Fit and Run.Info

Part 1

In time for the TNF100 in CamSur, I’m posting the write up I requested of Francis Hortelano, who I interviewed before for his BDM102 2010 experience.

The Race proper

By 8:30pm, I was back at my room. Took dinner. Fixed my things and then slept. By 12 midnight, I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep. I spent some time at the veranda just reflecting on what will transpire within 30 hours the moment I get out of the Unit. I conditioned my mind running through the 100KM maps. Just doing so was already tiring. But I kept a pledge: No turning back.

Soon after, I showered and got ready for the race. I went to the starting line for check-in at 2:30am. Let’s get in on. We were probably around 300 to begin with since both 50 and 100KM runners depart at 3AM. After the gunstart by Mayor Rey
Bautista and the DoT Director, the runners frantically secured their places. We were like a swarm of fireflies headed to the
hills.

Initially, I was wearing my Petzl headlamp but upon arrival in John Hay, the pitch dark and thick fog overpowered its glow. I stopped and used my more powerful Led Lenser lest I would also stumble on pine roots and roll over a ravine. I had to step-No-step-Yes to avoid the scattered horses’ wastes. And eventually used a trek pole to ease my acrophobic tendencies.

The trail run alone within John Hay is knee-pounding. I had a sigh of relief when we arrived at Loakan Airport. The air was refreshingly cool and the sun is yet sleeping. Going down to Camp6 is a bit tricky and treacherous. Kennon Road down below is ones destination with a slight mistake. The tireless marshalls carried petromax on their shoulders to ensure that the dangerous cliffs are well lighted. Morning has broken when I arrived at the Zigzag Road. I was basically with mountaineers at this point.

Crossing the hanging bridge at Camp6 is a signal for our ascent to Mt. Kabuyao. The Bued river is almost dry and the mountain was burnt. The trail dust is therefore mixed with ashes. Since I am wearing shorts without any gaiters, my legs soon looked like I was headed for an Ati-Atihan contest. I thank God for the perfect weather, otherwise, if it rained, my hands and face would have perfectly fitted a Maskara festival too. Anyhow, I remember running through another hanging bridge.

I dared not look down. I fixed my vision ahead. Otherwise, I would unnecessarily tremble. When will scientists develop a pill
for acrophobia?

I took my breakfast along the trail. Then passed through some vegetables gardens of bell pepper and tomato and then potato and then carrots. Oh yes, there were also Baguio pechays. Then some flowers too. All these beautified the already scenic trails that we were navigating. At times, I would stop and just gaze around the horizon. Everytime I felt tired, the TNF banners splattered across the trails reminded: Endure the trail. Not the endurance that makes one suffer. In fact, the trails only increases the endurance threshold of ones body.

Since there was a cut-off time atop the mountain, I pushed a bit. The summits are always the penultimate dreams of mountaineers. There is a different high when one is on top of the world. Only breathtaking views and far away from the maddening metro-noise. Upon reaching the radar at Sto. Tomas, I had lunch. Again, I paced with my fellow mountaineers till I was certain that I met the first cut-off time. I think, we were three hours ahead. Soon after, I had to relax and enjoy the views. At this point, my fellow mountaineers have gone ahead. The descent back to camp6 was another 3 hours.

Three hours in solitude is a rare reward. I can be extroverted but I am also comfortable being alone. Such solitary moments are meaningful instead of empty. I can listen to myself. I can watch my thoughts. And I can plan clearly. Enjoying oneself is truly empowering in ultras. If one is afraid of being alone. That’s the end.

I had the chance to look back and thank from my heart all those who had been understanding and supportive to my activities. I likewise quietly sought forgiveness from those whom I’ve hurt knowingly or unknowingly. Ultra-running can only make one more humane in many ways. Ultra-running provides a lot of time to contemplate on so many things that can readily be taken for granted.

The descent from the German house to Camp6 is a bit technical. I had to aid myself with ropes so as not to fall. Thanks to the Marshalls for preparing them. At certain points, the trail is already overused hence chances of sliding is high. Thanks to my reliable pole for keeping me balanced. Prior to reaching Zigzag Road again, I was distracted by a loud roaring sound. Sounded like a tempest of sorts. Later on, I was awed by a landslide. Rocks and boulders madly crushing each other down at the fastest pace. It was an apocalyptic sight. Soon after, silence. Deafening silence. Everything finally settled down.

