RD’s Report: 2nd PAU “P2P” 70K Run

6 09 2010

The Pasuquin to Pagudpud (P2P) Run was planned together with the 1st PAU 50K Run in Tanay, Rizal due to the following reasons & factors as stated in this story. In addition with the reasons as stated in the story, I thought of promoting the province of Ilocos Norte as a sports tourism destination even without the involvement of the local government in the planning stage as this race was conceived during the campaign period in the last May elections.

One month before the race, I made my final implimentation of my race plan by paying my courtesy calls to the different local government units’ executives from the Governor of Ilocos Norte to the Municipal Mayors of Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud. Unfortunately, I was not able to personally meet the Governor and the rest of the Municipal Mayors but I was entertained by their staff/secretary as they received my formal letter of intention/request to conduct an ultramarathon event in the province, passing along their respective municipalities.

I was happy and satisfied about the preparation on the security aspect as I was able to personally talk and coordinate with the PNP Provincial Director of Ilocos Norte. Being a PMA Cavalier and underclass, he immediately approved my request with additional support. Local friends involved in local sports with the likes of Dr Chester Puno, one of the participants & finishers of the race, Faivo Bartolome (a Race Organizer/triathlete & Finisher), and the Luis Family of the 5 Sisters Emporium were available during my visits in Laoag City and that they greatly helped in the realization and provision of the much-needed logistics and medical services for the run.

I actually made three trips by bus from Manila to Laoag to bring our logistics requirements and to recon the whole route. Those were tiring trips but I was satisfied with my personal coordination with the local friends who were there on the background to help and make the event a success. On hindsight, my planning and coordination were all worth plus the fact thatI was able to bring the whole staff and elite athletes of Team Bald Runner on those tourist attractions/spots for the first time!

A Briefing and CLP was done to inform and warn the runners that the course will be passing along tourist spots in Ilocos Norted with the exact points and distance along the route. But the main message for the participants was to expect some surprises and challenges during the run. However, I always emphasized the runners of their personal safety and observation of their surroundings while they are on the run. I even informed the group that my staff will wait for the last finisher even beyond the announced cut-off time for the race. 

The Elite Team Bald Runner and my staff left Manila for Laoag City on the evening of Wednesday in order to have ample time to orient my staff and thresh out final coordination for the race. Final Briefing among my staff was done on Thursday on site and each of the members of the team was given their respective job desription for the race.

With proper timing and scheduling, we were abe to start the race before the scheduled time (my signature in all my races!). In conclusion, I think the conduct of the race went successfully well and there had been no major problems with the runners. However, I admit that there are still “kinks” and “lapses” to be solved and attented to in order for me to improve in my next PAU races.

Let me share you my thoughts about running in marathon and ultramarathon races.

I’ve been running for almost 40 years and I had also been running competitively with the same number of years. I’ve started finishing Marathon Races here and abroad since in the early 80s and I could not count anymore the exact number of Marathon Races I’ve finished since then. And two years ago, I got hooked to ultramarathon running and this is the reason why I came up with the Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race, simply dubbed as “BDM 102″. Later, I created and organized a distinct Sports Federation for Ultrarunning which is now called as “PAU” (Philippine Association of Ultrarunners) with the main objective of promoting the sports and be able to represent the country in international ultrarunning competitions under the auspices of the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU).

With my experience, I would know the “suffering and pain” that each runner would feel and encounter during a race. I would also know the anxiety of each runner within days or few minutes before the start of each race. And I would also know the feeling of joy and jubilation when a runner crosses the Finish Line in every race. Physically, I would know how a runner would look like when he/she finishes a road race because I could identify with them—the sweat/perspiration, the breathing, sunburned & shiny skin, body aches, chafings, blisters, severe pain on the running legs, limping while walking after crossing the finish, and sometimes “disorientation”. 

There are two (2) important things that are common in all my participation to running events: (1) I always finish my race and never had any record of DNF (Did Not Finish) and (2) I never “cheated” or made a “shortcut” of the race route. In all the races that I have organized and directed, I always tell the runner-participants to FINISH the race and maintain the INTEGRITY of the race. Each of the runner should be able to finish the race with their own effort and don’t think that they could “cheat” because nobody would ever see them. Running is supposed to be a noble sports! And if a runner cheats in a race, he/she is cheating himself/herself!

After a thorough investigation, I admit (as the Race Director/Organizer) that some runners “cheated” during the P2P 70K Run last August 29, 2010. We have already identified them and they are no longer allowed to run in our future Bald Runner’s Events and PAU Races. These “cheaters” have destroyed the integrity of the race and they showed disrespect to a race where we invested so much time, money and effort. Without this incident, P2P PAU 70K Run would have been a “perfect” race.

Never cheat in running events, sooner or later, the truth will naturally come out!


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Categories : Insights, Jogging, Races, Running, Running For Cause, Sports Program, Ultramarathon

BDM 102 @ Ultrarunning Magazine

28 04 2010

Months before the publication of the April 2010 issue of the Ultrarunning Magazine, Ben Gaetos, a BDM 102 veteran and ultrarunner from Los Angeles, California, sent me an e-mail informing me that the article I sent to Tia Bodington of the Ultrarunning Magazine last year will be published in the April 2010 issue of the said magazine.

I was so excited about this information as this will serve as a venue for the ultrarunners in the United States and other countries to be aware of the presence of an ultrarunning event at the very same place where history happened in the last World War II.

My reply to Ben Gaetos was to request him to buy one copy for me as I thought that the said magazine is available in the newsstands, magazine stores and bookstores in the United States. I found out later that the said magazine is only available to subscribers.

Last week, I was surprised when I received a copy of the said magazine from Ben Gaetos which he sent through First Class on the US Postal Service. Thanks, Ben for sending to me your subscription copy of the Ultrarunning Magazine. I hope you will send also your personal Race Report for the 2010 BDM 102 to Tia Bodington this time. We’ll expect that to be published on the April 2011 issue of the said magazine. 

Cover Page of April 2010 Issue of Ultrarunning Magazine

The following article can be seen on page 44, under the Adventure Run Section of the Ultrarunning Magazine:

REMEMBERING OUR HEROES: BATAAN DEATH MARCH 102K ULTRAMARATHON RACE

By Jovenal Narcise, RD 

It started as a dream and it became a reality.

Having been a retired Two-Star General from the Armed Forces of the Philippines last year and a passionate runner, I thought of conducting an ultramarathon road race by adopting the actual route of the infamous Bataan Death March that happened on April 6-15, 1942 after the US and Philippine Forces surrendered to the invading Japanese Imperial Military Forces. This March resulted in the deaths of almost 700 US soldiers and 20,000 Philippine troops and Auxiliary members due to the atrocities of the Japanese soldiers, lack of water & food, weak bodies due to diseases, and the scorching heat of the sun during the day being April as the peak of summer hot weather in the country.

In memory of our heroes, this ultramarathon race was dedicated to them in celebration of the country’s National Heroes Day. The other purpose was to promote ultra running events in the country and develop future ultra runners for international exposure. Lastly, I would like to make this celebration as an annual running event to raise funds for the living survivors of the Bataan Death March in the country who are few and proud to have served to defend the country in the name of freedom and democracy.

A total of 82 runners, consisting of 8 runners from other countries (US, Japan, France, Indonesia, and Singapore) and 5 lady runners, became part of history of this ultra road running event as they started the race at 30 minutes passed midnight of April 4, 2009.

The event followed the actual route where our heroes had to walk from the coastal town of Mariveles, Bataan up to the Old Train Station in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga covering a distance of 102 kilometers. Runners started their uphill climb after 3 kilometers from the Starting Line, traversing the first mountain along the route. The next 35 kilometers would be a roller-coaster run with uphill and downhill as more towns would be reached and passed by the runners. The next 60 kilometers and down to the final stretch of the race are all plain but the heat of the sun would be the most important concern among runners in order to have the strength and endurance to reach the Finish Line.

