Race Report: Pimco Run2Run Adventure Trail Run

I’m doing more trail races this year than i did the last and i noticed that trail runs are getting more difficult and challenging on courses with steep elevations and sudden descents, near endless climbs, various river crossings and even obstacles that gets you to crawl on like rice paddies!

After the highs of the Merrell Trail Run last week at San Mateo, Rizal, the Salomon X-Trail Run at Hamilo Coast a few weeks before and several practice runs on various other trails near Manila, i was back in Tanay last Sunday to run the Pimco Run2Run Adventure Trail Run.

Runners starting to trickle in at the starting line

The settings were just perfect: The Ten Cents To Heaven Resort is an oasis of calm in the midst of the Sierra Madre mountains with no more than 250 trail runners savoring the cold breeze that is ostensibly absent from Manila. This trail race was a buddy run and i was suppose to run and finish together with my perennial trail partner June Santiago. We didn’t finish together (finished just 5 mins ahead) but we did pace together for most part of the race.

The starting time was supposed to be at 5:00am but since most of the runners didn’t or forgot to bring their headlamps (guilty!), the organizers decided to move the time for about 30 mins more for the runners safety which was okay with me!

The route was a mix of some trails that were used in previous PIMCO trail races and some new ones which were added for variety. From the Ten Cents Resort start, the trails descended for about 1.5 kms then just as soon as we were at rock bottom, we started to crawl up again past pineapple fields and mangroves that i had to stop a few times to catch my breath. This stretch ended up at a Zip-line station where we exited into a concrete road all the way to a local village.

Aerial view of runners rushing downhill during the first kilometer (Photo from Pimco)

The route was familiar to some of us who had done a test run on the first few kilometers of this course a few weeks back. It’s not an easy course by all means because right after passing the trails of Sitio Caumbay, the 21k runners proceeded to one of Pimco’s “showcase” trails, the Maysawa trails.

The Maysawa trails are beautiful but jagged, rocky on some parts, wooded on the inner portions  following shallow and almost dry rivers plus a couple of different ridges through the woods. It throws in a couple of relentless uphills and descents and the terrain on the end part, before reaching Brgy Laiban is a mix of woodlands, creeks, open space and the occasional cultivated field.

Below the valleys of the Sierras

Our late start, although a welcome move for all of us who didn’t bring our headlamps was going to be our bane on the latter stages of the race as the uphills of Laiban together with the scorching heat was too much to bear. I, together with the rest of the runners around were walking like zombies, with only intermittent shades providing short pit stops for us to rest.

The last 3 kms was proving to be another Camp Sinai finish, a reference to the Merrell Adventure Trail race the week before when you had to battle heat, uphills and the sagging energy where the goal was just “to finish”. Another 150 meter uphill on the entrance to the resort, the “Staiway to Heaven” left me with some last kick to spare before heading on to the finish line in 5:02 for the 22.8km distance! A personal worst! Hahah..!

As i said earlier, June came in just a few minutes after me an although we really reeled from that torturous heat, it was one hell of a ride, another exciting journey to the world of trail running!

A big shout-out to Pimco for another great trail adventure and to RD Alvin Balderama for giving us another challenging trail route. We will be back on June 9 for this year’s 1st leg of the Nature’s Trail Discovery Trail Run at Daraitan in Tanay! See you there!

Here are some pictures of the race. Enjoy!

Waiting for the race to start

At Baranggay Cuyambay

Emerging from the forest trails during the early part of the race (Photo credit to Adsventure Trese)

Along one shaded part of the trails

Little house on the prairie

A small elementary school

One long rocky uphill climb

On the downhill part of Sitio May Sawa

A pause with Jackie and Terri

Beyond this trail are some gorgeous views of the Sierras

A farmer’s simple abode

A closer look

Taking a rest

Approaching some views of the Sierra Madre mountains

One of the best views of the valleys below

This is why i love trail running so much!

At one of the mountain crest

Approaching a river bed in Brgy. Laiban

Just behind buddy run-mate June

Another river crossing

Even with the dry season, water continues to flow on rivers

Hot and humid

A break during the uphill climb with June

The shades offered some comfort while walking on these dusty roads

Great company (L-R) Christian, Jackie and Terri

With friends Maribel, Jun and his brother

Race Report: Merrell Adventure Run 2013

The local folk song, “Planting Rice Is Never Fun” has never been so apt in describing the farmers’ hardships and sacrifice while toiling their lands to plant rice and other crops for our staple food and that of their sustenance. The lyrics…

Planting rice is never fun,
Bending over ’til the set of sun.
Cannot sit, cannot stand,
Plant the seedlings all by hand.

I’m sure many runners at yesterday’s MERRELL Adventure Trail Run got a glimpse of this experience, although just fleetingly and without even bending to plant anything.

I was giddy and apprehensive at first when we approached this tiny rice field after a race marshal informed us that we had about 5kms to go on our 21k run. No inkling whatsoever that another major obstacle was just a few meters ahead. Seeing the runners wade through this slimiest of mud, clenching their shoes on one hand and using the other for balance, we got the drift that if you wore them on, the shoes would get stuck under it and would be hard to retrieve them.