Such poignant scene became a powerful metaphor for me. No matter how crucifying the situations are… to the point that it feels like the end of time, everything balances in the end. Everything becomes stable once more. The point is: Just don’t easily give up. Soon enough, this had to be my battlecry in finishing the race.

I safely arrived at the hanging bridge once more. Buti naman at naka-smile ka pa na bumaba, was the complement of the tindera at Kennon Road. Dahan-dahan lang po ako ate, my thankful response, napakaganda po dito. Next challenge is the ascending climb back to Loakan. I was trekking with a runner who fell and so limping on every stride. Soon, I was with Ron, a fellow BDMer. He has DNFed in the past two TNF’s. Hence, determined to make it this time.

On our uphill climb, we found Kelly from Singapore. She requested us to alert the marshalls and the medics. She was hyperventilating, I feel so dizzy and I am seeing stars in front me, said Kelly. I brought out my first aid kit. She chose to take one chewable bonamine. Kelly is a seasoned ultra-runner across the globe, but this one is different, she explained. I wouldn’t want to leave her but she told me to go ahead and go on with the race. Sunset has set it and it was starting to drizzle. I was worried a bit. I haven’t seen Blas at all in the race. I thought, he must be informed of Kelly’s condition. But as I went on, I met the marshall and the para-medics to aid her. I felt secured that she is safe. Ron and I had to push ahead.

My rest stops would soon become frequent. I drank some yakult at a sari-sari store. My stomach refused to take in water and Gatorade anymore. It must be too drowned by them after 16 hours.

Terestial Naughty Fairies

I soon found myself going through Scout Barrio and John Hay’s trail for more than three hours all by myself. l switched on my headlamp again. It dawned on me that it was the second night of not sleeping and still in constant motion. I just steadily focused on every step. Slowly but surely. Till I had surreal experiences. I was sensing that I was trekking with others when I certainly am alone. Sometimes, I felt someone was behind me. At times in front or far ahead. I reasoned out, I must be too tired. I must be hallucinating already. I crashed all my fears though. I must be tough at all cost.

But wait, didn’t I also do my craziest teenage mischief in Baguio when one summer at midnight, after a birthday party, my friends and I decided to “ghost hunt” along rumoured haunted houses and places? And all we got was sleep deprivation. We would scare ourselves to death at nearing footsteps and the slightest of sounds. Till the security guards supposedly protecting those houses would shout, anong ginagawa nyo dyan? We would run inside our getaway car and rush away. We then taunt the person who got scared the most and laugh to our hearts content. Since then, I never believed in ghosts.

Back to the TNF, I decided to sleep instead of struggling. I prayed that the snakes won’t lie next to me. Snakes, I won’t stay long. I just need a rest, I pleaded. I slept with my headlamp on hoping that fellow runners or marshalls would notice me. But no one did.

I soon woke up and it was around 10 PM. I started trekking anew. I soon met runners who are already back for their second loop. You still have enough time, was their encouragement, but please find a companion when you take your second loop. They were trekking in fours or fives. I quickly got out of John Hay and then met also the AMCI team for their second loop. I arrived safely at Base Camp. I was told I can take dinner and afterwards resume by run. Since I felt very dirty, I decided to go to Burnham Suites instead. Took a hot shower. Changed clothes. Ate dinner and again, I decided to sleep. I left it all to fate, if I still hear the alarm. Otherwise, I am safely back to bed and that should be perfect.

Trudger Night Freak

But yes, by 12 Midnight, I woke up. Laced another shoes and with a new outfit this time, the organizers didn’t even recognize me when I told them #721 is ready to go. Are you sure, you still wish to go? was their very polite remark. I smiled back and said, yes. I again started trudging till I reached the Hospital at Military Cut-off. The Marshall was a bit concerned that I am alone but I assured him that I would be fine. He accompanied me up to the old gate of John Hay.

From there I caught up with Paolo, a BDMer who was trekking with Jubs and his friend. Less than 100 meters after, the friend of Jubs couldn’t make it anymore. Paolo asked me to move ahead and they will just catch up. To combat my surreal experiences, I played on a song from my mobile phone. It was recorded by my friend Jerome who passed away. I was surprised that the lyrics contained, do you hear the child who wants to run with wind… and you’re running safely to the ends of the world. At that point, I was but a free child running with Baguio’s cool breeze to nowhere.

