Planning Is Everything (Adventure Run)

On March 14, 2010March 15, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon4 Comments

In the military, planning is the most important aspect before the conduct of any operation or any activity. Being a former military officer, planning is already a part of my system. In every thing or activity that I do, there is a thorough planning involved as a guide for the execution of an operation or activity. Without any good planning, mistakes, errors and lapses occur every step of the way during the execution of your intended action or operation.

When I finally executed my “adventure run” from Monumento, Caloocan City to Baguio City, I prepared an operational plan for the said activity. In the military, every planner is guided by the letters S-M-E-A-C. These are five letters of each of the following words—Situation; Mission; Execution; Administration & Logistics; and Command & Control. In the said run, I used these words as my guide for my planning.

Situation guided me to find out the prevailing situation along the road from the starting point to the finish line. The weather, road condition, security and peace & order, pollution, noise, and traffic/density of vehicles along the road. Situation simply answered the question—who/which are my friends and enemies along the road? Mission is very simple, to run from point A to point B and be able to document the activity in near “real time” so that my readers could read and see what I did along the road as soon as I had a break or rest. Execution involved my schedule guide to run from Monumento, Caloocan City to Baguio City on a daily basis with an average of 50 kilometers covered within a day. This includes my strategy for my food & fluid intakes and the expected towns/cities where I would end my daily runs or take a mid-day break. Administration & Logistics would deal with my support system from my financial support up to my logistical support in terms of food, accommodation, gasoline, running attire, shoes, supply of ice, availability of Internet load to my SmartBro connection and what hydration system to use in every leg of the run. Command & Control would deal with Communications & Coordinating Instructons with my Support Crew/driver and the availability of access and signal to the Internet. during my “breaks” and rest over night (RON).

As I am used to be travelling to the North through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) since it was constructed, I did not know what the old MacArthur Highway looks like nowadays. Pedestrians are not allowed along the NLEX and the only option is to run along the old MacArthur Highway. I had to recon the road/MacArthur Highway from Caloocan City up to Mabalacat, Pampanga for two times just to be sure of the exact road to take and to pinpoint towns/cities with convenience stores/fastfoods along the road. I had to make sure that my designated driver/support crew will not get lost along the road as there are tricky overpasses, road crossings and U-turns along the way. My support has to “leap frog” as far as 2 kilometers during daytime and at least 500 meters during nighttime. Driving through or travelling along the route is the best way to orient and find out the situation along the road as part of the planning process. Studying the route through maps is not enough!

In my execution of my plan, I was guided with the two most important Principles of War—Simplicity and Surprise. Simplicity means running alone. I was responsible for myself only. Surprise is exemplified when I did not warn or give any hint as to when I am going to start my adventure run. Nobody would believe that I was capable of starting this event a day after I finished the Condura Marathon. My security along the road was my most concern as I did not want to advertise this event. What was most important in this run is to be able to journalize or document my run through this blog/site on a near “real time” through my accounts and pictures.

I really don’t care if somebody in the future would run this distance in one day or two days. What I’ve proven here in this adventure run is that I could immediately inform my readers what transpired in my run immediately during my “breaks” or rest periods within the day or before I start another leg of my run. If you can run this distance in two or three days and then publish your account in your blog after you finish the whole adventure run, then that’s another view/perspective of the said experience.

Rest Over Night (RON) was the most important factor to be considered in order to have a rested and recovered body before the start of the next leg of the run. During the two occassions that I conducted an actual drive/recon up to Mabalacat, Pampanga, I pinpointed and planned to rest overnight (RON) at the MacArthur Hotel in San Fernando, Pampanga which is located along the highway. However, on the night I stopped my first leg, there was no available room and I opted to look for a hotel at the very center of San Fernando City. I was able to look for one but my standards for a decent sleeping facility/room was not met but I was able to rest/sleep for 7 hours.

On my second night, Mr Blue Pension in Capas, Tarlac was a perfect place to rest. The place has big rooms and I was able to use the Butane-fed Stove I brought to cook additional foods and prepare hot water for my instant oatmeal, coffee, and mami noodles.

On my third night, I checked in at Jijis Pension/Hotel in Carmen, Rosales, Pangasinan. There was a brownout that time but the electricity was restored after 20 minutes. The available room was cozy without any windows but the air-conditioner was perfect. I overslept in this hotel because of the lack of natural light coming from the outside but I was able to sleep the required 7 hours for the night.

