What Will You Do?
Before I start playing schemes and plans, I’d like to ask you all.
If you were to run the WEST COAST 200K event, what will you do?
It’s a multi-day event with 70K on the 1st day, 70K on the 2nd day, and a 60K on the night of the 3rd day.
- Pacing?
- Support?
- Rest?
- Preparation?
- Other Important Matters.
Opening up an idea. It’s something worth thinking a lot about. 
It’s no joke and it’s not that easy. I am training for it now.
Leave comments, friends!
For Your Own Sake
This is a special blog for my BDM aspiring friends – they, who will be running the classic race for the first time…
You have seen me do it. Once, if not twice. I would usually say that 102 is easy – for it is!
IF:
- You prepared well.
- You wanted it so much.
- You dream dreams about it and you get unlimited jitters about it.
Here’s the how:
- Run long, and run a consistent run. Make time for a regular training routine keeping in mind that the most important run of the week is the very long run. Yes, it should be very long. SHOULD – not MUST. By LONG we mean more than a 42K and about as much as 80 kilometers in one run/walk. Yes, there’s no shame in walking if you can clock a good 6 kph. Take it from me because I am already giving it to you now. Of course, you can always refuse. I have no problem with that.
- Want it. Focus on the target. That caged-icon-of-white-huge-thumb-tacks. Never take your eyes on that. Yearn to see it. Keep moving forward and minimize stops and rest unless you feel some urgent un-ignorable pain. Do not copy my negative split style of running-til-my-lungs-burst in the last closing minutes of the race. Missing the 18:00:00:00 is not an option. You should be hugging the Race Director before the clock ticks at that.
- Consider it a challenge when you dream about the race. Why? Because it’s inside you and you must let it out. Jitters are normal. Sleepless nights are normal. Lack of appetite is normal. Missing the race is NOT. DNS is NOT.
We have more than 6 months from this date to the race day. That’s ample time for anyone up to the challenge. Check your list. See if you have the following in your bag:
- long run under the heat
- open schedule for training – running long
- lots of perseverance and patience
- cash for the registration
- cash for the crew and crew needs + yours
- faith in God
All else not in here, PM me. Let’s discuss. You know that I want to see you finish on time.
Cheers!
All By God’s Grace
There’s just so much to be thankful for in this race. So much has happened. Let me go back to a few days before event day.
FRIDAY, 24th of August 2012
- worked 8am to 5pm
- went home and tried to take a nap but failed
- passed 12 midnight, we are already in the venue for the weekly Intercessory night.
SATURDAY, 25th of August 2012
- by 3am, the service is already done.
- we just waited until about 4:30am before we left the place
- I go directly to work. Duty is @ 6am.
- Past 12noon, I was able to leave early to go home.
- Tried my best to take a nap. Barely able to.
- 5:10pm I am already @ a jeepney to Guadalupe MRT Station. Travel time took forever.
- around 6:37pm, I was able to take a ride to North Ave Station. So many people. So much pushing.
- Past 7pm, about 20 minutes more, I tried to locate the group
- 8:37pm, we were already enjoying a rice meal at KFC NLEX.
- Past 9pm, we are again moving to the race venue.
- Traffic everywhere. We reached Fort Magsaysay @ past 12 midnight.
SUNDAY, 26th of August 2012
- around 1am, I prepared everything I will carry.
- @3:10am, Thanks to AARON for waking me up.
- @3:57am – the race started.
I recorded my run via RUNTASTIC. The km-split from 1 to 61 is a sight to behold. See the details below transfered to an excel file:
Simply put, the race went from a good up-down hill pace to a fast walk on flats and jog until the finish line.
God’s loving kindness flowed thru the following people, who provided for a lot of things any self-supporting runner would need:
- Team USB – Michael Santos, Lawrence Arvin Tomas, Heidi Garcia, Ressie Mallari, Zarina Segundo, and Arvin David Quilloy
- Team Intensity – Kharl Ocampo
- Doc Minnie’s Support – Miko Sabado, Marjee Guysayko and Vann Denn Cruz
- Team Boring – Juvy Pagtalunan
- Sir Jovie Narcise
There wasn’t much problem at all. No blisters. No cramps, except for that one twitch at the last turn to the finish line. I was perfectly fine after. The mix of the sun and rain is tolerable enough for a humid place.
One thing most notable though – the majestic view of the mountains!
All praise, and thanksgiving to God Almighty!
