid Station #1 (Km #7), I had my water refilled in my handheld bottle. By the way, I was using two handheld water bottles, one bottle is half-filled with water and the other one on my right was empty with only CarboPro Powder Mix in it. I knew that I could survive a half-filled water bottle in between Aid Stations except for the distance between AS4 and to the Peak of Mt Miyamit and back to AS4 which has a total distance of 20 kilometres. This is where I would start to fill up my bottle with a CarboPro mix and carry two bottles filled with water and powder mix. If I still lack the necessary water along this segment, I brought my Life Straw and “hope and pray” that a stream of water is still present flowing along this segment of the route where I can refill my water bottle. Every year, I would do this ritual along this segment of the route!

From Aid Station #1, I knew already what to expect——more sand/lahar filled dirt roads/trails; cemented stair; lots of steep descents and ascents; flat trails at the edge of sugar cane plantation; crossing the wide Pasig-Potrero River; the tunnel at the SCTEX; and then to Barangay Sapang Uwak. At the Pasig-Potrero River, there was not much of the flowing water but there was a very short river crossing where the depth is almost to my waist and the current was too strong that one has to grab a rope that was tied across the said river. Before reaching the Aid Station #2, I brought out a pack of my “Jason Koop’s” Rice Ball where one plastic pack container is filled with at least 3-piece equivalent of such balls and I had to eat it all for my first food intake on the race. I finished the water on my handheld bottle on my left palm as I approached the next Aid Station. It was still dark and did not spend much time in the Aid Station.

Since it was downhill from the AS2, I tried to run and maintain my pace all the way up to the center of Barangay Sapang Uwak. I did not have any problems with my Headlight as I have programmed the illumination rate or burning time to reach up to 15 hours of continuous lighting. Finally, a marshal signalled me to enter a detour part of the course which the first time it was introduced in this year’s edition. Instead of running uphill towards the Barangay Hall where the next Aid Station was located along a paved road, the RD deemed it necessary to avoid the cemented road. It was a good move to maintain the name of the event as an ultra trail run but….it made the course harder this time!

I call this “detour” as the “Stairway To Heaven” because after you pass this section, your curses and calls for all the Saints to help you while trekking on this trail, you will finally say that the Aid Station #3 as “Heaven” once you reach it. In the darkness of the night, I could feel that the distance of the detour is about 3-4 miles but in reality, it is only 2 kilometres of rolling terrain and with steep ascents that look like you are already “kissing” the ground. It was good there were diggings on the ground that resemble as stairs on this steep slope of the mountain. On the way back, one has to be very careful in going down on this slope that a misstep might bring you rolling down out of the newly built trail. I have to roll down the straps of my handheld bottles to my wrists and make use of my hands to grab anything on the ground for stability and balance.

New Balance Racing Flats

From AS3, I hiked and tried to recover from the exhaustion I felt after reaching this part of the route. I just covered a distance of 24 kilometres and I felt that my energy was completely zapped at this point. How could it be? I still have 63 kilometers to go and I felt like I was about to quit. It was good it was still dark and cold. The breeze of the air; fresh air to breath and the presence of the fog gave me the strength to push myself. While hiking, I did a lot of deep-breathing and I just thought that with the fresh air that I was breathing, I would regain my strength! That was what I did until I met the first runner from 60K race! I was amazed by these runners who were about to go back to where we started and it was still dark as compared to the previous editions that I could comfortably and clearly see the faces of those leading runners. I would have thought that there will be course record to be broken again.

Finally, I reached Aid Station #4 and knowing the names of the Volunteers and being ultrarunning friends, I was treated like a “king” where they would serve me everything that I needed. After making sure I mixed my CarboPro with water on my right handheld bottle, I was on my way to the peak/turn-around point which is 10K distance and then back to this AS4 for a total of 20 kilometres. I slowly hiked from the AS4 as it is uphill and then tried to jog on the descents and flat portions of this segment.

As I was passing on a sharp-curved and narrow single track trail, I outbalance myself and my leading foot landed on a cliff and my whole body just fell off the cliff. I was quick to make my handheld bottles as my anchor to whatever or thing that would prevent me from falling to the bottom of the cliff. I was able to stop my body from falling but I need to lift my body to a distance of about 4 feet to reach the level of the trail. Knowing that a runner was trailing me behind for about 10-15 meters, I just rested myself with my body flat on the cliff and tried to observe if there was any pain in my body (making sure I did not incur any wounds or fractures!) while waiting for the next runner to see me on the cliff. The runner stopped and he asked, “Sir, what happened?”. And I said. “I fell!!!” He immediately pointed the tips of his trekking poles to the direction of my hands and I was able to grab them. I was able to reach the level of the trail with the runner pulling his trekking poles towards him and I was okey. I thanked the runner and asked him to just go ahead of me as I would hike and try to feel if my body was okey to finish the race. I felt some numb pain on my right quads and my groin muscles were starting to have cramps! I slowed down and took some time to drink my CarboPro and take in some salt tablets while walking towards the turn-around point.

LifeStraw a.k.a. Life Saver

It took me 3 hours to reach the peak after I left AS4 with all the fall, slow pace & cramping after the fall and a brief rest at the Peak. From here, I have 8 hours to reach and cross the Finish Line. I knew I could make it with more time to spare as long as I keep on moving. Halfway before reaching AS4, I was already in need of water as I usually drink a lot on this portion of the course plus the fact that the heat of the sun was starting to be felt inside the forested areas. I had to reach that stream of water and scoop some water into my handheld water bottle. Once I reached the stream, I have to walk upstream for about 3 meters and got some from the flowing water. It was time to use the Life Straw that was tucked inside one of my shorts’ pockets. I have to use the Life Straw twice to sip the water inside my hydration bottle. The said water gave me the necessary strength to bring my body to the AS4.

At the AS4, I took some time to rest; eat my rice balls and have my bottles refilled with water before going down to the Miyamit Falls. As compared to my previous finishes, I usually go down directly to the Falls once I reach the AS4. Not this time due to exhaustion and my accidental fall on a cliff. I usually calculate at least one hour to be spent in going down; resting at the Falls; and going back to AS4…and that has happened again in this year’s edition.

Optional Pose At The Miyamit Falls

The volunteers manning the AS4 were kind enough help every runner passing or dropping by their station and they even go to the extent of giving more what was served on the table. Those “reserved” Coconut Water Drinks did wonders to my tired body that I was able to drink almost half of the bottle-pack! Thank you, guys!

From AS4, it was all downhill but the heat of the sun was on us, thus, preventing us to have a continuous run. It was a jog-walk-jog routine from this point and maintain a relentless forward motion making sure I would be able to cross the finish line within the prescribed cut-off time of 18 hours! It was a matter of time before we could reach AS3 which I call “Heaven”! At this point I joined 3 runners ( one male & two female) and I had a lengthy conversation with an ultra friend, Ariel Tuto Aquino who is also gunning for his 4th successive finish. In our calculation, we would be able to finish the race in 17 hours and some spare minutes.

At AS3, I just refilled my hydration bottles and drank some soda offered by a friend and then left the AS3 alone. It was a very deliberate hike in going down along the “Stairway To Heaven” and I was glad my NB Racing Flats had enough traction to hold me from sliding on those steep parts of the trail. However, I felt the sole portion of my feet were starting to cramp (first time to experience!) due to the very thin support on my forefoot. Once the cramps would appear, I would slow down with my pace and simply walk until the pain disappeared. Finally, I was at the cemented road inside Barangay Sapang Uwak and I continued to battle the exhaustion and pain until I saw some of the runners ahead of me having a rest/drinking ice cold drinks in one of the sari-sari stores in the barangay. I just continued with my jog as I knew I had a little “buffer” time for this race as I was thinking of those steep climbs before AS1 where I usually weaken in previous editions.

Approaching AS2 Towards The Finish Line (Km #70)

Patience to alternately jog, run and hike was the smartest things to do from AS3 to AS2 even with the heat of the sun was upon us. It was just a matter of time before we ( I was trying to catch-up with two runners in front of me) would reach the AS2 which is actually 17 kilometers away from the Finish Line. In my estimate, I had only 30 minutes as a “buffer time” which I knew would be enough for me to cross the finish line. I did not spend much time at the AS2 after I refilled my bottles. It is time to attack those steep descents and ascents before reaching AS1. I really slowed down on these portions because my hike was too deliberate using my hands as anchor to prevent me from sliding and use them too in propelling myself to go up on the steep ascents. I guess, I lacked some training on these situations during those weeks and months before this event. I hope to be smarter next time.

Upon reaching the AS1, which is 7 kilometres to the finish line, I still have 1:15 minutes to tackle such distance and I was confident to cross the finish line before the 18th hour knowing that there is only one easy ascent at the trailhead before reaching the paved roads of Clark. Unfortunately, on the last one mile with 15 minutes to go, I sped up my pace and went straight on the intersection where I should have turned RIGHT. It was too late to realise that I was lost at this point. So, I simply finished (beyond the cut-off time) and reported to the staff at the Finish Line that I got lost. I was still awarded the Finisher’s Medal and the Finisher’s Trucker Cap without the Finisher’s Shirt.

Approaching AS1 Towards The Finish Line (Looking worried!)

For sure, I will be back for my “graduation rites” next year in this event.