On my last night along the road, I stayed at the Five Star Apartelle in Urdaneta, Pangasinan. So far, this was the best place where I had my rest overnight. The place is spacious and each unit has two bedrooms upstairs with laundry & drying areas on the first floor.

As for my meals, I was a loyal customer of Jollibee for the first two days. I had my lunch at Isdaan Restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac on my third day. I had my lunch and dinner at Matutina’s Restaurant in Urdaneta City on my fourth day. And had my breakfast at the Rivervue Restaurant at Saitan, Rosario, La Union.

I had a daly intake of Multi-Mineral & Vitamin tablet, Vitamin C, and Glucousamine. Before going to bed, I had to drink one glass of Ensure.

Lastly, I was protected by Mr Heckler & Mr Koch USP9 from Germany with their 19 powerful 9mm rounds and a spare of two magazines in case of extreme emergency. However, my daily prayers to the Lord had greatly protected me from any harm or injury.

For those who are intending to experience an adventure run, good luck and I hope you can document your experience on a near “real-time” on your blog or site. Always be safe on the road.

getting even

On February 25, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Runners' Training, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon2 Comments

This is one of the untold stories during my adventure run from Manila to Baguio City on the 2nd week of this month.

Once I entered the Province of Tarlac, I have observed that the whole province turned to yellow color. All the campaign banners, posters, and tarpaulins displayed along the highway are all colored yellow. Almost all the electric posts, trees and walls lined up along the highway are all filled with campaign posters. I am not sure if the campaign leaders & representatives of the national candidates for the provinces know the provisions of the COMELEC Election Laws.

I found out that a former Congressman in the early 2000 is running for a Senatorial seat in this year’s national election through the posters I saw along the highway. This Congressman was one of those who investigated me and other senior officers of the AFP in a Congressional Inquiry & Investigation about a military operation in Southern Mindanao that went wrong due to the “meddling” of armchair Generals at the General Headquarters. Being the operational commander in the area, my orders to my men were “countermanded” by the Generals sitting their asses in the comfort of their air-con offices in Manila. To make the story short, this Congressman prevented me from reading my prepared statement during the hearing and the said hearing brought embarassment to the whole military establishment due to the Congressman’s “grandstanding” antics infront of the TV camera!

When I saw the face of this Congressman on his campaign posters, it broughk back “bad” memories of the Congressional Inquiry & Investigation. At an instant, I started pulling and removing his campaign posters displayed on the trees and electric posts along the way! As if nothing happened whenever I pass by his campaign posters as I did not stop or slowed down my regular pace while grabbing and pulling his campaign posters. You could just imagine how many posters of this Senatorial candidate I was able to remove from the Province of Tarlac to Baguio City.

Whether my act of removing/pulling his campaign posters was good or bad, I think, I was able to get even with this politician. In the first place, the display of his campaign posters other than the authorized election/campaign poster areas is a violation of the COMELEC’s Election Laws provision. How I wish COMELEC could “deputize” me and other runners to remove those campaign posters displayed in violation of the COMELEC’s Election Laws. That would be an exciting job!

Fourth Day: Mid-Day Run

On February 23, 2010February 24, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Food & Dishes, Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon1 Comment

1. I was not able give my readers a brief description of my run on the 4th day of my adventure run. I was able to post my pictures as “teaser” for what had transpired during the run.

2. I slept late on the 3rd day as I was frustrated to have not reached the boundary of Tarlac and Pangasinan due to the stones/gravel and sand along the sidewalk of the National Highway and finally stopped at Km Post #160, barely 8-9 kilometers to the boundary line. While at the Hotel, there was a 30-minute “brownout” which disturbed my sleep. However, I was able to extend my sleep by waking up late in the morning. I ordered a full breakfast meal and ate it without any hurry.

3. Since I slept in one of the roadside hotels in Carmen, Rosales, I had to be driven back to San Manuel, Tarlac, a 10K-drive, at 9:00 AM. Finally, I started my run from Km Post #160 on or about 9:30 AM. It was already too hot during the day but I was able to endure by incorporating walking breaks during my run. As practiced and done in my previous days, I had to drink water from my Nathan Hydration bottle every 2 kilometers and drink half-bottle of Gatorade every 5 kilometers.

