Category: Insights

The Road To The 2013 BDM 102 & 160

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

The deadline in the submission of application to join this race is strictly enforced. For those who were not able to beat the deadline (Midnight of June 15, 2012),  they will not be considered to be invited to join the event.

We have reached more than the allowable limit we have set for the number of runners in this event. As of the deadline, there are 267 runner-applicants for the BDM 102 and another 110 runner-applicants for the BDM 160. Those who have finished a Trail Marathon and Ultra Marathon Events (without finishing a Marathon Road Race) will be considered for the screening process. Definitely, those who have yet to experience finishing an official full Marathon Race will not be considered and invited to join this race.

For the proper implimentation of safety and security for all the participants, we have set a limit of 200 runners for the BDM 102 and a maximum limit of 100 runners for the BDM 160, except for the additional slots reserved for the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and other security/armed services of the government..

If my proposal to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard and to the other Armed/Security Services of the Government to include the BDM 102 in their “AFP-PNP Olympics” Competition will be approved, we have to allow at least 50 additional slots for this race. There will be NO competition among the Armed Services in the BDM 160.

Letters of Invitation will be sent to qualified applicants thru e-mail and/or Facebook starting tomorrow, June 20, 2012. All invited runners should follow the instructions stated therein. These are very simple instructions to follow.

Good luck and train well.

“Did Not Peak” (DNP) @ Mt. Apo

On By kingofpotsIn Alternate Sports, Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, Travel1 Comment

5th “Peak Bagging” Experience (April 6, 2012)

A simple ads on Facebook did the trick on me when a group of climbers posted an itinerary of a climbing event towards the peak of Mt Apo, the highest mountain peak in the country with an elevation of 2,956+ meters above sea level which was scheduled during the Holy Week. After a phone call and coordination with a friend in Davao City, I decided to try an approach towards the peak of the mountain which is new and not-so popular among mountain climbers. Reservations had been made with regards to my accommodation and transportation needs and everything was a GO!

Bansalan Trail (Bansalan, Davao Del Sur) Climb To The Peak of Mt Apo is a yearly activity (this is the 2nd year) being organized by the Tourism Office of the municipality in cooperation with mountaineering groups in the Davao Provinces. The itinerary of the climbing event spans for 4 days! The event started on the early morning of Holy Thursday with the participation of 300+ climbers and marshals. I was among the registered climbers but I opted to start the trek the following day, Good Friday! I was thinking that I can “run-peak bag-run” the mountain!

 

Although I left Davao City very early in the morning of Friday, I was delayed with so many “snags” once I arrived at the Bansalan Municipal Hall—the Tourism Office was closed; the Tourism Officer was called in their house to attend to me and receive my registration fee; it was Good Friday and there was only one eatery opened to serve food; the food order & service at the eatery was very slow. Finally, we were on our way to the trailhead which is another 20+-kilometer ride from the municipal hall.

With 6 kilometers more to go before reaching the trailhead, our vehicle just stopped and had a mechanical trouble! I had to ride on those motorcycle “habal-habal” just to be able to reach the trailhead which they call “Pluto”. I realized later that all the sitios and populated areas within the trailhead are named after the planets and stars of the galaxy.

I got the services of a guide who happens to be a “former” driver and worker in Manila for about 10 years and married to a lady from Pangasinan. Our trek started at 11:00 AM and we traveled fast and light! But the first kilometer was so steep that it took us 45 minutes to cover it! It was a sign that the trek will be a difficult one! The first mountain that we trekked was full of vegetable gardens just like those mountains in the Cordilleras where they are planted with carrots, cabbage, and radish. But after the first mountain, we entered to a place where you have tall grasses, reeds and later forest!

As compared with the trails in Luzon, the trail in Bansalan towards Mt Apo is a “beast”! It has all the combination of challenges and hardships, moreso, when it started to rain when we reached the forested area. They are foot trails/single-track and muddy which was brought about by the 300+ climbers that passed ahead of me. There are big trees that fell down due to natural causes and we have to do some detour from the established foot trail. The grasses along the sides of the trail had grown so tall that they completely cover the trails. In short, these trails are not maintained and they are usually used by the locals in the area. The Bansalan Trail is not a “tourist-friendly” trail and it is best for the “hardcore trail runners/trekkers” who are looking for challenges and risky adventures! And I guess, I consider myself as a “hardcore”!

