Quantcast
Channel: ultrarunning and beyond ...
Viewing all 121 articles
Browse latest View live

RACE DETAILS FOR CM42K & 22K


ENDURANCE WEEKEND

$
0
0
So Don Ubaldo and the Filinvest team have something cooking for us this coming 14 September 2013. More details are forthcoming ...



 

MT. UGO King of the Mountain Race Report

$
0
0


PRE-RACE

My last run was Friday after work. A quick hilly run in Donggwang where the rain the night before made the trail/ground slippery. The treacherous condition of the trail was however compensated by the cool breeze of the coming night. There is always a primal sense of communion with Nature when one is all alone trail running with nary a care and virtually detached from civilization. That Friday, I purposely did not bring my Fenix as the run was not long. I miss running all alone at night.

TRAVEL

Last Saturday morning, Don, Jael, Noel, Precy, Lucy, Wyda and Boyet congregated in our house in Clark before the trip. Jael and Don came from Manila and left their car. Carpool is always advisable and fun. Environmentally-friendly too. So we were told that the travelling time would be like 6-8 hours via Baguio. It took us 9 hours with pit stops here and there and a late lunch at the Cafe By The Ruins in Baguio. The Molo soup was good and the Pan Au Chocolata as well. Please do not eat them together :) The Bagnet was so so. I've had better. In fairness , the ambience was good. Ok I better stop as this is a blog about ultrarunning and not gastronomy :)

It was only after the race that we realized there is a faster way to get in and out of Kayapa and that is via Nueva Vizcaya. Sorry for us, no strawberries on the way back.

ACCOMMODATION & TOWN

Downright basic amenities. We were provided with pillow and blankets. I chose to sleep on the wooden sofa with no mattress . The trick was several blankets on it for cushion. Rooms are communal. The toilets as well and there were only 2 of them. One user even managed to clog it with used tissues. Crap. And one has to go treacherously down the stairs (not wide enough) to the ground floor to use it. I shudder at the thought of using it when one is drunk and has to pee. Yay! I thought of arinola of yesteryear. For P/200 pesos (5 US dollars?), I don't have much right to complain really. Give me anything flat to rest my back on and I can sleep.

These basic amenities complement what Kayapa is all about. Simplicity at its best. I must admit I cannot entirely do justice to describe what Kayapa town is. Spending 1 night and 1 day (even the daytime was spent running our sorry a@*#!s off up and down the mountains) was obviously not enough. People are very friendly and hospitable. There is prevailing serenity in the town and one can even sense or see it across the faces of the town folks. The locals looked at us with amalgam of curiosity, caution and humor. Perhaps, the environment and cool crisp weather have made them that way. It even crossed my mind to perhaps consider erecting a small vacation hut there and no longer in Sagada and train on its trail 'til Kingdom come. Perhaps, that is the only way to beat those Baguio boys :)   
  
Food was so darn cheap! I loved their "nilagang baboy" (boiled pork - any culinary name for this food?). The soup was tasty/refreshing after the run and the meat was tender. If you haven't done it, try gnawing the tendons, ligaments and meat off the bones. That too is primal :)

So all in all, I subscribe to RD Jonel's description of Kayapa. If the town and people will stay the same (I mean it in a complementary and positive way), the King of the Mountain will attract more local as well as foreign runners in its subsequent editions subject to improvement on the quality of accommodation for the discriminating runners.

RACE

With Vener, Doc, Don, Thumbie and moi with trekking poles
 (Photo courtesy of Thumbie)

I will not bore the readers with too much details of the race like who was in the lead pack, etc., etc. Rather, I will concentrate on the beauty of the trail and the surrounding area and briefly explain why this race should be in the bucket list of ultrarunners.

(Photo courtesy of Jake Manzano. That is Don huffing and puffing 
and so most of us :)

It is pretty obvious that the raw beauty of the terrain is the primary attraction. Ever-present mist, clouds you can almost touch, the pine-scented air and strong winds that constantly buffet the runners as they approach the Mt. Ugo summit. The weather helps to cool the body from exertion and is thus refreshing. Temperature is perfect for this kind of race. Some part of the trail is covered with moss and dead leaves.  One can tell that people hardly use it. Running on this part of the course provides the runner with nothing to distract him/her. It is only the runner and the terrain. Psychologically, it motivates the runner to keep moving and cliche as it may sound, there is that feeling of independence mixed with desperation and anxiety of varying degrees. This is what trail running is all about. It connects the runner to his primal instincts. The runner knows he has to propel himself using only his two legs to reach the finish line because no one is there to rescue him/her or help to do that for him/her. In our local parlance, we say: Bahala ka sa buhay mo! And that is self-reliance. In so many ways, trail running is good for your soul.

Post race, one runner posted a mobile picture of wild boars on the trail. This lends credence that the area surrounding Mt. Ugo is almost untouched by civilization. These animals are quite aloof and extinct is most parts of the country.


  (Photo courtesy of Jingle)

Surprisingly, the course is well established and almost an exact distance for marathon. I even mentioned to RD Jonel that if he had this sub-4 challenge then the distance should be spot on. The winner is an elite Baguio runner and came in 4:17. Sub-4 is doable but it will be hard to do so. One has to train for it preferably on the same route based on the principle of specificity of training and to avoid getting lost like some runners did during the race. When one has a target time, it sucks to to deviate from the course.

POST RACE

I took the risk of getting a massage when I came back home which I normally do 1 or 2 days after a race. This time I was just curious. The next day I was able to do a recovery workout (more like jog-walk-jog type of thing) around the grassy part of the Parade Ground. There is no absolute certainty whether the light massage worked but I was a little sore. My right heel was tender though and the only explanation I could come up with was the probability of my right foot hitting a rock during those killer downhills while being chased by Thumbie, Almar and Rey :) My heel during the recovery run last Tuesday was already okay.     


RUMINATION

The challenge I set up for myself was well worth it. I had more energy and speed for this race than during PSA. It is obvious from the finish time. 5:48 in PSA whereas 6:11 for KOM inspite of the disparity in the distance. A good prospect for TNF100 given I have 2 more weeks to tweak my training. Race results here: http://bugobugo85.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/2980/

Overall, the race was well-organized except for insufficient marking on some critical junctions (or perhaps we were not looking enough). Some runners did get lost. Some of us had to stop at major intersections just to find the right turn. Good thing there were some locals present to point the right way. Other than that, majority of the course was well marked. I am happy to note that Jonel is the RD who listens and welcomes observations from runners because that is the only way to improve the succeeding editions of KOM. Even CM50 had some lapses on markings despite our best effort to mark the course the day before the race. As they say, no matter how well you mark the trail course some will always veer off and complain later on. Believe you me, it is not easy to organize, manage and conduct a trail race. Been there, done that.

Also, the RD might want to consider putting up structured aid stations with sufficient fluid and fuel stations once this race gets popular both for local and foreign runners. It is to be noted that runners from other countries avoid initial editions of races because of kinks in the organization, management and conduct of these races. Most often than not, it is in the subsequent episodes of these races that those kinks get sorted out. Perhaps, all these observations will help in the conduct of the inaugural opening of the Four Lakes 100K / Old Spanish Trail 60K ultramarathon races on 26-27 May 2012.


So RD Jonel, FrontRunner and his team did a fantastic job. I will definitely recommend the succeeding edition of Mt. Ugo King of the Mountain race to my fellow runners. It is a blast! To the people of Kayapa, thank you for your hospitality.

Cheers,
Jon (aching to feel the burn in his quads)

Sagada, Mountain Province

$
0
0

En route to Sagada

THE RUN

After almost 15 years, I finally came back (this is my 4th time to visit it). Last weekend, our office held its annual team building in the faraway highlands of Sagada, Mountain Province around 350kms or 11 hours of driving north from Clark. It was worth the long trip!

Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Busy weekend market

of the famous photographer Masferre

The morning of Saturday, we were scheduled to see Sumaging cave and the nearby falls but I declined and told them I would run instead. I have seen some of the best tourist spots here and more. The joke now is I did a "one-man building" and not "team building". Anyway, I started my run from Rock Inn (500 meters or so from the town) where we were billeted, passing through the town (where there was a weekend town market), down the way leading to Sumaging but took the right instead going up to Smart Tower. I am not sure but I could have summitted Mt. Ampacao which is not that high. Perhaps, those who have been there could tell whether it is Ampacao based from the pictures below. (Thanks to Andrew of PUR for the guide)



Can you see the bird?
Ingenious but ineffective wooden gate





One of the fantastic views

Some sort of shelter from the harsh weather?

Looking at the guide map, there seems to be a trail connecting Mt. Ampacao to Lake Danum so tried to trace it and went deeper in the mountain using old trail paths but in vain. It was only when I came back down and asked a local guide that I realized it was the wrong path. 

So I found myself back again in town this time planning to trace the connecting trail via the road leading to Besao. For what seemed like an endless climb, there was no lake in sight. All around me were pine trees and mountain ranges. Sagada or Mountain Province in general is literally a region of mountains. One beautiful, majestic mountain after another. Breathtaking.  

After being on my feet for almost 4 hours, I found this off the beaten path to my left from the road. My curiosity diverted me to it and lo and behold, what a surprise! The views from this height were astounding! They were like the ones in UTMB or perhaps even better. The only thing missing is the snow-capped, towering Mont Blanc in the center of the region. Finding this trail path is by far the best part of my run. There was even a nearby mini falls! I shot a short video but the problem is I have to figure out how to upload it here.


So I left the place and continued with my quest to see Lake Danum. As soon as I exited the trail, a Toyota pick up stopped and the man behind the wheel asked:

Driver: "Ano meron diyan" (What can you see there?)
Me:  "Just a fantastic view!!!"
Driver: "Do you know where Lake Danum is?"
Me:  "No. I am also looking for it and got lost too. Perhaps down this road."

The driver just left. Oh well.



My run continued until I reached this junction. My feet took the uphill road on my right but close to 20 minutes of running, the Lake was nowhere in sight. It was now past 1PM since my start at 7:30AM. I decided go back and ended my run for 5 1/2 hours. The blueberries I paid for at the town market before my run, I picked them up on the way to the Rock Inn where I had a sumptuous "pinikpikan with etag" with boiled potatoes and the berries as dessert. The ultimate reward was a dinner buffet later that day at the classy French resto - Log Cabin  with my office mates. It was a perfect way to end the day despite being sunburned to perfection. Ouch and ouch here and there even as of this writing. It was hot for the past few days. I hope the weather will improve during TNF.    
     





OBSERVATION

As usual, the trip from Baguio City to Sagada was simply beautiful. Mountains after mountains! As I have said, this is literally a region of mountains. I could not help but think of trail running here to one's heart's content. Even 250 kilometers or more of trail or mountain running is very much possible. The weather is just perfect.

15 years ago, most of the road was not paved but now 90% is. So the travel is now faster. But I prefer the old way to travel before where folks had to take the old buses and stopped along the road to drink or wash from the spring water. I still remember how precarious the travel was then since the road passed and still passes through some of the mountain sides and cliffs.

But what I easily noticed is how populated Sagada town is now. I am not saying it is wrong. Houses are everywhere which somehow marred the images I had of Sagada of the days of yore. Rustic, serene and mysterious. Now it is too commercialized. They are many inns (not called hotels) to accommodate visitors both local and foreigners. At least the curfew of 9pm is generally still being followed to this day.

So I was glad I visited Sagada 15 years ago which memories are now forever etched in my mind. 

I wonder if there is a way to connect Sagada to Kayapa? That will be one heck of a run! Perhaps, I should maintain separate small huts both in Sagada and Kayapa for that perfect training ground :)

WILLIAM HENRY SCOTT

The night before our departure, I was looking for "pasalubong" for my kids mostly indigenous anklets and bracelets.  I thought of giving Don an anklet to give him faster legs for TNF100 this Saturday :) I got several ones for myself. They are of different colors depending on my mood and distance and difficulty of the race. I though it is only fitting to wear something from Sagada for the upcoming TNF100 and all other trail/mountain races.

So while I was checking several stores, there was this book inconspicuously displayed. The moment I saw it I knew I had to buy it. It was quietly screaming " buy me, buy me!" and why should I not? For only Php150 pesos, the decision was easy. 

I highly recommend this book if you want to find about our brothers and sisters in the highlands. Ironically, it is written by an American, the much-loved writer, scholar, historian, musician and writer - William Henry Scott who died in 1993 and was buried in Sagada, Mountain Province. 

Did you know that for 350 years, Igorots, the brave warriors that they are, resisted and fought the Spaniards for their independence? Now that is something that was never taught in our schools! Ironic is it not?

All I can say is my faith in the true potential of the Mountain Province as the perfect venue for ultrarunning is now further strengthened. This is a fitting celebration for the courage, strength and persistence of our highlanders.

(NOTE: Considering the sensitivity of the topic, the last part was of this post was written without regard to politics. This content of this post is entirely the personal observation of the blogger.  If the reader feels that some of the entries need to be corrected, please let me know.)

Cheers despite sunburned skins,
Jon (ready for TNF100 this Saturday)

TNF100 , MT. MATUTUM, PEAKING FOR WS100

$
0
0

Whew, I finally had the time!

TNF100

This was the 5th edition of TNF100 here in the Philippines. The first one was in 2008 in Batangas which was my first 100K. That 2008 race was hard and painful for me but I was hooked since then :) I ran all editions except the CamSur in 2011. The race last April highlighted for me the importance and significance of proper tapering. I did not do that because I considered the 2012 edition as a training run for WS100. Coming into the race, my legs were tired and the strength was not 100%. So my wish to come under 18 hours (established in 2010 also in Baguio but different route) to best my previous time was unwarranted. Ultrarunning is really a learning process notwithstanding you have been at it for years.  

So the expectations or improvements in all facets of the race for the 2012 edition were high and for obvious reasons. This was the most competitive and star-studded edition given the fact that no less than Iker Carrera and Julia Bottger of Salomon Team showed up and topped the race albeit their respective time was below their usual standards. Race results here:   

http://www.thrillofthetrail.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TNF-100-2012-100k-Overall.pdf

With 55 finishers out of 200 who signed up speaks volume on how hard this race was. The heat primarily is the culprit. It could be 34C way up in the mountain during the daytime. There were some exposed parts which made the conditions very hard for the runners especially the 12K or so downhill route to Kenon Road. That was one hot and exposed road (yes, mostly concrete) mixed with loose rocks. Very hard to run.

When we got to Kennon Road (KM50) to pick up and access our drop bags, we noticed they were hot. Meaning, the bags seemed to have been left to fry under the sun which was obviously a mistake. All our solid fuels which were sensitive to heat turned into squidgy, slimy substance and our fluids, tepid. Imagine a lukewarm bottle of Pocari or Gatorade to greet you after running for several hours in extreme heat. It ain't fun. One runner even quipped that it was "lame" to cross the hanging bridge just to drink some cold water after accessing the drop bags. It was only reasonable to expect from the race organizer to put everything the runners needed in one place or station. Also, the aid stations have not improved a bit in terms of the fluid and fuel they offered. There is a  simple reason why they call it 'AID' stations. They are meant to AID runners from station to station. Offering measly bananas and kamotes as fuel was, to put it mildly, wanting. One can argue that I don't have to right to speak up since I got a free entry into the race. Well, somebody has to do it and besides, I mean well. How can they learn?             