Banana (Lacatan) as The Most Powerful Energy-Boosting Fresh Fruit

4. I was very strong during the morning run because I had a full breakfast with steamed rice, fried eggs, & longganiza (local sausage). After running straight for 12 kilometers, I have to incorporate walking breaks while eating SkyFlakes crackers and Cloud 9 chocolate bites. At 12 noon, I reached the City of Urdaneta and decided to check-in to an apartelle recommended by my friend, Cecil Morella. I had my cold shower and prepared for my lunch. I had my lunch at Matutina’s Restaurant where I ate Pusit Adobo, Fried Bangus Belly, and Pork Barbecue with Rice. After lunch, I was able to sleep at the Apartelle for almost 2 hours.

Be Careful With The Sand & Gravel On The Sidewalks!

Km Post Markings In Pangasinan Are Accurate.

5. At 4:15 PM, I prepared to continue my run from the Apartelle, going towards Urdaneta Poblacion and Binalonan. It was still very hot and the sidewalk was still the same—sand & gravel but I endured the surface of the road and the sound/noise, pollution and traffic of vehicles along the National Highway. Those narrow bridges between Urdaneta and Binalonan are accident-prone areas because the width could exactly accommodate two vehicles abreast with each other. I took extra precaution on crossing these bridges making sure that there was no vehicle crossing on the bridge with me on both traffic. Most of the old bridges don’t have any space for pedestrians on both sides of the road. I really wanted to stop by on those makeshift stores selling boiled corn on the sidewalks of the road between Urdaneta and Binalonan but I was in a hurry to finish my run. The boiled corn being sold there are sweet and fresh. They are produced/harvested locally on those cornfields along the highway. However, I did not miss these boiled corn as I bought some on my way back to Manila. I finally reached Km Post # 192 in Binalonan, Pangasinan at 6:00 PM. I ended my run very early because of a dinner appointment with Rey Jimenez in Urdaneta City.

6. Days before I reached the Province of Pangasinan, Rey Jimenez of Dagupan City contacted and invited me for dinner in Urdaneta through my cellphone and he was a generous host and very persistent to join me on my last leg from Saitan, Rosario, La Union to Baguio City. It was my second time to meet him as he joined the 2010 BDM 50K Test Run from Mariveles to Abucay, Bataan last month even if he did not finish a full marathon distance yet. He is a good runner as he finished the BDM Test Run in 7+hours. During the dinner, Rey showed seriousness in joining me on the next day’s last leg to Baguio City.

7. As scheduled at 6:30 PM, Rey and I met at the Matutina’s Restaurant, the very same restaurant where I had my lunch! Rey ordered the following dishes for the dinner: Inihaw na Bonuan Bangus, Sinigang na Malaga, Lechon Kawali, and Kilawen na Pusit. It was a heavy dinner but it was enough as my food replenishment for the day and “carbo” load for the next day. I told many stories to Rey about my experiences on the road for the past 4 days during our dinner. Rey, thanks for the dinner!

8. At about 9:30 PM, after posting my “teaser” pictures and my day’s evening edition, I immediately went to bed with an intention to wake up early for the last day of my run. I was decided to finish the run on the 5th day in Baguio City.

9. This leg was my shortest run in terms of my daily mileage but it was one of the hardest days because of the heat of the sun and the condition of the sidewalk along the National Highway. I was told that this day was the first day of summer for the year! My total mileage was 32 kilometers. The mileage was short but I was able to conserve my strength and energy for the last leg of my run.

10. On political and campaign posters in Pangasinan, I did not see much posters along the highway. Almost all the barangays along the National Highway from Urdaneta City to the Pangasinan-La Union Boundary has a posted notice from the Barangay Captains that they prohibit the display of campaign posters nailed/stapled on trees and I believe that this notice was strictly implimented. Instead, I’ve seen the following “writings on the walls”:

Adventure Run Stats & Figures

On February 16, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon5 Comments

The following are the statistics and figures taken from my GF 305 watch during my adventure run from vicinity Monumento, Caloocan City to Baguio City. The GF 305 readings could be more accurate than the kilometer post markings but it could be the other way around. I really don’t know. But there are kilometer posts which are accurately in sync with the distance registered in my GF 305. The Province of Pangasinan has the most accurate distances in-between kilometer posts. Pampanga & Tarlac kilometer post’s placements are not accurate as this may be a result of the Mt Pinatubo eruption.