Soon after, only Paolo and Jubs arrived. Three of us were then trekking when we met Red, another BDMer, who was lost twice in the trails. Red and Jubs walked ahead while Paolo and I were taking our time. They would wait for us after the long descent at the US Embassy. We soon met the group of Tobias and Mercy of AMCI, the group of Sir Jonel and another AMCI Team (Yob, Manny DS and Manny T.) If Red was lost and I had surreal experiences, Sir Manny T. later informed me that Yob had been telling them that they are five trekking together. They had to shake and remind him that they are just 4. They would find out that Yob is trembling. Such is the TNF. It would alter your state of mind to the brink.

Jubs, Red, Paolo and I soon arrived at Loakan Road. We rested for a while. Till Paolo exploded a bomb, guys I think, you need to go ahead. My legs are already very painful. I started making some calculations. Guys we have a lot of time, it is still 7 hours to go. We can still do it. Jubs added, Paolo you can join us till the airport and decide from there. Paolo acceded to the idea. But the pain has grown into intolerable level already. Upon crossing the airport, Paolo declared that he is quitting and it is only around 3:15am. Our cut-off is 10AM back to Base Camp.

It was pitch dark and I was uneasy to leave Paolo behind. I called the attention of the Marshalls to look after him. You are determined to proceed. So finish it. Don’t worry about me, said Paolo. Red and Jubs are now out of sight. I had to catch up.

I was experiencing my second wind at this point. I felt so strong once more. Eventually, Jubs, Red and I caught up with two Skyrunners. They were three initially but one already DNFed. So there we go, another long and winding trail of Loakan. We had to wake up the Marshalls everytime we passed by their tents. They must be dead-tired logging-in our bib numbers. It was almost 5:30am when we were back at Scout Barrio. We had to trek faster to avoid the trail congestion. The 22 and 11 KM runners were already trail running.

Temperance Nobility Fortitude

At this point, I was very relaxed already. I knew, I would make it to the cut-off time and so I had to enjoy early the morning walk in John Hay. It was night time when I had my first three rounds. My companions have already gone ahead. It was inspiring to meet the fresh runners of the day. Many of them were already saying congratulations when they learned I am on my way to the 100KM finish line. One even stopped and asked, I am already hard up with 22 how much more with 100? But one said, wow, I will also try that. It again dawned on me that I was already running/trekking for two days due to their persistent questions. Their energy was so uplifting. I managed to run with them for the last three kilometres to the finished line.

I didn’t know that there is a separate lane for 11, 22 and 100. I was signalled to take the lane of the 100. I was happily running alone in my lane and the people likewise shared the happiness. The Race Director, Neville Manaois, soon congratulated me. I really couldn’t recall much what happened afterwards, I just found myself being tossed in the air by fellow mountaineers for a job luckily and happily done. Soon after, some 22/11KM runners wanted to have their pictures taken with me. I am not used to this, so I quietly faded away and went back to my room to eat fruits, bathed and rested. I didn’t even bother to go down for the awarding ceremonies. I just watched from the veranda.

At 3PM, Baguio was drenched with rain. I woke up. Gazed at the horizon. Look above and Thank God. I may have experienced a hell of difficulties the the City of Pines but the experience only made me stronger.

Baguio will forever be my paradiso.

In time for the TNF100 in CamSur, I’m posting the write up I requested of Francis Hortelano, who I interviewed before for his BDM102 2010 experience.

Alright, this is yet another oxymoron. Anyhow, allow me to put some context. I’ve always romanticized Baguio as the abode of the gods, where the tired clouds, like huge cotton candies, crawl down to rest and quietly fly again at dawn. A tranquil place of motley flowers and a refreshing sea of greens. A pathway perfect to trudge after a cleansing downpour, and play with pine cones, even golf balls, and pine needles amidst magnificent sights.

This is the Baguio I’ve known. The Baguio I’ll always treasure. The nostalgia of my dreams.

