This is an “Out of the Box” idea. However, there are races in other countries that adopt this kind of arrangement.
Since there are no corporate sponsors for our entry-level road ultras like the Tagaytay To Nasugbu 50K Ultra Marathon Race, I would like to “float” the idea of awarding Cash Prizes to the Top Runners which will be taken from the Registration Fee of each runner.
In order to come up with such Cash Prizes, I would like to increase the registration fee for this race/ultra run (6th T2N) from P 1,500 to P 2,000, where the additional P 500 will be considered as a share of each runner for the Cash Prize. Depending on the number of registered runners in this event, the Cash Prize will be a considerable amount for the Podium Finishers or it could be made to spread up to the top 10 finishers for the Male & Female Categories.
If this event will reach 100 registered runners, then P 50,000 will be allocated for the Cash Prize of the Top Runners. It will be the sole decision of the Race Director on how the Cash Prize shall be divided among the Top Runners. Just like in many races where there are Cash Prizes, the amounts shall be staggered with the fastest receiving a bigger amount of money from the faster, fast and the rest of the top runners.
We will be transparent on how this accumulated Cash Prize will be utilized and distributed to the Top Runners.
Let us support our runners who have the potential to join and excel in ultra running events in the country and soon, for extended exposure to our neighboring countries.
My special thanks to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), AFP, Philippine Air Force, Tarlac and Capas PNP, Light Armor Division (LAD) of the Philippine Army, Barangay Sta Juliana Personnel, Jun Padilla for the Pepsi Products & Drinks, Ronnel Go for the Photo Coverage, Volunteers, and Staff of Bald Runner’s Events for their untiring efforts to make this event safe for the runners and for the success of this event.
Before The Run In Front Of Antique Provincial Capitol
On the first week of May this year, I decided to run from San Jose De Buenavista, Antique to Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan via Nabas, Aklan along the Antique-Aklan Highway. I started my run at 9:00 AM May 6, 2013 in front of the Provincial Capitol in San Jose De Buenavista and was able to reach the town of Tibiao, Aklan in 14 hours and it was already 11:00 PM. I rested and slept for awhile and then continued my run and was able to reach my destination, through walking and slow jogging on the last half, at the Army Transient Facility (ATF) in Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan on or about 5:00 PM of May 7, 2013. I was able to run the distance of 166 kilometers in 32 hours with more “pit stops” on the last 86 kilometers of the route.
Very Hot & Sunny Run
Since it was Summer when I did this adventure run, it was too hot during daytime and it became colder during nighttime as I felt the cold wind coming from the sea. But on the following day, I was totally tired and drained due to the heat of the sun from Pandan, Antique to Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan. I was forced to walk on populated areas because of the presence of dogs. And from Nabas, Aklan to my destination, there was a lot of traffic of vehicles coming from Caticlan and Kalibo, Aklan as most of the tourist were going and coming from Boracay Island. It was practically a “Death March” for me on my last 20K to the Finish Line.
From my experience of this adventure run, I came up with an Ultra Marathon Race with the same route that I’ve ran and placed intermediate cut-off times along the way so that runners will be forced to maintain their pace and could cover the distance with a faster time than what I’ve recorded. The following intermediate cut-off times were announced and included in the rules and regulations:
Kilometer #40—–6:30 Hours
Kilometer #80—–14 Hours
Kilometer #100—-18 Hours
Kilometer #120—–23 Hours
Kilometer #160/Finish Line—–30 Hours
However, with the “bonus” (additional) 6 kilometers of the route, I decided to give an additional “bonus” time for all the runners as a surprise news/gift to them once they arrive at the Finish Line.
It was raining on the night of the starting day of the event. The weather forecast indicated a rainy weather and thunderstorm for the whole weekend and it was a good sign that the runners will experience a cooler temperature as compared when I did this run last May. It will also deter or prevent the runners from being exposed to the stray dogs staying along the road. But it was expected that runners will be battling with the rains and cold winds.
After a short briefing and photo-ops at the Starting Area, the race started at exactly 11:00 PM in front of the Provincial Capitol in San Jose De Buenavista, Antique with 29 runners for the 100-Mile Race and 3 runners for the 50-Mile Race. It rained hard after the runners left the Provincial Capitol.
After giving final instructions to my staff and security detail for the event, I started to run and acted as the official “sweeper” of the race. After 7 kilometers of running, I was able to see the last runner and was able to maintain at least 10 meters behind the runner. After running for 12 kilometers (1:20 hours), I boarded my support vehicle and started to monitor the running condition of each of the runner on the road.