Each runner was encouraged to bring with them their hydration belt, at least, one container for water and another one for their sports drinks for mineral replacements. The Aid Stations were located every 20 kilometers while 3 Roving Aid Stations aboard vehicles were constantly in touched with the runners, giving bottled water and sports/energy drinks and food along the way. At the Halfway mark (Km Post 50), an Aid Station was available to serve breakfast to all the runners and it became a recovery point for Drop Bags of the runners. Three (3) Ambulance Vehicles were available moving with the runners and One Ambulance was dedicated to follow the last runner of the event up to the Finish Line.

The first half of the race was a test of patience for all the runners. But the second half was a test of endurance as the heat of the sun would reach up to 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit and this condition would slow down most of the runners. Due to proper information and previous “test run” along the second half of the route two months before the race and long runs along the main streets in Metro Manila during daytime, runners knew how to deal with the early signs of “heatstroke” and the finishers were proud to have overcome such condition and challenge along the way by applying those preventive measures they have learned from their past long runs and training.

Out of the 82 starters, 63 runners were declared Finishers beating the cut-off time of 18 hours. Out of the 5 lady runners, 2 of them finished the race within the prescribed time. Each finisher was immediately awarded with a Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Trophy, and Certificate of Finish immediately after passing the Finish Line. To top it all, a separate Awarding Ceremony Dinner Party was held at the Philippine Army’s Officers Club with all the participants and sponsors celebrating as a community of ultra runners, a week after the running event.

The race was a successful one and more runners had already signified their intentions to join in the next year’s edition of this ultra road race. The 2nd edition of the race will be held on the midnight of March 6, 2010.

The 3rd edition of the BDM 102 is now listed among the Ultra Running Events in the Calendar Link of Ultrarunning Magazine. However, an additional calendar entry will be requested for the 1st BDM 151 soon. Please check at www.ultrarunning.com.


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Categories : Insights, Jogging, Military, Pictures, Practice Runs, Races, Running, Ultramarathon

BDM 102: On Generosity

5 04 2010

Bataan Death March (BDM) means heroism, sacrifice, love of country, determination, courage, and survival. BDM 102 means proper training, preparation, “heat” training, correct race strategy & hydration, “craziness”, endurance, cooperation & coordination among runners & support crew, discipline. and focus to finish the race within the cut-off time of 18 hours. 

Original Picture of the BDM in 1942

 On my part as the Race Organizer and Race Director, BDM means the fulfillment of a dream to commemorate this event into an ultramarathon race in order to create awareness on the history of this event that brought the death of almost 25,000 soldiers and militia where most of the victims were our countrymen. Let this awareness on this infamous event in the history of warfare and mankind be carried down from one generation to generation so that wars amongst nations will never happen again.

The BDM 102 in the eyes of the Race Director also means appreciation to the determination of some of the runners who braved to reach the Finish Line even if they knew that they could not make it before the cut-off time of 18 hours. I have to be generous to these runners who overcame the heat, dust, pollution, pains, and the challenge in order to finish the 102K distance.

So, during the Get Together and Awarding Ceremony for the 2010 BDM 102 last March 11, 2010, as a surprise to everybody, I presented “special awards” for these runners who were determined to finish the race with their remaining strength and will power. Each of these runners were awarded with the BDM Individual Trophy, Finisher’s Medal (without any ranking), and a Finisher’s T-Shirt. Their names were not included in the Official List of Finishers.

The following runners were able to finish the 102K distance in less than 20 hours. They persisted and they were rewarded well.

1. Jerome Cartailler

2. Ariel Cortez

3. Eugene Porlucas

4. Benedict Meneses

5. Ivy Macainan

6. Kevin Viola

7. Major General Samuel Narcise AFP

8. Jonathan Gener

See you again in the 2011 BDM 102/151!!!


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on publicity & marketing

17 02 2010

I admit that I am known within the running community in the country through this blog and from the newly-published Front Runner Magazine and I did not spend much except for my yearly URL fee for WordPress. My advocacies are well-known to everybody and many runners as well as ordinary citizens have benefited from them. Despite these undertakings, the Bald Runner had never been featured in any broadsheets’ lifestyle & sports sections. Even if I know personally some writers, they don’t dare to write about me without them asking permission from me. In short, I don’t need publicity and shy away from  public relations outfits as they ask some exhorbitant fees for them to give you a good image and “market” you as a good product. I would like to state it once again, that I am not running for an elective office/position or I am not trying to transform myself into a politician. I just love to run and inspire others to adhere to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Many runners had been asking me why the Bald Runner is not featured in the TBR Magazine; Men’s Health; or Multi-Sport Magazines and even the annual takbo.ph publication last year after they have published and featured their “stars” in the running community. These runners should ask the publishers of these magazines why they are not featuring me. I am glad my friend & ultra runner, Jonel, published the first running magazine in the country, The Front Runner Magazine!

As I said, this blog is already a good platform for people to know what the Bald Runner is doing to promote running and at the same time sustain its advocacies. I have also projects being the President of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) in promoting the sports of ultramarathon in the country. And the most significant project of this Association is the conduct of the yearly Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race, simply called “BDM 102″.

In my personal point of view, ultramarathon is still an “underground” running sports event in the country. It is better known by “word of mouth” from one runner to another. The lesser the number of runners, the better as most average runners would not dare to challenge themselves to go beyond their endurance limits. In short, ultramarathons are for those who are “crazy, have the “balls” & hardcore” in running.

So, if a media or PR outfit would ask me to be an Official Media/PR partner for the BDM 102, I would say “NO”, most especially if the media outfit would ask me material things in return for their services of advertising and covering the event. I believe that these media outfits should be the one who should be giving material things, like support funds/sponsorship funds/banners, for the event and support for the advocacy of the running event.

The Marketing Staff of RunnerSpeak  approached me on the early part of January 2010 and made a schedule to meet me for two occassions but their staff would not make it and had these meetings re-scheduled until the meeting was put on hold. Instead, the Marketing Staff of RunnerSpeak sent me an e-mail on their proposal/offer to cover the BDM 102. Below is an excerpt of a proposal from RunnerSpeak of Q TV to advertise, promote & cover 2010 BDM 102. 

RunnerSpeak will assure that BDM 102KM will receive the following mileage:

  • A full exposure and coverage for BDM 102KM
  • Placement of event announcement and updates on the show
  • Interview of representatives and organizers
  • Extra media values:
    • Inclusion of updates and links in our sites eg: Facebook, Website 
    • Bumper and CBB

In exchange for this, RunnerSpeak is requesting the following:

  • Inclusion of the show’s LOGO as Official TV Partner
  • Install banners on race day (max. of 3 banners)
  • Singlets/ Shirts for the team (at least 10pcs)
  • Complimentary registration of at least 2 participants for the race
  • RunnerSpeak to be acknowledged as the Television Partner

Okey, they are requesting me for such & such but definitely, my answer is “NO”. I am not a marketing-trained “son of a gun” but just for curiosity sake, I just want to know if this is the “protocol” in advertising/marketing. I have the impression that whatever this media outfit would cover in the BDM 102 event and have it shown in Q TV, they will be paid for every second & minute in their TV program. Am I right or wrong?

Or it would be better if the media outfit would pay the Race Organizer (Director & Producer) and the runners (Actors & Actresses) as we are their “talents”?

To all the BDM 102 runners, good luck!


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2009 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run

10 07 2009

The first time that I heard and read about this particular Ultratrail endurance run was when I got a copy of the book “Ultramarathon Man” by Dean Karnazes which became a Number One Bookseller at one time. Practically, almost one half of the book was devoted to the author’s quest to qualify for the said race, train for it, and finally described how he was able to finish his first 100-mile race in this event. It is very detailed to the point that everything was described on how a first-timer would experience running a 100-mile endurance run. Dean Karnazes joined this particular race for the first time in 1994.

I guess, this book entirely opened the awareness of most of the runners to try and experience what it takes to run an ultra race along the trails of the mountains. Personally, the book also inspired me to try running an ultra distance at the Bulldog 50K last year. And I went further by going to Badwater, California to witness the start of the 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon, meeting and talking to Dean Karnazes and Pam Reed for the first time; taking some pictures of the ultra athletes; and observing how they ran along the first 25 miles of the course.