So while wading on just about 20 meters of this paddy that’s knee deep, felt like a quick-sand and very muddy, me and the others got to experience a very yucky feeling while stepping on some bulge on the soft ground that’s very slippery and slimy…you get to trash underneath on Carabao’s poop that lies together with the mounds of mud under it!

When we emerged from this “obstacle”, the stench on all of us was very revolting as we all smelled like “carabao shit”, from head to toe! No water was immediately made available when we landed on dry ground so we just used the grass to wipe-off the mud clinging to our toes, calves, hands and knees. This may well be Merrell’s version of the X-Terra Race, “Putik Pare” (Mud Run) and what better term could you call this but the “Pooh-Pooh, Pare”!

This was actually the second of two muddy obstacles, the first which came after the 8th km mark when we had to crawl for about 15 meters beneath a chicken wire and sharp bamboo twigs dangling in our heads  where the crowd got backed-up to wait for their turn.

To sum up the race, here’s  some observations/notes which i took during the race:

• The 21k race route was awesome… great scenery, trails galore, river crossings, mountain ranges
• Though views were beautiful, the course itself was very difficult! Lots of uphills (so lots of walking), some of the downhill parts were very steep and slippery as i saw a lot of runners slide down, tumble and roll from side to side with some injuries
• Though not frequent, water supplies were adequate and they served really ice-cold water with cubes of ice that you can place in your hydration back pack.
• Race Marshals were adequate and were in crucial junctions to guide the runners
• Mud-pit crawl area should have been placed on a wider road. The area was too narrow, only 3 rows of runners could be accommodated so there was a huge back up at the entrance
• It was so nerve-wracking that the last kilometer was all uphill and we had to stop-and-go several times before hitting the finish line. A marvelous moment though when you reach the top!
• Race Director Thumbie Remigio was hands-on, observing the conduct of the race at many points along the course, even taking pictures while at it. Good job, Thumbie!
• Thanks to lady Runner #97 for the push at the back to get me over the rice paddy.
• At the turn-around point at the end of the river crossings, there was a woman half submerged in water singing religious songs on the top of her lungs which the race marshals fondly described as a “Shokoy” (half-human, half mammal)! LOL!
• The bamboo barricade obstacles was absolutely ——! A nuisance rather than an obstacle.
• Showers with soap were adequately provided near the finish area but had to spend another hour or so at our bathroom at home to scrub and scrape out all residual slime in my body
• Bread, eggs, bananas and water bottles were also given to all runners

This is probably one of the best trail runs ever organized and obviously, a lot of preparation had gone into it. After those grueling uphills and downhills, stumblings and tumblings, continuous river crossings, mud crawls, the pooh-pooh walk and the last insane crawl to the finish, i finally made it to the finish in about 4 1/2 hours!

A very satisfying event and a great memory to bring home! Congrats to the Merrell people and to RD Thumbie Remigio!

I’m leaving you with some of the pictures i took from the race. Other photos courtesy of Thumbie Remigio!

See you all at the PIMCO Run2Run Adventure Trail Run in Tanay, Rizal next Sunday, May 5! (http://jazzrunner.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/pimcos-run2run-trail-run-in-tanay-may-5-2013/)

For more updates on trail runs, follow me on TWITTER @ https://twitter.com/jazzrunner

RACE RESULTS are now out! Here is the link: http://www.strider.ph/

The views around us before the start

With friends and our clean apparels before the run

On an uphill double-track trail

The trek to the first river crossing begins

Threading in slowly as the rocks under the river are unstable and slippery

A river trail, literally with cassava plants watching the proceedings

The views can’t get any better to take pictures during rush hour

The first mud-pit obstacle (photo by Thumbie)

Long lines waiting

This is another river crossing

Slippery rocks really slowed the runners down

The heat was just overwhelming so it was on shades like this that we had time to rest

Friend June, enjoying the scenery

A long and winding dirt road

The rice paddy

Mud looks like soft cement

Pooh-pooh pare!

Time-out!

Getting out of the water was another obstacle

I lost my water bottle here

Good job leaving your Poo-pooh, Mr. C!

Bamboo barricades

An instant Vibram Five-Fingers minimalist shoes

Single-track trail descending to another river

Another shaded path

This lady (L) literally pushed my butt so i could emerge up from the rice paddy. Thanks, Mam!

The last 2kms was a grueling uphill climb. This is the last 500 meters

Over-took this lady who was struggling to ascent like all of us did.

Dang uphill!

Last 350 meters and counting. the “Moses tablets” is in the foreground

So near, yet so far!

No, that’s not a calf compression i’m wearing. It’s the sticking mud we all got from threading the rice paddy (photo by Manghusi Photoshop)

My Ultrasipre Surge Hydration pack, camera, shorts, all soaked in mud!

My previously immaculate white Adidas socks now soaked in dirt and grime. RIP!