All the runners were doing fine and they were seen running at their comfortable pace. The leaders, Tenny and Ilmar, from Iloilo were leading the group after 20 kilometers with Wilnar Iglesia and Alfred Delos Reyes trailing them from a distance of about 100 meters. Some were running in pairs and some were in groups of three and four. The leaders were running at an average of 10 kilometers per hour and a stretch of 2-3 kilometers covered the distance of the first runner to the last runner.
Despite the strong rains and some flooded areas along the route, the runners kept their respective pace and determined to arrive at designated checkpoint within the prescribed cut-off times. However, most of the runners were so fast that they arrived at the initial checkpoint 2 hours ahead of time! At Km #40, one lady runner barely missed the cut-off time by 15 minutes but the last runner was unable to reach the first checkpoint in 6.5 hours. Two runners were declared as DNF due to injury and inability to reach at Km #40 in 6.5 hours.
At Km #81, at Tibiao Bridge in Tibiao, Antique, I established the Finish Line for 50-Mile Race and all of the runners were able to beat the cut-off time of 14 hours. It was already daytime when the leading runners passed by this checkpoint but the sky was overcast and cloudy. The runners were still enjoying the cooler weather brought about by the rains and overcast sky. Three of the registered runners for the 50-mile race arrived within the cut-off time of 14 hours and I immediately awarded their “loot” to each of them. Two were males and one was a female runner.
From Km #81, I moved to Km #100 and I was able to watch and see the runners that passed the previous checkpoint and they were still strong. The top runners were trying to maintain their pace while the mid-pack runners were power walking and the rest of the runners were on their respective “pit stops”. At Km #100, 7 runners were able to pass the checkpoint and they were building up more gap from the rest of the runners. At this point, I could sense that some of the runners at the back would not be able to cross the checkpoint within the prescribed cut-off time of 18 hours as the sun started to shine at noon up to the early afternoon. However, they braved on and were able to cross the checkpoint on the designated cut-off time except for the last runner who was at least 2-3 kilometers away but I allowed the runner to run through the checkpoint.
At Km #120, I changed to my running attire and alighted from my support vehicle and started my workout for the day—I have to run at least 35 kilometers for the day! On the day the race started (Friday), I was scheduled to run 10 kilometers but I was able to cover a distance of 12 kilometers. While running on the last 46 kilometers of the route, I was being informed by my staff about the condition/status of the runners. I started to receive reports of DNFs and telephone calls from runners asking if they are on the right direction/route. Some of the callers would show symptoms of hallucinations as they thought they are lost or “going on circle” along the route. I just told them to keep/stay calm and try to look for the DPWH Kilometer Posts (colored yellow) located on the right side of the road. If the number below the letter M (Malay) is descending/decreasing as they move forward along the road, then they are nearing the Finish Line!
I actually ran 38 kilometers and started to ride my support vehicle when I was informed that the leading runner was about 7-8 kilometers behind me. It was already almost 9:00 PM when I entered Caticlan, Malay and I went directly to the area where the Finish Line is located. I knew that the runners will curse me as the final and last 500 meters of the course will be a steep climb to the top of a hill which is an unpaved road with lots of grasses.
After waiting for about an hour, the first runner arrived at the Finish Line and it was Wilnar Iglesia, the Course record Holder of the BDM 160 Ultra Marathon Race. The following the is the result of the race:
Out of the 29 runners who started at the Starting Area in San Jose De Buenavista, Antique, 18 runners crossed the finish line in 31 hours and they received the Finisher’s Buckle. And the rest is history.
Out of the 18 runners who crossed the finish line in 31 hours, 85% of them arrived at the 29th hour of the race or within the last hour of the original cut-off time of 30 hours. The answer to this observation/data could be explained with the following:
1. Most of the runners did not have appropriate training and relied much on “brute force” to finish the race. Most of the finishers had experienced finishing 100-milers and barely to finish within the prescribed cut-off time is their ultimate goal. It’s the Finisher’s Buckle that counts most, not the Finish Time!
2. Those who trained properly for this race could move easily and walk properly after they have taken their shower and short sleep. The rest of the runners were sluggish and could hardly move their legs and feet after taking a bath.
3. Those who prepared and trained properly for this event wore their shoes from start to finish. The rest of the runners shifted to shoes then to sandals and some would start with running sandals and then shifted to running shoes. If you are not born in the Copper Canyon in Northern Mexico, then don’t think that you can finish a 100-miler race with sandals!
4. All my ultra races are held whether it is raining or when there is a typhoon or not. Most of the runners were not prepared to have extra socks with them. I have always prescribed the brand DRYMAX to all the ultra runners who have delicate skin on their feet but some are still using local brands of socks. Blisters became a big challenge to almost all the runners.