And because of my readings, observations, and experience about ultra races, the Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race (BDM 102) became a reality!

You might be wondering why I am posting the results of this particular endurance run. Aside from reading it from Dean K’s book and had inspired me to tread to ultra distance running, it is one of my “dreams” to run at least one 100-mile endurance run in my running career and who knows this dream would come true! Not necessarily qualifying and running for the Western States 100-Mile in the future!

The following is the article/post taken from the Ultrarunning Magazine Online (www.ultrarunning.com)

 Koerner, Ortiz Win at Sizzling Western States

Auburn, California, June 28—Hal Koerner successfully defended his championship and Anita Ortiz won her first 100-miler under blistering conditions at the Western States Endurance Run which finished here today. Koerner dueled with Dave Mackey for most of the first 55 miles before pulling away in Volcano Canyon, stretched his lead down an oven-like California Street loop, and won the race by nearly half an hour over a spate of challengers.

Ortiz, a mother of four running her first 100-miler, lead most of the way, holding small leads over Beverly Anderson-Abbs until Devils Thumb (mile 47.8). Ortiz stretched her lead to twenty minutes on the trip through rugged Eldorado Canyon and was never seriously threatened thereafter. Krissy Moehl overtook Anderson-Abbs around mile 83 and finished second. Three-time winner Nikki Kimball struggled most of the day, but toughed it out to take fourth.

The race for second among the men was spectacular, with three runners leaving the Highway 49 aid station (mile 93.3) within seconds of each other and a fourth runner departing four minutes later. Eventually, Tsuyoshi Kaburagi of Japan won the epic battle, nudging Jez Bragg of Great Britain for runner-up honors, with Jasper Halekas of Oakland garnering fourth and Kevin Sullivan of Andover, Massachusetts fifth. All five runners were under 17 hours, the most ever in the 36 years of this event. Kaburagi’s time of 16:52:06 set a new masters course record. Seven-time champion Scott Jurek ran third for much of the first 40 miles, but was 10-20 minutes behind and never really in the mix. Jurek dropped from third to seventh by Devils Thumb aid station (mile 47.8) and dropped out there. Early leader Mackey also dropped, at the Rucky Chucky River Crossing aid station (mile 78.0).

The race was held under extremely hot conditions, with temperatures peaking at 99F on Saturday. For the later finishers, Sunday was even hotter, with Auburn reaching 103F. The heat had a deleterious effect on both times and finishing rate; only 238 of the 399 starters (59.6%) finished the race within the 30-hour time limit.

Men
1. Hal Koerner, 33, Ashland, OR, 16:24:55
2. Tsuyoshi Kaburagi, 40, Takasaki, JPN, 16:52:06
3. Jez Bragg, 28, Warwick, GBR, 16:54:26
4. Jasper Halekas, 33, Oakland, CA, 16:56:26
5. Kevin Sullivan, 38, Andover, MA, 16:59:33
6. Zachariah Miller, 33, Ann Arbor, MI, 17:34:12
7. Leigh Schmitt, 36, Conway, MA, 17:49:37
8. Eric Skaden, 37, Folsom, CA, 18:22:44
9. Mark Lantz, 43, Gold River, CA, 18:45:56
10. Andy Jones-Wilkins, 41, Ketchum, ID, 18:46:52

Women
1. Anita Ortiz, 45, Eagle, CO, 18:24:17
2. Krissy Moehl, 31, Seattle, WA, 19:26:02
3. Beverly Anderson-Abbs, 45, Red Bluff, CA, 19:53:14
4. Nikki Kimball, 38, Bozeman, MT, 20:55:43
5. Caren Spore, 41, Davis, CA, 21:17:22
6. Meghan Arbogast, 48, Corvallis, OR, 21:33:36
7. Elizabeth Vitalis, Livermore, CA, 23:11:31
8. Jamie Frink, 36, Folsom, CA, 23:37:15
9. Jenny Capel, 36, Reno, NV, 23:49:27
10. Connie Gardner, 45, Medina, OH, 25:34:16

For more information about the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, visit its website at www.ws100.com.


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Categories : Insights, Jogging, Race Results, Races, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon

Tendai “Marathon Monks”

13 06 2009

July Oconer, one of the Finishers and Sponsors of the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race, posted the following article in Facebook about the Tendai “Marathon Monks” of Japan. It is a nice reading item to runners and the reason why Japan is one of the top sources of marathon runners in the world.

Tendai Marathon Monks – The Run of A Lifetime

by James Davis – The London Observer

Some of the world’s best athletes gave a very good run for their money in the London Marathon, others picked up their appearance fee and pottered round without threatening to win. The world’s top distance runners are well rewarded – the best earn one million dollars a year – and they reckon to run only two or three marathons a year.

What a comparison that is to a group of men who can claim – though they never do – to be the greatest, toughest, most committed athletes in the world. They run for no other reward than spiritual enlightenment, hoping to help themselves along the path of Buddha towards a personal awakening. They are the so-called ‘marathon monks’ of Mount Hiei, Japan.

The monks, known as Kaihigyo, are spiritual athletes from the Tendai Sect of Buddhism, based at Mount Hiei, which overlooks the ancient capital city of Kyoto.

The ultimate achievement is the completion of the 1,000-day challenge, which must surely be the most demanding physical and mental challenge in the world. Forget ultra-marathons and so-called iron-man events, this endurance challenge surpasses all others.

Only 46 men have completed the 1,000-day challenge since 1885. It takes seven years to complete, as the monks must undergo other Buddhist training in meditation and calligraphy, and perform general duties within the temple.

The first 300 days are basic training, during which the monks run 40km per day for 100 consecutive days. In the fourth and fifth years they run 40km each day for 200 consecutive days. That’s more or less a full marathon every day for more than six months.

The final two years of the 1000-day challenge are even more daunting. In the sixth year they run 60km each day for 100 consecutive days and in the seventh year they run 84km each day for 100 consecutive days. This is the equivalent of running two Olympic marathons back-to-back every day for 100 days.

Author John Stevens, in his book, The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei describes the running style which dates back over a thousand years. ‘Eyes focused about 100 feet ahead while moving in a steady rhythm, keeping the head level, the shoulders relaxed, the back straight, and the nose aligned with the navel.’

What makes all these distances even more amazing is the manner and the conditions in which the monks run. These runs are usually begun at night and are over mountain paths that are uneven and poorly marked. During the winter months the low temperatures and snow are a great hindrance to the runners. These monks do not wear the latest in footwear and clothing, but run in straw sandals, an all-white outfit and a straw hat. They also run on a diet of vegetables, tofu and miso soup, which modern athletes and nutritionists would deem to be unsuitable for endurance events.

Not only do they wear clothes and shoes unsuited to running, but they have to carry books with directions and mantras to chant, food to offer along the way, candles for illumination, as well as a sheathed knife and a rope, known as the ‘cord of death’. These remind the monk of his duty to take his life if he fails, by hanging or self-disembowelment. The course is littered with unmarked graves, marking the spot where monks have taken their own lives. However, there have been no cases of monks’ suicides since the nineteenth century.

During these long runs the monks must make stops at temples of worship that can number up to 260. This means that the 86km run can take up to 20 hours to complete leaving the monk with very little time for recovery or rest, but as an old saying goes: ‘Ten minutes’ sleep for a marathon monk is worth five hours of ordinary rest.’ They also learn to rest sections of their body while running, such as their arms or shoulders.

And then there is the doiri, where the monk faces seven days without food, water or sleep or rest. During this time the monk will spend his entire day reciting Buddhist chants and mantras – perhaps up to 100,000 each day. The only time the monk will leave the temple is at 2am to walk the 200m to a well and return with water to make an offering. He is not allowed to drink any himself and the 200m walk can take up to two hours in the final days of the fast. During his time spent meditating there are two monks who are in constant attention to ensure that he does not fall asleep.

