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.

Last week, on the night of my birthday, I had a fun shoot with ultramarathon runner Blas aka Titanium Runner wearing the latest shirt from Reebok, the ReeZig. The shirt is still to be released worldwide. More photos at estancabigas.com.

This is the second part of the interview I did with Francis Randy Hortelano. Read part 1.

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

FRH: When d-day came. I had an ultra-mediocre aim: finish a little over 50KM and that’s it. I can’t afford to push further since I was in-charge of an important office activity the following day. Hence, I couldn’t afford injury, much less, get so tired that I can’t even walk to the event venue.

With the hard and painful lessons I learned from the test-run, Condura and Century, I managed to tame my feet during the first 50KM. I ran slowly yet steady. True to being a mental-sports, I managed to crush my fears of running alone in the dark, doubting myself and being competitive. I couldn’t care less if I was the last runner. I was merely enjoying every stride with the overwhelming support of fellow runners and support crew. Upon reaching my initial aim, 55-60KM, I was already celebrating, overly satisfied of breaking my own record. Nevertheless, I was also experiencing my second wind. Oh, God! where did it all come from?

The support crew of Titanium Runner (TR) who likewise adopted me were all excellent. TR’s mom was such a constant cheer. Estan (ahem, that’s FaR) and kuya were not just generously giving out water, gatorade and offering food but their words of encouragements uplifted the weary spirit to the nth power. Our manong driver can’t also be outdone. He managed to be  an alert zombie all night and defied sleep the following day. The other support crew and fellow runners were all out in their support too. I was so high in the midst of all these kind people. Even the poor selling some fruits and water along the Roman high way only made me prouder as a Pinoy Runner.

Anak, halika, buhusan kita ng tubig.

She didn’t even accept my offer of payment afterwards. My heart melted,

…galingan mo. Kaya mo yan. Ingat sa daan

were echoing in my ears. I would have easily dismissed the kindness of my friends and all people who naturally cared for my welfare but experiencing unlimited and unconditional support from people I’ve never known was too horribly-humbling and sweet.

True, even if I would have wanted to quit with the thoughts of work already flooding my consciousness, these people have provided the much-needed strength and fortitude to continue.

FaR: Unforgettable moments?

FRH: The feeling of enormous safety, strength, patience, endurance and tolerance to pain, sun, sand and gravel allowed me to reach the finish line. Winning the battle of the mind is what makes me sentimental everytime I look back. It’s an indelible memory telling myself this everytime I wish to surrender,

…you are not alone in this journey. Whatever you are going through is what your fellow runners have experienced or are experiencing with you. If you just bear a little longer, slowly but surely, you are guaranteed to reach the finish line.

Since I conditioned myself not to be too tired, I dreaded the thought of consuming all my energy. So I’ve been pleading extra support from above everytime I pass all His sacred houses along the journey. Asking help is not my usual self. I’ve always prided myself of being self-sufficient. Self-reliant. Self-contained but BDM is an ultimate ego-breaking experience and discovered how low my self-trust is. I thought I was confident enough but far from it. I briefly panicked for help when told time was running out. My fellow runners were already exhausting all their energy to beat precious time fastly ticking away. But where does aid really come from? I was already running for 16 hours. 10 hours of which is under the mercilessly 41 degrees of heat. I’ve almost consumed all hydration and food available. No sleep. Tired. I sat down and removed my shoes. I can’t. I can’t anymore. I can’t afford to be absent was an automatic mantra or an easy escape to the unfathomable process I willingly plunged into. Just as my doubting-self almost won, TR exclaimed,

c’mon, you are almost there and then rest afterwards. The cut-off time is maliciously smiling at this point. I told you so, you can’t.

All of a sudden, another wave of energy came in. Oh yea, to this day, I still couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. I laced my shoes once more and never allowed other thoughts to exploit my mind. I just ran and ran. Then a fellow runner, GBM, cheering everyone on the course, let’s party, let’s party. Tears of joy. Tears of thanks. Tears of relief got shielded by my shades. No need to panic. There is a lot of time to spare and I just passed 100KM. True to my covenant with my body, I slowed down and walked to the finish line. Afterwhich, I didn’t want to move anymore. I was begging for muscle recovery and be ready for work the following day.

FaR: Insights on the whole BDM102 event?

