Author: kingofpots

Stair Climbing Workout

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

This is the real stair climbing workout. It is not stair climbing using the StairMaster or any machine at the gym that mimics stair climbing.

Since I’ve been going to the mountains for the past months, I was trying to find out a simple workout that mimics how I would scale on those mountains. Aside from the fact that I’ve been trying to strengthen my quads and calf muscles through squats and lunges and/or stationary cycling, I wanted a short workout that could be easily accessible to where I am staying.

Lo and behold! I thought of doing the stairs where I am staying. I am presently residing in a 8-storey condo with 32 steps of stair per floor/storey and starting from the ground floor up to the 8th floor, I would be able to step on 256 steps. If I do 10 sets or reps, I would be able to make 2,560 steps upward and another 2,560 steps downward! On my average easy pace, I could complete the 10 sets of stair climbing in 1:20 to 1:30 hours!

To make the workout more challenging, I would put on my backpack filled with water bottles and other items inside it that would make it weight to 10-15 pounds or more. I still do a minimum of 10 sets up to a maximum of 20 sets with the backpack. I do this workout twice a week!

This workout makes my quads and calves cry in pain most especially when I incorporate some speed in my steps towards the top floor using my weighted backpack and going down to the ground floor. But I know, this workout will make me a stronger runner and hiker in my “peak bagging” activities.

If you are staying in a condo, you can do this workout once you wake up in the morning or before/after having your dinner! If you are working in a high-rise building, you can do this workout during your coffee break time or during your Facebook time or lunch time.

For more details on this kind of workout, you can check on http://bodybuilding.com/fun/givstrength1.htm

Good luck and see you at the starting line!

Walk @ Mt Timbac’s Peak

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Places to Run, Running, Trail Running, Travel, Ultramarathon2 Comments

4th “Peak Bagging” Experience (April 2, 2012)

A day after the 1st KOTM Trail Marathon in Mt Ugo, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, I was on my way to Mt Timbac, the 3rd highest mountain peak in Luzon with a registered elevation of 2,717+ meters above sea level coming from Baguio City. Mt Timbac is ranked as the #9 highest peak in the entire country.

Since the mountain is located along the Halsema Highway which is the only paved access road to Bontoc, Mountain Province, I was confident that I could reach the place in a few hours and be back to Baguio City before dinner time. If there such thing as “day hike” for a mountain peak, there is also a “day trip” where you can visit a certain place and be back to where you came from before evening.

As per my research, the intersection that goes to the trailhead towards the peak of Mt Timbac is located near the vicinity of DPWH Kilometer Post #55, which means that one has to travel 55 kilometers north of Baguio City in order to reach the place. I estimated to reach the place in 1 1/2 hours.

I was surprised to notice that there are lots of changes along the road to La Trinidad as compared during those times when I have to attend my ROTC training at the Benguet Agricultural College in La Trinidad, Benguet during the late 60’s (1968-69).

During my early years in the active military service, I had two occassions of travelling along the Halsema Highway aboard a Volkswagen “Sakbayan” with Bontoc, Mountain Province as the place of destination. I could still recall the highway to be very narrow that only single lane for vehicles were used most of the portions of the road. The road was full of sharp rocks and it was too dusty. The trip was very slow and long and our body was being “massaged” throughout the trip.

I am glad that the Halsema Highway is already paved/cemented and with two lanes. Although there are still patches of construction for repairs along the road, the trip was easy and relaxing. However, one has to prepare to see that the road you are looking ahead is getting progressively higher and higher up to the peak of the next mountain! This is where you will appreciate what the DPWH had done to this part of the country.

Two kilometers from Mt Timbac’s foot or road access is the View Deck which is marked as the Highest Point of the Highway System of the Country in an elevation of 7,400 feet above sea level (2,242 meters above sea level). From this view deck, you can see Mt Pulag, Mt Tabayoc, and Mt Ugo.

After almost 1 1/2 hours of easy driving, we reached Km Post #55 and after asking some of the locals along the road, we were able to turn right to a road that leads to the mountain’s peak. The single lane road is concrete and it leads to an elementary school where I parked my vehicle. I was able to meet Alexis Estenor hiking down along the way as he and his friends just came from the peak of the said mountain.

From the school, the walk to the peak was very easy as most of the 1st kilometer is paved and the other half is an uphill trail with rocks used as steps. The hike has a distance of 2.1 kilometers which took me 30 minutes to reach the peak. I was guided by two kids who belong to the families cultivating some of the vegetable gardens along the slopes of the mountain.

After taking some pictures and short conversation with the kids, I was on my way back to my parked vehicle. My GF 305 watch registered 2,737 meters above sea level as its peak elevation.

While driving down to reach the Halsema Highway, I saw a group of farmers harvesting their potato garden and I asked the owner if I can buy some. For a P 50-bill, she gave me an estimated 4-5 kilos of her potato harvest!

My trip would not be complete if I did not stop at the Halsema Highway View Deck where the Highest Point of the Country’s Highway System is located. I took some pictures of the mountain ridges all-around this place and thought of possibilities that the place could offer in terms of tourism, economy and development.

Driving back to Baguio City was an easy one. My “recovery hike” after the 1st Mt Ugo Trail Marathon and 4th “peak bagging” experience were done!

(Note: The 2nd to the last picture is the peak of Mt Timbac as seen from the Halsema Highway View Deck. Tha last picture is the peak of Mt Pulag as seen from the Halsema Highway View Deck)

Picture Of The Week

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Trail Running, TravelLeave a comment

Starting this week, I will be featuring a picture which I would like to share to my readers/visitors of this blog. It could be a place or anything that is related to running and other outdoor activities. It could also be a food, a running apparel, or somebody whom I’ve met along the way during my running adventures. I will let the picture speaks for itself.