1st Day (February 9, 2010): From Km Post #10 to Km Post #56

Morning Run

Time of Start: 6:25 AM

Distance: 26.34 kilometers

Time: 4:17:09 hours

Average Pace: 9:45 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.1 kilometers per hour

Total Calories Burned: 1,680 cal

Average HR: 119 bpm

Maximum HR: 147 bpm

Afternoon Run

Time of Start: 4:00 PM

Distance: 20.57 kilometers

Time: 2:42:45 hours

Average Pace: 7:54 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 7.6 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,353 cal

Average HR: 130 bpm

Maximum HR: 152 bpm

2nd Day (February 10, 2010): From Km Post #56 to Km Post #102

Morning Run

Time of Start: 6:13 AM

Distance: 30.61 kilometers

Time: 4:47:19 hours

Average Pace: 9:23 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.24 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,961 cal

Average HR: 118 bpm

Maximum HR: 139 bpm

Afternoon Run

Time of Start: 4:36 PM

Distance: 15.74 kilometers

Time: 2:16:12 hours

Average Pace: 8:39 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.9 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,047 cal

Average HR: 122 bpm

Maximum HR: 146 bpm

3rd Day (February 11, 2010): From Km Post #102 to Km Post #160

Morning Run

Time of Start: 6:37 AM

Distance: 35.12 kilometers

Time: 4:50:37 hours

Average Pace: 8:16 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 7.3 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 2,397 cal

Average HR: 124 bpm

Maximum HR: 146 bpm

Afternoon Run

Time of Start: 4:53 PM

Distance: 23.47 kilometers

Time: 3:55:59 hours

Average Pace: 10:03 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.0 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,402 cal

Average HR: 113 bpm

Maximum HR: 137 bpm

4th Day (February 12, 2010): From Km Post #160 to Km Post #192

Morning Run

Time of Start: 9:31 AM

Distance: 20 kilometers

Time: 3:04:06 hours

Average Pace: 9:13 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.5 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,263 cal

Average HR: 118 bpm

Maximum HR: 146 bpm

Afternoon Run

Start Time: 4:30 PM

Distance: 12.40 kilometers

Time: 1:41:34 hours

Average Pace: 8:11 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 7.3 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 852 cal

Average HR: 123 bpm

Maximum HR: 135 bpm

5th Day (February 13, 2010): From Km Post #190 to Km Post #250

Time of Start: 5:45 AM

Distance: 58 kilometers

Time: 9:17:35 hours

Average Pace: 9:45 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.1 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 3,512 cal

Average HR: 118 bpm

Maximum HR: 142 bpm

Total Ascent: 3,394 meters

Total descent: 2,102 meters

BOTTOMLINE:

Total Distance Covered: 242.25 kilometers

Total Time (Run/Walk): 36:53:16 hours

Total Calories Burned: 15,467 cal

Weight Before The Run: 140 lbs

Weight After The Run: 145 lbs

2nd Day: Redux

On February 15, 2010February 16, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon3 Comments

Coversation With The “Padyak” Boy

On my second day while I was running in San Fernando City (Pampanga), I was surprised that a boy in his early teens, while driving the local version of their “padyak”/tricycle, started talking to me in the local dialect. I will try to translate to English about our conversation and it went this way:

Padyak Boy: Sir, did your car break down along the road? (While pedaling his “padyak”)

Bald Runner: Yes! (While I was smiling at the boy)

PB: Where is your car?

BR: Angeles City!

PB: Do you want me to bring you there instead of you running on the road?

Instead of anwering his question, I answered him with another question.

BR: Will it be a free ride because I don’t have any money with me?

PB: Yes, of course! No problem! I just want to help you.

BR: Thanks. Don’t worry, I need this run for my daily exercise.

The Padyak Boy slowed down and I went ahead as I continued my pace.

This story speaks well of the character of the boy who is trying his best to earn an income for the day but because he wanted to help, earning some cash was not his priority. I like his attitude and I was inspired that there are still kids on the road who are ready to help. I hope this kid will be successful someday and be able to earn an education.

"Padyak" Version of San Fernando City (Pampanga)

On Business Establishments:

On the provinces of Bulacan & Pampanga, the following business establishments abound along the National Highway:

1) Spare Parts Stores for Trucks, Vehicles, and other machineries/engines.

