There were three reasons why I went to the US. First, to join/participate in the 2011 Miwok 100K Ultra Trail Run in Marin Headlands where I ended as one of the Volunteers. Second, to make a recon on the route and watch the top finishers of the prestigious 2011 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Race. And, third, to have a rest and vacation from running. It is a blessing in disguise that I was injured last March during my adventure from from “West to East”.
Looking Like A Lost Tourist At Foresthill
Last weekend, I drove from Los Angeles to Foresthill, California and later to Auburn’s Placer High School Oval Track where the finish line of the Western States 100-Mile Race is located. The distance I’ve traveled was about 450 miles which took me for about 10 hours to include my pit stops along the way. After not being able to locate the exact location of the Foresthill High School where one of the Aid Stations was located, I opted to finally wait at the Finish Line.
While Waiting At The Finish Line
After one hour of waiting, the 1st runner arrived and it was Spain’s Kilian Jornet in 15:34:23 hours. He was followed by Mike Wolfe after 4-5 minutes and then Nick Clark, Jez Bragg, and Tsuyoshi Kaburaki of Japan. I left the place after Kaburaki finished the race.
After Crossing The Finish Line, Kilian Turned Around To the Cheering Crowd
While Kilian Jornet was interviewed by the Race Director Greg Soderlund, I had a chance to have a conversation with a nice guy who was standing beside me on the gallery. I was surprised to know that he was the Champion runner in the 1989 Western States edition! I guess, we talked for about 30 minutes that I forgot to track down Kilian Jornet with the crowd. My conversation with this interesting guy will be reserved in a dedicated post in this blog.
Finally, I tried to locate Kilian by trying to find his support team’s vehicle at the parking lot and I thought I missed the opportunity to talk and have a picture with him. But I was surprised to find out that he was still inside the perimeter of the oval track. I was able to track him as he came out from the bathroom!
If I am 145 lbs, Kilian Must Be 135 lbs!!!
I talked to him and wished him with a big congratulations! And he replied positively and he was smiling. We had a brief conversation and he was still fresh and looked like he did not run for the past 15 1/2 hours for a distance of 100 miles in the mountain trails. I requested for a picture with him and he was very cooperative. We talked briefly after the shots and other people from the audience requested also for some pictures with him before he left the oval track compound.
Let me describe how he ran the last 50 yards to the finish line. He started to brisk walk and had “high fives” with the audience on the right side of the oval track. He was also congratulated with handshakes with the people before the finish line. After those handshakes and “high fives”, he simply walked and crossed the Finish Line and turned around and raised his hands towards the cheering audience on the track and on the grandstand. He was smiling and he was looking fresh!
Another Picture With The 2011 Western States 100-Mile Run Champion
After standing on the weighing scale to get his weight, he was awarded with his medal and congratulated by the Race Director. Immediately, he was interviewed by the RD and his answers were heard by the crowd. He was simply a humble and happy guy!
Looking at him within a distance of 5-7 meters, I could see that he is as tall or short like my elite runners with Team Bald Runner. It appears that the has the same size/built and height with Alquin Bolivar and Alley Quisay. I have the notion that our size as Asian has the potential to train and excel in this kind of race. Knowing that Kilian is considered as the youngest winner in this race at the age of 23 years old, it defies the odds that ultra runners are best when they are more matured or older in age.
As he left the oval track’s compound towards his support vehicle, I could see that he was walking normally without any sign of limping.
It was an amazing sight of a young, strong, and fast ultra mountain trail runner.
I have been making a research in running books and running resources on the Internet on the basis of cut-off times of Marathon and Ultra Marathon Races. It seems that I could not see any “authority” or “regulation” in the IAAF or IAU Manuals and Protocols as to what is the accepted formula in the declaration of cut-off times in every race.
Without any basis, I have the impression that this “rule & regulation” in a running race, whether road or trail, on the prescribed cut-off time is arbitrary and based on the decision of the Race Organizer/Race Director.
On the part of a Race Organizer in a busy City Marathon Race, a six-hour cut-off time is a standard period for a 42K distance. This will minimize the time for the closure of main streets from vehicular traffic. The lesser time for the roads and streets are closed, the better for the riding public and commuters. It will also lessen the time of exposure and involvement of security, medical, marshals, and volunteers and other administrative and logistic supports for the race.
Obviously, this is true also to ultra marathon distance races but with longer and extended period of cut-off times.