On the bright side of things, the location of the Start/Finish line is nice. The quality of the race shirt is superb!  Even the material and design. Really at par or even better than what other international races offer. So it is a shirt I can proudly wear ... anywhere. Another good news is that this race earned a massive 3 points for UTMB (starting in 2013, 7 qualifying points are required instead of 5). Wow!




MT. MATUTUM

Two weeks after TNF100, I got the chance to climb Mt. Matutum down south. I have now this habit of always searching for a place to run whenever I get the chance to travel. The idea of Mt. Matutum came from Joe Matias of ARC through Facebook. So when my wife said that I could hitch on her trip to General Santos City (tuna capital of the Philippines) which I had not visited yet then, I had to know where I could run some trail.

At 5AM of 6 May 2012, I was in a cab (on special arrangement) heading to the mountain. From the highway, it is still more or less 8-9km on a single motorbike. The way is a dirt road and hilly. It passes through the biggest pineapple plantation I have ever seen. I was told it belongs to Del Monte ... no wonder. After registration at the DENR/Barangay station, I headed out together with the guide for hire. For backpack, he was just carrying a improvised bag made of "sako". Amazing. Details on Mt. Matutum:


MT. MATUTUM
Tupi, South Cotabato
Major jump-off: Sito Glandang, Brgy. Kablon, Tupi
LLA: 6°22'N, 125°06.5'E, 2293 MASL Days required / hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-6 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2008/01/mt-matutum-2293.html)

Honestly, I was not really so keen on visiting the place. I just needed some training and figured this was the best place to do so. As it turned out, one of the best runs I have had mostly on account of my guide. He said this was the fastest climb he did after years of being a guide. We reached the summit in 2hours and 20 mins and finished in 4 hours and 18 mins (16 minutes at the peak ... more than necessary really) and broke his shoe from running (picture below). So he was one foot bare during the last 1-2 kilometers Too bad it was too foggy at the top to see the entire landscape. What I dislike about the climb was leeches. Small but terrible. However, the town folks seemed used to seeing climbers from out of town.   The town exudes a certain serenity like Kayapa. Anyway, so one can imagine how nice it was to devour some tuna after the climb in GenSan. Yum!



Phase/Camp 1. Guide was eating.

The guide said I could see Mt. Apo from here. Nada. Too foggy.


In 4:18. Sorry, your shoe gave in.

PEAKING FOR WS100

WS100 is around the corner and most likely, all of the 417 runners selected to run the 39th Annual Run of Western States on 23-24 June 2012 are peaking now in their training. Last week, I was feeling good to cap off my training week at 100k - 70% or so on trail and the remaining percent on hilly road with  speed workouts thrown in here and there. The highlight of the week was the weekend back to back of around 40K at Miyamit and double climb at Mt. Arayat. 

MIYAMIT

Don and I managed to start at 3:30 in the morning for the Miyamit run minus the falls last Saturday. From the junction leading to the falls and the peak, the trail was covered with overgrown grasses that mutilated our bare legs. It was a mistake on our part not to have anticipated it and to quite figure out with accuracy the fluid needed for the run. The view was still beautiful though. We met some 40 or so climbers along the way heading to Pinatubo. One of their guides was the same Aeta who helped us to clear the trail for CM50. Now that Jerry Guiao is not around, I can ask him to show me the trail to reach  Mt. Pinatubo to make CM50 a 100K or so race :) The 2nd edition of CM50 is set on 25 November 2012, Sunday. 

Don at the peak (find him)

Our lousy way to protect our legs from scratches.
For CM50, the trail will be cleared. 10K to the peak is not that long.


One of the views I missed.

From Crow Creek to the falls, most of the dirt road have been widened like this.

MT. ARAYAT

Simon and I had done the double climbs before at Mt. Arayat in preparation for UTMB. Last Sunday was different though. Despite the Miyamit run the day before, my legs were fresh and I strangely had more energy for these climbs. The trail was dry but not slippery. The mountain seemed "relaxing" and "inviting". Also, it seems we have managed to establish what could be the fastest climb so far.  First peak in 1 hour and 20 mins and 1st round at 2:26. Of course, these times are far from world-class time. So please bear with us as this is just part of our amusement :) We enjoy running after all. Details here: 

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/177584188

Summary

Distance: 11.40 mi
Time: 5:04:24
Avg Pace: 26:49 min/mi
Elevation Gain: 8,268 ft
Calories: 762 C

Time: 5:04:24
Moving Time: 3:31:45
Elapsed Time: 5:04:31
Avg Pace: 26:49 min/mi
Avg Moving Pace: 18:34 min/mi
Best Pace: 6:17 min/mi

Elevation
Elevation Gain:8,268 ft
Elevation Loss:8,251 ft
MinElevation:358 ft
MaxElevation:3,301 ft

We could have made it in sub 5 hours but the detour to "white rock" (lower elevation peak) cost us those extra minutes. Anyway, next time. It was a blast running downhills. What an exhilarating feeling! Simon is training for TNF50 in Washington DC on 02 June 2012 and UTMB on August. Pictures below:

Round 1 at the peak with Simon

Climbers at the white rock

Simon at white rock (which is not white)

Group of French climbers in the background. 


Any attempt to break 1:20 (peak) or total 2:26 should start at this mark/area.

Cheers,
Jon (excited for WS100 as things are coming into play :)

   








WS100 RACE REPORT

$
0
0



There are events in our lives that blow us away. This is one of them.

Rick Gaston (real name is Enrique Gaston :) did a good job of narrating what actually happened during the race . . . pacer’s point of view at http://365ultra.blogspot.com/2012/06/western-states-100_28.html. So I will not go into details he has eloquently spoken of. It took me this long to finally realize I must write down my experience. The risk however is there is no easy way to do it because it will necessarily entail reliving what actually transpired. Even before beginning this report, I was already uneasy (certainly NOT traumatized!).  For the most part, I will delve into anything and everything at the risk of being incoherent and incongruous. No worries; everything was hazy anyway during the race :)

TRAINING

Training went well (except for occasional bouts of peroneal tendonitis in my right foot which annoyingly replaced my plantar fascitis). I focused more on trail/mountain running. Specificity of training. There is so much fun in downhill running or climbing mountain for that matter.  Mt.Matutum is the farthest mountain I climbed prior to the race. Staples are Mt.Arayatand Miyamit – closer to home. I doubt I could do this if I lived in Manila. I got to chance upon a group of climbers in some of my runs and I think gone are the days when mountaineers carried too much gear. Minimalism is viable.

JET LAG

It is best to travel and come early for an overseas race to shake off the jet lag and settle in gradually. For UTMB and GNW100, I came 5 days before the race and felt good. WS100 merely 3 days. Not enough. It might entail additional cost though. It is certainly not a good feeling not knowing whether one has fully recovered before a race as big and prestigious as WS100. I mean there are more important things to consider and worry about than jet lag. I suggest a minimum of 4 days to zone in.

PRE-RACE STRESSES

I should have known this would be epic. All my big races were preceded with stressful weeks because of work, etc. and this is no exception. For this race, the process of looking and soliciting for sponsorship was really stressful. Following up is another matter. I need to place a bet on lotto. Winning it will make my life so much  easier :) You know when you have a family and have this passion like running which takes you to different continents, it is wise not to touch the family budget just to avoid any discussion with your spouse. Believe me it makes things easier for everyone. So this explains why I go out looking for sponsors to help with the financial costs of travelling abroad. Besides, I am not rich.

Another stress was the USvisa. I have heard stories of applicants who are very qualified but get denied for some convoluted reasons. I made it to WS100 lottery even before I applied for US Visa. So you could imagine my utter consternation and frustration if for some reason my application got denied. So I have learned my lesson and that is to get a visa as early as possible. The only consolation is I can get in and out of US territory for the next 10 years. Cool since there is B ... next year or S ... :)

So the days before the race, Rick and I basically hanged out in his place following the old saying – stay off your feet. The farthest I went to is the Sports Basement, so huge it will take you at least half day to check out all the items. It is like a big warehouse. If you happen to be around the area, go check it out. You won’t be disappointed. Lots of items and gear on sale.




THURSDAY STRESS… again

I remember posting in FB relaying my concern about my left knee getting twisted while taking a bath but it proved to be nothing compared to what I would experience later during the race. I thought it would give me a problem. It did not because the race threw a bigger monkey wrench.

FRIDAY … RACE BRIEFING


WE bumped into Wayne Plymale before leaving for Squaw. He was running and it was cold :)

As soon as we reached Squaw Valley (the registration site) after more than 4 hours of driving, I knew the weather was not to my liking. This is another reason why it is important to come to the race early – acclimatization. Others were enjoying it though. Wind was too cold. While others were just wearing a shirt, I had to wear the hoodie WS100 sweater giveaway. Registration was easy. My race packet included a cool Official Mountain Hardwear, a cool WS100 shirt (bought a souvenir made by Asics), dark blue sweater with hood, race bib, Udo’s oil, tumbler, Moeben, Headsweat visor and Mountain Hard Wear knapsack. It was nice to finally meet Jose Nicolas in person and to get introduced to other runners via Rick.

It was nice to finally meet Jose Nicolas in person. No, that wasn't our finish time. It says 16+ hours to go before start :)

Squaw Valley used to be the 1960 Winter Olympic venue and sits at 6,200ft asl.

During the briefing, there were runners with their crew, friends and/or family. It was like a mini Woodstock type of gathering – the kind that unites all people of similar interest. So much energy, excitement and anticipation. It was in the air. There is no mistaking about it. I was just glad and thankful to be part of it. When the male elite runners and from the distaff side were presented, one could not help but in awe - these are the best or some of the best or the best in the world.



Elite men
Elite women

While listening, we bought sandwiches from Mountain Nectar Juice and Bagel. The queue was long and I knew they must be good. Indeed they were! Huge sub-type sandwiches good for 2 persons. I could only finish half of it. Rick, on the other hand, has an impressive appetite. After he ate his, he was able to devour the other half of my sandwich with such gusto :) It looked like he was the one running the next day and needing all the calories :) Met a lot of folks here – Dave Mackey, Ian Sharman, Tim Twietmeyer, RD Greg Soderlund, Andy Jones Wilkins of irunfar.com and other folks. Rick seemed to know everyone and I was not surprised given his ultra running experience and exposure.

See the qeue?

Rick with the HUGE sandwich

With Dave Mackey - an amazing athlete for over 40 years old. He broke the Master's record held by Tsuyoshi Kaburaki for a long time


Speedy Ian Sharman (more famous as Elvis runner)


LAKE TAHOE

We stayed in a hotel around 15-25 minutes drive  from Squaw and it was the right decision. The drive from San Francisco is more than 4 hours so it was only wise to stay in the vicinity the day before the race. We paid almost US$80 for the hotel and around US$209 for car rental of 3 days. As soon as I stepped into the room I knew right away it was an old one. You know the kind that you see in the movies circa 70's. It smelled like one too! :)



The Lakethough is magnificent. Huge, expansive and very cold. It looked like an ocean to me. We did not leave the hotel and just brought food with us like sandwich, banana, water, etc. I forgot to bring the jar of almond butter. Try it. It is heavenly! I should have brought back home some with me. Needless, to say my left knee was bothering me. I thought it would pose a problem during the race but fortunately it did not. As it turned out, I had bigger and more pressing problems after all.

GEAR

Okay, here is quick rundown of my gear:

Shoes & socks - INOV 8 Roclite, My old pair. Tried and tested in UTMB. Wide enough for my duck feet. I had to fix the holes in the pinky toe part which only reminded me to retire them after the race. That was what Rick said after the WS100. My cobbler did a good job by covering the holes with leather patch. Socks – Injinji, a pair courtesy of Rick’s friend (Hey Rick sorry but what was his name again?!)

Shirt – Special shirt with the Philippine flag on it, etc. courtesy of The Perfect White Shirt of Philip Arenillo. Thank you!

Shorts – TNF Flight series.

Windbreaker – courtesy of Rick. I  forgot from what ultra race Rick got it. Very light and packable. This item has seen Rick through some ultras.

Visor – Ultrasign.Up brand. I wished I brought my Mountain Hard Wear but I could not find them before flying out.

Shades – Julbo Ultra which reminds me I need to fix the lenses so they won’t misalign from their sockets during the race.

I used a pair of hand-held bottles for hydration and a lightweight vest courtesy of Rick. The vest helped me to store gels, etc.

WAKE UP!

I remember posting in FB when I woke up. It was Jonel who quickly replied and quipped that it was too early. Rick was still asleep though. Both of us had no idea how epic our day would turn out. It appeared that there were runners who stayed in the same hotel because we saw them heading out ahead of us. I normally take a bath  before the race to get that feeling of freshness but this time I did not. It was done last night before going to sleep. I figured I need all the natural oil or moisturizer on my skin to protect me from the cold elements. As soon as I woke up, it was plain brewed coffee that came first into my mind.

SQUAW VALLEY

See the trail path behind the Start line? It goes up and up.


Runners were greeted by what I call the “silent frantic mood” in the air. There was no doubt about it. We were all excited, runners, pacers and friends alike but there was this certain calmness to it. I think most of us have learned to be calm under pressure. Something that we have learned by joining some difficult races. Now, first in my agenda was coffee then breakfast which was available for all the participants. But I had to get first my race bib. In some video clippings that I watched prior to the race, I noticed the race bibs of the participants were simple as it showed the numbers.  Only to realize that they merely folded the bib to reveal the numbers only. It made sense from minimalism point of view. Also, the 4 corners of the bib to which the pins are attached are not prone to tearing. Rick was busy talking to people. He enjoyed being around them.

Rick said he would film the start and would position himself a few meters up from the Start line. I agreed and just nodded. In a big and long race like this, it seems talking is an effort. So the tendency is to remain silent like it is an unconscious effort to preserve one’s energy. I had to pee and as soon as I came out, I could not find Rick. So I stepped outside and was greeted by chilly windy morning. Runners huddled at the Start line and around campfire. Where I came from, this was COLD already. Some were just wearing shorts and shirt. I think the last 5 minutes before the Start will always be the longest time. It is like you want to start right away so you can get the race over with but at the same time, you want it to last a little longer because once the race has started, there is no turning back. It is either you finish it or DNF.

I kept looking at my Timex and tried to remain relaxed. It is like the calm before the storm both figuratively and literally for this race. Well, we had rain, hail and some nasty weather conditions up there during the race. So that fits.