5. Aside from blisters, chafing is the second most challenging problem to the runners. It was my problem also when I ran this distance last May of this year! I had to change my running shorts to compression shorts when I started to feel that I was developing some chafing on my groin area caused by my wet shorts.
6. Except for the local runners (from Iloilo/Panay), the rest of the runners are new to the area and did not have any chance to recon or run through the area. Some of the runners are also “first-timers” to Boracay Island and some had been in the area but they seem to be lost while they are on foot under the cover of darkness on the route from Kalibo to Caticlan!
7. Runners take so much time in their “pit stops”! In one occasion, I recorded the time on how long a runner would stay in his “pit stop” to hydrate, eat, and rest. I was surprised to find out that the runner stayed for 20 minutes on a chair! You can do the math if this runner made his “pit stop” for about ten times during the event!
8. Some runners would bring a lot of food or grocery in their support vehicle. When they need something to eat, it would take a lot of time to locate where they stashed the particular food that they want/need while having their “pit stops”.
9. Some runners would sleep in waiting sheds along the road; another runner would drop by for a hot coffee in a wake of a dead person; and some would start conversation with the people along the highway. Such additional activities of the runners on the road are added to the time being spent by the runners.
10. Some of the runners would share the services of one support vehicle. Such vehicle would shuttle from the fastest to the slowest runner who shared for the cost of the support vehicle. If a runner would like to have a good performance in terms of finish time, he/she would have a dedicated support vehicle.
I am stating these observations as a “mirror” to our ultra runners. I am not complaining about their actuations but I am trying to point out on things where they can improve in their performance in future races. In due time, these runners would have the intention of joining international ultra road races in the future and as early as possible these observations should be corrected.
Most of the runners proceeded to Boracay for the much-needed rest and recovery and a chance to visit the place. A “Boodle Fight” & “fast food hopping” was held in Boracay as part of the “body fuel” recovery while the “beach and sea” body immersion was part of the sore muscles and chafing treatment for all the runners.
Pictures of the event can be seen on the following links:
In the military, there is a training or school for “Pathfinders” and they invaluable in airborne operations. They “Light The Way” for the incoming paratroopers and make sure that their landing zones are properly marked and safe. Such expertise and skill can be learned with a 3-week training in a Pathfinder’s School/Training Facility.
I had the chance to meet and see how these airborne soldiers were trained when I was in the US Army Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia, USA in the mid-80s.
I did not realize that this will be my role as the promoter of ultrarunning/ultra marathon events in the country. Since I started to love ultra marathon, I have been a pathfinder for ultra routes whether it is on the roads and trails.
It was very convenient to be a “pathfinder” on the road ultras as I can easily pinpoint the route or place on the map and then actually run through the route on my own. Most of the ultra marathon events that I organize and direct were born or established this way–actually run the route and find out the elevation and distance.
As I shifted more on trail runs in the mid-part of this year, I practically transformed myself as a “pathfinder” in my playground. As I get farther and farther on the distance that I could cover during the day, I would take note of places where I could rest, refill my hydration bottles with water, “engage” people or residents along the route/trail, and establish distance markers or points.
It is the responsibility of the “pathfinder” that his “follow-on” forces will not be lost as he leads them to their “landing zones”. For the past weeks, I had been accepting interested runners to have a glimpse of my playground and most of the time, someone among the group gets lost. But I am glad some would find their way back to where we started or just keep still in their location until we find them where they are located. Sometimes, I would laugh and tell the person/s who got lost that they are my “offerings” to those spirits that guard the mountains!
As of now, the trails that I’ve “found” in the mountains are for training purposes for me and for those who are interested to see the place. I don’t usually invite runners to join me in my training in the mountains as most of them have family and work to attend to during the weekdays. For some, they have also their respective “playground” which is more accessible to them from their residences and offices.
Being a “pathfinder” is a hard task as it takes a lot of time of patience and discipline. But if you love nature and the outdoors, your time in the mountains looking for trails and other land features is worth the task as you can share it to other people to see and to feel.
In my Ultra Marathon Lecture last night with the Frontrunner University at the 100 Mile Cafe located at the Bonifacio Global City, I prepared a Powerpoint Presentation to support my lecture but due to some technical problems, I was not able to play or show the said presentation as a guide/outline.
