I told myself that I would never do another 100 km run but here I am doing 3. If only I can put into words the ordeal, the happiness, the pain, the triumphs and the failures that goes with it ,but I guess no words can really explain it. As I relive the experiences of my three 100 km race…I look back at those moments that made it truly memorable and triumphant. So, this is just a summary of what I truly call,” trail love.”
“A lot of people think a race is just a race until they find out about the sacrifices that comes with it.”
Running through 100 km trail isn’t just about crossing the finish line and beating the cutoff period. It’s all about the days you’ve sacrificed for that day. Sacrifices such as waking up as early as 2:00 in the morning , travelling in other provinces, planning your nutrition, spending your weekend in the mountain and getting sunburn and bruises in the long run, buying gears , provisions and working-out after office hours. The truth is sacrifices doesn’t always guarantee you a sweet success and sometimes it even turns out to be a failure. It’s a tough battle from the first kilometer until the very last. Things are quite unpredictable on the trail and anything can happen in the split of a second.
I had three 100 km trail races in span of just 8 weeks. It was a combination of many things such as hardship, fun, sweat, pain, hot, cold, triumph, failure, pure trail love and never-ending lessons after each race. “My passion and love for the trails allowed me to survive the toughest challenges the trails it can offer.”
King of the Mountain - FOUR LAKES 100 [April 2-3, 2016]
24 hours 51 minutes | Rank 77th / 133 starters
Distance: 100+km
Elevation gain: 5200+m
Cutoff time: 28 hours
128 finishers/133 starters | 92% success rate
It’s been two years since I joined my first 100km trail run. I’ve already joined two Old Spanish Trail editions (2013 OST60 and 2015 OST50). 50-60% of the FL100 route is something I have already encountered in my previous races. The big question was what’s in there between Dayap (56km) and Banao (69km), and Panglao Boundary (86km) to Indupit (92km). I was asking myself, “When will I ever do it?” or “What is stopping me from joining?” I just had to satisfy my curiosity. It’s my burning desire to see those trails that motivated me to join once again.
I spent a lot of time in mountain training which I believe is a good way to train for my races. The First was in Pantingan peak - Tarak Ridge traverse (Bataan), followed by a 2 days traverse hike in Mt. Guiting-guiting (Romblon) and finally, Mt. Malindig in Marinduque. It was a smooth 3.5 hours run up to summit of Mt Ugo (21km) which is my best so far. Lastly, I run through the scenic old Spanish trail (OST). Before I even reached Kayapa East Market (35km), I suffered an injury called ITBS (Iliotibial Band Syndromes) on my left leg/knee. I teamed up with my friend Kevin Jauod who is also having knee pain. Together, we hastily walked through the last 65km route. It was a hard time for the both of us going down but I think uphill was our strongest. The next day after the race, I immediately went to the clinic. My rehab doctor suggested at least 6 physical therapy sessions.
The North Face 100 [April 30 - May 1, 2016]
Declared DNF at KM 54km (AS5) - 11 hours 20 minutes
Distance: 100+km
Elevation gain: 5541+m
Cutoff time: 30 hours
I’m still having my regular PT session before and after this race. Good thing my injuries are gone. (Big Thanks to my sexy massage therapist. Haha!) I can finally go back to the trails. My TNF100 race started smoothly. I had a strong 42km start and faster than my previous time. As expected, it will be scorching hot between Alang (40+km) and Camp 1(53+km). I alternately ran and walked just to preserve my knees and legs because of the harsh 12+km downhill terrain. A Few kilometers away from the U-turn (AS5/Camp 1) I felt dizziness and felt nauseous at the same time. After 11 hours of trail blazing and running, I have reached AS5 (53km). I immediately poured water on my head to lessen body (‘hotness, joke lang’) heat. I partially ate and rested hoping for a fast recovery. I vomited just before I took a bath. The Antacid medications didn’t work well for me. I spent roughly 2 hours at Aid Station but my condition didn’t improve. A lot of the runners already declared DNF and I’m still on a 50-50 situation. The Race marshals cheered for me and 1 runner invited me to push even further. Less than a kilometer from where I rested is the aid station but unfortunately I vomited again. For the first time, I had to declare a DNF with no pinch of bitterness. My mind and heart can withstand anything and refuses to give up but my body tells me to stop. I had No bitterness because I will prioritize safety above all. I told myself to, “Just go back to drawing board and have a better plan, as well as to train smartly.
I learned valuable lessons from this race which I used for my third 100 km race ,just a few week after.
King of the Mountain - PULAG100 (P1) [May 20-21, 2016]
28hours 45min | Rank 20th / 69 starters
Distance: 112+km
Elevation gain: 5600+m
Cutoff time: 30 hours
25 finishers / 69 starters | 37% success rate
This is definitely the most challenging of all three races in terms of elevation gain, cutoff time and terrain. It also has the longest distance between the aid stations. The mossy forest of ambaguio and tawangan trails was undeniably the most beautiful part of the route.
At around 1am, the rain started pouring in. There were some vicious limatik (leeches) lurking along the uncanny mossy forest between Ansipsip and Pangawan. Mud made the route more challenging going to Banao and Napo-Tuyak. When the daylight unfolded, the picturesque scenery reveled and rejuvenated my body. For about 200m I missed the sign going to Napo-Tuyak aid station (44 km). I headed back instead of following the trail sign (leading to Mt. Pulag). As advised, runners should eat and take load before proceeding to Mt Pulag. It was a steep, long and drowsy ascent going to Mt Pulag grassland but I regained my strength and pace when I ran through the familiar trail of ambangeg. I reached the 62km mark (AS4) 1 hour before 16 hours cutoff placing top 10 for P1. At this point, I changed my shoes and ate some real food like rice and tuna. It was another 12km long downhill run to Balete (74) and another 17+km to Banao. Unluckily, my headlamp was not working even if I changed it with a new set of batteries. I guess the rain and cold temperature caused its malfunction. Darkness loomed in and I’m all fucked up. One runner lends me his flashlight. I slowed down because I had a hard time holding both flashlight and trekking pole. I took a nap with another runner at the waiting shed after the last hanging bridge near Cabayo. By 1030pm, I arrived in Banao (91km). I’m worried about the 26 hour cut off at Dayap (102km) and I only have 3.5 hours left. All my strength and speed has been used to reach Dayap. Moonlight was my only source of light because both flashlight and phone got drained of its batteries. I reached Dayap 15-20 minutes prior to the cutoff time. It was such a relief reaching Dayap knowing that I have 4 more hours to finish line.
In conclusion, my three 100 km races are,” one hell of an experience.” It’s not just about the scenic views, the preparations for the race and the hardships that come with the sport I love dearly. I guess ,trail running taught me life lessons I couldn’t learn someplace else. With every ordeal comes out a better trail runner and a better person. It’s a pleasure taking part in those races which allowed me to see God’s perfect creations…”trail love indeed.”