START TO KILOMETER 35

Going to Watson’s Monument 5-7 kilometers from the Start was a steep climb of more than 2,000 feet. We just kept on climbing and climbing. It started to drizzle which later on turned into rain and hail. The wind just kept blowing freezing wind. It was so cold that the skin on my face felt numb. I felt stupid also for being underdressed. The windbreaker was utterly insufficient and how I wished I brought a thicker jacket and something to cover my face. I was freezing out there and had to keep moving.  Good thing I bought a pair of cheap pair of gloves from the supermarket the day before. There was even a very strong wind that blew the dust on the ground covering us with thick layers of dust as if we bathed in it. I could still feel the dust on my scalp for the next 29 hours. So for the next several hours, we were chilled, blown, battered, and harassed by freaky weather conditions. One runner described it as “it was nasty back there”. By this time, the fog started to thicken so much that we could hardly see the beautiful landscape.

ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE! Part 1 (KILOMETERS 36-58)

Weather was now getting better. It still rained but not enough to drench us. The trees around us protected us from the chilly wind unlike when we were in altitude and on exposed course back there.

Upon climbing Robinson Flat (roughly 43K mark), I noticed now the deterioration in my vision. It started like it was being hazy but it was still okay to navigate the course. I remember enjoying the downhill and running with such ease. I was still enjoying the race. Passed a lot of runners too especially going down and on pace for sub-24 hours. Fog still covered the course and we could hardly see the beautiful terrain. So after Robinson Flat was a short climb and it went really down all the way to Last Chance passing through 2 aid stations (Miller’s Defeat and Dusty Corners).

1-2 hours from Robinson Flat, my vision was really bothering me. I kept squinting and trying really hard to recover my vision. By this time I had lost 50% of my visual capacity but it was still enough to see the terrain and that was all that mattered. My vision impeded my pace but I always kept a positive attitude that it would get better. Keeping a positive attitude and calmness when things are not going your way during the race is significantly important.

At Miller’s Defeat station, I approached some volunteers for help but they could not figure out what was wrong with my vision. So instead of dawdling, I moved on but before doing so, I washed my eyes with plain water hoping eyes would get better. They were never the same and continued to deteriorate.

CRYING OUT TO HIGH HEAVEN

It was like looking at a frosted glass. Milky and blurry. You know you can see but it is useless. It is like in a hot spa and the only mirror you can see is always foggy even if your face is just a few inches away from it. So I was reduced to walking now. Runners I passed hours ago were now passing me. It was so frustrating because you knew you still had the strength and power in your legs but you just could not run.  

This was where I cried to high heaven … BEGGING for vision even at least 50% capacity!!! I knew I could run well because I trained for this. I was already sad, dejected and disappointed. Asking myself if I was being punished and why I deserved it. Telling myself it was cruel for this to be happening. I even debated within myself and demanded to HIM why I deserved to have my vision restored because I came to represent my country and all the ultrarunners in the Philippines! I was getting angry. But I had none of it (even got waorse later on). Amidst all of these, I maintained my faith in myself. If it seemed HE abandoned me, I would certainly not abandon myself.  

Right now, I had only 20-40% vision. I just could not see the grade, rocks, terrain and even trees. My face had to be really up close to see the details. There were several times I almost smashed myself against a tree. Like my face was a few inches from the trunk and I just had to make a complete sudden retreat.  In areas where the sun shone against the exposed course, my vision got reduced to 10%! The sun blinded me completely. So blurry that the acuity of my vision was nil. There was no choice but to stop because I could not figure out which way to go. The only solution was to wait for runners to come by and followed the direction they were headed. Sometimes I had to wait for 10-15 minutes and could only manage to gingerly walk the course for fear of getting injured which could end my race on a snap. Several times, I asked some passing runners for my condition. Some responded and others just ignored me. I understood they were focused trying to make it to the finish line. Some old folks I came across said it was altitude. This went about for several hours. The goal to finish under 24 hours had to be realistically abandoned now.

DUSTY CORNER

This was the worse part. 200-300 meters approaching Dusty, a runner took my arm to help me get to the station. I did not know that I was on standing on an elevated uneven ground and as soon as he took my arm, I missed my step  and sprained my left ankle! I quietly cursed and felt stupid for getting injured right now.

Rick did a fantastic job in narrating the details of what happened in Dusty Corner Station. So go to his blog momentarily now :) This was where DNF became a real possibility. With more than 100k of trail to go, getting blind now put a big dent on my confidence. You know there was so much in your mind like why this condition is happening, time is ticking, prospect of recovery, difficulty of night running ahead, race doctor pulling me out of the race, weather, etc., etc. All stressful. It was just hard to digest all those things. Funny thing is I was not tired at all.

Again, I kept on praying even though nothing good was happening. More than 1 hour had passed before my vision had improved to 40-50%. Okay I could now see some of the details of the terrain but my eyes had to stare down on the ground to see well. Good thing Rick was around to hand over my headlamp for the night running ahead. Funny thing is it took me more than 30 minutes before I finally realized it was him all along. I did not tell the doctor about my sprained ankle because that and my poor vision might be the recipe for a NO GO = DNF.

Amidst all of these, I told myself I had to give it a try. If I was going down, I would go down with a fight. I told the doctor and volunteers I did not travel several thousand miles to DNF. Not now. So much was at stake. The adrenaline rushing through my body had dulled the pain in my left ankle.

BEAR OR COUGAR? (KILOMETERS 60-100)

The next section of the course would be challenging in terms of terrain (up and down, up and down and night running). I would reach Foresthill by nighttime. With poor eyesight, it was no use delving into it. Rick would be available now as pacer at Foresthill. I am not sure If I told him but I was hoping he could pace me early on from Michigan Bluff around 80K mark instead. A companion at this time would surely be comforting.


At nighttime, my vision was a little better because of not too much ambient light. The problem was my headlamp. It had a strong focused beam which impaired my vision again. Damn it! It was stressing me again.

Running alone on a switchback passing through rugged forest, I distinctly remember getting paranoid when I heard some commotion in a bush above me. I immediately realized this was not Philippines. Here, bears and cougars are real! (Come to think of it, the emblem of WS100 includes an image of cougar on it!) I stopped just to see if it was a bear or something. So I ran up ahead, picked up a tree branch and made a spear out of it. If a bear or cougar decided to have me as a meal, I sure as hell would put up a fight. When you have a family of 4 kids, you will understand where I am coming from :)   



FORESTHILL (KILOMETER 100 or SO)

Rick was kind enough to fetch me before reaching Foresthill. He immediately told me he bought some Starbucks Double Shots. As you know, strong coffee during the night with cold weather is heaven sent. I took one and it tasted great. The bitterness of coffee provided a  contrast to sugary food I had been taking. After doing some stuff, we got going. I traded my headlamp for Rick’s Black Diamond with wide beam. Better for my vision. My spirit soared and felt better with Rick tagging along. First order of business was to determine the pace and distance vis-à-vis cut-off of 30 hours. We entertained ourselves with some chit chat, humor, etc. but the reason why we were there never escaped us. It was always there at the back of our mind.                                                                                                                                                            

(KILOMETER 101-140 OR THEREABOUT)

Both Rick and I were doing just fine running when the terrain allowed it  and picking it up on the down hills except when it was too rocky in which case we (actually I did)  really had to slow down for fear of aggravating the sprain in my left ankle. The sprain was showing some deterioration now and I supposed that was to be expected. Things were okay until we got lost. I mean all those efforts to put a margin to our time was wasted. Rick and I kept quite because deep inside we felt disconceretd  on how things turned out. Personally, I did not delve on it as far as how it happened. Just thinking of it made me tired though. No use and a complete waste of time. By this time, runners we passed were now leading. By merely seeing them in front of us again was discouraging to say the least. Just the same we refocused on the urgent task at hand until we reached Rucky Chucky. Crossing the famous Ruck Chucky river was not hard but really icy. The water was sure as cold! Rick has more on this on his blog. We were the last few runners who crossed it.

The effort now to make up for the lost time started to stress me again to the point my vision started to dim even further. More on this in Rick’s blog. We passed by a runner on a trail who was injured and had to DNF. Since I could not see, it was later on I realized it was Jose Nicolas who successfully ran the Comrades 3 weeks ago. Rick talked to him and from what he gathered, it was stress fracture. Jose was supposed to do the Grand Slam.

OH NO NOT AGAIN!

I just could not figure out why and no amount of prayer would turn things around. Running 100 miles, whether for experienced and newbies, is challenging and hard enough. However, running with way less than 100% vision is something else altogether. The stresses from getting lost and trying to make up for the time were enough to cause further degradation to my vision. I remember running with 20-30% visual capacity at the most critical part of the race. By this time, we were supposed to be flying on the course. Instead, we were like walking in a park. I was just trying to contain my mixed emotion of indignation, frustration and doubt. Doubt is a killer if one dwells in it. If you allow doubt to take a hold of you, it is a sure recipe for DNF.


Now on some rocky portions, I had to hold on to Rick’s shoulders like they were my walking canes or something. Otherwise, I might traverse the course by crawling just so I would not fall down. Did you know how frustrating this was? The word 'frustration' is an understatement here. Oh yes I was praying hard and wanted to cry. Crying out to high heaven again to give me even 50% capacity of my vision. The thought of not making it within the cut-off time of 30 hours because of my inability to pick up the pace at this critical phase of the race was so stressful! 

LAST 15K!

We breezed through aid stations. There was just not enough time to tarry. Whatever conditions we were in, it never escaped me to keep up with my fuel, hydration and electrolytes. This is very important! As I wont to say, control things that you can in a race and not those you cannot like weather, etc. Right now, my visual acuity was pathetic at its 20% capacity. Sunshine blinded me completely and in some areas where there was shade I could see a little. I had to place my complete trust in Rick and in fairness, he did a fantastic job at it.

As if fate was playing its sick joke on me, I sprained my other ankle! We were on a single track with small holes on the ground caused either by dislodged stones due to the number of runners who passed by or simply by erosion. In one of those holes, I accidentally planted my right ankle and I came down shrieking in pain! I still vividly recall the painful stretch in my ankle beyond its normal range as I fell to the ground. It was quick, sharp and really painful. The thought that came into my mind was this could be the end of my journey. I was blind with sprained ankle and this. Probably, the next one could be a detour off a cliff.

As if those weren’t enough, I sprained my right ankle 15 minutes after. My God! What is this?! My ankle swelled even more. I could feel some painful sharp twitching inside.  I told Rick I needed to take a break for 1 minute or so. My left ankle was also beginning to show substantial wear and tear. I told Rick one more slip and we would be going home. So I requested him to just warn me of the terrain conditions ahead. I did realize even more how difficult his job was at this point.

So you could imagine how our hope plummeted so low like it was a rubble caused by a Ritcher scale 10 earthquake.

ONE HOUR TO GO!

Despite my condition, we managed to put ourselves within the cut-off time. The huge challenge would be the hilly terrain to the finish line from the No Hands Bridge. I was sick and tired of the stress of trying to mitigate my physical condition with sanity. Sanity in terms of thinking through things and just ignoring the constant pain I was in. Rick and I discussed what needed to be done to be within the contention for the Buckle. I was amazed at how Rick handled things from his end. He seemed to be in panic but it was the calm type of panic. He had the composure and made me feel as if I was on pace for the buckle. It was the subtle of balance of reminding me to be vigilant but composed. Perhaps his years of ultrarunning and pacing duties made him what he is now. He was my eyes during the critical stage of my race. Who else could do that out there? He said "I never had a runner whom I paced who did not finish".

So we left No Hands Bridge to tackle the last difficult part of the race. You know what? We were running even how hilly the terrain was! We had to. I remember how strange it was for me to be very calm while going uphill. Like I was controlling my breathing Yoga style and heartbeat. I was in the zone and meditating. Telling myself whatever strength I have now, I have to stretch it to the finish line. Do not overdo it! I told myself “Jon, do not f#@% this up now! This is the only challenge that stands between you and the buckle. You have come this far!”.

Rick said “Dig deep Jon! which advise I dispensed to other runners before. I did not realize I would be the recipient of it this time. While writing this down I was feeling so emotional again. It was incredibly hard on that last part of the course. How to dig deep when you are already spent and broken is something you alone can figure out when the time comes. This reminds me of the saying:

"Out of sufferings have emerged the strongest souls; the massive characters are seared with scars"- Khalil Gibrain   

Finally, Rick and I both felt confident and vigilant at the same time. One false move or accident would be seriously disastrous. Rick asked me to look for a gel inside his back pack as he needed the fuel to bring us over some hills. It was getting hot also as we were on exposed terrain. We just ran fast and power walked really some steep hills. Some runners with pacers were strangely calm on those hills. I muttered how they would ever make it to Auburn at such a slow pace.

My hope buoyed up when I started to see more houses on left and right. I knew we must be very close to the track but we just kept on running. I muttered again how hilly Auburn is, thinking when would these hills end. And then there it was - the oval! I grabbed Rick’s hand and raised to high heaven, uttered a simple prayer and graciously thanked Rick.

Even as I entered the oval track, I warned myself to be careful lest I trip and fall. That would be embarrassing. All of you know the feeling associated with seeing the finish line. One word – LIBERATING!. The contrast of red tartan and white line guided me to the finish arc. Something fell to the track and I wanted to pick it up. Problem was I could not distinctly see it. I just heard a thud. Some people shouted “Forget the shades, just run. Run!”. As I crossed the finish line, I was enveloped with the feeling of utter release and was temporarily in disbelief that it was over. I was feeling bad that I could not see the people around me since this would only happen once. Somebody placed a medal around my neck as soon as I crossed the line. On the other hand, I knew a few minutes from now my adrenaline would subside and would start to feel the fatigue and exhaustion. I was asked to go to the chute for blood sample. Problem was I could not see clearly. Even finding a chair was such a chore! It was when I gingerly sat down that it all came down on me – I finished it! Tears welled up in my eyes and I had to bow my head to hide my emotions. I just wanted to release it in private and quietly.

IN HINDSIGHT



I had been eyeing WS100 since 2009. Running my first 100 mile trail race in 2010 in Australia - GNW100 was all part of a design. It was only after UTMB (I did enjoy this race even how hard it was!) last year that I decided to try my luck in WS100. I said these two big races should be enough to convince the WS100 screening committee to give a slot for the Philippines even if my name was not lucky in the lottery. When my name was picked, I had this strange feeling something big was in the offing.  My other option was Hardrock.

Days after the race and over some beer (some of the best out there), we kept on discussing over and over how the hell we managed to finish within the cut-off. Guess Rick and I will be forever wondering and honestly, I do not think we will ever get a straight answer. Frankly, I like it that way. Mystery is good. Also after 24 hours my ankles were swollen beyond recognition. The race must have pretty banged them up!  Well I did.

Swollen ankles. This after 24 hours!




I have done several tough ultras but nothing compared them to WS100. The stress especially in the last few hours to cut-off was almost debilitating. So much was going on! It was bad enough to be blind with two sprained ankles and on top of that, I still had to manage the terrain, station cut-offs, fuel, hydration, etc. The combination of these things really was wearing me down. The hardest part was psychological. I mean the thought of making it that far into the race just to find out later on that I missed the cut-off by a few seconds or minutes would be horrible. I could have just quit at Dusty Corner and avoided the pain and suffering.