To be continued…

Finisher’s Trucker Cap & 4th CM 50 Finisher’s Medal

2016 (6th) Taklang Damulag 100-Mile Endurance Run

5:00 AM December 10, 2016 To 3:00 PM December 11, 2016

Start & Finish Area: SOCOM Headquarters, Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Philippines

Course Cut-Off Time: 34 Hours

Number Of Starters: 10 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 2 Runners

Percentage Of Finish: 20%

Starters Of Taklang Damulag 100 & 50-Mile Endurance Runs

RANK                           NAME                                    TIME (Hours)

1. Gibo Malvar (Champion, Overall) ———–33:51:20
2. Graciano Santos (1st Runner-Up, Overall)—-33:51:23

Overall Champion Gibo Malvar

Overall 1st Runner-Up Graciano Santos

——————————————————————–

2016 (6th) Taklang Damulag 50-Mile Endurance Run

Start & Finish Area: SOCOM Headquarters, Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Philippines

Number Of Starters: 6 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 4 Runners

Percentage Of Finish: 66.66%

RANK                 NAME                                      TIME (Hours)

1. Thomas Combisen (Champion, Overall) ——–12:57:59
2. Alfredo Peralta (1st Runner-Up, Overall)——–16:42:10
3. Tess Leono (Champion, Female) —————16:43:20
4. Kathleen Piñero (1st Runner-Up, Female) ——-17:52:47

Overall Champion Thomas Combisen

Female Champion Tess Leono

Congratulations To All The Finishers!

Note: Photos Courtesy Of Dhan Punzalan 

Pictures: https://www.facebook.com/dhae.punzalan/media_set?set=a.10154034637236975.1073742096.655141974&type=3&pnref=story

2017/9th Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Marathon Race

Starting Area: Bataan Death March Shrine, Mariveles, Bataan

Finish Area: Old Railway Station, San Fernando City (Pampanga)

Start Time: 10:00 PM January 28, 2017

Finish Time: 4:00 PM January 29, 2017

Cut-Off Time: 18 Hours

Number Of Starters: 232 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 212

Percentage Of Finish: 91.4%

RANK                   NAME                                               TIME (Hrs)

1. Rolando Espina (Overall Champion) ———9:26:39
2. Joseph Gentoleo (1st Runner-Up, Overall) —-10:23:44
3. Raff Maestro (2nd Runner-Up, Overall) ——10:32:47
4. Joseph Odhuno ————————–10:40:39
5. Thomas Combisen ———————–11:11:33
6. Silame Apolistar Gutang (Female Champion)–11:27:56
7. Shuji Nakano —————————11:40:39
8. Ralph Andren Lagmay ——————–12:11:42
9. Raymond Balan ————————-12:15:55
10. Rence Aninag —————————12:17:26
11. Jaspher Galanza ————————-12:19:13
12. Saturnino Camangonan ——————-12:26:36
13. Jake Soriano —————————-12:37:31
14. Randy Doronio ————————–12:43:23
15. Neil Veluz ——————————12:44:51
16. Vicente Bunuan ————————-12:53:29
17. Doris Manguiat (1st Runner-Up, Female)—–12:57:17
18. Melody Arci (2nd Runner-Up, Female) ——-12:57:18
19. Michael Dela Rama ———————–13:12:05
20. Leo Ano ——————————–13:27:41
21. Juden Doguie —————————-13:28:23
22. Marie-Del Villanueva (Female) ————-13:32:31
23. Hedda Riola (Female)———————13:46:06
24. Ronaldo Racines ————————-13:52:20
25. Samuel Maniaul ————————-13:57:52
26. Ludorico Librilla ————————-13:59:45
27. Rod Losabia —————————–14:01:03
28. Irish Laurinciana (Female)—————–14:03:31
29. Laico Tolentino ————————–14:11:21
30. Ma. Theresa Basallo (Female) ————–14:13:54
31. Gevaert Paul Papa ———————–14:14:25
32. Ervin Cabral —————————-14:14:55
33. Bong Dizon —————————-14:15:02
34. Jennifer Cabbab (Female) —————–14:17:06
35. Ronnie Gurrobat ————————14:21:48
36. Simon Pavel Miranda ——————–14:24:34
37. Constantino Dellova Jr. ——————14:33:36
38. Charles Christopher Cruz —————-14:34:15
39. Kelvin Castro ————————–14:34:36
40. Fiel Violeta —————————-14:35:47
41. Johnny Borlagolan ———————-14:36:10
42. Mary Clarifel Paner (Female) ————–14:36:38
43. Leo Marnon —————————-14:39:09
44. Jhon Henry Bueno ———————–14:43:42
45. Nick Diaz ——————————14:48:11
46. Dondon Talosig ————————-14:48:52
47. Pastor Ligas Jr ————————–14:49:07
48. Richard Gamo ————————–14:49:23
49. Rodolfo Velasco Jr ———————–14:49:46
50. Meljohn Tezon ————————-14:51:54
51. Roni Turla —————————–15:15:58
52. Don Santillan ————————–15:18:30
53. Frederick Penalosa ———————-15:20:35
54. Rye Rayal Daza ————————-15:21:09
55. Glenn Rosales ————————–15:25:38
56. El Portillo —————————– 15:26:31
57. Amiel Lucero —————————15:33:17
58. June Gonzales ————————–15:38:23
59. Allan Bandiola ————————–15:38:24
60. Jay Abesamis —————————15:38:35
61. Ronel Medina —————————15:41:09
62. Fernando Cabanero ———————-15:41:21
63. Mark Anthony Redondo ——————15:41:40
64. Elmer Caballes ————————-15:41:50
65. Charlie Palacios ———————— 15:42:28
66. Joel Rodriguez ————————–15:43:15
67. Benedict Meneses ———————–15:43:33
68. Adnan Paul Lucero ———————-15:43:45
69. Gibo Malvar —————————15:44:02
70. Casildo Protasio Jr ———————-15:44:34
71. Mando Cariaga ————————-15:45:07
72. Emma Libunao (Female) —————–15:46:08
73. Marlon Santos ————————-15:46:26
74. Rod Lanorias ————————–15:46:52
75. Noel Batac —————————-15:47:22
76. John Michael De Jesus ——————-15:47:37
77. Barney Mamaril ————————15:47:49
78. Maricris David (Female) —————– 15:48:00
79. Irrol Nuvenario ———————— 15:48:21
80. Oliver Cavinta ————————- 15:51:37
81. Gamaliel Tayao ———————— 15:51:48
82. Kenneth Bayron ————————15:52:04
83. Marielle Magramo (Female) —————15:54:43
84. Rowell Ramos ————————–15:55:02
85. Sheryll Quimosing (Female) —————15:58:19
86. Peter Canlas ————————— 15:58:36
87. Paul Vincent Obed ———————–16:08:19
88. Dennis Ryan Nava ———————–16:18:30
89. Sherwin Bargos ————————-16:19:09
90. Reden Rodriguez ———————— 16:19:50
91. Rhina Sison (Female) ——————– 16:22:41
92. Mely Maraganas (Female) —————–16:30:39
93. Stephanie Pelle (Female) ——————16:32:05
94. Russell Hernandez ———————–16:32:14
95. Allan Delmonte ————————- 16:32:26
96. Jemel Aguilar ————————— 16:33:04
97. Eduardo Macpoc ————————- 16:34:34
98. Jaypee Ocampo ————————– 16:34:42
99. Ryan Sanchez ————————— 16:36:08
100. Reynaldo Mondares ———————- 16:36:23
101. Ferdinand Manuel ———————– 16:36:39
102. Efren Olpindo —————————16:37:09
103. Richard Ryan Rentillo ———————16:37:26
104. Rocket Bong Alindada ———————16:38:30
105. Jordan De Guzman ————————16:38:37
106. Antonio Buenavidez Jr ———————16:38:55
107. Cris Liwanagan —————————16:39:12
108. Emma Gabriel (Female) ——————–16:40:02
109. Rowena Dagdag (Female) ——————-16:40:15
110. Garry Gabrillo —————————- 16:43:36
111. Franci Sandro —————————- 16:45:47
112. Gay Beltran (Female) ———————- 16:46:10
113. Jonathan Moleta ————————– 16:53:31
114. Jon Borbon —————————— 16:53:48
115. Raymund Tuazon ————————- 16:55:01
116. Myk Dauz ——————————- 16:55:17
117. Ricardo Gregorio ————————- 16:55:35
118. Vicente Manez ————————— 16:55:48
119. Joel Chua ——————————–16:55:55
120. Jun Ramirez ——————————16:56:31
121. Jonathan Baysa ————————— 16:57:18
122. Gudelia Marcelo (Female) ——————-16:58:13
123. Jim Taguiang —————————– 16:58:31
124. Jose Mari Mercado ————————- 16:59:01
125. Carlyle Balagot —————————- 16:59:35
126. Elias Rodriguez Jr ————————– 17:00:19
127. Enrique Trinidad —————————17:05:02
128. Kathleen Pinero (Female) ——————–17:05:22
129. Roy Garcia ——————————– 17:05:56
130. Ryan Garcia ——————————- 17:06:23
131. Reynaldo Casimero ————————- 17:07:22
132. Ken Molina ——————————-  17:07:23
133. Marites Sy Pausal (Female) ——————- 17:07:38
134. Jesus Anthony Dizon ———————— 17:07:56
135. Lester Estrella —————————– 17:08:19
136. Ma. Naomi Mabasa (Female) —————– 17:08:31
137. Mark Anthony Gonzales ———————17:08:50
138. Noel Diaz ———————————17:09:06
139. Ross Lim ——————————— 17:09:30
140. Mark Hernandez —————————17:09:52
141. Mark Anthony Golez ————————17:10:15
142. Ryan Depalco ——————————17:10:32
143. Efren Gregorio —————————–17:10:44
144. Rem Baltazar —————————— 17:11:22
145. Roby Amil ———————————17:11:40
146. Joy Beltran (Female) ————————-17:13:13
147. Nancy Salvador (Female) ——————— 17:13:41
148. Vanessa Labit (Female) ———————- 17:14:24
149. Reese Rogel (Female) ————————17:14:37
150. Ronnel Go ———————————17:14:50
151. Paolo Tiong ——————————–17:15:07
152. Jeffrey Garcia ——————————-17:16:06
153. Orlando Ortinez —————————–17:16:16
154. Reymond Bueno —————————–17:16:29
155. Isagani Zuniga —————————— 17:16:50
156. Chari Sevilla (Female)———————— 17:17:04
157. Cheche Magramo (Female) ——————–17:17:40
158. Rexie Mesina ——————————- 17:17:56
159. Ener Calbang ——————————- 17:18:12
160. Alwin Cuevas ——————————- 17:18:44
161. Dan Panganiban —————————– 17:19:02
162. Elmer Diaz ——————————— 17:20:28
163. Roy Simon ——————————— 17:20:43
164. Carlito Rudas Jr —————————– 17:21:01
165. Robin Soriano —————————— 17:21:06
166. Ted Mallen ——————————— 17:21:34
167. Hygeia Chi (Female) ————————- 17:21:49
168. Adelaida Laking (Female) ——————— 17:22:06
169. DM Padilla ——————————— 17:22:20
170. Laudencio Lictaoa ————————— 17:22:37
171. Gerald Bulayungan ————————– 17:22:54
172. Engelbert Pantig —————————- 17:23:16
173. Peter Mars Tano —————————- 17:23:46
174. John Mandy Caparas ————————- 17:25:12
175. Phil Jannsen Santiago ———————— 17:25:19
176. Bryan Mallari ——————————- 17:27:30
177. Ricky Francisco —————————– 17:28:25
178. Michael Pagcanlungan ———————– 17:28:33
179. Gerly Santos (Female) ———————— 17:29:24
180. Lourdes Maghuyop (Female) ——————- 17:29:37
181. Mary Maureen Albaracin (Female) —————17:30:03
182. Elmer Bob Tolete —————————–17:30:37
183. Henry Laborde ——————————-17:30:52
184. Hyna Nava (Female) ————————– 17:32:24
185. Junmar Que ——————————— 17:33:09
186. Joselito Rosales —————————— 17:33:26
187. Michael Galas ——————————- 17:33:44
188. John Robas ——————————— 17:34:01
189. Boy Bernie Abrugan ————————– 17:34:51
190. Jhun Salvador ——————————- 17:36:02
191. Jay Alberinte ——————————– 17:36:14
192. Alberto Sales ——————————- 17:36:32
193. Rona Carandang (Female) ——————— 17:36:56
194. Elmer Casauay —————————— 17:37:10
195. Regil Gella ——————————— 17:37:27
196. Ale Paez ———————————– 17:37:50
197. Rodel Crisostomo ————————— 17:38:13
198. Rogelio Palma —————————— 17:38:38
199. Jonas Olandria —————————— 17:39:00
200. Lorna Pagsiat (Female) ———————– 17:39:16
201. Sally Lustina (Female) ————————17:39:29
202. Mark Leonard Partoza ———————— 17:40:27
203. Tina Aldaya (Female) ————————- 17:41:05
204. Jinky Yray (Female) ————————– 17:41:31
205. Arianne Legarte ——- ——————— 17:43:09
206. Ma. Reina Serrano (Female) ——————- 17:48:26
207. Dhonabel Castillo (Female) ——————– 17:49:43
208. Eva Marie Soquena (Female) ——————-17:50:17
209. Manuel Remandaban ————————-17:53:15
210. Ma. Sharon Pedro (Female) ——————–17:53:41
211. Fernando Onnon —————————- 17:57:41
212. John Paul Navarete ————————–17:57:51