FRH: It is so easy to slide back to comfort zones when one feels the discomfort and pain. But how does one really know when he already exceeded his limit if he does not push further? This is BDM. It is self-discovery in action. You can only be a better person after this event.

FaR: What are your future plans? Will you run in future ultramarathons?

FRH: Honestly, I was just begging for just the finish line please and even for just once. I stopped joining races after the BDM.  But probably, I’ll join the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners. Let’s see. If permitted, I may join another ultra soon.

FaR: Any advice for the aspiring ultramarathoner or for newbie runners out there?

FRH: Running is a calling of sorts. We run to be physically fit, to test our limits, to discover ourselves. Running is like a vocation.

We need to dedicate some precious time for training to mitigate risks. We spend precious pesos. We adopt a relatively healthy lifestyle. And meet all sorts of opposition, especially one that come from our love ones or closest friends.

You are just wasting time. Money. Energy. Are you crazy? What’s the problem with you?

These and more will be the usual song from those who care.

From a docile kid, you could be labeled stubborn instead of tenacious. Courting death instead of life. Be prepared to be criticized. And all these thoughts will visit you in doing ultras.  But remember, you have a mind and a more powerful God. Be sensible though when to train. When to stop. When to push. The guidance of a  sports doctor will be of great help.

FaR: If you can add others that might be interesting for readers related to the ultramarathon, so much the better:

FRH: Running the road of life will never take away your energy. It is ready to re-fill you upon reaching  your limit for the day. Oh yes, running the road of life will bring you death. Death to old patterns of self-defeating thoughts—I can’t  to I can.

Running will make you win. Stronger. Better. Your thoughts can make the rest of the difference. Run for a cause. The BDM will not just make you prouder of yourself. You will also intensely feel pure gratitude to the valiant countrymen who offered their life for the freedom we are experiencing today. Run well before running runs away from you! It is never a waste when you invest for your own fitness in the first place.

Most of all, enjoy your runs. If eventually, you’ll discover that running isn’t for you, then find out what can genuinely bring smile and satisfaction on your face. The point is: LIVE a happy life.

Check out also MiracleCello’s post on Francis.

Francis Randy Hortelano is an employee of an insurance agency at the central business district in Makati City. He was one of three runners that I supported during the last Bataan Death March Ultramarathon better known as the BDM102 finishing 79th at 17:33:20. He is also a lacto-vegan.

FitandRun (FaR): Can you give a short background of yourself?

Francis Randy Hortaleza (FRH): I am a courageous soul who loves to learn by experimenting through the outdoors, like traveling and lately running. I may not be the fastest learner but good enough to unwillingly merit monikers from people who care and care less: Flash, Northstar, Dalai, Bro and FR. I can be a meticulous planner but likewise surrender to fate when things don’t materialize as I wanted.  That would explain why I can also be a sign person. A newbie mountaineer but running took a front stage after my induction with AMCI (FaR: AMCI Mountaineering Club, Inc).

By the way, more than anything else, I am more remembered by people with my plant-based food and baons wherever I go. They can have amnesia of everything about me but never what’s on my plate.

How can you run with such? Where do you get your protein? Ha? Are you afraid of getting hungry, why all the food in your bag? I’d like you to meet, hmmm….uhmmmm… my colleague who only eats fruits and veggies.

There you go.

FaR: How is it being a vegetarian runner? Does being one make a difference? Advantages and limitations?

FRH: I may not be in the pink of health all the time and my endurance level may not be consistently high, even then, my fitness level could have been worse if I am not a lacto-vegetarian for almost two decades now. To some, bringing baon is a monstrous hassle. Once it becomes natural though, no big deal at all. I believe that each individual is accountable to their health and happiness. I feel fit and happy with this meal. I will only quit otherwise. I am comfortable with what I eat and equally comfortable with others’ choices. Since as a kid, respect has been emphasized by my elders. If it can’t really be avoided, the dining table must not be a battleground between the consumers of veggies and the other living species.

What I only wish to demystify is the notion that veggie runners can’t do hard-core activities such as the BDM, mountaineering or other strenous endevors. I am no elephant, carabao or horse. Our common denominator is not speed, patience or endurance. It is just in eating leaves.

FaR: Have you always been active? Why running? Can you give a brief background of your running history?