So, this is the first Picture of the Week in this blog:

At Sitio Happy, Barangay Kabayo, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya

(Note: Picture was taken in Sitio Happy, Barangay Kabayo, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya)

Steps In “Peak Bagging” & Suggested “Tips”

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, TravelLeave a comment

The following are my personal suggestions if you want to experience “peak bagging” in any of our mountain peaks. It is assumed that you are already a seasoned runner, being a trail runner is one of the qualifications for such an experience, and it is better if you are a marathon runner. However, it is best if you are already a seasoned mountain trekker, hiker or camper.

1. Have a Plan. If you have a steady job or work where you earn a living, planning for a “peak bagging” experience takes a lot of consideration. You need ample time, scheduling, financial support and lots of positive motivation to push through with your plan. Once a quarter (every 3 months) would be a nice schedule or every time there is a long weekend (3-day vacation). The location of target mountain should also be considered in terms of its accessability from your place of origin. Of course, it will be more expensive if the location is farther from your place.

If you have a family, bring your family with you and share your passion to your wife and to your kids. If they are not interested with your outdoor activity, you can bring them with you to your destination and have them stay in a resort or place where there are other alternative outdoor activities to be experienced.

If you are a retiree, like me, enjoying your time and have a love for sports and outdoor adventures, then going out of the city and looking for different places, “peak bagging” is better than reading the news dailies, watching the TV or letting the days passed by in shopping malls/coffee shops or spending a lot of time in your car due to traffic in the metropolis.

2. Make your own research. There are lots of mountaineering resources in the Internet for your mountain destination. There are also mountaineering groups on Facebook where one can get information direct from the person you want to contact. At least, you must have a FB account to have access on these groups.

My favorite mountaineering resource in the Internet is our very own Gideon Lasco at http://pinoymountaineer.comas he categorized each mountain peak by regions and he recommends an ITINERARY for each mountain visit. However, other important data for a runner to know are not stated in his description of each mountain. Mountaineers don’t usually measure their trek to the mountain peak in terms of distance (number of kilometers/miles) but in the number of hours it would take the hikers to reach the summit. So, if they say that a hiker/camper could reach a certain peak in 5-6 hours, an average trail runner could run to the peak in 2.5-3 hours, one-half less the time for a camper/hiker to reach his destination. Faster runners could do it 1/3 of the time a hiker can do to reach the summit. However, other detailed data and information can be gathered from the comments of the his readers in every post in his website.

3. Train for Hill Running. In “peak bagging”, you need to run when the trail is flat or when you are descending along the trail and brisk walk when the trail is uphill or steep incline. For you to be consistent and faster in reaching the summit, your legs must be strong. Strong legs are developed by hill repeats as it mimics your leg turn-over during trail running. As an alternative to hill repeats, one can do strengthening exercises in the gym or at home. One can do some leg squats, lunges, stair walking and core exercises anytime of the day!

4. Prepare your apparel & equipment. Your normal running kit would suffice but as you go higher in elevation, the temperature would become colder. It is a must that you bring a light jacket stowed on your backpack/camelbak which you can use when you are freezing cold. Hand gloves are also advisable as the temperature would be freezing on top of the mountain. If your hands are starting to be numb and cold, it is a signal that you must start your descent from the mountain. Water-proof jacket is also helpful as most of the higher mountains would receive some rains usually when they are covered with clouds. Runners cap is also mandatory as it keeps the escape of heat from your body and at the same time protect your head from accidental “head-butts” from fallen trees and some branches as you pass underneath them. Hydration pack is a must! If you want to stay longer in higher summits, prepare to bring a bonnet that would cover your head and ears.

5. Prepare For Your Hydration/Nutrition. I usually bring water only in my hydration system. I was surprised that my Nathan bottle filled with water was the only water supply that I brought when I “peak bagged” Mt Pulag for a distance of 15 kilometers. Maybe its the cold weather on the higher altitude and the raining prevented my body from losing more perspiration. I usually bring “power bars” and gels in my “peak bagging” activities. They are lighter and my stomach is already used to them. At the Mt Ugo Trail Marathon, I brought my Nathan “Sprint” Handheld Bottle for my Gatorade Mix even if I was holding trekking poles. Gatorade was my extra source of electrolyte if my “peak bagging” activity is a race/competition.

6. Travel Light. I use racing flats/minimalist shoes (NB MT 101) and compression shorts & shirts on my mountain running. If I use Camelbak Hydration Pack, I only fill 1/2 up to 3/4 full of water in its bladder. I only carry minimal number of gels, power bars and Gatorade mix in my pack. Sometimes, I would pack the lightest windbreaker to my pack instead of those heavier outdoor technical jackets. My ASICS Windbreaker which I bought in Jeju, South Korea could be the lightest windbreaker that I have among my running kit. Hopefully, I would be able to buy the Patagonia Nano Jacket, my “dream jacket” for higher altitude “peak bagging”, in the near future. It can be folded and stowed in your packet.

The cheapest version of a jacket/windbreaker/poncho which you can bring is the black commercial trash bags that are available in the supermarket. Get the largest size of trash bags in the market. Simply make a hole on the closed end of the bag where you can insert you head, thus, you have a raincoat for your body and backpack. It is a must to carry at least 2-3 pieces of these black trash bags in your daypack as they serve also as trash bags for the litter you could see along the trail, camping areas or at the peak of the mountain.

