Fit and Run.Info

I was one of the support crew of Titanium Runner, Francis Hortelano and Kelly Lim, a Singaporean, in the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon 102 (BDM102) in 2010. To round off the series of interviews I did for the three, here’s the last part of the installment featuring Kelly, a veteran ultramarathon runner who has raced around the world. The interview was conducted April 2010. She was one of the few women finishers in the Bataan Death March 160K Ultramarathon.

———————-

Can you give a short background of yourself? What do you do?

I’m a Signal Officer with the Singapore Armed Forces since 1993.

Have you always been active? Why running? Can you give a brief background of your running history? How many races and countries have you run?

When I first joined the Army, I was not very fit nor was I active. Every year, we have to take part in the Individual Physical Proficiency Test as well as the Army Half Marathon. I didn’t experience any runner’s high nor did I enjoy the training and running. By 2001, I decided to give it a shot at running the Singapore Marathon. I started to subscribe to running magazines like Runners’ World and Running Times, and planned out my own program based on what I read. I found that when I set my own goal, it was very fulfilling.

I had no lack of motivation to wake up early on weekends to do my own run. Although I didn’t complete my first marathon within the official time, I still managed to complete the distance. After that first experience, I examined where I went wrong and did well, and decided to try my first overseas marathon in a country with cooler climate, i.e. Quebec City Marathon in Canada.

In 2005, I found it restless to run just a marathon a year and went on to complete 6. The following year, I became even more restless to run just 42.195km and embarked on running ultras. Since then, I have completed 39 marathons (including 2 out of the official timing – Singapore Marathon in 2001 and Nagano Marathon in 2003) and 10 ultra marathons, (not including the 30-hour Charity Run I did on 1 Jan 2010 which I covered 150km) in 16 different countries across 5 continents – Asia, North America, Europe, Africa and Australia.

Is this the first time you visited the Philippines? How did you find out about the BDM102?

Yes, taking part in BDM102 in 2010 was my first trip to Philippines. I am a moderator with SGRunners – an online running forum in Singapore where like-minded runners (local and overseas) exchange info, tips, advices on running and other sporting disciplines like triathlon, ironman. In 2009, a member posted about BDM102 2009 in the Overseas Competitive Running thread. As I’m in charge of Race Review, I approached him to do a review of the race. After the review, I became interested in running the event.

Why did you join the BDM102 Ultramarthon? How many times have you ran an ultramarathon?

I wanted to test if I can complete such a long distance in hot weather. It was my 11th attempt at running an ultra but my 9th successful completion.

Is it difficult to do the ultramarathon? What were your preparations (in terms of psychological, fitness and logistical)?

Yes, it is very difficult to do ultramarathons. There are a lot of unknowns, especially if you are not a local in the area. The arduous training I went through during the Army training played a big part in my successful completion of BDM102. The support team also played a big part as my nutritional aspects can be fulfilled, as no one would be able to complete such a hard race on their own.

How was your BDM102 run? What were the difficult moments? Were there situations that might have led you to give up?

I was happy with just completing BDM102. There were difficult moments indeed. Once at around 4am where I felt so sleepy – and I almost took the wrong road had the marshals not shouted at me. The other time was when I didn’t met my target of covering 56km within 7 hours – BDM102 was my “training run” for Two Oceans Marathon – a 56km ultramarathon in South Africa with a cut-off time of 7 hours. But luckily, my mind was strong enough to push on till the end.

Unforgettable moments?

The last 2kms was simply awesome, especially when I know I could meet my goal of completing it within 17hours. I somehow gathered enough energy to run the last 2 km with 30secs to spare!

Insights on the whole BDM102 event? How does the BDM102 differ from those you have joined in other countries? Are there noticeable differences with Filipino runners and how races are organized here compared in other countries?

Before the race, I was lamenting on why there was only 1 aid station and I had to rely on the support vehicle. In an ultra, if you want to share a support vehicle, then you must find runners with the same pace as you, which is hard. Otherwise, it might become difficult for the faster runner, the slower runner, and even more tough on the support crew.

BDM102 was different from other ultras I took part in that the runners had to rely on their own support vehicle about 90% of the time. (Support from the other 10% came from the 50km aid station, the other support vehicles as well as volunteers/marshals along the route.) It was really tough for runners that come from other provinces and foreign participants. There was no significant differences between Filipino runners & their support crew and runners/support crew from other countries. Somehow, they all know how difficult it was to run an ultra, and never stop to give encouragement and logistical support when asked.

As for organising of BDM102, it would not be fair to compare to other road races of similar distance as the only one that’s comparable would be Comrades Marathon – a 90km road race in South Africa, that attracted 12,000 runners in 2009 and had big sponsors and financial powers to have full road closure, 12-hours TV coverage and 46 aid stations along the entire route, etc.

TNF100 (Baguio City)

How did you find out about the TNF100? How is trail running different from regular runs?

