A Year Into Running: The Secret to an Ultramarathon

When it comes to running, the last thing on my mind was an ultramarathon—I had an idea how far a marathon is by looking at the route taken by the Milo Marathon which is “just” about 42K, but an ultra, especially 100K, was unimaginable.  In fact the first time I’ve heard of the term “ultramarathon”…

Yet Another 56K Ultra Weekend: Manila To Tagaytay Sequel (Continued)

Special thanks to Dr. Christopher “Ultra Doc T” Montaos, for the pictures Part 2: Dasmariñas to TagayTay from a Different Perspective Around 6:00AM somewhere between KM 31 and 32 the KM 0 group was joined by “fresh legs” for the journey to Tagaytay.  This was the real challenge to the runabout as the elevation and…

Yet Another 56K Ultra Weekend: Manila To Tagaytay Sequel

It was a race-less weekend last Sunday so what else does a runner do but to find an interesting run. An ultramarathon distance route isn’t exactly a prerequisite but in order to share that ultramarathon experience I decided to join my friends at their first attempt at an ultra—where else but in the same route…

Botak 100: From an “Active Spectator’s” Perspective (Part 2)

After a few kilometers within UP Diliman Campus we exited on Katipunan Ave. and found ourselves running inside a very nice subdivision.  From that point everything for me was unchartered territory—I’m glad that I have my GF405 with me to keep track on where we’re going.  Eventually we arrived at Tumana Bridge that links Quezon…

Botak 100: From an “Active Spectator’s” Perspective (Part 1)

Botak 100 was the first road ultramarathon set entirely in Metro Manila with routes spanning the cities of Marikina and Quezon City and being an “active spectator” I got to see this race from a different angle this time around. I called myself an “active spectator” during this race because unlike a normal spectator that…

Botak Paa-tibayan 100K Route

Crazy for an ultramarathon?  Botak Paa-Tibayan Takbo 100K to be held on June 28, 2009 would be one of the first road ultramarathon race in the country.  The ultra race would have a 100K solo, 100K relay (2x 50K), and a 50K solo category.  Here’s the route for the 100K: There are also sub-marathon distances…

TNF100: The Chronicles of an Ultra Trail (Part 3) The Prequel

Our TNF100 adventure started much earlier than the usual. We headed off to Clark, Pampanga Friday morning and by lunch time we were already at SM City Clark for final shopping and lunch. Traveling through North Expressway was really fast. This is part of a series① ② ③ After a hearty lunch and some “liquid…

TNF100: The Chronicles of an Ultra Trail (Part 2)

I noticed that the route I’m taking is moving me away from Expo Filipino.  I actually don’t remember the way back to the base camp since it was dark when we left so I just followed where the route lead me to.  I was still seeing race markers along the way so I know I’m…

TNF100: The Chronicles of an Ultra Trail (Part 1)

This is the story of my first ultramarathon trail race, TNF100.  This race combines the excitement and adventure brought about by nature’s trails with the unforgiving distance of an ultramarathon—a lethal combination many are not able to endure.

One Hundred Kilometers: TNF100

Success!  One hundred grueling, agonizing, and body-breaking kilometers conquered!  Congratulations to all my fellow TNF100K solo survivors!  That was definitely one of the most difficult races in all aspects and I’m so proud to be part of such an elite group.  Watch out for my TNF100 story soon as I recover and prepare my story…

Countdown to TNF100

I can’t believe it, the moment of truth is coming, and my excitement is definitely building.  TNF100 Philippines is almost here! Today, Thursday, is my last day at the office for the week.  Because of this I have to finish every task that I have, hastily—all because of this race.  So in a way I…

TNF100 Race Update 2

Last night at ROX TNF100 held its first pre-race briefing for all participants.  This race is being handled by Finishline.ph, headed by Coach Rio dela Cruz.  To those who weren’t able to make it here are some of the topics discussed: Mandatory Items These items really are mandatory.  Failure to comply may result in disqualification…