7. Trekking Poles. A pair of trekking pole is an invaluable equipment for an old trekker/hiker like me. They are useful in crossing streams and rivers; keep you balanced on uneven and slippery grounds; provide anchor and support for stronger lifting of the body on steep ascending parts of the mountain; and lessen the impact of ones feet on the ground. It takes a simple time to practice to use these trekking poles. It is advisable to use those “bike gloves” (half of the fingers are exposed) when using trekking poles to avoid blisters on your hands. On descending and flat parts of the trail route, I would carry them as if they are my batons in a running relay.

8. Prepare For Contingencies. In trekking/peak bagging, you should always “respect the weather”. If the weather would not allow you to reach the peak, it is best to retreat and make another attempt on a day with good weather. The mountain will always be there, it will never leave from his location. In a good weather, if you start your “peak bagging” in the morning, expect to reach the peak when the sun is already on top of you which means that it is already noon time. The heat of the sun would make you perspire some more and you must be able to hydrate yourself regularly. In case of any encounter with the wildlife, like snakes, deer, wild pigs, cows, or bats, just ignore them and don’t disturb them. Your main mission is to reach the peak of the mountain and not as a hunter.

9. Invest On A Light & Reliable DayPack. A DayPack can store your hydration needs (water bottles + 1.5-liter bladder), additional clothing apparel, first aid kit, food, electrolyte tabs/mix, lighting equipment, and trekking poles.

10. Know Some Protocols/Etiquette/Culture of the People

a. In popular mountains which are being visited by most campers/mountaineers, you need to pay a permit fee and attend an orientation lecture from the personnel of DENR. It is best to register yourself to the barangay hall/barangay officials where the mountain/trailhead is located or to the nearest police or military unit/detatchment in the area before pursuing your activity. On the same manner, inform them on your departure from the place. There are some barangays that would ask P 20.00-P 40.00 as permit fee per person in lower elevation mountains.

b. Be prepared to get a “guide” for a fee. The guide must be requested from the Barangay Officials so that there is accountability in case of any complaints from the hikers. In Mt Apo, I paid P 350.00 for my guide but I paid him an extra tip of P 150.00. In the Ambangeg-Pulag Trail, I paid P 500.00 for my guide which is good up to 5 persons. But for the longer and harder Akiki-Pulag Trail, a guide will cost you P 1,800.00. Even if I don’t need the services of a porter, it is worthy to note that each porter is being paid a minimum of P 500.00 for every 15 kilos of weight. I always see to it that I have a guide in all my “peak bagging” feats.

c. LNT or Leave No Trace. This is the number ONE Rule in any outdoor activity which is “common sense”. Except for Mt Pulag, all the other mountain trails and peaks that I bagged have trashes. I really don’t know if the locals are the one’s littering their trash along the trails and on the peaks or the visitors.

d. Silence Means Good Weather. There is no point why hikers/trekkers would shout on the top of their voice if they see nice scenery and vistas along the mountain trail or while they are at the peak of the mountain. There are also groups of campers that would bring intoxicating liqour on the peak of the mountain and drink to their hearts content and noisy as a result before retiring to their respective tents. Other would mimic or answer the sounds from the birds through their loud voices or involve themselves in loud conversations and laughter while hiking along the mountain trail. All of these are “toxic or pollutants” on the peaceful environment of the forests and the mountains. Local people would predict unfavorabe weather a day or two after such “noise” are done in the mountain!

e. Smile & Greet Everybody you meet along the trail. Find time to talk to them even for a few seconds. Your message should be clear that you are there to simply have a quick look of the place or just passing through. Always be positive on your comments and observation of the place.

f. Most of the mountains in the Cordillera Region & along the Bansalan Trail to Mt Apo have vegetable farms on the foot and slopes of the mountain. You should not mess up or step on the growing plants on these garden/vegetable farms. Never try to harvest or pick any of the vegetables or root crops as you pass by these farms. Most of the farms have cabbage, carrots and potatoes.

11. As much as possible, make a journal or document of your peak bagging activity in every mountain that you visit or attempt to make in reaching a summit. There is no shame if you could not make the grabbing in your first attempt as the mountain will always be there waiting for you. If you have a Garmin/GPS Watch, it would be nice to get the following data: Duration of Peak Bagging Activity from your specific Starting Point to the Peak and back; Distance recorded; Altitude of the Peak; Profile Elevation; Average HR; and other data taken from the equipment. Your personal experience will somehow inspire others to go to the outdoors and be interested in “peak bagging” activity.

(Note: Pictures from Mt Pulag, Mt Natib, Mt Ugo, and Mt Timbac)

2nd International Mt Apo Boulder Face Challenge

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Places to Run, Race Results, Running, Sports Program, Trail Running, Travel, Ultramarathon2 Comments

This is the 5th Edition of this Adventure Race being held in Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur and at the same time the 2nd International Edition of this race which was held last April 28, 2012.

I came to know about this race when I asked the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner if they are interested to join in this year’s TNF 100 in Baguio City. The answer that I got was that they had been preparing for an adventure race to be held in Mt Apo/Davao Del Sur. It was my first time to hear such event and later found out that the Cash Prizes are simply not to be ignored. (Note: My Elite Team Bald Runner had been past Champions in the TNF 100 since 2008). I heard for the second time about this event from mountaineers when I had my “peak bagging” feat at Mt Apo during the Holy Week. After a thorough research on the mechanics of the event on their website, I was hoping that my elite runners would make it to the podium finish.

Due to its “low-profile” exposure among the ultrarunners in the country and its mechanics, trying to form teams among the “usual suspects” would be a hard proposition. Plus the consideration on the logistics and financial resources needed to join the race is very expensive. However, if you are good in mountain trail running and have the capability to land among the podium finishers, the Cash Prizes would replace ones investment in joining this race.