Race Recap: Run United 1 Half-Marathon 2013

Not since the Condura Skyway Marathon have i seen such a big crowd of runners at last Sunday’s Run United-1 21k race at the Mall Of Asia grounds. I was amazed at the throng of mostly young runners who i figured have leveled-up in distance, those who have embraced the challenge of tackling the half-marathon for the first time in their pursuit of doing the full which Run United will be having near the end of the year.

We were sent off in two waves and i happen to be among those in the first but after just about 1.5kms the fast runners among the second wave started to pass us and the merging of both waves, numbering to about 5,000 were evident near Roxas Blvd. and the scene along Buendia Avenue was full packed!

I always take a light pre-race breakfast to provide me some fuel during long races but this particular morning has to be one of my most annoying ones after taking a large moon cake just minutes before the race with just  sips of energy drinks i had with me.  The result, indigestion or dyspepsia which i had to deal with for most of the first half of the race! I couldn’t burp or pass air so i had to contend in slowing down to ease the tightness in my chest.

Taking water didn’t help much on the indigestion but a half-banana portion seem to absorb some of the food stuck on my air waves. Whatever help that brought me, i knew i wasn’t going to achieve a good race time that i had hoped for.

Things eased up a bit when i reached back at Seaside Blvd, about the 10km mark on the way to the south side of Macapagal Avenue. I finally got into a groove of sorts running with old time friends like Jinoe Gavan and Jen Kun who both seem to be taking their time. Now at Macapagal Avanue towards Airport Road, it was a bit of smooth sailing and from then on, i was just pushing it further and only breaking to a slow jog whenever i reach a water station.

With Jay Nacino, left

At the last turn-around point, i was finally joined by Jay Nacino, an ultra-marathoner and now an active triathlete whom i talked animatedly about bikes and triathlons. He was just doing the 10k as a training run and he seem to be just gliding his way through while i was struggling to keep up with his pace and it seem to worked for me getting those kilometers after kilometers done. His stories and company seem to rev-up the little steam that i had left.

The last straight to the finish, a stretch of about 800 meters was so long that you seem to be running it endlessly but i was dead set in getting it there, bumping with other runners also finishing their respective distances. For the last 100 meters, i picked up the pace and veered towards the left lane which was the finish side of the half-marathon runners. Whatever energy i had left, i gave it all out to compensate for the lost time during the start.

Trying to keep up that smile during the last few hundred meters of the race

As expected, i didn’t PR but considering what i had to go through during the first half of the race, i was elated just to be able to finish strong. Finished it in 2:38 and still felt some energy left. I high-fived Jay who was just on the other side of the finish and seem to be all relaxed like he was a few kilometers earlier.

I have ran this route several times in the past and although the sections along Buendia Avenue between Roxas Blvd and Taft Avenue were a bit dark and crowded, the marshals did a fine job in controlling the early traffic as cones were properly deployed along the route.

Over-all the race organization was tops, there were adequate drinking stations, drink-all-you-can Gatorade, courteous marshals and a vibe incomparable with other road races.

An A-1 race!

Thanks to the Running Photographers for some of the photos!

(Check out the race results here):  http://www.unilabactivehealth.com/rununited/results.html

A rock concert after the race

Breakfast with Team mates after the run

PhilHealth Run Manila: Race Recap

I ran the PhilHealth 18k run last Sunday to get my usual week-end long run fix as i wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this race. It was going to be one of those long, relaxed runs to gear up for my upcoming Run United 21k next month.

However, i knew this was going to be one of those mega runs where you get to jostle with thousands who have registered for this race, many of them joggers and week-end runners who would crowd on the narrow east lane of Roxas Boulevard.

As expected, the route became very crowded, specially when the 3k, 5k and 10k runners were sent off one after the other. The scene was like of ants coming from the north and south bound lanes and bumping into each other during the turn-around points!

I had to stop and walk several times to find a way how i could pass through without encroaching into the opposite lane! Despite the mayhem, the race went on without any major hitch as marshals courageously directed traffic as they urged runners to move, move, move! (Imagine groups of 3k runners stopping at the 3k turn-around sign-board just to take pictures!) The crowd would later thin out once you get pass through these turn-around choke points.

These odds were all stacked against the organizers but surprisingly, the event was well-run, very organized with very well placed hydration stations that you would never worry about getting a drink on your next stop as the tables were well-stocked! Oh, they were even passing out bananas at around the 6th and 8th km marks and these was a boon to us running the longer distances.

The only real kink to this race was that the route got too tiresome as the 18k runners, starting from Km Zero had to turn around at the foot of the EDSA flyover on the way back to Luneta only to turn-around again upon reaching Pedro Gil so we were en route back to Edsa to make the second and final turn-around before heading straight back to the Quirino grandstand at Luneta for the finish line.

I wish they would have extended the run towards MOA then to Macapagal Avenue, get the extra distance there then turn back towards the finish line.

