TNF 100 Clark Philippines CHAMPIONS!

On May 24, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Pictures, Race Results, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon6 Comments

23-24 May 2009 @ Sacobia, Clark, Philippines

Eduardo Villanueva of Team Bald Runner won as the Overall Champion in the TNF 100K Solo Run at Sacobia, Clark, Philippines. Ed Villanueva was also the Overall Champion in the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race held last April 5, 2009.

Ed Villanueva Receiving The Check Worth P 20,000

Eduardo Villanueva as The Champion in the TNF 100K Clark Solo Run Receiving His Prize & Gifts from TNF

In the 100K Team relay, Cresenciano Sabal and Reynaldo De Los Reyes of Team Bald Runner also won Overall Team Champion in the said event.

Cris Sabal & Rey De Los Reyes Receiving Their Awards & Prizes (On the right is Coach Rio as the RO/RD & Jundel of TNF)

Cris & Rey of Team Bald Runner as Champions in the 100K Relay Race

Ed Villanueva received a cash prize of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P 20,000) and other Gifts from The North Face and other sponsors. The members of the 100K Team Relay also received a cash prize of Seven Thousand Pesos (P 7,000) each and other gifts from The North Face and other sponsors.

Congratulations!…”Good Job”!!! Mabuhay ang Team Bald Runner!!!

To: All TNF 100 Sacobia Solo Runners

On May 20, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Race Results, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon6 Comments

This post is not meant to pressure or give jitters to all the solo runners of this weekend’s TNF 100 Clark Sacobia. I just want to inform everybody that TNF 100 Australia which was held last 16-17 May 2009 at the World Heritage Blue Mountain National Park in Leura, Australia (1 1/2 hours from Sydney, Australia) had published its results and feedbacks about the race in their official website. How I wished the TNF 100 Sacobia Website would be as comprehensive as the TNF 100 Australia. Please browse at http://www.thenorthface.com.au/100/ for the profile of runners, results, race information, and gallery of pictures of competitors.

In last week’s TNF Australia results, the Solo Men’s 100K Run was won by Andrew Lee with a time of 10:20:51 hours, breaking the a new record by 2 minutes from Andrew Komar’s time last year. In the Solo Ladies’ 100K Run, Julie Quinn finished the race in 12:13:45 hours, setting a new record time by shaving 32 minutes from last year’s time of Heather Logie.

Dean Karnazes finished the Solo Men’s 100K Run in 14:42:56 hours and ranked #39 for the top overall category after arriving in Australia on Friday night before the race started on Saturday morning.

There were 333 runners in the Solo 100K Run and 31 teams in the relay run. Out of the 333 runners, there are no reports in the website on the number of DNF runners, however, in the “General Discussion” page, there were comments from solo 100K runners who did not finish the race.

To all the TNF 100 Sacobia Solo and Relay Runners, good luck and wishing you all the best!!!

My best wishes and prayers will also go to the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner Solo Runners and Team Relay!!!

To These Hardcore Runners, Good Luck & Best Wishes!!! — To These Hardcore Runners (With Me), Good Luck & Best Wishes!!!

“Dirty Secret Tips” in Ultra Trail Running

On April 28, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon7 Comments

The following “dirty secret tips” are highly recommended to those runners who will be participating/competing in the TNF 100 Solo Run which will be held on 23-24 May 2009:

1) On problems of Bowel Movement & Gastro-Intestinal “Issues”—At least 1 1/2 to 2 hours before the start of a long race (marathon or ultramarathon distance), take one (1) tablet of Diatabs or Immodium. An intake of one tablet will “stabilize” the food and fluids in your stomach/intestines for the next 24-36 hours or even as long as 48 hours. Just be sure that after the race, take a lot of hydration fluids/water and fresh fruits to lessen any problem of constipation.

2) On Pain Relievers—This is one aspect where nobody among the trail runners openly admit that they take “pain relievers” before or during the race. But I have a strong suspicion that these “hardcore” runners take Ibuprofen; Tylenol; or any pain relieving tablets during races. If you are joining the TNF 100 Solo Run, try to take one Alaxan FR after running your first 25 kilometers. That pain reliever will bring you to the finish line without any major leg pain or muscle cramps as long as you follow your food/hydration strategy and race strategy.

3) Dose of Caffeine—GU Roctane had always been my favorite sports gel that has more caffeine than ordinary sports gel. There are other Sports Gel which have the same properties and purpose like the Hammer Gel but I’ve never tried it. Try to take a GU Roctane sports gel every 10-12 kilometers. This regular intake will make you awake during night time and give you the much-needed energy during the race. (Note: Do not litter the trail with those GU empty packs)

4) Preserve Your Strength—On the first half (50 kms), maintain a slow pace and try to preserve your strength for the last 50 kms of the course. Brisk-walk while you are going for the uphill climb and then run on the downhill and level portions of the route. If you think you still have the strength on the last 10-20 kms of the route, then go for it for a strong and hard finish. Learn to brisk-walk and practice in the urban streets of Metro Manila through “walkabout”. Put more time on your feet to the ground. Expose yourself to the heat of the sun during your “walkabouts”.