For several weeks before doiri, the monk will reduce his food intake so his body can cope with the fast. The first day is no problem, but there is some nausea on the second and third days. By the fourth and fifth days the hunger pangs have disappeared, but the monk has become so dehydrated that there is no saliva in his mouth and he will begin to taste blood.

The purpose of doiri is to bring the monk face-to-face with death. During this fast, the monks develop extraordinary powers of sense. They talk of being able to hear the ashes of incense sticks fall to the ground and, perhaps unsurprisingly, of the ability to smell food being prepared miles away.

Physiologists, who have examined the monks after conclusion of the rite, find many of the symptoms of a ‘dead person’. Monks talk of experiencing a feeling of transparency where everything good, bad and neutral leaves their body and existence in itself is revealed in crystal clarity. Relatives of those who undergo this rite of passage talk of the difference that the seven days makes to those who undergo it. One remarked, ‘I always dismissed Buddhism as superstitious nonsense until I saw my brother step out of Myo-o-do [the name of the temple] after doiri. He was really a living Buddha.’

When the Japanese Emperor maintained his court in Kyoto, the monks were afforded a special thanksgiving service in the Imperial Palace after completing their 1,000-day term and the ‘marathon monks’ were the only people who were allowed to wear footwear in the presence of the Emperor.

Even today thousands will turn out to watch a monk nearing completion of a 1,000-day term, as he runs the old course that now passes through Kyoto’s shopping streets and the entertainment district, complete with its bars, restaurants and strip joints. Many turn up hoping to be blessed by these special monks whom they believe have powers to heal.

Japan has the largest number of marathon runners per capita in the world. From the Arctic northern island of Hokkaido to the balmy tropical islands of Okinawa in the Pacific, each and every town will organise a number of long-distance runs and each school will have a strong running club.

There is even a corporate-sponsored running league, whose teams are even allowed to have one foreigner in their team. Jeff Schiebler, a Canadian Olympic runner, is the only non-African foreigner who competes. He described what it is like to run in Japan. ‘It is totally different from anything in North America. They have multimillion-dollar contracts, team chefs, great training facilities. That kind of thing makes Japan a power in long-distance running. They go mad for road races. Kids there grow up wanting to be the next marathon champ.’

Japan’s love of marathon running was epitomised with the incredible outpouring of emotion that followed Naoko Takahashi’s victory in the women’s Olympic marathon in Sydney last year. The race and the prize-giving attracted a massive 84 per cent TV rating as the fresh-faced girl from the mountains of Gifu became the first Japanese woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

She became an overnight superstar and her face was splashed across newspapers, magazines and on talk shows. She even received The People’s Honour (only the third woman ever to do so) from the then prime minister Yoshiro Mori, who said: ‘You have given inspiration and encouragement to youngsters as well as a whole people by crossing the finish line with a refreshing smile.’

Very few runners will cross the finish line in London with a ‘refreshing smile’ after 26 hard miles. Grimaces of exhaustion and relief will be a more common sight. However, after looking back at the 26 miles and a bit, there will be a feeling of great personal pride and achievement in their performance. Many will have achieved personal best times and others will have raised hundreds of pounds for charity. But will many of them be able to say they have gained something spiritually, as with the ‘marathon monks’ of Japan?


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Manila International Marathon?

7 05 2009

One of the members of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group had asked me why is it that the Philippines does not have an international marathon race which could be at par with the Standard Chartered Bank-sponsored ASEAN city’s marathon races like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hongkong, Mumbai, Hanoi, Taipeh/Taiwan and other cities around us which are considered as international marathon events?

I answered him that there was a Manila International Marathon during the late 70s and early 80s which was sponsored by the Philippine Air Lines (PAL). I could just surmised that marathon races and running events with international flavor then were supported by the government during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos. It was during these times when the government’s sports bodies were held and administered by a single person who was under the direct supervision of the President. It was the time when Michael Keon was the President of the Philippine Olympic Committee, and at the same time the Chairman and Project Director of Project Gintong Alay (the forerunner of the Philippine Sports Commission), and also the President of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, the sports federation for athletics. A single person holding three sports bodies, a long-distance runner and national athlete and a nephew of the President made the difference at that time.  At present, these sports bodies are being held by three different persons whom I think could not even run or jog at least one kilometer. These people are fond of asking sports reporters to “run” after them for sports media realeases with the “envelope” that goes with such pronouncements.

The one who asked me about the Manila International Marathon was surprised when I informed him that the Awarding Ceremonies and Dinner Parties for the Manila International Marathons were held at the Malacanang Palace with no less than the President as the Guest of Honor and Host. Moreso, the prize money for the winners ranged to hundreds of pesos at that time plus the appearance money for the world’s marathon elite athletes.

It was expected that sports and marathon races in the country with the attendance of international elite runners waned after the EDSA Revolution in 1986 because everything that the former administration had done for the improvement of our sports were immediately changed. However, later during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos, the Pasig River Heritage Marathon was born but it did not have any attendance from international elite athletes. And due to the abolition of the Clean and Green Foundation that manages the Pasig River Marathon, the conduct of the race was not sure of being conducted. However,  this yearly marathon is hoped to be revived later part of this year. But the problem is, it will remain as an ordinary local marathon race in the country without any effort of making it as an international running event.

The Subic International Marathon which was held last January 2008 was attended by Kenyan/African runners which gave a flavor of being an international marathon event but it fell short of its aim of being sustained as an annual international marathon event.

So, is there a way we can come up with a Manila Internationa Marathon Race? This is a challenge to those politicians, government sports bodies, and corporate executives who are active in sports like running. Maybe we can ask for those “Presidentiables” who can not even run at least one kilometer but they could easily run for the position of the President of the Republic without any sweat. Maybe, we can ask the Department of Tourism to promote such event as part of sports tourism in the country. Or maybe, ask PAGCOR/PCSO to fund such event. Or maybe, come up with a “pressure” group to ask the President to appropriate a budget from her VAT collections or from the President’s P 300-billion stimulus fund or from her Priority Development Assistance Fund (Please refer in today’s newspapers). But with my personal experience with these people, I am sure they don’t care about this “International Marathon” thing. My best bet is to wait for CONDURA and the Concepcion Family to come up with an international marathon event, maybe, by next year! 

Let me ask this last question…Why do we need to go abroad to run a Marathon Race if we can conduct an international marathon race here in the country? Is it for the “bragging rights” or you just want to spend your hard-earned money or want/need something to write in your running blog or you need something to write about in Society Pages in our daily newspapers or is it for the experience so that you could learn something on how race directors and organizers do to promote a world-class marathon event? Maybe, as a start, we can pool our respective registration fees, travel and accommodation expenses to an international marathon abroad as a “seed” money for planning purposes. Let the first volunteer come forward and leave a comment in this post.

I have the following recommended title for our future Manila International Marathon. Choose which one do you prefer….

Standard Chartered Bank Manila International Marathon?

Banco De Oro Manila International Marathon?

Bank of the Philippine Islands Manila International Marathon?

Globe Manila International Marathon?

Smart Manila International Marathon?

PLDT Manila International Marathon?

Cebu Pacific Manila International Marathon?

PAL Manila International Marathon?

Zest Air Manila International Marathon?

Figaro’s Manila International Marathon?

SM Manila International Marathon?

“Wowowee” Manila International Marathon?

Manny Pacquiao’s Manila International Marathon?

ABS-CBN/TFC Manila International Marathon?

Jollibee Manila International Marathon?

San Miguel Beer Manila International Marathon?

Vicky Belo’s Manila International Marathon?

“Witwoteryuno” Manila International Marathon?

CONDURA Manila International Marathon?

Gawad Kalinga Manila International Marathon?

MMDA’s Manila International Marathon?

Toyota’s Manila International Marathon?

Honda’s Manila International Marathon?

Mini-Stop’s Manila International Marathon?

Ford’s Manila International Marathon?

BENCH Manila International Marathon?