Comrades Marathon (90K), the oldest ultra marathon, had an 11-hour cut-off time for so many years until it was extended to 12 hours since 2003. Aside from being the largest ultra road race, it is also the hardest in terms of elevation profile and with a very restrictive cut-off time.
The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), 166K ultra trail race, has a cut-off time of 46 hours.
Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, also a ultra trail race, has a cut-off time of 30 hours.
Jeju International Ultra Marathon 100K Race, a road ultra, has a cut-off time of 16 hours.
Miwok 100K Ultra Trail Run has a cut-off time of 16 1/2 hours. Most of the 100K ultra trail distance races in the USA has a cut-off time of 16 hours.
Singapore’s Sundowm Ultra Marathon 100K Race, a road ultra, has a cut-off time of 16 hours.
Bulldog 50K, an ultra trail race, has a cut off-time of 9 hours. Most of the 50K ultra trail races in the USA have a cut-off times of 9 hours.
Headlands 50-Mile Trail Run has a cut-off time of 14 hours and this is true to almost all the 50-milers except for the JFK 50-Mile Endurance Run which has a cut-off time of 18 hours ( based from tradition and history).
The Hardrock Ultra Marathon, the officially dubbed as the hardest ultra trail race in the USA, has a cut-off time of 48 hours.
The Barkley Marathons (100-mile trail race), the unofficial hardest ultra trail race in the USA, has a cut-off time of 60 hours, however, each loop which has a distance of 20 miles must be completed in 12 hours. It is a “lucky” year’s edition if there is a “survivor-finisher” for this race. Since its first edition in 1986, only nine (9) had finished the race up to this year.
Surprisingly for this year, the Badwater Ultramarathon has reduced the cut-off time from 60 hours to 48 hours! There was no reason in its website for the said dramatic change, however, its registration fee had increased from $ 850 to $ 995.
In my opinion, the cut-off times give an impression on the degree of difficulty of the race to the participants and at the same time provide a status of distinction for the said race.
For the runners, cut-off times serve as their lowest target time to finish. They should not be satisfied to finish the race way beyond the prescribed cut-off time. Finishing any Road or Trail Race must be defined strictly as Finishing the required Distance within the prescribed Cut-Off time. A runner is fooling himself or herself if he/she brags about finishing a race way beyond the cut-off time. For the Race Director, runners who finish the distance beyond the cut-off time are considered as DNF (Did Not Finish).
Simply stated, a runner must train and prepare to finish a race within the cut-off time.
4:00 AM April 2, 2011/Penaranda Park, Legazpi City
Event's Logo By Yves Yu
A Dream Race
Yves Yu, an avid visitor of my blog and a member of the Jaycees International of Legazpi City, and I personally met during the 1st Mt Mayon Trail Run in October 2008 when I joined the said trail run. In one of our conversations, he asked and invited me to try and run the circumferential road of the Mount Mayon Volcano and be the first runner to complete and run the distance from Penaranda Park and back where I’ve started. I told him that I will be back to Legazpi City and have a try on the said run.
Fast forward. After three years such attempt to run around Mt Mayon did not materialize but the dream was still alive. When I participated in the 3rd Mt Mayon Trail Run last October 2010, Yves again reminded me about the run and I said that finally, I will be coming back soon to have a try to run the dream run.
On the early part of January this year, Yves and Provincial Board Member JP Lee had a chance to meet in Manila and we discussed about the conduct of the said event as part of Albay’s Magayon Festival. The schedule was set and the overall administration and operational needs of the event were laid out already. It was a plan which needs to be approved by the Governor of Albay, Hon Joey Salceda.
Recon Run in Legazpi City (January 25, 2011)
Although I was still recovering from my injury, I visited Legazpi City on the later part of January this year. Instead of running through the road surrounding the volcano, I opted to have a short recon run and measured the whole distance of the route while inside a vehicle. After seeing the route and scenic surrounding of the places we passed by during the recon run, I told Yves and his friends with the JCI Legazpi that the course is beautiful and challenging to ultra runners. It is doable and there is a need to implement the plan for the said race without any delay and it could be done on the first Saturday of April.
Mt Mayon & Memorial Park For The Victims of a Flood/Disaster Incident
And just like that, assignments of jobs to be done were designated to each member of the JCI Legazpi City and I was tasked to be the Race Director and have the race sanctioned by the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU). Despite the needed qualifications of runners imposed by the standards of PAU, the Race Organizers approved the implementation of such standards.