I was surprised to see a picture of Gerald Sabal posted on Facebook with the boulders of Mt Apo as the background with a note that he is featured as one of the Champions of the event. I immediately called Gerald to congratulate him and found out that his brother Cresenciano, was his team mate!

Cresenciano and Gerald Sabal won as the Team Champion in the 2nd edition of the International Boulder Face Challenge and won the purse of P 150,000. The team of Alquin Bolivar and Raul Lamprea landed as the 7th Finisher with a purse of P 10,000.

Cris and Gerald established a Course Record with a time of 15:38:33 hours, breaking the old course record by more than 7 hours! Awesome!

Read the result and related story on Dabaw Pinoy.

Congratulations Cris & Gerald and to all the Finishers!

3rd Tagaytay To Nasugbu (T2N) 50K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon1 Comment

The following are the details of this ultrarunning event:

Date: May 20, 2012 (Sunday)

Start Time of Assembly: 3:30 AM

Gun Start: 4:30 AM

Starting Area: Picnic Grove, Tagaytay City (infront of the Development Academy of the Philippines, DAP)

Finish Area: Plaza Roxas, Nasugbu, Batangas (Municipal Plaza Infront of the Municipal Hall)

Registration Period: March 28-May 18, 2012

***NO Registration on Race Day

Registration Fee: P 1,250.00

Registration Center: ARC Manila or Deposit at Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) Savings Account # 0296-0673-22 in the name of Jovenal Narcise. Keep the deposit slip and bring it to the Starting Area on Race Day.

Cut-off Time: 9 Hours

The following were the past results of this event:

1st T2N/November 14, 2010

2nd T2N/September 17, 2011

See you at the Starting Line!

Taklang Damulag 50K/50M (TD 50/50) Ultra Trail Run & Half-Marathon

On By kingofpotsIn Half-Marathon, Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Running, Sports Program, Trail Running, Travel, Ultramarathon1 Comment

In connection with the celebration of the 50th Founding Anniversary of the Special Forces Regiment of the Philippine Army in June of this year, the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) & Bald Runner’s Events had scheduled the conduct of three (3) trail races inside Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on June 2, 2012.

These races will serve as a “recon or test run” for those who are intending to join in this year’s 2nd edition of the Taklang Damulag 100-Mile Trail Endurance Run which is scheduled on December 15, 2012.

The following are the details of the races:

Date of Race: June 2, 2012

Place of Assembly and Starting Area: Infront of the SOCOM Headquarters, Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City

Assembly Time for 50K & 50M Races: 3:30 AM June 2, 2012

Assembly Time For 21K Run: 4:30 AM June 2, 2012

Gunstart For 50K & 50-Mile Runs: 4:00 AM

Gunstart For Half-Marathon: 5:00 AM

Cut-Off Time For 50-Mile Run: 16 Hours

Cut-Off Time For 50K Run: 10 Hours

Cut-Off Time For 21K: 4 Hours

Registration Fee For 50-Mile Run: P 2,000.00

Registration Fee For 50K Run: P 1,500.00

Registration Fee For 21K Run: P 1,000.00

***Included in the Registration Fee: Dinner & Accommodation Inside Fort Magsaysay on Friday night, June 1, 2012.

Registration Period: May 2, 2012 to June 1, 2012

Registration Center/Area: ARC Running Store OR Deposit the Registration Fee at BPI Savings Account #0296-0673-22 in favor of Jovenal Narcise OR at the Dinner/CLP & Race Briefing on or about 6:30 PM of June 1, 2012 at the SOCOM Headquarters. (Note: Please bring your validated deposit slip to the CLP/Race Briefing)

Good luck & see you at the starting line!

Official Result: 2nd MAYON 360 50-Mile Ultra Run

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Race Results, Races, Running, Sports Program, UltramarathonLeave a comment

4:30 AM April 21, 2012 @ Penaranda Park, Legazpi City (Albay)  