After 4 hours of trekking (this is my first time not to be able to jog or run in any point/location towards a mountain peak), my guide and I were able to catch up with the tail of the climbers. One of the climbers recognized me and he was surprised to see me! We had some short conversation and some photo-ops. I had to pass their group and was able to reach the middle part of the group as we reached what they call “Lake Jordan”.

At this point, I had been trekking for the past 5 hours and I could see the full view of Mt Apo’s Peak. I told my guide that we have to rest and assess our chances of reaching the peak of the mountain on that day. We ate our energy bars and took some pictures while resting. I still have enough water in my Camelbak and enery bars to last for another 5 hours.

The next target to be reached by the climbers is Camp Reyes where they will spend the night and try to reach the peak of the mountain on the following day, Saturday. I was informed that I could reach Camp Reyes through power hiking in 1 hour but I would still have 2-3 hours to reach the peak. So, I made the decision to make my turn-around at this point. I was not fully equipped for the colder temperature (no tent, lack of food and water in going back to the trailhead for me and guide, and thicker jacket) as we went higher in elevation. It became colder as it rained in the mountains!

At Lake Jordan, the distance we have trekked covered 7.1 kilometers from the Pluto Trailhead and my GF305 registered an elevation of 2,428 meters above sea level. We still have another 530+ meters of elevation to trek for as to be able reach the peak of the mountain. It was a good decision to turn-around at this point. There will always be next time for Mt. Apo!

Our trek back to the Pluto Trailhead was more challenging as it rained some more and the thick mud kept on sticking to my trail shoes which made it heavier. Before we reached the last mountain from the trailhead, it was already becoming darker and it was already nighttime. With my headlight and hand-held flashlight, the guide and I were able to reach the trailhead with a slower pace making sure that we don’t slide or trip on those slippery descent and fallen trees which we have to walk on.

If my counting is right, I fell five (5) times on my butt on those slippery descents and bumped my head on fallent trees’ trunks & branches for three (3) times but I got no injuries or sprain on my body. Well, those are just part of the adventure and experience.

Finally, I reached my ride at the trailhead at 9:30 PM and reached Davao City before midnight. What a day to spend the Good Friday! This could be the longest day in my “peak bagging” feats so far!

This is my first “DNP” but it is worth the risk and adventure! I will make sure that I will be more prepared and smarter next time! This could be my first “DMB” (Did My Best) “peak bagging” so far!

Mt Apo, I’ll be back!

Picture Of The Week #6

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, RunningLeave a comment

Result: 1st BR’s BEER Mile Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Race Results, Races, Runners' Training, Running6 Comments

1st Bald Runner’s BEER Mile Run/June 10, 2012/Rizal High School Oval Track

RANK NAME TIME
1 Alfredo Ocampo 8:24
2 Meljohn Tezon 9:44
3 Virgilio Leona 10:10
4 Cesar Abarientos 10:11
5 Graciano Santos 10:14
6 Randy Duenas 10:44
7 Bob Castilla 10:56
8 Victor Ting 11:11
9 Kokoy Delmo 11:47
10 Joey Baladad 11:49
11 Godfrey Gozo 12:44
12 Pjong Dela Paz 12:46
13 Marco Christopher Montaos 12:47
14 Larry Daliwag 12:55
15 Chino Atayde 12:56
16 Samuel Narcise 12:57
17 Dindo Diaz 13:01
18 Sergio Bardol 13:20
19 Mark Anthony Rodica 14:01
20 Benedick Meneses 14:11
21 Joseph Soriao 14:24
22 Gil Ocampo 14:41
23 Bert Camangonan 14:56
24 Imelda Laron (Female) 15:02
25 Frederick Quitiquit 15:12
26 Demesio Mamano 15:53
27 Manolito Anyaya 16:05
28 Chito Carreon 16:49
29 Gerry Geralde 17:23
30 Emil Burgos 18:22
31 Raymund Suarez 18:42
32 Bong Bernadez 18:43
33 Lemuel Narcise 18:59
34 Jeffrey Abenina 19:02
35 David Buban 19:12
36 Jonel Mendoza 19:28
37 Junar Layug 19:57
38 Rico Cabusao 20:07
39 Stephanie Hefti (Female) 20:40
40 Frederick Gabriel 20:52
41 Enrico Caramay 21:40
42 Cindy Sevilla (Female) 22:10
43 Daphne Codilla (Female)  25:26
44 Gene Olvis 26:05
45 Eric Socrates 28:44
46 Vic Viola 30:44
47 Ron Sulapas 31:12

Congratulations to everybody!