I found out about TNF100 Philippines through Facebook. In road races, although the race can go up and down gentle or steep slopes, the surface is generally flat and stable. Trail running is totally different from road races like BDM102, Comrades and Two Oceans because for trail running, it is conducted usually in the woods or forested area. Such areas may have undulating terrain, with different running surface and unpredictable weather. It can be muddy, slippery, rocky, full of roots, big stones where you had to jump, etc. Sometimes, you even had to wade across water bodies. These makes running much tougher.

Can you tell us about your experience during the TNF100? Isn’t it too soon to run another ultra after BDM102? What happened and why DNF?

After BDM102, I completed Two Oceans 56km Marathon on 3 Apr in South Africa. It may seem too soon to attempt TNF100, considering that I will be running the Comrades Marathon on 30 May. I had no regrets though as TNF100 Philippines was a tune-up / test run for my TNF125 Canada in Jul/Aug 2010. What happened was that I had difficulty in catching my breadth while going up. My legs could climb but my lungs went out of oxygen and I felt dizzy.

After resting for 30mins, I continued but had to rest for another 15mins after a short stretch. By then, Francis caught up with me and gave me a pill to counter my dizziness. The medic also came and assisted me to the next aid station where he took my pulse and gave me oxygen. By then, I decided to bail out cos I was afraid I might feel dizzy at night. But after resting for about 30mins, I decided that I was okay to push on.

I continued after the aid station at John Hay but was told that as I had taken oxygen, I would be disqualified even if I had completed the distance. I was kind of low morale and stopped for good. I slept at the check point until 6am before making my way back to base camp on foot.

Despite being DNF, what can you say about that race? Is it your toughest race to date?

What can I say about the race except that it was awesome! That’s why I love to run trails rather than road races because of the wonderful scenery! It was very beautiful out in the wilderness, especially when you go higher and higher up. Definitely one of the toughest race I had run.

However, I must admit that I was very disappointed in seeing so many empty gel packets, water bottles strewn along the trail. I hope the race organiser can impose strict rules to runners not to litter along the route. Mother earth gave us such nice trails to run and we need to protect it.

Will you join a future edition of the TNF100?

Certainly! In fact, TNF100 Philippines was my 2nd TNF race registered. I registered my 1st TNF race, TNF125 Canada in Jan 2010. The race will be held on 31 Jul/1 Aug in Canada. I hope to come back to complete TNF100 Philippines next year.

Any advice for the aspiring ultramarathoner/trail runner or for newbie runners out there?

For taking part in ultras, my advice is to do time-based training as compared to distance-based training. A lot of newbies are obsessed with clocking xxx km per week as part of their training. Personally, I do my training based on time-based and how I feel when I run. If I had recovered from my previous run and felt fresh, I will push myself harder. Otherwise, I will take it as a run to enjoy and relax myself. As for trail running, well, you have to go run in the trail! It would be very difficult to do a trail race without having run on such surface before.

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.

More images and galleries!!!

I just uploaded the photos I’ve taken during the Cebu City Marathon 2010, Condura Run as well as the BDM102 that has been available for some time in this blog’s gallery.

If you’re on Facebook, don’t forget to be a fan of FitandRun.Info and feel free to tag yourselves.

A total of 150 Bataan Death March Ultramarathon pictures that I’ve taken (being part of the support crew of Blas) in last Sunday’s event have been uploaded in this blog. Like the two previous galleries, if you’re interested to get a copy of your photo, just drop me a line via the contact form. Note that due to the volume of images, I will only properly edit/improve the image if you would want to get your copy.

Access the GALLERY.

The sweet taste of success!

I was just green with envy watching the runners who made it to the finish line of the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon or Bataan102. Their exhilaration and joy were just infectious. Some also got emotional considering all the hard work, pain and heat they have to endure from the starting point at KM 00 in Mariveles, Bataan all the way to KM 102 in San Fernando, Pampanga.

I was witness to the hardships they went through especially when they were under the blazing heat of the sun. Couple this with the heat emanating from the cement road, the runners were like bibingka (rice cakes) which are cooked with fire above and below it.

Many of the runners suffered blisters. Blas Tiangco, who got me as part of his support crew, had 10 on his feet. Kelly from Singapore also had these but still managed to make it to the finish line.

One runner that we provided help in KM 72 was Cesar, bib #195, suffered some foot injury that rendered him limping. After he got a short massage, cold compress and Blas gave him some medication, we thought that he might not make it and never saw him after a few kilometers. During a stop in Guagua, Pampanga, near KM 92, we were just shocked but delighted that he was running fast and even overtook Blas! He was later at the finish line.

Of the around 140 registered participants, 104 made it. (thanx to Blas for the info)

This ultramarathon is an inspiration. When I’m prepared and conditioned, I will also do this in the future. As what Illac Diaz told me this afternoon:

…it’s just one of the things that you have to do in life.

To all the finishers of Bataan102, congratulations!