Guys, the challenge to come up with a Manila International Marathon, which will ultimately become our Country’s Pride, is in your hands. I’ve done my part to promote and conduct the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race and I did it with the support of “82 new brave warriors” of Bataan, those “angels wearing running shoes” and “supporters” who remain to be silent and don’t want to be identified. And this will be a yearly event to commemorate our heroes.

“There is Unity in Sports”

P.S.

When I joined the 2008 San Francisco Marathon last August, the EMCEE during the race’s awarding ceremony announced that the marathon event was able to raise Five Million Dollars ($ 5M) for the past five years to support the different “causes” and benefits that the City of San Francisco had been actively supporting. Now, you do your own mathematics!


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Categories : Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Races, Running

“Death March Ultramarathon: Running To Honor, Help Vets”

24 04 2009

This is a news article written by Tina Arceo-Dumlao and published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s April 5, 2009 issue. It was posted on Page A4. Hereunder is the exact copy of the said article:

A RUN FROM MARIVELES, BATAAN, TO the 102-kilometer marker in San Fernando, Pampanga, 18 hours.

That is the daunting challenge that 82 hard-core runners, including eight foreigners and five women, will try to meet as they “run, endure and survice” the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race.

The “few, proud, and brave” runners would have taken off from the Bataan Death March Park at KM 00 at 1:00 a.m. today to retrace the route of the infamous “Death March” of April 9, 1942.

The runners are expected to cross the San Fernando finish line at around 7 p.m.

According to World War II accounts, over 90,000 Filipino and American soldiers captured when Bataan finally fell to Japanese invaders were marched out of Bataan. Around 5,000-10,000 Filipinos and 650 American soldiers collapsed and died from exhaustion or untreated wounds during the three-day ordeal in the scorching summer heat. Those who culd not keep up were beaten or shot. Some managed to escape; some died trying. The 54,000 who managed to reach Pampanga alive were then placed on board on a cargo train to Camp O’ Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

Retired Maj. General Jovenal D Narcise, the brains behind the ultramarathon, told the INQUIRER that he organized the country’s first competitive ultramarathon to commemorate the dead and surviving heroes of the Bataan Death March.

“We would also like to raise some funds to support the needs of World War II veterans who are now under the care of the Veterans Medical Center,” he said.

Narcise said a similar ultramarathon is held every year in New Mexico in the United States in support of the American survivors of the Death March. He felt that it was just right to organize a counterpart event in the Philippines.

“By the number of fatalities on the side of our Filipino heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, we should be the one who should be doing this memorial service by way of retracing the route they had taken,” said Narcise.

He said the race would help imbue in Filipinos the memory of “the sacrifices that our forefathers offered in the name of defense of the country and freedom from foreign invaders.”

Man known as Bald Runner

Narcise, called Bald Runner in the running circuit, said that with the race, he hoped to put the Philippines on the world map of ultramarathons and make it part of the schedule of adventure tourists.

He said the Bataan 102K race had the potential to be as popular as the Comrades Ultramarathon in South Africa, Badwater Ultramarathon in the United States, Marathon Des Sables in Morocco, Libyan Challenge in Libya, Jungle Marathon in Brazil and Gobi March in the Gobi Desert, China, because of its historical significance.

Narcise said ultramarathons are gaining popularity around the world. A 100-km ultramarathon will be featured as a demonstration sport in the 2012 London Olympics.

Qualifying race for Olympics

“In envision this Bataan 102K as a qualifying race for our future Olympic athletes,” he said.

The 56-year-old Narcise, who boasts of having the same 29-inch waist that he had as a cadet of the Philippine Military Academy, added that he was also inspired to organize the event to get more people to embrace a healthy lifestyle through running—an inexpensive yet effective way to keep fit. 

Narcise, who retired last year as commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, has been running since he was a cadet and his passion pushed him to put up the race even without government support.

No support from promoters

“Sad to say, I was not supported by those government offices which are promoting sports development. I was also not supported by those who are promoting tourism in the country. Moreso, I got negative response for help and assistance from people and politicians whom you always see telling the public that they are going to support our quest for sports excellence in the Olympics,” he said.

But far from being discouraged by the lack of support, he went into the project with even greater enthusiasm. Those who encouraged him were fellow running enthusiasts and former subordinates in the AFP who believed in his mission to celebrate heroism by running in the heroes’ foosteps.

Picture of the News Article

Picture of the News Article

My sincerest thanks to Ms Tina Arceo-Dumlao for writing this news article and have it published on the day the race event happened. I really appreciate those countless telephone calls, SMS, and e-mails between us.  How I wished this news report would have been published with www.inquirer.net. My appreciation goes also to Kim O’ Connell who took the initiative of making sure that this event would be known to everybody through her “contacts” and friends.

I had the chance to read this news article when my brother, General Samuel, met  and paced me on my last 9-10 kilometers of the ultramarathon race. I was then brisk-walking while I was reading this article and it gave me the energy-boost to finish the race.

On my way back to Manila after the race, I found out that the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President called me twice on my cellphone during the time while I was running along the stretch of SanFernando-Dinalupihan Highway, within the vicinity of Lubao, Pampanga.  I tried to return the call but it was not answered. Maybe, he was too busy attending the Birthday Celebration of the President and/or preparation for the President’s attendance to the Araw Ng Kagitingan to be held at Mt Samat the following day. 

On the day after the activities at Mt Samat, the Chief of Staff called me while I was in my hometown celebrating the 85th Birthday celebration of my late mother. He informed me that the President saw the runners and myself during the ultramarathon event. However, the main reason why he called me was because of the abovementioned news article. The President read the news article and she was touched by the objectives of the race event even without positive support from the government and personalities who advocate sports development and sports excellence. But, the Chief of Staff tried to help and appease my concern about the lack of support as more time must be neded to process such requests. I told him that I received formal letters from sports & tourism authorities and “personalities” outrightly denying my request. My friend became silent at the other end of the line after telling him that I still have those letters. So, we just talked about other things and the things I am doing to help others.

Ok. Let us move on. On the 1st weekend of March next year, it will be 2nd edition of the BDM 102 and it will be within the Election Campaign Period. I predict that these “jokers & comedians” and wannabe “actors, singers & dancers” will be looking for events where they will be known by the people. The BDM 102 event will never be used for politics and commercialism. Let this be a running event to honor our heroes and a venue for us who are “crazy” and hardcore runners to test the limit of our body’s endurance.

So, train now and have fun!

(Note: I will post the letters from Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Tourism, and some of the “presidentiables” in response for some support to the BDM 102 in due time)


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Categories : Insights, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon

Race Report: Bataan 102 Ultramarathon/Part 2 (PGMA Waved At Me While I Was Running!)

7 04 2009

I DID IT…WE DID IT…WE SURVIVED!!!

This is my race report as a competitor in this event. Later, I will publish my race report as the Race Organizer and as the Race Director.

After simple ceremony before the start, the excited and nervous participants had a group picture at the very first kilometer post/obelisk (Km 00) of the Bataan Death March as a symbol and evidence of our start for a new experience and challenge in running. I knew that many passionate runners had ran the course before but this is the very first time that an ultramarathon race is being done with a cut-off time of 18 hours to finish the race. It is started as a dream..an idea..and now a reality after nine months of planning, preparation and training.

I officially started the race with a simple shout of Ready..Set..Go! and the front runners immediately ran towards to the entrance/exit of the Batan Death March Park. I immediately checked on my digital watch to register the official start of the race. The race started at 12:33 AM of 05 April 2009 after a brief drizzle of rain which I concluded as a good sign of a successful event and a blessing from the overall orchestrator of things in this world. After handing over the megaphone to Coach Salazar, I started my slow jog out of the Park and ran towards the main road going to Mariveles EPZA (Export Processing Zone Authority).