Official Result: 2017/3rd Manila To Baguio 250K Ultra Marathon Race (Solo/Single Stage)

Starting Area: Km Post #0, Rizal Monument, Luneta Park, Manila

Finish Area: Rizal Park, Baguio City

Start Time: 10:00 PM February 16, 2017

Finish Time: 12:00 Midnight February 18, 2017

Cut-Off Time: 50 Hours

Number Of Starters: 37 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 24 Runners

Percentage Of Finish: 64.8%

Group Picture Before The Start

Few Seconds Before Gun Start

RANK                     NAME                                             TIME (Hrs)

1. Lodovico Librilla (Overall Champion) —43:03:49
2. Bong Dizon (1st Runner-Up, Overall)—-43:25:25
3. Ryan Fabie (2nd Runner-Up, Overall)—-44:49:22
4. Remy Caasi (Female Champion, Course Record)—-46:12:10
5. Aldrin Pallera ———————–46:24:16
6. Jocel Lañas (1st Runner-Up, Female)—–46:26:27
7. Rhoda Caballero (2nd Runner-Up, Female)—-46:44:24
8. Rolan Cera————————–46:51:42
9. Armando Olan———————–46:51:42
10. Jon Borbon————————–47:02:45
11. Dondon Talosig———————-47:03:10
12. Fer De Leon————————-47:26:46
13. Rod Losabia————————-47:26:58
14. Rose Betonio (Female)—————-47:28:50
15. Jemfil Ramos————————-47:58:59
16. Dennis Guidao———————–47:59:15
17. Glenn Rosales———————–48:40:46
18. Ken Molina————————-48:50:15
19. Gibo Malvar————————-48:50:16
20. Rasette Pesuelo (Female)————–48:50:18
21. Raymond Nable———————-49:17:50
22. Ildebrando Yap———————–49:18:55
23. Chris Linawagan———————49:21:50
24. Maui Toraja————————-49:46:50

Overall Champion Lodovico Librilla

Overall 1st Runner-Up Bong Dizon

Overall 2nd Runner-Up Ryan Fabie

Female Champion & New Course Record Holder Remy Caasi

Female 1st Runner-Up Jocel Lañas

Female 2nd Runner-Up Rhoda Caballero

Most Coveted Finisher’s Buckle

Congratulations To Everybody!

Race Report: 2017 Tarawera 102K Ultramarathon Race (Part 2)

Airbnb For Accommodation

Whenever I join ultra races abroad, I usually make my bookings on motels through their websites. I never had the experience to bring my camping gears and set up my tent in camp sites near or within the Starting Area of a trail ultra race. Since I was planning to join the CCC @ UTMB this year (but I was not lucky to be picked on the lottery) and try to stay on Airbnb in Chamonix, France, I looked for “homestays” in Rotorua, New Zealand on the Internet. Staying in New Zealand in an Airbnb accommodation would be a nice “first-time” experience for me prior to going to other races in Europe.

After some browsing on the Internet, I found a place which has so many positive feedback from the people who stayed in the said house. Considering the cheaper amount to be spent as compared to staying a Hotel or Motel in Rotorua, the house is located near the start of the event and the place is quiet and affordable. Looking at the Profile Picture and the name of the owner of the house, I was able to conclude that they could be Asian and it would much easier to communicate and to be relate to them since we belong to the same Continent. So, I made the decision to book for my accommodation in this place. For a duration of stay for 8 days, I was able to pay almost P 20,000 to include some fees.

Upon my arrival at the Town Center of Rotorua, NZ, I called for a Taxi which was waiting for passengers as the right side of the building. The driver is a 75-year old guy and he took some time to look at the address of my destination and glanced at his reference of the places of the city. Then another Taxi Driver asked him if he has any problem on our destination since it took him a couple of minutes to move his Taxi from where I boarded. The other Taxi Driver told him what street to take and the old guy realised where the house is located. It took the Taxi Driver less than 10 minutes to reach my destination.

It was already 9:00 PM when I arrived at the house and the Hosts, Gillian and William Ma were waiting for my arrival. They are very nice hosts and very helpful in giving me some directions to go to some places in the city; very responsive to my needs in the house; and give me some information about the city. They had been in the said house for the past 5 years and they are still childless. I told them about the reason why I was in Rotorua and they were surprised to know that there is such an international event happening in their neighbourhood without them knowing it. Much more surprised when I told them that I will be joining the 102K distance event and they could not believed it since they have known that I’ll be turning 65 years old in 3 months. Of course, I told them also that I am a retired officer with the rank of Two-Star General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on the second day of my stay in their house. On the early morning of the second day of my stay in their house, I had a lengthy conversation with Gillian and we had to get to know more about her and her husband and the things/places to visit in Rotorua.