Admittedly, my condition was a valid excuse to DNF and that is understandable. This race is different though. I represented something bigger (my country and Pinoy ultrarunners) other than the personal goal to secure that buckle. This, among others, is perhaps where I got my strength from. I have always said that if you are running a race of this distance and difficulty, you have to represent something higher or loftier. There must be an inspiration. Something to rescue or pull you out from your shittiest or lowest points during the race. Something to jolt you and to remind why you are in the race in the first place. For how can you do that, when you yourself is broken and dejected. Meaning, you must draw your strength from other source and most of the time, that strength is inside you. There are ways to achieve that strength. One is LIFE lessons. Also training-wise, doing long runs ALONE in some rugged hilly terrain and away from the comfort of modern civilization and people. No 7-eleven, stores or taxi. That is why I love Miyamit (and other similar training grounds) not only for its rolling terrain but for its seclusion. You reach its peak (21km from the base including the Falls) and whatever condition you are in, you have to make your way back down because no one will help or rescue you. Pardon me but I am against constant group runs if one is training for big ultras.

Rick as a pacer is one tough dude and generous as well. He never gave up nor hinted that I should. I am sure it was also very stressful for him guiding a blind runner on such distance and terrain. That is something you don’t train for. Calm under pressure and can manage to adjust and handle what the race throws at him. That is a hallmark of a veteran runner/pacer. What can I say, Rick is the best and because of what happened, I will be always bonded and thankful to him. I have always said friendship is forged in the fire of despair, hardship, problem and difficulty and never in the refuge of comfort, joy or happiness. The latter produces peers (barkadas) but not friends. Friends are hard to come by and the relationship takes years to develop. If you have many friends like you can’t count them in your fingers, I will just wonder. So Rick thanks man. I remember Rick telling me how sad it would be to drive home without the buckle. I can’t agree more!

Could I have finished even without Rick? I don’t know. I have to admit though that the chances would be almost nil. Did I take unnecessary risk when all reasons (and sanity) dictated that I should quit? Okay it was risky but it was calculated risk. Besides, no risk is too big when you represent your country and the people you love. Did it ever cross my mind to quit? Oh yes several times! What pulled me through then? The inspiration that I represented the Philippines, its ultrarunners and my family. Why do you think you went blind? I am not sure but it seems it’s the combo of elevation, stress, cold weather, low sugar/carb diet and I might add jet lag. Did you lose your faith in the ONE up there? Almost. Will you do it again? Heck yes provided there is enough sponsorship and this time I will come with a vengeance! Sub-24 since the course is conducive to faster time (if one is not blind and well-trained in that order of importance :).

At the end of the day, ultra race is one of the perfect places to discover yourself and what innate strength lies in you. It is like life itself in a more compact, abbreviated, dramatic and colorful package. You only travel one way and once you have started, there is no going back 

Longboard is great! Rick bring some here! :)


THANK YOU

These are the people who made things possible:

My wife Lanie, kids and family (thank you for understanding the reason for the time spent away from you), Governor Pineda of Pampanga, CDC OIC/OP Oban Jr., CDC Board of Directors Honrado, Villanueva and Mendoza, CIAC Pres. Luciano, Mayors of Angles City and Porac, Atty. Roldan, Engr. Arcilla of ANGLO, HRPC, CDC Sonny Lopez, Philip Arenillo of The Perfect White for the shirt (awesome!), ARC (Joe Matias was kind enough to ship my Julbo), my Mother for her prayers (they really work!) and friends. Best of all, Rick Gaston. You’re the man! To Pinoy ultramarathoners ,  folks you will always be an inspiration. PUR and those who monitored my progress via webcast, my gratitude. I will refrain from mentioning their particular names names since If I missed one, others would not feel good about it. Those who printed my stories like Heidi and Marie. Merci! So this is a general thank you note!  

Cheers,
Jon (loving the downtime and has started running 1 1/2 weeks ago)

LIST OF 2012 CM50 RUNNERS

$
0
0

      50 MILES 

FEMALE 
1.       Maria Angela Stephanie Hefti (XS)
2.       Maria Josephine G. Liao (XS)
3.       Jonnalene S. Dorin (XS)
4.       Daphne Codilla (S) 

MALE 
1.       Philippe Arenillo (?) (I suppose he knows his size given he is the shirt supplier :)
2.       James H. Roldan (L)
3.       Jonel Mendoza (L)
4.       Zosimo "Jon Las" Bruce (S)
5.       Jose Miguel  Villapando Limos (M)
6.       Simon Pavel T. Miranda (M)
7.       Carlos Angelo "Chips" S. Dayrit (M)
8.       Brian Roy A. Tan Seng (M)
9.       Alex Jones (L)
10.   Jeffrey Aquatin Diaz (M)
11.   Ed Redona (M)
12.   Jerome Lagumbay (M)
13.   Bong Bernadez (S)
14.   Francisco 'Kokoy' R. Delmo, Jr. (L)
15.   Camilo R. Paran, Jr. (L)
16.   Edilberto M. Yonzon (M)
17.   Ronaldo O. Sulapas (M)
18.   Joseph Sibal (S)
19.   Junar "Jj" Layug (L)
20.   Bennett Silario (L)
21.   Jose Lorenzo M. Mina, Jr. (S)
22.   Ronnel Go (L)
23.   Romy Doctolero (?)
24.   Jerry Peralta (M)
25.   Jael Wenceslao (M)
26.   Ronald M. Illana (L)
27.   Dindo M. Diaz ((L)
28.   Calvin John Escandor (M)
29.   Melvin P. Pangan (L)
30.   Barry Reonal Red (M)
31.   Mark Anthony V. Rodica (M)
32.   John Andrew M. Alcedo (M)
33.   Michael P. Dauz (M)
34.   Ruben P. Acebedo II (M)
35.   Jojo N. Dela Cruz (S)
36.   Mark Jay Bago Sidamon (S)
37.   Vener F. Roldan (free size)
38.   Jessie Alindogan Llarena (M)
39.   Raul C. Tapia (M)
40.   George G. Javier (S)
41.   Joseph G. Pineda (S)
42.   Joseph Adrien B. Soriao (M)
43.   Mark Carlo V. Villafuerte (L)
44.   Edrick I. Nicdao (S)
45.   Kirk Patrick S. Ang (M)
46.   Alden Philip Lim (S)
47.   Marcelo Bautista (S)
48.   Ejercito Suyo (S)
49.   Roy G. Ochavo (M)
50.   Rod U. Gotos (L)
51.   Jon Borbon (L)
52.   Romeo R. Cordova III (M)
53.   Benjamin Termulo (M)
54.   Mark Bryan G. Grey (S)
55.   Nicolas B. De Leon Jr. (M)
56. Meljohn Tezon (M)

60K

FEMALE
1.       Carmeli Anne Ortega (S)
2.       Jinkee M. Guerrero (S)
3.       Imelda B. Laron (M)
4.       Meriam C. Torres (S)
5.    Marie Anne Cruz Constantino (S)
6.   Juvy Pagtalunan (S)
7.   Lady Dianne G. Palogan (XS)
8.   Aileen Manat (M)   

MALE
1.       Harold R. Lorete (M)
2.       Benson Ray E. Morales (L)
3.       Marcos "Mccoy” Lontoc (M)
4.       Arman N. Garcia (M)
5.       Nixon "nick" Q. Pasiken (L)
6.       Aladdin B. Cordero (L)
7.       Danin Arenzana (S)
8.       Jericho "Jig" De Jesus (M)
9.       Ronaldo SP Robles (M)
10.   Alex Yap (M)
11.   Teodoro M. Mallen (L)
12.   Ryann Requitud Sison (XL)
13.   Henry E. Laron (S)
14.   Mar Marilag (M)
15.   Bong Alindada (S)
16.   Jan Michael C. Flores (M)
17.   Jhon Raymar Israel A. Magcalas (S)
18. Michael Lafuente (L)  
19. Jeyson De Ocampo (L)
20. Dante Sagayap (S)
21. Glairold Recella (L)
22. Andrew Aquino (S)
23. Arnel Distor (XS)
 
 
 

 

2013 CM50 RACE DETAILS & RULES


OFFICIAL RESULTS: 2012 CM50

$
0
0

      STATISTICS

     93 runners registered for both 50 miles and 60K

      50 miles - out of 59 starters, 33 finished (passing rate of 55% or attrition rate of 45%)

      60kms - 30 starters, 25 finishers (passing percentage is 83% or attrition rate of 17%)          

                                         50 MILES  
                                             (Cut-off 18 hours)

                                                      WINNERS
                                                  
 1.  Maria Josephine G. Liao
                  (FEMALE)
17:52:32
Course Record (CR)
1. Marcelo Bautista
                     (MALE)
11 :09:28
New Course Record
2.  Simon Sandoval
                     (MALE)
12:37:38
(Broke his own CR of 13:28 in 2011
3. Mark Carlo Villafuerte
                     (MALE)
13:24:00
Broke also the 2011 CR
                                          
                                        OVERALL RESULTS

RANKING
            NAME
  TIME
1
Marcelo Bautista
11:09:28
2
Simon Sandoval
12:37:38
3
Mark Carlo Villafuerte
13:24:00
4
Alden Philip Lim
14:26:47
5
Mark Bryan Grey
14:36:20
6
Jael Wenceslao
15:09:54
7
Zosimo Las Bruces
15:52:16
8
Jessie Alindogan Llarena
16:00:50
9
Jerome Lagumbay
16:16:51
10
Simon Pavel T. Miranda
16:17:02
11
Calvin John Escandor
16:26:12
12
Vener F. Roldan
16:42:50
13
Jeffrey Diaz
16:47:50
14
Romy Doctolero
16:51:15
15
George Javier
17:03:21
16
Jose Lorenzo Mina Jr.
17:12:49
17
Carlos Angelo Dayrit
17:12:53
18
Bong Bernadez
17:13:07
19
Francisco Delmo Jr.
17:13:11
20
Kirk Patrick Ang
17:34:45
21
Jojo Dela Cruz        
17:35:37
22
Joseph Adrien Soriao
17:36:08
23
Edilberto Yonzon
17:36:40
24
Junar Layug
17:36:41
25
Melvin Pangan
17:36:42
26
Raul C. Tapia
17:45:32
27
Camilo Paran Jr.
17:47:28
28
Dindo M. Diaz
17:48:27
30 (F)
31
Maria Josephine Liao
Meljohn Tezon
17:52:32
17:52:35
32
Benjamin Termulo
17:53:49
33
Ronald Sulapas
17:53:50

                                       60K
                                    (Cut-off 16 hours)

                                            WINNERS
                                              FEMALE
 
1.  Marie Anne Constantino
12:43:46
(CR: 09:14)
2. Meriam C. Torres
14:03:05
3. Aileen Manat
14:56:03

                                               MALE

1. Danin Arenzana
09:15:37
New Course Record (Old: 11:00)
2. Marcos Lontoc
11:00:40
 
3. Alex Yap
11:27:55
 

 

 

 
                                         OVERALL RESULTS
 
RANKING
            NAME
   TIME
1
Danin Arenzana
09:15:37
2
Marcos Lontoc
11:00:40
3
Alex Yap
11:27:55
4
Jose De Vera
11:52:22
5
Bong Alindada
11:57:07
6 (F)
Marie Anne Constantino
12:43:46
7
Aladdin B. Cordero
12:55:13
8
Jhon Raymar Magcalas
13:33:20
9
Glairold Recella
13:45:44
10
Dante Sagayap
13:57:57
11 (F)
Meriam Torres
14:03:05
12
Andrew Aquino
14:23:46
13
Jeyson De Ocampo
14:43:58
14 (F)
Aileen Manat
14:56:03
15 (F)
Imelda   Laron
14:59:11
16
Arman N. Garcia
15:13:51
17
Mar Marilag
15:16:40
18
Ryann Sison
15:18:53
19
Michael Lafuente
15:18:54
20 (F)
Jinkee Guerrero
15:29:51
21
Harold Lorete
15:29:52
22
Jan Michael C. Flores
15:33:32
23 (F)
Lady Dianne Palogan
15:39:53
24
Teodoro M. Mallen
15:48:51
25
Ronald Robles
15:59:44

 
    NOTE: For any correction, please email the RD at atty.jonnifer@gmail.com.
 

 

 

2013 FAT ASS Guidelines

$
0
0

Happy Holidays, folks!

Here we go again! Below is the set of guidelines and other useful information. Please read them carefully.
 
DETAILS

Categories:    24, 12 and 6 hours (NO MORE 36 hours)
When:              5-6 January 2013
Start:                (No irregular start time please)
Start:                                         24 hours 6AM of 05 January to 6AM of 06 January 2013 
                                                 12 hours  6AM or 6PM of 05 January 2013
                                                  6 hours   6AM, 12 noon and 6PM of 05 January or 12 midnight of
                                                                   6January 2013   
Where:              Clark Parade Ground, Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines
Course:              Asphalt and grass loopof 2.2kms
Weather:           Cool in the evening and morning but hot around noontime
Registration fee:  not applicable, zero, nada, zilch
Registration process: First registration, first entry basis through the comment section below.
Awards:             2013 FAT ASS Kings and Queens for each category


NOTE:       

DONATION  

LIMIT = Maximum of 400 participants SUBJECT to availability of at least FOUR (4) portalets which is tied up to our permit to use the venue (hygiene issue). Payment for portalets will be shouldered collectively by the participants through their cash donation. No portalets will mean less number of runners allowed since the comfort room at the Tennis Court can only accommodate so much number of runners. We were able to raise enough amount last year, so I am confident it can be done this year.  We also need to raise some amount to pay for 1 timer or clock and the services of our utility boys who make sure everything is in order and to clean the the comfort room for 24 hours! 

CR = Course Record

 
36 HOURS
  2012 FAT ASS KING & QUEEN
  
# of Loops Completed
 
Total Distance
Km.

Rubio, Randy (Ranne)
 

81

178.2 (CR)

Magtibay, Ma. Jhustine Dolor (Jade) - Female

38

83.6 (CR)
 
  
24 HOURS
2012 FAT ASS KING & QUEEN
  
  
# of Loops Completed
   
  Total       Distance
Km.

Diaz, Dindo (Dindo)

57

125.4

Reblora, Aleth   - Female

48

105.6 CR

  
12 HOURS
  2012 FAT ASS KING & QUEEN
 
# of Loops Completed
  
Total Distance
Km.

Balaba, Benedict (Dick)
 

42

92.4 (CR)

Fule, Keisha (Keisha) - Female

33

72.6


6 HOURS
2012 FAT ASS KING & QUEEN
   

 # of Loops Completed

Total Distance
Km.

Green, Julie (Jules) – Female

28

61.6 CR

Miranda, Simon (Simon)
      (more info below) 

23

50.6 (CR)
























MAPS: Please check the above map on how to get to the venue.
 
