Boracay Adventures: Last Dose of Summer (Day 1)

Before summer came to a close (at least for the Metro) I had a last dose of summer in none other than one of the world’s finest beaches—Boracay!  It had been a dream of mine to visit the island ever since I’ve heard of its legendary beaches and this summer I had a chance to…

Ten Running Essentials 2010 Edition

My first post about the ten running essentials served as my shopping guide when I was just starting with the sport.  Back then I had no experience to rely on so I was dependent on guides like these.  Now, more than a year hence I can say I’ve gained some knowledge to finally update the…

TNF100 2010 Chronicles: Conclusion (Part 4)

Although I didn’t commit to the pact with Jonel and Ronald of staying together that night, I didn’t oppose it as well.  Deep down within me I wanted badly to complete this race.  I may not be in the best shape possible, but I would not give up so easily.  And I don’t want to…

TNF100 2010 Chronicles: First Loop (Part 3)

This year’s TNF100 for me is walking, but is anything but a walk in the park.  This is definitely the most tiring race I’ve ever had.  I was merely walking uphill but it was so long and steep that even that makes me catch my breath (takes the word “breath-taking” to a whole new level). …

TNF100 2010 Chronicles: Running in the Sky (Part 2)

With TNF’s introduction of a 50K leg (as a replacement to the venerable 100K relay) many runners were encouraged to do their first trail ultramarathon, and surprisingly with my circle of friends many of which were ladies!  Of course there were also a select few first timers (within my network at least) that braved the…

TNF100 2010 Chronicles: The Adventure Begins (Part 1)

The North Face 100, the Philippines’ toughest ultramarathon race is back on its third year, this time on possibly its toughest leg, Baguio City.  TNF100 was always on a league on its own and with Baguio City as its stage it surely would be an adventure of a lifetime.

Mt. Maculot Revisited (Part 2)

The challenges were going back up the trails and retrace our route from the summit to find the right way.  Luckily my teammates followed my suggestion of packing light so despite the crumbling ground, with teamwork they were able to pull through with relative difficulty.  I however didn’t with my weight training.  Mt. Maculot was…

Mt. Maculot Revisited (Part 1)

Stubborn as I am my injury wasn’t enough to keep me in one place—once again I’m out and about on an adventure, this time to revisit an “old friend” Mt. Maculot.  And what perfect date to set it but on another long weekend courtesy of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), the 9th of April….

2nd BDM Ultramarathon 102 (Part 4: Conclusion)

Around 6:18AM I arrived at +Km 50 and Sam a few minutes later.  We were feeling excellent for the next half ahead, but first it was time to load up some carbs and change outfits.  Unfortunately there was no hot coffee there when we arrived but my ultra-support Ross got me one including a breakfast…

2nd BDM Ultramarathon 102 (Part 3: First Half)

March 6, 2010, 9AM, our team met in a parking ground in BHS for Bataan.  Aside from the slow traffic that greeted us on our way to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) everything was good and it had that “summer outing” feeling.  It was somehow, especially when many of us met in the resort we were…

The Natural Joy of Running: Barefoot?

Barefoot running?  It can’t get any natural than that—before civilization was invented, or any form of it, that was how our ancestors moved and survived eons ago.  Today in the 21st century running had become very technical—pronation, supination, compression, hydration, fartlek, Global Positioning System, etc.—isn’t it nice to not think of any of these terms…

Bataan Death March Test Run News Flash

Just a quickie post about the great adventure we had with Bataan Death March Test Run last Saturday, January 23, 2010.  There were 70 participating runners, 54 of which successfully completing the 50K test run from Mariveles to Abucay, Bataan.  Surprisingly I was able to finish 16th overall despite the heat (beginner’s luck?).  The complete…