Lecture On Ultra Marathon (Photo Courtesy of Jonel Mendoza)Group Picture Of Participants (Photo Courtesy of Jonel Mendoza)Picture From The Back (By Joseph Prince Baltazar)
1st ANTIQUE 100-Mile & 50-Mile Ultra Marathon Race (1st PAU Grand Slam of Ultra Marathon Races)
The following are the details of the 1st ANTIQUE 100-Mile & 50-Mile Ultra Marathon Races:
Starting & Assembly Area: In Front of the Provincial Capitol of Antique In San Jose De Buenavista, Antique
Time of Assembly & Processing of Runners: 10:00 PM October 4, 2013, Friday
Time of Start/Gun Start: 11:00 PM October 4, 2013, Friday
Route of the Race: From San Jose De Buenavista To Caticlan, Malay, Aklan (Along the Antique-Aklan Highway) Via Nabas, Aklan.
Finish Line For 50-Mile Race—-Tibiao Bridge, Tibiao, Antique
Finish Line For 100-Mile Race—–Army Transient Facility (ATF), Caticlan, Malay, Aklan
Cut-Off Time For 100-Mile & 50-Mile Races:
—100-Mile Race: 30 Hours
— 50-Mile Race: 14 Hours
Intermediate Cut-Off Times For The 100-Mile Race On Checkpoints:
Kilometer #40—-6.5 Hours
Kilometer #80—-14 Hours
Kilometer #100—-18 Hours
Kilometer #120—-23 Hours
Kilometer #160—-30 Hours
Intermediate Cut-Off Time For The 50-Mile Race On Checkpoint:
Kilometer #40—-6.5 Hours
Qualifications/Requirements: Must have finished a 50K Ultra Marathon Race & Medical/Doctor’s Certificate
Registration Fees:
50-Mile Race: P 2,500.00
100-Mile Race: P 6,000.00
Registration Period: September 17-October 4, 2013. (NO Registration On Race Day)
Awards: Trophies For Top 3 Overall and Top 3 Ladies (For both Races); Finisher’s Medals; Finisher’s T-Shirt (Long-Sleeved For 100-Miler); Certificate of Finish
****Gold/Silver Belt Buckle For The 100-Miler Finishers
****PAU Grand Slam of Ultra Marathon Races
Registration Procedure: Deposit the Registration Fee to the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Savings Account #0296-0673-22 in the name of Jovenal D Narcise. Send the photocopy of the Deposit Slip to e-mail address: jovie75@hotmail.com and then bring the said deposit slip at the Starting Area on Race Day.
Provincial Capitol Of AntiqueStarting & Assembly Area
The following are the Rules and Regulations of the Race:
1. Maintain The Integrity of the Race. Runners and their respective support crew are “deputized” to report any infraction of the rules and regulations of this event. Immediate investigation will be conducted for any report received by the Race Director. If found and proven guilty, the runner who committed the infraction will be immediately Disqualified.
2. All runners must stay on the farthest left side of the road. If there is an incoming traffic, runners must be prepared to immediately side-step to the shoulder of the road.
3. All runners will be on “single file” while running or walking on the farthest left side of the road.
4. All runners must have a support vehicle. However, two runners can share a single support vehicle.
5. ONLY Four-Wheeled Vehicles are allowed as Support Vehicles. Bicycles and Motorcycles/Tricycles are NOT allowed as Support Vehicles for the runners. “Spotters” deployed by a team or group of runners are strictly NOT allowed. Runners using “Spotters” on bicycles or motorcycles will be immediately Disqualified.
6. Runners must ALWAYS carry with themselves a hydration bottle or belt even if they are being supported by their respective support vehicle. Anybody caught running without any hydration bottle or belt will be automatically disqualified.
7. On night running, it is MANDATORY for each runner to use headlight and/or hand-held flashlight and a reflectorized vest. Not being able to use these equipment during the night run portion will be automatically disqualified. “Flashlight” or Lights from Cell Phones are NOT allowed. “Blinking Lights” are not considered as personal lighting system of the runner during the race.
8. Half-naked running will NOT be allowed.
9. Race Bib shall be always visible on the front portion or part of the body/apparel of the runner.
10. Support Vehicles should NOT “shadow” their runner on any time of the day and even during nighttime. Support Vehicle must be able to “leap frog” their respective runner. It is the responsibility of the participating runner to advise or instruct the driver of the support vehicle on the rules and regulations of this event.
11. Support Vehicles should park on the right shoulder of the road when waiting for their runner. Any runner with a Support Vehicle parked on the left shoulder of the road shall be automatically disqualified. There will be No Warnings to be issued by the Race Marshals.
12. Runners are not allowed to enter their Support Vehicle to sit, rest, sleep, or change their running outfit. There are gasoline stations and waiting sheds along the road where each runner could sit or rest and change their outfit/apparel or relieve themselves due to the call of nature.