The Map below shows where to park and camp. No camping on the other side of the tennis court. So this means, camping and parking are only allowed on the left of the tennis court when facing it from the Parade.

GUIDELINES

NATURE OF FAT ASS:
This is not your typical race (this is not even a race) where you pay for the registration fees, run the distance you choose and get some rewards as a matter of right like medals or shirts or both after the race. Fat Ass is basically an organized run. It is pretty summed up in: NO FEES, NO AWARDS, NO AID, NO WIMPS (http://www.coolrunning.com.au/fatass/joeoakes.shtml). May we add also, NO WHINING, NO PRESSURE, NO HASSLE. And since no fee is collected to join this event, participants should think twice before comparing or complaining. Even the donation you want to make does not give rise to any demandable right as it is basically done on your own volition. Thus, all prior thoughts, concepts or comparison of what Fat Ass is to a race should be banished from one’s mind. What we can guarantee though are CAMARADERIE and FUN! 
DIRECTION & LOOP: Start of the run for 24-hour runners will be counterclockwise and every 6 hours, runners will have to reverse their loop. Runners joining the 12 and 6 hour runs, will be in counterclockwise and clockwise directions, respectively. In this way, all runners will be going the same direction and can pace or keep each other's company. Most importantly, this direction will have the sun behind the runners. The loop (see image below) is covered by trees on both sides. 
COURTESY TO NON-FAT ASS RUNNERS USING THE SAME LOOP: Clark Parade Ground is a public place and thus, there will be non-FAT ASS runners using the same loop during the early morning and late afternoon of Saturday and even more on the 2nd day (Sunday). These are locators, residents, non-competitive runners (who perhaps have never joined a race) and joggers who just want to exercise. Some of the runners will be with their family and children playing and/or out on a picnic at the same venue. Please be courteous when passing them. A simple "Excuseme" or "Passing" will suffice. Do not be rude. We do not want any complaint from them and risk subsequent editions of FAT ASS being banned. The sight, however, of these joggers, children, sports enthusiasts, et. al. will lend a family-feel to our event and make you run stronger, faster. At least, that was our experience. Who knows these non-FAT ASS runners might be motivated to take up running as part of their lifestyle when they see us having fun.

Moreover, we will not tolerate unruly, disruptive, annoying and/or noisy behavior during the event. Team or group  leaders are advised to watch over their teammates and friends. Anyone found violating this courtesy rule will be bodily removed from the venue and banned from subsequent editions of Fat Ass.  

KEEP THE NOISE DOWN: You, your friends and crew can hold a BBQ party (the smell of which makes every runner salivate :), have a few drinks and have fun but keep the volume low. No rowdy and unruly behavior. This is self-explanatory. While you are at it, cheer on the runners as they pass by.

KEEP THE AREA CLEAN: Used gel wraps and other garbage/litters must be disposed of properly. We should know any better. All runners and crew must clean the area where they camped after the event.

RUNNING AT NIGHT: Some sections of the loop are not well lit. Runners may want to bring their headlamps as the loop is uneven asphalt lane. Please be careful at night by watching your footing.

RUN “nickname” BIB: All runners are required to provide and create their own unique run bib with their nickname before the event. Bib is uniform in size: 10x6 inches of any material (except paper because it will dissolve in sweat). RED for 24 hours, BLUE for 12 hours and GREEN for 6 hours on a white background. This must be worn at all times. The reason for this is simply to carry on the tradition of FAT ASS for the past 3 years and that is camaraderie. In the last 3 editions, we almost all knew each other's name. We cannot achieve this however if we are all strangers during the 4th edition. Again, your bib will contain your nickname in the designated color. No run bib, no runpolicy will be enforced.

CHECKPOINT: There will be only 1 checkpoint. Runners' loops will be recorded on log sheets. Log sheets will be the official records. All runners will log in their time/loop every time they reach the checkpoint. All entries will be countersigned by the organizer or authorized staff. Entries with no countersign of the organizers will not be counted. Please call the attention of the organizer or any of the volunteers on this. So it will be the primary responsibility of each runner to make their loops official and counted. No "dagdag-bawas" or padding.

MUSIC: Just like last year, a sound system blaring energetic/rock/lively/tempo songs will be played for 24-hours especially during the late evening and wee hours in the morning. If you want any song included, please email me or bring your iPod or CD during the race. Discretion will be exercised by the organizer.
*
FOOD & FLUID DONATION: Runners are encouraged to donate foods and fluids. These will be placed on a table near the checkpoint. All donations will be duly recorded and acknowledged. Please call our attention before doing so. NOTE: The foods and fluids on the table are not meant to sustain the runners during the entire duration of his chosen event. These are just "additions". For emphasis, runners will be responsible to bring their own food for himself and his crew, if any, for the entire duration of the run. Please observe this rule properly. Also, the organizer reserves the right to manage this donation as they deem fit for the benefit of the runners especially those on longer events.

CASH DONATION: Ideally, it should be done before the event. This way we can order the necessary items and equipments (tents, timer, tents, chairs, etc.) and settle the expenses also. For those who want to donate in advance, please use this: Jonnifer M. Lacanlale, Security Bank, Acct. No. 0273-442218-200. We would appreciate if you could scan and email the deposit slip to atty.jonnifer@gmail.com. Thank you. Others can donate during the event proper. Just like in the past events, we will provide donation box and log book.
 
PACER: Pacers are NOT allowed. Only registered Fat Assers can run along with co-Fat Assers but they are prohibited to carry anything for the runner to encourage self-sufficiency. No need to carry anything anyway since it is only a 2.2k loop.

BANDIT:Bandits are not allowed. Please respect the event.
 
TENT: Runners can put up their own tents if they so wish ideally in the designated area as shown in the map. Several tents however will be put up and runners can use them. Please share the same with other runners as these are limited in numbers.

RESTROOM & PORTALETS: The Tennis Court restroom will be opened. Per Clark regulation, we are also required to provide at least four (4) portalets due to the number of Fat Assers in the 2013 edition. Some have already pledged monetary support. So thank you. Do we need to tell the guys not to pee beside a tree or anywhere else for that matter? Please use the restroom and portapotties properly.

BREAK: Runners can always take a break and even sleep but should bring their own sleeping mat, etc. Organizers do not mind how you spend your breaks. You can watch a movie, play casino (others did this!), crosstrain like biking, swimming, shop at the duty free stores, etc. We do not mind at all. It is your call. Runners who take a break and leave the designated loop will have to return to the same spot before proceeding again. If your break will take longer as usual, please advise the organizer accordingly.

PARKING LOT: The designated parking lot is the only area where all runners and their respective crew should park their own vehicles which is very convenient for runners. This is just a few feet away from the checkpoint.

SECURITY: Please do not be lax. Always secure your belongings even if you are in the company of fellow runners. It is your obligation to protect your properties even if there are security guards in the area. Organizer, crew and volunteers will not be answerable for loss or damage to Fat Assers' properties.
 
GEAR: It is cold during the night and early morning in January… at least in Clark. So plan accordingly.

CERTIFICATE: This will be on best-effort basis (depending on the amount of donation). So no promises. Certificates may be given at the end of the event on 06 January 2013 after the awarding.

LAST LOOP BEFORE CUT-OFF TIME: The last completed loop before the cut-off time for each category will be considered as the official recorded loop. Uncompleted loop will not be counted.

WAIVER: As standard in all Fat Ass runs of this nature, all participants will sign a waiver before running. Runners are advised to come at least 30 minutes before their chosen event to register and sign the waiver. No waiver, no run policy will be imposed.

DRINKING BOTTLES, CUPS, ETC: To avoid unnecessary trash during the event, runners will have to bring their own bottles, cups (for coffee), etc. and use them for refill. We have seen too many plastic litters (cups, bottles) during and after running events. It is time to help the environment.

RUNNING CLUBS' BANNERS/TARPAULINS: Running clubs or groups whose members are joining the event may hoist their banners near the checkpoint for promotional purposes. Please coordinate with the organizer before doing this. Banners of corporate sponsors will have to be approved by race organizers.

COMMEMORATIVE SHIRT: More details later on how to order.

MONETARY DONATION FOR UTILITY PERSONNEL: Please feel free to donate cash for our at least four (4) hired utility boys. Just like the last 2 editions, we pooled our resources just so we could pay them justly as they were up the whole 24 hours and beyond. It made our jobs easier and the runners happier. Please note that they would be away from their families and in essence, working. Their tasks are to clean the area during and after the event, run some errands, bring back the site into its original condition which includes dismantling what needs to be dismantled, etc. Thus, it is only just and proper that they should be reasonably paid. Names of donor will be duly acknowledged and again, organizer reserves the right to manage this donation as they deem fit.

So see you soon!

Cheers,
Jon

2013 FAT ASSers

$
0
0

This is an all-time high number of participants! Within 5 hours from its opening, the slots were filled up fast and furious! We, however, have reached over and above the 200 cap. Again, run organizer reserves the right to trim down the number of participants subject to availability of portalets, etc. Please post in the comment section below if you are helping with the expenses for portapotties, utility personnel, tents, chairs, timer, etc. By doing so, we can perhaps accommodate all the runners in the list. No need to mention the amount. We have a log book for that during the event.Thank you.


24 hours - 80
12 hours - 165
6 hours - 102
_________________

TOTAL = 347

For any correction, please post it in the comment section below (under moderation now). Runners only have 1 chance to change their category after which it is final (because we are implementing an innovative way to record loops of runners). Deadline is on or before 15 December 2012. Here is the list:

2013 FAT ASS Participants
 

24 HOURS


12 HOURS


6 HOURS


1.CJ Paran
2.Thea Sangrador
3.Leo Tugade
4.Jay De Jesus
5.Simon Miranda
6.Reuben Miranda
7.Raul Tapia
8.Mar Tomas
9.Rene Miranda
10.Marc Philip Ellazo
11.Kharl Ocampo
12.Lyra Rosario
13.Napoleon Ocampo
14.Maxell Flores
15.Jess Agoo
16.Judy Aguilar
17.Maan Estanislao
18.Sarah Oinal
19.Ariane Legarte
20.Ronel Medina
21.Jerome Jamili
22.Ramil delos Reyes
23.Bernard Ilaga
24.Alan Tauyan
25.Jayson King Tan
26.Christian Francia
27.Carmeli Anne Ortega
28.Stephanie Hefti
29.Evelyn Mondragon-Lopez
30.Ceres Nido
31.Bong Alindada
32.Tholits Hernandez
33.Christian Oting
34.Marc Conrad Molina
35.Kim Maurice Flores
36.Barry Red
37.Hermie Saludes
38.Rizal Boy Ortega
39.Klein Chua
40.Raymund Canta
41.James Garcia
42.Puto Pao
43.Krishna Hernandez
44.Lanie Lubay
45.Shiela Martinez
46.Jhey Lapuz
47.Mean Manalansan
48.Ian Stevenson Yu
49.Jsin Starks
50.Rod Gotos
51.Art Virata
52.Irene Ong
53.Hanna Rose Pua
54.Susan Jael
55.Albert Salazar
56.Francis Santiago
57.Alex Jones
58.Trodge Lorenzo
59.Nicolas De Leon
60.Jhon Magcalas
61.Liza Paule
62.Ronaldo Robles
63.Bong Leaño
64.Edwin Vicente
65.Reginald Santos
66.Bong Bernadez
67.McCoy Lontoc
68.Wesley Noel Orana
69.Michelle Angela Maravilla
70.Brian Tan Seng
71.Joen Soriao
72.Norberto Mortel
73.Dindo Diaz
74.Dennis Chavez
75.Juvy Pagtalunan
76.Richard P. Toledo
77.Vivian Cerrer–Toledo
78.Elmar Bob Tolete
79.Peachy Tamayo
80.Carlito Buenaventura
81. David Aquino
82. Tess Miranda






1.Daphne Rose Codilla
2.Allan Ray Enriquez
3.Doodsie Mallari
4.Edmund Cornelius Manlangit
5.Richal Paul Maling
6.Jessica Tiu-Laurel
7.Samuel Tiu
8.Ruth Ann Tiu
9.Mich Crisol De Ocampo
10.Ron Cabanlig
11.James Lee Escasinas
12.Jill Magbanua Alcibar
13.Ronald Rey Cruz
14.Jon Las Bruce
15.Sharon Sandoval
16.JB Pacia
17.Leigha Pacia
18.Jeyson De Ocampo
19.Bheng Maaliw
20.Ron Maaliw
21.Allan Gregor Bulos
22.Mark Anthony Diaz
23.Andrew Llanes
24.Jhunbie C. Serna
25.Angelito Hernandez
26.Jomelo Zagala
27.Rexcie Jane Saldivar
28.Joseph Pineda
29.Quintin Atienza II
30.Iris Rivera
31.Jonathan Villasin
32.Hendy Cheung
33.Reese Rogel
34.Phillip Fiarod
35.Ramie John Tuando
36.Jesus Llarena
37.Perkins Briones
38. John Brian Pacia
39.Leigha Pacia
40.Francis Señores
41.Orlando Picardo
42.Merwin Ilagan
43.Marcelino Abaya
44.Danny Yamio
45.DIno Yamio
46.Jhet Yamio
47.Rommel Damo
48.Jhey Lapuz
49.Juan David
50.Jun Torred
51.REnz Marion Soguilon
52.Lee Rivera
53.Aaron Martinez
54.Lanie Lubay
55.Francisco Dela Cruz
56.Paolo Francisco
57.Jovito Yanga
58.Mean Manalansan
59.Beng Maaliw
60.Ron Maaliw
61.Cristina Culata
62.Manny Ocampo
63.Adel Torres
64.Jason Masayon
65.Julie Rodulfo
66.Reylynne dela Paz
67.Alfred delos Reyes
68.Rona Saludes
69.Japhet Grande
70.Chaps Grande
71.Mark Grande
72.LA Tomas
73.Heidi Mamangon
74.Ressie Mallari
75.Nikki Cepe
76.Michael Santos
77.Amos Adalim
78.Nikko Peralta
79.Faye Jacoba
80.Arvin Quilloy
81.Romel Espinoza
82.Ryan Moral
83.Jayson Antonio
84.Caryll Ferrer
85.Zarina Segundo
86.Raffy Gabotero
87.Warren Evangelista
88.Ryan Andrew Salcedo
89.Joel Balagtas
90.Jake Victorio
91.Joey Mendoza
92.Jess Saluta
93.Glen Velasco
94.Gil Sabinay
95.Paul Ablaza
96.Icar Hiponia
97.Jughead Jobars
98.Jeyson Ocampo
99.Charlie Ting
100.Marilou Ting
101.Nestor Huerno Jr
102.Catherine Huerno
103.Beatrix Kathleen Huerno
104.Jonathan Isaac Sana
105.Michael Sadim
106.Elizabeth Sadim
107.Camille Karen Bernabe
108.Rona Dizon
109.Yan Dizon
109A. Jomz Caguioa
110.Jennybave dela Cruz
111.Julie Perez
112.Chie Angeles
113.Allen Gaspar
114.Ramon Flores
115.Benson Ray Morales
116.Jeje Ajusto
117.Jigs Sabaricos
118.Jeffrey Diaz
119.Edrick Nicdao
120.Ej Madella
121.Glenda Mags Almejas
122.Cherry Bautista
123.Marlon Saracho
124.Harold Lorete
125.Ofelia Lorete
126.Jon Banaag
127.Lori Llamado
128.Sheryll Quimosing
129.Jing Guerrero
130.Zaldy Santillan
131.Gia Estrella
132.Mark Anthony Delumen
133.Bee Yen Soberano
134.Jake Pescador
135.Dindo Cabatingan
136.Carlyle Noel Balagot
137.Joy Vargas
138.Cindy Sevilla
139.Ronnie Provido
140.Aileen Manat
141.Andrew Aquino
142.Ariel Tuto Aquino
143.Dan Alvarez Sagayap
144.Dexter Cruz
145.Glairold Recella
146.Lady Dianne Palogan
147.Maria Josephine Liao
148.Paolo Tambo
149.Myla Go
150.Bennett Silario
151.Ayesa Polias
152.Maria Theresa Bolloso
153.Benj Termulo
154.Jerry Peralta
155.Cyril Magajes
156.Wap Forbes
157.Joseph Sibal
158.Chito Carreon
159.Mel Severino
160.Donald Ancheta
161.Ace Anzures
162.Jennifer C. Yamio
163.Edward Pascual
164.Arnel Distor
65.Danica Linda Mancenido








