With off-road events experiencing a sudden resurgence, enthusiasts both new and old alike may want to check out this upcoming series of events from Finishline, to be held against the scenic backdrop of Nuvali. With running, cycling and Now if only a house in the area weren't so expensive.

Here are the details, pretty much everything is there already.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What is In-Motion Series? In-Motion is the 3 part leg series of races per year hosted by Finishline. Each leg consists of a variety of single-sports discipline and multi-sports discipline. Each leg will begin with a running event as a jump-off point and culminate with a sprint triathlon. Refer to 2011 calendar of events for dates. 2. What is Road X Trail? Road X Trail is the launch of the In-Motion Series, that consists of 3 sports events: cycling (Dec 11), running (Dec 18), and duathlon (Dec 19). For each discipline, there are 2 types: road and trail. 3. What is Activate? Activate is a weekly training program to complement the In-Motion race series that aims to provide assistance in 2 ways: > Timed Training on your own time: Finishline to provide timing at running, cycling, and swimming spots. Weekday and weekend schedule shall be posted at www.finishline.ph > Train With a Personal Coach: Finishline coaches will develop a customized program, depending on the objective 4. What is MYCHIP?

MYCHIP is the first personal*, multi-sport** timing chip in the Philippines. *It is non-disposable, and can be used for a lifetime. **It can be used for running, cycling, swimming, duathlon, aquathlon, triathlon races hosted or timed by Finishline. MYCHIP price is Php 2,500 which includes, MYLAPS-ChampionChip Timing Chip, Neoprene Strap (for running and duathlon), and a bike clip (for road and trail biking). For more information on MYCHIP, refer to the leaflet or log on to www.finishline.ph MYCHIP owners avail of a Php 150 discount on registration fee for running and cycling fun ride, and Php 350 discount for other events. 5. Aside from using MYCHIP, how else can we avail of discounts? No discount on bulk registration. No discount for joining the whole leg. 6. Where can i purchase MYCHIP? For those who will register and will purchase MYCHIP, payment will be done at the registration sites, but race kit and MYCHIP will be delivered to the participant. Registration staff to write the complete delivery address beside the race number yellow box. 7. Do we have to activate our MYCHIP every time we join? No. MYCHIP owners are assigned a permanent unique chip code, which automatically registers as they cross the finish line. 8. Can we claim race kits on race day? No. For Running: Running kits will be available at registration sites on November 23 (Tuesday). For those who registered from Nov 15 - November 22, race kits will be delivered to them. Registration Staff to write complete delivery address beside the race number yellow box. For Cycling: Participants should claim their race kits at their designated registration site from December 6 - 10, using their race kit tickets to be given by the registration staff upon payment of participant. For Duathlon: Participants should claim their race kits at their designated registration site from December 6 - 10, using their race kit tickets to be given by the registration staff upon payment of participant. 9. What are the rules and regulation for winning? There are 2 ways to win: 1. Winners for each race category: Top 3 winners, Male and Female. 2. Winners for each age category per race category: 1 winner per age category, Make and Female. There is a total of 12 age categories: kids 8-11 yrs. old youth 12-15 yrs. old 16-17 yrs. old 18-24 yrs. old 25-29 yrs. old 30-34 yrs. old 25-39 yrs. old 40-44 yrs. old 45-49 yrs. old 50-54 yrs. old 55-59 yrs. old 60 and above Participant to cross the finish line must be a registered participant to qualify. Timers to confirm split and chip times before awarding winners. Each winner to receive special winners medals. 10. What are the prizes? No cash prizes to be given. GCs and Products will be given to the top winners. 11. What will non-winners receive on race day? Each participant will receive a finisher’s medal, MYRACE analysis, and drinks from the beverage sponsor. 12. Can we ride with our kids without joining the race? No. Only registered participants can ride/run. In case of minors, a signed waiver by the guardian/parent should be turned over to the registration staff. 13. If we join the race, do we get discounts at the nearby hotels within the area? Where? Yes. For inquiries, call Paseo Premiere at 049 5413089 to 94 . 14. Can we join 2 or more criterium race categories? Ex. Cycling Active Dirt Criterium at 6:30am and Fit Road Criterium at 9am? Yes. 15. What kind of bike can i use for each race? Only road bikes will be allowed on road criterium categories. Only mountain bikes will be allowed on trail criterium categories. Both bike types will be allowed to join the fun ride category. 16. When do we get the results of MYRACE Analysis? MYRACE results will be posted within 24 hours. Finishline In-Motion Series Launch Brief

DESCRIPTION

TARGET MARKET

• Primary : for the longer distance race categories, we are targeting regular participants (elites and intermediates) of duathlon, cycling (mountain bikers and road bikers), running (trail and road runners)
• Secondary: We will also target beginners and anyone interested in trying out new sports / muli-sports by offering shorter distance categories. Majority of them are either doing only running or cycling.

• To introduce other sports to those who are limited to joining either running or cycling events only but would like to try other sports or combination of both.
• To offer a multi-discipline event designed to appeal not only to experienced competitors but to newbies as well.
• To showcase different sports disciplines in an accessible and spectator-friendly format.

Check out the videos for a better idea of what the events are all about. Cool, nicely done.

Yesterday morning I went out on some of my favourite roads to practice driving in the snow and I just happened to have my camera, and my wits with me. It’s a good thing I was concentrating on the road because you could say there is one lucky dog out there today. I was driving down the back country roads admiring the way the snow was piling up on the trees, and I passed by a couple of people walking down the middle of the road. I wasn’t going fast, but I slowed down even more as I edged past them, because they didn’t bother to move over… it’s a country road, you’re out walking, why move over for a approaching vehicle? Sigh.

Just past them were two border collies from a nearby farm that crossed the road ahead of me, I slowed down even more. I admired the way their black and white fur looked so stark against the snow, matching the dark, and bare tree branches. One of the dogs started to run along besides the truck, I am always worried when farm dogs do that, some have very little sense of the danger that vehicles can cause them.

Suddenly the dog cut right across in front of my truck, I slammed the brakes on. There was a crunching sound… [My husband told me later that it was the ABS brake system locking up.] I slid slightly, and came to a stop. My heart was pounding, and I looked in the rear view mirror, there was the couple still standing in the middle of the road now staring back at me and the dogs, they looked horrified.