5) Recon the Place of the Race—Get the map of the route and conduct a “test run”. Don’t wait for the Race Organizer/Race Director to call for a “test run”. Take the initiative and be the first to explore the route. Such initiative will give you the much-needed confidence to finish the race and apply your race strategy. “Knowing the Enemy” or “Know The Terrain” simply does the trick in ultra train running survival. You can also conduct a “test” if there is any cellphone signal in the area. By conducting a recon of the trail route, you will be able to determine your hydration needs and be able to adjust on what type of hydration pack you are going to bring for the race. You will find out if you need extra clothing needs for the race if you conduct your “test run” in the race route. (Note: The place always rain in the afternoon)

6) Energy & Chocolate Bars—Expect that there will be no solid foods or “hot” meals to be served in the Aid Stations. The most practical solution for this is to have Energy Bars and/or Chocolate Bars or dried fruits in your shorts pockets or in your pack. (Note: Do not litter the trails with those empty packs of your energy/chocolate bars and other thrash)

7) Extra trail shoes and socks—Through your “test run”, you’ll be able to find where you can have your drop bag located along the route. There is a need to change your shoes and socks as they will become wet due to river crossings and perspiration from the body. Try to look for running socks made of “Coolmax” or “DryMax” materials. I highly recommend them, as well as, from famous ultramarathon runners. During your “test run”, try to run with your wet shoes & socks after crossing those lahar-filled river and test how it feels to run with them (to include some lahar sands inside your shoes).

8) 3-Pocket Trail Shorts—If you don’t want to carry too much load on your pack, get a trail shorts with pockets where you can store your energy bars and sports gels.

9) 2-Bottle Hydration Belt—I prefer to use this type of hydration belt/pack rather than using a bladder hydration pack like Camelbak or TNF Thresher. I have an option of using one bottle for water and another one for sports drinks/electrolyte drinks. Alternately, sipping water and electrolyte drinks would be a nice hydration strategy during the race, making sure your hydration supply will last up to the next Aid Station. When I joined my first Bulldog 50K, I was using my “Small On The Back” Nathan Water Belt for my sports drinks and a “Quick Draw” Hand-Held Nathan Water Bottle for my water. It worked perfect for me.

10) Headlights & Flashlight—Be sure to have those lights during the race, most especially during your night movement. Bring fresh/new batteries just in case you need immediate replacements.

11) Petroleum Jelly and/or Body Glide—Blisters on your feet are prevented by applying petroleum jelly or Body Glide in-between toes and entire feet. This is also to include the crotch area, nipples, upper right arms, Heart Monitor strap area and armpits.

12) Runner’s Cap, Sunglass, OFF Lotion, Sunscreen Lotion, Watch, Bandana & Compass—Bring these items to the race for obvious reasons. Why for a Bandana? Aside from being a “coolant” on your neck when it is already damped and wet with your perspiration, you can use it to cover your mouth to prevent those small insects to get into your mouth as you inhale, on daytime or nighttime.

13) Run With A Group or Have a “Buddy”—Be sure to have somebody with you as your “buddy” during the run or come up with a group of 3-4 runners to make the trail run more fun and enjoyable. You must be running almost at the same pace. Alternately, act as “guide” or “pacer” for the group. Try to Help & Motivate each other to finish the race.

14) Do the “drills” and try the “100-Km Challenge”—One of the “drills” I’ve picked up from my readings and been doing for the past months is the one-leg squats or one-leg bending. Using only one leg, try to bring down your butt at the exact position when one of your legs land on the ground while running and then bring up your butt with the leg straight. Repeat this bending for the next 5 minutes. Do the same one-leg bending to the other leg with the same number of minutes. Try to increase the number of minutes until you are comfortable doing the drill for one hour or more. For your endurance test, find out my previous post on “100-Km Challenge” and try to experience it.

15) Lastly, the Camaraderie and Helping One Another During The Race is the most important virtue to be developed and encouraged in ultra trail running races. Competition among runners and yourself is only second to the love of the sports itself. Try to develop that habit of asking a runner who is sitting or lying on the side of the trail of what is his condition so that you can relay such information about him to the next Aid Station. Try to share what you have for runners who are in need during the race. You will never know when you need also some help from the other runners.

Do not “whine” during and after the race. If you “whine”, then you did not do your homework!

Good luck to all the TNF 100K Solo Runners!!!

“Death March Ultramarathon: Running To Honor, Help Vets”

On April 24, 2009April 24, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon13 Comments

This is a news article written by Tina Arceo-Dumlao and published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s April 5, 2009 issue. It was posted on Page A4. Hereunder is the exact copy of the said article:

A RUN FROM MARIVELES, BATAAN, TO the 102-kilometer marker in San Fernando, Pampanga, 18 hours.

That is the daunting challenge that 82 hard-core runners, including eight foreigners and five women, will try to meet as they “run, endure and survice” the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race.

