Category: Military

Update: PAU Fort Magsaysay 60K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Military, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Running, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon3 Comments

Update: PAU Fort Magsaysay 60K Run (July 16, 2011)

This is the 2nd PAU Race for the year (2011) and it will start at the 7th Infantry Division Headquarters of the Philippine Army inside Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City (Nueva Ecija) at 5:00 AM of July 16, 2011. The Assembly Time will be at 4:00 AM and Race Bibs will be distributed to the registered runners during this period before finally starting race.

There are 223 applicants to this race as listed in the PAU Races’ site at http://pauraces.blogspot.com and acceptance of application had been CLOSED since the last week of May 2011. We are expecting 223 runners who will finally register to run the said race. If ever there are slots to be vacated (from the 223 slots) due to non-registration of applicants, such slots could be filled-up with late registrants before the start of the race.

Registration and payment of registration fee can be done at the A Runner’s Circle Store located at Aloha Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila or simply deposit the registration fee of Nine Hundred Pesos Only (P 900.00) to LANDBANK Savings Account # 1686-0795-85 and keep the deposit receipt for confirmation of your payment. Bring your deposit slip and present it to our staff to claim your Race Bib on Race Day. Deadline of Registration/Payment of Registration Fee is July 13, 2011 or before the Closing Time of the ARC Store on the said date.

There will be no late registration on Race Day (if all the 223 applicants had registered and paid their registration fees).

Starting Area of the 60K Run (7th ID Headquarters)

Rules and Regulations of the Race:

1. The race will start on or before 5:00 AM of July 16, 2011.

2. There will be No Aid Stations along the route. Runners are “self-supported” in this race. Runners may bring their respective support vehicle and/or support crew. Support vehicles should always “leap-frog” their runner/s. Support Vehicle shadowing their runner/s is strictly not allowed. Reports of such incident will be a ground for disqualification from the race. Support Vehicle must always park on the right shoulder of the road.

3. Pacers are not allowed in this race. Support crew will be there to simply hand in the needs of the runner-participant or help/assist on the needs of the runner. Support crew are not “mules” for the runner-participant.

4. Runners without any support vehicle can run the race on “self-support” and they are allowed to ask assistance from other runners. The route has a lot of local convenience stores and eateries but they have to pay for their own needs.

5. Runners are advised to run on the left side of the road, however, they could also have the option to run on the right side. Stay safe and be observant on your surroundings while running.

6. There will be no restrictions on the use of earphones and “wires” attached to the runner. However, the volume of such earphones should be set on a lower tone for the runner to still hear what is happening to his/her surroundings.

7. Strictly, “bandits” will not be allowed in this race.

8. Race Bib should be displayed in front of the runner’s shirt or shorts. Runners who are using race belts must be always aware that their race bib is always on the front. There will be “secret marshals” who will be listing your number on different locations along the route.

9. If possible, runners must be on “single-file” or two runners abreast, if there is no incoming traffic on the road. Personal discretion and judgement are needed on how a group of runners run along the route. Safety is the foremost consideration on this race.

10. Cut-off time for the 60K Run is 9 hours. The Official Finishers of this race should be able to cross the Finish Line on or before 2:00 PM of the same day.Finish Line will be at the View Deck at Dingalan, Aurora, specifically at the vicinity of the GINA’s Restaurant & Resort.

11. Official Finishers will receive Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s T-Shirt, and Finisher’s Certificate.

Finish Line Area in Dingalan, Aurora (GINA's Place & Resort)
Finish Line Area @ GINA's Place & Resort In Dingalan, Aurora

12. There will be Medical Team/s and Ambulance/s deployed along the route. However, runners must bring with them basic First Aid Kit as a “stop-gap” measure on the brief period before the arrival of the Medical Team.

13. Do not look for portalets along the route! There is a vast space of vegetated areas and tracts of land along the route and they need “fertilizer”. Make sure you are covered or hidden by the terrain or trees during these “spraying” and “depositing” moments.

14. In case of emergency and other incident reports to be relayed to the Race Director, calls and/or text messages shall be sent to this number—0918-910-0825. Sender must be able to identify himself/herself if message is sent through SMS.

15. The integrity of the race shall be maintained. Reports of cheating will be investigated immediately and runner/s involved shall be disqualified from the race and future races of the Bald Runner’s Events Management and PAU Races. Runners are deputized to report acts of cheating and/or violation of the race’s rules and regulations.

16. If you are new in ultra marathon and this is your first ultra road race, be prepared to submit a copy of a Medical Certificate or a Doctor’s Certificate stating therein that you are capable of participating in any endurance sports like long distance running and that you don’t have any heart-related ailments. Such Certificate shall be submitted to our Staff at the Starting Area.

17. It is the personal responsibility of each runner to arrange for his/her trip/travel arrangement or itinerary to the venue of the activity and lodging accommodation before and after the race.

Last reminder: We always maintain our signature/reputation of starting the race ON or BEFORE the scheduled start time. Arrive at the Race Venue ahead of time.

“NO WHINING IN ULTRA RACES”…GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!!!

86th Comrades Marathon

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Military, Places to Run, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Travel, Ultramarathon2 Comments

Comrades Marathon Logo

They call this running event as “Marathon” even if it is actually an Ultra Marathon Race with a distance of 86.96 Kilometers (52 Miles). The race route is on the paved road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. It is one of the oldest ultra marathon races in the world but at present, it is being dubbed as the world’s largest ultra marathon race whose runners would reach up to 23,000 with cheerers and spectators lined up throughout the course! (With the increasing number of International runners reaching up to almost 2,000, this event promotes Sports Tourism to South Africa!)

This Sunday, May 29, it will be the 86th edition of the race which started as a commemoration of the dead British & South African soldiers who were the casualties during World War I. It was created by a retired British Army Officer to honor his “comrades” who died as heroes during the World War I Campaign in South Africa, hence, it was named as the Comrades Marathon.

If they have the Comrades Marathon in the continent of AFRICA, then we have also the Bataan Death March 102K & 160K Ultra Marathon Races in ASIA. The reason and purpose of the two running events are similar but Bataan Death March attracts more interest due to its historical significance, popularity and involvement of war’s atrocities and heroism of the Filipinos and Americans.

The following link will describe in details the history of the Comrades Marathon from its origin up to its last edition last year.

http://www.southafrica.info/about/sport/comrades.htm

Due to the popularity of the Comrades Marathon in Europe and USA, I read somewhere and overheard other ultra runners saying that you are finally called as a “full pledged ultra runner” if you have finished the Comrades Marathon within the prescribed cut-off time of 12 hours. It is for this reason that I am already making my travel preparation and training for the next year’s edition of the race! God willing.

In the Philippines, a runner is not a full pledged ultra runner if he/she has not finished the BDM 102K Ultra Marathon Race within the prescribed cut-off time of 18 hours. It is my personal declaration and I will stand by it.

You can browse more about how to join the Comrades Marathon at their website at www.comrades.com.

“West To East”: 7th Day/Last Day

On By kingofpotsIn Food & Dishes, Insights, Jogging, Military, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners' Training, Running, Travel, Ultramarathon13 Comments

10:30 AM March 21, 2011/Laur, NE to Dingalan Bay, Aurora

Laur, Nueva Ecija is a small town where the National Highway does not pass on its Poblacion or center of the town. If you are travelling towards Gabaldon, NE, you could barely see the town as you need to turn left from a corner where the only Petron Gasoline Station is located. There are no common or popular commercial establishment or popular fastfood restaurants in the place. There was only one place where it serves cooked food and this was the place where I had my brunch with my team. The food was simple—sinigang na bangus, pork adobo, sauteed meat, and rice with fresh banana. The food serves its purpose as my source of energy for the day.

Viands For Brunch @ Laur, NE

I was on a relaxed mood after I finished my brunch and took my time to reach Km Post #145 which is only less than one kilometer away from the Poblacion. I knew that this will be my last day of my adventure run and very confident that I will reach my destination without any “issues” or accidents along the road. I just have to maintain the things that I’ve done for the past days and I let my body on “automatic” mode once I start my run. It was at the Kilometer Post where I wear my ASICS Gel-LyteRacer and my Gray DryMax Running Socks. After wearing and checking the accessories I need to wear, I started my run with a simple prayer and sign of a cross, a ritual I’ve never missed to do every time I start my run.

Trying To Vizualize Dingalan Bay Behind The Mountains

I am not a stranger in this place as it was part of my Area of Operations (AOR) when I was a Brigade Commander of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. I always visit Gabaldon and Dingalan because it was our Advanced Command Post (ACP) whenever we had combat and civil-military operations in the mountainous and forested areas of these two towns. But times have changed since then. The roads are now cemented and well-built with the proper drainage and structured concrete bridges. More houses had been built along the Highway. There are already elementary and high schools built in most of the more populated barangays. And there are newly constructed and developed garden and water resorts in the area.

I was assigned in these areas for 2 years and 4 months. What I like with Gabaldon are their Onions! Gabaldon is considered as the Onion Capital of the Country. They cultivate and produce the white and the red onions. There were times when the price of these onions would go down to P 5.00 per kilo and a bagful (20 kilos) would only cost P 100.00! I usually bring some of these onions (in bags of 20 kilos) to Manila and give them as a gift to my friends, peers, relatives, superiors, and subordinates. Well, after a few days, they complain to me that they smell like onions already! On the other hand, the more smart traders/businessmen from Visayas and Mindanao would buy these onions when the price is low and have them transported to their “refrigirated” warehouses so that the freshness of the onions will be maintained even after months of being stored. And then sell them when they supply is low. It’s a good business! 

