“Trail Running have at least three of the four following characteristics: (1) surface should be unpaved; (2) have natural obstacles that may include but are not limited to rocks, tree stumps, tree roots, dirt, gravel, mud, moraine, leaves, grasses, ice, snow, and creek/water crossings; (3) have a significant gain or loss of elevation; (4) include scenic vistas. Some mountain races include a portion or an entire route on pavement; however, these races provide scenic vistas”…from the book “The Ultimate Guide To Trail Running” by Adam Chase & Nancy Hobbs
Scenic Vista; Elevation Gain & Loss; Unpaved RoadRocks & Sun-Baked TrailBigger Rocks & Water CrossingsBetter-Looking Trail With Softer Ground
There is ONLY ONE Finisher within the cut-off time of 32 hours in the “Taklang Damulag” 100-Mile Endurance Trail Run.
Dick Balaba’s Official Finish Time in the Inaugural TD100 Trail Endurance Run is 31:11:26 Hours. So far, a “Course Record” to be broken by future endurance runners! Congratulations to all the runners, “volunteers”, BR Events Staff, 7th Infantry Division, SOCOM, Special Forces Regiment of the Philippine Army and ultra friends who supported the conduct of this historic event in the country. It is official that TD 100 is the FIRST AND ONLY 100-Mile Trail Endurance Run in Southeast Asia!!!
Dick Balaba, Champion and the ONLY Official Finisher of the 1st TD100
I did not qualify for the 35th MILO Finals this time as I did not have the time to qualify in the regional/provincial races. But with the start of my training season for my next year’s running events to attend to, I need to join road races which can serve as my training runs and make them as my guide in my training preparations. Thus, QCIM and MILO Races were part of the training program to build-up my endurance.
At the 3rd Quezon City International Marathon which was held a week before the MILO Finals, I opted to join the Half-Marathon event and I finished it in 2:20:50 hours. It was really a long slow distance run for me to start my training period. I was happy with the result.
After a one-day rest, I started to resume my “30-minute” daily runs; maintain my “30-minute” swimming drills at least 3 times a week; two visits at the gym where I did some light weight lifting (deadlifts, dumdbell exercises, and lunges) and stationary cycling for “30 minutes”. A massage on Friday evening and some brisk walking on Saturday completed my tapering for this event.
As in past MILO Finals, there was a festive mood at the Starting Line and I positioned myself at the farthest back among the Half-Marathon runners. I thought and planned of doing ala-Dean Karnazes style in this run—an LSD run from the back of the pack and slowly gaining some speed along the course with the objective of passing as many runners as I can along the route until the finish line. I have observed this kind of approach in running when I joined the Los Angeles & San Francisco Marathons with Dean Karnazes in the past years.
As soon as the Gun was fired, I started to walk brisky from the back and I was sure I was the last runner. I started to ring my mini-cowbell continuously which brought the attention of the MILO VIPs on the stage. Coach Rio, the Race Director of the Event, approached and greeted me. I thanked him for giving me the complimentary race packet for the event.
It was a very slow start for me as it was still dark and with lots of runners infront of me. As soon as there was natural light, runners would recognize me and I got a lot of greetings. Some runners would recognize me and see me in person for the first time and tried to start some conversation. Others would try to pace with me. Others would make me as their “target”.
At the Km #9, I briefly stopped and walked after I was fed up hearing the sound of dangling keys and coins from one of the runners behind me. The runner asked me why I stopped and I answered him that I could not stand the noise from his noisy keys & coins! When the runner was about 50 meters away infront, I started to run again. At Km #11, I passed the runner and increased my pace. I would never see him again.
On those fly-overs, I would pass more runners! I asked one of the runners who was pacing with me to pass two runners in triathlon suits as we attacked the fly-overs. The other runner nodded and we attacked the fly-overs and I left him halfway on the uphill portion while I overtook the two triathletes. I never saw the runner and two triathletes after that incident.
Believe me, I was having fun during the run. I overtook more runners in the Aid/Water Stations as I would not stop because of the handheld “Sprint” Nathan Bottle on my left hand with my cowbell on my right hand. To add more fun to the run, I would ring my cowbell to most of the ultra runners whom I would meet along the route. I even cheered to the top Pinoy runners using my cowbell. In short, I was running and at the same time cheering everybody with my cowbell!
At The Last Kilometer To The Finish Line
Soon enough, I was nearing the Finish Line. I tried to be relaxed as much as possible after I thought of those previous deaths in running events. One runner died last year in the MILO Finals Half-Marathon; another runner died in the Los Angeles “Rock N Roll” Half-Marathon last October; two runners died in the latest Philadelphia Marathon (one is in his late 20s and the other is a triathlete in his mid-40s); and another runner died in the latest SC Singapore Marathon. All these deaths happened on the last 2 kilometers of the race and/or after crossing the Finish Line. I found out later in my readings that experts would suggest not to “sprint” or do your “extraordinary fastest pace” on the last 800-1,000 meters of the race. Such action might do harm to the heart’s functioning. Don’t pay attention to what the EMCEE is telling to all the runners that “you are almost there” which would trigger you to start sprinting to the Finish Line. Runners should be calm and relaxed as one approaches the finish line!