Km 1-10

 While running along the straight road towards the Bataan/Mariveles EPZA covering the 1st kilometer, I was reviewing my race strategy…finish the race with a consistent pace and prove that I can finish the race within the cut-off time. It was some sort of “Setting The Example” as one of the time-tested Principles in Leadership and applying it to this particular ultramarathon race. If the Race Organizer/Race Director Can Do It, A Runner-Participant Can Do It, Too! This was the “attitude” I wanted to impart to all the first-time participants of this race. While running on the first 3 kilometers, I was with the group of Christian Alacar who requested to congratulate me and offered his hand for a handshake. Christian congratulated me for organizing this very first ultra race to commemorate the Bataan Death March. He said that it is seldom to see a Race Organizer/Race Director joining his own race as one of the competitors, and at an ultramarathon race at that!  We shared some stories for the next 2 kilometers and I was joined by Edilberto “Nonong” Severino, Jr of the Globe Runners Club whom I’ve been seeing a lot at the ULTRA Oval Track  weeks before this race as he was running continouosly for 3 hours every late afternoon to evening. However, Christian would later slow down and Nonong and I left him after passing Km Post # 3.   At this point, the road is starting to go uphill and we are about to start a 4-Km winding road on a mountain that separates Mariveles from Cabcaben, the next town from Mariveles. The plan was to start walking on the steep portions of the road and jog on the level part of the road/mountain and I did what I planned to do. Nonong was also running beside me imitating what I was doing. Once I started walking, he walked and once I resumed running, he ran with me. It was too dark along the road that I had to use my handheld pin flashlight from MagLite to see where my feet were about to land. More stories were shared between me and Nonong. Gene Olvis, one of the hardcore runners, later joined us during our ascent to the mountain and we started sharing stories. Our discussion later went to the participation of Tess Geddes, the first and only Philippine representative to compete in the 24th edition of the Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert (Morocco), a woman at that! Gene told me that he sent some messages to Tess Geddes during the race and he actually monitored the race everyday. Later, Gene had to pick-up his pace and slowly went ahead of us. I was not thinking who were following us on our backs but the first aim was to get out of those steep uphill curves and inclines from Km 3 to Km 7. After alternately brisk walking and slow jogging, we finally reached Km Post # 7 and the last inclined road towards the highest point of the mountain was already infront of us. After walking, we finally reached the peak and we started  to run again going downhill. Another downhill and slight uphill..and then repeated again until we reached the Km 10 marker. It was a very slooow 10K and allowed the CAMANAVA Runners (Atty Jeffrey Abenina, Albert Henson & Francisco Lapira, Jr) going ahead of us in a synchronated pace. My race plan was followed and I knew I was able to conserve a lot of energy by alternately walking and jogging on the said mountain.

Km 10-20

Most of the runners tried to speed up their pace after the hardest uphill climb was on our backs. I depended on the availability of the “roving/mobile” Aid Stations by asking bottled water for my hydration needs. I did not use any of my hydration belts and bladders during the race. Instead, I tucked in one bottle of water on my back and held one bottle alternately with my two hands. I had to drink one Gatorade bottle every 5 kilometers just to be sure that my body electrolytes were not depleted. I have to take a sip of water from my bottled water every kilometer and didn’t wait for me to be thirsty. Nonong Severino was still with me during the run. I knew that the Km # 20 Post is at the vicinity of the entrance from the Roman Highway going to the DND Government Arsenal and the terrain of the road is a rolling one. I always tell Nonong not to worry about the uphill climbs and try to brisk walk on them because there are more downhill portions of the first half of the race. We were at the higher level and wait till we reach Pilar, Bataan where the terrain of the road will start to be relatively all flat.  It would be better to gain more speed on the downhill portions in order to regain the loss of time we encountered in brisk walking in uphill climbs. And that was the thing we did. Jerome Cartailler, the French runner, was the one infront of us and his running style was so unique that he sways sideways but we could hardly reached him. He was fast, too in going downhill. The last two kilometers seemed to be very far but I knew the 1st Aid Station was getting nearer. I told Nonong to eat whatever food he can eat as we reached the Aid Station. I told him also that I will eat some hard boiled eggs and boiled bananas as my fuel for the next kilometers to come. Finally, we reached the 1st Aid Station at Km Post # 20 and the marshals/checkers/ and the volunteers were there cheering us and offering us food and drinks. I was happy that the volunteers got my instructions to copy what I’ve experienced while I ran the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run last August 2008 in Calabasas, California. In this Aid Station, Lester and Margaret were there also to serve the runners. It was him who informed me that Jonel aka Bugobugo was still at the back aprroaching the Aid Station. Robert, the PhotoVendo Guy was also there to take pictures to every runner passing or stopping at the said Station.

Km 20-30

After a roller-coaster terrain along the main highway, we turned right to a narrow cemented road which was part of the original route of the Bataan Death March. Suddenly, Nonong Severino slowed down and asked me if there is a gasoline station near ahead. He seemed to be doing Number 2 after eating some food at the 1st Aid Station. I did not notice him as he  slowed down along the way. I was already running alone on the dark road of Limay. However, I noticed that a biker from my brother’s Light Armor Division was all the time on my back following me and one of the three (3) Ambulance Vehicles was posted on the middle of the race purposely under orders from my brother to assist/support me. At that time, my support vehicle was busy checking the preparations in every Aid Station and checking the road marshals on the critical crossroads along the way. My support vehicle became the overall supervising administrative vehicle for the whole race. It was again an undulating and rolling dark road passing along the Poblacion of Limay and then at Orion where the people were starting to get out from their houses for the Palm Sunday celebration in the towns’ churches. I was already running alone and from time to time the roving Aid Station would offer water and Gatorade. The Ambulance and the biker gave me company on those dark roads of Limay and Orion. Ralph Salvador would be my next companion along the road but he would overtake me and then stop to walk and stretch. Later, I would overtake him but he would be strongly running again. He always went ahead of me but he was always on my sight at least 50 meters ahead. It was a see-saw running with Ralph for the next few kilometer.

Km 30-40

I knew my average pace would fluctuate from 6:45 minutes per kilometer to 7:30 minutes per kilometer and my GF 305 was about to register a running time of four hours. During my training for this ultra race, I conditoned my running legs to be within this range of pace and at least have an average pace of brisk walking from 8:45 minutes per kilometer to 10:00 minutes per kilometer. At this point, I did not have any urge to speed up my pace and tried to consistently maintain my planned average pace. There was nothing wrong with my legs..no pains..no aches..my legs were on their “automatic cruise” control and I maintained my shuffling style of running, making sure to remember what Coach Titus would always remind us in our training…”be light, be quick, with the feet as they touched the ground & swing arms in a relax way”. I was using my ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2, which is almost one-year old and the heaviest among my running shoes. It is also the most expensive one but the cushioning and comfort/stability of the shoes were uncomparable with other shoes. I was confident that these running shoes will bring me to the finish line without changing to any other shoes even if I brought along my new ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 for the last stretch of the race. I was using a new pair of socks from Eddie Bauer’s CoolMax which is the same brand of socks that I used in the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run and my feet were completely covered with petroleum jelly before wearing my socks. As for my racing apparel, I decided to use the Bataan 102K Shirt and my light-gray Patagonia Trail Shorts which has 3 zippered pockets. I had 2 bars of Cloud 9 Chocolates on my left front pocket; my MagLite Pin Flashlight was secured on my right pocket; and I had 3 packs of GU Roctane in my rear pocket. One bottled water tucked on my back and one on my hand. Of course, my pink bandana was tied loosely on my neck to absorb the perpiration coming from head and neck and the damped bandana acted as my coolant for my nape while running without the heat of the sun. At this point, my support vehicle was back to assist me but they got an emergency call that the volunteers at the Km # 40 Aid Station were being harassed by a drunken guy. So, I sent Maj Ed Tubiera, one of my trusted officers to find out the real situation on the said Aid Station. As I approached the town of Pilar, I knew I was nearing Km Post # 40, the 2nd Aid Station. From a distance, I saw the M-35 truck (6 X 6) properly parked at the Aid Station with the uniformed Philippine Army soldiers securing the volunteers. I knew that the emergency situation had been settled. I reached the 2nd Aid Station and started to eat the available foods on the table and drink some more of the electrolyte drinks.