My Reliable Patagonia Long-Sleeve Capilene Shirt & NIKE Running Shorts

On my last day of my run, I opted to use my ever reliable Patagonia Capilene White Long-Sleeved Shirt. This is the same shirt that I used  in last year’s Marin Headlands 50-Mile Train Run. It is not tight but it gives me a comfortable feeling when I run. As for the running shorts, I used a NIKE running shorts which I bought (at a discounted price) in a NIKE Store at the Caltex Gasoline Station along the NLEX. The running shorts is nice and comfortable that I did not have “issues” on my upper inner legs and crotches. I was already confident that I really did not need the Adidas Tech Fit Compression Short for this particular leg of my adventure run. I wanted to appear in my pictures as a traditional runner! The DryMax Trail Socks is thicker than the ordinary running socks and it fits well to my ASICS Gel-LyterRacer. I have no worries if my socks will be wet from the water that I pour on my neck and head, and perspiration from my body that goes down to my legs. I knew these socks will not give me any problems with blisters.

@ Bato Ferry Bridge in Laur, NE

 As soon as I started my run, the places that I passed and looked forward became familiar as I recall those times when I usually pass along this road going to Gabaldon and Dingalan. The scenery of the place is really amazing. This is the place where you could see clean and crystal clear flowing water on rivers. I’ve never seen such kind and condition of water on rivers that I passed in the provinces of Pangasinan and Tarlac. The mountains and hills are also amazing to behold. Although most of these mountains lack those thick forested areas, their size, formation and the different colors from their vegetation could give refreshing feeling to the eyes. How I wish these hills and mountains have trails where runners could walk and run. I hope to return to these places and talk to the locals and get more information about the trails on these mountains.

Running Towards The Mountains of Gabaldon, NE

I have observed that the road is clean from Laur to Gabaldon. I did not see any trash or unnecessary wastes along the road. Even when I reached the Poblacion of Gabaldon, I did not see any trash along the road. But what I’ve observed was that there are parts of the mountains which are burned. Burning the grass on the mountains had been an annual practice of the people thereat. The burning of the grass is a way for the grass to re-grow and the new grass growth is a good food or feed for the cattle in the area.

Another View of the River & Mountains From Bato Ferry Bridge
Clean Air, Clean Road, Clean River & Beautiful Scenery
Entering The Boundary of Gabaldon, NE (Take Note of The Onions On Top of the Arc)
The Road & Scenery To Gabaldon, NE

I have to maintain my nutrition strategy during the run. I usually take a meal before my daily run as it gives me the necessary energy to last me for 1 1/2 to 2 hours and I don’t ingest any sports gel. I maintain my hydration strategy by drinking a sip of water evey two kilometers where my support have “leap frogged” ahead of me. This is repeated up to the time I reach 1 1/2 hours of running. After this, I drink one-half bottle of Sports Drinks and every 1 1/2 hours thereafter. If I feel hungry, I take those Nature Valley Sports Bar and/or Chips Ahoy Cookies. If there are fresh fruits, like banana or mangoes. I take them when I feel hungry.

Walking On Uphills

As for my running & walking strategy, I dropped using the Galloway Method of following a run-walk ratio religiously. I simply followed my ritual of running along the descending and flat portions of the road and simply brisk walking on the ascending portions of the road. However, I tried my best to quicken my average pace during the run. The counting of strides was still religiously followed most especially during those times when the heat of the sun and the cement were very challenging. The counting kept my sanity during the run. Of course, there are times also that I pray when I feel that I was exhausted.  

Another Uphill Ahead
Onions Being Harvested Along The Side of the Road

 In one of the legs/days of this adventure run, I tried a run strategy where I have to run hard on the early hours and sustain whatever strength I have left in my body in the later hours of the day. To be specific, I have to run 8 kilometers for the first hour; 7 kilometers for the second hour; 6 kilometers for the 3rd hour; and then maintain 5 kilometers for the 4th and succeeding hours until I end the run for the day. So, if I am going to run for 8 hours for the day, I would be able to finish at least 46 kilometers for the day. Nice run strategy but it really puts pressure on me. If not for the swelling of my left quads and the pain that goes with it, it would have been doable.

Red Onions Ready To Be Transported/Sold @ P28 Per Kilo

Due to my predicament after the Camiling-La Paz Leg, I maintained an average pace of 5 kilometers per hour but it became slower when I reached the uphills of Fort Magsaysay-Laur-Gabaldon-Dingalan areas. Although I was able to recover on the last two legs of this run, I did not think of taking the risk of increasing my pace on a tempo run mode but maintaining the LSD mode would be the nice decision for this adventure run. The goal is to finish this adventure run where I can still stand up and walk on my own and drive the support vehicle back to Metro Manila. 

Another Version of "Marin Headlands" In Gabaldon, NE

For so many times, I’ve taken pictures of mountains that resemble the mountains in Marin Headlands in San Francisco, California in almost all the places that I passed through. I know for sure that that there are trails on these mountains and they could be used for trail running events in the future. I know for sure that once upon a time, these trails had been used by the insurgents and military patrols at the height of the government’s efforts to thwart the spread of insurgency in the country. Sometimes, I would think that trail running in some of the mountains in the country would drive away those insurgents to higher mountains and more forested areas. However, on the places that I passed through, these mountains are already cleared from the insurgents. 

Crossing The Dupinga Bridge Where A River Resort Is Located

The challenge now is to find out the trails inside the Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation Area. This would be the best place to conduct an ultra trail running event in the future. I’ve been thinking about this while I was running through the places at Fort Magsaysay the previous day. It is doable and runners would be excited to experience an ultra trail run on a regular basis within the year. 

The Entrance of the Resort Where I Slept Overnight

I was also thinking during my run to purposely travel from Manila up to Fort Magsaysay by taking the NLEX-SCETX-La Paz-Zaragoza-Santa Rosa-Fort Magsaysay Route to find out the travel time. Before the SCETX was constructed, the route to Fort Magsaysay would pass along the busy eastern towns of Bulacan and the southern towns of Nueva Ecija. Before, it takes 3 1/2 to 4 hours to reach Fort Magsaysay from Manila even if I take the shortcut route from Gapan, Nueva Ecija to the Southern Gate of Fort Magsaysay through Papaya, Nueva Ecija. I would say and suspect that Fort Magsaysay could be reached in 2 1/2 hours by taking the new route. I will try to prove if my suspicion is right in the coming days.

The Road After Leaving The Town of Gabaldon, NE

It was uneventful that I was able to reach the Poblacion of Gabaldon, NE. This town is the location of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. I had my pictures taken infront of Resort 8 where we stayed overnight before this day’s run. From that point, I had 5 more kilometers to the Poblacion of Gabaldon.

More Uphill Climbs On The Road Between Gabaldon & Dingalan

 The road from Gabaldon to Dingalan has a distance of 12 kilometers. When I was still assigned in this place, the road was a dirt road with big boulders/stones protruding from the ground. Ordinary cars and vehicles would not be able to reach Dingalan because of the steep roads and slippery and muddy road. It was only those with 4-wheel drive transmission vehicles that could reach Dingalan from Gabaldon. But from what I was seeing during my run, the place had completely changed because of the  first class highway where any kind of vehicle would be able to reach Dingalan

One of Those Flat Portions of the Road On Top Of The Mountain

Dingalan is the southern most town of Aurora Province and you need to travel through Nueva Ecija in order to reach the capital of Aurora which is Baler. Dingalan Bay is being planned to be the eastern seaport of the country and this could be the reason why the government constructed the SCETX as it would connect it to Subic Bay Freeport. A high-speed highway from Dingalan Bay to Subic Bay Freeport would cut the travel time of goods/materials from the Pacific Ocean to South China Sea or vice-versa, instead of the transport ships coming from the Pacific Ocean to go all the way south to the tip of Bicol region and finally going northwest to Manila Bay.

I am About To Touch The Clouds
Destination Is Getting Nearer!

Dingalan Bay had been the source of Yellow Fin and Blue Marlin Tunas. When I was assigned in this area, a kilo of these fresh fish cost only P 45-50.00. My officers would buy by bulk (minimum of 10 kilos) and had the meat of the fish packaged and frozen into sashimi cuts. Whenever we have visitors from our Higher Headquarters and from our Operating Units, they were surprised when we serve them with sashimi with Wasabe Paste and Kikkoman Soy Sauce. I hope that those fresh catch tunas are still cheap at present. 

Getting Colder In The Late Afternoon!
A Brief Stop To Appreciate The Scenery
Finally A Glimpse Of Dingalan Bay (Pacific Ocean) In Aurora
Poblacion Dingalan & Pacific Ocean At Dusk

 

My "Last Downhill Run" In This Adventure Run

It was already dark when I reached the last kilometer post. After the usual photo-ops, I ran another 600 meters towards the Dingalan Beach. The Dingalan Beach within the edge of the Poblacion is full of black stones while the neighboring barangay farther south has a beach with black/dark sand. After a picture pose at the Dingalan Beach, I grabbed my Nathan Bottle that I carried throughout the Adventure Run on my Nathan Hydration Belt where the Salt Water from Bolinao Beach was placed and contained. 

The Last Kilometer Post In My Adventure Run

Finally, at 6:20 PM, I slowly poured the Salt Water from the South China Sea to the waves of the Pacific Ocen. Mission accomplished. I was able to finish this “West To East” Adventure Run. 

Finally Pouring The Saltwater From The South China Sea To The Pacific Ocean

We tried to look for a place to rest overnight along Dingalan Beach but because it was dark along the main road that goes to the Beach Resorts, I decided to go back to Gabaldon’s Stone 8 Resort for the night. However, as we left the Poblacion of Dingalan, we dropped by a restaurant/resort on top of a mountain which is 3 kilometers away and along the highway. The establishment is called Gina’s Place. The place don’t have any display of cooked food but we were advised to order the food we want. I ordered Sinigang Na Yellow Fin Tuna and Broiled Blue Marlin. It was worth the wait as the tunas cooked were fresh.