With PhilHealth as the main proponents of this race with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital as beneficiaries, this run was held in 18 other major sites throughout the country so major support was given to assure the success of this run.

Over-all, the energy put into this race was tops and kudos to race Director Edward Kho for directing such an extra ordinary event. Our heartfelt thanks to to Ms. Claire Papa of RiteMed-Unilab, major sponsors of the race who provided us media and bloggers breakfast and refreshments after the race.

There’s not much pictures in here, just mementos before and after the race.

With running buddy Jun moments before the start

A medal at the finish line

With Claire of Unilab, Jun, Pedz and Ped’z friend at the Manila Hotel

I probably lost 2 lbs after our 18k run but gained it back (and more) a few minutes later after this hearty breakfast!

My Condura Skyway 2013 Experience

I have been posting on other topics this week, mostly on upcoming races (and there’s a lot of them in the following weeks) but I didn’t want you to think that I had given up writing about my experience in last Sunday’s Condura Skyway Marathon (CSM).

In fact, i had just up-loaded some pics of mine taken during the race which surprisingly were just a few when i remember hollering every time i came upon photographer-friends who were snapping shots relentlessly.

Last Sunday’s run was only my third up there in the Skyway, having ran the inaugural half-marathon during its first edition and doing the full the following year, 2010.

Having registered for the full marathon last Sunday, i didn’t really have any serious training the weeks prior to it, not even running more than 10k on occasions that i had time to run so a week prior to Sunday’s event, i swapped race packets with team-mate Leo and downgraded myself to running the half instead.

There are a lot of ways to describe the Condura Skyway Marathon and you just have to be there to experience it yourself:

LIKES:

• Logistically, the race was flawless and i think the race organizers did an incredible job in planning and preparing for security and the well-being of all runners atop the Skyway.
• Adequate parking spaces near the start. Arriving at the venue at 2:45 am with my team-mate Betty, we were able to get a parking space inside the Festival mall although had we driven nearer the starting area, there were still parking spaces on many vacant lots.
• Well organized race-start. Corrals were adequately marked as we found our way to Wave A. However, wave A was further cut into half even though it wasn’t too crowded so we found ourselves in A2 and had to wait for another 5 minutes before our turn to start.

At the start. We were on Wave A-2. Wave A-1 (below underpass) just started their race.

• Adequate hydration stations were present, manned by uniformed marshals that offered an abundance of cold water.
• Individual medics were stationed in strategic points all through out the course to give first-aid to those who need it.
• Presence of portalets after every water station which were heaven-sent to those runners who used it.
• Bananas were offered during the last part of the race which was just fine.
• Ambulances were at key areas to ensure immediate medical attention was provided when needed.

21k Wave A-1 started at exactly 3:30. Our wave would start at 3:35

Wave A-2 starts

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

• While CSM was high in organization, the route was low in scenery be it dark or daybreak.  Although no fault of the organizers here, i wish that the Skyway route be spruced up with more entertainment as it got to the point of being monotonous, specially for those running the half and full marathons.
• Those marching bands and percussion ensembles that were playing near the finish line should have been sent up there and provide some color and excitement at the tedious route. Also, the pom-pom girls cheering 150 meters away before the finish line should be a boost if they were stationed just before going down the skyway.
• The 100 Plus carbonated drinks should be a welcome treat for runners *after* finishing the race and not while racing. Again and again, i’ve heard runners complaining about doing unscheduled pit stops at the portalets because of these drinks. For me, i know what it does so i just limit myself to a sip or two near the end of a race to avoid making a no.2 or 3.

Photo credit to ARC (Thanks!)

• Activity area was overcrowded after the race so they should have spread out the booths farther away from each other.

If you are after setting a PR, no route can top this course because you can be assured that you can run uninterrupted, no street intersections to deal with. Even with those slight long and tricky uphills, you can adjust your pace without losing much ground and attack those downhills easily.

I was able to manage the boredom that was setting in by “zoning-out” during the run, pretending that the lamp posts on the middle and both sides of the Skyway were pine-trees or any tall tree giving light from the darkness. Also, i would sometimes peak over the railings and look down, pretending that i was seeing ravines and rivers below, imagining that i was on a mountain trail.

Heading towards the finish (Credits to Soleus)

Was able to manage a 2:36 for the half, satisfied enough even with the lack of training!

Over-all, i say this race is one of the most satisfying running event to join every year, specially those who have not ran the Skyway yet.  The race organization was spotless and well supported and as drab as the course might be, once you conquer it, you’ll be patting at each other’s back forever.

Thank you Condura Skyway Marathon!

Check-out race results here: www.conduraskywaymarathon.com

With Betty

With teamate Alex too

Team 90% with Cong. Leo (left)

Drinking time after the race

Pulutan to go with the drinks!

1st Waldorf Trail Run: A Race Recap

My appreciation to trail running started when i joined my first trail race at Timberland Heights, the All Terra King of the Mountain Trail Run way back 2009. Trail running wasn’t that much popular then as now although The North Face Race series was already staging trail races much earlier.