Picture Of The Week #5

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, Travel, UltramarathonLeave a comment

Random Thoughts (After TD50)

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, Travel, Ultramarathon1 Comment

In the United States, June 6 is declared as their National Running Day. In some of my previous posts in this blog, I mentioned about coming up with the same concept in order for the citizens to adhere to a healthy lifestyle by engaging to any kind of sports. The following was the exact words from my previous post:

“It will take a real “sportsman or sportswoman” among our politicians to think and “lobby” for a “National Sports Week or Month”. There is already a party-list group at the House of Representatives which is called “PBA” (Partido ng Bayaning Atleta) but I am still waiting for them to be heard or seen in our national sports endeavors. Well, this could be a good idea for the PSC and POC to indulge if they are really sincere in discovering new “talents” and developing our sports program in the “grassroots”!”

Those people who are responsible in making or declaring a “National Running Day” for the country will always defend themselves by saying that “there is no need for such day or celebration because runners run everyday”!

oooOOOooo

I would like to personally thank those who greeted me on my 60th Birthday through Facebook, SMS, e-mail, and telephone calls. Instead of running for 60K, I was contented to run for 60 minutes on my birthday towards the peak of a mountain. There was no party or grand celebration for this day. I was contented  to just pray that I will have more years to enjoy running on the roads and trails. Finally, I got my Senior Citizen’s Card!

oooOOOooo

Taklang Damulag Ultra Trail Races (TD 100M/50M/50K) will remain to be the most challenging trail running event in the country. It will remain to be a challenge for the hardcore runners. I am proud that the 1st TD 100-Mile Trail Run made those runners who DNFed as stronger, smarter, and faster trail “experts” in their succeeding races here and abroad. It also started a trend of mountain ultra trail runs in the country.

oooOOOooo

I always IGNORE non-ultrarunners who make their opinion and/or observation about the sports I love and promote. Being the Founder and President of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU), I should be the one who should be refuting or arguing the statements of these people. But it would be best if these people will accept my personal invitation to join in next year’s edition of the Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Marathon Race which I will send to them on the 4th week of this month. I think eight (8) months will be enough time for them to prepare and train for such invitation.

oooOOOooo

I am happy that more marathon runners are slowly “crossing the fence” to the world of ultrarunning. I am happier that more runners are also shifting to trail running. After posting my “peak bagging” adventures, I’ve observed that my ultra running friends and other runners have started to go to the mountains, too! Some of my friends are wondering why I am always “peak bagging/peak hunting” almost every week. Well, the answer is that I am preparing for my next ultra trail run. It could be before the year ends or finally participate in next year’s TNF 100.

oooOOOooo

I am supposed to join in this Saturday’s San Diego 100-Mile Endurance Run but I missed the on-line registration at Ultra SignUp by a few hours as I did not expect the influx of interested runners. I was surprised that the slots were filled-up as soon as the registration opened. Even if I appealed to the Race Director with an e-mail and FB Personal Message, my request to be included was not granted. Lesson learned: Be fast with your Credit Card and Stick to the Rules and Regulation of the Event!

oooOOOooo

This site will remain as a running blog. More ultra running events here and abroad will be featured in this blog as more of our local runners are interested to know what is happening in the world of ultrarunning. Actually, some of our runners had been consistently joining ultra trail running events outside the country. Jonnifer Lacanlale, Simon Bolivar, Jael Wenceslao, Paolo Osmena, Garry Garcia had been consistently joining ultra running events outside the country and have been our ultra “ambassadors” to represent our country. I have a prediction that more of our local ultrarunners will be following their footsteps in the years to come.

oooOOOooo

Starting tomorrow, June 7, BDM 102 Finisher and ultrarunner Mac Milan will be starting his “multi-day adventure run” from Davao City to Cagayan De Oro City covering a distance of 250+ kilometers. He promised me to have his run “journalized” through a blog and will try his best to update us with his running experience. Good luck and have fun, Mac!