The Majestic Mt Volcano From The Oval Track of BSU
Courtesy Call To Governor Joey Salceda
While I was in Legazpi City for the recon run, the Event Organizer decided to drop by the Office of the Governor for a short courtesy call. It was my first time to meet the Governor. The planned short visit and courtesy call lasted for 2-3 hours. The casual conversations about the running event and other topics led to the approval of the budget for the said event. In short, the Mayon 360 50-Mile Ultra Marathon Race was approved as part of the Magayon Festival with the approved budget for the Cash Prizes for the winners and for the expenses needed for the logistics and mobilization of security/administrative personnel and volunteers.
Governor Joey Salceda of Albay & BR
Governor Joey Salceda simply wanted something different to happen in his province for the Magayon Festival. He knows that nobody had done such feat, to run around the most beautiful volcano in the world in 15 hours, and he knows that this is an opportunity to create awareness about ultrarunning for his province.
Vision
The Race Organizer/JCI Legazpi and I were one in coming up with such running event with the thought of not making a profit out of it. I could be corny and try to be naive but it was far from our thoughts and objectives of raising some funds from such event. The mere fact that the Provincial Government had supported the event, it was already enough to have this dream realized. The vision was to develop this sports event as part of the yearly Magayon Festival and promote “Sports Tourism” in the region.
I told Yves that if we have 70 runners, it will be a good start to create awareness about the event as it will be the first PAU-sanctioned ultra marathon race being organized by a Provincial Government outside Metro Manila. Yves understood my point as he experienced what came out with his Mt Mayon Trail Run (MTR) for the past 3 years. His races which he founded and initiated had grown in its participants through the years and runners keep on coming through the years.
I have a prediction that the Mayon 360 will be a regular ultra marathon schedule of the year where runners would train and prepare for. It will be an ultra race where the participants will be growing in numbers through the years.
Coordinating Meetings & CarboLoading/Briefing Party
Two nights before Race Day, I joined the last coordinating meeting among the different committees involved in the said race. I was impressed on how the member-units were able to brief the whole group on their preparations and jobs to be done during the race. Different scenarios had been played and “brainstormed” by the group or committee involved in any particular situation to happen during the event. These guys were so meticulous on their preparations and I could see in their eyes the interest and drive to make this event a successful one.
Coordination Meeting With All The Committees Involved
The CLP and Briefing was done at the Provincial Capitol Center with almost all the runners who most of them are from Metro Manila and the so-called “PAU-loyalists” and “BDM Veterans”. I was happy that these runners, although not yet fully recovered from their BDM Races, have joined this event and be a part of history in running in the Bicol Region.
Prov'l Board Member & President of League of Barangays JP Lee, BR, & Oriel Maddela/Chairman, JCI Legazpi
As the Race Director, I delivered a very detailed Briefing about the race and what the runners would expect along the route, to include the elevation and the logistics, but I did not tell them about the beauty of the scenery of their surroundings while they will be running the race. Finally, I told them that they are already part of history in this event as the first group of runners who ran around the Mt Mayon Volcano. They should not be pressured with the distance as the people of Albay will be in every Aid Station to cheer and support them in their run from Start to Finish.
Board Member JP Lee Delivering His Opening Remarks to the Guests & RunnersRunners & Guests From Metro ManilaRoute of the 1st Mayon 360
Race Proper
My first frustration in directing a road race is when the scheduled time of start is not done on the dot. I have that “signature” of starting my races before or on the scheduled time of start. It is a little shy of 5 minutes after 4:00 AM that the race started after a short prayer, singing the national anthem, and a short talk from the Race Organizers. At least, the race started not more than 10 or 20 minutes from the scheduled time. I knew the runners would not notice such a little delay.
Start of the 1st Mt Mayon 360 50-Mile Run
The communications, support, and logistics systems of the race were great and everybody was working as a team and they were very efficient. A local radio station was broadcasting a “live update” of the race from the top runners from Start to Finish. The AMA School Computer Team was also feeding a “live update” on the event’s website at http://mayon360.com with photos of finishers as they cross the Finish Line! Results of the Race were on real-time as they are posted on the website immediately. Simply great!
Mt Mayon 360 Website Picture
What is nice about an ultra marathon race is the “drama” within each runner; the “drama” among runners and competitors; and the “drama” of the runner with the challenges of the environment; the route; and the warm hospitality & appreciation you receive from the local people witnessing the event. Moreso, the interaction of the runners with those people who volunteered to make this road race an enjoyable and successful one!