13. The Cut-Off Times and the Intermediate Cut-Off Times will be strictly enforced for both races. (Please see above on the details of the event for the said Race & Intermediate Cut-Off Times)
14. In case of emergencies, runner must be able to contact the Race Director at Cell Phone #0918-965-9895. State your name, race bib, location and nature of emergency.
15. In case of DNF, immediately send the report to the Race Director through the same Cell Phone Number (CP# 0918-965-9895) by stating the following: Name, Race Bib Number, Km Post or Name of the Place He/She Stopped, Reason/s, and if the runner needs immediate medical attention.
16. Finish Line for the 50-Mile Race is at the Tibiao Bridge in Tibiao, Antique. Awarding Ceremony for the Finishers will be done in the finish area.
17. Finish Line for the 100-Mile Race is at the Army Transient Facility (ATF) in Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan. Runners will take the road going to Tabon Port and then turn right on a road going uphill to the Transient Facility.
This is one of those days that I have decided to leave my GPS Watch/Garmin Forerunner 305 from my starting place. I just brought my hydration vest and two 20 oz. bottles with me where one bottle is filled with water and the other one is filled with First Endurance EFS Mix.
I selected the first trail course which I discovered in my “playground” and has a distance of 6.2 kilometers. It ends in a small hut on top of a hill which is near a steel antenna. I usually have my first “pit stop” in this place during my long runs. From this point, I would go back to where I started to complete a distance of 12.4 kilometers. Basically, it is an “out and back” course where the first half is an uphill/ascending to a higher elevation and the second half is descending to the place where I started.
I took off knowing what was the time of the day when I left the starting line. It was 3:20 PM. I comfortably started with a short brisk walk as the first few meters were steep incline for about 60 meters. After I was over with the steep road, I started to jog until I reached a stream to cross. From the other side of the stream, I started to jog continuously and I started to breath heavily. Then I started to perspire profusely and that is the signal that I have to take a sip on my energy mix and then with my water. I would estimate that I’ve been running for almost 22-25 minutes.
Before I would approach the last two kilometers to the hut & antenna where I would enter into the last gate of a fence, I would take another sip of my energy mix and water and continue to attack the ascending portions of the hills ahead.
I usually reach the hut/antenna in 1:20 hours during my regular running workouts in the area. Once I reached the turn-around point, I took again a sip of my hydration bottles and then simply walk around the hut for about 30 seconds and I am back again on the trail expecting to be faster on the downhill sections of the route.
I try my best to practice my downhill running technique, keep my balance and make quick decisions on where to land my feet considering that the trail is uneven and sometimes muddy and slippery.
Since I’ve been running on this course for weeks and months already, I would know what to expect to most of the sections of the route. I even know how many more kilometers I would have to run and cover before I finally reach the stream that I’ve crossed. After crossing the stream, only one kilometer remains before the finish line. I usually stop and clean my legs and shoes from the flowing water of the stream. But for this time, I just crossed the stream and did not mind soaking my tired legs or washing my legs and shoes to clean them from the mud.
No Stopping On This Stream
Finally, I reached my finish line and immediately went inside the place where I am staying and looked for my watch. It was 5:30 in the afternoon. It means that it took me 2:10 hours to cover the distance of 12.4 kilometers. I was able to improve my time by 20 minutes!
Just like in my participation to the Pagsanjan To Majayjay 50K Road Ultra last September 1, Clark-Miyamit 42K Trail Marathon was not a part of my training as an intermediate race in preparation for my target race but knowing that all the known fast trail runners and “hardcore” ultra runners that I know of are going in the event, I finally decided to join the said event barely one week before the scheduled date.
CM42 Logo
The Race Director, Atty Jonnifer Lacanlale was kind enough to accept my request to join the event together with one of my elite runners, Danin Arenzana, who happens to have won in last year’s CM60K Trail Run. Danin had been my training partner for the past 3 months in my training ground and running after him during the race served as my target-competitor to force me to keep on moving relentlessly from start to finish.
Due to my numerous visits to the Miyamit Falls and recon runs previous to this event, I was confident of finishing this race better than those times that I had visited and trained in this place.
Clark-Miyamit 42K Elevation Profile (Courtesy of Rey jimenez)
I was prepared to arrive at the starting area at 3:30 AM last Sunday, September 22, 2013 but due to a text message from Jonel Mendoza of frontrunner Magazine that the race start time will be delayed for a hour due to the inclement weather in the area and some problems with the transport of the volunteers/marshals to the peak of the mountain, I took my time to travel and prepare the things/logistics I will be needing in the race.