Since my childhood, I’ve always looked forward to heavenly vacations in Baguio. I am glad that these dreams turned into memorable realities. Biking and endless swinging at Burnham. Cotton candies, ice creams and skating in John Hay. Counting lights that dotted the hills before bedtime. Innocently asking why a “smoke” comes out of my mouth as I wake up. And the knitted sweaters and blankets and bonnets that would want me to sleep forever. This is Baguio, my personal Olympus.

Fast forward. So when I learned that the next TNF100 is in Baguio. My heart pumped so much excitement. However, since I just finished the BDM 102, I tempered myself. I knew, I still needed to recover and wouldn’t have time to train afterwards. But one day, I passed by TNF at G4. I was surprised to see my fellow BDMers on the list. Later, I was informed that many more signed up. Eventually, including Team Blas. Kelly is to fly from Singapore and TR has gotten a leave.

Are you signing up, I was asked. Oh no, not now, I’ll think about it, I quipped. Then rushed out of the store before any hasty decision took place. But the pull of Baguio is just too strong and irresistible. Few days after, I went back to register. Are you signing for 11 or 22?, was next question. Hmmm… can I try, 100?, was my quick response. I got a blank stare in front of me. I was told that only few finished the TNF100 last year and that the trail this time is difficult. And what more, the fee is P2K compared to P500 in the 11 or 22KMs. I sensed that TNF wanted me to realized what I am signing for.

I pondered for a while. Then I nailed a big decision, I’ll sign up for 100KM. Thanks to BDM102 and my mountainous 2009 for my renewed confidence. I may fail eventually, but at least, I’ll give my best try, I kept convincing myself.

Upon signing up, I left everything to fate. I never joined any races after the BDM or ever did any serious long run. In fact, I had an easy climb to Mt. Pinatubo for recovery. Later, I found myself jogging around Sampaloc lake in San Pablo then off I went to an 8-day backpacking trip during the holy week and just before the TNF, a weekend beach-bumming in Calaguas Island and Bagasbas beach. And what did I get? Blisters for running barefeet in the white powdery sand and bruises as I stumbled on a nylon used to anchor a boat . Oh no, this is not supposed to be? Not just before an ultra race. But it happened already.

Nothing else can be done. I can only accept my fate and retired to my tent when it rained hard. I was already musing, is this a prelude to my TNF escapade? Shall I instead back out?

Ok, I dreaded the thought of visiting a Sports Doc not because I fear to be admonished but because I might not be allowed to run. Instead, I self-medicated. I asked forgiveness from my body and pleaded that it heals well and fast enough for the TNF.

The body is not a thoughtless machine. It is an amazing entity in itself. It is self-sustaining. It responds properly. It cooperates like a faithful companion. I vowed to give it a day-off before the race. So I was in Baguio a day before the event.

Apart from attending to some personal concerns, I likewise planned to visit a sick friend who was diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer. We spoke over the phone instead. She was in pain but still wished me well for the run. This time, I acceded to her invitation to stay at her Burnham Suite unit just a few meters from the TNF Base Camp. There could be no perfect place but nearest the Base Camp. She has always encouraged me to visit Baguio but I never had the chance till the TNF.

There must be a right time for everything. Nothing is purely coincidental. She was happy that I finally did. I am likewise thankful for her kindness. I couldn’t easily grasp for answer when she asked me, how do you deal with pain? I can only introspect, pain in the body may not necessarily bring sorrow to the soul. Somehow, I was expecting to let her know my stories on pain management after the race. But this will never happen again since she has happily faced and escaped pain victoriously.

My TNF race was somehow loaded with thoughts of life, friendship and death. The last time I was in the City was during the wake of my friend, Jerome, who fell down with his motorbike at Marcos Hi-way in 2008. At his wake, I was with Devorah, a US Citizen, and Leonie. As destiny would call it, Devorah likewise died last year due to an illness and just now Leonie. I trekked Mt. Sto. Tomas with Devorah and spent much time in John Hay with Leonie and Jerome. The TNF 100 follows John Hay to Loakan Airport down to Camp 6 up to Mt. Sto. Tomas and Mt. Kabuyao and back.

And what more. A few weeks back, Paeng, a friend in the office, also died. And before he did, he told me, to take care and enjoy. He held my hand and I Knew it was goodbye. He likewise died of cancer being a second-hand smoker. Before, I left for TNF, I received a how are you? message from Doc Cely, my friend’s wife. I can only excitedly tell her about my run. I likewise assumed that my departed friend is happy with my TNF100 like he did with my BDM102.

