Baptism of Fire in Ultrarunning

The mood was festive. One could feel the excitement of everyone. I was a bit nervous about this race since I didn’t know what was in store for me or what would happen out there. Various thoughts played inside my mind. I even said to my leg muscles to cooperate and not to allow cramps to happen. I did appreciate what Mel, a BDM102 Finisher, told me, “I know you do run fast, but this time take it easy.” And the countdown began … “Five, four, three, two, one!” It signaled the start of the race. The first 13 to 15KM were mostly uphills. Anyhow, it was a indeed a nice experience to commune with nature while running even if the ascent after the turnaround point was just too difficult for a first timer in ultrarunning. It was my baptism of fire.

It was so hot that day that I couldn’t help but pray for dark clouds to appear and give us rain. After the turnaround point (KM35), miraculously, it did drizzle a little for a few minutes just enough to cool us down. God is truly with us!

While writing this post, I was at a loss for words to describe my running experience in Tanay. It was a great relief indeed to finally reach the finish line, after using the run-walk-run-strategy, with barely a minute left to beat the eight-hour cut-off time. I finished the 50K race in 7:59.14 (in hours).

I’m truly grateful to Rod, Mac, Aaron, Karen for their invaluable assistance ensuring that we’re properly hydrated, not hungry, and for going to that extra mile without asking for any reward. Thanks to Pojie and Prince for the shared jokes and laughter. Also, to Tere and Sir Jovie for facilitating my registration. To Marga and Pepsi for pacing with me toward the finish line. Many thanks to Aaron for welcoming us in your home so that we have a place to stay before race day. And to Gab for doing a superb job, for being a true blue runner, for pacing with me from start to end. Without you guys I couldn’t have done it.

My bad, how could I forget to mention Vic aka Hagibis in my recap?! Vic thank you so much for the ride from Ortigas to Aaron\’s place. And congrats, too, for your strong finish.

Fellow runners who volunteered to support us–Rod, Edwin, Karen, and Mac

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My Ultrarunning Experience As Seen Through These Pictures

Traversing the zigzag roads

You need to get off from the road and give way to avoid the possibility of being hit by them

KM35, turnaround point … 15 kilometers more to go before reaching the finish line

Mel, BDM102 Finisher, on his way to the turnaround point at KM35

One of the water stations provided manned by Team Baldrunner elite runners

This is just a portion of the total race course as seen from afar

Our support vehicle with fellow runners who volunteered to support us during the race

Sierra Madre Hotel, the finish line

A different way of finishing a race

Finally, too relieved upon reaching the finish line

Pojie aka Forefoot Runner

Gab
Jet aka Jetaime

Receiving the trophy and finisher’s shirt from Race Director, Sir Jovie aka Baldrunner

Takboular, Pojie, Argo, Jayrulez, Prince, Flyingboar

As we’re headed home, I couldn’t help but felt awe at what we’ve achieved and was also amazed upon seeing the roads we ran earlier that day.