At 4:30 AM, I arrived at the assembly area and got processed where I was able to sign some papers and got my race bib. It was raining and the temperature was cold and refreshing. I was able to talk to some of the runners and it was some sort of reunion among ultra runners and trail runners. They jokingly told me that I was so serious to say in my blog that I will be on a Race Mode, thus, I will not have any time to talk or “socialize” to any of the runners during the race. I just smiled to them and wished them good luck and have fun during the race.
All the runners were called under the Start/Finish Arc for the final briefing by the Race Director 15 minutes before the start time. There were some pointers and warnings issued by the RD for the runners to know due to the weather condition of the day. I positioned myself at the back of the runners while listening to the briefing. At exactly 5:30 AM, the race started and I was with Jonel as the two of us were last runners to leave the Starting Line.
Final Briefing By RD Jon LacanlaleStill Dry & Looking Fresh @ The Starting AreaThe Gun Was Fired And We Were Off!
My race strategy was to position myself at the back of the pack at the start and then slowly pick-up the pace as the race progresses. The first two kilometers were made as my warm-up period with a slow and easy jog as this part of the course is flat and slightly going down. Most of the runners picked-up their pace immediately on the 1-2 kilometers of the route. As soon as I hit the first uphill of the course, I was already sweating, though I was hiking briskly.
On this very challenging trail race, I always see to it that I “brisk-walk” or power hike the uphills and once I reach the top, I force myself to jog and run on the flat and downhill parts of the course. This drill is being repeated from start to finish. However, if the uphill is not too steep, I would attempt to jog over it by taking small gaits/steps but with faster cadence. In order to be consistent in this, I would briskly pump my arms, over swing them and breath faster. Of course, I would do this in my training runs and comfortably apply this in my races.
Jonel & I Were The Last Runners To Leave The RD
At the back of my mind, I would like to register a “negative split” of my time in this race by being slower on the first half and then going faster on the last half of the race. Obviously, that will happen because the first half is an uphill climb to Mt Miyamit/turn-around point which has an elevation of about 1,150 meters above sea level and then the last half will all be generally downhill. But such conditioning to the mind did not happen because of the weather condition that brought about with those slippery, muddy, and water-soaked trails.
On the second half or downhill part of the course, the trail was so slippery that most of the runners would look for the sides of the trail where they would land their feet without falling on their butts or worse, on their faces. The muddy condition of the ground had also slowed down most of the runners. But all these were part of the challenge and I really enjoyed running on these muddy, slippery, loose, and water-covered trails.
Runner Falling On His Butt To The Ground Due To Muddy & Slippery Trail (Picture Courtesy of CJ “Miles” Escandor)
After the Km #10/AS 3 as I was going up to the peak/turn-around point, I was trying to count the number of runners that I would meet in order to find out my ranking among the runners. It was fun to see these faster runners as they go back to the finish line. I would not be surprised to see these top runners as they see me going up to the turn-around point. But I could see in their faces how surprised they are when they see me as I get nearer to the turn-around point! They are also surprised that they have a few meters gap from me from their backs! As I reached the turn-around point, I was able to count 47 runners that I met along the way which makes me as the 49th runner (Danin was the 48th runner).
A Part Of The Easier Sections Of The Course
Everything that happened in this race was so fast, except when I was going up from the checkpoint at the foot of Miyamit Falls up to the Aid Station #3. I practically walked this uphill stretch of about a mile/1.5 kilometers and it took me 31 minutes! I was not sure if I was exhausted or needed some “sugar” to my body system. I took this opportune time to eat more solid foods (hard-boiled eggs with salt) and take in a GU Gel.
On the last 10 Kilometers to the Finish Line, I tried my best to run and jog all the way except for some delay on those steep downhill slippery parts of the route where I have to walk slowly. I maintained a steady pace and Ultra Runner Jon Borbon kept me company as he was tailing me throughout the said distance.
Wet, Dirty, & Tired But Still Smiling Towards The Finish Line (Picture By Photo Ops)
I finally reached the Finish Line with an Official Time of 7:57:58 hours with a rank of 36th runner among the 115 Finishers. The RD was at the Finish Line to award the Finisher’s Medal and congratulate me for finishing the race.
Finishing at 36th place was more than a success to me since I have targeted a conservative goal for this race to place on the top 50% of the runners. As a result, I landed among the upper 31% of the finishers!