I was so fascinated by the experience of running through wooded forests, river crossings, communing with nature and much more that i made it a point to run as much trails as i can, if time and opportunity permits. Succeeding races and training runs at Timberland ensued.

So last Sunday, i was back here to run the inaugural Waldorf  10k Trail Run. The Manila Waldorf is a school located inside the Timberland Heights, Filinvest Estate, just a stone’s throw away from the trail head. I wasn’t even aware that there was a school located inside this estate as we didn’t give much notice to the ongoing development in the area. After all, we came here for the trails!

Woke up early and arrive at the Centris Mall near Quezon Blvd at about 4:30 am so i could avail of the service vans which will take some of the runners to the race venue. I met with Mike Antigua, one of the race organizers who was overseeing the transportation of the runners and long-time running friend Dennis (the RunningPinoy) who was also running the 10k.

The race started a few minutes late as it was still dark in the area but we were off as soon as brightness lit up around us at about 6:15am. It was nice to be running on familiar terrain, the cool breeze was invigorating as we tackled the single track trails around the hill-tops at the beginning with the views of the Sierra Madre Mountains visible on either your left or right side.

As always, i brought in my camera and record some of the new trails that were part of the course.

There were adequate hydration stations every 2 kms of the route but i didn’t expect that this was going to be a no-cup race so you had to bring your own hydration bottle or container. I just had with me a bottle-full of Gatorade so when i wanted to have water, i used the cap of the blue plastic container that were on the tables, poured water on it and scooped right from it!

Approaching kilometer 8, we were diverted into a unused trail that cuts-off from the main road leading to the finish and the views here were wonderful and serene. I was on a roll during that time but stopped every time i saw a good view and took shots from my camera.

Race marshals were adequate although i wished they had deployed some during the last kilometer when runners were distracted at a road construction site where barricades were blocking the road so we had to stop and ask the workers on which direction to go.

Other than that, the over-all organization, water stations, trail route and volunteers were laudable! There were adequate food stalls selling breakfast meals at the school grounds although you could line-up and get free hot dogs on a stick or in sandwich buns as many times as you like.

However, one concern of mine was on the ruling with regards to the winners. They did not have separate categories for the over-all male and female winners. They just awarded the top 3 placers regardless of sex which i think was unfair to the female 1st placer. I brought this concern to Mike and he said that he would rectify this issue immediately.

Over-all, i think Waldorf did a commendable job in staging its first race and learning from some of the bumps on this fun run, they should be able to stage a better race hopefully next year!

Here are some pictures of the event:

With friends before the start

With Dennis Ravanzo (Running Pinoy)

The start was delayed for a few minutes because it was still dark

Busy taking some pics above these hills

Lucky to have good cool weather this morning

Downhill part slows down the runners

The route was gently rolling, no major shifts on elevations

Yours truly (in blue) keeping up with the pace (Photo credits, Carlo Unson)

Inside the forested area of the Timberland Heights

Many scenes like this inside the forest trails

Trail in one open area frequented by bikers. Luckily, no bikes were allowed inside the trails during race day.

A rotonda, of sorts

Part of the scenery, overlooking the wide Sierra Madre mountains

The last 3kms offered some very nice trails

Last 2.5 kms.

This is a new trail that wasn’t open to races before and i’m glad they let us pass through here for the first time

At approximately the last 1.2 kms.

There’s more of this hillside trails

A downhill dash

Then another short uphill…

The one final push before hitting the dirt road and to the finish

Long lines at the finish to get some free hot dogs

Families and friends were gathered to greet the runners

The Waldorf School “picnic grounds”

To The Rescue Run!

When Greentennial Run organizes a race, you’re going to be assured of  one thing…F-U-N! It’s their main ingredient, why its races are very successful, generally well-organized but its the fun aspect that distinguishes it from the rest.

Race organizer Rovic Canono has this positive vibe that spills out to the rest of his crew of mostly volunteers and it shows from its pre-race programs up to when runners start to go home with smiles on their faces!

Yesterday’s Rescue Run was no exception and this made my day. The route going down and up the ramp twice from Market market to C5 was awesome and the Santa Claus costume that some runners wore during the run had many wear ear-to-ear grins, including myself.

But what made the Rescue Run a true highlight of all fun runs was the thousands of pesos it raised for the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Mindanao. For Greentennial to organize this race in just 12 days is a miracle indeed and everyone had a positive attitude and giving spirit that will surely help ease the pain for lost lives and homes.

Thanks to the efforts of Greentennial for this Charity Run and is a great way to end the year for helping others in a FUN way!

At the start of the Rescue Run

Co-host Mitch Estuar

Going down the ramp (Photo by Wheng Ison)

With the Cheryl, Little Running Teacher

Co-host Mish Maravilla giving the thumbs-up

Runner with a mini-Santa dress (Photo by ACS)

She is one fast Santa

4th Quezon City International Marathon: Race Recap

Done, finished, complete! The wee hours outside near home felt perfectly fine, people were up and about as if you were just strolling within your neighborhood.

