Fit and Run.Info

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!

It’s not only the distance that is quite trying for the Bataan Death March Ultramarathoners, but starting at around 8 AM and on until the time of this writing at 3 PM here in Guagua, Pampanga at KM 92 of the Death March, the runners have to find comfort from the searing heat. From ice cold water being splashed on their heads, countless bottles of gatorade and bottled water, to improvised sun shades, they have to bear the heat of the sun.

It doesn’t help that the highway from Dinalupihan, Bataan to Guagua, Pampanga, the road is open and cemented adding to the scorching heat. As one of the support crew of three runners, I admire their determination and headstrong commitment to finish this race.

Right now, the Singaporean lady runner we’re assisting is taking on the last 10 kilometers to the finish line head0-on while our two other runners are now into the 90s.

For updates, do stay tuned at twitter via the hashtag #bdm102.