After our dinner, we were back to Stone 8 Resort. It is time to rest and recover.

Data/Information For the Day’s Run:

Weather: Hot but it got cooler in the later part in the afternoon and in higher elevation

Number of Kilometers Covered: 37 Kilometers

Number of Hours (Actual Running): 8 Hours

Average Pace: 4-5 Kilometers Per Hour

Running Apparel: Patagonia Capilene Shirt; NIKE Running Shorts; DryMax Trail Socks; Ice Bandana; Buff; Sunglass by Ray-Ban & Oakley; Adidas Running Cap

Running Shoes: ASICS Gel-LyteRacer

Total Number of Kilometers Covered (7 Days): 289 Kilometers

Expenses:

Meal/Food with Fresh Bananas @ Laur, NE—P 320.00

Gasoline—P 1,000.00

Water & Ice—P 100.00

Hotel Accommodation @ Stone 8—P 1,500.00

Dinner @ Gina’s Place—P 320.00

Total Expenses—P 3,240.00

To be concluded…

(Note: Please click each picture if you want them to be magnified)

“West To East”: 6th Day/Fort Magsaysay & Mountain Pass

On By kingofpotsIn Food & Dishes, Insights, Jogging, Military, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runners Injury, Runners' Training, Running, Travel, Ultramarathon9 Comments

10:30 AM March 20, 2011/Santa Rosa to Laur, Nueva Ecija

The last time that I passed along the Santa Rosa to Fort Magsayay Road was in the mid-part of 2004 when I was a Brigade Commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division with my Headquarters located in Barangay Calaanan, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. The road was not yet paved/asphalted as most of it was a narrow dirt road. This road is the most direct route to Fort Magsaysay from the Maharlika Highway in Santa Rosa and I take this route as a short cut to avoid the traffic of vehicles in Cabanatuan City. The road has a distance of 20 kilometers where both sides are open with rice fields and dry lands which were planted with mango trees as you approach to the military reservation of Fort Magsaysay.

Looking Forward To The East

Fort Magsaysay is the biggest military camp in the country which consists of hundreds of thousands of hectares from the eastern portions of Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija up to the seashore of the Pacific Ocean. The area is so vast that the military could not guard the reservation from informal settlers; kaingin farmers; and other kinds of squatters. Even if various types of military training are being conducted in these areas ranging from artillery fires, tank manuevers and combat fires, military exercises with other allied armed forces in Asia and the USA, and other kinds of special operations, those unscrupulous illegal settlers are still there to claim a portion of the military reservation. It is sad that the military reservation is now shrinking.

I am Starting To Sweat Few Kms From Start

When I was the Camp Commander of Camp Aguinaldo, I had a chance to play a round of golf with the Speaker of the House of the Representatives then and he asked me what is my solution for the unabated military adventurism of young officers to topple whoever is in power in the government. I told him that my idea is not a solution but it is a firm message that AFP Officers and Soldiers who are involved in this kind of military adventurism should be punished severely. I told the politician that it is about time to establish a State Penitentiary (outside Metro Manila) with a Military Prison Facility at the middle part of the Fort Magsaysay Reservation Area! And let these prisoners develop the area as homestead where they can produce and cultivate food and herd some domesticated animals and be away and out of reach from the media. The politician liked my idea and it ended there.

The Color of my Shirt is Becoming Darker

I expected that today’s run will be the most challenging stage due to the hotter temperature of Nueva Ecija and the looming hills/mountains that I am going to traverse as I progress towards my destination. I was informed by some of the officers assigned in Fort Magsaysay that there is already a short cut route from Fort Magsaysay that goes all the way to Laur, Nueva Ecija that traverses the mountains east of Fort Magsaysay. And the road has an estimated distance of 64 kilometers from Fort Magsaysay to the town of Dingalan, Aurora.

Ahhh...Brgy Liwayway, The Heat, The Clouds and The Mountains

The flat, wide and hot road from Santa Rosa to Fort Magsaysay was already a challenge as I started my run at 10:30 AM. From where I started, I estimated that I still have at least 81 Kilometers to my destination and covering one-half of the distance was already enough for my day’s run. I started my run from where I stopped the previous night. I was still using the Adidas Tech Fit Compression Shorts and with my Gray NIKE Compression Shirt. I decided not to use my arm sleeves as I would like to see my perspiration simply dry up from my skin while I was running. I prepared for my Ice Bandana to cool off my neck and nape and my Buff to cover my face. The ritual for hydration was still there and my strategy for my pacing but every time that I have my pit stop, I have to pour cold water on my head making my running cap wet/damp while running. This was the first time that I did such ritual of pouring cold water on my head and nape every time I take a sip of water from my support vehicle. Since I did not bring sponge, this ritual gave me a refresh feeling every two kilometers.

Nice Mango Orchard On My Left & Still Looking Good

 The pain on my knee/left quads was tolerable and I have to make some adjustments with my footwork. The ASICS Gel- LyteRacer DS was very nice and comfortable to my feet as they are light with the much-needed cushion. I decided to use this shoe throughout the run after my bad experience with my Adidas Adizero Mana on my 4th day leg.

Finally Entering the Fort Magsaysay Territory
The Fort's Cantonment Area Is Still Far From This Place

As I got nearer to the boundary of the Fort Magsaysay reservation, the road started to ascend but I knew it was runable but I opted to conserve my strength by brisk walking through the uphills and resume running on the downhill parts. As I reached the intersection of the road that goes to the Gate 1 (Main Gate) of Fort Magsaysay, trucks that carry US Armed Forces mobility assets and other equipment were still passing me and saw them entering the premises of the camp. I concluded that with the volume and number of trucks that passed me for the past two days, this military exercise would be involving a lot of troops and administrative personnel!

The Last Wide Truck To Pass Me & Approaching A New Crossroad!

 As I crossed the Bangad-Fort Magsaysay Road, I could see in front of me a newly constructed and newly-opened highway that goes way up to the mountains of Fort Magsaysay. The peak that I am going to reach was still vivid in my mind. It was the same “impact area” or location of our target when our basic infantry class had our hands-on firing of the 105-mm Howitzer Artillery pieces. Yes, those were the days when we were trained to request for an artillery fires by following some “structured” steps so that the one who is adjusting and pulling the trigger of the artillery piece would be able to land the artillery ammunition/rounds accurately to where the target is.

My Entry To The Newly-Opened Fort Magsaysay-Laur Shortcut Highway
Still Enjoying The Scenery of the Place
Still Counting On My Strides...Hydration Strategy Maintained
Quick Lunch At This Place

 After running at least 3 kilometers from the crossing/entrance of this new highway, I dropped by a roadside eatery, the only eatery before going up the peak of the mountain. It’s called Big Joe’s Eatery and I immediately asked for the viand available for lunch. They have Sinampalokan Na Manok which was the viand with a soup/broth for the day and I ordered two orders. The taste of a home-coke viand is heaven, moreso, if you are running a multi-day stage run!  They simply call the place “Tanawan” which is the common name they give to a place at the foot or mid-part of a mountain as you go to the peak. While I was eating, a white Lexus Car stopped at the place and the occupants also took their lunch thereat! What? These people could be locals, I thought. But when they were finished with their lunch, they asked how far is Santa Rosa is from the place. A-ha! They are also first-timers like me on this road!

Started Running Again After Lunch...The Mountain Pass Is On The Left Side of the Mountain!

 The road leading to the peak of the mountain was very challenging and the temperature of the day was so hot that I have to be supported every 500 meters. Definitely, this is the hardest leg of my adventure run. If the ascending portions are very challenging, the descending parts are much more challenging. I have to control my footsteps on the steep descending portions as I don’t want more pain and swelling of my left quads and knee. I took light and short strides on these downhill portions as I was careful with any untoward incident or issues on my leg muscles. I don’t want to do any foolish thing that may cause any untoward accident to happen with barely 50 kilometers away from my destination as I wanted to finish this adventure run. It could be funny to see me running on those descending portions as I could visualize myself to be running very erect with my back straight up as I control my footsteps/stride.

I Like The Heat From the Sun & The Road
Walking Backwards Along Steep Sections of the Road

I admit I walked on those steep ascending portions of the route that leads to the peak of the mountain. Sometimes, I tried to walk backwards just to relieve the pressure on my quads and knees as my calf muscles are the ones that are working and being stretched. There was no point on attempting to jog along these parts of the road. I feel much comfort that I was able to see a military detachment on top of the mountain where you can see Cabanatuan City on the west and the Sierra Madre Mountains on the east. Aside from providing security in the area, the military is also reforesting the place with young trees. There is also a road side eatery where food and refreshments are available and I could see some Nipa Huts which you could rent for P 50.00 per hour to enjoy the view of the place!

The View of Santa Rosa & Cabanatuan City On The Background
A Nipa Hut On Top of the Mountain
Aaahhh...Trying To Reach The Peak

 As I passed the peak of the mountain, I knew it will be a roller-coaster run/jog/walk up to the crossing on the old road/highway that goes to the small town of Laur, Nueva Ecija. The eastern side of the mountain is more developed and more populated as I could see some mango orchards and cultivated fields on the side of the mountain. There are also groups of houses (they call itself as “puroks”) which I assume are also illegal settlers. But most of all, I really wonder who owns those mango orchards whose trees are already bearing fruits that nearly touch the ground. I hope these mango orchards are under the administration of the military units stationed in Fort Magsaysay!

What??? Another higher peak hidden?
My Reward For Reaching The Top of the Mountain!
Mountains At The Background Are My Destination
Roller-Coaster Run On The Eastern Side of the Mountain
Running Beside A Mango Orchard

I told to myself that I have to reach the crossing towards Laur before it becomes dark. With consistent pacing and following my hydration and nutrition strategy, I could see already in a distance the vehicles that are travelling along the Laur-Gabaldon Road and it gave me the satisfaction that I still have one more day to go before I finally reach my destination.