The “few, proud, and brave” runners would have taken off from the Bataan Death March Park at KM 00 at 1:00 a.m. today to retrace the route of the infamous “Death March” of April 9, 1942.

The runners are expected to cross the San Fernando finish line at around 7 p.m.

According to World War II accounts, over 90,000 Filipino and American soldiers captured when Bataan finally fell to Japanese invaders were marched out of Bataan. Around 5,000-10,000 Filipinos and 650 American soldiers collapsed and died from exhaustion or untreated wounds during the three-day ordeal in the scorching summer heat. Those who culd not keep up were beaten or shot. Some managed to escape; some died trying. The 54,000 who managed to reach Pampanga alive were then placed on board on a cargo train to Camp O’ Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

Retired Maj. General Jovenal D Narcise, the brains behind the ultramarathon, told the INQUIRER that he organized the country’s first competitive ultramarathon to commemorate the dead and surviving heroes of the Bataan Death March.

“We would also like to raise some funds to support the needs of World War II veterans who are now under the care of the Veterans Medical Center,” he said.

Narcise said a similar ultramarathon is held every year in New Mexico in the United States in support of the American survivors of the Death March. He felt that it was just right to organize a counterpart event in the Philippines.

“By the number of fatalities on the side of our Filipino heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, we should be the one who should be doing this memorial service by way of retracing the route they had taken,” said Narcise.

He said the race would help imbue in Filipinos the memory of “the sacrifices that our forefathers offered in the name of defense of the country and freedom from foreign invaders.”

Man known as Bald Runner

Narcise, called Bald Runner in the running circuit, said that with the race, he hoped to put the Philippines on the world map of ultramarathons and make it part of the schedule of adventure tourists.

He said the Bataan 102K race had the potential to be as popular as the Comrades Ultramarathon in South Africa, Badwater Ultramarathon in the United States, Marathon Des Sables in Morocco, Libyan Challenge in Libya, Jungle Marathon in Brazil and Gobi March in the Gobi Desert, China, because of its historical significance.

Narcise said ultramarathons are gaining popularity around the world. A 100-km ultramarathon will be featured as a demonstration sport in the 2012 London Olympics.

Qualifying race for Olympics

“In envision this Bataan 102K as a qualifying race for our future Olympic athletes,” he said.

The 56-year-old Narcise, who boasts of having the same 29-inch waist that he had as a cadet of the Philippine Military Academy, added that he was also inspired to organize the event to get more people to embrace a healthy lifestyle through running—an inexpensive yet effective way to keep fit.

Narcise, who retired last year as commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, has been running since he was a cadet and his passion pushed him to put up the race even without government support.

No support from promoters

“Sad to say, I was not supported by those government offices which are promoting sports development. I was also not supported by those who are promoting tourism in the country. Moreso, I got negative response for help and assistance from people and politicians whom you always see telling the public that they are going to support our quest for sports excellence in the Olympics,” he said.

But far from being discouraged by the lack of support, he went into the project with even greater enthusiasm. Those who encouraged him were fellow running enthusiasts and former subordinates in the AFP who believed in his mission to celebrate heroism by running in the heroes’ foosteps.

My sincerest thanks to Ms Tina Arceo-Dumlao for writing this news article and have it published on the day the race event happened. I really appreciate those countless telephone calls, SMS, and e-mails between us. How I wished this news report would have been published with www.inquirer.net. My appreciation goes also to Kim O’ Connell who took the initiative of making sure that this event would be known to everybody through her “contacts” and friends.

I had the chance to read this news article when my brother, General Samuel, met and paced me on my last 9-10 kilometers of the ultramarathon race. I was then brisk-walking while I was reading this article and it gave me the energy-boost to finish the race.

On my way back to Manila after the race, I found out that the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President called me twice on my cellphone during the time while I was running along the stretch of SanFernando-Dinalupihan Highway, within the vicinity of Lubao, Pampanga. I tried to return the call but it was not answered. Maybe, he was too busy attending the Birthday Celebration of the President and/or preparation for the President’s attendance to the Araw Ng Kagitingan to be held at Mt Samat the following day.

On the day after the activities at Mt Samat, the Chief of Staff called me while I was in my hometown celebrating the 85th Birthday celebration of my late mother. He informed me that the President saw the runners and myself during the ultramarathon event. However, the main reason why he called me was because of the abovementioned news article. The President read the news article and she was touched by the objectives of the race event even without positive support from the government and personalities who advocate sports development and sports excellence. But, the Chief of Staff tried to help and appease my concern about the lack of support as more time must be neded to process such requests. I told him that I received formal letters from sports & tourism authorities and “personalities” outrightly denying my request. My friend became silent at the other end of the line after telling him that I still have those letters. So, we just talked about other things and the things I am doing to help others.

Ok. Let us move on. On the 1st weekend of March next year, it will be 2nd edition of the BDM 102 and it will be within the Election Campaign Period. I predict that these “jokers & comedians” and wannabe “actors, singers & dancers” will be looking for events where they will be known by the people. The BDM 102 event will never be used for politics and commercialism. Let this be a running event to honor our heroes and a venue for us who are “crazy” and hardcore runners to test the limit of our body’s endurance.