Elmer Sabal & Willy Rotich Leading The Race @ Km 25Alley Quisay, Willy Rotich, Mario Maglinao, & Elmer Sabal @ Km 40
The “drama” on the first half of the race was the competition between our own elite runners, Elmer Sabal, Alley Quisay and Mario Maglinao with the visiting Kenyan runner, William Rotich. The four made up the frontrunners for almost 40 kilometers with each of them exchanging places from time to time, depending on the terrain of the route. At Km 41, Elmer Sabal dropped out from the race due to severe muscle cramping in his legs and declared as DNF before he rode in one of the support vehicles. From here on, it was a matter of knowing who will win as the Champion as the three of them were confident to bring home cash prizes after the said run. At Km 50, Mario and Alley were already having problems with leg cramps and they slowed down. William took advantage of the situation and started to speed up his pace towards the Finish Line. He did not look back and went alone to win the race. Mario was running 2nd place while at far back of him of about 500 meters, Alley was trailing his back.
Willy Rotich Leading The Race at Km 70Alley Quisay Running 2nd at Km 70
The “drama” started to unfold between Mario and Alley when suddenly Mario was struck with a severe leg cramping that he had to lie down on the pavement to be given a “massage” by the Medical Team. Alley was able to pass him with 15 kilometers more to go before the Finish Line. Alley maintained his pace and he was able to create a big gap from Mario. When Mario was able to recover and started to run again, Alley was already 2-3 kilometers ahead of him. Alley won 2nd place and later, Mario arrived in 3rd place.
The Hardcores of Ultrarunning!!!
There was a “big drama” with the Women’s Division. Merlita Arias was leading for about 2 kilometers from the Kenyan runner at halfway but at Km 60, Merlita slowed down due to cramps and Poywo was able to overtake her at Km 70 and she was leading for awhile. But Merlita was able to recover and through her strong will to win the race, she placed all her efforts to regain back the first position. On the last 10 kilometers, they alternately changed positions but Merlita prevailed and she was able to lead the race until she reached the Finish Line. Poywo came in second.
Merlita Arias Dunkin @ Km 25Peris Poywo of Kenya Having Massage & TV Interview @ Km 40
Due to unavoidable circumstances, a first-time lady ultrarunner whom I invited to join the event through the Event’s Page on Facebook got the 3rd place. Arianne Ortega was surprised when she crossed the Finish Line and declared as the 3rd top finisher among the women’s division. She joined her first ultra marathon race with the only objective to finish the race within the prescribed cut-off time of 15 hours but she got a bonus for winning a cash prize of $750.00. She was very happy and she thanked me for the invitation. Nice and happy lady!
Out of the 69 runners who started the race, 59 runners were able to cross the finish line and all of them were declared “official” finishers as they finished within the cut-off time of 15 hours.
Mac Milan Having Massage & TV Interview at Km 40A Typical Aid Station Along The RouteHard-Boiled Eggs With SaltBoiled Bananas & Massage Station at the Next TableSodas & Bite Foods
Awarding Ceremony
The awarding ceremony started as soon as the last runner crossed the finish line. Gov. Joey Salceda awarded the cash prizes, medals, and certificates to the top finishers (men’s and women’s). Governor Salceda was satisfied with the result and the awareness the event had created among the people of Albay. He stated in his closing message that this event will be made bigger and with more participation from international runners in the next year’s edition. Thus, this event will be a permanent activity for the Magayon Festival that will promote Sports Tourism in the Region.
Awarding Ceremony With Governor Joey Salceda
Things To Be Improved
Knowing that 85% of the runners would be coming from Metro Manila and the “usual suspects” in PAU and BDM Races, I did not strictly impose on the rules and regulations of PAU Races because I knew that such rules/regulations are already “automatic” to them. I did not realize that the local “first-time” ultra runners were not aware of such rules and regulations. We will improve on the strict implementation of the PAU/BDM Races’ rules & regulations on the future editions of this road race event. (Note: About 30+ local runners ran as “bandits” and pacers for the registered local runners)
Through my suggestion, a local Marathon (42K) race must be conducted in Albay months prior to the Magayon Festival to give a chance for the local and regional runners to qualify for the next edition of the race.
Future and Expectations
As stated by Governor Joey Salceda in his closing remarks during the Awarding Ceremony, the ultra running event will remain as a permanent activity of the yearly Magayon Festival. It will be a bigger event where international runners will be invited and hopefully, included in the calendar of events in ultra marathon websites and Ultrarunning Magazine Online.