Gillian Ma, My Host

William Xu, Husband of Gillian

My room has a Double Size Bed with a view of the frontyard of the house with a wide glass window draped with a rolling curtain. It has a locker room and equipped with an electric fan. I was wondering why there was no air-conditioning unit for the room but by opening the window with a small space, I can feel the cool air from the outside to be entering the room. However, I was warned by my Host to close the window during nighttime because some flying insects would be attracted to enter the opened space of the window because of the light from the room. The bed, comforter, and the pillows are very clean and comfortable. However, I have to walk for about few feet outside my room for the toilet and bathroom. The toilet and bathroom are separate rooms but there was no problem for me as they are considered as “common” bathroom & toilet for the guests. I was lucky that I was the only guest for the first three days when a Lady from Switzerland occupied another room in the house for an overnight stay after I finished the race.

Frontage Of The House

Their address is: 11 Carroll Place 11, Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty 3010, New Zealand.

Advertisement From Airbnb On My Room

Warm-Up Run To Redwoods Park

After a breakfast of hot coffee and quaker oats, I prepared for a brief run to the Redwoods Park from the house which is about 2.5 kilometer-distance to its entrance and there is another one kilometre to run from the Gate/Entrance to the Visitors Center of the Park. I surveyed the actual place where the Starting Area of the event is located and I had the chance to inspect the trail of the park not knowing that the first kilometre of the race will follow the asphalted road towards the mountain.

Entrance To Redwoods Park

One Kilometer Distance From Entrance To The Visitors Center

Redwoods Park Visitors Center/Starting Area Of The Race

After some picture-taking of those things inside and within the Visitor’s Center, it was time to engage with the personnel of the park. This is where I met Katrina who told me that she has two other Pinoy personnel working with her in the Park. Before we ended our conversation, we had a “selfie” where she approved of it.

Katrina, A Staff At The Redwoods Park

I returned to the house jogging with a faster pace and I found the weather and the cooler breeze to be like Baguio City during summer time. I knew already that we will have a very hot weather on race day. While I was jogging, I was able to pass a commercial centre which is called Redwood Center which is about 50 meters from the entrance of the Park. From what I’ve seen within the Commercial Center, I knew already where I would eat my lunch for the day.

Bus Rides

I had my second shower in Rotorua and prepared to walk again for my lunch at the Redwood Center. After lunch, I took a Bus Ride to the Town Center for some shopping of souvenirs from Rotorua. Bus Rides are very efficient and orderly in Rotorua. All you have to do is remember the Bus Route Number and pay NZ$ 2.35 for the said route and have the option to transfer to another Bus Route Number within 30 minutes after you are being dropped by the first bus you have taken for FREE. All you have to do is to inform the Driver that you are transferring to another Bus Route after alighting from the Bus, so that he can give you your ticket for the next bus transfer you will be taking. As you board to the transfer Bus, inform the driver that you are transferring from another Bus and give your ticket. The Bus Route goes only on a One Way Loop which means that the next scheduled ride always comes from the Town Center and not from the Turn-Around Point of the Bus and pass on the same road where I was picked up! All the Bus Stops have the scheduled time of arrival posted on a pole adjacent to the Shaded Bus Stop. I have observed that the Bus arrival on the Bus Stop near the house where I stayed was always prompt and on the dot. The Bus Stop near the house where I stayed is only 50 meters away!

Bus Schedule Posted On Bus Stops

Typical Picture Of A City Bus In Rotorua

Picture Inside The Bus

When I learned about the Bus Transport System in the area, there was no need to take the Taxi. However, the schedule of the Bus starts at 7:00 AM and ends at 6:00 PM. If you want a ride after 6:00 PM, take the Taxi by calling the number 07-348-1111 as you could hardly see any Taxi roaming around the streets/roads in Rotorua. Once you call the number and state your location where you can be picked-up, the Taxi will be there with you in few minutes!

(Note: It is advisable to buy a Sim Card for your Cellphone at the Auckland International Airport as soon as you arrive for the cost of NZ$ 39.00)

Change Of Schedule/Itinerary

Even if I have friends on Facebook who are presently living or residing in New Zealand, I did not send them any PM or give them a hint that I need some help or need answers from queries I would like to ask from them. I just patiently read the instructions stated on the Souvenir Program of the Tarawera 100 Ultramarathon Race and then use the Google/Google Maps to get answers from concerns and queries where I need some answers.

My stay in New Zealand was focused in joining and finishing the race where after the race, I would go back to Auckland and board my flight back to Manila. Just simple as that! However, a sudden change has occurred in my schedule.

A PMA Cavalier (PMA Alumni Class ’81 and former Officer of the Philippine Navy) whom I had the opportunity to work with during my assignment in the Philippine Military Academy as a Tactical Officer and member of the General Staff of the Headquarters PMA as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Security, sent me a message and welcome greetings for arriving in New Zealand safely. After an exchange of messages on Facebook, I called him using my cellphone. I found out that he is now residing in Wellington with his family and he is inviting me to visit their place before going back to Manila if there is a way that I can squeeze his invitation in my schedule. I said, Yes, why not?

With My Host In Wellington, NZ, Captain Virgilio Velasco, Philippine Navy (Retired), PMA Class ’81

Looking at my schedule that if I can finish the race before midnight of Saturday, I would take the first trip by bus on Sunday for a 7-hour bus ride to Wellington to rest and at the same time enjoy the view along the route, have a brief tour of the city immediately after arrival, stay overnight in their house, then have another bus ride back directly to Auckland on Monday and then depart for Manila on the morning of Tuesday. It was a hectic schedule that played in my mind but it is doable. However, my friend has a better suggestion for my schedule. The bus ride from Rotorua to Wellington was fine as I will be seeing the sea, the different city centers and landscape of the North Island of New Zealand while I was resting in the bus and have a chance to have some picture-taking during the brief stops in the Bus Stations along the way. Upon our arrival in Wellington, my friend would bring me to their house and have a home dinner with his family and then Rest Overnight. He suggested that I would take the last Jetstar Flight from Wellington to Auckland on the following day, Monday so that I he can bring me to a city tour the whole day before my departure. The schedule was perfect! He advised me to simply book my trip On Line through the websites of the Bus Company and Jetstar. He even generously gave the details of his Credit/Debit Card for me to use for this purpose. Of course, I declined since I have an e-card prepared for this trip.

Prominent Mountain On The Road To Wellington

Bus Stop For Lunch

Kiwi Burger, So Far, The Best Burger I’ve Tasted

Last Bus Stop @ Wharepaku Before Wellington

So, in a matter of few minutes after our conversation, I was able to book for my bus ride to Wellington and Jetstar Flight back to Auckland. My excitement to finish the race became secondary objective and my trip to Wellington became the primary objective of my remaining stay in New Zealand.

Little did I realize that this change of schedule will greatly affect or have an impact on my performance during the race.

To be continued….

2017/7th Bataan Death March 160K Ultra Marathon Race (BDM 160)

Starting Area: Bataan Death March Shrine, Mariveles, Bataan

Gun Start: 5:00 AM February 25, 2017

Finish Area: Capas National Shrine, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac

Finish Time: 1:00 PM February 26, 2017

Cut-Off Time: 32 Hours

Number Of Starters: 95 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 73 Finishers

Percentage Of Finish: 76.8%

RANK                            NAME                                    TIME (Hrs)

1. Thomas Combisen (Overall Champion)—-22:41:55
2. Jaspher Galanza (1st Runner-Up, Overall)—-23:07:47
3. Ralph Andrew Gabat (2nd Runner-Up, Overall)—-24:10:46
4. Sherwin Bargos ————————–25:16:17
5. Doris Manguiat (Champion, Female)———-25:34:57
6. Mark Anthony Redondo ——————–25:36:35
7. Renz Aninag —————————–26:22:19
8. Gibo Malvar ——————————26:59:48
9. Kelvin Castro —————————–27:28:58
10. Melody Arce (1st Runner-Up, Female)———27:46:06
11. Ronnie Gurrobat ————————–27:47:43
12. Johnny Borlagdan ————————-27:59:19
13. Shuji Nakano —————————–28:17:45
14. Rod Losabia ——————————28:25:21
15. Ma. Theresa Basallo (2nd Runner-Up, Female)–28:29:15
16. Jeffrey Garcia —————————–28:34:22
17. Jonathan Moleta —————————28:42:16
18. Gevaert Paul Papa ————————–28:50:04
19. Fiel Violeta ——————————–28:55:37
20. JP Ocampo ——————————–29:02:05
21. Constantino Dellova Jr ———————-29:13:04
22. Samuel Maniaul —————————29:22:39
23. Tess Leono (Female) ———————–29:23:51
24. Roby Amil ——————————-29:25:40
25. Russel Hernandez ————————-29:27:10
26. Dennis Ryan Nava ————————-29:27:22
27. Rodolfo Velasco Jr ————————-29:28:14
28. Mary Clairyfel Paner (Female)—————-29:29:40
29. Ross Lim ——————————–29:37:50
30. Noel Diaz—— ————————–29:39:50
31. Allan Del Monte ————————–29:41:33
32. Mark Hernandez ————————–29:45:10
33. Carlito Rudas Jr —————————29:48:38
34. Meljohn Tezon —————————29:52:52
35. John Robas ——————————29:53:21
36. Rowena Dagdag (Female) ——————29:53:28
37. Emma Gabriel (Female) ——————-29:54:00
38. Jemel Aguilar —————————29:54:39
39. Maricris David (Female) ——————29:54:48
40. Fernando Cabañero ———————-29:59:05
41. Ryan Garcia —————————-30:02:06
42. Leo Ano ——————————-30:05:03
43. Rayel Daza —————————–30:16:56
44. Eduardo Magpoc ————————30:21:00
45. Nick Diaz ——————————30:27:56
46. Ronel Medina —————————30:27:58
47. Lourdes Maghuyop (Female) —————30:29:57
48. Elmar Bob Tolete ————————30:30:47
49. Rod Lanorias —————————30:31:28
50. Regil Gella —————————–30:32:25
51. Mely Maraganas (Female) —————–30:32:26
52. Roni Turla —————————–30:33:02
53. John Michael De Jesus ——————-30:33:41
54. Che Che Magramo (Female) ————–30:39:32
55. Efren Gregorio ————————30:42:59
56. Kathleen Piñero (Female) —————30:52:52
57. Emma Libunao (Female) —————-30:52:53
58. Marlon Santos ————————30:52:54
59. Elmer Caballes ———————–30:52:55
60. Fernando Onnon ———————30:55:59
61. Laico Tolentino ———————-30:58:56
62. Oliver Cavinta ———————–31:05:18
63. Frederick Peñalosa ——————-31:08:30
64. Gamaliel Tayao ———————-31:17:21
65. Reden Rodriguez ———————31:18:34
66. Tina Aldaya (Female) ——————31:21:21
67. Rem Baltazar ————————31:25:06
68. Ariane Legarte ——- —————31:27:02
69. Rexie Vaflor ————————-31:31:03
70. Gerly Santos (Female) —————–31:42:21
71. Junmar Que ————————-31:47:29
72. Teodoro Mallen ———————-31:51:29
73. Isagani Zuniga ———————–31:59:58