Snapshots below:
pormang takbo (pero walk yan) tiger look pa!
I stopped to take a picture of this too…
resting
with TJ along the route
Finish Line
with Team Boring DAPHNE, JUVY, and me + Bob
on the way home 1
on the way home 2
jump!
Dinner @ Chic-boy. Bless you, Joseph Sibal!
results from BaldRunner’s site
Racing Plan: FM2D 60K
Time to Beat: 10 hours 27 minutes 08 seconds.
the route is the same as last time
WHAT SHOULD ANYONE EXPECT:
- long roads
- long ascending roads
- long flat, and ascending roads
- long flat, ascending, and descending roads
- long greeneries on the side + heat of the sun
- heat of the sun is somewhat extreme – unless it rains
the elevation + my rests
Imagine yourself as an expectator from afar. You are merely viewing the horizon while some minute creatures move along…:)
As you can see, there will be about 2 (two) 2 miles ++ highly elevated road. It’s where everybody walks. Well, almost all. I did. I do!
I really cannot recall exact marker locations of the sari sari stores – but I’d like to find out now – since I will be running this one on self-support.
I have mapped my plan. Comfortable pacing until rest markers. Fast walk up, fast run down. Rest when I must, run when I can. Jog If I have to, and conserve as much as I can. It’s a long race. I have 50K to warm up for the 10K race.
I’m sure the Lord will provide.
I’m certain He will not forsake me.
I’d just keep on moving forward and hope, by God’s grace, to make it in the finish line before the cut-off time, if not beat my old time.
May the Lord be glorified!
To God be the glory!
Battery Test
I really think so…
That this coming Sunday’s BIG event wiil be a battery test for me. For some good reason:
- Last long ultra was April of 2012 – The Mayon 360 50-miler.
- Longest run before this event is a 36 kilometer – @ the last week of June 2012.
- I’d be running on SELF-SUPPORT.
I’d be commuting going to the event site.Thanks to Mr. Joseph Sibal!- Worst case : I’d be commuting going back to home too.
Given everything, I’d have to put my faith to test again.
- Complete trust in God, the Almighty One.
The test of will power is something I can handle. Even the endurance part – something I will squeeze out of muscle memory.
The most challenging part is the run itself. (Duh!)
I intend to run a 42K first, with minimal rest – then leave my fate to God for the remaining 18 kilometers. Funny as it may seem, it is a calculated run. I cannot risk going over my pace. That would cause me painful cramps. I cannot also risk going too slow – the last part is the hardest.
Last time I was there was on the 16th of July 2011. I clocked @ 10 hours 27 minutes and 8 seconds. Cut-off is 11 hours. I hope and pray to God that I be able to finish within cut-off.
May the Lord’s guidance, protection and blessing be upon me in this race.
May God be glorified!
Amen.
FEATURED ULTRARUNNER #10
JANUS AJUSTO
Just run
People ask why I run, I say..
“If you have to ask, you will never understand”. It is something only those select few know. Those who put themselves through pain, but deep down I know how it feels..”
MY VERY FIRST RACE:
TNF 21 KM Trail run July 25-26 2008
REASON WHY I DO ULTRA RACES :
Running is good for you. Running a lot must be very good for you. It is fun, except for when its not, then it becomes fun when you’re done. You have to dig deep to get it done, but you’re still showered and in bed by midnight, you lie there and contemplate what amazing thing you’ve just accomplished.
At some point, I knew that I’d ask myself why on earth was I trying to run that far – I mean the ultramarathon. I wanted to have an answer—a good enough reason that would keep me going long enough to find out what it was like to complete this kind of run. Believing I was ready to try, and feeling excited about the challenge, had been my main rationale to register for some events. And kidding aside, you can be an expert at removing calluses, blister prevention etc. Camaraderie…you will not find any other events out there where everyone is rallied around such a common purpose and will celebrate your success with the most genuine way even though you just beat them or vice versa. Ultra runners are the amazing athletes but even better people…There you have it. My list of reasons to run an ultra. I guess that means I enjoyed the experience immensely and will be trying another at the next logical opportunity.
Dedicate yourself to the journey because, honestly, it’s about the whole process—not just the race itself!”