So, train now and have fun!

(Note: I will post the letters from Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Tourism, and some of the “presidentiables” in response for some support to the BDM 102 in due time)

Race Report From Ben Gaetos

On April 23, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon2 Comments

The following is the Race Report of Ben Gaetos on his participation to the Leona Divide 50-Mile Run:

LEONA DIVIDE 50 MILE RUN

Lake Hughes, CA

April 18, 2009

Is it me, or are the races these days just get tougher and tougher? This thought came to my mind as I climbed the infamous hill at Mile 28 of Leona Divide 50 Miler. Changes were made to the course this year to comply with United States Forest Service safety issues. As if the course was not hard enough, the revision turned out to be a survival race.

In previous years, weather has always been favorably cool. Happy days were over, my friend. Mother Nature has a surprise in store for us. Co-race director Dennis Trafecanty started the race exactly at 6am in low 30’s temperature. A slightest delay would have resulted damage control procedure as temps rose to high 80’s at mid day.

This year, long out and back climbs on exposed fire roads were laid in the early stage. I looked at the faces of runners. I didn’t have to be a mind reader. They were all telling me that we’re here for a long day. After a couple of weeks of cold and windy weather, this blazing heat was a surprise. Immediately, I backed off even on tempting downhill sections. I had to save something for the big climb at M28.

At M28 AS, I was treated with wet wipes in my face, hot noodle soup, Coke, potato and salt, pretzel, ice on my hat, etc. I took a couple of salt pills too. This is it, time to get down to business in these seven miles of straight uphill. Light headedness struck me a few minutes later. I checked my GF305 and it was only M30. No leg cramps but what did I do wrong? I let a couple of runners pass. Slowly, my power walk put me back in the race again. Luau signs on the trail meant M32 AS was just around the corner. That was stimulus energy for me as they had popsicles. Volunteers were even dressed up in Hawaiian outfits. That was a much needed relief to finish up 3 more miles of rolling hills before the turnaround.

Coming back, I waited until M38 to make my usual downhill sprint at the single trail. There was no question my previous 10 hr finishes was already in the clouds. Give it my best shot anyway. At the bottom of the hill M42 AS, it was festive moments again as my buddy volunteers tended to my needs. They gave me lots of energy and encouraging words for the final 3.5 miles of climbing. It was steep without the luxury of slightest wind breeze. My legs were tired but I was also closing in to the runners up ahead leading to the last aid station. It kept me going. And guess what, they had ice cold Corona beer. That was all I needed to shift to higher gear.

Finally, the finish was in sight. There was no mind reading this time as happy faces and cheers greeted me in 11:52:–.

Congratulations and Thanks, Ben for sharing us your experience on ultra trail running in California. More of our runners here are now interested to try the ultra runs after the BDM102. We hope to see you again next year. Good luck!

(Note: The LD50 has a cut-off time of 13 hours)

You Know You Are An Ultra Runner If…

On April 14, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Running, Ultramarathon7 Comments

This post is dedicated to the “82 New Brave Warriors” of Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race.