Our neighborhood, the Quezon Memorial Circle

Da hu? What is this neighborly thing i’m talking about? The Quezon City International Marathon!

It’s the marathon that when you step back along Commonwealth Avenue on your way back to the finish, you see gigantic traffic at a standstill, hot-headed cursing drivers and heat that’s guaranteed to melt you away.

Well, not this time, at least not as bad as it was the previous years’ editions. Traffic was more manageable, there were less of those irate drivers, water was *still* available during the last stretches but the weather didn’t change–it was warm and humid. QCIM-4, the race i didn’t almost want to run.

Yes, i didn’t feel like running this one as many things transpired days leading up to it. The torturous Tanay 21-k trail run the Sunday before really left me all-beaten up with muscle soreness that lasted for several days. Ice and Ibuprofen were my solace during those dreadful days. The feeling carried on until the Fundracing Run last Friday where i was supposed to do the 16k distance.

Still, besides being late, i was in no mood nor vigor to do the distance so i down-graded to just running the 8k that morning. The result was rather pitiful. I couldn’t run continuously and had to stop and walk most of the time. It was a botched attempt of psyching myself  to be ready 2 days before the marathon and felt completely at a stand-still.

The day before the marathon, i was just dilly dallying whether to just do a long run of about 30-32k along the route, drop out somewhere if things won’t turn-out to be good. Even shared this feeling on FB where some good meaning friends offered encouragements.

Atty. Jon Lacanlale, an esteemed ultra-runner seemed to sum up what everybody was saying, “Just toe the line and don’t make any plan. Let your body dictate the pace and all.” I took that in mind…seriously!

Race Day:

Met up with running buddy June Santiago and arrived at the Quezon City Hall at about 2:25am, still early for the 3:00am start. Saw Teammates Betty and Tonette who i was supposed to pace with for that long slow attempt of  getting the run done and if all thing got well, even finishing the marathon, all 42kms of it.

But almost as soon as we were headed to Quezon Avenue at the 2 km mark, i felt raring to go and shifted my thoughts of entirely finishing the race. My apologies to Betty and Tonette, specially to Tonette whom i promised to run with throughout the route, but the urge to run my pace at a more tolerable (upbeat) pace was calling and dictating at that time. Had i succumb to her pace, i knew i would not be able to finish the race. Sorry na. Hope you ladies know me well to understand.

With Betty and Tonette

The run inside the University of the Philippines was slow and dark with marshals straining their flashlights on humps and potholes for runners to see. Exiting back to Commonwealth Avenue towards Fairview, the lead 21k runners were fast catching up on us. The wide Commonwealth Avenue was a familiar sight and by all accounts, i was able to glide on satisfactorily until our entrance to La Mesa Dam.

Had a great time inside the reservoir; trees, shades, the views were appealing, hydration was constantly present but i have to say that doubts were still lingering if i could make it out of the reservoir and onwards to the last 8 kms strongly for the finish. Coming out of La Mesa Dam, the traffic was there as expected but had to concentrate on moving on myself while the traffic enforcers try to sort out everything else.

By the time we were approaching the long uphill stretch to Litex, mother mercy seem to have abandoned us temporarily and here, i had to struggle and walk, walk with many others who had probably thought of conserving some energy. For me, my batteries were already draining out. The legs and heart were still fine but for some reason i was gasping for air, trying to find that second wind.

The last 6k was in a word, agonizing. Whatever strength there was left, i tried to put it all into my head overcoming the layer of pain that had engulfed the rest of my body. A few more kilometers and i would see the Iglesia Ni Cristo Tower and that would be the Nirvana i was looking for because that signaled the last 2.5k. But at this point, nothing of the INC tower yet.

Adjusting my cap which had ice cubes in it during the last 2.5 kms

The aim was now to run-walk from one water station to the next. Although i had my own hydration bottle, i would seek some ice cubes in every station and put some inside my cap and it helped cool me down during the last stretches. Finally, the sight of the INC Tower excited me and i knew it was only a matter of 2 kms plus before i could get a glimpse of the finish.

I was running with this guy from the Fairview Running Club and we paced each other and overtook some runners still as a result.

And all of a sudden…this sight! Oh, the most beautiful sight of all!

Home and home sweet home it was! Made it through everything. Was ecstatic upon stepping on the finish mat but was so exhausted that i nearly dropped to my knees and couldn’t hold myself up. I poured all the water that was left in my bottle over my head to the amusement of passers-by who clapped and cheered on.

Just a few more meters before the finish line

My time was nothing to cheer about at 5:47, a far cry from my time last year on this same event but better than my Run United Phil Marathon time a month ago. All things considered, i’m just so happy to finish this one without any injury, praise God!

With friends who also finished the marathon

I empathize with all other runners who came later because i heard that some of them who finished past 6:30 hours (including Tonette and Betty) where already at the mercy of water station personnel who had begun to pack-up, dismantle their tables and left those 6-hour plus runners to mend for themselves at the last 5 kms. I had hoped that this problem would be addressed in this year’s edition as this has also occurred during the previous stagings of the race.