But there on the driver’s side of the truck, safe and sound, was the untrained farm dog that just barely made it past my wheels because I had slowed down due to the cautious little voice in my head that said watch out.

It’s good to move over when a vehicle approaches you, it’s good to train your dogs to not run alongside of vehicles, and it’s good to slow down when you see someone else on road. One lucky dog.

It's only days to Christmas, and everyone is busy, scurrying, wrapping, baking, and preparing for the big day. There is a whisper of"hurry up, hurry up" in the air, excitement, tinsel, and glitter are everywhere. Which makes it hard to concentrate on blogging, and that is to be expected. For those of you who are new to my blog I thought you might like to visit a older post, a funny one from last year…my Misadventures in chocolate. Hopefully I won't be repeating my mistakes once again…but you never know. Besides, any chocolate is good, even if it's not perfect.

A gift to give?
What to give those who say they don't want anything for Christmas that takes up space, needs to be fed, watered or looked after. I've given this a lot of thought, and decided that chocolate pretty much fit the bill for all the prerequisites. My family has been a big believer in usable gifts for a long time, use it up, eat it up, or pass it on. Just think, perfectly decorated packages of sweets, wrapped up with sugar plums, and sparkles.I can see it now. Thus began the first of my misadventures in chocolate.
5 days to Christmas…
Step one: Research. Time spent on Pinterest no longer me languishing between chores, and outings, it was research, thus totally justifiable. I’m looking for recipes for handmade chocolates, I stated to anyone who dared to question my massive amounts of computer time. Step two: Supplies. Chocolate, and lots of it. Candy canes, sprinkles, pretzel rods, dried fruit, marshmallows… the list could be endless.
And delicious. Step 3: Wait. You can’t make home made chocolates to far before the magical day… they won’t remain uneaten, or perfectly formed. No one wants to eat a box of chocolates that have bloomed before their time.
4 days to Christmas, starting to sweat a little at the thought. Carpe diem, seize the day: Should be rewritten as Carpe socolatum. Or seize the chocolate.
Did you know that when melting chocolate even the tiniest, minuscule amount of moisture… I read even a drop on your freshly washed hands mixed in with the chocolate will make it seize up… and it’s not a pretty sight.
Ask me how I know?
Mmhmm, yes, 4 times in a row.

3 days to Christmas, dreaming of chocolate. Google why won’t my chocolate melt, and find out that it’s not only not melted, it’s seized up like a cranky old lawnmower engine… and it’s not moving anymore. Yes, apparently you can save it, but is it worth it? Reindeer balls: A new concoction invented to use up seized chocolate that can no longer be used for dipping, or creating anything lovely and desirous. Fudgy balls, dipped in cocoa.
2 days to Christmas: Whew… this is harder then I thought. It’s a rocky road: really it was a rocky, rocky road.
You know that childhood favourite, Rocky Road fudge, it comes in two flavours, chocolate, and some other kind that’s not important. Has chocolate and mini marshmallows, peanuts, and other overly sweet ingredients…? Super easy, even kids can make it?
I renamed it A very rocky road fudge, and yes it was hard to cut into little pieces, but doesn’t everyone loves a great big chunk of crunchy, chocolate fudgy chewy mess for Christmas?

1 day to Christmas: I’m thinking a commercial box of chocolates sounds pretty good right about now. Dip pretzel rods into caramel sauce, watch it drip all over the parchment paper, and see chocolate coating run off into hot little rivulets. Boil mixture till the cows come home.
Christmas day:
Pull it all together, it’s amazing what a few ounces of sprinkles can hide, layer reindeer balls, mint melties, a very rocky road fudge, and other delights in the cutest little jars, pack them with a good jar of caramel sauce, and hope that no one breaks a sweet tooth. Sit back and watch their eyes light up when they open the gifts… misadventures in chocolate forgotten for another year. Photos? Of chocolates you ask? Sorry they were all eaten before I could take any. I hope that you enjoyed reading this post, I still can't believe that I pulled it all off in time for Christmas last year…this year, well there are still a few things to be finished, but I am leaving the chocolate to those who have better luck.

Otherwise entitled: Excuses, and good ones at that. So the big wheels of the bike aren’t turning quite as much as they should be right now. I was so enthusiastic about getting the bike. Could picture myself wheeling freely down the road, hair blowing in the wind, what hair there is sticking out of the helmet. But the excuses come later, just wait.

What’s with those helmets? I know, it’s not fun to have your head cracked open like humpty dumpty, but if you are a woman of a certain age, you grew up without them. I can’t believe that our parents let us go out of the house on oversized rickety bikes, with no protection. And most likely faulty brakes, you need to be around 50 ish to understand me, it was a different world. We would whizz down huge hills hands free, looking back and flinging comments at the riders we had left behind, hardly recognizing that the gravelled road was shared with larger vehicles. We had a healthy respect for cars, it’s just that we were young, and… kids.

Do you remember your first really good wipe out, yes, the one where you went sliding through the gravel on the top of the paved road, and most likely only stopped after a good chunk of skin was removed. But you got up, limped the entire way home, and held back those tears until you slipped through the door. Did your Mom wash your poor ragged elbows with scalding water, and Epsom Salts, oh that is a torture I can still remember today. Knee pads, helmets, caution, that is something that our generation’s had to learn the hard way. Neighbourhood father’s teaching their kids to ride, hanging on to the back seat until the wobbly rider managed to stay afloat for seconds. It was the origin of tough love, fall down, and get back up on that bike, the bandages comes later.

Now for the excuses: I have hurt my neck somehow, rather painfully, and can’t turn my head, it’s freezing cold outside, and it rains a lot. It’s all conspiring against my getting some exercise. The bike was for a few days, winning big time, forgot to take off the 400 page manual on the spokes and looked like a dork, the warning stickers worry me. I had to sign a waiver just to get out the door of the store, what’s with that? It’s wobbly, and it’s seemed I had lost my center of balance. The helmet makes my head itch, and it keeps choking me under the chin. At first I thought I had made a rather big mistake, my arms hurt, my shoulders hurt, my wrists hurt from leaning over, and this was called a comfort bike. But I did some research, I am very tall, and this is the biggest size frame, I need to get a extension for the handlebars so I don’t lean so far forward, my pants have been untangled from the chain, and the grease might come out. And the wobbliness is going away, if I lean back a little. Persevere Jane, it will warm up, the sun will come out, and the wobbly ride will straighten out.