I would attribute such accomplishment on the following:
1. Consistency—I have followed a structured training program for the past 3 months + one week leading to the race where I have completed a total distance of 1,627 Kilometers or 1,017 Miles. Since this mileage was done in 85-90% of mountain trails, I can roughly estimate my total workout for about 325 hours (1,627 kilometers X 12 minutes/kilometer).
2. Specificity of Training—As shown above, almost all my training was done in the mountain trails where my 61-year old body slowly adapted to the challenges of the environment. Speed was put behind and more focus was concentrated on endurance and proper footing/feet-landing techniques on different kinds or situations on the mountain trails. The more slippery or muddier the train is, the better for me!
3. Nutrition & Hydration—In my training, I have experimented on my nutrition and hydration, most specially on my weekend long runs. Such experimentation was applied during the race. For the race, I ate a simple breakfast of steamed rice + 2 pieces of hotdog + hot coffee, 45 minutes before start time. Some runners who greeted me at the Starting Line saw me eating this stuff. I took in some water with the food. Twenty (20) minutes before start time, I took in my first Espresso Love GU Gel. From the start up to the finish, I took this GU Gel every 40-45 minutes and hydrating with Perpetuem Mix and Water every 20 minutes in an alternate manner. At the turn-around point, I started eating my Hopia as my solid food. On my way from Miyamit Falls to the Finish Line, I was able to eat 2 pieces of hard-boiled eggs with salt. I have also six pieces of Butterscotch from Biscocho Haus of Iloilo City in my pack as my reserve food. At the end of the race, I was able to consume eight (8) GU Gels; 4 pieces of Hopia; 2 pieces of hard-boiled eggs; 40 oz. of Perpetuem Mix; and 40 oz of Water. This nutrition & hydration strategy was strictly followed to keep me from “bonking” and reacting to it and as a result, I was being proactive to the needs of my body during the race. It is like being attached with an Intra-Venous (IV) fluid where every drop of fluid enters the body every second.
Two Packs Of Hopia
4. Running Kit & Apparel—-My Patagonia Shorts kept my iPhone on its back pocket with 6 GU Gels (3 pieces on each side pocket). My Patagonia shirt was very light even if it was damp/wet the whole race. The Ultimate Direction AK Vest which I use in my training kept my 2 bottles for hydration and food at the back pack; my tiny Nikon Camera on my right shoulder pocket; and two GU Gels on my left shoulder pockets which I used also to keep my trash during the run. I was wearing my favorite Giro Cycling Gloves which was very useful during the run (I guess, I need to post a separate story for this!). Calf sleeves were used to protect my legs from the sharp leaves of wild grasses along the trails. I also used Gaiters to protect debris and other dirt from entering my shoes. I’ve chosen my ASICS Gel-Mt Fuji Racer Trail Shoes instead of Inov-8 Mudroc 290 due to its lightness and easy drainage of water entering the shoes and it gave me the much needed confidence to paddle through water-soaked, muddy, and slippery trails. My Under Armour running cap and Buff which were damp and wet were also useful in maintaining a lower body temperature on my head and nape.
ASICS Mt Fuji Racer Trail Shoes
5. Rest, Recovery, Taper—-From Wednesday up to Friday before the race, I had full sleep during nighttime of not less than 8 hours per night. On Saturday night, I was able to sneak in at least 5 hours of sleep. During my training period, I have to fully rest (without any runs) on Mondays—it’s the day when I eat my favorite food, walk and watch a movie in the malls, and/or read some books. One day before the race, it was completely a rest day for me.
6. Knowledge of the Terrain and Be Able To Acclimatize with the Environment—-Having been to the route at least one month before the race with the same weather condition, I already knew what to expect and I even tried to locate for points/places along the route where I could slow down or speed up or where I would take in my nutrition. I was able to test and find out what would be my running apparel/kit for the race during my last recon run to the place. I was able to test also the amount of fluid and food I would need for the race proper, thus, it would lead to the next factor to consider as stated next to this.
7. Not Stopping At The Aid Stations—–It is enough to hear the cheers and greetings from the volunteers and then for me saying, “Thank you for being here for us” to them as I continue my run and pass every Aid Station along the route. It is either I slowed down with my run or simply hiked/walked as I reached the Aid Stations to greet the volunteers. For the Aid Station on the wider road, I would just wave my hand or give them a “thumb-up” sign to acknowledge their presence on the trails even with the rainy weather condition. The cooler atmosphere and rainy condition contributed for my body not to perspire so much and I was able to conserve my intake of hydration fluid. It was only at the place where the 4 X 4 vehicles were parked where I was able to ask for water refilling on my way back to the finish line.