N A M E                              BIB #          T I M E

1. Albert   Omboga 22 6:33:15
2. Eliud K. Kering 50 6:44:57
3. Martin Balaybo 116 6:47:55
4. John Fred Abiner 104 6:56:30
5. Willy Rotich 31 7:20:43
6. Eduardo C. Villanueva 47 7:26:12
7. Noel Tillor 93 7:33:01
8. Joycer Lacno 43 7:39:34
9. Santiago Ducay 58 7:53:30
10. John Nino Monte 131 7:57:05
11. Jackson Chirchir 51 7:59:43
12. Janette Agura (F) 68 8:17:48
13. Alvin Luminario 70 8:19:59
14. Darry Bado 145 8:20:46
15. Ellen Tolentino (F) 115 8:26:21
16. Mark Anthony Toledo 75 8:41:44
17. Susan Chepkwony (F) 32 8:41:56
18. Luna Smith 107 9:04:26
19. Peris Poywo 46 9:04:43
20. Chito Gonzales 126 9:10:37
21. Reno Binguera 127 9:15:17
22. Salvador Nachor 60 9:20:57
23. Troy Abadeza 133 9:27:48
24. Mila Paje (F) 71 9:29:25
25. Melanie Malihan (F) 144 9:33:01
26. Arnold Tidon 95 9:40:42
27. Alipio Narciso 41 9:42:22
28. Alfred Delos Reyes 100 9:46:03
29. Randy Rubio 171 9:46:22
30. Archiet M. Pamanano 20 9:59:20
31. Cherry Palles (F) 69 10:05:07
32. Rogelio Banares 147 10:13:13
33. Emerson Gonzales 73 10:21:27
34. Roberto Abad 55 10:21:35
35. Bob Castilla 45 10:22:21
36. Olivia Dimaano-Llanillo (F) 153 10:30:16
37. Graciano Santos 1 10:41:45
38. Dante dela Cruz 79 10:41:53
39. Mark Repala 108 10:45:51
40. Mark Anthony Mercado 67 10:46:37
41. Lana Jacel Mercado (F) 66 10:46:42
42. Nonilo Onoya 48 10:54:10
43. Leo Pura 103 10:55:11
44. Eligio Boy Marifosque 172 10:56:25
45. Henry Laron 28 10:58:11
46. Mark Jay Dagat 85 10:58:38
47. Joseph G. Pineda 24 10:58:43
48. Emmanuel Nocos 56 11:03:38
49. Gil Lastares 106 11:04:37
50. Audax A. Cantero 26 11:05:20
51. Raul C.Tapia 18 11:05:25
52. Edwin Romano 112 11:07:13
53. Ian Wellington Jocom 134 11:07:15
54. Edgar Orellana 110 11:12:32
55. Jon Las Bruce 36 11:14:21
56. Brando Bueno 59 11:15:57
57. Fernando Dellomos Jr. 109 11:18:14
58. Nicolas de Leon 64 11:18:17
59. Jan Carlo Baloloy 111 11:22:12
60. Zaldy Loreno 105 11:22:55
61. Jessez Basanta 135 11:23:55
62. Roberto delos Santos 166 11:25:09
63. Ricardo Cabusao Jr 2 11:27:00
64. Simon Pavel T. Miranda 11 11:29:23
65. Leonardo Blanes Jr. 149 11:32:50
66. Aladdin Cordero 155 11:36:58
67. Ronnel Go 160 11:39:05
68. Benjamin Termulo 74 11:39:14
69. Roberto Villamor 137 11:43:39
70. Danilo Lim 78 11:44:10
71. Dapne Rose T. Codilla (F) 9 11:47:00
72. Prospero Ibardaloza Jr. 120 11:50:12
73. Eric Alzaga 98 11:50:30
74. Myron Manuel L. Nuyles 39 11:53:41
75. Jose Asis 65 11:57:49
76. Ruben Fajardo 90 11:59:00
77. Nelson Val A. Caro Jr 142 12:04:34
78. Guan Kheng Kho 94 12:05:43
79. Sherwin Botabara 29 12:09:34
80. Maximo Ancheta 146 12:12:59
81. Mateo R. Borbon Jr 44 12:13:01
82. Wilfredo Maiquez 150 12:16:38
83. Johann C. Marquez 10 12:16:40
84. Calvin John Escandor 37 12:18:34
85. Marc T. Tomas 40 12:29:24
86. Lyra Valles 80 12:30:25
87. Ernesto Venancio P. Badong 34 12:30:28
88. Orlando Payumo 152 12:32:02
89. Jorge Li 119 12:32:12
90. Alfredo Luzuriaga Jr. 114 12:32:31
91. Camilo Paran Jr. 130 12:37:34
92. Coleen Digman (F) 53 12:40:30
93. Eduardo Balcueva 57 12:42:28
94. Samuel Narcise 76 12:45:50
95. Red Samar 30 12:46:45
96. Arianne Ortega (F) 122 12:47:59
97. Stephanie Hefti (F) 13 12:50:16
98. Carlos S. Santiago 19 12:51:31
99. Arlie Escandor 63 12:57:51
100. Ronaldo Sp Robles 35 12:59:32
101. Mart Rabelas 168 13:01:41
102. Herman Garcia 138 13:09:12
103. Clark C. Llaga 49 13:13:16
104. German r. Acido Jr. 83 13:14:14
105. Marilou Ingua (F) 42 13:22:55
106. Victor Ting 77 13:23:13
107. Ernesto Abas 151 13:23:18
108. Jerome Jamili 123 13:23:20
109. Nario B. Gittabao Jr. 89 13:23:27
110. June Javier 38 13:23:30
111. Vicente Caurez 118 13:25:07
112. Joey Baladad 162 13:34:49
113. Mary Grace Lao (F) 143 13:35:58
114. Vicente M. De Lima II 33 13:39:43
115. Bing Baltazar C. Brillo 17 13:39:47
116. Adrian Anthony Q. Arcaya 8 13:41:55
117. Reynante L. Villela 86 13:45:39
118. Christian Rabe 96 13:46:33
119. Zaldy Santillan 25 13:49:35
120. Gia Estrella (F) 154 13:49:35
121. Albert Constancio Ramon Hefti III 140 13:51:06
122. Edgar de Jesus 101 14:01:18
123. Harold Lorete 156 14:06:48
124. Ofelia Lorete (F) 157 14:06:48
125. Miko Sabado 14 14:12:32
126. Lady Dianne G. Palogan (F) 12 14:12:48
127. Joseph Ligot 159 14:13:29
128. Romeo l. Garcia 82 14:15:15
129. Blas Ople 7 14:22:20
130. Janet Legaspi (F) 92 14:24:33
131. Rey Argee S. Jabonete 84 14:25:00
132. Thea Sangrador (F) 129 14:25:09
133. Daryl Q. Tabang 91 14:26:52
134. Eduardo D. Escalante 52 14:27:10
135. Mohsherwin Manangil 54 14:27:39
136. Rod Apolinar  124 14:32:00
137. Mar Marilag 163 14:32:23
138. Vivian Cerrer (F) 5 14:34:35
139. Richard Toledo 6 14:34:35
140. Alfredo R. Moral Jr 16 14:34:37
141. Audi Samar 27 14:34:42
142. Mario Honrado 128 14:36:22
143. Rogelio Regallado 148 14:36:47
144. Jenny Bave dela Cruz (F) 97 14:39:46
145. Adrian Lim 169 14:45:30
146. Bee Yen Soberano 158 14:53:00