2) Hardware Stores as a sign of continous housing construction, building structural developments and development of commercial establishments.

3) Car Washing Using Pressured Water Pumps had been observed in almost all the towns of Bulacan and Pampanga.

4) Home-Cooked Eateries For Truckers and Provincial Buses. If you see a part of the National Highway with a wide space on the sidewalks, for sure you could see eateries lined up beside the road. Almost all the eateries has Karaoke machine!

5) Repair Shops and Vulcanizing Shops.

6) More Jollibee Fastfood Stores than McDonalds along these two provinces.

7) Cottage-Making Industry. Practically seen along the National Highway on how our people construct these bamboo-nipa huts.

It Could Be A Studio or 1-2 Bedroom Cottage

These Huts Are Seen On Both Side of the Road

5th Day: Final Climb To Baguio City

On February 14, 2010February 14, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners Accessories, Runners' Training, Running, Running Shoes, Ultramarathon51 Comments

1. The plan for the 5th Day was to finish the “adventure run” to Baguio City. It will take me 58 kilometers to run/walk for the this “leg”. I knew that Kennon Road covers a distance of 35 kilometers and the uphill road starts from Barangay Saitan, Rosario, La Union which is the road that intersects with the Main National Highway.

2. For me to finish this “leg”, I need to have a longer time to sleep the night before the 5th day, wake up earlier than the previous days, and start the run before sunrise. The 5th leg is planned to be a continous run/walk from Kilometer Post #192 to Kilometer Post #250. So, I woke up at 4:00 AM; did the “drill” as if I am going to join a road race; and packed my things.

3. It was still dark when I started my run at Km Post #192 in Binalonan, Pangasinan at 5:45 AM. The sidewalk is still the same—full of stones/gravel and sand which made my run slower and had to use my flashlight. I was wearing my TNF Trail Running Shorts; TNF Long-sleeved shirt; TNF Hand-held Hydration bottle; Under Armour Cap; ASICS Gel-Kanbara 4; PUMA Socks; Armando Caruso Buff as headband; Oakley sunglass; and two Bandanas tied around my neck. From where I started, I had to run/walk at least 23 kilometers to the Rivervue Restaurant where I plan to have a decent breakfast with steamed rice! The restaurant is 400 meters away from the intersection of Kennon Road and the National Highway.

@ Sison, Pangasinan Bridge With Rey Jimenez

4. At Km 21, Rey Jimenez of Dagupan City met me along the road and we started to run together. Rey finally believed about my description on the sidewalks of our National Highway as he had seen stones and gravel & sand. After running for two kilometers, we stopped for our breakfast and rest. I ate “tapsilog” with their native chocolate/cocoa hot drink. I really liked the hot native chocolate drink! We stayed at Rivervue Restaurant for about 45 minutes and I think we were the first customer for the day.

5. What is good about running on the road is that you are not affected with those traffic brought about by the repair of some bridges and parts of the road where only one lane is usable by the vehicles. We have to pass vehicles which were waiting for their turn to pass the only lane for both traffic. I am sure the people inside the vehicles were talking about us that we are “crazy” running along the Kennon Road towards Baguio City.

@ Our "Pit & Pee" Stops Along Kennon Road Near The Bridal Veil Falls

6. Cyclists from the South would pass me while I was running on my first 20 kilometer and I know that they are also on their way to Baguio City. We would meet a lot of cyclists also coming from Baguio and later see them going back again to the city. I always wave my hands to these cyclists and they respond also. These “cyclists” are the real ones—they are thin, flat-chested, and with very DARK skin! I just laugh to myself when I compare those regular cyclists I always see doing their “circuit” workouts at the BHS loop.

Rey Leading The Way During Our Walking Breaks

7. Running along the Kennon Road is very tricky and you need to be always on the safe side. Take advantage of the limited space at the sidewalk where you could run/walk. I don’t advise runners to use their Ipods/MP3 when running in Kennon Road or for that matter, when running along the National Highway. A runner should have a keen sense of hearing from the incoming vehicle on both lanes of the road. During this adventure run, I could guess what type of vehicle was approaching from behind based from the sound of their engines, mufflers, and tires!

Rey Jimenez 04 — "Where is the toll booth?" (Courtesy of Rey Jimenez)

Where is the roadside eatery for my lunch?