Running Statistics – Marathon vs Ultra: 0 -13
MARATHON:
I don’t have any marathons yet but I hope I can do one this year ( wanted pacer )
ULTRA RACES
- TNF 100KM Sacobia
- TNF 100KM Cam Sur
- 1st Valley Trail 50KM
- Fort Magsaysay 60KM
- Western Pangasinan 65KM
- Rock and Clouds 50KM
- 2nd T2N 50KM
- Davao Century 100KM relay
- Fat Ass 36 Hrs
- BDM 102KM
- Tanay 50KM
- KOTM 60KM
- 2nd Valley Trail 50KM
Marathon : still no idea and wish I can do one this year.
Ultramarathon : longer running time/ training. For me it was fun to run an ultra.I have learned a lot of things and I am still learning this craft. The combination of varied terrains, distances and challenges has made ultramarathons one of the most attractive disciplines of athletics. A good reason of ultramarathons is because in ultras you have to think about more than just splits and ticking off miles at a certain pace. I think it reconnects you with running in a way that marathoning doesn’t. Training for and racing ultramarathons also connects you with a new group of friends. Most folks who have crossed over from subultradistance road racing have found a tight-knit but welcoming community. Ultrarunners are often eager to share the trail with anyone dipping his or her toe into the ultra world. Running an ultra also provides a great break from competitive pressures, while still giving you a goal to shoot for. I may not be a strong and fast runner but we run Intense and “We Run to Live”. ( Team Intensity ).
MOST MEMORABLE RACE
With the RD
2012 BDM 102 KM
Very thankful to my co- Team Intensity for the support, and my beloved family esp. my ultra supportive wife Malou.
Heaven!
Bliss!
TEAM AFFILIATION
Team Intensity
I have never met nor featured anyone like this guy. He is a hardcore ultrarunner. Why? Because HE has NONE – not one – MARATHON (yes, 42.195K) at all! He is one of a kind! Well, it’s for me to find out if there’s anyone else in the ultra community who has not done a marathon like Jeje.
He definitely practice and enjoy camaraderie…and the ultra-caring spirit of giving out support. He saved my dry throat twice already:
ONCE in 2nd PAU Tanay, a 50K hard rolling road
…and again, last 2nd Nuvali Trail Challenge, a 51K wet muddy trail. I have already quit – walking my way to finding the next road from the inside trails when Jeje came, and gave me water. Bless him!
You may have never heard of the guy but that’s simply because he is another humble hardcore ultrarunner.
One of Team Intensity’s pride, Jeje is all about perseverance and patience. If it’s passion for the sport you are looking at, here’s one to look up to.
A salute to a great guy!
Lots to Consider
Heard about the ARC Grand Slam event?
It’s a dream event for hardcore ultrarunners. Not that I consider myself as ONE, but that it’s an amazing feat worth the effort of, well, pondering about.
There’s just so much to consider about it.
- The Registration Fee. It’s the biggest consideration so far for me.
- The Body’s readiness for the multi-100 miler and the recovery for it. It’s really something that requires a lot of thought. Can anybody be able to recover that fast enough to be ready for the next in a span of how many days?
- The willing crew. Someone up to the challenge too.
Quoted from Jonel Mendoza:
ARC Slam. Nov 17- hardcore hundred miles cebu(road), december 15-taklang damulag 100 miles(trail), january 26-bataan death march 160(road) and february 23-hardcore hundred miles(trail). through the generous support of Joe Matias of A Runner’s Circle, the ARC Slam award will be given to any runner who officially finishes the 4 events in succession and whose name will be forever enshrined in arc’s wall of pinoy ultra fame. this is the only grand slam series this side of the ultra world. good luck all!
A closer look at the the event would be something like this.
- Hardcore 100-miles CEBU. A road race. But people from Manila will have to fly to Cebu first. Get some rest on a cheap motel, and hopefully get a support from there. Hmmm. This is November 17, 2012.
- Taklang Damulag 100-miles. A trail. And a hard one. Last year only 1 person finished this within the cut-off. Yes, it’s that hard. This is December 15, 2012 – a good 26 days after the Hardcore Cebu.
- Bataan Death March 160K. A road race. This is already easy to consider since I have done this twice. I already have the edge of experience. But the question is IF and ONLY IF, I could recover well and good after TD 100. This is January 26, 2013 – a good 41 days from TD 100.
- H1. Hardcore Hundred Miles. A trail. A new route. First of it’s kind up north. May be a familiar route to the KOTM participants, but new to me. This is February 23, 2012 – 26 days after BDM 160.
After my 2nd BDM 160K last January 28, 2012, I was able to run a 50K on March 25, and an 80K on April 21, 2012.