The organization is far from perfect but is a big improvement from any of the previous QCIM stagings. With a little more preparation and communications with those manning the water stations, this marathon could still be vastly improved. I’m aware that the organizers were only given the go signal to prepare everything 3 weeks prior to the race and this should have affected their over-all readiness.

I would like to thank all the PACERS for both the 21k and the 42k for doing a job well done! Thanks guys!

Here is the unofficial results of the race:

http://www.withoutlimits.ph/race-result/race-titles/category/10-smdc-quezon-city-international-marathon-2012.html

Till next year!

(Thanks to Tsinelas Runner, Photojojo, QCIM, Running Castles and others for the pictures)

Michelle’s 2nd Fundraising Run

Thank you so much Leo for bringing us to the venue at Ultra even if you had some emergency errands to do. But then, you should have arrived earlier so we would have not been late for our 16k race. Hahah.

Just an aside to our team-mate Leo who brought us over to this fun race, the Michelle Estuar 2nd FUNd Racing Ultralympics at the ULTRA Sports Complex. When Tonette and i were dropped off at the back entrance of the complex along Capt. Javier Street, the 16k runners were already running beside us so we hurriedly pinned our race bibs, unsure whether to follow their tails.

However, we didn’t see any of our team-mates run along the course and figured that they might still be inside the Sports complex waiting for the race bibs that Tonette and i both carried with us. True enough, Betty, Chito and Raquel were still inside waiting. Since the 16k runners were already about 15 minutes away after the gun start, we all decided just to run the next race, the 8k run which was going to start in a few minutes.

After a brief warm-ups led by the fabulous Running Divas, we were off.

Rikki Suarez of the Running Divas

This is a nice running route in Pasig if ever you’re familiar with the roads surrounding the Utra Sports Complex. It’s hilly, some shaded parts and not too much cars during the early part of the morning. Weather wise, i found it just perfect, over-cast and cool to start the run.

The run itself was easy, no over crowding and except for the uphills that went our way along Julia Vargas Ave. and during the final stretch along St. Martin Road, everything went smooth sailing. What made this race nice was the amount of support the volunteers gave while handing out water and sliced bananas. There were some stations that ran out of water but there would be adequate supplies once you reached the next one which were not far in between.

Inside Ultra during the last stretch

Go Run!

The finish line was great, akin to one big family of happy runners having a party. It was nice to make a sprint (for once) while on the tartan tracks of Ultra amidst the frenzy and cameras clicking at you!

This was one great fun run and since it benefits the children of Silay City, a very good cause too! One should not miss this run next year!

Congrats to my good friend, Michelle Estuar!

(Thanks to ASP, Spongebob Runner, RJM for the photos)

Dancing On The Trails Of Daranak

“Trail running is like dancing on the trails. If you stumble, make it part of the dance.” –rv

The Daranak 21k Trail Run has billed itself as the most challenging in the 3 legs of the Nature’s Trail Discovery Runs in Tanay and that proved to be an understatement! The race was grueling, one of the toughest trail race i have ever encountered and i am still limping from my aching quads and hamstrings in run-walking those uphill climbs.

I had expected this to be a difficult course but it was far more torturous than i anticipated, specially on those ridiculous technical climbs and descents. Well that was just the hardest part but for most of the other runners who did the shorter distances, it was a run full of thrills and adventure:

Here is a short synopsis of the race:

THE START:

4:50 am : June and i arrived at Daranak Resort and there were already full of cars lined-up on the streets leading to the entrance. We were asked to park on the right-most edge of the road as vehicles were arriving in droves.

5:10 am: We were greeted at the entrance by Norphy’s Ceasar Valderamma and told to proceed to the convention area where runners collected their race packets. June got his race packet and also took hold of Chito’s who we expected to arrive soon. Chito didn’t make it to the venue.

5:45: It was no less than Mr. Manny Santos, PIMCO Prexy and race organizer who started the countdown while Ceasar Valderamma fired the starting pistol.
During the test run we did weeks earlier, i had expected that we were to proceed to the river directly after the gun start but the organizers seem to have changed the plan.

Instead, we headed directly to the entrance bridge then out to the main street where we parked our cars and to some rough roads leading to a wide bridge. Runners stopped to take pictures. It was so wide a bridge for a river that looked like a single-track trail!

The view from the bridge (Photo by Jeffrey Ubalde)

Approaching the bridge while runners took some pictures

Past the bridge and going uphill

TO THE BATCAVE!

Runners were in for a treat when we approached the Calinawan Cave. I was a little concerned when my headlamp was going kaput when i tested it at home so had to change the batteries. I kept it in a small case attached to my hydration belt and as soon as we entered the cave, i wore it right back and it lit brightly as i turned it on.

I can hear the giggles of some runners when they maneuvered along the dark pathways and some even had to stop to observe the stalactites above them. This became like a school field trip instead of a race! No one could overtake so one has to toe the line and wait to move in tandem with the others.

