May 9, 2010 – Sampaloc, Tanay Rizal
Distance: 50K
Time: 7Hrs 32Min
"I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7
w/ Sir Jovie Narcise aka Bald Runner
I never thought that I'm gonna run a race longer than the distance of a traditional marathon earlier than next year, my target date. It was an abrupt decision which i know may ends into disappointment and frustation "if" I fail. I ran my first full marathon 3 months ago, had my longest lsd around 45km a month after, few short-distance run with my friends and even experienced runner's blues when my sister went home for a vacation. I don't have any plans of running an ultra distance this year. I know it requires mind setting, body conditioning and proper training. I know I'm not yet ready for it.
THE GOOD NEWS. Few days before holy week, I was informed by a friend that Mr Jovie Narcise aka Bald Runner who was also the man behind the success of BDM102 is organizing an ultramarathon, a 50K race. Yes, I am a fan of BR. I am fascinated on how he organize a race, saludo ako! I know he will again surprise the "crazy" runners a route with never-ending-story.
GOTTA FEELING. Felt excited after I heard the news. Since I don't have any experience in running an ultra distance race, I approached my fellow runners and asked for their opinion. 99% of them encouraged me to put on my shoes and run. I was hesitant to take the risk and push my dreams beyond the limit but I know myself and I trust my running friends. I believe, running an ultramarathon is an achievement more than a full marathon. I once was a witness how the warriors of BDM102 took the challenge and honoured afterwards, they were my inspiration and want to follow their path.
ATRAS ABANTE. 9 weeks to train for ultramarathon race? not enough but my confidence remains, pressured but excited . I spent most of my weekends running with Team CB before going to work, hitting the hill of J. Vargas and St. Martin, spared my off for long run under the heat of the sun, hence training period still not enough. Honestly, I am much prepared doing my first marathon, Condura than PAU.
RECON. short for reconnoiter; to inspect or survey in order to gain information for military purposes (dictionary.com i-phone app). Familiarizing the route in an ultramarathon race is not necessary but recommended. By observing and studying the place, you may strategically plan what you will do during the race proper. A week before d-day, I asked my nanay and kuya to accompany me to Tanay for ocular visit. I was surprised with the endless uphills going to Sierra Madre resort where the finishline is positioned. "magkano ba binayad mo at mag-papakahirap ka? doblehin ko na lang" joked by nanay. I remained silent until we reached the resort. "nay, di mo ba kayang triplehin?, nalula ako sa dinaanan natin" yelled by me. I sent text message to my running friends who will do PAU and informed them about the killing uphills. Rather than receiving a neg feedback, i was bombard with encouragement, pushed and boosted that we can do it and nothing can stop us.
INSOMNIAC. Last day of countdown, Wilnar invited me to hear mass in Our Lady of EDSA to ask for guidance and injured-free race. Afterwards, we met Emil in Cubao, did our last minute shopping and went straight home. I was restless, nervous and queasy the whole night thinking if I'll make it, fluttered on my bed from time to time and not realizing that it was already time to get off my bed and prepare for the race. 3 hours to go, cramming whew...
my ever supportive family who believed in me
GONNA GET-GET. I am proud to say that I am blessed with a supportive and loving family. Yes, they were the one who supported me in my first ultramarathon. My ate even prepared adobo because she thought i'll stop for lunch during the race. We arrived in Tanay around 4:20am, 40 minutes before the gun start. The race venue was filled with veterans and neophyte ultra runners. My excitement leveled-up when I saw my takbo.ph family, both supporters and runners roaring to hit the road and getting ready to face the challenge. Great to see my ultra ex(tra ordinary)-virgin classmates, decipher, dadyoushi, ambo_kulet, prince, aaron, ronnel, carinz d flying boar, tayette, teray aka el capitana and running diva.
the bdm warriors w/ us the pau-tanay leg conquerers
RUNNING THE HILLS. Inexpensive startline, no digital clock, no fireworks, no timing chips, a simple "start" sign written in tarpaulin but who cares...running in one of a kind route is priceless and that BR can offer. The race started at exactly 5:00am, since I didn't ask anybody to pace with me, my plan is to run in my own pace targeting to reach Km13 in 1hr45mn, Km20 in 2hr35mn and Km35 in 4hr30mn to be safe and reach the finishline within the 8hrs cut off time. During the race, I find el capitana's pace works for me that's why I kept a close eye on her. This made me focused and motivated, with Argo, Team CB's coach alongside. Upon reaching Km15, I told them to go ahead, there I began to slow down to conserve energy thus continued to maintain an average pace of 7mn on downhills. I crossed path with el capitana in Km33 giving me a hug which made me cry. I was surprised that I'm on the right time reaching Km35, gaining my energy back after the turn around. I tried to run the last 15Km but the hills defeated me. I decided to walk and enjoy the beauty of nature, overlooking eastern Manila and Sierra Madre. I dashed the last 500M, finishing the race strong, full of determination. Until the next PAU, 1 down 2 more to go!
speed vs. altitude (endomondo i-phone app)
minute-maid shot by Daniel Callante
my niece, waiting for me at the finish line - go tito jay!
the grand finish line "i like"
the finishers
placed 53rd out of 104 finishers ending the race in 7hr24mn57sc. src baldrunner.com
placed 53rd out of 104 finishers ending the race in 7hr24mn57sc. src baldrunner.com
* to my family, your presence made me strong the whole race, thanks for believing in me...glad to celebrate my victory and mother's day at daranak falls, tanay
* to team cb, thanks for training with me, one of the best
* to my ultra classmates, congratulations! see you in ilocos norte
* to takbo.ph (pepsi, marga, dox pinx, karen, edwin, rod, mccoy) and the ultrasupporters, salamat!
* to BDMrs, inspirasyon, huwaran, nag-iisa at natatangi...
* to BR, thanks for the great race...we enjoyed...til next PAU
- photos courtesy of rod, mccoy, pepsi and marga
2 comments:
Congratulations, Earl!
Your account can serve as an inspiration to a lot of newbies.
It takes a lot to conquer something as big as an ultra marathon - it's all about the inner strength.
Am happy for your accomplishment. I share the joy . . .
coach, kayo lang ang nag-iisa at natatangi! thanks for the advice ;)
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