Francis Hortelano’s 10 life lessons from the BDM102 ultramarathon

Francis Hortelano during the BDM102

I was checking my email and stumbled upon this wonderful list that Francis, who I featured with an interview (Part 1 & Part 2) on his BDM102 Ultramarathon experience, emailed to me. This is his life-long, timeless, and imperishable learnings from the BDM. I’m sure, aspiring ultramarathoners and BDM102 (and BDM151) will sure find useful.

By the way, this runner finished, among the few, the TNF100 in Baguio last Sunday. He will be sharing his insights on that punishing race soon here in FitandRun.Info.

Running the Path of our Heroes: The BDM102 2010

1. Ultra running is about endurance with wisdom

If one’s personality is addicted to speed and quick results, one is to likely fail in ultra running that mandatorily requires lots of patience and perseverance.

2. Complaining won’t work

If one begins to curse the dark, it will only respond, “it’s because you’re headlamp or flashlight is not bright enough.”

If one begins to scream at the stray dogs, they can only bark louder, “this is our territory, respect us.”

If one begins to curse the sizzling sun, it will only shout, “my task is to shine, yours is to run.”

If one begins to complain about the uphills and downhills, both will chorus, “we don’t have a choice, we were created this way.”

If one complains on uncooperative muscles, they’ll scream, “common, give us time, we are adjusting slowly, we are alien to this experience.”

If one may complain about his body, it will revolt, “so do I.”

If one complains about the sand that intrudes into his shoes, it will shout, “whoever told you to wear a highly ventilated shoes in a lahar area.”

If one complains about the dust, all the more, the blinding dust will fly right into his face and taunt, “why didn’t you bring a mask anyway?”

If one complains about the speeding vehicles, the drivers will only yell, “this is our work, yours is but a luxurious hobby, give way.”

The ultra marathon then ends with an ultra-complainathon.

3. Be realistic. Deal with what is in your hands.

The sun, the sand, the road, the dark etc. are beyond one’s control. But preparing well will definitely mitigate their adverse impact on one’s run. The body eventually adjusts.

4. You can only beat yourself.

You can only compete with yourself. If you set your eyes on others, that’s your end. You will not enjoy your run. Your ego will keep bothering you. Your pride will scream, will shout, will nag. Your muscles become stiff. You become cranky to all. You will frown all the way, aged, and then finish the race. What a race that was! Instead of victorious feelings, you are unhappy in the end.

5. Enjoy the run

There’s no way to go but enjoy. Anything difficult becomes easier when it is enjoyable.

6. Focus. Concentrate.

Take each step at a time. Slow down in front of churches and pray to God for safety. Only think of uplifting thoughts.

7. Trust

Running an ultra is initially impossible. With trust in the self, others, and God, you will be surprised how immense your physical and inner power is. You will be supported by fellow runners and their support crew. You will discover a lot of kind people. You will treasure every minute. You will value your body. You will be greatful with your life.

8. Train

Training need not be stressful. As the body adjusts to increasing kilometers, there’ll be pain. As they say, pain is mandatory but sorrow is optional. You may train with others but never rely on them. You are fully accountable to your own training.

9. Run for a good cause

The BDM is one good, great, and ultimate running destination for the strong yet humble runners.

10. Thank and Give Back

Offer a sincere prayer, thanks, to all the organizers, your supporters, the locals, and God for making you reach the finish line.

Fit and Run.Info