Culture Of Road & Trail Racing

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program, Trail Running, Ultramarathon1 Comment

In my “peak bagging” activities throughout the country, I had some observations and information which I would consider as the “culture of road and trail racing” in the countryside. These observations and information gathered could be explained in details through the following topics:

1. No Prize, No Race. In the early times, racing has always a prize for grabbing. It is either money, property, position or any tangible object which one can sell or need in their daily lives. Running feats for faster times had been won by wagers and bets. In the countryside, the best runners don’t run if there are no cash prizes! For obvious reasons, they paid for the registration fee from their savings or had loaned from somebody else. The motivation for winning is to be able to regain what they have paid for and at the same time, earn some money for their basic needs. Bragging rights for them is not for the Finisher’s Shirt or Medals or Loot Bags. They simply need the money!

2. No Sponsor, No Run. Runners with talent and fast finish times always look for sponsors to finance their registration fees. Instead of getting a loan, they would prefer to look for somebody in their community to finance their participation in a race where there is cash prize. It could be their leaders (local government, barangay captain & officials) or somebody who is supportive to their passion/talent. Runners don’t need to pay back the Sponsor just in case he/she does win any of the cash prizes. If they don’t have any sponsor, they would not join any race.

3. Cheating Is Not A Big Deal. Runners in the countryside would finish the race at all costs, even if they cheat! To them, it is natural to cheat because they know that everybody cheats, from their leaders, business-owners, traders, vendors, parents and friends!

4. Running as Talent Is Normal. Most of the best runners were exposed to hardships and manual labor during the early stage of their childhood. Most of them lives in villages in the mountains and they have all the time to ascend and descend the area to look for food, fetch water, and cultivate some lands on a daily basis. Due to their environment and living conditions, they were honed to be endurance athletes since birth. Try to look for one elite runner and conduct an interview about his/her family background and you would know what I mean. And at the same manner, try to look for an elite runner who belongs to the upper class of our society and you will be surprised to find out that you are looking for a “dream”.

5. New Running Kit Is Alien To Them. For obvious reasons, they don’t have any opportunity to use the latest running apparel and shoes due to poverty. Most of their kits are used (second-hand or “ukay-ukay”) and given to them to protect them from the elements. They don’t have any access on the new technology of running in terms of shoes, apparel and accessories. If they have an opportunity to grab a “glossy” runner’s magazine, attention is more focused on the pictures and not on the articles written inside it. I am not sure if they can read or understand English or what is written on those pages.

6. Hydration & Nutrition Are Also Alien To Them.  They drink if they feel thirsty. They eat if they feel hungry. They replenish the basic necessities for their body by feel. They only react to any problem when it is there. They usually drink and eat after finishing the race.

7. There Is NO Shame in DNF. If they think they could not place themselves on the ranking where there is a prize money, they simply stop and declare themselves as DNF and say lots of alibi and complaints. To them, finishing a race where they did not train properly is a punishment! They have to preserve their body from any exhaustion or injury and be “race-ready” again for the next race. In short, they don’t take the “extra mile” to persevere in order to finish the race. It is worthy to note that my Elite Team Bald Runner members are also like this in major races in Metro Manila. However, it took me sometime to change this kind of attitude.

8. Bragging Rights & Recognition. Among their friends, they would brag that they finished a certain race with a certain ranking but the truth is that he cheated along the route by riding a passing motorcycle or a public utility vehicle along the route. But for them, recognition of finishing and receiving an award is translated to the money that they received as a prize! So, if there is a cash prize in a race, the temptation to cheat is always there because it is a part of their training and preparation to finish the race. Very smart, indeed!

9. Race Organizers & Directors Are Businessmen. They organize and direct events for you for a fee! Of course, they should be! It is because they appear to be professional but in the end they will take advantage of you. Not all Race Organizers/Directors are elite runners as most of them are average athletes/runners. Those athletes think that if they finish one or two ultra marathon events, they have already the skills to organize one. Race Organizers try their best to invite runners through ads on the internet, radio and printed materials because for them, more runners means more income aside from the fact that they are being paid for P 85,000 per event, which is the lowest rate outside Metro Manila. But once the gun is fired at the starting line, his work is done!

In short distances up to half-marathon, their time to monitor the runners is up to 2 hours! After 2 hours, they packed up and just leave the last runners to cross the finish line on their own. Sometimes, without marshals, ambulance or water at the aid stations. Once the top 3 runners cross the finish line (Overall and Female Categories), the race is done. The results of the rest of the finishers are immaterial as the results of the race will not be published. Only the top 3 runners are awarded with cash prize and a simple tap on the back of the athletes is enough. The Race Organizer will just say, “see you on the next race!”.

I am writing this post for the simple reason that the nationwide 2012 MILO Marathon Races are about to start. Our best runners in the regions and provinces are now training for this much-awaited event because it is the most prestigious running event in the country and it offers a lot of cash prizes for our runners in the “grassroot” level and a free trip & accommodation in Metro Manila for the MILO Marathon FINALS. This makes me wonder again why there is NO Filipino Corporate Entity (Filipino-Owned) that could match or even start what MILO had been doing to promote running in the “grassroot” level for the past years! I just hope also that our best runners in the regions and provinces would be training properly and not prepare/train to cheat on the said races!

Does it ring a bell if I say that there were cases of cheating in MILO Marathon & Elimination Races in the past editions? Well, that proves my point, there will always be a cheater (or  bandit) if there are cash prizes to be grabbed at the Finish Line.