8. Listening To My Body—My HR Monitor was my basis to get feedback why I would breath heavily during the run. I would see to it that I was maintaining an Average HR of not more than 150 beats per minute. There was only one instance where my Average HR reached to 152 bpm and I had to slow down with my power hike on a steep trail. I would feel some pain on my knees and quads on the second half of the race and that I would slow down and observe if such pain would disappear or not. Generally, I did not experience any severe pains/injury or muscle cramps in any parts of my body up to the end of the race.
Success and being able to reach one’s goal in any race is not developed and attained overnight or for a short time even if one has had finished harder and more challenging races in the past. It takes a lot of planning, attitude, determination, patience and handwork.
In short, this is in my own words is called, “discipline”!
Congratulations to RD Atty Jonnifer Lacanlale for a successful race and my special thanks to those volunteers who braved the inclement weather in the mountains to make sure the safety and well-being of all the runners on the night before the race as well as, after the last runner had crossed the finish line. Good job, guys!
I was invited by JC Igos and the members of the Team Cavite Endurance Sports Enthusiasts (E.S.E.) last month to run and recon a route for a road ultra marathon event in their province. We agreed on a scheduled date but due to my participation in last Sunday’s Clark Miyamit 42K Trail Marathon, I asked them to postpone the recon activity on a weekday.
Today, I was accompanied by Rico Laplana and Enrique Sundiang aka DaBull Runner to recon the route aboard my personal vehicle. I measured the route through my GF 305 GPS Watch as we started from the Petron Gasoline Station at the junction of the road going to the Poblacion of Naic, Cavite and the road going to Maragondon, Cavite. We went to the direction going to Maragondon, Cavite. After a few kilometers, we reached the junction road going to Puerto Azul and Caylabne Resort/Philippine Marines Tarnate’s Beach Training Camp. We took the left road going to Caylabne Resort/Philippine Marines’ Training Camp.
Starting Point @ Petron Gas Station In Naic, Cavite
This part of the route is simply amazing and serene—-no traffic, no vehicles, and the road is surrounded by forest and thick vegetation with some water falls on the sides of the road. We passed by the DENR and trailhead in going to Pico De Loro. We were on a mountain road and the air around is so refreshing!
Nice Road, Fresh Air, Challenging Route, Shaded Road, & Green SceneryJunction Going To Kaybiang Tunnel/NasugbuUphill Road To Kaybiang Tunnel From The Junction
Then, we came into a tunnel where workers were busy installing lighting system into it. I was amazed by the engineering works done in this tunnel. It is more modern and wider/bigger in space than those tunnels in Corregidor, Subic or in Marin Headlands in San Francisco, California!
Kaybiang TunnelA Nice Place To Have A Picture
And after coming out from the tunnel, we were met with a beautiful scenic view of the South China Sea with Corregidor Island and the coasts of Cavite and Bataan! We can’t resist not to have a picture with the view of the sea as the background!
View After The Kaybiang Tunnel
I was able to take some pictures of significant views along the route.
“King Of The Road”One Of The Waterfalls Along The Route
More scenic views of the mountain and the sea as we passed by the so-called “Boracay of Cavite”.
View Of The “Boracay Of Cavite”Another View Of The “Boracay Of Cavite”Simply Beautiful Scenery
After some hilly, steep ascents and descents in the mountains that surrounds Pico de Loro, we came to a flatter portion of the route as we reached the entrance to Hamilo Coast Resort. After 3-4 kilometers of flat road, another steep inclines and declines would meet us as we got nearer to the Poblacion of Nasugbu, Batangas.
From the place where we started to measure the route (Petron Gas Station in Naic, Cavite) to the Plaza Roxas of Poblacion, Nasugbu, Batangas, the GF 305 GPS Watch registered a distance of 52.8 Kilometers. It registered also a Total Ascent of 1,250 meters and Total Descent of 1,220 meters.
Some fine adjustments on the location of the Starting Area and Finish Line will lessen the distance and come up with a 50K distance road ultra event.
Having measured and recon this route, I am already thinking the possibility of having the following ultra events in the said area:
1. 1st Naic To Nasugbu 50K Ultra Road Race
2. 1st Tagaytay To Naic 102K Ultra Road Race
I am really excited to actually run these routes in the future and come up with these two separate ultra events for everybody to experience.
My special thanks and appreciation to JC Igos, Rico Laplana, Enrique Sundiang aka DaBull and to the Team Cavite E.S.E. for sharing this route and for suggesting that the events shall be part of the yearly regular races of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU).
Keep on running!
(Note: Scheduled Dates for these Ultra Races will be posted on this blog’s 2014 Ultra Races’ PAGE)
Bald Runner 
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