Too Much Salt From My Sweat Even Without Taking Any Salt Tablets
Another "Marin Headlands" Version In Laur, NE?
Tired & Exhausted But Still Having Fun!
Getting Nearer to the Crossing in the Old Highway

As soon as I reached the crossing, I found out that I was able to cover a distance of 41 Kilometers since I started my run from Santa Rosa but I wanted to reach the Km Post 0 that is located in the Poblacion of Laur. I instructed my support crew that I have to complete at least 42 kilometers and I need one more kilometer to run. So, while I was running along the Laur-Gabaldon Road, in a few meters, I saw a Km Post that says that there are 4 kilometers more to go before reaching the town of Laur. I decided to continue my run with my support vehicle providing me with the illumination I needed. The road was not busy and it was already dark. I comfortably maintained my strides with the objective of reaching Laur and be able to run a distance of 45 kilometers for the day. As we got nearer to Km Post 0, we were able to pass by a store that serves hot mami and I decided to stop and take some hot noodle soup.

Finally Arriving At The Crossing of the Old National Highway to Laur
Running In The Dark Towards Laur, NE

We actually want to ask some information from the locals about the nearest resort where we can stay overnight and the store was the best place where we can inquire about such information. As we were eating our noodle soup, I started the conversation with the owner and after some exchange of questions and answers, we decided to take a look at the said resort that the owner of the store had recommended. However, I still need to run and reach Km Post 0 of Laur, Nueva Ecija. I was surprised that the Km Post is only 150 meters away from the Store!

Eating Chicken Mami In Laur

 I stopped my run officially for the day on the said Km Post. I need to rest but the place where we are going to check-in for the night is still 18 kilometers away towards Gabaldon. It took us only few minutes to reach the place aboard our support vehicle. Although the place is not well lighted, we did not mind as we need a place where we can take a shower, wash some clothes, and sleep overnight. Unfortunately, there is no Wi-Fi Connection! However, I am sure that once there will be sunlight the following morning, the place will emerge as a beautiful place to rest and stay!

Last Kilometer Post For The Day...36-37K To Go!

I was able to cover a distance of 45 Kilometers from the Starting Point in Santa Rosa up to Laur, Nueva Ecija. This leg is the hardest day in my adventure run due to the hot temperature in Fort Magsaysay and its immediate environs and the challenge of the steep inclines going to the mountain pass. The steep descending portions were also a challenge on my part because of my swollen quads but I was comforted with the nice scenery that my eyes could see all around me. These places and scenery are priceless!

We stayed overnight in a resort which is called Stone 8 Resort which 5 kilometers away from the Poblacion of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

Some of the data/information on this day’s run:

Weather: Very, very hot along the Santa Rosa-Fort Magsaysay-Mountain Pass Road.

Distance Covered For The Day: 45 Kilometers

Time of Actual Running: 8 hours

Average Pace: 4-5 Kilometers Per Hour

Running Apparel: Adidas Tech Fit Compression Shorts; NIKE Compression Shirt; Adidas Running Cap; NIKE Black Soccer Socks; Ice Bandana; Buff; Sunglasses by Ray-Ban & Oakley

Running Shoe: ASICS Gel-LyteRacer

Expenses:

Lunch @ Old Joe’s Eatery (good for 2 persons)—P 120.00

Hot Mami @ Laur (good for two persons)—P 46.00

Total Expenses For The Day—P 166.00

Total Number of Kilometers (After 6 Days)—252 Kilometers

To be continued…

“West To East”: 1st Day (Conclusion)

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Military, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners Accessories, Runners' Training, Running, Running Shoes, Travel, UltramarathonLeave a comment

1st Day: March 15, 2011 (Bolinao Beach to Barangay Seselangen, Sual, Pangasinan)

I had my lunch, rest and sleep at the Caltex Station in Barangay Banog Norte, Bani, Pangasinan. I found out later from the owner that the place is called Prima Vista. The place has a restaurant, nice garden, Nipa Huts, clean Rest Rooms, and Gasoline Station. I had a brief conversation with husband-wife owner of the place. And they are nice and hospitable and they are both graduates from the Colleges in Baguio City. I told them that I am also a graduate from Baguio City and had been assigned in the area in the late 70s and early 80s, and then later as part of my Area of Operations in the 2003-2004 when I was a Brigade Commander. Now that I am retired, I am revisiting the area by running from Bolinao up to Mangatarem, Pangasinan. They wished me good luck. These guys are great, too!

Sinigang na Malaga & Mountain Dew (The "Nectar" of Ultrarunners)

At 2:45 PM of Tuesday, I left Prima Vista to resume my run towards Alaminos, Pangasinan which is 10 kilometers away. Those 10

Leaving The Boundary of Bani, Pangasinan

kilometers were hard on my left knee because the pain was still there but I maintained my Galloway ratio of 20:5 on the level/flat parts of the road but had to disrupt the ratio whenever the road goes uphill. I had to force myself to brisk walk on uphill portions of the road whether it is runable, steep, or medium-steep grade.

Uphill Terrain Going To Poblacion Alaminos

In one of my walking breaks as I was about 2 kilometers to Alaminos, I saw a lady wearing a t-shirt with the print—“Vote Maki Pulido!” I approached the lady who was watering a garden in front of their house and asked what elective position did Maki Pulido had ran during the elections. Unfortunately, the lady did not know Maki Pulido! After 200 meters, I met an old lady carrying a 2-3 year old kid and tried to ask the same question. Yes, I got the answers I needed. The lad said that Maki Pulido ran for Councilor of Alaminos, Pangasinan but she lost! If you don’t know Maki Pulido, you are not watching GMA TV7 News! There is no need for much explanation as this is not a post on politics but I am glad she did not win! No wonder I could not see her anymore with GMA TV7 News! (Note: After a brief research, Maki Pulido ran for a seat in the House of Representatives as Congresswoman but she lost. She is now back as a journalist of the GMA TV7’s Reporter’s Notebook.)

I Need To Rest...@ The Poblacion of Alaminos
Do your Mathematics!

After 1 ½ hours, I was able to reach the Poblacion of Alaminos and there was traffic on the main thoroughfare, Quezon Street, with vehicles as well as pedestrians who are students coming from the different schools at the center of the town. Those high school girls were giggling whenever they see me approaching them and I was surprised to know what could be the reason why they are laughing at me. Some bystanders would ask me where is my bicycle is and why I am not riding on it. Hmmm. I concluded that most of the people in Pangasinan identify a cyclist if he is using a compression/biking shorts! And those girls were giggling because they might think that I lost my bicycle and I caught them looking on my crotch area! Well, it could be the latter observation why these young girls were laughing at me.

I walked the stretch of 2 kilometers which is the whole stretch of Alaminos’ business area along Quezon Street. I tried to run and jog while there was still pain on my left knee but he pain was still tolerable. At this point, I was able to cover a distance of 50 kilometers but the surrounding was still bright and I wanted to be on the road until it was totally dark. My final goal was to reach the Poblacion of Sual which was 16 kilometers away! I made my rough calculation and it would not be possible to be running in the dark as I approached the zigzag road before Sual’s Poblacion. I tried my best to run, shuffle and walk until I could feel exhaustion on my body and tried to observe the pain on my left knee.

@The Boundary of Sual & Alaminos...I Remember My Friends In Legazpi City
Trying To Relax & Hiding My Exhaustion

Before sunset sets in, I decided to end my run for the day at Km Post #327, 11 kilometers away from Poblacion of Sual. My left knee needed some rest and we still need to look for a place where we could sleep. With the recommendation of the owners of Prima Vista, Covelandia Beach Resort was the place to look for a rest overnight!

Last Km Post For The Day @ Brgy SESELANGEN, Sual, Pangasinan

I was able to cover a distance of 55 kilometers with almost 9 hours of actual time with my feet on the ground. It was a nice run as a part of my training for endurance and heat training. My left knee was able to hold on due to my regular intake of Tylenol Tablet 500-mg every 3-4 hours. (Note: I took only 3 tablets for the whole day!) My water hydration every 2 kilometers; Gatorade Drinks every 1 ½ hours; and constant intake of solid foods were perfect for my nutrition and “feeding” of my body. I made sure also to urinate at least once every hour during the run. My salt intake for the 1st day came from the Pork Adobo and Sinaing Na Tulingan (cooked with salt, pork fat and dried kamias fruits) I ate for dinner at the COCOS Beach Resort. These foods were part of our “baon” for the running adventure.

After dinner at the Covelandia Beach Resort and a massage from my support crew, Marlon, I was already sleeping soundly at 9:45 PM.

The following are some of data during the 1st day of the run:

Weather: Cold in the morning with breeze; Sunny & Hot at mid-day and getting cold in the late afternoon. Low at 26 degrees Celcius to High at 36 degrees Celcius.

Average Pace: 6 kilometers per hour (kph)

Shoes: ASICS Gel-Kanbarra  4

Socks: Black Puma Sports Socks (Applied ASICS “Chafe Free” Creme Courtesy of A Runner’s Circle (ARC) Store

Apparel: Under Armour Compression Shirt; New Balance Compression Shorts; Fort Ilocandia Golf Course Cotton Golf Cap; Ray-Ban Sunglass; Nathan Hydration Belt with Salt Water from Bolinao Beach & Bandana

Expenses:

                Beach Resort Accommodation—-P 1,850.00

                Gasoline (From Manila)————      2,000.00

                Lunch w/ Drinks @ Prima Vista——–800.00

                Gasoline (From Bolinao-Sual)—–     1,300.00

                Ice—————————————-     100.00

                Total————————————- P 6,050.00

Another post will be published about the place called, “Covelandia Beach Resort”

To be continued.