8. Rey and I ran together on single file. On the first 10 kilometers, I was leading the pace but on the next 10 kilometers, Rey was already the one who was trying to pull me along the road as he would lead me for about 5-10 meters. We had occassional “pit stops” where we replenish our water for our hydration; drink sports drinks; and ate Fita/SkyFlakes with Cloud 9 Chocolate. Each Kilometer Post along the road was a sight of relief as the number of Kilometers to my destination slowly became lesser until it bacame single digit.

Plate of Table Salt with Coke ;"Chicken Joy" & Kennon Pork Sinigang For Lunch

9. After passing the long bridge at the Toll Station, we stopped for our late lunch. Rey and I ate the available food in one of the eateries for “truckers”—home-cooked sinigang na baboy, “chicken joy” & dinuguan with steamed rice. After our lunch, Rey prepared to go back to where he parked his car in Barangay Saitan as he was scheduled for a social function in Dagupan City late in the afternoon. Rey took a ride in one of the jeepneys and I was left alone for my last 11 kilometers to Baguio City. Thanks, Rey for the company and the pull/push for the 26 kilometers that we’ve run together! (Do I have to tell you again that I sang some songs with a Karaoke machine in that truckers’ eatery? hahaha!)

10. The last 10 kilometers took me two hours to run & walk. The “zigzag road” has steep uphill climb and I have to walk and then run again along the flat area. The technique was to brisk walk on the steep climb and then run on the flat part of the zigzag road. The technique had been repeated all the way to Baguio City. On my last 5 kilometer, I was received and met by Carlos, photograper of The FrontRunner Magazine and later was greeted by the family & relatives of Jonel aka Bugobugo/The FrontRunner Magazine. Thanks, Jonel for arranging a simple but meaningful reception as I reached my destination for this “adventure run”. I was informed that you arranged for a welcome party consisting of a band and group of runners from Baguio City to join me on my run/walk from the Rotary’s Lion Head to Baguio City. Though they were not able to wait for me, thanks again for the effort & gesture.

My Vanishing "Breasts" (I mean, "Chest")

11. Reaching the Baguio General Hospital (BGH) was a realization that I’ve finally reached Baguio City. I am glad that the “Slide” area before reaching the BGH have been fixed as this was the “headache” of motorists and truckers going to Baguio City. You always find a vehicle or truck stucked at the middle of the road on this area almost everyday and such occurence always result to a traffic on both lanes of the road. However, I was not spared on this occurence during my run as one of the jeepneys got stucked at the bottom of the steep uphill climb!

12. I finally reached the Rizal Park infront of the City Hall of Baguio at 6:15 PM as I walked entirely along Burnham Park with heavy traffic of vehicles and people coming out and going to the Park and to those who are audience to a political rally at the Burnham Athletic Ground. Practically, I was on the road for 12 1/2 hours for my last day. I ran the 58-kilometer distance for the day with a running/walking time of 9:15 hours. Finally, I reached my destination. I did it. I was able to prove to myself how far I can push my body’s capability beyond its limits where I could run an ultramarathon distance almost everyday for 5 days. I was able to prove it also that I can inform my readers on a “near real-time” with pictorials through the Internet with what is going on with me in my “adventure run”.

Finally, At The Rizal Park in Baguio City

Reward For The Day: Pata Tim, Pancit Canton & Fried Rice

Better View of the "Soft Version" of Crispy Pata

13. This post will not be the end of my “adventure run’s” journal/diary. There are so many untold stories to tell which I experienced along the way and I will try my best to recall them and bring them to you on this blog. I did a lot of things along the way and I hope that such experiences will guide future runners/pedestrians who will embark on such challenge. The challenge is, “if I can do it (at the age of almost 58 years old), you can do it, too”!

14. My sincerest thanks to those who supported this “adventure run”. Your prayers, best wishes and words of encouragement pushed me to my limits. Lastly, my thanks to the Lord Almighty for giving me the strength and “vision” to inspire others. What is next? Keep on reading this blog for more interesting stories and surprises.

4th Day: Evening Edition

On February 12, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runners' Training, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon5 Comments

1. I started my run this morning at 9:31 AM. It was late already but I had more time to sleep last night. As seen in the pictures from my previous post, the sun was too hot and it felt like it was a repeat of the 1st BDM 102. From Km Post #160, I stopped at Km Post #180 at Poblacion, Urdaneta City. I had my lunch and had some rest. I was able to run/walk a distance of 20 kilometers in 3 hours!