Now I want to hear all about your wipe outs, after all, misery loves company.

Sitting in the middle of the road, cross legged, skirt hiked up a little too high for comfort, and I am certainly hoping that I will see a car coming before they see me. Camera balanced on my knee, bending myself into a pretzel in order to get the shot.
It’s the golden hour, and up here in the land of big skies it’s really golden. Threatened thunderstorms have pearlized the sky, wheat fields are slowly turning into swatches of amber, birds flitting from branch to rugged weathered fences, are the only thing that breaks the silence.

Long, straight, and bare of traffic this road means no problem seeing them before they see me, all I need to watch out for is what the dog walkers don’t bother to pick up. Rural farmland, banked by fields of grass, with turquoise bee apiaries at the corner, tucked under the rare golden firs trees.

Ringed by grey fence posts, garnished with strands of rusted barbed wire it has so much appeal that I am here often. Fog, snow, sun, early dawns, and late evenings, the scenery changes with each hour.

I am trying to capture the circular fuzz of a weed with the setting sun behind it, the only problem is that it’s on the ground, and I can’t get the right angle without sitting down on the road. So I do, sit that is… the road seems clean, and besides who is going to see me? The orange cat that hunts in the field, the deer that we have seen eating from the farmers compost pile? The eagle overhead, or the tiny chickadee’s that eat the berries in the bushes?

There is no one, save me, my camera, and the sunset… and that’s the way I like it.
Postcards from the land of the big skies. Summer blogging scheduled posts, are Sunday, Wednesday, and Fridays.
Hope that you are having a wonderful, and not too hot, [unless you like it like that], summer.
Jane

I’ve been walking most mornings, my feet hitting the floor, gulping down my 1/2 cup of coffee that he brings to me. S liding into yesterday’s clothes, stumbling down the stairs, slipping on shoes and heading out the door.
No time to spend eating breakfast, that’s for later.
It’s wake up, and out the door.
Because if I linger, I’m not going to get out there.

Each day that I can walk on dry pavement is a day that I can spend outside.
Breathing fresh air, watching the ravens fly, and the sun eventually slipping over the mountain to tumble down it’s slopes.
A early morning glory ride for the upcoming day.
When the snow falls, and stays, I will be forced to become a good friend of the treadmill.
Listening to the monotonous drone of the endlessly looping belt over the sound of the stereo.
It’s not the same at all, and it’s boring.
When the snow flies, walking country roads slows down to a crawl, high stepping from patch of bare pavement, to a avalanche of partially melted ice, hoping it will hold your weight without moving.
So for now I will happily take photos with frozen fingers that can’t grasp the phone. My dollar store techie gloves working fine for hitting buttons, but not for warmth.
I don’t care if it’s frosty, and cold, it’s beautiful and fresh, and it’s outdoors.
I inhale deeply, and walk up the slight hill running next to a field of sheep, so busily shearing the last remaining grass, that none of them look up as a black streak of cat darts by.
Hastily chased by a tall, brown, tightly pruned poodle, and a small bundle of furiously barking white fluff.
The owner of the errant dogs comes running down the long sloping driveway in his housecoat. Bare legs flapping, slippers on his feet, and more on view then I care to see this early. He is yelling with his outdoor voice for the retreat of the dogs, who are not obeying.
As he rounds the curve of the driveway, and further exposes himself there is little I can do other than give a awkward wave, and look down as I pass by.
Thankfully he was further from the road than the dogs growling at the gate, and I hope he doesn’t recognize me.
With the cat long gone, the dogs are herded back into the house, while the sheep ignore all of the chaos.
I walk on as quickly as my cold legs can get themselves moving after stopping and clicking a shot of the hungry hawk perched in the treetops looking for early morning takeout.

A battered blue pickup rolls past on the usually deserted road that crosses in front of me, revving it’s engine as the driver grinds the gears. I’m hidden from his sight by a clump of bushes.
A old stripped couch is dumped haphazardly in the back, it’s 70’s style round castors spinning slowly. Inside a middle aged man, and a small child perch on the seat, peering out at me as I pass them. Would there have been a lesson on illegal dumping if I had not walked by?
Judging by the way he speeds off, it might have been.
All this excitement would be missed if I were treadmill thumping.
So for now, despite the cold, despite the warm bed beckoning, the road is preferable to the treadmill.

The other week, while my back

was still really tender, and the asparagus spears were just coming up I decided to go and take some photos at my sister’s farm. Okanagan Asparagus Farm. has acres and acres of amazing asparagus that is slowly piercing the cold brown soil… it’s almost like invasion of the green fingers showing at a movie theatre near you. I walked a little ways, didn’t see anything coming up yet, there were one maybe two.but I needed more.

Go down to the road they told me, there is a hollow in the field that has a microclimate, and it will becoming up there. So I did, and it was.

Perfect, now I needed a ground level shot, with the mountains in the background… the only way to get that was by getting down to the ground I’m really tall, and I have a sore back that can’t bend.

So I squat, on a little rise near the edge of the field, with my long legs all wide open… I am really ground level now. You know where this is going don’t you? Visualize me, squatting in the field, it’s higher up where I am so I can be seen clearly from the road. And then I hear two cyclists coming down the usually deserted country road, just cruising along, and there I am, squatting on the rise, near the edge of the field. Hmmmmm… um Hi? They are gawking as they bike by, and I can’t stand up, because it takes forever to do that, and my camera is heavy so I can’t wave it in the air and say, “hey, just taking some photos here, not doing what you think I am doing.” Right, sure you are!, I can see it in their faces.

Chalk it up to another embarrassing photography moment, I’ve had a few of them lately.