What could be more relaxing than having a smile, ringing my cowbell, and waving my other arm/palm to the other runners and crowd as I approached and crossed the Finish Line? None! I finished the race in 2:09:25 hours which is a great improvement from my QCIM Half-Marathon result. After I got my medal, swags, and certificate, my day was complete!
Ringing My Cowbell Near The Finish Line
I found out later in the results that I placed #343 overall among the 1,432 runners who finished the race. I could not believe that I was able to overtake/pass 1,089 runners during the race. So far, so good!
So far, MILO Marathon is still the premier marathon race in the country! Congratulations to Nestle, Phils and RunRIO for a job well done!
Note: Thanks to Angelo Lagumbay & Angelo Maravilla for the Pictures
Last year, I finished the 2nd QCIM Marathon in 4:30+ hours and I liked the very challenging route where runners would experience running inside the UP Complex, on the wide and rolling terrain of Commonwealth Avenue and within the La Mesa Dam Area. I did not have much training in preparation for this event as I wanted to experience running through the whole course. You can read my Race Report here.
As a QCIM “loyalist”, I really wanted to join the Full Marathon but due to my rest and recovery after joining the 1st Bakersfield Ultra Marathon Madness (BUMM) 32-Mile Trail Run in Bakersfield, California, I had “zero” training for the said distance. Instead, I decided to join the Half-Marathon event. I treated this race as part of my “base endurance” training in preparation for future events in the coming year. This is an event that would “kick start” my incoming season of running. (Note: If you noticed in my pictures that I was wearing a Running Visor, that could be a hint for a serious training to come!)
The race started at 4:30 AM and I focused on my plan to treat this event as a LSD run. I always remind myself at the starting line to stay relaxed as much as possible during the race. My first 5 kilometers were very relaxing as I joined most of the average runners at the back. I was averaging a pace of 7:00+ minutes per kilometer on those first 5 kilometers and I was having fun!
Sometimes I break some time-tested “lessons learned” in running. Whenever, I run the QCIM, I always use newly-bought running shoes and most of the time, these shoes are not categorized as running shoes on paved roads. Last year, I used the New Balance MT 101 trail running shoes and it passed the test on my feet and legs. No soreness, blisters and injury using a light, thin-soled, and almost “zero-drop” trail shoes. Last Sunday, I used the New Balance XC 700 which is considered as a Cross Country Running Shoes. It has some rounded-tipped “spikes” on its sole which one could feel as it is being used for the first time. However, after a few pounding on the ground, the feet would be used to the feeling and it would eventually disappear.
Relaxed and Having Some Fun!
From Km 6 up to the Finish Line, I gradually increased my pace within the 6:20 minutes to 6:50 minutes, average pace per kilometer. I barely took a glance on my GF 305 watch as I was running on how my body feels during the run. Basically, I was having fun and tried to be relaxed as much as possible. My first two swimming lessons had greatly contributed on my ability to run on a more relaxed manner! For the first time, I was surprised to experience the feeling of being relaxed throughout the run. No pressure, no competition, no whining, no “target” time to think of, no cursing on the lack of water cups on the Aid Stations and no “target/s” infront to overtake. The feeling was just like running as if I was alone in a trail and enjoying the views around!
Near The Finish Line
With such experience and relaxed running, I did not know that I was already approaching the Finish Line! Finally, I crossed the Finish Line with an official time of 2:20:50 hours. It could be my slowest Half-Marathon Race but the feeling of running relaxed and following/focusing my race plan was a great experience.
Another Finisher's Medal in Running
Thank you, RUNNEX, SMDC and Quezon City for a successful conduct of the 3rd QCIM Marathon.
Note: Thanks to LeStSky Runner and Pinoy Fitness for the Pictures they posted at Facebook!
It is about time that our local ultrarunners should and may be able to experience what it is like to run a 100-mile trail endurance run. This idea came about during the first quarter of this year as I tried my best to come up with a venue where familiarity and security are the most important factors to be considered. Since Fort Magsaysay of the Philippine Army is the most accessible and visitor-friendly among the military camps outside Metro Manila and for having been stationed and assigned to this camp in my past military carreer, the camp is the best choice for such running event.
Planning had been done since July of this year and the course had been plotted and I had personally ran through the route. Some of the detailed technical data/map are yet to be published in electronic and printed form but I will assure all the participants that the course will be well-marked and guides/marshals will be stationed in critical areas where runners might be lost and might choose or end up in another trail/route.
There will be ample Aid Stations along the route which will be serving hydration needs and solid and hot foods to everybody. However, each runner must be able to bring with them their hydration system during the run. There are portions of the route where sari-sari/convenience stores are located in the centers of populated areas and runners must be able to bring with them some cash. Some portions of the route are accessible to support vehicles, however, there is NO need to bring support vehicle during the race. I will not be strict on the use of support vehicle as long as they will not “shadow” or “pace” with the runner or else the runner will be disqualified. Every runner should be able take advantage of the food and services of the Aid Stations.