To the cave entrance

Surprisingly, the walk to the cave was very orderly, no pushing nor shoving. There were marshals who guided the runners inside. Nice job!

The ground was mostly dry this time unlike our test run a month ago which was muddy and slippery inside

There were narrow passages that each runner has to wait to get through

The view inside

THE RIVER CROSSING:

This has got to be my least-liked part of the race when aside from crossing those rivers, you have to climb very wet boulders, secure your footing and cling to whatever your hands can grip on to avoid falling. This was the most dangerous part of the route and saw some runners slip on the rocks and fall down the river.

One scary part was one female runner stepped into a very deep part of the river and was swept by the strong currents and couldn’t hold on to anything. She was dragged a few meters and into a marshal who was standing on top of a boulder watching the proceedings. The marshal held on to an arm of the lady but couldn’t get her to stand up as if her foot was stucked underneath!

The lady was already screaming. She was gasping for air! Other runners scrambled to help and it took another minute before they could pull her up. This was one close call (pictures below).

The river trekking took forever and glad that it ended when it did!

Steep ravine at the edges of the trail that lead to the river

A long winding trail where you could already hear the gushing river at the other side

The first view of the river that greeted the runners

We had to criss-cross the river to avoid the strong currents

Climbing over slippery rocks was not an easy task

Clinging on rocks and getting the correct footing was the order of the day

A runner and a marshal rescues this female runner from being swept by the strong currents

Another runner to the rescue until she was finally pulled-out. The dangers of river crossing.

The river trek was slow. Getting up and down those rocks was a journey in itself

Glad to have avoided that downhill stream

River crossing na, may rock climbing pa!

Rock formations were a plenty during the river crossing. Must be centuries old

Part where a lot of runners slipped and tumbled

These bamboo poles were deemed useless because they were slippery when you tried to step over them

Stairs To OUR LADY OF RAWANG:

The only technique needed to conquer these flight of stairs is to put one foot forward in front of the other, one step after another until you reach the top. Easier said than done as i was going into zombie-mode just half-way this 346 flight of steps.

June poses while scaling the 340 step Grotto stairs

UPHILL CLIMB TO THE TOP:

Climbing up those mountain ranges was one tough battle all 21k runners had to endure and it had to be the most challenging of all legs of the Nature Trail Discover Tanay series. Your quads are going to hate you because they will keep on pounding while climbing on those continuous rocky trails! Many of the rocks had jagged edges and one false move can cut you up real bad.

I had slight cuts and scratches on my legs when moving about on the uphill trails and most of the runners who i encountered during the climb had their share of bruises and cuts too. I saw a runner who was lying down on the ground in pain, apparently of severe leg cramps and was being helped by two other runners.

None of the hard training could have prepared me for the torturous run up Masungi mountain and it was a long 5 kilometer trek to reach the peak! The trails up were priceless though and it had some of the most picturesque views in trail running.

Three hours had gone by when i finally reached the peak at about 1,600 masl. Not much excitement up there where i saw runners who were either eating, resting and taking pictures of the vast Laguna de Bay below. Here we were given a green ribbon signifying that we had reached the turn-around point and had to get back on the same route.

The downhill journey was harsher on our thighs as the pounding doubled, causing me to cramp on both thighs at the 16th km mark. The heat was enormous and I had to stop several times to massage my thighs and the ambulance waiting on the 18th km mark was no big help as they had no liniments nor knowledgeable personnel to give your leg a brief massage.

I noticed at this mark that runners should turn right and make a 2.5 km. circular loop before heading back to where the ambulance stood in the other direction. However i saw many runners skip this loop and immediately turned left without completing the loop. Marshals should have been stationed to man this checkpoint but it was only the ambulance truck that was there.

I finished the 22.1k race in 5:46, a PW (personal worst) but still below the given cut-off time of 6 hours.

Over-all, it was a great race, very challenging and one beautiful race route!

I’ll leave you with some pictures June and i took at the trails:

The start of our mountain trek

The single track trails were nice and easy during the early part but became very technical during those climbs up those mountains in background

Views of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges

Another view at close range

The 5-km uphill trek was both torture to the quads and feet.

Rocky single track uphill trek

On one of the mellower trails

One of the many picturesque trails

Blue skies and hot weather. Got hotter during the latter part

June signals that he is still alive!

Love this part of the trail…

…while June zooms along

Another rocky part

A wide trail

At the peak

Background is Laguna De Bay

Tough race! Congrats to all!

With Goldy, the “Precious” one

With Aquiz, the running photographer

With popular runner Marie Joyce Negapatan

With Manghusi (JR)

Guess what? PIMCO Sports, organizers of this event is going to hold another trail run, the Love A Tree International 50k-trail ultra-marathon on February 10, 2013 which will be held on a new route, also along these great trails of Tanay. An accompanying 6k, 12k and 24k race will be held here simultaneously.

Details will be posted on their Facebook account and website. Yikes, another trail run to look forward to!