Okanagan Asparagus Farm is on Lansdowne Road in Armstrong, they have the best asparagus in the world! If you live nearby, come and visit soon, it’s almost ready, and be sure to come back for strawberries in June, you haven’t tasted an amazing red ripe berry until you try theirs. “LIKE” them on FB, and visit their Pinterest site with a great collection of recipes, and tips.

Hey gang. I took a week off due to a very hectic schedule, but otherwise here's the latest lowdown on all and and sundry in the running and multisport communities.

• Multisport aficionados are buzzing about the country's participation at Ironman China on May 29th, with the Philippine delegation presumably campaigning under the "One Pilipinas" banner. The full Ironman distance will be held on May 29th, and this early the country's top triathletes are already ramping up for what promises to be one of the most highly anticipated multisport events of the current season.

• The year's edition will be held at a completely new venue in Jixian, Tianjin province. The race takes advantage of the perfect late spring weather of the locale, and people are scrambling to look for wetsuits as temperatures during the swim leg ( to be held at a clean water reservoir) are expected to be in the low 20's. Among others, Endure Multisport's ITU Level I Coach James Dulalia is expected to compete in the 70.3.

• 2012 goal : IM China. Smirk. Wait, I need to learn how to swim a wee bit faster.I timed myself swimming 500m and the average was 3:18 per 100m. Wow. Any recos regarding a coherently structured program?

• One of them more hilarious threads in Takbo.ph has someone creating a firestorm amongst running denizens by stating that he's aiming for a 4:30 marathon with 6 weeks training. He's an admittedly newbie runner with a 2:15 21k pr. 2:15 x 2 = 4:30. Makes total sense (x_x). While I can't discount the possibility that he may be a genetic freak blessed with iron will, truly there is nothing scientific about this approach and leaves a lot of room for long term injury. Seems that there's an obsession with distance amongst the newer runners, like some sort of prestige thing. I can't blame them, I was once in their shoes. But latest news through the grapevine is that a lot of the newbies who rushed into buying a 42k slot are "downgrading" due to injury. Conventional wisdom (or lack of it) wielding its ugly head? Don't say we didn't warn you. Oftentimes we all feel invincible until it actually happens to us.

• Congratulations to my TPB fellas for snagging three of the top 10 slots during BR's first BDM test run. Why do I get the feeling you guys raced it like a marathon?

• On a happy note, congrats to Takbo.ph head first couple Jinoe and Que for welcoming their first- born , cute baby Gab. I think this early, they're already having him undergo heat training :P

Heat training this early never hurt

• "Holdapan" is on the rise with both road and mountain bikers very susceptible to syndicates on the prowl for expensive bikes. To all our fellow cyclists out there, extra prudence and vigilance. It's good that Senator (and sometimes cyclist) Pia Cayetano has actively sought out the help of the PNP in thwarting these so-called bikejackers. These bikes represent a massive investment on the part of their owners, and this announcement somehow alleviates the growing concern brewing in the community. Even if the skeptic would say that it is only political grandstanding, a placebo never hurt right?

• Last I checked, using a gel during a race was never considered "cheating". Let me check again ha.

• To cyclists : does using Viagra during a race really help your performance by as much as 40%? Wouldn't there be a little, er, stiff discomfort down there?

It works. It really does.

• If I have Team Powerpuff Boys for running, I also have a newly formed dedicated cycling team! Say hello to Quest 825 Cycling :) It's a mixture of cyclists from different multisport teams, and we'll try to give the pros a run for their money.

Quest 825 Cycling at PCL's Jala-Jala Classic

• Okay, maybe that would take a little more time . Having previously completed Bike King's Tour of Matabunkay (dubbed as the premiere multi-day road race event for amateur cyclists) in god-awful conditions, I had a certain amount of confidence coming into this race. The team had spent the past couple of weekends toiling around the proposed race route at a strong pace, and regular speed work with the pro peloton at the Mall of Asia had us pretty hopeful for this race. A more discerning eye could even call it subliminal swagger. Fate had other ideas though. A late assembly caused us to reach the start line at Pililia barely 15 minutes before the race was about to start. Suffice to say, all that last minute rushing didn't exactly put us in the most relaxed state of mind. My eerie observation was that there were barely any triathletes around. This seemed to be a pure cycling event where we were virtual noobs from the outside looking into a close- knit fraternity. The peloton breezed through a fast-paced neutral zone for the first 40k, but even then the rough roads of Jala-Jala were taking its toll. I've never seen so many cyclists get flat tires. A portent of things to come? Just as we were prepping for the start of the breakaway, a guy was avoiding a ginormous crater on the road and tried to cut left. Unfortunately, in perhaps a split-second loss of focus, he missed out on speeding pros who were catching up after the requisite jingle . Hard break. My tire hits his tire. I uncleat. Some guy hits me from behind. I fall over.Pain. Guys to the right ram right straight into me while I'm on the ground. Wheel straight to shoulder. More pain. At that point it was sheer machismo that had me prop straight back up, but damn my knee and shoulders hurt like heck. I haven't gone 500 meters when I was pulled over by a marshal, turns out my transponder was bent to the point that it was nearly hitting my wheel. By the time I had sorted everything out, the road was as deserted as high noon at the OK Corral. The pain was not deathly, but bad enough to add to the aggravation of doing an ITT over a hilly 110 km course. Thoughts of just calling it a DNF day constantly swirled through my head. Entering the 8k climb at Mabitac, my overcompensated left leg started to cramp up bad, and I was forced to dismount several times (rubdowns from our teammates supporting were a boon) After a draining mental battle, I finally reached the hilltop finish and almost instantaneously cramped up on both legs. As I would learn later, it was a tough day at the office for nearly everyone. Endure powerhouse Erick Guieb ( the only Cat 3 rider on the team) also crashed and lost significant minutes off his target. Multisport vets James Dulalia and Ronald Declarador DNF'd. Strong riders Emil Ancheta and Julius Dela Rosa both succumbed to cramps and exhaustion. If any,mercurial Jason Dela Rama made up for a string of shaky performances by finishing strong and bullstrong Wilnar Iglesia's better-than-expected time were bright spots, but in general the team had a tough day at the office. Back to the drawing board, but there's nowhere to go but up.