On the other hand, I hope this kind of culture of road/trail racing in the running community would be removed in due time. There is a need to aware the runners that cheating has no place in running/racing events and it will eventually result to the end of their running carreer as they would be declared permanently “banned for life” in running events.

In life, like running a Marathon or Ultra Marathon Race, the opportunity to cheat is always there easily to be grabbed with or without any material rewards or prizes. Your actions will define the character you are made of and if you will fall to the temptation of cheating, there will always be someone who will see what you have done!

See you at the Starting Line!

Race Report: 1st King Of The Mountain (KOTM) Mt. Ugo Trail Marathon

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Places to Run, Race Results, Races, Running, Trail Running, Travel1 Comment

#3 “Peak Bagging” @ Mt Ugo, Itogon, Benguet via Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya (2,150 MASL)

4:30 AM April 1, 2012/Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya

This mountain trail run was the very reason why I started my “peak bagging” feats. On my way to Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya to recon the route of this marathon race, the road to the Mt Pulag National Park was there nearer from the Ambuklao Dam and the attraction of the said mountain due to its popularity was hard to resist. My trip to the peak of Mt Pulag gave me much confidence to reach the peak of Mt Ugo which is 800 meters lower. And my previous trek to the peak of Mt Natib, two days before race day, gave me a general impression on what to expect in climbing mountains.

If you are climbing to the peak of a mountain, expect a slightly ascending and winding path with so many switchbacks from the base of the mountain or from the trailhead until you reach the base of the peak. The trail is wide and well-maintained where one has to expect more ascending portions than descending ones. From the base of the peak, expect a single-track trail that is very steep on only one side of the peak. I usually call this as the “assault” trail to the peak/summit. Due to steep incline of every step of the trail and the thin oxygen in higher altitudes, one has to experience hardness of breathing and faster heart rate, thus, making one perspire some more. In a race, it is very hard to jog on the steep trail on the side of the peak of the mountain. Walking moderately would be a good option to adopt while on this final assault to the peak.

Depending on the kind or nature of the mountain, every trail is different. If a mountain is a volcano, dormant or active, expect some hardened lava and big rocks as part of the trail. If it is an ordinary mountain, expect a lot of changes on the vegetation or biodiversity of plants in every range of elevation and the trail ground can sometimes be pure earth without any rocks.

I arrived in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya after lunch of Saturday, March 31 and my friend, Jonel was at the Municipal Hall & Plaza giving intructions to his staff and at the same time receiving runners who just arrived in the area. Since I gave him the notice weeks ago of my intention to join this event, he designated the only “home stay” facility in the town as my place of accommodation. Kayapa is a small town and there are no commercialized tourist facilities in the area. Just like in Kabayan, Benguet, they have also a “dormitory-type” transient house where the rate is very cheap—P 200.00 per night in double-decked beds. Some of the runners were accommodated in the transient facility of the different barangays of the town. However, there is a big space for campers if runners would decide to pitch their tents infront of the municipal church.

At 4:00 PM, Jonel as the RO/RD of the race event, conducted the race briefing at the Municipal Plaza, infront of the Municipal Hall. It was nice to meet the “usual suspects” in ultra races as well as the local runners from Baguio City and Region 1. I was happy to see runners who came all the way from the Ilocos Provinces, Central Luzon (Region 3) and Metro Manila.

After the briefing, some had their “carboloading” in the local eateries located in the Public Market of the town which is just across the road from the Municipal Hall. It was time to taste the local foods! The pork stew with the local’s native pig is always a winner! And there is also a bonus dish which is the “adobong inasinan na baboy” (preserved salted pork cooked with soy sauce & garlic). The eatery where I ate have also pancit (noodles)!

After dinner, I had a brief talk with some of the runners and everybody was in a relaxed mood. Nobody talked about the race and what to expect during the race. On my end, I told them about my experiences in my new passion of “peak bagging” where Mt Ugo will be my 3rd mountain peak to conquer!

At 9:30 PM, I was already sleeping. However, I was awaken by the movements of the other runners staying in the same place who started to have their shower as early as 1:30 AM. There is no point of forcing myself to sleep some more. I slowly prepared my things and took a shower.

At 4:00 AM, I was already with the rest of the runners at the Starting Line/Municipal Hall which is located across the road from the place I was staying. It was nice to greet more friends and everybody were all smiles. I didn’t see any tense looks or faces among the runners. We were there to enjoy the outdoors and have fun in experiencing the 1st Mountain Trail Marathon in the country.

In a simple ceremony, Jonel led the Invocation/Prayers and I was the one who led the singing of the National Anthem. After a simple welcome and reminders about the critical areas in the race from Jonel, we were ready to go. At the schedule start time, 4:30 AM, the race started with a simple countdown from the count of 10 to 1 & “GO!” from the Race Director.

The first 5 kilometers was an uphill/ascending route along the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya. I did not run or jog on this part. I just simply brisked walked with the aid of my trekking poles. After 2 kilometers of this winding uphill road, I knew I was one of the last runners of the more than 150 runners who joined the half-marathon and the marathon distances. There was nothing to worry as I knew there will be more ascending portions as the race progresses.

As I reached the trailhead, I started to jog along the unpaved road leading to a narrower trail. It had been raining for the past days and I knew that most of the route will be slippery and muddy on portions with loose soil. I would run on flat and descending portions and then brisk walk on steep inclines. This ritual had been repeated through the race. I would be very careful on portions where there are slippery rocks and muddy portions of the trail. I was very confident on my footings due to the trekking poles I was using.