I think the ones who will go for this amazing slam will be the real strong ones.
We’ll see in the near future.
Motivations of a Finisher
2010
2nd BDM 102
2011
1st BDM 160
2012
2nd BDM 160
2013?
SOON!
FEATURED ULTRARUNNER #8
JEROME ESTRADA JAMILI
My very first race:
It was a kidney awareness run held at UP Diliman, I registered for a 5km distance with my buddy, I do remember the feeling up to now hahaha the gunstart was at 5:30am but we we’re there around 2am, aren’t we excited?
My Best time in a marathon:
5hrs08mins @ The Condura Skyway Marathon, Feb 5, 2012
Jerome in action
Running Statistics – Marathon vs Ultra: 4 – 7
Marathon:
- Condura Skyway Marathon February 2011
- Milo Marathon July 2011
- Quezon City International Marathon December 2011
- Condura Skyway Marathon February 2012
Ultramarathon:
- Front Runners Nuvali Trail Challenge 57km June 2011
- Fort Magsaysay Nueva Ecija – Dingalan Aurora (PAU)60km July 2011
- Western Pangasinan C2S (PAU) 65km August 2011
- Tagaytay – Nasugbu ( PAU ) 50km September 2011
- Mayon 360 International Ultramarathon 80km April 2012
- Tagaytay – Nasugbu ( PAU ) 50km May 2012
- Front Runners Nuvali International Trail Challenge 51km July 2012
Fort Magsaysay
Western Pangasinan
Tagaytay – Nasugbu
The reason why I run:
Basically for losing weight. I never thought that running as a sport will lead me to the World of Marathons as well as Ultra Marathons. It started when I was bullied because i gained a lot of weight. I am actually a victim of BULLYING
In your opinion, what’s the big difference between Marathon and a 50K ultra in terms of Preparation and Actual Racing?
Training :
Joining races as well as LSD’s for my Ultra, loading of multivitamins for body resistance.
Strategy :
When to run, when to walk and when to stop, i do always maximized my time especially when i race for an Ultra, though, it’s the same strategy when running a marathon but i normally strategize my races in an Ultra. Thanks God i able to beat the time within cut-off
On Race Day :
I would make it sure that i have rested properly, eat alot and as much as possible tried to apply my trainings. Running on a marathon is quiet different than running an Ultra. In marathon runners are more pampered, every 1.5km has a hydration stations, you have not to worry with the traffic since roads are closed, you have just to race against each runners. In Ultra, you have to be cautious since roads are open, no marshalls and no hydration stations in most races, your only source of strength are your support crews, crews from different runners, sari sari stores that sells drinks, and of course GOD for we know that without him we’re nothing. Ultra runners are more patient and accommodating. We, ultra runners cheer for each other
What is your most memorable race, and why?
Every races i joined are memorable to me, whether its a short distance or long distance, whether i registered a new personal record or not because i know i gave my heart on it, but the Nuvali International Trail Challenge topped it all,i almost quit after the first loop of the race, due to lack of sleep, the muddy trail and the humidity. When i toed at the starting line i was 26hrs awake due to prior commitment. I remember some instances in the trail that i walked dead, i was very sleepy at that time, so i always grabbed an ice and put it on my head to bring back my senses and try to keep on moving and moving. I reached the finish line at 8hrs and 55mins, what an awesome finish for a sleepy head
5 Most recent races:
Nuvali International Trail Challenge 51km July 2012
Run United 2 10km June 2012
T2N PAU Races 50km May 2012
Mayon 360 International Ultramarathon 80km April 2012
Condura Skyway Marathon February 2012
Team Affiliation/(s):
Team Breathe Hope
Team MOA #in 1 of ANR Session
Team MOA #one of the originals
I’ve known Jerome for quite some time now.
From ANR MOA (Jerome, Yours truly, Master Cindy)
Slight Scrumble with the MOA Boys and little FAST Cute Lady
Pacer during my 1st BDM 160K Ultramarathon 2011
Simple celebration @ the last 5K to the Finish Line. #1st BDM 160K
Breakfast @ McArthur Highway, in Dau, Mabalacat Pampanga
A friend of Team Boring
member of a trio
Supporter of Team Boring @ 2nd BDM 160K 2012
Duet with Trio member Featured Ultrarunner #2
One of the few humble friends I have, and thankful for.
A salute to a great guy!