FRH: Hahah. Nice question. The scars all over my body are loud proof of how active I am from mountain climbing, spelunking, biking, skating, among others. Include my visits to sports doctors and subsequent therapy sessions!

Why running? I had been passionately playing some racquet sports but when I had rotator cuff tendinities, my range of motion was limited. I had therapy for some time but never got back to my best shots. I ended up feeling frustrated and wasn’t enjoying my games. So I took it as a sign to move to another sport, mountaineering!  I passed by a mountaineering shop one day and saw an open-climb poster. I got curious, asked and then joined. That climb got me bruises but I vowed to properly prepare for future treks.

I enrolled in a Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) that required trainees to pass a 15-KM run in two hours (or 8 minutes per KM). That was  over 8 months ago and did my first kilometer at Ultra. I was such a loser and finished it at around 14 minutes. But our training program was designed in such a way that even non-runners can eventually make it. In my batch, all of us  eventually passed the 15-KM test.

FaR: Does running complement being a mountaineer or the other way around?

FRH: Oh yes, a lot! Running provides the endurance that mountaineers need and the other way around. Without an enduring spirit, one will only have endless struggle along running courses and mountain trails.

FaR: Why did you join the BDM102 Ultramarthon?

FRH: After the BDM, a non-runner friend cornered me and whispered,

I heard that you ran 102 KMs. I am your friend. Do you have any problem? Why are you committing suicide?

My friend was so concerned and I knew it wasn’t a joking remark. I quipped,

there are battles that only I could figure out. BDM is one of them.

And assured that I am mentally sane. When we parted, I had the best laugh of my life.

Running the BDM to the uninitiated is just too terrifying. Mind blowing. Incomprehensible. Why? Why not? It can be done by sane humans. If it can’t be, then there should be no ultras at all. There are a few who dare try.

I am one of those who merely wanted to experiment, simply needed some affirmation to test my limits. I deliberately sought to break my comfort zones and needed some shaking to break some self-imposed barriers. In short, I just wanted to see what is beyond me– the usual, already complacent self. I wanted to shatter the ugly internal sounds of: I can’t. I can’t. I can’t.

Seriously though, I must be thirsty for some sense of achievement. My life may have plateaued to a great extent and was in dire need for an interesting experience. The been-there-done-that psyche has not been helping me at all. I took it as a sign to explore. I don’t sulk in an empty corner who will just allow things to happen. Oh yes, I am always the explorer for answers. The BDM came as a timely solution to my waning enthusiasm.

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

FRH: It is never easy but definitely making it is possible. As long as you enjoy what you’re doing, then everything seemingly impossible becomes possible. Looking back now, the real ultra battle is in the mind. No matter how you train and supported properly, if determination is weak, you will  surrender to the sun, the sand, the gravels, the ascents, the cars, the smoke, the body.

I joined the 50-KM test run in January with the sheer joy of experimenting. Like a little child escaping from his parents, I sneaked through Mariveles, Bataan on a bus with some few cash, an ID, fuel belt and tons of courage. I aimed to just try and if I can’t, I planned to quickly hop on the bus back to Manila. My mediocre aim wasn’t granted. I later found myself pushing to the finish line. No pain, no real gain. I had my shares of walks and runs, of aches and low spirits but mentally-focused on every stride. With much patience, every step and every breath were valued. With the big hearts of fellow runners and support crew who were all strangers to me, I reached the finish line. Briefly, I could hardly walk but I understood that my muscles were slowly adjusting to the new distance. This also made me realize that I should not have ran the uphill climb. I dearly paid for my speed tendencies. (FaR: kilometer 4 – 7 is an uphill climb).

I joined the Condura full marathon soon after. Again, I was conditioning my muscles to run slowly on a steady pace but somewhere along the way, the stubborn tendencies (of speed) appeared almost automatically. Again, I paid for it. I had my shares of all sorts of bodily aches and pains. O ano, you ran again?, would be a casual comment of the therapists when they treat me. But like the supportive sports doc, they could only provide much needed help. Hahah. I also did the half-mary in the Century-run.

Read Part 2

This photo story caps the two part interview (part 1 and part 2) and feature on Blas Tiangco who I photographed during the BDM102 as I was part of his support crew.

I do photostories/documentary photography. If you’re interested, I can do one for you or your company. Check my photography portfolio.