Paul Tergat’s Book: Running To The Limit

On By kingofpotsIn Books, Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Military, Pictures, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Running Heroes1 Comment

“Paul Tergat: Running To The Limit” by Jurg Wirz

This book was published in 2005 by Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd. Obviously, the book is about the life, training “secrets” of Paul Tergat and his tips for runners for them to excel and adhere to running as a way of life.

Cover Page of Paul Tergat's Book (Photo Courtesy of Google)

He was not yet a runner when he entered the military service in 1990. With his assignment in Nairobi’s Air Force Base, he started to run with a big group around the Air Force Base with a distance of 15 kilometers in the morning and sometimes running also in the evening on a daily basis. In one of their inter-unit running events, although he finished far behind the leaders, a coach was impressed on his running form. The coach invited him to the training camp where the “top guns” are preparing for three months for the Armed Forces Cross Country Championships. He managed to finish third in the said event. After two months, he won the National Cross Country Championships and he was on the top of the Kenyan running scene at the age of 22 years old. And the rest is history.

He set the World Record in 10,000 meters in 1997 with a time of 26:27.85 minutes; World Record in Half-Marathon in 1998 with a time of 59:17 minutes; and a World record in Marathon in 2003 with a time of 2:04:55 hours. Epic rivalry in the 10,000-meter run between Haile Gabrselassie and Paul Tergat had been displayed during the 1996 & 2000 Summer Olympics and in the 1995, 1997, & 1999 World Championship where he won the Silver Medals on these events.

Tergat's WR Time in Marathon (Photo From Google)
Epic Rivalry Between Haile & Paul in the 10,000-Meter of the 1996 & 2000 Summer Olympic Games (Photo From Google)

It is unfortunate that he was not able to win any Gold Medal in the Olympic Games within the span of his running career. He tried his best to train for the 2004 Athens Olympics’ Marathon but things did not turn out within his expectations as he finished #10.

Paul Tergat mentioned his roots and the poverty prevailing in his country which he considers as the number one “motivator” for them to excel in long distance running. There are other reasons why the Kenyans excel in long distance running but on how he refined his competitiveness and being on top among the elites in the world were mentioned in detail in his book through his training and tips.

What is most significant in this book is how the international corporate shoe brands helped to finance and support the establishment of “training camps” for runners in Kenya aside from the traditional Armed Forces “training camps” for the military elite runners. With the support and guidance of their Italian Coach Gabriele Rosa, the Kenyan runners were able to train for the best in long distance running.

Obviously, Paul Tergat is already rich and famous even without winning a Gold Medal in the Olympic Games. He is now an athletics promoter for running events in the eastern part of Kenya which is considered as the driest and poorest part of the country. With the support of a corporate food brand, he is bringing the awareness of running to the “grassroot” level to develop more competitive runners. He is a philanthropist and a member of the IAAF Athlete’s Commission.

There are two things that we could learn from this book. In order for the country to excel in long distance running, there is a need for a dedicated corporate support for the athletes and the establishment of “training camps” to continously develop athletes to elite status and at the same time, discover potentials from the grassroot level. It happened already in the past and it had been proven to be successful. It easy to say it. We know the supposedly “secrets” of the Kenyans and the Ethiopians but nobody is doing about it in an organized manner. When will our sports officials ever learn and put the sports “money” where it is supposed to be? I am still wondering what is happening to our elite sports program and sustainable “grassroots” program. 

This book is a nice reference if you want to train like the Kenyans in long distance running.

(Note: This is a part of this blog’s program/project to feature at least one book about running every week which started with the book, “Once A Runner”. Due to the “back-to-back” BDM Races for the past weeks, I was not able to publish this post as scheduled.)

Official Result: 3rd BDM 102K Ultra Marathon Race

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Military, Race Results, Races, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon22 Comments

10:10 PM March 5-6, 2011: Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga

Rank Name Time
1 Juny Rox Carreon 11:05:58
2 Jun Adel 11:10:08
3 Alfredo Ocampo 11:17:48
4 Benedict Balaba 11:32:47
5 Victor Ayohan Jr 12:00:28
6 Godfrey Gozo 12:25:17
7 Alfred Delos Reyes 12:49:23
8 Camilla Brooks (F) 13:04:30
9 Sandy Alentajan 13:07:15
10 Vergilio Leona 13:10:59
11 Victor Ting 13:28:20
12 Saturnino Camangonan 13:39:58
13 Jose Wacangan 13:40:50
14 Robert Patrimonio 13:41:21
15 Elmer Morales 13:41:28
16 Ignatius Patrimonio 13:43:23
17 Roberto Delos Santos 13:53:55
18 Roel Olimba 13:56:04
19 Dindo Diaz 13:57:08
20 Rain Ordonez 14:06:09
21 Jose Duenas 14:07:14
22 Francis Velasquez 14:09:46
23 Terence Chen 14:11:58
24 Priscila Hernandez (F) 14:15:37
25 Melvin Pangan 14:28:09
26 Felipe Nama 14:33:22
27 Romulo Doctolero 14:36:05
28 Lito Lopez 14:40:50
29 Bob Castilla 14:42:58
30 Tin Ferrera (F) 14:43:30
31 Christian Oting 14:48:22
32 Jonnifer Lacanlale 14:50:00
33 Enrico Tocol 14:50:53
34 Bobby Go 14:52:56
35 Bong Bernadez 14:54:14
36 Vincent Lorenze Ocampo 14:58:45
37 Mac Millan 15:02:38
38 Ronnel Go 15:04:20
39 Mark Anthony Rodica 15:06:07
40 Allan Bandiola 15:06:50
41 Earl Quero 15:10:33
42 Benedict Meneses 15:13:02
43 Chips Dayrit 15:15:22
44 Simon Pavel Miranda 15:16:35
45 Nolan Llanora 15:19:30
46 Willie Yao 15:21:52
47 Carlito Buenaventura 15:23:35
48 Marcos Lontoc 15:39:45
49 Marlo Guloy 15:46:07
50 Jereven Adriano 15:52:29
51 Gil Ocampo 15:58:50
52 Conrado Teodoro 15:59:10
53 Narciso Alipio 15:59:11
54 Raincy Robert Del Rosario 16:00:40
55 Randy Rubio 16:04:57
56 Reynaldo Jimenez 16:05:32
57 Ken Alonte 16:13:31
58 Joshua Suarez 16:14:55
59 Gil Brazil 16:15:02
60 Emma Alvarez (F) 16:15:13
61 Chito Vegina 16:17:30
62 Manuel Dela Serna 16:25:22
63 Francis Hortellano 16:27:18
64 Samson Ocampo 16:34:47
65 Nelson Mallillin 16:36:59
66 Tom Moreno 16:42:48
67 Rayman Delos Angeles 16:43:00
68 Earl Warren Navor 16:43:56
69 Michael Angelo Fabian 16:43:57
70 Reginald Santos 16:46:10
71 Barry Red 16:54:12
72 Jose Merdino Lim 16:58:49
73 Noel Tillor 16:58:50
74 Allen Gaspar 17:00:42
75 Julian Confessor 17:01:32
76 Paul Pajo 17:08:15
77 Arlito Masamoc 17:11:25
78 Jay Chavez 17:12:16
79 Mark Lester Salvador 17:12:17
80 Jimmy Ong 17:14:17
81 Carlos Napoleon Ocampo 17:16:34
82 Abell Ngo 17:17:16
83 Ferdie Cabiling 17:17:39
84 Blas Ople Tiangco 17:20:08
85 Emmanuel Toralba 17:20:20
86 Mel John Tezon 17:21:22
87 Bong Alindada 17:23:55
88 Teresa Ybanez (F) 17:24:12
89 Oliver Templo 17:25:44
90 Leo Tugade 17:28:02
91 Rodel Montejo 17:28:27
92 Vans Camanong 17:28:28
93 Jose Lorenzo Mina 17:28:29
94 Aaron Anievas 17:28:50
95 Roselle Dadal (F) 17:29:00
96 Ryan Washington 17:30:00
97 Keshia Fule (F) 17:30:45
98 Laarni De Guzman (F) 17:30:50
99 Arturo Virata 17:32:27
100 Ronald Perez 17:36:02
101 Fernando Cunanan Jr 17:37:28
102 Jemuel Bayot 17:37:29
103 Larry Daliwag 17:37:30
104 Mark Salazar 17:37:31
105 Alden Meneses 17:41:48
106 Jayson Van Masayon 17:44:35
107 Tess Geddes (F) 17:45:20
108 Julius Cervantes 17:49:32
109 Ed Escalante 17:52:30
110 David Buban 17:53:55
111 Mark Fer Castillo 17:55:42
112 Ellen Castillo (F) 17:59:20

Race Director’s Report: 1st BDM 160K Ultra Marathon Race (Longest Edition)

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Military, Places to Run, Race Results, Races, Running, Sports Program, Ultramarathon26 Comments

Race Director’s Report (Longest Version): 1st BDM 160K Ultra Marathon Race (February 26-27, 2011)

Birth of an Idea/Concept

The idea was brought about by my invitation as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the Araw ng Kagitingan  Bike/Cycling Event sponsored by the Philippine Veterans Administration Office under the Chairmanship of DND’s Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina which was held on the 1st week of April 2010. The cycling event consisted of Officers and EPs of the AFP and other Bike Clubs in Metro Manila and other provinces within the suburbs of Metro Manila. Almost 200 cyclists attended the event where they started at the BDM Shrine in Mariveles, Bataan and finished inside the Capas National Shrine, passing through the historical markers and Kilometer Posts of the Bataan Death March in the Old Railway Stations in San Fernando and Capas, Tarlac.

As most of the cyclists arrived in the early afternoon, I asked a lot of cyclists with cyclometer on their bikes on the actual distance they have traveled or biked on the said route. More than four cyclists registered a distance of 151 kilometers as they ended on the last Flagpole of the Capas National Shrine. This gave me the idea that the distance from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas National Shrine could be a running event that would completely commemorate the distance travelled by the POWs by march and by train.