You Know You Are An Ultra Runner If…

By: Various Authors

Your wife tries to introduce you to your three children and you reply “Three?”
You spend more time in the drug section than the food section of the local market.
You wonder why they don’t make all running socks a dusty brown color.
You have more dirt on your shoes than in your garden.
You think that flagel and ibutrophin belong on the breakfast table.
You get more phone calls at 5:00 AM than at 5:00 PM.
You don’t recognize your friends with their clothes on.
You have more buckles than belts.
You postpone your wedding because it will interfere with your training.
You keep mistaking your boss for Norm Klein.
6am is sleeping in.
Your feet look better without toenails.
Your idea of a fun date is a 30-mile training run.
You’re tempted to look for a bush when there’s a long line for the public restroom.
You don’t think twice about eating food you’ve picked up off the floor.
You can expound on the virtues of eating salt.
You develop an unnatural fear of mountain lions.
When you wake up without the alarm at 4AM, pop out of bed and think “let’s hit the trails”.
When you can recite the protein grams by heart of each energy bar.
You don’t even LOOK for the Porto-sans anymore.
Your ideal way to celebrate your birthday is to run at least your age in miles/kilometers with some fellow crazies.
Your ideal way to have fun is to run as far as you can afford to with some fellow crazies.
You know the location of every 7-11, public restroom, and water fountain within a 25-mile radius of your house.
You run marathons for speed work.
You have more fanny packs and water bottles and flashlights than Imelda Marcos has shoes.
You visit a national park with your family and notice a thirty-mile trail connecting where you are with the place your family wants to visit next, which is a 100-mile drive away, and you think “Hmmmm”.
Someone asks you how long your training run is going to be and you answer “seven or eight … hours”.
People at work think you’re in a whole lot better shape than you think you are.
You actually are in a whole lot better shape than you think you are.
Your weekend runs are limited by how much time you have, not by how far you can run.
You always have at least one black toenail.
You buy economy-sized jars of Vaseline on a regular basis.
You tried hashing, but felt the trails were too short and easy.
You think of pavement as a necessary evil that connects trails.
You rotate your running shoes more often than you rotate your tires.
Your friends recognize your better dressed in shorts than in long pants.
You really envied Tom Hanks’ long run as Forest Gump.
You carry money around in a zip lock bag because store clerks complained that your money’s usually too sweaty.
Any time a plain old runner talks about her aches and pains, you can sympathize because you’ve already had that at least once.
You put more miles on your feet than on your rental car over the weekend.
You don’t need to paint your toenails; they’re already different colors.
You start planning the family vacation around races, and vice-versa.
When you start considering your next vacation location on the merits of its ultras only.
You spend you entire paycheck on running gear, ultra power bars, and entry fees.
You miss a work deadline cause you just had to have that “one more minute” on-line writing to the list.
You become a quasi-expert on different detergents so as to not “hurt” your tee shirts.
You leave work early to hit the trails.
You wear t-shirts based on if you’ve had good work outs when you’ve worn them before.
Have a trail shoe collection that would make Imelda Marcos envious.
You walk up the stairs and run down them.
Peeing in the toilet seems unnatural.
You start wearing running clothes to work so you’re prepared for afterwards.
Running trail is better then sex. (even if you don’t get any)
Vaseline isn’t just for fun anymore.
When the start of a marathon feels like a 5K and you’re wondering “Why is everyone in such a rush? Where the ##@@**!! is the fire?”
As an infant you were dropped on your head.
Nobody recognizes your power T’s. Met a guy at the market the other day who was wearing an AR50 T. So was I. I gave him a hearty, “Ta-da.” He said, “Oh yeah, I tell people we were all acquitted and the charges were dropped.”
You sign up for a 10K and
- you strap on your fanny pack because you never know where the aid stations are.
- you bring your own drinks.
- you bring potatoes and salt.
- you start fast and a six year old passes you.
- you are the only one walking the up hills.
- you run it a second time because its not far enough to call a training run (and you were racing the first time through).
- you are the only one around who is eyeing the bushes THAT way.
- you punch the lap button on your watch instead of the stop button at the finish.
When “NEXT GAS 36 MILES” signs start sounding like tempting runs.
Your pedicure kit includes a pair of pliers.
Your number of toes to toenails doesn’t match.
You drink from a water bottle at the dinner table.
You consider the mold and mildew in your bottles extra electrolytes.
You just found out Poison and Oak are words by themselves.
You see a 1 quart water bottle colored like an Advil bottle, and don’t realize that it’s not in fact an Advil bottle.
You know you’re married to an ultrarunner when Valentine’s gifts come from Ultrafit.
You know you’re married to an ultrarunner when she helps you up and says, “Come on, suck it up, keep moving!” and you know she means it in love.
You know you’re an ultrarunner when a prospective employer asks for a photograph and all you have is race photos.
You know you’re an ultrarunner when the races you enter end in a different area code. -and pass through several different Zip codes enroute.
