An Interview with the Grumpy on 1st Cebu Ultramarathon

EARL QUERO, also known as LoLo had recently finished his third ultramarathon 50K race last Saturday, November 27, 2010 in Mt. Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu. He took up running two years ago after getting weary in doing gym workouts. He is not a keen sportsman thus running seemed like an apparent choice for him which he enjoy. Also, it is part of his adventure in exploring the Philippine Island. Yes, for the love of travel.

LoLo, took the time to talk about his adventure with the successful 1st Cebu Ultramarathon, Cebu.

Casper: What's up?

LoLo: I'm doing good. It seems that I can moderately move my legs now, better than the other day.  Not a  walking robot anymore. But I still have a slight pain in my ankle, quads and singit. I cursed using the stairs for 3 days.

Casper: How's your Cebu Ultramarathon?

LoLo: It was fun and tiring. So far, the toughest 50K route. I was really surprised! Mt. Manunggal killer hills pinned me down. The race started late. Almost 25 minutes from the advised gun start. But I enjoyed it. A simple program and photo-opt held at Magsaysay crash site before the race start.

Casper: How will you describe the route?

LoLo: Challenging! more than I expected. I thought it has the same elevation as Tanay but I was wrong, steep uphills and downhills. The first 15K eaten-up my energy. It was a heaven and hell. I appreciated the sceneries, great mountain views. Also, I experienced here running above the clouds, winner!. The last 8K was purely gradual downhill but too late to recover. The sun was up, so talo pa rin. Cebuanos are lucky for having Mt. Manunggal, It is a gift!

Casper: Who's with you by the way?

LoLo: I'm with my fellow takbo.ph ultrarunners. Doc Sherwin, Ronald, Rod, E77en, Lorie and Tayet. We all finish the race except for Lorie and Tayet who need to catch-up with their late afternoon flight back to Manila.

e77en, tayet, lorie, me, doc sherwin, ronald and edward ting

the sunrise

Casper: How did you feel during the race?

LoLo: As always, I am excited and nervous, same feeling with those who is about to experience their first ultramarathon. It was my first time to run a long distance race without (vehicle) support. I looked it as a personal challenge. I am prepared but I set on my mind to ask help to others if needed. I have bottled water and gatorade and foods that will feed my hunger anytime. Last minute, I decided not to use my hydra bladder to maximize and measure my fluid intake. 

I started good in an easy and steady pace. I walk on the uphills same with the steep downhills. It is a must in doing an ultra distance race. I managed not to force my quads and knees in the first half. I ran back to back with Ronald, the VFF king of the road. When we reached Km 25, I asked him to go ahead,  I can't run anymore because of the stomach cramps which infiltrated me. If I want to take a break, I stop and buy my fav soda in the stores along the road. I was already tired and exhausted when I reached Km 30, I'm thinking of not finishing the race and declaring  myself DNF. 

team ungo ultrasupporters

Still a long long way to go. 20K is 20K! My energy regains everytime I pass by the UNGO aid station. Their cheers keep me going and motivated. They offered drinks and snacks. Like Team CB and takbo.ph support group, taas ng energy. The last 8K is gradual downhill but I didn't push too hard, chillax lang as long as I finish the race within 8 hours time.

Casper: What's inside you bag?

LoLo: bottled water, gatorade, 3 hammer gels, 1 pack salt capsule, knick knacks chocolate biscuit, nature valley energy bar, vienna sausage for my lunch, team cb singlet, extra socks, phone and wallet.

Casper: Do you have nutrition plans? Any pre-ultramarathon rituals?

LoLo: Avoid trying anything new. Normal carboloading with friends, its fun! and hydrate your body well. Enough sleep is recommended, though it is hard to do it.

Casper: What did you feel after the race?

LoLo: Hungry


tomguts

Casper: Any Cebu Ultramarathon highlights?

LoLo: A lot of course. The route, the people I've met along the road, the lady runner whom I handed my water after learning that she was exhausted and about collapse but overtook me before crossing the finishline, the cheers of UNGO support crews, my ultra-friends who's been with me the night and after, the capitol, the barefootrunners, the finisher's memorabilia, the shirt, the fun, the hardship and victory



huarache and vff

Casper: Would you let me do it?

LoLo: No, ghost in an ultramarathon?

Casper: What will be your next ultramarathon race?

LoLo: BDM102

 

bataan death march 102 ultramarathon



Casper: Any people that you'd like to thank?

LoLo: My family for continuously believing in me, Doc Sherwin for sharing his room, Ronald and Chlaire for the support and taking us to Mt. Manunggal, ultrarunners e77en, Rod, Lorie and Tayet, wuhoo! great to see you at the startline, Team UNGO for the cheers and waters and to all takbo.ph and team cb friends for the good-lucks and congrats, I really really appreciate it.

rod, me, doc sherwin and ronald

Casper: Is there anything else you would like to add?

LoLo: Congrats to all finishers who conquered Mt. Manunggal especially to the virgins no, welcome to the ultrarunning world and to Frontrunner, Jonel Mendoza, for the successful 1st Cebu Ultramarathon, it was a FUN FUN FUN run.

*all pics were grabbed from ronald, james l go, yendys delos reyes, joel pascual, irene vildisola