1.Ronnel Go
2.Jasor L. Oronce
3.Marquis Albert Minlay
4.Mary Gold dela Cruz
5.Jun Ealdama
6.Nora Montillano Ealdama
7.Rechel Palces
8.Jasmine Faltado Omaña
9.siosan baysa
10.Michelle Estuar
11.Joanne raquel
12.Noel Contreras
13. Nonito Agana
14.Veluz Niel
15.Rex Martin Superiano
16.Nelson Trevor Garcia
17.Nelyonel Supertramp
18.Rey Jimenez
19.Arnold ?
20.Mark Aethen G. Agana
21.Violeta L. Flores
22.Jenny Aggangan
23.Calvin John Escandor
24.Karlene Sebastian
25.Claridel Guanseng
26.Richard Guanseng
27.Elvin Evalla
28.Alvin Te Tan
29.Dave Rey de Castro
30.Christopher Guilas
31.Marilyn Guilas
32.Ria Zagala
33.Ed Escueta
34.Julito Pauly
35.May Angela Pelayo
36.Ian Q.Piza
37.Day G. Gabiola
38.Arlene Cheryl Oting
39.Jenny Red
40.Imee Palogan
41.Lestre Abrenica
42.Arvin Paredes
43.Mitch Regalado
44.TJ Taburico
45. Eena Navarrete-Cantos
46.John Almendralejo
47.Luigi Munsayac
48.Jeri Brucelo
49.Leila Torres
50.Rommer Ryan Torres
51.Leilani Rodriguez
52.Leila Punzalan
53.Irish Chua
54.Boy Ramos
55.Michael John Nera
56.Cris dela Cruz
57.Allen Roy Martos
58.Malou Ajusto
59.Red Mateo
60.Bien Santiago
61.Jebel Cristal
62.Quillan dela Cruz
63.Jarowin G. Villaruel
64.Hayde Hernandez
65.Aileen Piacos
66.Irhys Piacos
67.Kristine Piacos
68.Dianne Alano
69.Mark Steven Alano
70.Alfredo Vedarozaga
71.Dado Perlas
72.Jonathan Nava
73.Melanie Sarao
74.Paula Bianca Colao
75.Nadine Guillema
76.Rachiel Evangelista
77.Amer Capisan
78.Joselito Bauza
79.Faye Antolin
80. Heather Bauza
81.Romel J. Espinoza
82.Gary Basilio
83.Gerry Miranda
84.Pie Valencia
85.Charles Custodio
86.Arnold Salinas
87.Joyce Ramos
88.Andrew Custodio
89.Ragan Maning
90.Roselle J. Rodriguez
91.Theresa Andres
92.Marites Andres
93.Francisco Andres
94.Mary Grace Andres
95.Veronica Andres
96.Elizabeth Andres
97.Rene "Jazzrunner" Villarta
98.Betty Rosario
99.May Santos
100.Olivia Dimaano-Llanillo
101.Rolly Tolentino
102.Junn Besana





 

Final List of 2013 FAT ASSers and New Guidelines

$
0
0

Thank you to those (names are noted) who have expressed suppport for the 2013 edition of Fat Ass. As a result, we have more runners on the list below. 

Please read the new Guidelines on security, cash donation, bandit, pacer, etc. here :

http://jon-ultra.blogspot.com/2012/12/2013-fat-ass.html
 
24 hours -      99
12 hours -    215
6 hours  -    159
_________________

TOTAL =  473 (NOTE: We expect this number to shrink close to 400 during the event.)

For any correction, please post it in the comment section below (under moderation now). Runners only have 1 chance to change their category after which it is final (because we are implementing an innovative way to record loops of runners). Deadline is on or before 10 December 2012. See you all folks after the holiday merriment! 


24 HOURS
12 HOURS
6 HOURS
 
1.       CJ Paran
2.       Thea Sangrador
3.       Leo Tugade
4.       Jay De Jesus
5.       Simon Miranda
6.       Reuben Miranda
7.       Raul Tapia
8.       Mar Tomas
9.       Rene Miranda
10.    Marc Philip Ellazo
11.    Kharl Ocampo
12.    Lyra Rosario
13.    Napoleon Ocampo
14.    Maxell Flores
15.    Jess Agoo
16.    Judy Aguilar
17.    Maan Estanislao
18.    Sarah Oinal
19.    Ariane Legarte
20.    Ronel Medina
21.    Jerome Jamili
22.    Ramil delos Reyes
23.    Bernard Ilaga
24.    Alan Tauyan
25.    Jayson King Tan
26.    Christian Francia
27.    Carmeli Anne Ortega
28.    Stephanie Hefti
29.    Evelyn Mondragon-Lopez
30.    Ceres Nido
31.    Bong Alindada
32.    Tholits Hernandez
33.    Christian Oting
34.    Marc Conrad Molina
35.    Kim Maurice Flores
36.    Barry Red
37.    Hermie Saludes
38.    Rizal Boy Ortega
39.    Klein Chua
40.    Raymund Canta
41.    James Garcia
42.    Puto Pao
43.    Krishna Hernandez
44.    Lanie Lubay
45.    Shiela Martinez
46.    Jhey Lapuz
47.    Mean Manalansan
48.    Ian Stevenson Yu
49.    Jsin Starks
50.    Rod Gotos
51.    Art Virata
52.    Irene Ong
53.    Hanna Rose Pua
54.    Susan Jael
55.    Albert Salazar
56.    Francis Santiago
57.    Alex Jones
58.    Trodge Lorenzo
59.    Nicolas De Leon
60.    Jhon Magcalas
61.    Liza Paule
62.    Ronaldo Robles
63.    Bong Leaño
64.    Edwin Vicente
65.    Wesley Noel Orana
66.    Michelle Angela Maravilla
67.    Brian Tan Seng
68.    Joen Soriao
69.    Norberto Mortel
70.    Dindo Diaz
71.    Dennis Chavez
72.    Juvy Pagtalunan
73.    Richard P. Toledo
74.    Vivian Cerrer–Toledo
75.    Elmar Bob Tolete
76.    Peachy Tamayo
77.    Carlito Buenaventura
78.    David Aquino
79.    Tess Miranda
80.    Myla Go
81.    Carlo Serrano
82.    Mac Azanes
83.    Alex Galapin
84.    Mon Gillego
85.    Rosalia Castro
86.    Alvin Rodriguez
87.    Ejercito Suyo
88.    Caloy Nobleza
89.    Faar Nobleza
90.    Cedric Nobleza
91.    Chessie Nobleza
92.    Chino Nobleza
93.    Chayil Nobleza
94.    Vener Roldan
95.    Jan Michael Flores
96.    Jinky Yray
97.    Hazel Arnaiz
98.    Don Gutierrez
99. Rocky
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  1.       Daphne Rose Codilla
2.       Allan Ray Enriquez
3.       Doodsie Mallari
4.       Edmund Cornelius Manlangit
5.       Richal Paul Maling
6.       Jessica Tiu-Laurel
7.       Samuel Tiu
8.       Ruth Ann Tiu
9.       Mich Crisol De Ocampo
10.    Ron Cabanlig
11.    James Lee Escasinas
12.    Jill Magbanua Alcibar
13.    Ronald Rey Cruz
14.    Jon Las Bruce
15.    Sharon Sandoval
16.    JB Pacia
17.    Leigha Pacia
18.    Jeyson De Ocampo
19.    Bheng Maaliw
20.    Ron Maaliw
21.    Allan Gregor Bulos
22.    Mark Anthony Diaz
23.    Andrew Llanes
24.    Jhunbie C. Serna
25.    Angelito Hernandez
26.    Jomelo Zagala
27.    Rexcie Jane Saldivar
28.    Joseph Pineda
29.    Quintin Atienza II
30.    Iris Rivera
31.    Jonathan Villasin
32.    Hendy Cheung
33.    Reese Rogel
34.    Phillip Fiarod
35.    Ramie John Tuando
36.    Jesus  Llarena
37.    Perkins Briones
38.    Francis Señores
39.    Orlando Picardo
40.    Merwin Ilagan
41.    Marcelino Abaya
42.    Danny Yamio
43.    DIno Yamio
44.    Jhet Yamio
45.    Rommel Damo
46.    Jhey Lapuz
47.    Juan David
48.    Jun Torred
49.    Renz Marion Soguilon
50.    Lee Rivera
51.    Aaron Martinez
52.    Lanie Lubay
53.    Francisco Dela Cruz
54.    Paolo Francisco
55.    Jovito Yanga
56.    Mean Manalansan
57.    Cristina Culata
58.    Manny Ocampo
59.    Adel Torres
60.    Jason Masayon
61.    Julie Rodulfo
62.    Reylynne dela Paz
63.    Alfred delos Reyes
64.    Rona Saludes
65.    Japhet Grande
66.    Chaps Grande
67.    Mark Grande
68.    LA Tomas
69.    Heidi Mamangon
70.    Ressie Mallari
71.    Nikki Cepe
72.    Michael Santos
73.    Amos Adalim
74.    Nikko Peralta
75.    Faye Jacoba
76.    Arvin Quilloy
77.    Romel Espinoza
78.    Ryan Moral
79.    Jayson Antonio
80.    Caryll Ferrer
81.    Zarina Segundo
82.    Raffy Gabotero
83.    Warren Evangelista
84.    Ryan Andrew Salcedo
85.    Joel Balagtas
86.    Jake Victorio
87.    Joey Mendoza
88.    Jess Saluta
89.    Glen Velasco
90.    Gil Sabinay
91.    Paul Ablaza
92.    Icar Hiponia
93.    Jughead Jobars
94.    Jeyson Ocampo
95.    Charlie Ting
96.    Marilou Ting
97.    Nestor Huerno Jr
98.    Catherine Huerno
99.    Beatrix Kathleen Huerno
100.Jonathan Isaac  Sana
101.Michael Sadim
102.Elizabeth Sadim
103.Camille Karen Bernabe
104.Rona Dizon
105.Yan Dizon
106.Jomz Caguioa
107.Jennybave dela Cruz
108.Julie Perez
109.Allen Gaspar
110.Benson Ray Morales
111.Jeje Ajusto
112.Jigs Sabaricos
113.Jeffrey Diaz
114.Edrick Nicdao
115.Ej Madella
116.Glenda Mags Almejas
117.Cherry Bautista
118.Marlon Saracho
119.Harold Lorete
120.Ofelia Lorete
121.Jon Banaag
122.Lori Llamado
123.Sheryll Quimosing
124.Jing Guerrero
125.Zaldy Santillan
126.Gia Estrella
127.Mark Anthony Delumen
128.Bee Yen Soberano
129.Jake Pescador
130.Dindo Cabatingan
131.Carlyle Noel Balagot
132.Joy Vargas
133.Cindy Sevilla
134.Ronnie Provido
135.Aileen Manat
136.Andrew Aquino
137.Ariel Tuto Aquino
138.Dan Alvarez Sagayap
139.Dexter Cruz
140.Glairold Recella
141.Lady Dianne Palogan
142.Maria Josephine Liao
143.Paolo Tambo
144.Bennett Silario
145.Ayesa Polias
146.Maria Theresa Bolloso
147.Benj Termulo
148.Jerry Peralta
149.Cyril Magajes
150.Wap Forbes
151.Joseph Sibal
152.Chito Carreon
153.Mel Severino
154.Donald Ancheta
155.Ace Anzures
156.Jennifer C. Yamio
157.Edward Pascual
158.Arnel Distor
159.Danica Linda Mancenido
160.Randy Rodriguez
161.Aldean Philip Lim
162.Andrei Philip Lim
163. Earl Quero
164. Reginald Santos
165.Bong Bernandez
166.McCoy Lontoc
167.Mark Anthony Diaz
168.Gerry Lita
169.Mac Azanes
170.Greggy Galicia
171.Aris Paolo Mapanao
172.Roberto Hernandez
173.Ina Estoesta
174.Francis Frio
175.Marco Montaos
176.Victor Viola
177.Alfred Paiso
178.Fracisco Delmo, Jr.
179.Ana Fernandez
180.Frederick Gabriel
181.Joey Baladad
182.Benedict Meneses
183.Ramoncito Pestano
184.Dioscoro Garing
185.Shiela Antiga
186.Mark Jay Sidamon
187.Leopoldo Esquilona Jr.
188.JJ Layug
189.Ted Mallen
190.Chari Sevilla
191.Dennis Matias
192.Anna Bautista
193.Janette Candelario
194.Jerson Patron
195.Rholand Adaya
196. Jun Bautista
197.Merwin Torres
198.Myla Rostrat
199.  Rey Evarista
200.  Gino Tsobota
201.Melvin Basilio
202.Jhon Russel Sandiua
203.Samuel Montevirgen Jr.
204.Rodel Dollaga
205.Romelson Pring
206.Nathaniel Reyes
207. Lorenzo Mina Jr.
208. Vicente Delima II
209. Ruben Fajardo, Jr.
210.Ernesto Badong
211. Ed Balcueva
212. Rolando Nerona
213.  Bob Castilla
214. Jonel Mendoza
215. Christian Nell Poquinto

 