You know you’re an ultrarunner when your crew tries to keep you motivated by saying, “You’re in second place and only 6 hours behind first with 25 miles to go!”
You know you’re an ultrarunner when you go to your 8:00 a.m. college geology class and you can use the salt crystals, still caked on your glasses frames from your early morning run, in your talk on the category of sedimentary materials called evaporites (and I’m not making this up).
You know you’re an ultrarunner when, on the night of a bad thunderstorm and downpour, you ring for a cab, and your announcement that this is the *first time* you’re not getting home under your own steam causes a stunned silence in the office.
You bother to argue about (discuss the meaning of) what an UltraRunner is!!!
when you don’t finish on the same day as the winner.
your dogs can drink out of water bottles
When you meet the opposite sex you see:
- A possible crew.
- A possible pacer.
- A possible search and rescue team.
- A possible race director.
- A possible source of race entry fees.
You ask advice of hundreds of people on a list, looking for answers you have already determined to be correct, taking hold of only those, and running with ’em.
Your wife asks you the morning after your first 50 miler if you’re still planning on that 100K in five weeks, and you say “Sure!”
You strap on your water bottles and walk the hills… in a 5 K race and consider that your 10 minute pace is a blistering pace.
People praise you to the high heavens for being able to finish a marathon, and you feel insulted.
You do a triathlon and it is your RUN time that is slower than the years when you specialized in triathlon.
You are told *not* to run another marathon during the next few months (because that would be bad for your health), and you really follow that advice – by immediately sending off the entry form for your next 50/100 miler.
Somebody asks about the distance of an upcoming race and you, without thinking, say, “Oh, it’s just a 50K.”
You’re running a marathon and at mile 20 say to yourself, “Wow, only 6 more miles left, this is such a great training run!”
You know you are a clumsy ultrarunner when after running headfirst into the trail for the third time get up and continue running even though you are bleeding and covered in maple syrup where your gel flask exploded and you have another 20k to go.
You go for an easy 2 hour run in the middle of a Hurricane and think it is fun to get wet, muddy and run through the rivers that were once trails.
You get to the 81 mile point of a 100 miler and say to yourself, “Wow, only 19 miles left!”
You try to tie double knots in your Oxfords.
You pass a swamp towards the end of a run and think ‘How bad could it be?”
Livestock salt blocks look good after a run.
You’re embarrassed that you’ve only done 50K’s…
Your wife/girlfriend/significant other asks you if you want to have sex on any particular night and you respond with:
- “sorry, I don’t have time, I have to go running”
- “sorry, I’m too tired, I just went running”
- “sorry, I would rather go read all my messages from the ultra-list”
- “sorry, I need to check my blog and make a post”
You go down a flight of stairs, uh, backwards, after an ultra and everybody laughs.
No one believes you when you say “never again”.
You refer to certain 100 mile races as “low-key.”
You number your running shoes to distinguish old from new, since they all look dirty.
Prior to running a difficult race, you check to see if local hospitals and urgent care centers are in your PPO.
The only time major household projects get done is in a taper or race recovery.
Everything in your life, everything, is organized in different sized zip-loc bags.
You call a 50-mile race “just another training run”.
You think a 100-mile race is easier than a 50 miler because you don’t have to go out as fast.
You say, “Taper? Who’s got time to taper? I have a race coming up this weekend.”
You’re tapering/recovering, and you’d rather drive 50 miles to watch Ann Trason’s heavenly running style for 20 seconds than the Super Bowl.
You have to rent a car to drive to a major event because you and your pacer own stick shifts and neither will be able to drive them on the return trip.
You actually DO drive a stick shift home with a severely pulled left hamstring
You meet someone of the opposite sex on the trail of a 100 and all of conversation is about what color is your urine, can you drink? and were you able to dump.
You know you’re and ultra runner when a girl changes her tank and her bra in front of you and all you do is take another drink of water, look at your watch, get up and tell your pacer “Let’s hit the trail.”
On a long drive you see the road signs listing various mileages to different places and think of how long it would take to get there on foot rather than by the car your driving.
You’ve started a race in the dark, run all day, and finished in the dark (if your lucky).
Your non-Ultrarunning running friends look at you strange when you tell them that 10:00/Mile is a fast pace for a 100 mile race (not to mention most ultras).
You don’t hesitate to lie down in the trail (anywhere) when you are falling asleep on your feet during the early morning hours on the second day of a 100 miler; and it feels so comfortable.
You have a room in your house dedicated to old running shoes. (Note: Donate them to BR)
Your entire casual wardrobe consists of race T-shirts. (Note: Donate them to BR)
You go out to run on a Saturday morning—and don’t get back until Sunday
You overeat during races.
You round off your PRs to the nearest hour.
You refer to marathon runners as “those young fast guys.”
You think 50 runners is a big race.
You actually know how far 100 kilometers is.
You stay in shape to run, rather than running to stay in shape.
You have never been offered a lucrative “shoe deal.”
You have finished a race more than a day behind the winner.