2013 BDM 102 Finisher’s Medals

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon10 Comments

Starting on next year’s 5th edition of the Bataan Death March 102 Ultra Marathon Race, Finisher’s Medals will have a distinction based on the Official Finish Time of each runner-finisher. The Finisher’s Medals will be categorized into GOLD, SILVER, and BRONZE.

GOLD BDM 102 Medal will be awarded to the runners who will register a finish time of less than 13 HOURS.

SILVER BDM 102 Medal will be awarded to the runners who will register a finish time of 13 HOURS but less than 16 HOURS.

BRONZE BDM 102 Medal will be awarded to the runners who will register a finish time of 16 HOURS but less than 18 HOURS.

Good luck to all the 2013/5th BDM 102 Ultra Marathon Race applicants.

Official Results: 1st TD 50M/50K/21K Trail Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Race Results, Races, Running, Trail Running, Travel, UltramarathonLeave a comment

1st Taklang Damulag 50-Mile/50K/21K Half-Marathon Trail Run/June 2, 2012/Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City (Nueva Ecija)

(Note: Photo Courtesy of Elaine Botabara)

  TD 50-MILE RUN  
RANK NAME TIME
1 Ronald Illana 14:27:22
2 Mary Maureen Baylosis (F) 16:21:06
3 Cenuel Mark Geminiano 16:21:07
4 Sherwin Botabara 18:18:52
5 Bong Alindada 18:19:18
     
  TD 50-Kilometer Run  
RANK NAME TIME
1 Ronnel Go 7:33:37
2 Romulo Doctolero 7:33:38
3 Carmeli Ortega (F) 10:07:25
4 Stephanie Hefti (F) 10:07:27
     
  TD 21K Half-Marathon  
RANK NAME TIME
1 Juvalin Dionisio (F) 6:12:51
2 Mike Jojo Brito 6:35:01
3 Meljohn Tezon 6:40:17

Picture Of The Week #4

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

1st BR’s BEER Mile

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Running4 Comments

Nobody dared yet to do this event in the country. I wonder why. Is it because we are ignorant that there is such event that is known worldwide? Is it because we are afraid that we are promoting drinking of liquor mixed with sports? Or we are just simply lazy or afraid of promoting this kind of event that promotes camaraderie among runners and friends? Or is it because there is no profit in it that race organizers would not dare to do it?

For the past weeks, I’ve posted a request on Facebook for any of my “friends” to “connect” me with anybody who is employed with any of the Corporate Beer Companies in the country. I got some positive comments and some promises to connect to this person and this person. But it ended there but I still waited for some more time if ever I would be able to link-up with the Heads of Sales of these companies. I waited but such promises ended as promises! However, I am still waiting for these Corporate entities to sponsor this event.

With or without sponsors, this event will have to push through. Who cares? I really don’t care if I don’t have any sponsor in my events. The RUNNERS are the actors/actresses in this event! The show must go on!

I wanted a “low-key” oval track for this event and I thought of the Rizal High School Oval Track in Pasig City to be an ideal place for the sake of simplicity. After a simple coordination with the right authority to give the approval for the use of the said facility, the event is now a reality!

This Beer Mile Run is FREE but runners/participants will have the distinction to be invited through this post in this blog. I will be clear on those runners to be invited for the inaugural conduct of this event. These invited runners are those who have supported me in my initial BDM & PAU Races and our ultra supportive friends. And for those who were not invited for this inaugural event, they will have the chance to experience this in the monthly conduct of this run. However, they can still come as spectators in the said event.

The following runners are invited in the Inaugural BR’s BEER Mile on June 10, 2012. The activity will start at 6:00 AM at the Rizal High School Oval Track.