Planning

Being “low-tech” and non-Google Map expert, I started to plan the route by actually going to the area and recon the place where the runners would continue as soon as they reached BDM Km Post 102 in San Fernando, Pampanga. My former multi-day run from Manila to Baguio City using the McArthur Highway gave the idea to let the runners take this road as they proceed to the Old Railway Station in Capas, Tarlac. (There was no way for me to trace the old railway that connects San Fernando, Pampanga and Capas, Tarlac.)

I considered in my planning that there is a necessity for a “test run” for the BDM 151 runners, at least, one month before the Race Day and it would be an easy 49K long run.

I made an announcement in my blog that there will be a longer version of the BDM Ultra Marathon Race which will end at the Capas National Shrine in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac sometime in May/June 2010. I received a lot of comments from friends and Finishers of the 2010 BDM 102 that it would be a big challenge on their part and they were amenable to join the said extended distance. In addition to the said positive and encouraging comments, some of the runners intimated that if possible, I could extend it to 160K so that the runners would be able to experience a solo 100-Mile Run. Initially, I did not approve of it because there is no historical basis to extend the Bataan Death March as what was stated in the books of history.

In one meeting with my brother, General Samuel, on the third quarter of last year, he told me to contact another General who is now the Historical Officer of the AFP, General Aguilar. Through these good Generals, they informed me that the POW Concentration Camp at Camp O’Donnell was divided into Two Sectors/Areas. Sector/Area 1 is the same area where the Capas National Shrine was established and it was the POW Concentration Camp of the Filipino & Militia contingents; while Sector/Area 2 which is now the area occupied by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Light Armor Division (LAD) of the Philippine Army was the POW Concentration Camp of the US troops before they were finally transferred to Nueva Ecija in June/July of 1942.

So, the BDM 151 could be extended for another 9-10 kilometers just to meet the requirements of a 160K Run with the purpose of letting the runners reach the TRADOC, PA area and back to finish inside the Capas National Shrine. The DPWH Km Post 118 along the Capas-Sta Juliana Road was used as the turn-around point for the course. I had to measure this distance again from the Gate of the Capas National Shrine up to Km Post 118 just to make sure that it will be 160 kilometers.

Advance Scheduling

Due to the increasing number of applicants for the 3rd BDM 102K Ultra Marathon Race which breached the 200 limit of runners, I decided to schedule the BDM 160K in advance, at least, one week before the main event, which is the BDM 102K. The reasons were for the safety and control of the runners. Also, I don’t like that my attention and focus will be divided to two different races in one day in two different finishing areas. It would not be possible for me to be shuttling from one finish line to another with 58 kilometers in between each other!

With the BDM 102 as the main event, I decided that the focus and attention should be concentrated on the supervision and administration of the 1st BDM 160K Ultra Marathon Race due to its being the longest, hardest, and most challenging distance. This will entail a lot of pre-positioning of our time stations/checkpoints and mobile marshals within the distance of 160 kilometers.

It was an action that I have to take risk as most of the participants from outside the country were pissed off or complained due to another adjustment in their flight schedules. I am really sorry for those who were affected by this decision but in the end it was the right decision in order to have a successful result in this event. I hope that those who were not able to join this event due to such decision would be able to come and join the event in its second edition.

Ultra Marathon Clinic

At least 4-5 sessions of lecture had been conducted at the Philippine Army Officers’ Clubhouse Lecture Room ranging from subject topics like Training, Strengthening Program, Hydration, Apparel, Nutrition, Race Strategy, Support Crew Tips and Techniques, Reminders and Rules & Regulations, Heat Training and others. It was the lecture of Atty Jonnifer Lacanlale that gave the insight among the participants on what it takes to finish a 100-Mile Ultra Trail Run as he just finished the GNW 100-Mile Endurance Run in Australia.

Test Run

There was only one scheduled “test run” for the BDM 160 runners which was held at least one month before Race Day. The “test run” was from BDM Km Post 102 in San Fernando to the Finish Line, a distance of 58 kilometers. I scheduled it to start in the late afternoon, 5:00 PM, which is the estimated time that the lead runners would reach the area on Race Day. And I was right in my estimation for the said start as compared on what really happened on Race Day. The runners were exposed on what it felt to run on night time along the dusty and traffic areas on the stretch of San Fernando-Angeles-Mabalacat-Bamban Areas, and the cold breeze (and lots of dogs) as they run along the Capas-Sta Juliana Road and ending at the Gate of the Capas National Shrine.

Registration Fees

The registration fee is costly if compared with the BDM 102K Race. This race and the  experience you get has a “class” of its own because of its historic significance, the procurement of the “Finisher’s Silver Buckle”, and being the most prestigious extreme running event in the country today. There will come a time that this event will be participated by those who have saved their money and well-trained & sincerely prepared  for the event.

Qualifications

I became strict on this matter as I advised late applicants that they have to finish first the BDM 102 before they could be considered and invited to join this premier event. The foreign runners from USA had finished 100-Mile Endurance Runs and I accepted them. The Singaporean Runners had to finish a 100K Running Event within the cut-off time of 18 hours within the year prior to the event just to be able to qualify to join the BDM 160K. I am glad they complied with this requirement in one of their ultra races in Singapore.

I have to turn down triathletes who applied and had finished 70.3 Ironman or Kona Ironman because of the reason that they have to finish first the BDM 102K Ultra Marathon Race before their application will be considered to join the BDM 160. It is not a guarantee that an Ironman Finisher would be able to finish the BDM 160K without trying and qualifying first in the BDM 102K.

Race Day (February 26-27, 2011)

Fifty-Nine (59) “brave warriors” toed the starting line inside the BDM Shrine in Mariveles, Bataan at 5:00 AM of Saturday, February 26, 2011 for another historic moment in the history of running in the country. The BDM 160K Ultra Marathon Race is the first 100-Mile Solo Road Race in the country which is doubly significant because it is a tribute and commemoration of the infamous Bataan Death March in April 1942.

Out of the 59 runners, 7 are foreign runners—2 from the USA and 5 from Singapore; and four (4) ladies—2 locals and 2 foreigners.

After a short program that consists of an invocation (by Jonel Mendoza), singing of the US (by Gilbert Gray) & Philippine National Anthems (by all the runners & crew), and a brief final instructions by the RD, the gun went off at exactly 5:47 AM. The runners left the BDM Shrine with a slow jog and most just walked due to the heavy traffic of vehicles and personnel near the Shrine.

BDM Km Post #14

After two kilometers, the runners had stretched out on the left side of the road while their support vehicle had to “leap frog” to Kilometer Post #7 and wait for their respective runners to arrive thereat. After one hour had elapsed, the 59 runners have already covered a stretched distance of 14 kilometers, with the 3 lead runners (Lacanlale, Iglesia, Santos) reaching the Km Post 14 in 1:12 hours which was a very fast pace for a 100-Mile race on the early part of the event. As the first group of runners had cleared Km Post #14, the last runner (Wenceslao), while brisk walking, just passed by Km Post #7. Despite the increase in elevation on the 1st 7 kilometers to about 800 meters and the strong headwind meeting the runners on top of the mountains and hills of Mariveles, the lead runners maintained their fast pace (5:08 mpk) as if they were running a Marathon Race.

The fast pace could be attributed by the cooler temperature prevailing on the early morning of Saturday; the strong wind and breeze; the overcast sky; and the pressure within each runner and the competition.

The second group of leading runners at Km #14 with one minute difference from the 1st group consisted of Albert Salazar, Junrox Roque, and Gene Olvis and the group of Singaporean runners  (Wee, Sean Say, & Paulina) were trailing them with a difference of two minutes. Jonel Mendoza, General Narcise, Lemuel Narcise and John Jeffrey Avellino’s were on the middle of the stretch of runners with 28 minutes behind the leaders and they were running at an average pace of 7:08 minutes per kilometer. While the last runner, Jael Wenceslao, was able to clear Km Post #14 in 2:09 hours (9:13 mpk pace).

BDM Km Post #23 

At the next critical intersection at Km Post #23, Jonnifer Lacanlale & Wilnar Iglesia were running together and reached the place in 2:26 hours. They slowed down to an average pace of 6:20 mpk because of the terrain of the route as it was a rolling road. Behind them in 3rd with 4 minutes difference was Gene Olvis and followed by Junrox Roque and Totoy Santos. A 10-minute difference from Totoy Santos, Say Huat Tan & Paulina Tanoto had been established as they arrived at the intersection. Victor Ting, General Narcise, Jonel Mendoza, and Lemuel Narcise were still at the middle of the pack where they reached the intersection in 3:28 hours. Abe Lim and Gilbert Gray, both from the USA were ranked #38 & 39, respectively, with an identical time of 3:32 hours. Consistently, Jael Wenceslao reached the intersection as the last runner #59 in 4:13 hours with an average pace of 11 mpk!

BDM Km Post #32

The sun started to appear and the sky became clear from clouds when the runners were about to reach the intersection at Km Post #32. Wilnar Iglesia was already leading at this point with 4 minutes ahead of Jonnifer Lacanlale. Iglesia reached this point at 2:58 hours. Gene Olvis and Junrox Roque were trailing Lacanlale with 2 minutes difference. Totoy Santos was on 5th place with 13 minutes difference from Olvis & Roque. Totoy Santos was followed by the Singaporean Runners (Sean Say, Hong Soon, Wee Tech & Paulina) and reached the Km Post #32 in 3:26 hours. Aniceto Grimaldo, Jonel Mendoza, and General Samuel Narcise were at the middle of the pack with a time of 4:21 hours. They were followed by Blas Ople Tiangco, Mark Hernandez, and Julius Giron with a time of 4:25 hours. Eventually, Gilbert Gray and Abe Lim from the USA had improved their ranking/standing when they reached this point. The two runners were ranked #33 & #34, respectively. Jael Wenceslao was still the last runner who reached this point in 5:15 hours.  