Finally…

You know you are an ultrarunner when you actually sit down and read all of the postings about, “You know your an ultrarunner when…” and can laugh and relate to all of the comments.

(Sources: Internet Sources & A Step Beyond: A Definitive Guide to Ultrarunning, Edited by Don Allison)

Bataan 102: Unofficial Results

On April 13, 2009April 13, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Races, Running, Ultramarathon2 Comments

Due to the on-going investigation and more testimonies being received from my staff and other sources, the following is the unofficial results of the 1st Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race:

NAME TIME

1. Eduardo Villanueva 9:43:00

2. Jessie Ano 10:04:10

3. Mamerto Corpuz 10:27:47

4. Mario Salumbides 11:04:31

5. Isidro Vildosola 11:05:43

6. Jayson Fabricante 11:27:02

7. Romeo Marquez 12:28:50

8. Hiroshi Takei 12:30:49

9. Jose Mari Javier 12:36:00

10. Lucas Tan 12:46:48

11. Jonnifer Lacanlale 13:16:07

12. Roel Ano 13:32:29

13. Reynaldo De Los Reyes 13:37:07

14. Albert Salazar 13:48:15

15. Armand Fernando 14:04:48

16. Melchor De Lara 14:27:14

17. Andrico Mahilum 14:29:05

18. Ellen Tolentino 14:42:00

19. Eric Socrates 14:42:03

20. Edwin Bien 14:42:05

21. Baldwin Choy 14:45:24

22. Victor Ting 14:46:25

23. Don Ubaldo 14:47:00

24: Alipio Narciso 14:48:01

25. Martin Lorenzo 14:51:01

26. Albert Sama 14:56:16

27. John Frederick Abenina 14:57:00

28. Nonilo Onoya 15:09:08

29. Jerry Karundeng 15:14:05

30. Bald Runner 15:18:45

31. Hermogines Olvis 15:27:10

32. Norio Tanaka 15:40:15

33. Arman Abalos 15:59:26

34. Mark Bata 16:05:15

35. Dionisio Potonia 16:29:35

36. Francisco Lapira, Jr 16:33:18

37. Noel Hernandez 16:35:00

38. Bonifacio Dalisay 16:42:10

39. Regie Boljoran 16:49:42

40. July Oconer 16:49:43

41. Aniceto Grimaldo 16:54:34

42. Felipe Nama 16:55:39

43. Ricardo Cabusao, Jr 16:56:31

44. Vincent Tongson 17:12:29

45. Edilberto Severino, Jr 17:23:25

46. Constante Mendoza 17:23:45

47. Jonathan Babsa-ay 17:23:45

48. Christian Alacar 17:26:06

49. Fernando De Lara 17:28:45

50. Richard Poquiz 17:28:52

51. Filomeno Duterte IV 17:28:57

52. Cesar Abarientos 17:33:08

53. Carlos Nobleza 17:33:46

54. Regidor Samar 17:33:50

55. George Dolores 17:34:30

56. Dennis Enriquez 17:34:56

57. Ezekiel Mangune 17:34:59

58. Michael Sudario 17:36:06

59. Enrico Tocol 17:37:07

60. Odessa Coral 17:39:10

61. Ronald Rei Declarador 17:45:47

62. Jay Lee Cu-Unjieng 17:47:23

63. John Nickko Nolasco 17:52:15

Bataan 102: Winners

On April 11, 2009April 13, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Running, Ultramarathon11 Comments

Top Overall (Men’s)

1) Eduardo Villanueva—–9:43:00

2) Jessie Ano—————10:04:10

3) Mamerto Corpuz——-10:27:47

Top Overall (Women’s)

1) Ellen Tolentino———-14:42:00

2) Odessa Coral———— 17:39:10

Age Category (Men’s/20-29 yrs old)

1) Lucas Tan—————-12:46:48

2) Andrico Mahilum——14:29:05

3) Baldwin Choy———–14:45:24

Age Category (Men’s/30-39 yrs old)

1) Mario Salumbideds—–11:04:31

2) Isidro Vildosola———11:05:43

3) Jayson Fabricante——11:27:02

Age Category (Men’s/40-49 yrs old)

1) Eric Socrates————-14:42:03

2) Albert Sama————–14:56:16

3) Nonilo Onoya————15:09:08

Age Category (Men’s/50-59 yrs old)

1) Alipio Narciso———–14:48:01

2) Bald Runner————-15:18:45

3) Felipe Nama————16:55:39

Age Category (Men’s/60-69 yrs old)

1) Victor Ting————–14:46:25

2) Norio Tanaka———–15:40:01

Race Director’s Report

On April 10, 2009April 10, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Ultramarathon16 Comments

I would like to share the following insights, observations, and assessment of the Bataan 102 as the Race Organizer/Race Director:

1) On Simplicity—I would like to have this ultramarathon event as simple as possible. No marketing, no PR, no “frills”, no major sponsors, no advertisements, no requests to other bloggers to promote this event, and nothing commercial about the event. I wanted this event for the “hardcore” runners who would like to test their body’s limits of endurance and promote running to another level. I will maintain such simplicity in the conduct of the race in the succeeding editions.

2) On Sponsorship—I tried to ask support and sponsorship from sports and tourism authorities but my requests were denied. Even politicians whom we see joining weekend road races and triathlon events were asked for help, unfortunately, I got negative reply from them. I went bolder by sending letter of requests to all the “Presidentiables” for 2010 whom most of them I’ve known personally but I got the same response that they don’t have any budget to support such event. Guys, I am recommending that you don’t vote for them in the Presidential Elections! These people are only good in “lip service” and media exposure. Kiss our quest for the Olympic Gold Medal goodbye! I am glad there are unknown people, close friends and runners who believed in my cause/advocacy and gladly offered support when I least expected. Guys, thank you very much. You made this dream a reality. I hope you will continue supporting this event in order to promote our passion in running and ultramarathon.

3) On Rules and Regulations—I’ve been strict and firm on the deadline of registration except for the foreigners who had some problem sending their registration fees through the banks and money transfers. However, I was flexible on the qualifications and requirements needed for each participant as there are runners who never ran a marathon distance but I encouraged them to join our “marathon runabouts”, albert’s “midnight to sunrise” runs, and the Bataan 52K “test run” for the purpose of knowing them personally and observing their attitude during the runs. As for the support vehicles, crews and pacers, I was not strict on these matters but I learned some lessons on these aspects during the race. There will be adjustments made in order to promote orderliness and safety during the race.