1. Jonel Mendoza

2. Amado Castro Jr

3. Jonnifer Lacanlale

4. Jael Wenceslao

5. George Dolores

6. Ric Cabusao

7. Arman Fernando

8. Francisco Lapira Jr

9. Abet Henson

10. Jeffrey Abenina

11. Patrick Concepcion

12. Gene Olvis

13. Paolo Osmena

14. Christopher Montaos

15. Arturo Virata

16. Chito Carreon

17. Mel Severino

18. Sherwin Botabara

19. Cesar Abarientos

20. Graciano Santos

21. Ronnel Go

22. Mar Marilag

23. Bong Alindada

24. Ian Alacar

25. Meljohn Tezon

26. Eric Socrates

27. Jose Duenas

28. Randy Rubio

29. Junar Layug

30. Tin Ferrera (F)

31. Teresa Gangan (F)

32. Dick Balaba

33. Robert Patrimonio

34. Samuel Narcise

35. Marlo Guloy

36. Victor Ting

37. Narciso Alipio

38. Alfred Delos Reyes

39. Roberto “Beeps” De Los Santos

40. Mark Hernandez

41. Frederick  Gabriel

42. Alfredo Ocampo

43. Samson Ocampo

44. Gil Ocampo

45. Larry Daliwag

46. Tina Narvaez (F)

47. Keshia Fule (F)

48. Chips Dayrit

49. Raul Tapia

50. Carl Balagot

51. Junrox Roque

52. Wilnar Iglesia

53. David Buban

54. Dindo Diaz

55. Simon Pavel Miranda

56. Noel Hernandez

57. Charlie Chua

58. Camilla Brooks (F)

59. Lemuel Narcise

60. Jose Lorenzo Mina

61. Red Samar

62. Almar Danguilan

63. Bert Camangonan

64. Haide Acuna (F)

65. Irene Ong (F)

66. Ron Sulapas

67.  Bob Castilla

68. Julius Cervantes

69. Din Cordero

70. Wap Flores Forbes

71.  Gregorio Ocampo

72. Ruben Fajardo Jr

73. Nelson Mallillim

74. Frederick Quitiquit

75. Imelda Laron (F)

76. Benedict Meneses

77. Carlito Buenaventura

78. Lester Jerome Chuayap

79. Stephanie Hefti (F)

80. Zaldy Santillan

The following will be the procedure of the event:

1. Each Runner-Participant will have to register to the Secretariat with four (4) Beer In Cans. We are not strict on the brand of the beer as long as it has 5% alcohol content by volume. NO BEERS IN BOTTLE!

2. There will be five (5) Waves of runners. Each wave will consist of sixteen (16) runners. Composition of WAVES will depend on the order of registration for each runner—FIRST TO REGISTER, FIRST TO RUN!

3. Secretariat will be ready to accept the registration of runners at 5:30 AM and the first Wave will start at exactly 6:00 AM.

4.  Cut-off time for each Wave is 20 minutes. The next Wave will start immediately after the cut-off time have lapsed.

5. At the Starting Area, runners should be at least 5 meters behind the starting line & holding their beer in can. Start of the Race will commence once the RD says “GO”. Then runner opens the beer and drink the full content of the beer before starting his run (still behind the starting line). Runners will be disqualified if they won’t be able to finish/consume the contents of can before they start their run.

6. Before completing each lap, runner has to drink another beer before he/she crosses the starting line in order to start the 2nd lap, then the 3rd lap and then the 4th/last lap. To complete the event, each runner must have consumed 4 beer in cans and had ran 4 laps.

7. If a runner vomits, he/she is penalized for another lap around the track (4 laps + 1 lap penalty). (Note: We will not have marshals to monitor each runner during the run. So, we hope that runners would accept that they vomitted during the run and take upon themselves and run the additional lap as penalty). No matter how many times you vomit, you only have to run ONE additional lap to complete the run. PLEASE DON’T VOMIT ON THE TRACK.

8.  Results will be posted in my blog and will be sent to http://www.beermile.com to represent our country from the list countries registered in this event. “Personalized” Finisher’s Certificate for each runner will be available on a later date.

9. Commemorative T-Shirts will be available FOR SALE (P 300.00 each). The word “FINISHER” and date of the event will be printed at the back of the shirt.

10. For details on the rules and regulations, please check www.beermile.com.

Additional Notes:

1. My sincerest apology to those who were not included in this initial list. However, if you have time, you can be a spectator of this event. If there will be runners in the list who could not make it in the event, we will ask runners from the spectators to fill in the list. Make sure you bring 4 cans of beer.

2. The Parking Area at the Rizal High School is very limited. We encourage “carpooling” among running club members!

3.Donations for Additional Beer In Cans and bite foods (“pulutan”) are highly encouraged.

4. We will try our best to have this event on a monthly basis.

Good luck and Have Fun!