Congratulations To Everybody!!!

The Day Before The Race (Friday)

If it is your first time to visit New Zealand, three days before the Race Day is a nice period of time to tour around the City of Rotorua to buy some groceries and souvenirs; look and try some places to eat; and have a brief recon of the place of the event. However, if I will go back to join this race again, I would prefer to arrive on Thursday, join the Welcome Ceremony and Race Briefing on Friday, and be ready for the Race on Saturday.

On the day before Race Day (Friday), I decided not to join the Powhiri Welcome Ceremony in Te Puia (about 300+meters from Rotorua Holiday Inn) which was scheduled at 8:30 in the morning and instead joined the Race Briefing at 11:00 AM at the Rotorua Holiday Inn. After taking the Bus at Route 10 from the house, I have to transfer to another Bus for Route 11 from the Town Center and then alighted at a street corner about 100 meters to the Holiday Inn. I was late for a few minutes as Tim Day, the Race Director has already started the Race Briefing. Once I’ve settled on the edge of the Hall, I was able to see the Pinoy Runners among the audience and saw some familiar faces whom I saw while on tour at the Town Center for the past days.

Tarawera 102K Briefing By Tim Day, Race Director

The weather forecast for the weekend was perfect and there was no rain. I was happy and maybe, most of the runners too, that there was NO Mandatory Gear for the race. It will be hot and humid but I was confident that my heat training in my Playground would never compare with the heat to be expected during the race. A sample of the ribbons as trail markers was shown to us and they would stand-out in the forest even if it is nighttime because it has a reflectorized ribbon. All the other details of the race route and their rules and regulations are clearly stated on the PDF file that anybody could read on the event’s website. The RD had mentioned that the Aid Stations would strictly implement the Cut-Off times. The Race Briefing did not take long and it was followed by a Question & Answer Interview Among the Elite Athletes.

Tarawera 102 Ultra Marathon In Numbers

Tarawera 102K Checkpoints & Cut-Off Times (Saved On My IPhone)

After the Q & A Session, the Emcee encouraged the Audience to have a “Selfie” with the Elite Athletes. I have only 3 “selfies” on my iPhone and they are from: Jim Walmsley; Yassine Diboun; Camille Herron; and Meghan Hicks.

Since the Race Registration was scheduled at 3:00 PM, I decided to have my lunch at the Restaurant inside the Rotorua Holiday Inn. Before 3:00 PM, I was already on a line for the Race Registration. Every runner for the 102K & 82K were weighted from a scale before getting his/her Race Packet which consist of the Race Bib and Souvenir Programme. The Race Organizer Paul Charteris made an apology that the Commemorative Shirt for all the Registered Runners would not be available not until the following day because the Main Event Sponsor, Compressport, made a mistake in sending the cargo to the South Island. So, up to this time, I am still waiting for the arrival of my Commemorative Shirt through the mail as promised by the Race Organizer.

After I received my Race Packet, I went home but had to drop by the Town Center for a “Take-Out” Dinner. At 6:00 PM, I was already in the house ready to eat my dinner; prepare my running kit and go to bed at exactly 9:00 PM.

On Race Day

The main goal is to finish the 102K distance and be able to earn some UTMB points (even if I am no longer interested with the UTMB races).

The race strategy is to start slow; maintain my hydration and nutrition needs every mile or every hour; and be able to maintain a “buffer time” of at least 2 hours from the cut-off time in every checkpoint. If I still have the strength, I would finish strong!

On my running kit, I decided to use my old Patagonia Shorts, Compressport “On/Off” Trail Shirt with Uniqlo “Heat Tech” as Baselayer, Salomon Cap, FitBelt, Drymax Socks, Mission Buff, Two Simple Hydration Bottles, New Balance Vazee Summit Trail Shoes, Adidas Gloves, Oakley Sunglasses, AMG Headphone with an iPod Shuffle, Petzl Headlamp, and Patagonia Houdini Jacket tucked inside one of shorts’ pockets.

I decided not to have any Drop Bags for my additional food and clothes to change along the route as I would no longer have the time to pick them up the following day because of my trip to Wellington the following day. On hindsight, I should have those Drop Bags for my “comfort” food and extra headlight. Maybe, I will have to use “disposable” drop bags in my next race if I intend to just leave them for the Race Organizers to dispose.

I woke up at 3:30 AM, took a shower, drank a hot coffee and ate some hot noodles. And after one hour, I was already on the road to the starting area by walking but I was carrying a plastic bag with two cuts of Pizza, a Nutella sandwich and one piece of Banana. I could feel the coldness outside to be tolerable even if I have my Patagonia light jacket tucked in one of the pockets of my Patagonia Shorts. I just thought that the mild cold of the day will be advantageous to my body as I tend to sweat too much during races. At 5:00 AM, I was already at the Redwoods Park Visitors Center. While waiting, I started to eat the food inside the plastic bag that I carried from the house.

Course Map & Elevation Profile

I had enough time to relax and observe the arrival of the other runners. I even had the chance to meet the brother & sister Pinoy staff members of the Park; had a picture with Chris; and meet with the whole Pinoy group of runners.

15 Minutes before the Gun Start, I was already about 10-15 meters behind the Starting Arc and just waited there until I heard the announcement of the Emcee telling to the runners to just pee on the trees around and not go to the Toilets to fall in line! He said that the trees need everyone’s pee! And the usual Maori Ritual started at the front of the Starting Arc. I could not see the ritual but I could hear the chants and some music. And after the ritual, it was time for the countdown…

100 Feet Behind The Start Arc (Right Side With Red Cap)

Starting To Jog From The Starting Line

At exactly 6:00 AM the race started and I began to move forward. I could feel that I was very light and comfortable with my slow pace with only one Simple Hydration Bottle filled with water and the other empty bottle as my cup/glass if I intend to drink sodas in the Aid Stations. I had one Clif Gel inserted in each of my hand gloves and 4 pieces of Fuel Bar in my Flip Belt. The race started with an asphalted road for about one kilometre and the road became a wide track of dirt road as the runners thinned up along the road. I controlled myself and preserved my strength even if I was confident that I can run the moderate ascents on the early part of the course. After running for about 40 minutes going up to a higher elevation, the sunlight started to shine but I opted to let my headlight on as it became too dark to be running inside the forest with roots exposed covering those single track trail. The ascent was not too difficult as I was entertained by the number of runners ahead of me and those faster runners who would overtake me along the wider part of the route.

1st Kilometer

The first Aid Station is 16.7 kilometers from the Starting Line and once I came out from the forest, I could see a big Water Tank where beside it was a group of Marshal/volunteers asking if I would like to leave my headlight behind. I opted not to give me headlight as I know I will be needing it during nighttime. Once I passed the volunteers, it was another moderate uphill until we reached a wide road with lots of gravel and crushed rocks. You could see the blinding light of the sunrise ahead of you while you could see the dust coming from the road as a result of pounding on the ground by those faster runners ahead of you. More people would cheer us on this part of the route.

First Climb Inside The Forest

Inside The Forest

Even if we were running inside the forest, the trail was wide in most of the parts before the first Aid Station. I kept my headlight switched to On as it was hard to distinguish the roots from the black colour of the surface of the trail. I have observed that the single trail trail inside the forest are too soft and with cushion as I pound my feet on them. I could feel that there are piles of dry leaves mixed with the dirt on the trail. I was neither fast nor aggressive in my pace because I was too careful not to trip or fall down on my knees due to small protruding roots. I have read so many blogs from faster runners who joined the past editions and almost all of them had mentioned for having some wounds and scratches on their knees, legs and palms because they haphazardly fell down on the trail. It was time to be careful and deliberate in my steps on those single-track trail.