1.       Ronnel Go
2.       Jasor L. Oronce
3.       Marquis Albert Minlay
4.       Mary Gold dela Cruz
5.       Jun Ealdama
6.       Nora Montillano Ealdama
7.       Rechel Palces
8.       Jasmine Omaña
9.       Siosan Baysa
10.    Michelle Estuar
11.    Joanne raquel
12.    Noel Contreras
13.    Nonito Agana
14.    Veluz Niel
15.    Rex Martin Superiano
16.    Nelson Trevor Garcia
17.    Nelyonel Supertramp
18.    Rey Jimenez
19.    Mark Aethen G. Agana
20.    Violeta L. Flores
21.    Jenny Aggangan
22.    Calvin John Escandor
23.    Karlene Sebastian
24.    Claridel Guanseng
25.    Richard Guanseng
26.    Elvin Evalla
27.    Alvin Te Tan
28.    Dave Rey de Castro
29.    Christopher Guilas
30.    Marilyn Guilas
31.    Ria Zagala
32.    Ed Escueta
33.    Julito Pauly
34.    May Angela Pelayo
35.    Ian Q.Piza
36.    Day G. Gabiola
37.    Arlene Cheryl Oting
38.    Jenny Red
39.    Imee Palogan
40.    Lestre Abrenica
41.    Arvin Paredes
42.    Mitch Regalado
43.    TJ Taburico
44.    Eena Navarrete-Cantos
45.    John Almendralejo
46.    Luigi Munsayac
47.    Jeri Brucelo
48.    Leila Torres
49.    Rommer Ryan Torres
50.    Leilani Rodriguez
51.    Leila Punzalan
52.    Irish Chua
53.    Boy Ramos
54.    Michael John Nera
55.    Cris dela Cruz
56.    Allen Roy Martos
57.    Malou Ajusto
58.    Red Mateo
59.    Bien Santiago
60.    Jebel Cristal
61.    Quillan dela Cruz
62.    Jarowin G. Villaruel
63.    Hayde Hernandez
64.    Aileen Piacos
65.    Irhys Piacos
66.    Kristine Piacos
67.    Dianne Alano
68.    Mark Steven Alano
69.    Alfredo Vedarozaga
70.    Dado Perlas
71.    Jonathan Nava
72.    Melanie Sarao
73.    Paula Bianca Colao
74.    Nadine Guillema
75.    Rachiel Evangelista
76.    Amer Capisan
77.    Joselito Bauza
78.    Faye Antolin
79.    Heather Bauza
80.    Romel J. Espinoza
81.    Gary Basilio
82.    Gerry Miranda
83.    Pie Valencia
84.    Charles Custodio
85.    Arnold Salinas
86.    Joyce Ramos
87.    Andrew Custodio
88.    Ragan Maning
89.    Roselle J. Rodriguez
90.    Theresa Andres
91.    Marites Andres
92.    Francisco Andres
93.    Mary Grace Andres
94.    Veronica Andres
95.    Elizabeth Andres
96.    Rene Villarta
97.    Betty Rosario
98.    May Santos
99.    Olivia Dimaano-Llanillo
100.Rolly Tolentino
101.Junn Besana
102.Jeffrey Abenina
103.Imee Abenina
104.Isko Lapira
105.Emily Lapira
106.Abet Henson
107.Al Santos
108.Hannah Sanchez
109.Joma Galauran
110.Aleli M. Delos Santos
111.Earl Quero
112.Wilnar Iglesia
113.Angela Mae Abad
114.Virgil Manago
115.Karen Capio
116.Phil Smithson
117. Raymon Flores
118.Mark Labit
119.Dexter dela Cruz
120.Mj Dagat
121.Ryan Albino
122.Majul Maccay
123.Mark Joseph Ramos
124.Angie Lacaba
125.Valen Co
126.Keena Mabiog
127. Gladysmay Pascua
128.Aumelio Pascua
129.Raselle Lita
130.Jerimiah Balgua Jr.
131.Jap Arevalo
132.Tony Zerudo
133.Joshua Carbon
134.George Co Jr.
135.Raul Soriano
136.William Hernandez
137.Edmund Kagahastian
138.Neri Valero
139.Carlo Jay Hernandez
140.Noel Malco
141.Dennis Cumal
142.Migo Limos
143.Ryan Faith Tan
144.Francis Castaneda
145.Ernesto Sabado
146.Harry Docena
147.Herson Favis
148.Mitch Garcia
149.Chie Angeles
150.Ramon Flores
151.Aris Paolo Mapanao
152.Camilla Brooks
153.Charlie Chua
154.Abell Chua
155. Aureo Pascua
156. Kairhun Poquinto
157. Aaron Cano
158. Roel Subagan
159. Ronald Arabit


 


 
 
 

Musing of the RD - TRAIL WORK

$
0
0

 
 
 
Last weekend was a back-to-back trek/run for me. Saturday, I was with some runners (Simon, Kian, Alex, Jose and Majo) who came all the way from Manila. 3 of them are running UTMB namely Simon, Alex and Kian. Starting from Crow Creek school all the way up to Miyamit and back with additional 4 kms going to the peak for a total of 26K. We had a blast especially at the Falls.


The next day I had to wake up early again to accompany Ronnel, JJ, Yob, Toto and Rocketbong to the same place except they had to go ahead since I with my trusted Aeta guide, Joseph Serrano aka Trail Director were originally scheduled to check out the race course for CM42 starting from junction going to falls and peak or a one-way distance of almost 16k or 32K total. We did just that.
 
My goal was to find out the terrain condition prior to race day, 22 September 2013. Last year, we were a bit in a rush to clear the trail from junction all the way up to the falls for CM50. So I did not want to have that stress again.
 
Below is an amalgam of bad and good news (for lack of better term) and will start with the former. Better to end this blog post with the good ones.
 
So the trek last Sunday was a revelation, short of a bit of bad news. For one, it is my job as RD to see the race course with my own two eyes and on foot. There is no other way of doing it especially with the kind of terrain in Miyamit. We had no access to a 4x4 vehicle which would have considerably reduced the time of our ocular inspection. Secondly, you can't help but wonder why in the world you're out there while the rest of the world sleeps away. Thought of my kids who would again wake up with no father in sight to greet them "Good morning", take care of their breakfast and remind them to sanitize their awful breath by brushing their teeth (yup, they have to be reminded sometimes). 
 
And the finale is the huge task ahead of us how to clear the trail from junction all the way to the peak for a total of almost 8k of pure rugged wilderness in time for CM42! You should see it to believe it (picture below). It was thicker than last year and my head last Sunday just throbbed in pain how to solve the gargantuan task. When we ran last Saturday, we thought we took the right trail going to the peak but it wasn't until my guide, Joseph told me otherwise last Sunday. No wonder our group last Saturday was not gaining that much elevation and the trail was relatively clean. I brought Joseph with me to help us hack and slash our way through the thick overgrown plants and bushes. Good thing I was wearing a pair of long pants and sleeves. Otherwise, I couldn't imagine how my legs would be after the trek without some form of protection .  
 
 That is Joseph, the "Trail Director" and yes, that is basically the condition now.
Took us almost 12 hours to finish the course inspection!
 
  
 Mt. Negron.  Aetas called it "Mt. Abu" in the background. This is just beside the peak
 
 Joseph pointing to Mt. Negron or Mt. Abu

The CAUTION tape, remnant of last year's CM50. This is roughly 2.5kms to the peak.
 
Now for the good news.
 
Joseph and I managed to find a solution which is none other than to manually clear and clean the place. (Did you know I even entertained the wicked idea of dropping Napalm bomb used during Vietnam war? That will make our work easier. But that is absolutely stupid and wrong). However, Joseph and I reckoned that it will take him and his crew at least 5 days to do the job. That means they will have to stay on the trail for such duration complete with provisions, tools and all (all their needs have to be provided by yours truly). He said it could be done and I trust they could. They have successfully done so in the past. It's just more work now. After that, I will have to check out the trail again to make sure everything is safe and in order. Most likely, some fine tuning will still be done but that is okay to me. By hiring them, I have provided some form of employment as compared to their tedious job of bringing down from the mountains goods as such as banana hearts ("puso ng saging") to trade for a measly amount of P/70 only per sack. To think, a sack full of hearts weighs roughly 20 kilos!
 
Another news is that I have gotten in touch with Ayalaland, Inc. (ALI) with a request if we could use their property in Porac, the venue of Explorac Run (http://explorac.ph/), as staging area for CM42. That will be very ideal for me as race organizer and convenient for runners (although it will mean a little additional race kilometers for them :). So folks, cross your fingers  ... and toes too!
 
Overall, everything is panning out as planned. Now if we could only think of a way how to maintain the trail going to the peak throughout the year both for runners and trekkers/climbers going to the caldera of Mt. Pinatubo. Otherwise and to tell you frankly, I don't know how I'll be able to maintain CM50 since it just costs too much, time-consuming and very labor intensive. If you have good ideas, please let's have them. 
 
On the way back, Joseph led me to a short cut or what seems to be a parallel trail to the race course. This one is rolling and relatively clean as it is what the Aetas used to ply their goods from the mountains to lowland. I have discovered new streams and a mini falls called Pagdatangan something (not so sure if I got the name right since we were tired and had no lunch yet by 2pm).
 
I drank from this and am still okay, so far :)
  
 the mini falls
 
 I have received some messages from runners who are willing to volunteer their time and 1 weekend. So thank you. Will just make a headcount and distribute the labor later.
 
Cheers,
Jon (whose last trail shoes got mutilated last weekend and is in need of a new pair!)
    
 
 

CM50 IS NOW OPEN

Endurance Weekend 2013

$
0
0
 
 
Go and register. I'll see you there!
 


LIST OF RUNNERS FOR CM42

$
0
0




OFFICIAL LIST OF CM42K 

1.      Ronnel Go
2.      Simon Miranda
3.      Graciano Santos
4.      Raul Tapia
5.      Philippe Arenillo
6.      Steve Dumlao
7.      Bernard Go
8.      Mon Iti
9.      Dabobong Angeles
10.  Jon Borbon
11.  Arnold Eming
12.  Jonel Mendoza
13.  Melanie Ku Marquez (female)
14.  Alwyn Sy
15.  Roden Rosin
16.  Daisy Visperas (female)
17.  Manuel Roa Rayco
18.  Raffy Gabotero
19.  Warren Causing
20.  Loreta Llamado (female)
21.  Michael Celestial
22.  Alfred delos Reyes
23.  Dennis Lopez
24.  Alain Llaguno
25.  Randy Miranda
26.  James Roldan
27.  Chips Dayrit
28.  Ryann Sison
29.  Edwin Fernandez
30.  Aldouse Choy Zaguirre
31.  Jigs De Jesus
32.  Arnold Banaay
33.  Emmanuel F. Faminialago
34.  May Santos (female)
35.  Allan Bulos  
36.  Jerry Peralta
37.  Mary Gold dela Cruz (female)
38.  Erwhin Balingit
39.  Justin Gomez
40.  Jay Baclay
41.  Thumbie Remigio
42.  Rey Ali
43.  Brian Tan Seng
44.  Rey Jimenez
45.  Angelo Legaspi
46.  Rodelyn Guidaben (female)
47.  Jones Mortega
48.  Julius Buelos
49.  George Javier
50.  Nicolas De Leon, Jr.
51.  Gunner Zerna
52.  Jan Michael Flores
53.  Niko De Luna
54.  Windell Patagoc
55.  Romy Doctolero
56.  Christian Pabatao
57.  Armand Belen
58.  Ronald Tagsuan
59.  Arman Garcia
60.  Joel Sison
61.  Francis Gopez
62.  Billy Tuvera
63.  Jayson Canete
64.  Migo Limos
65.  Calvin Escandor
66.  Roland Wangwang
67.  Ariel Aquino
68.  Andrew Aquino
69.  Dexter Cruz
70.  Lady Dianne Palogan
71.  Marc Conrad Molina
72.  Michael Lafuente
73.  Jackie Gutierrez (female)
74.  Koi Grey
75.  Orland Beltran
76.  Elvin Pastorfide
77.  Delmo Sullano
78.  Jinky Medes (female)
79.  Willie Dagdagan
80.  Lester Chuayap
81.  Paul Magajes
82.  Mar Marilag
83.  Cesar Abarientos
84.  Juanito Caballero
85.  Jerry Guiao
86.  Mark Anthony Tibo-oc
87.  Bong Ortaliz
88.  Fidelito Anastacio
89.  Jonathan Moleta 
90.  Yammie Vicera
91.  Beda Abugan, Jr.
92.  Diorella Cerujano (female)
93.  Allan Tauyan
94.  Danilo Varias, Jr.
95.  Allan Ordaniel
96.  Alex Yap
97.  Benj Termulo
98.  Damien Vannier (France)
99.  Allan Sabado
100.         Jerome Bautista
101.          Angelo Mercado
102.          Anthony Rodica
103.          Joseph Sibal
104.          Roy Garcia
105.          Roberto Hernandez, Jr.
106.          Daphne Codilla (female)
107.          Robert Watson (USA)
108.          Eduardo Anonuevo
109.     Elmer Caballes
110.     Jayne Soleil Navarro-Bulaon (female)
111.     Manny Ocampo
112.     Jexter Punsalan
113.     Matet Dorin (female)
114.     Rollie Dela Cruz
115.     Dennis Uy
116.     Alvin Remo
117.       Raschid Lee Apostol
118.       Din Cordero
119.       Isko "terminator" Lapira
 

TOTAL = 119


OFFICIAL LIST OF CM22K

1.      Doodsie Mallari (female)
2.      Carly Dizon  (female)
3.      Dennis Cumal
4.      Vladimir Hernandez
5.      Patrick Ang
6.      Francis Cadiao
7.      Ed Co
8.      Joselito San Diego
9.      Naz Suba
10.  Melody Torno (female)
11.  Hermie Saludes
12.  Rona Saludes (female)
13.  Richelle Perez (female)
14.  Arzen Cayetano (female)
15.  Philippides Cayetano
16.  Jonard Gamboa
17.  Kristine Joy Cerame (female)
18.  Maris de Castro (female)
19.  Joan Mojdeh (female)
20.  Jonard Gamboa
21.  Jeffrey Siazon
22.  Paul Ian Japay
23.  Ian Mabilangan
24.  Madison Trinidad
25.  Eric Aguilar
26.  Iris Torculas (female)
27.  Sandi Abahan
28.  Joseph Odhuno
29.  Dexter Tubang
30.  Rizal-Boy Ortega
31.  Randy Bierso
32.  Ronalyn Linatoc (female)
33.  Rochelle Sumagang (female)
34.  Merwin Torres
35.  Ruben Herrera, Jr. 
36.  Mohammad Mojdeh
37.  Gary Basilio
38.  Jason Rex Cuaton
39.  Louie Llao
40.  Alvinne Pamintuan (female)
41. Jinky Karlene Sebastian (female)
42. Michael Pagnas
43. Ryan Yusi
44. Shara Arenillo (female)
45. Julie Ann Velasquez (female)
46. Michelle Galangin (female)
47. Marife Dacanay (female)
48. Ernesto Zapanta, Jr.
49. Rommel Canlas

TOTAL = 49

OFFICIAL CM42 RUNNERS

TNF100 , MT. MATUTUM, PEAKING FOR WS100

$
0
0

Whew, I finally had the time!