The involvement of the Provincial Government, League of Barangays of Albay, JCI Legazpi, and the people of the 3 cities, 7 municipalities and 77 barangays of the province will showcase the unity, warmth, hospitality, and the kindness of the populace.
This ultra marathon race must be a part of the yearly checklist of an ultrarunner!
The following is the result of the 1st Mt. Mayon 360° 50-Mile Ultra Marathon Race in Albay which was held yesterday, April 2, 2011. A total of 69 ultrarunners started the race but only 59 finished the race within the cut-off time of 15 hours.
Starting this year, all PAU and PAU-sanctioned road and trail races’ results published will have its corresponding PAU Points as the basis for the selection of the recipient for the 2011 PAU Runner of the Year Award.
Rank
Name
Time
PAU Points
1
Willy Rotich
6:07:24
80
2
Alley Quisay
6:41:08
73.17
3
Mario Maglinao
7:09:20
68.36
4
Franklin Penalosa
7:29:04
65.17
5
Gene Olvis
7:53:10
62.03
6
Barnedo Numeriano
7:58:34
61.4
7
Smith Luna
8:12:32
59.61
8
Merlita Arias (F)
8:13:10
59.49
9
Bhong Tobe
8:18:25
58.89
10
Peris Poywo (F)
8:21:09
58.53
11
Eric Bullena
9:09:44
53.42
12
Mac Milan
9:32:28
51.27
13
Jose Llaneta
9:34:06
51.09
14
Randy Rubio
9:53:27
49.47
15
Jesel Bassanta
9:54:15
49.37
16
Reynan Morante
10:08:50
48.25
17
Jose Duenas
10:13:17
47.84
18
Graciano Santos
10:17:14
47.55
19
Salvador Castilla
10:19:20
47.38
20
Victor Exequiel Verry
10:53:04
44.92
21
Yul Almayda
10:54:00
44.84
22
Paolo Osmena
11:01:23
44.33
23
Jose De Asis
11:06:52
44.03
24
Rodel Cuaton
11:10:41
43.77
25
Bong Bernadez
11:22:04
43
26
Eutiquio Bagacina Jr
11:41:06
41.85
27
Dindo Diaz
11:51:19
41.24
28
Edgar Orellana
11:58:51
40.8
29
Mel Severino
12:11:48
40.09
30
Ruben Fajardo Jr
12:15:49
39.9
31
Arianne Ortega (F)
12:37:05
38.74
32
Danilo Lim
12:45:55
38.33
33
Julius Cervantes
12:48:22
38.18
34
Raymond Suarez
12:48:41
38.15
35
Marvin Pangan
12:54:12
37.89
36
Blas Ople Tiangco
12:58:49
37.68
37
Mark Viesca
13:03:31
37.43
38
Andreco Primero
13:11:13
37.08
39
Earl Warren Navor
13:14:19
36.94
40
Cesar Abarientos
13:14:20
36.9
41
Carl Balagot
13:14:22
36.86
42
Ralph Salvador
13:14:24
36.84
43
Jonel Mendoza
13:14:30
36.8
44
George Dolores
13:14:33
36.77
45
Vincent De Lima
13:20:10
36.66
46
Jimmy Ong
13:24:46
36.43
47
Jeffrey Avellanosa
13:39:20
35.78
48
Erell Villalba
13:43:39
35.61
49
Ryan Viesca
13:56:02
35.08
50
Bong Alindada
13:58:24
34.98
51
Ayette Padua (F)
14:05:14
34.71
52
Christopher Montaos
14:05:48
34.67
53
David Aquino
14:16:16
34.25
54
Marcus Lontoc
14:16:25
34.22
55
Marlin Marilag
14:25:00
33.9
56
Jose Arturo Virata
14:44:33
33.16
57
Abigail Castillo (F)
14:48:13
33.02
58
Yan Dizon (F)
14:50:10
32.95
59
Alex Galapin
14:51:25
32.85
For more details and pictures of runners at the Finish Line, please visit http://mayon360.com
Men's Podium Awardees (Quisay, Rotich, Maglinao) With Gov. Joey Salceda of AlbayLadies Podium Awardees (Poywo, Arias, Ortega) With Governor Joey Salceda of Albay & JCI Legazpi (JP Lee, Vyes Yu, Oriel Maddela)
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 TerritoryThe 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 HighwayStill Enjoying The Scenery of the PlaceStill Counting On My Strides...Hydration Strategy MaintainedQuick 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 RoadWalking 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 BackgroundA Nipa Hut On Top of the MountainAaahhh...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 DestinationRoller-Coaster Run On The Eastern Side of the MountainRunning 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 TabletsAnother "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 LaurRunning 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
After finishing the 5-day Adventure Run from Manila to Baguio City in February of last year, I was already thinking of another route where I could do another Adventure Run traversing and running along the roads of Luzon.