Km 40-50

As I was eating, I was informed by my staff that one of the lady runners, Kim O’ Connel was transported out of the race due to emergency situation. I tried to call the source of the information but I could not make any contact with the people who are in the know. I looked at my watch and I wondered what could had been the cause of the emergency call since it was too early in the morning and the sun was still about to rise on the horizon. I immediately finished eating and resumed my running and try to reach the halfway to get more information about Kim. Captain Quilo of the Light Armored Division, Philippine Army who was the Overall Team Captain of the Medicall Team decided to pace me after eating some foods at the 2nd Aid Station. I knew he would pace me up to the halfway point where we pre-positioned one Aid Station, where we served “hot food” for all the participants and volunteers. The road was already flat and after running for 4 kilometers, we reached the city limits of Balanga. We were not able to see Km Post # 44 as it was transferred to the City Park which is one block away from the old road. After crossing some small bridges and long stretch of cemented road, I knew the halfway mark was within our reach. Capt Quilo was trying his best to keep up with my slow pace and he was starting to perspire. I tried to offer water to him but he declined as he has some water support coming from his soldiers. I tried to increase my average pace as it reached 5:50 to 6:00 minutes per kilometer. It was a nice sight to see the 3rd Aid Station where bowls of Arroz Caldo (rice porridge with chicken) were ready to be picked-up once a runner reached the said Station. Another option was for the runners to be served with “hot noodles”. The volunteers were very supportive and responsive to the needs of the runners. While I was eating, I tried to get more information about Kim but nobody could give an accurate information about her incident.

I was able to eat two bowls of Arroz Caldo and drank two bottles of Gatorade. While eating, Jonel and Dr Joe aka The Loony Runner arrived at the Aid Station. After eating, I was requested by one of the local reporters to have an interview and photo-ops for his news report and obliged to his request. In my estimate, it took me at least 15-20 minutes to stay at the halfway point.

Still Smiling at Km # 50 With Capt Quilo

Still Smiling at Km # 50 With Capt Quilo

Lots of Water To Drink at Km #50 & the Smiling Capt Quilo

Lots of Water To Drink at Km #50 & the Smiling Capt Quilo

Maj Ed Tubiera, the Acting Race Director while I was running. He just arrived from UN Peacekeeping duties from Liberia

Maj Ed Tubiera, the Acting Race Director while I was running. He just arrived from UN Peacekeeping duties in Liberia

Interview with a News Reporter at the Middle of the Race

Interview with a News Reporter at the Middle of the Race

Km 50-60

Jonel, Dr Joe, and I started the second half of the race. I was surprised that we left the place at 7:25 AM, almost the exact time when we started our “Bataan 52K Test Run” two months ago. While we were running, I told Jonel that we are running the 2nd half exactly the same time that we had our “test run”. I was sending him the message that the last half would be as easy as the “test run” as we had experienced the heat of the sun and learned our lessons. Jonel acted as the pacer & frontrunner as we ran in line with me following him and Dr Joe on my back. Our steps were synchronated, placing the same foot forward as if we were soldiers running in cadence. Almost all of the time we were running on the dirt side of the road for a softer landing/strike and lesser heat from the ground. We shared stories while maintaining a pace of 6:48 minutes per kilometer. I told Jonel of what happened to Kim and we discussed that it could had not been due to the heat of the sun. Anyway, we discussed some medical requirements and medical protocol to be applied to each runner-applicant in future Bataan 102 editions. Dr Joe suggested that each runner must be able to submit the most current medical certificate to the Race Organizer prior to competing in this race. I immediately approved the suggestion of Dr Joe. I tried also to get feedbacks from Jonel & Dr Joe as to the conduct of the race and so far, they are satisfied with the support system. After lots of discussion, we were surprised that we are approaching the next Aid Station (3rd). We were reminded of Ben Gaetos advice on mixing Coca-Cola or Mountain Dew with Salt for the last leg of the race. So, while drinking cold Mountain Dew, we were licking lots of salt grains poured on our palm and hands. I ate a lot of FITA Biscuits while drinking water and got more cold sponge to pour cold water on my head. The sun was already getting hotter and I knew this was the actual start of the race. I knew that after leaving this Aid Station, the challenge will be on more on mental attitude and fighting the heat of the sun.

Km 60-70

After passing the Municipality of Samal, we were already in Orani, Bataan and Hermosa, Bataan would be next. As we reached Hermosa Poblacion, which is Km Post # 63, I started to lead and become the pacer setter and front runner of the three of us. We agreed to reach the junction of Roman Highway and the road that goes inside Hermosa as we passed the Hermosa Church as this will boost our morale.  As we left the Poblacion, I knew we have at least 4 kilometers more before reaching the Roman Highway. I increased the pace but I was surprised that Jonel and Dr Joe made a brief stop at their support vehicle, a few meters outside the Poblacion. I slowed down my pace but kept on jogging. As I reached Km Post # 67 at the Junction, I observed that the biker-soldier was the only one on my back and I asked from him what happened to my other two companions. He answered that he could not see them on his back. Running along the Highway as I approached the Dinalupihan Crossing to Subic was a big boost afterall. I knew I could make it. I used my loose bandana to cover my nose and mouth as if I am one of those runners joining the Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert while I was passing by the dusty part of the road where a bridge is being constructed with all the heavy traffic of vehicles on my left. As I reached the Layac Crossing in Dinalupihan, I knew I still have 34 kilometers more to go and at the rate I was running, I could finish the race in 14+ hours. Two more kilometers of running, I was already at the Km Post # 70.

Km 70-80

This part of the route is a straight road as far as your eyes can see. At a distance I could see the thick traffic of vehicle and thick dust where almost all the vehicles were moving very slowly and some were on full stop. The target of my run on this segment was this part of the road where there was road construction. I ran alone on this part of the road with the biker-soldier and the ambulance on my back who served as my support vehicle. Captain Quilo handed me the much-needed ice-cooled sponges, Gatorade drinks and water. I could feel that my wet hat could easily dry up because of the intense heat of the sun. I saw to it that I asked sponge every 500 meters that I covered and this became a ritual all the way to Guagua. Suddenly, a car was on my back as I was running along the wide dirt sidewalk of the highway and I was surprised to see Jonas & Sheila who offered me bottled water and took some pictures of me while running. At this point, I could still afford to smile to the camera despite the intense heat and the fatigue I was starting to feel after running for about 74 kilometers. Lester and Margaret were also in constant roving mode along this road as they offered water and sports drinks. Guys, thank you very much for those much-needed support. Since Km Post # 80 is located in the middle of the road construction, the last Aid Station was relocated at Km Post # 79. I stopped and ate some more food and drank lots of sports drinks. I asked some questions to the volunteers on their observations of the runners ahead of me and they gave me vital information. I asked them to be vigilant and alert for the other runners and advised them to immediately offer assistance and food/water to them. I did not stay long at the Aid Station and as I reached the Poblacion of Lubao, I could see a group of runners approaching the Lubao Bridge.

Km 80-90 

I started to increase my pace and I was surprised to see Norio Tanaka being paced by at least six (6) runners from Runnex, though they were already walking. I passed them as I crossed the Lubao Bridge and at this point, I just passed Km Post # 82. I knew that in about 2 kilometers, I would reach the road intersection leading to the town of Guagua. At the intersection, I was surprised that we are going on detour because of another road construction. At this point, another runner, Arman Abalos, who was already walking joined me. I started to talk to him and get more details about him. He is from Lukban and I was surprised that he is lagging behind. He said that he was too tired already. I told him to join me and pace with all the way to the finish line. I instructed Captain Quilo to extend support to Arman from the resources we still have in the Ambulance. So, whenever I ask for sponge or water or sports drinks, he would get the same treatment as with me. He was actually on my back trying to tag along with me…when I walk, he would walk..when I jog, he would jog, when I increse my pace, he would try to increase his pace. This became our ritual up to the point until we reached the Poblacion of Guagua.