Water Tank Where Headlights Can Be Dropped

Downhill & Uphill Climbs After The Water Tank

Wide Dirt Road Before Sunrise

Very Dusty Dirt Road With Runner In Front

Approaching Blue Lake

The first Aid Station is at the shore of Blue Lake. The lake looks like blue in color from afar but you can see how clean the water is as you approached it. I refilled my hydration bottle with water and the other empty bottle was used as my cup where I could drink water as much as I could because I was feeling early on that the water I drank on those 16 kilometers were not enough. I had to arrest the seemingly start of being dehydrated because it was already hot at 8:00 AM, after 2 hours+ of continuous running and fast hiking. I grabbed some slices of watermelon and oranges and ingested some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I guess, I only stayed at the Aid Station in less than 3 minutes and I was back on the trail. I grabbed another two or three slices of watermelon bites and carried them with my hand as I waked away from the Aid Station.

Still Running To The Next Aid Station

From the Lake we go back again to the Forest and it was becoming hotter. I realised that the temperature inside the forest is higher than the temperature once you get out from the forest. Even if the trail was shaded with trees and tall shrubs, the temperature feels like you are exposed directly to the sunlight. I was feeling okey as I trained in my Playground with this kind of situation. I was regularly taking my Salt Tablets every hour and drinking water, and always maintaining to have some candies (Coffee Candies) inside my mouth.

The cut-off time at Blue Lake Aid Station is 10:00 AM which means that I have a maximum time of 4 hours to reach and leave this place. However, I was able to reach this place in 2:14+ hours with a buffer time of 1:45+ hours. This distance to the 2nd Aid Station/Checkpoint would be almost 7 kilometres!

Having Fun & Meeting New Friends

After a few minutes, I reached Miller Road, where the 65K runners had started one hour after we started. I could see the tire tracks of the Buses on a wide dirt road that transported the runners from the Greenwoods Park to the said place. There is no Aid Station or Marshal on this part of the route as the road would continue to be uphill. The next Aid Station would be almost 10 kilometres to the next one and there is an imposed cut-off time in it. On my time splits, it appeared that it took me to reach this place from Blue Lake in 59+ minutes which means that I was able to cover the distance of 23.5K in 3:14+ hours which I think not bad as I was gaining some buffer time.

The Day Is Getting Hotter But I Need To Smile

The 2nd Aid Station is Okaitana which is Km 40 from the Start. This Aid Station is also a Checkpoint where the Cut-Off time is 1:50 PM or 7 hours & 50 minutes had elapsed from the Start. My Garmin Watch would register a time of 5:52+ hours and I became worried that I was able to decrease my buffer time to 1:08+ minutes. It was supposed to happen that way since I had more and more hiking as this section had the highest peak of the course. It was becoming hotter that I had to fill my two Simple Hydration Bottles with water in between Aid Stations. I started to eat Potato Chips at the Aid Station to include sandwiches and watermelon/orange bites. The watermelon and orange bites were very refreshing to my mouth. In terms of elevation gain, this section (Miller Road to Okaitana), is perceived to be the hardest part of the route where almost everybody had to hike the ascending portion. I power hiked the steeper sections and jogged the flatter portions of the route along this section but by the nature of the trail which is wide and clean, clearing or passing this section seemed to be easy on me as compared to my Playground. As I reached the highest peak of the course, it was all downhill up to the Okaitana Aid Station. However, the heat of the sun and the forest took a toll on most of the runners who are not used to hot condition.

To be continued…

Assembly & Starting Area: Picnic Grove, Tagaytay City (near the Development Academy of the Philippine)

Assembly Time: 3:00 AM April 30, 2017, Sunday

Start Time: 4:00 AM April 30, 2017, Sunday

Finish Area: PETRON Gasoline Station, Nasugbu, Batangas (Owned By Lt General Rudy Obaniana, AFP (Ret.)

Cut-Off Time: 9 Hours (1:00 PM April 30, 2017)

Number of Slots: 300 Runners Only

Registration Fee: P 1,800.00 (Early Registration: February 6, 2017 to March 31, 2017)

P 2,500.00 (Late Registration: April 1, 2017 To April 30, 2017)

Registration Period: February 6, 2017 To April 30, 2017

Registration Procedure: Deposit the amount of Registration Fee at the Bank of the Philippine Islands Savings Account # 0296-0673-22 in favor of Jovenal Narcise and send the photocopy of the Deposit Slip to e-mail address: jovie75@hotmail.com. Bring the Deposit Slip at the Starting Area on Race Day for confirmation.

Qualification: Runner/Participant should be an Official Marathon Finisher (42K) 

Number Of Slots: 300 Runners

Elevation Profile & Course Map

Guidelines/Rules & Regulations For The 11th Edition T2N (Tagaytay to Nasugbu) 50K Ultra Marathon Race (4:00 AM April 30, 2017)

1. This is a solo race. The race will start at 4:00 AM of Sunday, April 30, 2017 in front of the Picnic Grove (near the Development Academy of the Philippines) in Tagaytay City. The Finish Line of the race is at the PETRON Gas Station in Nasugbu, Batangas which is located One Kilometer before the Poblacion.

2. The route of the race will follow the Highway from Tagaytay City to Nasugbu, Batangas. Runners will have to turn LEFT upon reaching the SHELL Gas Station at the intersection of Nasugbu and the Highway that goes to Matabungkay Beach Resort. Runners will have to run at least 500 meters before they turn-around and finally proceed to reach the Finish Line.
3. Runners should bring with them their Registration Deposit Slip (BPI Deposit Slip) and submit it to the Secretariat/BR’s Staff before the start of the said race. Runners should be at the Assembly Area not later than 3:00 AM of April 30, 2017 for processing. All runners/starters shall be accounted at the Starting Area before the race will start. The race will start On Time!

Assembly & Start Area

4. Runners are allowed to have their Support Vehicle & Crew but they are NOT allowed to have Pacers. Due to the absence of any Aid Station along the course, runners may run on “self-support” or “self-contained” making sure that they have an appropriate hydration system with them.
5. Runners shall ALWAYS run or stay on the farthest LEFT side of the road facing the incoming traffic. Runners are advised to be extra vigilant on vehicles approaching on their FRONT and BACK. Vehicles overtaking other vehicles on your back have the tendency to get more space on the Left Lane of the Road. To be safe, run/stay on the farthest side of shoulder of the road.
6. Runners shall ALWAYS run or stay on the farthest LEFT Side of the road on SINGLE FILE. We will be strict on this and we will warn any runner violating this rule before we declare DNF or disqualification in the said race.
7. Support Vehicles must be able to “leap frog” their runners. It means that the Support Vehicle should be waiting for their runner at an appropriate distance ahead of the runner. Runners are NOT allowed to be “shadowed” by their Support Vehicle. Support Vehicle must cruise along the route at the prescribed Speed Limit of the Highway. Support Vehicles are NOT allowed to turn on their Hazard Lights while they are plying on the race course.
8. Support Vehicles must ALWAYS park on the farthest RIGHT SIDE of the road/highway when waiting for their runner/s. Support Vehicles parked on the LEFT SIDE of the road will be a ground for the runner to be Disqualified.
9. Runner are NOT allowed to get inside their Support Vehicle during the duration of the race. Support Crew can provide portable/collapsible chair for the runner outside the support vehicle which can be seen by other passing runners.
10. Runners’ Bib Number should be pinned and displayed in front of the runner’s apparel. Bandits will NOT be allowed to run this event.
11. Runners are highly encouraged to bring and wear with them their respective hydration system/belt during the race.
12. Cut-off time of the event is nine (9) hours.
13. Ipods, MP3s, and “wires” are NOT allowed. Runners should be attentive and vigilant with their surroundings.
14. Finishers within the prescribed cut-off time will receive a PAU Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Shirt, and Finisher’s Certificate (to be given later). Official result will be posted at http://www.baldrunner.com.

Finisher’s Shirt

Podium Finisher’s Trophies/Medals

15. All runners must wear the following mandatory equipment/accessory: headlight and reflectorized vest or shirt with reflectorized strips. It will be still dark during the start of the race and these items are needed for the safety of each of the runner.
16. Corporate Logos are NOT allowed to be displayed on support vehicles. However, tarpaulins with the name of the running team/group is allowed to be displayed.
17. Maintain the Integrity of the Race. Runners are “deputized” to report any suspicion of cheating in the race. The RD has the authority to declare disqualification to any runner before, during and after the race.
18. Runners MUST be able to memorize their Race Bib Number. There will be Marshals who will be asking the runner’s bib number in the different Checkpoints along the route.
19. In case of emergency or report of a DNF, a runner/support crew can contact Cell Phone # 0918-965-9895 through call or text message stating the runner’s location and nature of emergency/cause of DNF.
20. Any infraction or violation of these guidelines/rules and regulations shall be dealt with accordingly and the RD shall immediately impose decision on such violation. The RD’s decision is FINAL.
21. It is the responsibility of the runner to inform his/her support crew and driver about the rules and regulations of this event/race.
22. The spirit of ultra running where runners are disciplined, honest, and caring /supportive to one another is highly encouraged. Remember to treat the other runners as your FRIENDS and SUPPORT to Finish the Race. The enemy lies within yourself and it is specifically located “in between your ears”.

PAU Finisher’s Medal

All Finishers will be automatically Members of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU). They can visit the PAU Group Page on Facebook and request to be added among the thousands of members.