• Preparing for two big events spanning two disciplines (PCL and Condura) is tough, and somehow I feel burnt out. A 130k ride/32k run combo on successive days left me sluggish for the entire week after.Once again, back to the drawing board.

• As we welcome one new life into the world, sadly another one is snuffed out in the cold of the night. Yesterday, the entire multisport and ultramarathon communities lost a member of the family in J Cu Unjieng, who succumbed to a severe case of pneumonia. I'm not completely in the know with regard to what exactly happened, but word is ever since he collapsed at a Cebu race he was never the same. We both have regular columns with Frontrunner magazine, and I got to run with him for a good 20-30k during the last edition of BDM. There was a time I didn't know a lot of these fancy triathlon people, and he was one of the first to make me feel welcome in the community. Always self-effacing, I last saw him during speedwork at MOA two or three months ago. The vicious abruptness with how his disease progressed was nothing short of shocking. The world will miss your talent and wit my friend, may you rest in peace.

Massive loss for the community.
Anyway, bittersweet news for this edition. Alas, we soldier on. See you all next week, catch you on the road.

“You're going two miles over the

speed limit, you had better slow down, or you’ll get a ticket” he tells me, there are no other vehicles on the road except a semi that has inexplicitly cut in front of us. “Dad, I’m trying to pass this semi truck that just cut in front of us.” The one that is driving on the white line creating a blinding sandstorm from the now dried sand and gravel that snow plows had spread so abundantly. Slow down, he insists. I do, but not until we safely pass the semi, now wobbling from lane to lane, a huge dense cloud of dust behind us.

He checks his passenger side mirror without any pretence as we smoothly edge into the empty lane beside us. There is no one beside us, but he checks each time. “You’re a better driver then your sister, she goes way to fast.” Well, that’s some accomplishment I think to myself.

I recall many summer vacations spent as a child where I thought we were to be immediate victims of a head on crash, as the now elderly, but once impatient driver sitting besides me used to pass multiple vehicles with our truck and camper without a blink. On coming traffic be dammed. I can still hear the receding angry honking as he wound between slower moving tourists, sliding into a space at the last second, and the rest of our family collectively letting out our breath. It wasn’t as if he was doing anything that anyone else didn’t do. Everyone drove with a cigarette in their right hand, their finger used to twirl the steering wheel… windows wide open, left arm hanging out, bronzed, strong, and fatherly. They just didn’t know any better. Now we do.

I drive with both hands on the wheel, 10, and 2, eyes on the road, checking the rear, sides, and front continuously.and it’s barely enough for him. We’ve lived here for over a year, and he still gives me directions on when to turn into our little town… Somehow this isn’t what I imagined as a child, riding shotgun in the pickup truck, watching my big strong Father drive the road. I glance over to the passenger seat, taking in the older, frailer man he has become… and I slow down even more. If it makes him feel safer, it’s worth it to me.

Do you ever do this? Drive by a interesting looking place of business, because you have another destination in mind, and limited time. Thinking to yourself, I must remember to drop in there sometime. Well, last week we did finally drop by and visit Westham Island Herb Farm, and am I ever glad that my BIL turned down that road. And next to fall harvest time, I don't think that we could have picked a better time to make a first visit.

Sunflowers lining the long narrow country road, hulking antique vehicles, and farm equipment ghostlike in the far distance, and patchwork fields of brilliantly blooming flowers greeting you as you step out. Acres and acres of multi generational farm land, first farmed in 1916. Organic veggies, organic flowers, cats, bunnies, donkeys, cows, and flowers, flowers, flowers. Did I mention cats? Of course a farm must have cats.

Producing farm grown products from early spring to late fall, they host haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and school tours. In the summer they sell honey, fresh farm grown veggies, herbs, and a wide variety of fruit. I am looking forward to the squash harvest, and was told that they grow 7 different types of sweet potatoes, I am so in! Those are my favorites. A highlight of our tour was the working antique Orange Crush soda cooler, that I posted a photo of a few days ago. I have not seen one of those since our long ago family camping weekends, it brought back many good memories.

So if by chance you are out driving around Ladner, and just happen to be near Westham Island, drop by Westham Island Herb Farm, at 4690 Kirkland Road, in Delta. The farm owners are friendly, the cats love people, the produce is amazing, and the flowers are spectacular. A great day to go visit would be September 12th,"A Day At the Farm." Please google Westham Island Farms for more info, since my links still are not working.

Dinner done early and the sky turning caramel orange, and golden creams, I asked my love to go for a ride to see the sun set. I’ll drive I said, camera in one hand, keys in the other. This way I knew that we would stop at the perfect shots. I drove because he tends to forget to react to “stop the truck” and by the time he stops we have long passed anything I would take a photo of.

It was a beautiful evening, the birds were chirping, the sun slowly caressing the mountains as it slipped into something a little more comfortable, and we cruised along those empty country roads. And then just as I was focusing on a bright yellow glow trying to get the perfect sun flare shot, he yells out “watch where you are going.” The ditch looms up on his side of the road, I quickly turn the wheel and slam the brakes on. It was a close call, seriously too close for either of us.

I was embarrassed, first that I was caught taking a photo while driving at any speed. It’s not something I have done too often, deserted roads or not. Secondly that I had for just a moment forgotten that I was the one driving and not the passenger. I was so into my camera, the moment, the sunset, that I forgot he wasn’t driving. My bad, my really, bad, this post could have been brought to you by our collision repair service.

I am a very cautious driver, those drivers ed classes have stuck for decades, but for some reason I forgot where I was, let my guard down for just a second, and look what almost happened. It was a straight, long, deserted back country road, and we had not seen another vehicle for miles, but I could have ended up in a ditch, or worse.

I know that next time, I will ask my husband to drive if the camera is along for the ride, or else I will make myself come to a full stop, beautiful sunset on a deserted country road or not.

Do you ever let your mind wander, or your attention get away? Were there repercussions? Damage? Catching more then the sunset…

• Hey hey hey. I told you I'd come up with the weekly update! Just keeping my end of the bargain. Thanks for all the support guys and gals, traffic to the site just shot up 120% over the past two weeks. Much love, very grateful and let's keep it coming.