These circumstances really brought back memories of timeless friendships during the race. The trail likewise made me reflect on life. Life is short. It must be spent in a worthwhile way. It must be enjoyed.

THE TNF BRIEFING

I bought so many food and Gatorade supply for the race. When I deposited them at the TNF station, I was asked, are you going on a picnic or a race? I can only laugh in response. It was here that I met more trail runners from AMCI, UPM, Team Blas and the rest of the BDMers. It was an instant reunion of sort.

I was likewise visited by my Camiguin-based friend Rosalie who happened to be in Baguio that time. We sipped some hot lemongrass tea at Cafe by the Ruins after our briefing at the City Hall. I shared her victory when she received the acceptance text message from Fullbright to attend a two-year scholarship at the New York University. She likewise humbly allowed me to browse a book featuring Artists who can change the world. There are three Filipinos, I think, in that book and Rosalie is one of them. Her happiness is infectious. You enjoy your run and am sure you can make it well, she continued, see you at Times Square on new year’s eve.

Part 2

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.

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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.

Three and a half hours into the race, Vicente Caurez of Los Baños, Laguna, the oldest participant in the Mayon Trail Run at 73 years old was already feeling the heat of the sun beating down on him, cooled himself with water that he rubbed on his face, neck and arms as he passed much younger participants, many of which were already exhausted and walking.  “It was punishing. Nakakapagod (tiresome) but I just have to keep on running,” he said. He just came from the turning point at the top of the lava front at Bonga Gulley.

The Mayon Trail Run, now on its third year, is billed as the Philippines’s toughest 21K trail race was held last Sunday, 24 October with about 250 registered participants. There was also a 5K fun run. The route started at Peñaranda Park, wound its way to Estanza, an uphill climb where runners start to hit the trail before going down the road again and run to Ligñon Hill, one of the toughest route to beat. They have to pass and crawl inside the Japanese Tunnel, go up the Kapit Tuko trail, a brief but very steep climb over a ladder. From there, it’s all downhill crossing the Yawa River. Yawa, by the way, is Bicolano for devil before following Bonga Gulley.

At the trailhead, they have to climb up the lava front, one of the spectacular and quite surreal landscapes of big volcanic rocks that go all the way up the crater of Mt. Mayon. From there, they head back to Ligñon Hill via the same river route for the finish line. However, before they get to the top, runners have to negotiate the last 900 meters through the humbling Wisdom Trail, a very steep incline where many runners were known to curse and give up.

Philip Ronoh, the 24 year old Kenyan who clinched first place overall, clocking at an astonishing 1 hour and 37 minutes, liked the race very much. It was his first time to join the Mayon Trail Run, his fifth trail race which includes the Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon in Malaysia. “The terrain is quite good and, importantly, varied: roads, steep trails, river, gulley track, boulders…, a nice race to train, build muscles and develop endurance for longer races and at the same time have fun with wonderful sceneries.

“Napakaganda. Mahirap pero kayang kaya,” (Very beautiful. Difficult but manageable), says John Niño Monte, a 16 year old student at Ateneo de Naga University who is from Iriga City, Camarines Sur and a member of the Team BKOOL Runners composed of young road hitters. It was his third 21K and his first trail race.

“Expect the unexpected. “Di mo alam kung ano ang mangyayari” (You don’t know what will happen), he added. For this budding marathoner, he plans to do the 42K next year, seeing Team Bald Runner and some elite racers was enough motivation for him to go the extra mile.

For Merlita Arias-Dunkin, 36 years old, the holder of the Philippine record at the Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon and champion in various trail races in the country including the two Mayon Trail Runs, wasn’t so lucky. “Di lang jud ni para ako ron” (This is just not for me this time), she says in Cebuano, looking back as she finished 5^th place in the women’s division clocking at 2 hours 26 minutes.

A week ago, she was champion in the Columbia Trail Masters Duathlon and said that she was still recovering from the punishing mountain biking part of that race. But she enthuses: “I really like it here. Not only the very hospitable and very accommodating people, not only for the very challenging trails, but more importantly, it is because of beautiful Mt. Mayon. I will definitely come back next year.”

The Mayon Trail Run is organized by the Junior Chamber International – Legazpi Chapter with Yves Yu as race director.

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.