4) On “Honor System” and Cheating—Aside from the Race Marshals who were recording the order of arrrival and time of every runner in every Aid Station, I also deployed “secret marshals” on strategic locations along the route to distribute different colored bands which indicates that each runner must had passed every location of these “secret marshal”. After the race, we checked every finisher if they possessed the required number of colored bands on their wrists. Based from my personal observation and reports from my marshals, there were finishers with incomplete number of colored bands. My staff took note of these runners and we collated the data we got from every Aid Station. We got alarming discrepancies and we were able to identify those runners who “leap frog” by riding in their support vehicle. Aside from these bases and evidence, we got reports from our “secret marshals” that there were runners stepping out of their support vehicles within the vicinity of our Aid Stations (2nd half of the route) and approach our volunteers without any sign of sweat, of being tired, of breathing heavily. Other support vehicles of runners would stop by our Aid Stations and allow their crews to get food and drinks for them while they are inside their vehicle. I could not believe what I saw on the 1st half of the race of runners cheating, moreso, on the second half of the race when the heat of the sun was unbearable to most of us. As I said, these “cheaters” and suspected ones will no longer be allowed to join in this race in the future. I would be happy to have only 10 runners for this race who are men of integrity rather than have 100 runners who are “cheaters”. Guys, I don’t need your money you paid for your registration fee. Your money will not make me rich! We run because we want to have fun and develop some kind of relationship among ultra runners. I promise that in the future edition of this race, I will see to it that “cheaters” will be exposed and removed from the site of the race.

Every Finisher Must Have These Four (4) Bands

5) On Runners’ Sponsors and Advertisements—I was happy to see the participation of members from an exclusive running club for ultra runners in the country. These runners are really good ultra runners and I really respect them for their passion in ultra running. However, I was frustrated to see, while I was running with them, that their support vehicles were displaying logos of companies which sponsored them without even asking permission from me as the Race Organizer/Race Director. What was more frustrating was when I saw the logo of the company whom I requested for sponsorship that denied my request. I am still waiting for these runners to personally explain and apologize to me of such observation if they think they committed some infraction. We should show some respect to one another if we want our a good relationship to flourish in the sports we really love.

6) On Volunteers During the Race—I was too shy to ask the members of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group for an extra help during the race as I don’t have the means and resources to support their accommodation, food, and other needs to be able to be with us on the site of the race. However, one by one, these members approached me and offered their vehicles, provided themselves to help as roving Aid Stations practically not sleeping for the whole night, provided pictorials and documentation for the race, and even catch up for the race after joining an early morning race in Metro Manila and acted as additional roving aid stations for the other runners. To all the volunteers, thanks for your support and you made this race a success!

7) On Food, Drinks, Water and Support in Aid Stations—Bringing a staff consisting of 40 people (drivers, support personnel, marshals, cooks, and security personnel) at the vicinity of the race area one day before the D-day to buy and cook for the foods to be served in the Aid Stations was a logistics “nightmare” for me. We practically brought our “kitchen” and sleeping bags to a place provided by a friend who owns a tract of hilly land in the vicinity of Balanga, Bataan. But due to proper planning and coordination, my staff had their respective jobs to do and we worked as “one” to make this event as a memorable event for the runners. We learned a lot of lessons on these Aid Stations. We prepared foods and drinks for the runners only, but it was okey also that we were able to serve the needs of their crews and pacers as we prepared foods more than the required for every runner. What surprised me to know is for a single runner to have a group of 51 pacers and crews, alternately providing the runner the much needed support from Km 00 to Km 102. I knew these support personnel brought with them their provisions but I got reports that others would get their support from the Aid Stations. We’ll improve on this aspect on the next edition of the race.

8) On the “Worst Scenario“—I prepared for the “worst scenario” for this race in case we have runners who are victims or suffering from “heat stroke” symptoms during the race. I made a briefing with the Medical Teams and review them on what to expect for the runners and the procedures they had to do in case of emergency. I was glad that these teams were well-prepared for any contingencies for the race. My sincerest thanks to my brother, General Samuel of the Light Armor Division of the Philippine Army who provided me with his two ambulances and medical teams and the support provided by the Northern Luzon Command of the AFP and 7th Infantry Division, PA based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City.

9) On the Runner-Participants—The runner-competitors are the real actors in this race and without them this dream would never been a reality. You made this event a very successful one and we were able to prove to the whole world that we can do a world-class ultramarathon competition in our country. Anything about the Bataan Death March should be held on the very place where history happened 67 years ago. Let us honor and commemorate the sacrifes of our heroes who died for us in the name of freedom and independence. Now that we have started this event, let us nurture and sustain it so that the younger generation would be able to remember the history of our nation. Thanks to all the runners!

“A SALUTE TO OUR HEROES…..RUN, ENDURE, AND SURVIVE THE BATAAN DEATH MARCH”

Bataan 102: Video @ Inquirer.Net

On April 9, 2009April 9, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Races, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon9 Comments

Lawrence and his team from Inquirer.net took their time to cover the Ultramarathon Event. It was timely that their team were in Subic Freeport for the weekend’s Bike Fest Competition. Jinoe Gavan aka Manokan Express/takbo.ph requested Lawrence to cover the race and after some exhanges of telephone calls and SMS with me, they arrived at the Starting Area just in time before the race started. My warmest thanks to Jinoe for his support and initiative and to Lawrence and his team for covering the event and posting the following video at Internet.net.

Please click here.

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You Know You Are An Ultra Runner If…

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