FEATURED ULTRARUNNER #3
JAPHET ANDREW A. GRANDE
My very first race:
Century Tuna Superbods 2010 3k.. i never cared about the race kaya uminom pako before the race day. LOL
My Best time in a marathon:
4:50:31- 35th milo marathon eliminations. 2weeks after my first ultra ( PAU fort Magsaysay 60k).my main target is to get a sub-5 time and recovering from my first ultramarathon with a time of 5:45:XX. Very satisfied to reach my target and to also get a personal record.
Running Statistics – Marathon vs Ultra:
Marathons: (3)
- Condura 2011
- Condura 2012, Milo 2011
Ultra: (5)
- PAU Fort Magsaysay 60k
- PAU Tagaytay-Nasugbu 50k 2011
- PAU Tagaytay-Nasugbu 50k 2012
- PAU Tanay 50k
- 4th Bataan Death March 102k
@ Tanay 50K Ultramarathon with the ever supportive girlfriend Isha Chua.
The reason why I run:
Main reason why I run because I want to get rid of my vices. Masyado nakong alcoholic and i got into smoking na. So I started “jogging” every morning even in the afternoon. After a run, nawawala stress ko. Nagsimula nakong mag-addict sa pagtakbo nun. I run after classes na naging resulta ng matinding pagkapayat ko! Haha. After a few months, madami nakong nakilalang bagong kaibigan. Naging isa din itong dahilan kung bakit ako nahumaling sa pagtakbo, dumami ang aking kaibigan. Mga kaibigan na nakakasama ko ilang kilometro at ilang oras na pagtakbo. At syempre lalong napadalas ang aking pagtakbo kasama sila kaya halos araw-araw ay tumatakbo na nga ako.
Fit and Ready to Race
In your opinion, what’s the big difference between Marathon and a 50K ultra in terms of Preparation and Actual Racing?
nung newbie ako sa running, sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na “grabe 42k?? 10k pa nga lang mamatay nako” kaya 1 year ako nag train. 1 year of running and racing before ako mag full marathon. More on speed training ako on my marathon. Magsisingit ng longruns kapag may time or may magyayang running friends ng LSD. Umaasa lang ako sa LSD with friends kasi tinatamad ako maglongrun mag isa. LOL . Kapag marathon kasi for me, madami pang mga nag rarace jan kahit malayo pero sa 50km ultra naman, yung iba minamaximize yung cut-off pero may iba naman na kumakarera!. Pareho lang ang training ko for a marathon and 50km ultra. Pero yung 8kms na additional ay grabe. Jan mo malalaman kung nakapag train ka ng ma ayos . Basta alam mong nag training ka for a race, confident ka na you will finish strong! Sa training pa lang wasakin mo na sarili mo para sa race day hindi na masyadong wasak! Ang motto ko lang sa mga ultra ko ay “start slow and you will finish fast!”
New Year Run DASMA to TAGAYTAY.
What is your most memorable race, and why?
pangarap halos ng bawat runner na makatapos sa BDM102. Naimbitihan nga akong tumakbo sa 4th Bataan Death March 102k! una kong pinroblema dito ay yung training. Kinukumpleto ko din kasi ang requirements ko for being a seafarer. Very low mileage talaga ako. Dumating na nga ang race day at dito nasukat ang tibay ng paa ko! Im expecting the worst pero yung worst pala na yun blisters over blisters, dead toenails, bloody chaffing sa singit at kili-kili at sobrang wasak na legs. Masakit na talaga legs ko nun.. Totoong death march nga. Dito din kame nakapag bonding at nagmurahan ni chaps ng todo and in the end, official finishers na nga kame. dito Truly a dream come true..
Most recent races:
- Condura 2012 42k
- 4th bataan death march 102k
- Tanay 50k Tagaytay-nasugbu
- 50k Epic relay 250( 10persons/250kms)
Team Affiliation:
Team MOA
Team Boring
I have known Japhet for quite some time now. He is one intense runner. Some of the rare species who would give it a go and really push…what more can I say? Let the pictures speak on it’s own.
KOTR Race
Greentenial Race
1st Encounter @ ANR MOA
Long run (fast!) to Tagaytay from Dasma
Breakfast @ Jollibee Tagaytay
Long run to Cavite City from MOA on a rainy night!
Breakfast @ McDo Cavite City
Training Session @ CCP
Training Session @ PSC Oval
Now compare this picture with the reason why he ran…:) See the big difference?
A salute to a great guy!