As a member of PAU, you can run and participate in the succeeding PAU Races and qualified to join the 2018 Bataan Death March Ultra Races.

Good luck and See You at The Starting Line.

For a serious marathoner or ultra runner, the physical training in preparation for an event needs a lot of time, effort, dedication, patience, money, and hard work just be able to attain those number of miles, hours of training, and comply to the scheduled training one has to follow. It is already ingrained in us the importance of the following: Long Slow Distance running to develop our endurance; Interval Training and Hill Repeats to develop our power, strength, and speed; Tempo Running to develop a sustained pace for a certain period of time; and Recovery Runs to allow our muscles to recover after a certain more intense workout or after a block of weekly training. And most important of all, Rest, for our muscles and the whole body to recuperate and rebuild as a result of the stress the body had been exposed to.

Even if we think that our physical preparation is perfectly done, there is still a great possibility that we fail to cross the finish line. There are outside factors that will try to challenge our physical training. It could be the weather, the difficulty of the terrain (high altitude), injury, or if not, accidents! But what is most important during the race is how your brain works before and during the race.

Mental attitude during the race is the key to a successful finish in a race and it plays a lot in all my successful finish in the past.

“Train Heavy, Race Light”

For a runner to have a positive mental attitude during the race, he/she should have done his/her assignment on mental training/preparation before and during his/her physical training preparation for the event. Only few of our elite or average ultra runners who would tell us in their respective blogs on how they mentally prepared themselves to podium finish or simply finish the event. Or maybe, they don’t know about mental attitude as it is already ingrained in their body system without them knowing it.

Here are my suggestions for anybody on how to mentally prepare for a certain running event, either you are a “newbie” runner or a hardcore ultra runner:

1. Create a Blog——It is now very easy to create a blog or personal website where a runner can use it as a Daily Dairy. Just make sure that all your stories or entries are true and accurate. This is where you describe your physical training and the place where the training is done on a daily basis. In short, this is your Runner’s Logbook where you include what you think about your training for the day and how your body feels before, during and after the workout. Do not fabricate or manufacture your daily entry. If you missed a daily workout, say so! Nowadays, you can have your blog on Facebook! This “diary” will become your reference in your future races. And please don’t think that you will be “sharing” your “secrets” to your readers by showing to the world how you are preparing for your next running event. The key word in the present world of Social Media is “SHARE”. The more you share your experience, the more you inspire others!
2. Shout It To The World——If you are dreaming a certain event for you to join, announce it to the world. If you are intending to Register to a certain event, announce it to the world through your Social Media accounts. If you have successfully registered to an event, announce it to the world. Announcing your intention to the World is too easy to be done nowadays. You can announce it to your Blog/Website, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. The key here is that as early as possible, announce to the world that you are participating a certain event and you announce it that you will finish the event. Announcing your participation to a race makes you accountable of the things you would do to finish this race. You are also accountable to your family, relatives and friends.
3. Make A Bet——As if you are gambling, make a bet on yourself. If you finish the event, you must be able to reward yourself with something that is very significant and reminds you of your accomplishment. It could be something physical (object—-new shoes or new running gear/apparel or a trip to a place where you can rest and relax. If you fail in your event, think of of something that will penalise or punish you! Maybe, you could take a rest or simply do another sports which you hate most! Or maybe, punish yourself by volunteering to a race where you hate the Race Director! The key here is that you should challenge yourself to be the best you could be!
4. Ask Somebody To Make A Bet——It could be your close friend or Friends on Facebook whom you would challenge to gamble with you. If you win, you get something from them and if you lose, you give something to them. Just simple as that! Challenge your friends to gamble with you!
5. Ask for Sponsorship and Donations——If you are very good in convincing other people, most specially to your friends, in helping you finance your trip or provide you some of the needed support like water, sports drinks and food, you can ask for sponsorship or donations. In this way, you are adding accountability to your success (or failure) among those who have donated your needs for the race.
6. Be transparent——Post anything on your Blog those evidence that you are dedicated in your training and in your quest to finish your event. It could be coming from your workout/s on Strava, Dailymile, Training Peaks, or any pictures of you doing your homework for the event.
7. Read Race Reports of Finishers——Most of the runners abroad have their own blog and most of them are elite runners but most of them are average ultra runners. They would share their experiences and lessons learned during their race. These blogs would provide all the detailed information about the Race. However, do not try to attain their finish time and their split times on the different Checkpoints along the route. What is important is that you can pick-up and learn some details about their attitude and sometimes, their strengths and weaknesses (mistakes) during the race.
8. Try to Mimic or Train In A Place Similar to the Event’s Course——By studying the Elevation Profile of a certain race, you can easily determine or locate a place where you can do your training. As I said in my previous posts, you have to compute the elevation gain in every 10 kilometres of the race and then find a place where you can train with the same total of elevation gain. If it is not possible, do mountain “repeats” or multi-loop runs in a course where it is hilly or in a rugged terrain. Make sure also to be observant on your time as some of the checkpoints have a very tight cut-off times in some sections of the course.
9. Do “Brainstorming” Sessions——In the military, we do “brainstorming” sessions during the planning stage of a military operation. We write down the possible scenario that will lead to a successful attainment of the mission/objective and in the same manner, write down the scenario that will lead to the failure of the mission. In running an ultra, you have to do this also. As of this time, you know already your strengths and weaknesses in running an ultra race. Write them down and review them as you recall them in your successes and failures in your past events. Write down also your “time-tested” remedies/solutions when you hit some “issues” along the run. From all these data, you can now write a chronological list of things to do and/or things that you experience in your body in every section of the course or in every certain period of time that you are running in an event. Hopefully, you will create a very long list and while you are reviewing them every day, you will be able to compress them and come up with an outline or a shorter version. Remember that the things on the list are the things that you are EXPECTED to do and the things that your body would react or expect to experience, considering the weather, your pace, and the terrain of the course during the race. If there is a need to have a back-up Plan, then do so! Read these plans as often as possible!

Do Your Homework Diligently

Since this post is for one’s mental preparation and training before a running event, I leave it at that and more to come on how we can sustain a positive mental attitude during the race. If you have any suggestions, feel free to make a comment/suggestion on this blog.

Thank you!

Letter Of Invitation For The 2018 (10th Edition) BDM 102 Ultra Race

Dear Runner,

This letter confirms your acceptance and invitation to join and compete in the 10th Edition of the BDM 102 Ultra Marathon Race to be held on January 27-28, 2018. The Bald Runner Events Management would like to thank you for your interest and support in joining the 2018 Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Marathon Race (BDM 102).

The registration fee is Four Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P 4,500.00) each for the Local Runners and One Hundred Fifty US Dollars ($ 150.00) each for the Overseas/International runners.
Local runners must be able to pay their Registration Fee through the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) in behalf of Jovenal D Narcise @ Savings Acct # 0296-0673-22. International runners may remit their Payment through Western Union.
Last Day & Deadline for the payment of registration fee is June 15, 2016.

Registration fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and no “roll-overs” for any BR’s Events.

You are lucky to be the one of the 220+ runners qualified to join out of the 350+ runner-applicants who sent their Letter Of Intent to join this race. Inability to pay the registration fee on the said period/deadline will give a chance for the other runners to fill your slot.

For this year, Late Registration Fee will be Five Thousand Pesos (P 5,000.00) for the Local Runners.

Photocopy of the Deposit Slip should be sent immediately to this e-mail address: jovie75@hotmail.com to be included in the list of participants. Please bring the Deposit Slip at the Final Briefing or at the Starting Line on Race Day.
A Medical Certificate or Doctor’s Certificate will be sent also to the stated e-mail address not later than December 31, 2016. Nobody will be allowed to run without their Medical Certificate. The original copy of the Medical Certificate should be submitted at the Race Packet Pick-Up/Final Briefing.
Please review the published Rules and Regulations of this race at http://www.baldrunner.com. If you have any concerns and need for more clarifications, please feel free to send me an e-mail at jovie75@hotmail.com.
Further announcements and updates will be posted in my blog @ http://www.baldrunner.com and at Facebook’s BDM 102/160 Page
Good luck and train hard.
Cheers!