After researching and playing/browsing with the Google Map, I have entertained the idea of running from West to East, meaning, running from the western most part up to the eastern most part of Luzon. The distance is approximately the same with the distance from Manila to Baguio City but it could be farther and more challenging as the route offers more undulating and rolling terrain than the first adventure run that I finished up to Baguio City.
Why am I doing this? The reason could be that it is because I want to have fun and give meaning to life by running all possible routes in the country. I could be “opening the gates” for more possible routes for future adventure runs. I could be promoting the scenery of the towns, provinces and cities and its people that I will be passing and seeing through the “eyes/lens” of my digital camera. Or better yet, inspire more people along the way that running is good for the body and health. And for my readers in this blog to be inspired on what a retiree and almost senior citizen could do for the love of running.
Of course, my friends in the running community would also suspect that this is just a preparation for a bigger event to come in my adventure runs. Yes, they are right! I have that desire also to run from the very north tip of Luzon all the way to southernmost tip of the archipelago with the support of friends and corporate sponsors with the end-view of promoting running down to the “grassroots” level.
Many runners before me had done this feat but their accomplishments are still questionable up to this day based from my own standards or from what others would do to prove that they have done such feat. I have yet to see journals, diaries, pictorials, and other readable evidence to prove that these runners were able to run what they say they have run through. It is easy to say that you have run this part of the country without even showing to your readers any evidence or journal what each runner had gone through during the run. I would like to know the details, like: what was your daily mileage; what did you eat during the run; what is your hydration strategy during each leg or day; how many days did you rest during the span of period that a runner covered a certain distance; where did you rest and stop for the day; where did you rest over night; and how much did you spend for the adventure; and many more detailed factors/data to be known in order to pull off successfully in this kind of multi-day stage runs. Without these detailed facts, such feats/accomplishments are just “allegations”.
Let me go back to my plan. I will be starting in Bolinao, Pangasinan at the sea shore of the South China Sea and eventually proceed to Tarlac Province, running along the Carlos P Romulo Highway. From Tarlac Province, I will be proceeding to Nueva Ecija and ending up to the southernmost municipality of Dingalan of Aurora Province and specifically ending along the seashores of the Pacific Ocean. I will try to bring a bottle of sea water from the South China Sea and pour the said sea water to the Pacific Ocean. As there is no significant difference between the sea water of the South China Sea as to that of the Pacific Ocean, it will be a “tangible symbol” that I carried something from the West to be brought to the East. It would give meaning to the phrase, “West Meets East”.
What is the significance of my 2nd adventure run? The answer is very simple. I just want to prove that a runner could easily and efficiently document his run on a near-real time situation through a blog in the Internet with the aid of a GPS watch (I will be using a stopwatch this time!), digital camera, laptop computer or a cell phone, and a driver with a support vehicle. The documentation should be a some sort of a diary of the runner so that his/her reader is easily transported as if he/she is a part of the run and be able to feel the joy, fun, and hardship that the runner had gone through during the run. This is the gist of the run! It has no political ends and purpose but it simply sends the message that there is integrity in everything we want to do and for the things we want to impart to other people.
So another running adventure begins with the following pictures!
@Bolinao, Pangasinan: Western Most Tip of Luzon@St James The Great Parish Church of Bolinao (Talking About Earthquake?)South China Sea & The Beach of BolinaoIn One of Those "Not-So-Fancy" Beach Resorts
4:00 AM April 2, 2011, Penaranda Park, Legazpi City (Albay)
This is the first PAU/PAU-sanctioned Ultra Marathon Race for the year 2011. Runners can now register at the A Runner’s Circle (ARC) Store, Aloha Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila. Runners must have finished a Marathon Race (42K) in order to qualify for this race. There is no need for support vehicles as Aid Stations will be positioned every 5 kilometers along the route. However, runners are advised to have with them hydration belt or hand-held bottle.
All other details of the race are written in the registration form. Race packets will be redeemed at the Briefing & CLP on the night before Race Day. The venue of the Briefing & CLP will be announced later in the event’s website at www.mayon360.com.
Bald Runner
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