In less than 1 1/2 hours, I was able to reach the turn-around point of those who were participating in the half-marathon at Bundao and I was able to meet the lead runners who were under way to the finish line. I said to myself, the half-marathon distance did not offer much challenge and nice scenery for the runners. I just envy the runners that they are through with the day!

I could say that the trail from Kayapa side is well-maintained and I could see lots of vegetable farms on the sides of the mountains all around. Well, there are animals also that you could meet along the trail. I observed cows and wild/native pig on the sides of the trail.

After almost 17 kilometers, I met incoming runners who were telling me that I was on a wrong trail and I had to retrace myself to the nearest trail intersection. It was good, I was lost for only about 50 meters!

I memorized the word “Domolpos” as the place of the last Aid Station towards the peak of the mountain and it was my target to reach where I could take my first food through my power bars and gels and Gatorade mix. I was with a group of runners (Ed Yonzon, Chito Carreon, Vener Roldan and Gay Baniwas, a lady runner from Baguio who finished 1st Runner-Up in the Ladies Category) when I reached this place. Gay asked me to have a picture with her and later on,  I remained in the Aid Station as they left one by one. I took a pee, ate my energy bar, took a gel, and mixed my Gatorade powder. I guess, I spent almost 3-4 minutes in the process.

When I was back on the trail, I could no longer see the rest of the runners who were with me at the Aid Station. I kept on pushing myself until I saw the back of Gay and I was relieved. Gay became as my “guide’ towards the peak of the mountain. We would have another and more photo-ops along the steepest portions of the “assault” trail towards the peak. I passed her when she stopped to take some more snapshots of the scenery around the trail.

I kept on pushing and digging more of my trekking poles on the steepest parts of the peak and regularly looking for the bright light to appear in between the plants and bushes that cover the peak. If I could see a brighter light source in between the trees and plants ahead of me as I look up to the direction of the “assault” trail, it means that the peak is within my grasps!

After 4:25 hours, I reached the peak and I was able to meet again Chito, Vener, and Ed Yonzon who just happened to be having their photo-ops near the peak’s marker. I congratulated Koi Lapira for a nice route as he prepared to take a picture of me at the peak marker as a proof that I reached the turn-around point. My GF 305 registered a distance of 23.1 kilometers and an elevation of 2, 165 MASL. After my photo-ops with Koi Lapira, I joined the rest of the runners for another pose.

After my photo-ops with Koi Lapira (the evidence that I reached the turn-around point), I joined the rest of the runners for another picture pose. On our descent to the Domolpos Aid Station, I led the runners at a fast & decent pace.

At the Aid Station, I did the usual ritual—pee, eat, and mix my drinks while the rest of my companion started to resume their run. At the Domolpos Elementary School, I was able to catch up with their tail but I needed to slow down my pace as I approached a very steep trail as I left the school. As I reached the top of the trail, I could no longer see them on the flatter portions until I was able to pass one runner.

When I was about to approach the next Aid Station (Ansipsip), I saw 3 runners who just left the station. I saw Philippe Arenillo, a Pinoy runner, and the French guy whom I met the day before the race running in a single file. I stopped at the Aid Station and drank some Mountain Dew and asked from the Marshall what is my ranking/position among the runners who just passed. The marshal said that I was #30. I became excited as I have some “targets” to follow. However, I was still trying my best to catch up with the group of Chito, Vener and Ed.

Few meters from the Ansipsip Aid Station, I was able to pass the Pinoy runner and the French guy and ultimately joined Philippe. Philippe and I brisked walked and jog together on those descending portions of the route along Telecabcab Trail. I could not speed up on those steep descending trails because I was trying to protect my painful knees! My quads were already burning while the trail was very slippery. More fences to overcome until Philippe asked me for him to go ahead after having a conversation with him for about 2 kilometers.

Philippe became my “target” as I could see him infront of me. Switchback after switchback, I could still see him until I saw another runner who was walking and later overtaken by Philippe. At this moment, I was #28 runner! When I approached the runner, it was Ron Sulapas and I engaged a conversation with him and encouraged him to join me to catch up with Philippe. He joined me in my jog but later after a few minutes he slowed down and I continued my run. I could still see Philippe about 10 meters infront of me but he started to increase his pace until I lost him. I said to myself, #27 finisher would be a good accomplishment already!

As soon as I reached the last incline of the route/trail, I was back on the main road and the last 50 meters of the race was very fulfilling. I could here the banging of a gong, the ringing of cowbells, and the cheers of those who finished ahead of me from the finish line. I was all smile on those last 50 meters as I carried my trekking poles as if they are my batons! I crossed the finish line in 7:56:57 hours. Officially, I am ranked as #27 out of 69 finishers. Not bad for a 59-year (& 11 months) old runner.

The following were the data downloaded/recorded by my Garmin Forerunner 305:

Distance: 42.06K

Average Pace: 11:20 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 5.3 Km/hr

Maximum Speed: 12.5 Km/hr

Average HR: 150 bpm

Max HR: 171 bpm

Total Ascent: 2,751 meters

Total Descent: 2,794 meters

Highest Peak Elevation: 2,169 meters above sea level

Distance From Start to Peak: 23K

If you want to become an all-season trail runner, this is a Marathon Trail Race which you should not miss. I highly recommend this trail run. However, you should find time to make a reservation on your accommodation in the town of Kayapa weeks before the event and if possible, conduct a recon on the said mountain.

Congratulation to Jonel, his FrontRunner Magazine staff, and to all the Finishers for a job well done!

See you on May 26-27, 2012 for the 1st KOTM Mt Ugo Trail Ultra Marathon Race!

(Note: Pictures Courtesy of Jake Manzano, Gay Baniwas, Ed Jonson & Ismael Ilagan)