Major General Jovenal D Narcise AFP (Ret)
Founder & Race Director, BDM 102 & 160
http://www.baldrunner.com

The following is the list of invited runners for the 2018 (10th Edition) of the Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Marathon Race:

1. Aris De Leon
2. Chua Yong Huat (Singapore)
3. Mel Severino
4. Noel Bautista
5. Ralph Singzon
6. Arland Macasieb
7. Jose Marie Mercado
8. Mark Saricol
9. Albert Joseph Carreon
10. Jerickson Sta. Isabel
11. Erick Tria
12. Madison Trinidad, Jr
13. Gimel Pajalla
14. Jhona Reyes
15. Fernando Torres
16. Paulo Margelino
17. Peter Lloyd Molera
18. Florante Santiago
19. Jeffrey Furigay
20. Homer Paras
21. Jhon Ronald Rodriguez
22. Carlos Napoleon Ocampo
23. Juan Crisanto Cunanan
24. Gladysma Jane Giron
25. Margaret Mae Arceo
26. Anna Odessa Albarracin
27. Aileen Tucio
28. Greggy Galicia
29. Abegaile Par
30. Christine De Guzman
31. Daisy Visperas
32. Rina Gilos
33. Gabriella Yna Villanueva
34. Jack Wilson Villanueva
35. Jennifer Eufemia Domingo
36. Earl Louis Saez
37. Larry Wayne Olaguir
38. Jamil Escober
39. Leandro Gigantoca
40. George Cabillo
41. Melchor Nicolas
42. Jesus Arevalo III
43. William Robert Hain, Jr
44. Robertson Paredes
45. Keit Bernice Yee
46. David Simon Kobey (USA)
47. Marck Chico
48. Marlene Doneza
49. Jeshryl Dela Cruz Aranzaso
50. Manuel Johnson Balancio
51. Michelle Rae Salvatierra
52. Jewel Feliciano
53. Arbee Jan Serafin
54. Robby Ray Catipon
55. David Aquino
56. Raffy Ramos
57. Rogelio Puzon
58. Voltron Visda
59. Maria Raegina Galera
60. Ruel Peñaloza
61. Rubelia Nazareno
62. Jenneth Soriano
63. Joselito San Diego
64. Marjohn Presbiterio
65. Peterson Ong
66. Alvin Alcantara
67. Dexter Cruz
68. Ann Sweat (USA)
69. Kim Travella (USA)
70. Yniguez Ysmael Uy
71. Vic Viola
72. Richard Antonio
73. Reynaldo Santiago, Jr
74. Mike Famaranglas
75. Desrei Balla
76. Zan Cagulangan
77. Angelica Isabel Paz-Isnani
78. Manuel Jayson Balancio IV
79. Marc Paolo Peñafiel
80. Anthony Noriel Ortega Fodra
81. Julius Danas
82. Alnie Amoro
83. Phil Jannsen Cruz Santiago
84. Juancho Padua
85. Jovencio Luspian
86. Jose Mari Mercado
87. Amiel Joseph Lucero
88. Dennis Racho
89. Rod Apolinario
90. Meds Abellera-Baraquel
91. Bryant Bennet Atencia
92. Romeo Canda
93. Eduardo Lim
94. Enrico Paguirigan, Jr
95. Erick Tria
96. Jefferson Jay Sensano
97. Fritz Erwin Fernandez
98. Mark Loresto
99. Jennlee Malijan Pascua
100. Henry Yang Yee Meng (Singapore)
101. Joy Eder
102. Arlene Oting
103. Beverly Benaid-Cruz
104. Francis Norvie Quiestas
105. Joemel Rojas
106. Jayson Vallero
107. Dan Gilbert Co
108. Garry Garcia
109. Mar Marilag
110. Marquiz Albert Minlay
111. Rhett Del Rosario
112. Miles Evangelista
113. Jez Ramos
114. Richard Ryan Rentillo
115. Ricardo Gregorio
116. Ronaldo Robles
117. Peter Christopher Illanza
118. Junrox Roque
119. Ian Pabatao
120. Caloy Nobleza
121. Rudy Paghubasan
122. Jess Laxamana
123. Alex Cruz
124. Angelino Nicolas
125. Antonio Jimenez
126. Rolando Mercado
127. Eugenio Saluta
128. John Earl Susano
129. Gary Mosqueda
130. Jonathan Iloso
131. Donald Ausa
132. Beverly Andal
133. Rhaffy Borbe
134. Emmanuel Quiñones
135. Jofel Otor
136. Jessa Bordiago
137. Ferdinand Manzano
138. Edgar Formento, Jr
139. Sean Andan
140. Leo Reyes
141. Elmer Caballes
142. Jake Villareal
143. Florydette Cuales
144. Miguelito Domingo
145. Broderic Yandoc
146. Johnson Lontok
147. Jason Basa
148. Francis Gilvert Navarro
149. Rochelle Ann Silverio
150. Mannix Manapat
151. Francis Oliver Trinidad
152. Cedrick Oares
153. Prancer Autor
154. Virgilio Diaz
155. Cindy Sevilla
156. Loben Macairan
157. Pia Raquedan
158. Ryan Geli
159. Marlon Gangan
160. Raymond Verdis
161. Rodillo Tecson Florendo
162. Michael Sacluti
163. Erwin Dumlao
164. Ghenny Bueno
165. Richard Antonio
166. Nino Adrian Lantican
167. Maila Bernasor-Bautista
168. John Arman Perez
169. Quennie Villanueva
170. Benedick Bautista
171. Jowell Jandoyan
172. Edjeson Comendador
173. Hendricks Gonzales
174. Mielniño De Los Santos
175. James Theodore Salonga
176. Michelle Manila
177. Paolo Tiong
178. Benjarde Cuales
179. Michael Angelo Maleriado
180. Jonas Nacario
181. Kevin Luna
182. Rolando Bucao
183. Macot Baguistan
184. Jaime Sanches, Jr
185. Tomlinson Baniwas
186. Jerry Yutuc
187. Mica Nati
188. William Mariño
189. Gerry Lita
190. Juanito Centino
191. Eric John Galeos
192. Gerard Gamelong
193. Harold Ramirez
194. Christian Rabe
195. Conrad Ching
196. Isidro Labrador Prado
197. Edwin Colina
198. Zaldy Santillan
199. Raymund Tuazon
200. Leo Año
201. Gerard Reyes
202. Angelo Rodriguez
203. Ace Rodriguez
204. Jeffrey Galicio
205. Mervin Vargas
206. Lucio Dimayuga
207. Vander Ville Vizconde
208. Aureo Pascua
209. Jervis Esperrago
210. Katherine Marasigan
211. John Paul Lipardo
212. John Leo España
213. Rodolfo De Ocampo
214. Jerry Manubay
215. Ronald Reyes
216. Edison Dantes
217. Ramy Nasara
218. Jonathan Baysa
219. Leonora Ealadama
220. Michael Peralta
221. Michael Socito
222. Marilou Ruanes
223. Kelvin Llamoso
224. Clarissa Gatdula-Calingasan
225. Hermogenes Saludes
226. Rona Saludes
227. Arlene Oting
228. Herbert Gutierrez
229. Elizer Loquere

***Acceptance of Letter Of Intent to join this event will be closed at midnight of March 31, 2017. There will be No Extension Period.

***”Repeaters” have the option to pay their Registration Fee (Regular Fee) not later than November 1, 2017.

2017 Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Marathon Race @ Starting Area

2017 (3rd Edition) WEST To EAST 280K Ultra Marathon Race

5:00 AM April 13, 2017 To 1:00 PM April 15, 2017

From Ramos Beach Resort, Barangay Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan to Seaside Restaurant, Sitio Tanguigue, Barangay Aplaya, Dingalan, Aurora

Intermediate Cut-Off Time Every 50 Kilometers: 10 Hours

Cut-Off Time For The Event: 56 Hours

Number Of Starters: 17 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 12 Runners

Percentage Of Finish: 70.5%

RANK         NAME                                   TIME (Hours)

1. Eric Cruz (Overall Champion) ——–49:46:09

2. Bong Dizon (1st Runner-Up, Overall) —-52:28:42

3. Rolan Cera (2nd Runner-Up, Overall) —-52:52:30

4. Remy Caasi (Female Champion, Course Record) —-52:53:39

5. Roberto Vocal, Jr. ——————————53:50:28

6. Rhoda Oporto (1st Runner-Up, Female) ————-53:53:20

7. Jon Borbon ————————————-54:14:40

8. Dondon Talosig ——————————54:58:40

9. Roselle Abajo (2nd Runner-Up, Female) ————55:32:10

10. Fer De Leon ———————————–55:47:38

11. Rose Betonio (Female) ——————-55:55:00

12. Glenn Rosales ——————————-55:59:52

Congratulations To Everybody!!!!

Overall Champion Eric Cruz

Female Champion Remy Caasi

Final Ritual Of Pouring The Sea Water

Final Ritual Of Pouring Sea Water (For the Last 4 Runners)

2017/2nd Edition of North Coast 200-Mile Ultra Marathon Race

Starting Place: In Front of the Provincial Capitol of Ilocos Norte/Laoag City

Gun Start: 12:01 AM May 11, 2017

Finish Line: La Perla Inn, Barangay Zinungan, Santa Ana, Cagayan

Finish Time: 12:01 AM May 14, 2017

Cut-Off Time: 72 Hours

Number Of Starters: 10 Runners

Number Of Finishers: 10 Finishers

Percentage Of Finish: 100%

Ten Runners At The Starting Line

RANK                    NAME                           TIME (Hrs)

1. Bong Dizon (Overall Champion, Course Record) —-61:22:33
2. Dondon Talosig (1st Runner-Up, Overall, CR) —–62:35:01
3. Eric Cruz (2nd Runner-Up, Overall, CR) —–62:41:40
4. Rhoda Caballero-Oporto (Female Champion, Course Record) —-62:48:16
5. Rolan Cera ———————————– 67:19:15
6. Remy Caasi (1st Runner-Up, Female) ———67:19:42
7. Jon Borbon —————————— 69:06:14
8. Gibo Malvar —————————- 69:37:45
9. Fer De Leon —————————- 70:09:10
10. Rose Betonio (2nd Runner-Up, Female) —— 70:48:28

Overall Champion & New Course Record Holder Bong Dizon

Female Champion & New Course Record Holder Rhoda Caballero-Oporto

Congratulations to all the Finishers and to their Support Crew.

See you in the next edition of this event (2018)!