• The survey on the middle part of our home page was asking you all what was the biggest impediment to you taking up multisport. 41% of the responses said they didn't know how to swim, while 39% said they thought road bikes were too expensive. The swim part is workable, I could hook you up with my coach (who handles several of us at Endure Multisport) for "friendly" rates if you want to conquer your fear of the water for starters. As for the expensive road bike, its either you take out that long overdue SSS salary loan or just do it the old fashioned way. Which is to spend like a hermit all year to save a little, wait until 13th month pay kicks in, then combine the two to buy your precious road bike. Of course, while that would mean you won't be buying anyone anything for Christmas, just keep on staring at your bike to cover for the grief you'll be receiving.
  

Swimming doesn't have to be this hard.

• In the weeks leading up to Powerman Malaysia, I was already feeling iffy. Probably the long grind of a deathly hectic season was getting to me. A three-week long fever? Okay that's odd. Coughing up blood? Freaky stuff. As much as I abhor hospitals and try to avoid them at all costs, this was too creepy to just let pass. After about four hours spent in an isolation room, thankfully my fears of pneumonia or tuberculosis were unfounded. I was diagnosed with chronic pharyngitis, there was a tear in my throat that relegated me to sick leave for a week. What's the implication of all this? I was planning to go for an intensive 21 day "pahabol" training for the NAGT season ending triathlon at UP Los Banos. Now that's seven days gone, I feel like a fat slob, and my fitness level has all but evaporated. Good luck for the next 14 days.
  

Fat slob days are here again

• We've been blessed to enjoy the continued support of race organizers, and I try to share this with our readers as much as I can. Thanks to everyone who participated in our Mcdonalds and Vertical Marathon contests, hope you had fun at the races. Will keep you posted for more fun giveaways as they come.

Happy winner Mark. Congratulations!

• I'm happy to see a lot of people "leveling up" by the unprecedented number of entries to a 32k race during the last Unilab Rio gig. Let me make this bold prediction : We'll see a record number of marathon entrants in the 2011 season, and we'll also see a record number of too-much-too-soon knee injuries. Take it from the guy who did a 50k ultramarathon before he even did a full marathon.
  

• It's Christmas party season. Xmas Party = food. Food = Tubby fat. Tubby fat = slower you. Xmas party = bad. But then again, it's Christmas so screw it lol.
  

• I'm going to start a new cycle of the highly touted P90x workout tomorrow if only in a lame attempt to get in shape to curb the aforementioned Christmas fat . I already completed the 90-day program before, hard as heck but never felt better. You should give it a go. I'm not saying I have a bootleg copy, but I MAY possibly know someone who does. (slow-motion wink)

Just 90 days baby!

• If you haven't read that "open letter", my trusty 305 is in dire straits. Who's giving me a 310xt for Christmas?

• In the unlikely (asa) event that no one gives me one for Christmas, what's a better deal ? A new Ultegra groupset (cycling/multisport people help out) or that 310XT? Sob.
  

Sob. Yum.

• Is it just me or is that picture above ginormous?
  

• Was looking forward to run the Resorts World race this morning, but got too stressed from some bike mishaps yesterday. Sorry Jinoe and Que, I couldn't get out of bed. How was it anyway? Feedback from those who ran it!
  

• What did happen to me ? After pretty much hassle free riding for several months, I suffered my first two flat tires yesterday (thanks to WRT vet Emil for helping me out) on a Antipolo-Laguna route, got my chain dislodged twice and nearly got run over by one of them counterflowing cars (About two inches from disaster.Karma will hunt you down my friend) The coup de grace was when I was inadvertently left behind, and I got extremely lost, traversing the very long and very congested commuter route (Binangonan, Angono, etc) instead of the scenic Antipolo route. Was also forced to walk my bike more than 5k amidst the madness, impossible to bike in bumper to bumper traffic. I think I worried my teammates (and Ultramarathoner Abby)to death as I had no money, little water and no cellphone. Touched that they waited for me though. Not my day. The next one will be better. Still a career high 152k ride, unfathomable a couple of months ago.

• BDM 151 (or 160?) watch : 90% running, 10% not running.
  

• I was driving home when I saw the formerly world-famous Tito Caloy, who's now enjoying his retirement from his storied running career. Keeping a low profile, he has opted to concentrate on his competitive drinking. His bpm (bottles per minute) pace had dropped when he started running, so now he's concentrating on training for the 2011 Philippine Drinking League season. He says hi to everyone who actually remembers him, and that he's available for personal appearances for your Christmas parties. Just text 0917- 8- TCALOY for details.
  

Rare appearance by the legend.
Have a good running week folks :)

The plastic ice scraper rasps on the windshield, noisily echoing across the lawns.
My breath ghosts across the tinted glass e rasing lacy patterns left by the bitter cold from the night before.
Cheap dollar store gloves let cold air bite my fingers, giving less then their value. Sitting on the truck seat makes me realize that the cold reaching along my legs, driving into my toes, and fingers, isn’t my imagination. The engine catches, and roars, idle for only the barest of minutes, it will warm up as I go along my way. Despite the second thoughts of will there be anything to take photos of, is this worth it, I take the turn off the highway towards the lake.

Driving out on the coldest day of this Autumn, the sun feels warm through the drivers side window, but that might be nothing more then wishful thinking. Most likely it’s the engine warming up and throwing heat, not the sun.
Crispy diamonds scattered along the side of the road cover dead grass, and bare branches, as if someone roaring by on their way to work had tossed a jar of glitter out the window of their vehicle. They shine, and sparkle like a child’s tiara, I want to stop and take photos of them, but the narrow winding road is too dangerous to pull over on.
The once brilliant trees from “The morning the sun rose twice” blog post shots are bare, and bleak, there is little color in the thin, muddy tinged ice of the lake. No ducks this early morning, no cows mooing to be milked, they are still in the barns, no birds fighting over seeds, all is still this morning. The geese have yet to arrive, or maybe the swans have left, only to return this winter.

Hoar frost glitters like coarse sugar crystals, coating anything it can stick to, deep, and thick, it’s white and beautiful. Breath comes out in shadowy gusts, as I climb back up the hill, skin prefers a covering, and the camera’s battery fades with the chill, which makes it a good idea to finish and leave quickly.
I circle back through the avenue of overhead trees, small town edged with train tracks, onto the highway. The winter tires purr on the pavement, the cold wind whistles as it strokes the paint of my truck.