At Kilometer 88, I started to notice a Motorcycle Security Escort passing and going to the direction of Poblacion Guagua. I knew that these escorts were the point guards of the Presidential Security Group’s Convoy of President GMA. Knowing where the President would actually ride in her provincial sorties, I started to wave my right hand, show my face and slightly tilted my body to my left as an Executive Bus would be approaching on my left side. I raised my head and face to make sure the President would recognize me. As the bus passed me, one of the windows opened and I saw the face of the President and hand waving back at me!!! I guess that gesture made me run faster up to the point when I reached Km Post # 90 near the Guagua Poblacion. I was thinking of the “worst scenario” to happen where the Presidential Convoy would suddenly slow down or stop and have a brief chat with the President while I was running. Yesterday, I was informed by the President’s Chief of Staff that PGMA knew that I was the one running and waving at her in her Presidential Bus.

Before reaching Guagua, Pampanga, I saw Jerry aka High Altitude and Ellen Tolentino sitting at the open baggage back compartment of their support vehicle and I asked him if he finished the race already and he said “No”. I immediately shouted at him as if I am still an active General shouting to a soldier. I shouted at him, “C’mon, Stand Up and Join Us…Let’s Go!” In a few seconds, Ellen Tolentino was already running beside me and Jerry was already trying to catch up. Slowly, Ellen and Jerry picked up their pace and they left us for good! As soon as I reached the volunteers at Km Post # 90, I stopped and asked one of our staff on my present placing/ranking and she said that I was # 29.

Km 90-102

I decided not to drop by at the Razon’s for their famous Halo-Halo and continued to brisk walk as I was looking for a place where I could hide and make a pee! In an alley, I was able to relieve myself and started my shuffle run and I was feeling already fatigued and tired. More sponges..more water to drink..more sports drinks…and more Cloud 9 to chew. I opened my 2nd to the last GU Roctane and I was confident to slow jog and brisk walk up to the finish line. After I passed Km Post # 92, my brother, General Samuel met me aboard his service vehicle together with his security and joined me with my brisk walking. We brisk walked all the way up to the Km Post # 100 and shared stories. He informed me of a news story featured in the day’s Philippine Daily Inquirer on page 4 about the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon. I immediately asked for the newspaper and it was true about the report that I was reading the newspaper while I was on my way to the Finish Line. I enjoyed brisk walking with my brother and personally thanked him for the support he provided for the success of this very first Bataan Death March Ultramarathon Race. Moreso, of the personal attention and support provided by his Medical Team and biker-soldiers.

From Km # 100, I forced my legs to shuffle with shorter strides and brisk walked and shuffle again until I reached the alley leading me to the last 100 meters towards the Finish Line. My brother and I practically brisk walked for almost 8-9 kms for about one hour plus and it was my subtle way to cool-down for the ultramarathon race. There was no point to force myself and set a faster time. I knew I have proven something worth to remember and savor in my running career. I knew that finishing this race would start a new beginning in the history of running in the country.

At the Finish Line

I was awarded by Maj Ed Tubiera with the Bataan 102 Finisher’s Medal with the inscribed ranking of # 30 with an unofficial time of 15 hours and 15 minutes and I got my Finisher’s Trophy and T-Shirt. From here, I awarded the Finisher’s Medal, Trophy, and T-shirt for the next 33 Finishers who arrived within the cut-off time of 18 hours.

As my son, John would say in his SMS he sent at least 12 hours before the start of the race—” A new era is dawning…” Yes, a new era is dawning in the history of running competition in the country. And I was able to prove it…I did it…we did it…and we were able to prove to the world that we can do an ultramarathon race on the very exact place where history happened.

What’s next? I will be the full-time Race Organizer and Race Director for the 2nd Edition of the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race and other Bataan 102K Race Events. Let us help our surviving heroes who experienced the infamous Bataan Death March which happened 67 years ago and revive the awareness to the younger generation and other generations to come that our forefathers had to sacrifice their lives in the name of freedom and independence.

Start training now!!!

More Stories With My Brother Samuel After The Race

More Stories With My Brother Samuel After The Race

My Brother and I Were Already Planning For the 2nd Bataan 102 At The Finish Line

My Brother and I Were Already Planning For the 2nd Bataan 102 At The Finish Line


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Categories : Insights, Pictures, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon

Tess Geddes: The Pinay Desert Ultramarathoner

21 03 2009

To celebrate this March as the Women’s Month, I would like to pay tribute to this Filipino Woman who is, I am sure, unknown to us but in the world of multi-day ultramarathon races, she is very popular.

During the brief stay of Ben Gaetos in the country, he mentioned to me of a Pinay Ultramarathoner who is based in the Middle East and I was surprised to receive an e-mail from her through Ben immediately after Ben arrived in the USA and that was the start of our regular exchanges of e-mails for the past weeks. I really wanted her to spread the news among her friends and team mates in her ultramarathon adventures about the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race Event, and my way of inviting her to join the event in the future. Ben Gaetos also sent her e-mails about his experience with his participation in our Midnight To Sunrise and “Test” Runs for the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon.

The following is her story why she was lured to ultra running and presently loves the challenge of the ultramarathon:

“I started running 10 years ago when I turned 40. I quickly got hooked on doing races, starting with 10k’s, then half marathons and marathons.  I loved having a goal, training for it and then achieving it.  To this day, I live by my trainer’s motto:  Dream big and go for it!

 

I suppose it was this desire to push myself beyond my physical and mental limits that led me to do my first desert ultra, the Sahara Race in Egypt in September 2005, a 7-day, 250km foot race. Racers had to be self sufficient and we carried everything we needed in our backpack.  My pack weighed 10kgs.    It was very TOUGH!!  Temperatures exceeded 50C, everyday. In fact, the organizers had to move our start times forward by Day 3 so we weren’t in the heat for as long.  It was then that I realized the resilience of the human body and how it can take much more stress than we could ever imagine.  Needless to say, I survived, minus a few toenails.  I also fell in love with the desert and it made me want to go back.  It’s hard to explain and I put it down to my brain having been fried by the heat, so now, like Ben said, perhaps I’m in need of psychiatric treatment.

 

That was almost 4 years ago, and since then I have done the following:

 

Desafio Al Desierto, Argentina (April 2006, 3-day stage, 100kms)

Atacama Crossing, Chile (July 2006, 7-day stage, 250kms) – DNF due to injury, had to quit on Day 4

Libyan Challenge, Libya (February 2007, non-stop 190kms)

Desert R.A.T.S., Utah (June 2007, 6 day stage, 250kms)

Libyan Challenge , Libya (February 2008, non-stop 190kms)

 

And now, my next big adventure:  the Marathon des Sables in Morocco from 29th March to 4th April.

 

The Marathon des Sables or “Marathon of Sands” is a 7-day, 250 km (150mile) stage foot race and is considered to be the toughest  race on earth.  Competitors have to be self-sufficient, so we have to carry our own food, sleeping bag/mat, medical kit,  plus compulsory gear, etc.  for a week.  The only things provided by the organisers are water and a space in an 8-man berber tent (if you’re thinking North Face zipup tents that protect you from the elements, think again :)  These tents are open on two sides and offer little protection in a sandstorm).  Temperatures will go up to and sometimes exceed 120F (48C).  

 

This year there are 850 competitors with 39 countries represented including the Philippines, with ages ranging from 16-71.

 

And guess what?  I’m the only racer from the Philippines!”  

 

Tess Geddes, by this time, is already in transit to Marrakech, Morocco for her one week stay in the desert to acclimatize herself before the start of the Marathon Des Sables (MDS).

 

If you have the time to send her a message during the race, please leave a message of encouragement for her at www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php. Such message shall be read by the Race Director infront of all the competitors every 8:00 PM. She will be wearing Race Bib # 821. Let us cheer and support her with our simple message.

 

Tess, we are proud of you. Good luck and be safe always!

Logo Of Marathon Des Sables

Logo Of Marathon Des Sables


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