TNF100

This was the 5th edition of TNF100 here in the Philippines. The first one was in 2008 in Batangas which was my first 100K. That 2008 race was hard and painful for me but I was hooked since then :) I ran all editions except the CamSur in 2011. The race last April highlighted for me the importance and significance of proper tapering. I did not do that because I considered the 2012 edition as a training run for WS100. Coming into the race, my legs were tired and the strength was not 100%. So my wish to come under 18 hours (established in 2010 also in Baguio but different route) to best my previous time was unwarranted. Ultrarunning is really a learning process notwithstanding you have been at it for years.  

So the expectations or improvements in all facets of the race for the 2012 edition were high and for obvious reasons. This was the most competitive and star-studded edition given the fact that no less than Iker Carrera and Julia Bottger of Salomon Team showed up and topped the race albeit their respective time was below their usual standards. Race results here:   

http://www.thrillofthetrail.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/TNF-100-2012-100k-Overall.pdf

With 55 finishers out of 200 who signed up speaks volume on how hard this race was. The heat primarily is the culprit. It could be 34C way up in the mountain during the daytime. There were some exposed parts which made the conditions very hard for the runners especially the 12K or so downhill route to Kenon Road. That was one hot and exposed road (yes, mostly concrete) mixed with loose rocks. Very hard to run.

When we got to Kennon Road (KM50) to pick up and access our drop bags, we noticed they were hot. Meaning, the bags seemed to have been left to fry under the sun which was obviously a mistake. All our solid fuels which were sensitive to heat turned into squidgy, slimy substance and our fluids, tepid. Imagine a lukewarm bottle of Pocari or Gatorade to greet you after running for several hours in extreme heat. It ain't fun. One runner even quipped that it was "lame" to cross the hanging bridge just to drink some cold water after accessing the drop bags. It was only reasonable to expect from the race organizer to put everything the runners needed in one place or station. Also, the aid stations have not improved a bit in terms of the fluid and fuel they offered. There is a  simple reason why they call it 'AID' stations. They are meant to AID runners from station to station. Offering measly bananas and kamotes as fuel was, to put it mildly, wanting. One can argue that I don't have to right to speak up since I got a free entry into the race. Well, somebody has to do it and besides, I mean well. How can they learn?             

On the bright side of things, the location of the Start/Finish line is nice. The quality of the race shirt is superb!  Even the material and design. Really at par or even better than what other international races offer. So it is a shirt I can proudly wear ... anywhere. Another good news is that this race earned a massive 3 points for UTMB (starting in 2013, 7 qualifying points are required instead of 5). Wow!




MT. MATUTUM

Two weeks after TNF100, I got the chance to climb Mt. Matutum down south. I have now this habit of always searching for a place to run whenever I get the chance to travel. The idea of Mt. Matutum came from Joe Matias of ARC through Facebook. So when my wife said that I could hitch on her trip to General Santos City (tuna capital of the Philippines) which I had not visited yet then, I had to know where I could run some trail.

At 5AM of 6 May 2012, I was in a cab (on special arrangement) heading to the mountain. From the highway, it is still more or less 8-9km on a single motorbike. The way is a dirt road and hilly. It passes through the biggest pineapple plantation I have ever seen. I was told it belongs to Del Monte ... no wonder. After registration at the DENR/Barangay station, I headed out together with the guide for hire. For backpack, he was just carrying a improvised bag made of "sako". Amazing. Details on Mt. Matutum:


MT. MATUTUM
Tupi, South Cotabato
Major jump-off: Sito Glandang, Brgy. Kablon, Tupi
LLA: 6°22'N, 125°06.5'E, 2293 MASL Days required / hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-6 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2008/01/mt-matutum-2293.html)

Honestly, I was not really so keen on visiting the place. I just needed some training and figured this was the best place to do so. As it turned out, one of the best runs I have had mostly on account of my guide. He said this was the fastest climb he did after years of being a guide. We reached the summit in 2hours and 20 mins and finished in 4 hours and 18 mins (16 minutes at the peak ... more than necessary really) and broke his shoe from running (picture below). So he was one foot bare during the last 1-2 kilometers Too bad it was too foggy at the top to see the entire landscape. What I dislike about the climb was leeches. Small but terrible. However, the town folks seemed used to seeing climbers from out of town.   The town exudes a certain serenity like Kayapa. Anyway, so one can imagine how nice it was to devour some tuna after the climb in GenSan. Yum!



Phase/Camp 1. Guide was eating.

The guide said I could see Mt. Apo from here. Nada. Too foggy.


In 4:18. Sorry, your shoe gave in.

PEAKING FOR WS100

WS100 is around the corner and most likely, all of the 417 runners selected to run the 39th Annual Run of Western States on 23-24 June 2012 are peaking now in their training. Last week, I was feeling good to cap off my training week at 100k - 70% or so on trail and the remaining percent on hilly road with  speed workouts thrown in here and there. The highlight of the week was the weekend back to back of around 40K at Miyamit and double climb at Mt. Arayat. 

MIYAMIT

Don and I managed to start at 3:30 in the morning for the Miyamit run minus the falls last Saturday. From the junction leading to the falls and the peak, the trail was covered with overgrown grasses that mutilated our bare legs. It was a mistake on our part not to have anticipated it and to quite figure out with accuracy the fluid needed for the run. The view was still beautiful though. We met some 40 or so climbers along the way heading to Pinatubo. One of their guides was the same Aeta who helped us to clear the trail for CM50. Now that Jerry Guiao is not around, I can ask him to show me the trail to reach  Mt. Pinatubo to make CM50 a 100K or so race :) The 2nd edition of CM50 is set on 25 November 2012, Sunday. 

Don at the peak (find him)

Our lousy way to protect our legs from scratches.
For CM50, the trail will be cleared. 10K to the peak is not that long.


One of the views I missed.

From Crow Creek to the falls, most of the dirt road have been widened like this.

MT. ARAYAT

Simon and I had done the double climbs before at Mt. Arayat in preparation for UTMB. Last Sunday was different though. Despite the Miyamit run the day before, my legs were fresh and I strangely had more energy for these climbs. The trail was dry but not slippery. The mountain seemed "relaxing" and "inviting". Also, it seems we have managed to establish what could be the fastest climb so far.  First peak in 1 hour and 20 mins and 1st round at 2:26. Of course, these times are far from world-class time. So please bear with us as this is just part of our amusement :) We enjoy running after all. Details here: 

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/177584188

Summary

Distance: 11.40 mi
Time: 5:04:24
Avg Pace: 26:49 min/mi
Elevation Gain: 8,268 ft
Calories: 762 C

Time: 5:04:24
Moving Time: 3:31:45
Elapsed Time: 5:04:31
Avg Pace: 26:49 min/mi
Avg Moving Pace: 18:34 min/mi
Best Pace: 6:17 min/mi

Elevation
Elevation Gain:8,268 ft
Elevation Loss:8,251 ft
MinElevation:358 ft
MaxElevation:3,301 ft

We could have made it in sub 5 hours but the detour to "white rock" (lower elevation peak) cost us those extra minutes. Anyway, next time. It was a blast running downhills. What an exhilarating feeling! Simon is training for TNF50 in Washington DC on 02 June 2012 and UTMB on August. Pictures below:

Round 1 at the peak with Simon

Climbers at the white rock

Simon at white rock (which is not white)

Group of French climbers in the background. 


Any attempt to break 1:20 (peak) or total 2:26 should start at this mark/area.

Cheers,
Jon (excited for WS100 as things are coming into play :)

   








OFFICIAL LIST OF CM42 FINISHERS

LIST OF CM50 RUNNERS

$
0
0



 
  
 



50 MILES


FOREIGN RUNNERS


1.    Kawaguchi Ryuta (JPN)

2.    Robert Watson (AUS)

3.    Naoya Hayashi (JPN)

4.    Koji Beppu (JPN)

5.    Hideo Sugawara (JPN)

6.    Kaneshige Masaya (JPN)

7.    Kelly Lim (SGN) (F)

8.    Razif Yahya (MYS)

9.    Victor Lim (MYS)

10.Naomi Fujimaki (JPN) (F)

11.Hiroyuki Matsuda (JPN)

12.Hidenori Kotake (JPN)

13.Sai Nay Lynn (MM)

14.Washizu Masahiro (JPN)



50 MILES

PHILIPPINE RUNNERS


1.            Marcos Lontoc

2.            Jonel Mendoza

3.            James Tellias

4.            Manuel Roa Rayco

5.            Willie Jan Ramos Altarejos

6.            Ronnel Go

7.            Jomari Artagame Gatia

8.            Alain Cuchas Llaguno

9.            Cheryl Bihag (F)

10.         Romeo Cordova III

11.         Dennis Uy

12.         Dennis Lopez

13.         Jerome Lagumbay

14.         Joey Divino

15.         Johnny I. Salinas

16.         Majo Liao (F)

17.         Jonathan C. Moleta

18.         Daisy Merca (F)

19.         Anthony Rodica

20.         Robert Quiazon

21.         Julius Bay-An

22.         Simon Miranda

23.         Mac Azanes

24.         Mannie Dela Serna

25.         Xerxis Tan

26.         Rey Christopher Ali

27.         Jon Borbon

28.         Randy Miranda

29.         Romulo Doctolero

30.         Rienzi Del Rosario

31.         Carlos Dayrit

32.         Rodelyn Guidaben (F)

33.         Venn Lamela

34.         Ralph Angelo Real

35.         George Javier

36.         Mandreza Lyra Valles (F)

37.         Jhonley Ballesteros

38.         Angelo Legaspi

39.         Aldean Philipp Lim

40.         Uls Buellos

41.         Rey Jimenez

42.         Juanito Caballero

43.         Jerome Bautista

44.         Orland Danis Beltran

45.         Arnold Eming

46.         Michael Dauz

47.         Alfred Delos Reyes

48.         Harold Lorete

49.         Jinkee Guerrero (F)

50.         Charm Bartolay (F)

51.         Edwin Lopez

52.         Michael Francis Guanlao

53.         Shiela Hinaut (F)

54.         Bong Alindada

55.         Lionel Orticio

56.         Kenneth Sarabia

57.         Almelito Casas

58.         Roland Wangwang

59.         Warren Causing

60.         Emmanuel Faminialagao

61.         CJ Paran

62.         Edmund Cura

63.         Jovie Narcise

64.         Danin Arenzana

65.         Ariel Aquino

66.         Andrew Aquino

67.         James Roldan

68.         Roy Garcia

69.         Danilo Macairap

70.         Marc Conrad Molina

71.         Allan Gregor Bulos

72.         Ryan Sison

73.         Steve Paul Dumlao

74.         Pen Nepomuceno (F)

75.         Levi Nayahangan

76.         Michael Lafuente

77.         Benj Termulo

78.         Arnold Banaay

79.         Yammie Vicera

80.         Kevin Jauod

81.         Harold Manalo

82.         Edwin Fernandez

83.         Philippe Arenillo

84.         Mark Bryan Grey

85.         Raffy Gabotero

86.         Eric John Luna

87.         Roy Salingay

88.         Jinky Garcia

89.         Gerzon Patriana

90.         Elmer Caballes

91.         Jeyson De Ocampo

92.         Mark Anthony Tibo-oc

93.         Andro Garcia

94.         Earl Warren Navor

95.         Christian Albert Pabatao

96.         Ed Yonzon

97.         Eric Aguilar

98.         Clyde Imperio

99.         Simon Sandoval

100.      Jael Wenceslao

101.      Yob Red

102.      Daphne Codilla (F)

103.      Christian Oting

104.      Benedict Meneses

105.      Joel Sison

106.      Priscila Hernandez (F)

107.      Noel Hernandez

108.      May Santos (F)

109.      Dan Sayap

110.      Rollie Dela Cruz


111.      Reylynne Dela Paz (F)

112.      Graciano Santos



60K

FOREIGN RUNNERS


1.            Mitsuko Ishikawa (JPN) (F)

2.            Neo Lay Peng (SGN) (F)

3.            Grace Lau (SGN) (F)

4.            Yasunari Maruno (JPN)

5.            Leong Mai Haun (SGP) (F)


60K

PHILIPPINES RUNNERS


1.            Carly Dizon (F)

2.            Bernard Enriquez

3.            Mark John Buenconsejo

4.            Rose Buenconsejo (F)

5.            Jinky Yray (F)

6.            Brian Tan Seng

7.            Darwin Pagayon

8.            Dennis Matias

9.            Dennis Pagayon

10.         Voltron Visda

11.         Armando De las Alas

12.         Celso Callo

13.         Florencio Siy

14.         Alex Yap

15.         Doodsie Mallari (F)

16.         Daisy Visperas (F)

17.         Ted Nephi Alconcel

18.         Bernard Go

19.         Angelo Glenn Mercado

20.         Dhannie Tan

21.         Joy Ali (F)

22.         Ted Mallen

23.         Alwyn Sy

24.         Patrick Niles Peig

25.         George Ged-Ang Jr.

26.         Nick Pasiken

27.         Armando Fabella, Jr.

28.         Kathleen Ann Christia Udaundo (F)

29.         Karl Vladimir Callo

30.         Myla Go (F)

31.         Wilnar Iglesia

32.         Arnel Timbreza

33.         Erwhin Balingit

34.         Honeybee Carmona (F)

35.         Andrew Arellano

36.         Javy Olives

37.         Erwin Claver

38.         Marvin Restor

39.         Lendl Reyes

40.         Ronald Tagsuan

41.         Jose Miguel Limos

42.         Jay Lamela

43.         Engelbert Guinto

44.         Bong Ortaliz

45.         Dexter Cruz

46.         Lady Dianne Palogan (F)

47.         Reyman Delos Angeles

48.         Mark Fer Castillo

49.         Jonard Aries Gamboa

50.         Alexander Leuterio

51.         Dexter Tubang

52.         Randy Bierso

53.         Gay Baniwas (F)

54.         Tom Baniwas

55.         Edwin Zoleta

56.         Ronald Marquez

57.         Aris Suaverdez

58.         Nerissa Jane Golondrina (F)

59.         Windell Patagoc

60.         Fineza Garcia (F)

61.         Benedict Ngo

62.         Juvy Pagtalunan (F)

63.         Rashel M. Pena (F)

64.         Jay Baclay

65.         Soleil Navarro-Bulaon (F)

66.         Joeffrey Pagaduan

67.         Jovencio Luspian

68.         Niko de Luna

69.         Jinky Medes (F)

70.         Willie Dagdagan

71.         Cleodelia Armendez (F)

72.         Emmanuel Leo Lim

73.         Gerald Belbes

74.         Maria Guia Roja Cabrera (F)

75.         Lester Jerome Chuayap

76.         Ellen Grace Cristobal (F)

77.         Calvin John Escandor

78.         JonLas Bruce

79.     Vener Roldan



Viewing all 121 articles
Browse latest View live