Detours beckon more then breakfast calls, the truck is warm, the sun is out, it’s time to make the most of the morning. Parking on the side of the road next to the barren fields, I roll my eyes at the shiny, giant blue, and white plastic marshmallows containing hay for cows, because they have spoiled a favourite place to shoot, although I am sure the cows don’t care.

Small birds skip from tree to bush, clumps of flighty feathers, and chirps. The sun threatens to melt the hoar frost that covers the bull rushes, it’s time to go back and see what I have captured.
The rest will have to wait for another day of beckoning sunlight.

Actually, "not a fan" is an understatement. Ever since I started running a couple of years ago, the apshalt, concrete and grass always seemed to beckon with a certain openness. The trails seemed to always reject me much in the same way that Lebron rejected the Cavs. Okay maybe not that harsh, but you get the idea.

Ever since me and Abby drudged our way through the New Balance Trail Adventure at Nuvali, people have always been asking me "Why? Trails are awesome!". And as much as New Balance and race director extraordinaire Neville Manaois did a spectacular job in organizing the race amidst a spectacular backdrop, it just seems that one man's pleasure is another's poison. Let me count the ways... .

What Fun...

Trail shoes... . or the lack thereof.
It's like the veritable chicken-or-egg debate. I constantly whine on trails because my feet hurt in the absence of a serviceable pair of trail shoes. A poor flat-footed lackey like me will surely struggle with the treacherous terrain. But then again, I never really got about to buying a pair... .. for the simple reason that I practically never run trails. Hmmmmm.

This little piggy wore badminton shoes to the trail... ..

I don't like getting my feet wet in bacteria-infested swamps

Usually, wet feet and wet socks equate into wet blisters for me. So I sort of abhor any form of liquid on my shoes. Last time, I literally had to plunge my entire foot into the murky looking brook/swamp thing. And while I am not as mysophobic as Emma from Glee, wading through seemingly malaria-infested waters is sorta not my thing. Although it seems I'm a tad bit maarte for my purported Gingerbread tough guy image, I guess I grew up watching too many National Geographic specials on PTV-4.

Germs! Germs!If I wanted to climb rocks... ..
I would have been a mountain climber, and not a runner. I didn't know that the words "trail" and "climbing" would somehow go hand in hand. I had to make hawak the yucky rocks and eewy ropes. So kadiri. :P

Cleaning the mud off my shoes right after is not my kind of thing
Once again, in the absence of trail shoes I use my standard lighweight road shoes. Being totally immersed in mud, the cleaning part right after doesn't exactly enthuse me. And somehow, even after a day at the cleaners, there's this weird notion that the shoes are never the same again. Much akin to a person who was subject to a harrowing event and was traumatized for the rest of their life. Why do I get the notion that my shoes go through the same thing? I refuse to put my plush road shoes through any form of psychological trauma that would scar them forever. Case closed.

Shoes look great in muck.
And last, and probably most importantly... .

I'm speed bagal in trail runs

Not that I'm necessarily fast, but I don't like going slow either. During the latest New Balance trail gig , I believe we finished the entire 16k race in just over an three hours. Three hours! For a 10-miler! What fun! That's if you equate drudgery with fun that is.

Ayaw na...

In all seriousness though, comparing road and trail runs would be like looking at apples and oranges. They are distinctly different, and all appeal to a certain running palate much in the same way that some of you may not have the stomach for that certain 102k race we completed awhile back. But isn't that the beauty of running? You can always find your own niche, be it a 5k sprint, a 102k ultramarathon or a 16k trail run. Happiness is relative, and running will always give you that option.

Muddy tracks and all. :)

Powerpuff Boys. Smirk. What kind of fruity name is that? Sounds like a local counterpart to the Chippendales. Or a new incarnation of the Masculados. But don't be misled by the name though. From the ashes of controversy, the so-called "Pink Army" has arrived, and there's certainly nothing dainty about them.

Pretty in Pink?
Pardon the hyperbole, I'm really just amped. After months and months of incessant planning and lineup changes, TPB has finally come to fruition. Featuring 10 runners all hailing from different cities ( fun fact, it may win you a t-shirt one day), the final roster for our Chris Sports Epic Relay 250 team is finally complete.

Pink would have been horrible on these Masculados

To the uninitiated, the Chris Sports Epic Relay 250 is based off the hugely popular Ragnar Relay Series in the United States. Your team is divided into two vans for an overnight relay race that traverses picturesque terrain spanning Subic, Bataan and Zambales, with the 10 team members running three legs of anywhere from 5-12 kms each.

What fun!
Now, we never realized how hard it was to snag 10 dudes paying P1,200 each for less than a combined 30 kilometers. There was a time that the only definitive members on our lineup were team captain Bryan Rivera, myself, and highly respected veteran Graciano "Ka Totoy" Santos. Thankfully, everything just fell into place at the right time, and we are happy to put together a team that does justice to pink. Okay fine, its fuschia.

Here's the current lineup as well as some snippets about the members :

Graciano "Ka Totoy" Santos

He's like our Obi-Wan-Kinobi. The grizzled master never hesitates to give valuable training advice to us noobs. Ka Totoy also abhors any form of alcohol to keep in shape all year round, and his eyebrows could give Isko Moreno's a run for their money.

Bryan "Runner-S" Rivera

Our undisputed team captain. One of the most improved runners over the past year, he has shown incredible tenacity both on and off the road. His organizational and leadership skills are unparalleled as well, and when the time comes that I'm a millionaire already, he'll be the first one I'll call to run my businesses. Throws a mean frisbee too. Is way sexier than Right Said Fred, putting the "S" in "Runner-S".

Mark "Beep Beep" Rodica

The former volleyball star-turned-trackster has a penchant for short shorts, snappy one-liners and even snappier 10k times. Judging by his picture, you could see that he's a very serious guy.