2. At 4:30 PM, I resumed my run from Urdaneta City and I was able to end my run at Km Post #192 at Binalonan, Pangasinan. I was able to run a distance of 12 kilometers in 1:41 hours. For the whole day’s run/walk, I was able to cover a distance of 32 kilometers.

3. Rey Jimenez, a marathoner from Dagupan City and a 2nd BDM 50K Test Run Finisher, linked up with me in Urdaneta City and he hosted an all-seafood dinner in one of the famous restaurants in the city. Thanks, Rey for the hospitality. He even asked me if he can join me in my run along Kennon Road sometime tomorrow. I hope Rey would be able to push me reach my destination before the end of the day.

5. I still have 68+ kilometers to go before I reach Burnham Park in Baguio City. The last 10 kilometers will be the “killer” leg of this journey. It is equivalent to a “half-marathon” distance because of the steep ascent towards the city. I’ve experienced running from the former Black Mountains Mining Area to PMA when I was a cadet and I am confident that I still know the curves and ascending portions of Kennon Road.

6. Good night & wish me luck & prayers for a safe arrival to my destination.

4th Day: “Teaser” Pictures

On February 12, 2010February 12, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Food & Dishes, Pictures, Running, Ultramarathon4 Comments

Eating Banana Before The Start of the Run

PATAGONIA Running Apparel. Green Is The Color For The Day

Finally, Entering the Province of Pangasinan

Third Day: Evening Edition

On February 11, 2010February 11, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runners' Training, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon4 Comments

1. It was almost 5:00 PM when I started my afternoon run from Isdaan Restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac. Due to the narrow asphalted National Highway, I had no choice but to run along the dirt road on the sidewalk. Both sides of the road is filled with small stones/gravel & sand. Whenever I stepped on a gravel, my feet would absorb some pain brought about by the uneven ground. It’s really hard to be running on a gravel & sand.

Running Along The Sidewalk Filled With Gravel & Sand

I am Calling This Event as "The Adventure Trail Run" to Baguio City

2. Eventhough I had my flashlight with me, it was so hard to choose where your feet would land on the ground. From Gerona, Tarlac all the way to where I stopped for the day, both sides of the road were filled with sand & gravel. I had to stop my run to prevent myself from being tripped or from any accident that may lead to dislocation of my ankles. I don’t recommend future pedestrians to run along these sidewalks of our National Highway during nighttime.

3. I was planning to reach the Tarlac-Pangasinan Boundary before I stop running for the day. I was short by almost 10 kilometers. I was able to end my run/walk at Km Post #160 which is one kilometer away from the Municipality of San Manuel, Tarlac, the last town of Tarlac before reaching the Province of Pangasinan. It was already past 8:00 PM and the road was too dark when I ended my run/walk for the day.

4. For the afternoon-evening run, I was able to run a distance of 23 kilometers with a pace of 10 minutes per kilometer. I was practically walking on those gravel & sand sidewalk on my last 10K. For the third day, I was able to complete 58 kilometers. And for the past 3 days, I was able to cover a distance of 150 kilometers!

5. More stories & pictures to be posted soon. Good night!!!

Third Day: Morning-Noon Edition

On February 11, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Running For Cause, Running Shoes, Ultramarathon5 Comments

1. One thing that I forgot to bring in this “adventure run” was a weight scale! However, I know that my weight before I left Manila was 140 lbs. I am sure I will have reduced my weight once I finish this run. The first thing that I will buy at SM Baguio City once I arrive to my destination is a weight scale.

2. One of my readers was able to observe that I am not ingesting any Energy Bar or Sports Gel during my run. The only time I use Sports Gel is when I join Half-Marathon and Marathon Races. Since there are so many eateries along the way that offer freshly-cooked foods, I think such cooked food in restos along the way are better source of food nutrients than eating/ingesting processed/synthetic foods.

3. On the first & second days of my run, I just drink hot coffee and eat one serving of oatmeal for my breakfast before embarking on my run. I observed in my morning runs that I run sluggish and would not last a continous run of more than 10K. Before I eat my lunch, I could only run a maximum distance of 29-30 kilometers. After eating a complete meal for lunch with steamed rice or pasta, I observed that I could run faster in the afternoon with more endurance.