Since this is a “pilot event” and the “first” of its kind in the country, we have prepared finisher’s swags (belt buckle, individual medallion, individual trophy, and Finisher’s Shirt) to only FORTY (40) FINISHERS within the cut-off time of 32 HOURS. If you have officially finished a 50-mile or 100K trail/road race, you are qualified to join this race.
FINAL BUCKLE wil have a SILVER CARABAO HEAD With the GOLD SUN
For the local runners, the registration fee is Six Thousand Pesos (P 6,000). For the foreign runners, the registration fee is One Hundred Fifty US Dollars ( $150). Payments can be made to the A Running Circle Store Manila (ARC); Landbank Account Number 1686-0795-85 in the name of Jovenal Narcise; or during the Briefing Event on December 16, 2011 in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City. Updates on the Briefing Event will be announced in this blog or at my Facebook Event Wall. Registration starts TODAY. If you have further inquiries, you can send your e-mail at jovie75@hotmail.com or post a message on my Facebook Wall.
The course is an EASY Course which consists of an 80-Kilometer Loop where the runners would run twice. The 80K Loop goes around the periphery of Fort Magsaysay’s Cantonment Area and 50K of that loop will cover 2 loops of up and down the Taklang Damulag and Fernandez Hills. To summarize, runners would run 2 loops of the 80-K Loop and 4 loops of the Taklang Damulag-Fernandez Hills Complex. The course has an estimated total ascent of 17,000+ feet and total descent of 18,000+feet.
The Race starts on or about 5:00 AM (or earlier) of December 17, 2011 infront of the Special Operations Command Headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City. The race has a cut-off time of 32 Hours. If a runner can not complete ONE Loop (80K) within 15 Hours, he/she will be declared DNF. PACER (one at a time) is allowed to join the runner on his/her SECOND Loop up to the FINISH Only.
For the Half-Marathon Event, the Registration Fee is One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P 1,500). Details of registration and payment of fees are the same with the 100-Mile event.
To refresh the participants, the following were the posts I have published in relation with the planning of the event:
If you finish this running event, you don’t only earn a very distinct “bragging rights” among Pinoy Ultrarunners but also have the rights and privelege to be a PART in the History of Running In The Country.
My interest in watching the movie, “The Way”, came from the pilgrimage-experience of Father Picx Picardal which he blogged on a regularl basis last year while walking & jogging (in barefoot and sandals) along the El Camino De Santiago (The Way of St James) from the French border town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The route covers a distance of more than 800 kilometers along the Pyrenees Mountains. In 35 days, he reached his destination. His journal/diary about his pilgrimage is clearly explained & described in his blog.
It was in April this year that I was able to discover in the Internet that there is movie produced/filmed about the El Camino De Santiago by Emilio Estevez with his father, Martin Sheen as the lead actor. My research would lead me to more advertisements and websites about the movie with no definite date yet when the movie will be released in the local theaters. Finally, on the first week of October, the movie, “The Way”, started to be shown in selected theaters in the United States.
Movie: "The Way"
I watched the movie on its third week of showing and I considered it as one of the best drama movies I’ve seen in the past 20 years. I don’t need to tell the synopsis of the movie and it is up for my readers to watch the movie when the time it will be released in the local theaters in the Philippines. If you have watched it already on DVD, then it is something that it should be a part of your collection of movies.
Now you ask me, why do I have to feature it in my blog? I was inspired by the movie and the diary of Father Picx Picardal that I’ve placed it in my “Bucket List”. This could be my greatest “adventure run” throughout my entire life.
With The Final Movie Poster In Theaters
It’s time to meet Father Picx Picardal in person to discuss on the details of my plan.
In a 6-hour “runabout” in Los Angeles, I was able to discover that the first Olympic Gold Medalist in both platform and sprinboard diving events in one Olympic Games is a Filipina, whose father is a Filipino and mother from England, born in San Francisco, California on December 31, 1924. She was almost 24 years old when she won the two Gold Medals in the 1948 London Olympic Games. Her name is Victoria Manalo Draves and she is 5′ 1″ in height. She died last year at the age of 85 due to pancreatic cancer and I could not remember if her death was featured in the local newspapers.
Victoria Manalo Draves With Samie Lee (South Korean-American) (From Google Images)
I discovered her name written on a big mural inside a Public Park along Beverly Boulevard & Union Street in Los Angeles, California. It led me to research about her on the Internet.
A Public Park With A Mural Depicting the History of Filipinos In AmericaThe Lady With The Gold Medal
The following links have lots of information about her life, training, and inspiration she shared as one of the public parks in San Franciso, California was named after her.
Technically, her feat was not considered as part of the Philippine Sports Annals as she represented the USA Team, However, for having her roots and blood as a Filipina, it would inspire us to develop our potentials in water sports, most especially to diving. It is a shame on our part that this Filipina Lady is not fully well-known in our country. Correct me if I am wrong.
Do we have a separate sports federation for diving? I guess, it could be a part and under the PASA. PASA? Did it deliver for Gold harvest in the 26th SEA Games?
Bald Runner 
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