BDM Km Post #50

Wilnar Iglesia was the first runner to reach this point in 4:27 hours with 10 minutes difference from Jonnifer Lacanlale who was the second runner. 3rd runner was Gene Olvis with a time of 5:00 hours. Sean Say Huat Tan of Singapore was the 4th runner in 5:04 hours followed by Junrox Roque in 5:13 hours. Junrox was followed by Wee Tech Hian and Seah Hong Soon after 7 minutes. Totoy Santos and Paulina Tanoto arrived #8 & #9, respectively, with a time of 5:34 hours. Gilbert Gray of USA was able to gain grounds as he improved his standing to #18 as he reached this point in 6:33 hours. Jonel Mendoza has also gained grounds from #25 in Km Post #32 to #20 as he reached this point. Mark Hernandez and Julius Giron were still together and ranked # 22 & #23 with a time of 6:44 hours, followed by General Samuel Narcise with 14 minutes difference. Jael Wenceslao was no longer the last runner when he reached this point in 7:41 hours and gained grounds to be ranked #51. Junar Layug & Joseph Soriao were the last runners to arrive with an identical time of 8:06 hours.

RD’s Personal Observation From BDM Km Post #50 to #97 

After the 59 runners arrived at BDM Km Post #50 in Abucay, Bataan, I left the place aboard my vehicle and took the Roman Highway so that I can catch up with the lead runners before they would reach the intersection that goes to the town of Guagua, Pampanga after passing Lubao, Pampanga. I brought a Race Marshal to be prepositioned on the said intersection.

At the vicinity BDM Km Post #80 (before reaching the Poblacion of Lubao, Pampanga), I saw Jonnifer Lacanlale brisk walking on the left side of the road and I asked him what is the problem or “issues” he was encountering. I slowed down driving my vehicle and asked him about his situation. He gave me a body language that sent me a message that he is “giving way” for the stronger runners and had some problems with his quad muscles due to stiffness and cramps. I smiled at him and shouted that he can still make it and be able to recover along the way. To be accurate, I shouted at him, “Kaya mo pa yan!” Pwede ka pang maka-recover niyan!” and gave him the “thumb-up” sign before I left him.

I tried to catch up with the lead runner/s as I proceeded to the Poblacion of Guagua, Pampanga. The first runner I was able to catch up (after leaving Jon Lacanlale) was Gene Olvis and tried to ask about his condition and he answered that he was doing fine. As I moved forward, I saw Sean Say Huat Tan approaching Km Post #85 and he was the second place runner at this point. I tried to ask him about his condition and he answered that he was doing fine. I gave him a “thumb-up” sign before I left him.

After positioning my Race Marshals at the Poblacion of Guagua, Pampanga, I proceeded to Bacolor, Pampanga, towards San Fernando, Pampanga, just to find out where Wilnar Iglesia was located. I was surprised to see him running towards BDM Km Post #97 and he was strong with a consistent pace. I asked him if he is ok and he replied with a positive answer. I could only conclude at this point that the lead runner was already ahead by 12 kilometers from the second runner.

As I returned to Poblacion of Guagua, Pampanga and to pick-up my Race Marshal at vicinity Km Post #83, I saw Sean Say Huat Tan approaching BDM Km Post #89 and Gene Olvis trailing him. After I picked up my Race Marshal at Km Post #83, I turned around and proceeded back to Guagua Poblacion. As I approached Guagua Poblacion, I saw Jon Lacanlale jogging & shuffling and he told me that he was able to recover and he is bouncing back on the race. At this point, my staff informed me that Wilnar Iglesia was approaching the BDM Km Post #102 with a time of 10:20 hours!

After 10+ hours had elapsed, the 59 runners have already stretched out within the distance of 35 kilometers in between the lead runner and the last runner!

BDM Km Post #83

At this point, Wilnar Iglesia was leading the runners with a time difference of 47 minutes from the 2nd runner, Sean Say Huat Tan and arrived with a time of 7:14 hours. The 2nd runner arrived at 8:01 hours. Gene Olvis was 3rd runner with a time of 8:11 hours while Jon Lacanlale arrived with a time of 8:40 hours. Singapore runners Wee Tech Hian and Hong Soon were ranked # 5 & #6, respectively with 19 minutes difference from Jon Lacanlale. Gilbert Gray from the USA improved his standing at this point and landed at #12 with a time of 11:16 hours. Ariel Cortez of the Philippine Army was ahead of him who arrived 6 minutes earlier with a time of 11:10 hours. Jonel Mendoza slowly improved his standing by placing #18 with a time of 12:45 hours. Mark Hernandez arrived at this point with a rank of #21 with a time of 12:57 hours followed by General Samuel Narcise in 13:00 hours. Jael Wenceslao had tremendously gained grounds at this point where he landed as #30 (from #51 @ Km Post #50) with a time of 13:23 hours. Patrick Alcomendas, who was consistently on the upper half of the runners, had slowed down and eventually arrived as runner #48 with a time of 14:26 hours. Joseph Soria was the last runner to arrive with a time of 15:03 hour.

Only 53 runners arrived and crossed this point. Six (6) runners have declared themselves as DNF.

BDM Km Post #102

Wilnar Iglesia reached this point in 10:20+ hours as the leading runner. Gene Olvis was the 2nd runner to arrive with a gap of 1:26 hours from the lead runner. Sean Say Huat Tan was 3rd with 5 minutes difference from the 2nd runner with a time of 11:51 hours. Jon Lacanlale was 4th with a time of 12:36 hours followed by Seah Hong Soon in 12:44 hours and Wee Tech Hian in 12:59 hours. Francisco Lapira was trailing Paulina Tanoto with 3 minutes difference as he arrived in # 9 with a time of 13:45 hours. Gilbert Gray had overtaken Ariel Cortez and Junrox Roque and placed #10 as he reached this point in 13:53 hours. Albert Salazar had also recovered and arrived as #15 with a time of 15:10 hours. Kelly Lim was the 2nd woman to arrive as #21 with a time of 16:27 followed by Abe Lim of the USA with a time of 16:28 hours. Unfortunately, Abe Lim had to wave and drop the towel once he crossed BDM Post #102. General Samuel Narcise was able to overtake Jonel Mendoza along the way as the General arrived as #23 with a time of 16:31 hours followed by Joma Galauran in 16:41 hours and Jonel Mendoza in 16:42 hours.

Haide Acuna was the 3rd lady runner to cross the BDM Km Post #102 in 17:34 hours and ranked #37. Raiza Tulan was the 4th and last lady runner that reached this point in 17:39 hours. The last runner who cleared this point in 18 hours was Dionam Basco and the rest of the runners behind him were declared DNF.

After 18 hours of running, only 49 runners were left on the road with the goal to reach the finish line within the cut-off time of 30 hours. Ten (10) runners eventually were declared as DNF.

BDM 160K Km Post #135 (@ Vicinity Bamban Bridge)

Wilnar Iglesia arrived at this point in 14:21 hours with a time difference of 1:56 hours from the 2nd runner, Sean Say Huat Tan who arrived at 16:17 hours. Eight (8) minutes later, Gene Olvis arrived as the 3rd runner with a time of 16:25 hours. Jon Lacanlale was 4th trailing behind Gene Olvis by 27 minutes and arrived at this point in 16:52 hours. Sean Hong Song was the 5th runner with a time of 17:30 hours and trailing behind Jon Lacanlale with a time difference of 38 minutes. Wee Tech Hian was the 6th runner with 15 minutes behind Hong Soon. Arman Fernando was able to gain grounds as he was able to overtake Francisco Lapira and Gilbert Gray and put himself to number #8 with a time of 18:15 hours. Paulina Tanoto, the 1st woman in the race, placed #11 with a time of 20:15 hours. Julius Giron was able to overtake Junrox Roque and he placed #15 with a time of 21:43 hours with Junrox Roque trailing behind with 9 minutes difference. Jael Wenceslao was already ranked as #18 with a time of 22:05 hours at this point and was able to jump from #30 @ BDM Km Post #102. (This guy really conserved his energy during the daytime run and only to get stronger during the night run!) Jonel Mendoza was steadily maintaining his pace with a time of 23:52 hours while General Samuel was following him with a gap of 8 minutes and a time of 24:00 hours.

At this point, my time marshals had only listed 35 runners who passed the Bamban Bridge with the last runner, Arturo Virata, with a time of 24:22 hours and it was already 6:09 AM of Sunday.

The remaining runners have only 6 hours left before the cut-off time of 30 hours with 25 kilometers to go. Severe running–related injuries would be the only reasons why any one of them would not reach and cross the Finish Line and declare themselves as DNF. The mental challenge was on the mind of each of the runner at this point.

@ Highway Post #118/Turn-Around Point on the last 5K

As I approached the turn-around point at Km 118 near the TRADOC, PA Compound in Camp O’Donnell to check if my route marshal had been positioned thereat, I saw Wilnar Iglesia and his Pacer brisk walking in his half-naked attire with long tights as he was 100 meters away from the turn-around point. I said some encouraging words to him that he could finish the race in sub-18 hours! He looked pale and tired but I could see in his eyes the determination to finish the race with a good time.

I left him on the road and proceeded directly inside the Capas National Shrine to set-up the Finish Line Banner, the electrical lightings, and prepare for the Silver Buckle and other awards/souvenirs for the finishers. I knew I have a lead time of almost one hour before he finally arrives inside the Shrine.