4. This morning, I ate breakfast with steamed rice & fried chicken (my left-over in last night’s dinner) and later ate one serving of oatmeal with fresh milk & banana before I started my morning run for today. I observed that I was able to run continously up to a distance of 15 kilometers. I become stronger in my morning run if I eat steamed rice for breakfast!

5. I was able to sleep for 7 hours last night. The hotel/traveller’s inn where I stayed overnight is more expensive but the room is bigger, cleaner, and well-maintained. I will mention the names of the hotels and the restos where I ate on this run in my concluding post about this running event.

@ Km Post #102 (Feb 11, 2011) on the 3rd Day

6. I started my run at 6:37 AM at Km Post #102, 6 kilometers away from Capas, Tarlac. I was able to cover a distance of 35 kilometers with an average pace of 8:17 minutes per kilometer. I was able to burn 2,400 calories! My running time to include my “walking breaks” is 4:50 hours. My average heart rate is 124 beats per minute. For the meantime, I stopped at Km Post #137 in Gerona, Tarlac.

@ Km Post 104/The "Old" BDM Capas Shrine

7. On my last 5 kilometers, I started to use my Salonpas Spray in order to anticipate any pains on my calves. The spray gave relief to the tired muscles of my legs as it brought refreshing cool sensation. The feeling is like my muscles are being massaged with an ice!

8. Today is too hot that I needed a third bandana to wrap my neck on my last 15 kilometers. What I do with the 3rd bandana is to roll up 4-5 pieces of tubular ice in it and then tie the rolled bandana on my neck, making sure that the rolled ice is placed/positioned on my nape. The cold sensation on my nape serves as a coolant for the blood that flows to and from my head! Instead of using a sponge to absorb cold water from the ice chest, I use at least two of my bandanas as my sponge. I dip them in the cold water and use them to wipe my face, neck, and legs.

9. If I remember right, based from what I read, the Marathon Des Sable in the Sahara Desert starts with a 20K run on the 1st day, the 2nd day covers a distance of a marathon race (42K); and the 3rd day covers a distance of 80+ kilometers which is an ultramarathon distance. From where I am right now, I am 30K from the Tarlac-Pangasinan boundary. If there is a need to run up to midnight, I will do it just to be able to run through Tarlac in one day!

10. For those of my readers who are asking the number of running shoes I brought for this run, I brought with me five (5) pairs. For the past 2 days, I used my ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2, ASICS Gel-Kayano 14, and The North Face (TNF) Arnuva 50 BOA. The TNF Arnuva 50 BOA is a very versatile running shoes as it can be used as a trail or road running shoes aside from the fact that the BOA Lacing System is quick in releasing and tightening the shoe laces. I still have to use my ASICS Gel-Kanbara 4 & NIKE Triax.

11. Today, I am using my Armando Caruso Buff (they are available at Landmark Makati) as my head sweat stopper; Under Armour Runner’s Cap, Patagonia White Long-Sleeved Shirt which is very comfortable under the heat of the sun, CW-X Compression Shorts, TNF Arnuva 50 BOA Shoes, 3 Bandanas, Nathan Hydration Belt, and black PUMA Socks.

12. I see to it to take a sip of water every 2.5 kilometers, drink half-bottle of Propel/Gatorade every 10K, eat biscuits (Fita & SkyFlakes) every 10K, and eat two (2) bite-size of Cloud 9 Chocolate every 10K.

13. In order to break the monotony of running, I vary my running stride and form. Sometimes, I run with “high knees”, shift it to regular strides and then “shuffle”. After the “shuffle”, I do the “pose method” and then later shift my stride by overdoing the sway of my hips. This technique of shifting to different running forms and strides is known by runners who are attending the BR “speed” training. Better yet, ask my good coach, Coach Titus!

14. This is serious stuff. In Tarlac, I could hardly see the Campaign Posters of the Lady Senator who is running for Vice-President. And it is funny to see that Senator Roxas’ Posters are attached below the Campaign Posters of Senator Villar. I am confused!

15. So far, there are pains on my body and I “love” them, but there are no “issues” and injuries that would prevent me from reaching my destination.

16. To my readers and friends, thanks for your greetings, wishes, and prayers.