Finish Line @ Capas National Shrine

Wilnar Iglesia arrived and crossed the Finish Line at exactly 11:22 PM of Saturday evening with an official time of 17:35:48 hours. It took him 3:14 hours to cover the last 25K-leg of the race. After the traditional “hug” from the RD, I gave him his Awards—1st BDM 160K Silver Buckle; #1 Finisher’s Medallion, BDM Km Post Trophy, and Finisher’s T-Shirt with Collar. He was apologetic to me for having slowed down and walked on the last 9 kilometers of the race and thereby extending so much time for me to wait for him to cross the Finish Line. This guy is so humble!

From here, it was a waiting game for me for the next runner/s to arrive. The Shrine was so silent and the place was windy and cold. It was past midnight already and I was shivering from the cold breeze of the early morning. Even if I was wearing a thick Adidas Cotton Track Suit with a T-Shirt inside, I was still feeling cold that I have to get inside my vehicle just to be able to warm myself.

After 3:17 hours, I was surprised to see Jonnifer Lacanlale approaching the Finish Line Banner from a distance of 10 meters! He was running like hell and as fast as possible as if somebody was trying to catch and kill him from behind! He was trying to catch his breath and perspiring like he was running under the heat of the sun when I hugged him! After the traditional hug, he immediately lie down on the cemented steps of the Shrine to rest. His official finish time is 20:52:18 hours!

Almost 2 minutes after Jon Lacanlale crossed the Finish Line, Gene Olvis was also sprinting so fast to cross the finish line as if he had seen a ghost along the 400-meter paved stretch of the Capas National Shrine! Gene was able to register an official time of 20:54:08 hours placing himself as the 3rd runner to cross the Finish Line. I overheard Gene saying the following to Jon Lacanlale, “Pare, ang lakas-lakas mo!” Through the blog of Jon Lacanlale, I found out that these “two warriors” battle it out on the last 5K of the course with a blistering pace of a 5,000-meter run in an oval track!

And the rest is history.

Sean Say Huat Tan of Singapore arrived as the 4th runner in 21:07:42 hours. Wee Tech Hian, another Singapore runner arrived as the 5th runner with a time of 21:44:06 hours. Totoy Santos arrived as the 6th runner followed by a teary-eyed Sean Hong Soon of Singapore as the 7th runner in 22:30:11.

Arman Fernando was so gentleman enough not to overtake Sean Hong Soon who finished ahead of him by mere 5 seconds! Arman placed #8 with an official time of 22:30:16 hours. I found out later that he really wanted to be ranked as #8 Finisher because it’s his favorite number. He even reserved the Race Bib #688 for this race. So, he got his lucky number in this race, from Start to Finish!

Francisco Lapira crossed the finish line as #9 with an official time of 23:21:10 hours. His hug was a memorable one as he lifted me for a few seconds in the air. Gilbert Gray from the USA, carrying the flags of the USA and Philippines, followed in a few seconds as the #10 with a time of 23:21:25 hours. While he was hugging me, he also lifted me into the air. These guys are really big and strong and still have the strength to carry me after going through a 100-Mile run. These guys are simply amazing!

Ariel Cortez, a First Lieutenant of the Philippine Army, arrived at the Finish Line at sunrise with an official time of 24:49:39 hours placing him in #11th position. After one hour, Jael Wenceslao arrived with his wife, Cookie, as his Official Pacer with a time of 25:49:33 hours placing him in #12th position. Jael was sporting a “Tony Krupicka”-look (half-naked with very short running shorts) without the long hair and mustache/beard!

The first woman finisher, Paulina Tanoto of Singapore, followed as the #13th runner with a time of 25:56:37 hours. The 2nd woman finisher, Kelly Lim, proudly carried the Singapore Flag as she crossed the finish line as # 29 with a time of 28:54:38 hours. She had to be given with a seat after she crossed the Finish Line and she was seated while I was giving her awards.

General Samuel Narcise finally entered the Gate of the Capas National Shrine with so much time to spare before the cut-off time of 30 hours. He was declared finisher #31 as he crossed the Finish Line in 29:18:20 hours.

At this moment, I started to ask the location and condition of my friend, Jonel Mendoza. As the minutes and seconds ticked before the cut-off time of 30 hours, I received information that he had 18 kilometers more to go before he reaches the Finish Line and he had some “issues” to deal with. I advised his crew for him to finish the race even beyond the cut-off time. As I closed the arrival of the Official Finishers of the race, I got information that he declared himself as DNF for the race.

Officially, 34 runners, out of the 59 starters, finished the race within the cut-off time of 30 hours. At exactly 11:47 AM of Sunday noon, the official time was closed.

Unofficial Finishers

I maybe harsh and strict with my rules and regulations in my races but there are also ways and means where I could be very kind and generous to my runner-competitors. It is for this reason that I waited for the arrival of the remaining runners who forced themselves to keep up the challenge to finish the FIRST 100-Mile Run in the country and get the reward for their accomplishment. Although I don’t include them in my Official List or Result of my races, I will mention them and acknowledge their accomplishment through this blog. (These guys should be paying me an extra compensation for waiting for them up to 6 hours under the heat of the sun!)

#35 Ramon Gillego—–30:23:27 hours

#36 Haide Acuna (F)—31:08:05 hours

#37 Mar Marilag ——-34:05:54 hours

#38 Christopher Montaos—36:05:08 hours

Except for the BDM 160K Silver Belt Buckle, these 4 “brave runners” received their Bataan 160K Finisher’s Medallion, BDM Km Post Trophy, and Finisher’s T-Shirt.

Conclusion

My special gratitude and thanks to all the runners who had the courage to be a part of this historic event in running in this country. Each of these runners has their own story to tell as they could even write a book out of their failures and victories in order to explore and go beyond their physical and mental limits. These runners, whether they are finishers or not, will serve as inspiration to upcoming ultra runners in this country.

The “flood gates” had been opened and we have proven that we can conduct a 100-mile road race in our country despite our hot and humid weather (without corporate sponsors). We have proven also that we are already known by other countries and ultra runners worldwide that there is a historic Bataan Death March Ultra Marathon Race which could be done ONLY on the very exact place where history/event had happened. There is only ONE Bataan Death March Route and it is located in the very heart of our country.

This road race will remain to be the ultimate test to runners who have properly trained and prepared for the daunting distance. This race is not for the fast runners but a race for the patient, matured, strong, smart, and have the positive determination to finish the race.

See you on the next edition of the BDM 160K Ultra Marathon Race!

Result: 2011 BDM 58K Test Run

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Military, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Race Results, Running, Ultramarathon4 Comments

The following is the result of the BDM 58K Test Run last January 29, 2011 from BDM Km Post #102 in San Fernando, Pampanga to the Finish Line of the BDM 160K Ultramarathon Race at Capas National Shrine, Capas, Tarlac. The test run started at 5:30 PM and the last runner arrived after 10:30 hours.

This test run was dedicated as a tribute to our friend Joseph “Jay” Cu-Unjieng who was a twice BDM 102 finisher; PAU runner; duathlete; triathlete; and a product of BR’s “Speed” Training Clinic. His ever-smiling face and generosity will never be forgotten.  

Forty-six runners started the test run and 3 DNFed. Some runners for the BDM 102 also joined this run.

Rank Name of Runner Time
1 Gene Olvis 5:43:35
2 Junrox Roque 5:48:38
3 Jonnifer Lacanlale 6:15:34
4 Graciano Santos 6:25:48
5 Paolo Osmena 6:29:38
6 Camilla Brooks (F) 6:31:30
7 Moses Moreno 6:32:29
8 Victor Ting 6:35:25
9 Armand Fernando 6:42:22
10 Constante Mendoza 6:43:37
11 Bonifacio Dalisay 6:46:32
12 Mark Hernandez 7:03:57
13 Melvin Pangan 7:15:06
14 Jael Wenceslao 7:22:23
15 Francis Hortillano 8:02:25
16 Carl Ocampo 8:02:25
17 Ed Yonzon 8:08:29
18 Aniceto Grimaldo 8:15:57
19 Chito Carreon 8:28:57
20 Mel Severino 8:28:57
21 Caloy Nobleza 8:32:16
22 Ric Cabusao 8:36:22
23 Ronaldo Salupas 8:36:49
24 Ronald Declarador 8:36:49
25 Jag Irasga 8:36:54
26 Jomar Galauran 8:39:40
27 Blas Ople Tiangco 8:40:12
28 Francis Santiago 8:40:30
29 Eugene Tariaga 8:50:04
30 Francisco Lapira 8:50:04
31 Bong Bernadez 9:33:05
32 Frederick Gabriel 9:33:05
33 Marco Christopher Montaos 9:47:12
34 Mar Marilag 9:47:12
35 Marcos Lontoc 9:47:12
36 Joseph Adrien Soriao 9:59:05
37 Haide Acuna (F) 9:59:50
38 Allen Gaspar 10:00:05
39 Junar Layug 10:00:05
40 Norberto Mortel 10:15:00
41 Arturo Virata 10:29:25
42 Ayette Padua (F) 10:29:25
43 Bong Alindada 10:29:25
Group Picture @ BDM Km Post #102 (Photo Courtesy of Mark Hernandez)

A Trip To Batanes: A Dream Come True

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Military, Movies, Places to Run, Running, Running For Cause, Sports Program, Trail Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

(Note: This is an entry to SEAIR’s  Batanes Winter Bloggers’ Tour Contest)

A Trip To Batanes: A Dream Come True

Having been born and lived in Ilocos Norte and stayed for almost three years in Cagayan Province when I was in High School, I have heard already about the northern most province of the Philippine archipelago which is called the Batanes Group of Islands. I would hear stories about the place and its people from my father who was then a Principal in one of the Agricultural Schools in Cagayan and later as a Regional Supervisor of the Department of Education. He would always say nice things about the place and its people. With his stories, I would believe that he had been on those islands of Batanes in connection with his job then. Continue reading “A Trip To Batanes: A Dream Come True” →