Mark" Indorock" Mulder

This Holland native has been a ball of positive energy for the team. A relatively late addition, this cool, methodical dude now sports a new Glee-inspired do'. The brains behind Manila Road Runners, he is a master at deciphering Tagalog words through context clues and sign language. Shame on his inconsiderate teammates. Er, oops.

Ronnel "Kampuger" Go

Although most people will probably never know what a "Kampuger" is in their lifetime ( I don't know what it is either, and I don't wanna know), this amiable, wise-cracking fella can hang with the best of them. As you can see by his photo, he also has a bit of a Rudolf Nureyev in him.
Roy "Kuya" Rivera

Ultra-fit Roy is Bryan's older brother, although at first we thought that it was the other way around. This laid-back, music loving, ultra-fit vegan doesn't concern himself with km splits and pace, he prefers to be lost in the moment and stays away from the extra pressure. He is the founder of the "SBMA Traffic Enforcer" fanpage on Facebook.

Mark "MarkHernz" Hernandez

This model-turned- resilient-ultramarathoner is an all-around athlete who seems to excel at whatever sport he tries his hand on. Totally dedicated hubby (sorry gals) who once ran a 3:30 split for a 10k... . during the first 200 meters. He got very tired soon thereafter. Suffice to say, he never did that again.

Jairuz "Jai-Ho" Agang-ang

A man of few words, he lets his running do the talking. We somehow cajoled him into putting "Jai-Ho" on his uniform. (LSS mode) His unassuming manner belies his competitive nature on the road. He is very inspired right now, nuff said.

Brando "Ace" Losaria

This wisecracking ball of perpetual energy often has the team in stitches, and "Photobrando" takes somes of the most beautiful race shots I have seen. This hard-training raceday habitue has also been touted as a cuter, "funner" version of a certain former Streetboy. His long term goal is to run a 2:30/km pace someday.

And that's the team folks! Oh grr, do I really have to add myself?

I like taking long walks on the beach, Mcdo Fried and Nuggets, I have two dogs named Strowganoff and Piolow, and the grade of my contact lenses is -350. Oh, and I have a girlfriend who can run 102 kilometers faster than me. Sob.

Me and my well-pedigreed support crew

On the eve of our impending battle, I conclude this article amidst a cacophony of sighs and snores from our snug Subic hotel, hopeful and excited about the events that are about to unfold in the next couple of hours. Thanks for all the support and well-wishes that you have given us, we truly appreciate it.

Now let the dance begin... ..

T he runners were all hyped up and ready to go, the excitement and anticipation of months of training reaching fever pitch. As the organizers counted down the seconds, you could feel the palpable tension amidst the..

81 runners. How many will make it?

Wait.

We're getting ahead of ourselves.

There's always a story behind the story. And isn't that the interesting part?

Prologue

Gingerbreadman with Gingerbread Driver, 4 pm Saturday.

GBM: Let's go to Libis, I need to buy a blinker from a bike shop.GBD: Okie ser! You go biking biking?GBM: Nope not biking, the blinker was just required for my race, it's at 1 am later.GBD: Ah! So you go biking biking at 1am? Dat is so eeshcary!GBM: We're not going biking, it's a run.GBD: Yes ser, biking run!GBM: No, I mean, running, two feet.GBD: Ah! JAGGING! Wow ish so erly por jagging ser!
GBM: Quite a long jog indeed, about 50k .GBD: WAW! R U SERYOS SER??GBM: GBD, Magtagalog na lang tayo... GBD: Hay salamat ser! kamao pala kayo mag Tagalog!GBM: Teka, iba na un ah... .

Sleeplessly Anticipating

"Excitement" would be an understatement as I counted down the seconds, minutes, and hours before the single greatest challenge of my relatively nascent running career. During the time I was supposed to be sleeping, I was frozen in a zombie-like state. Everything seemed to be moving in freeze frame. I was glued to my laptop, the Takbo.ph shoutbox a looming rhapsody in motion, all but frozen in time. I was bored. Antsy. Couldn't sleep. And everytime I did try to sleep, the Gingerbread Dog was all over me. Bad dog. His birthday is coming up by the way, 2 years old this August 21. I'm planning a CLP and all of you are invited. Yeah. As I said, I'm antsy. Next paragraph please. Sorry for the 30 seconds of your life you'll never get back.

I'm just trying to help! HBD to mehhh! You're invited! 8/21!

Of Support Crews and the Ultimate Emperador Sacrifice
On the path to fulfilling my dreams, I ran into a major obstacle - who the heck would support me? No way I could survive the distance without any form of help. My college friends are either getting married ( Note to self : Tick tock... . Tick Tock... ) or being stationed abroad. No way could they support me. I don't wanna hassle Gingerbread Gal, that's too long of a grind. So looks like I need to call on the last people on my list, the ones that I really didn't want to bother - the Gingerbread Dad and no less than internet legend/favorite uncle Tito Caloy. They had given up their commitment to support me on the journey, and Tito Caloy cancelled his Emperador LCLP with the kumpadres. Sob. Imagine, he gave that up for me? Must have been torn. Poignant moment right there.

GBM : Thanks for helping me out Dad.

GD : No problem son. I will just bring you there and meet you in the morning, am no spring chicken anymore . Tito Caloy will take over.

TC : Gigimik lang yan... ...

GBM : !!!!

TC: Gano tayo katagal dun?

GBM: Max of 9 hours?

TC: May chicks ba dun?

GBM: !!!!!

Gingerbread Dad and internet Legend Tito Caloy all set

Official Gingerbread Support Car

Yellow Cab, 11:20 pm Saturday

I am nervous. Really. I mean, I am gunning to run a distance that I have never tackled before, not even close. A lot of people would not subscribe to that. But hey that's just me. It would kill me if I didn't try. Classic Gingerbread hard-headedness there. Meeting place is Yellow Cab Julia Vargas and the two elder Gingerbread folk are early. Early but... . they ordered a Pizza! Whaaa? It's 11:30 already! We might be late! Gingerbread Dad bought like 40 Gatorade bottles along with oreos, chocolates, and ... pizza. You'd think we were going on a children's party or something instead of an ultramarathon. Children.. hmm. Just made me remember a conversation with Gingerbread Mom over the phone while chilling from her lofty perch.

GBM: Yes Mom I'm running a 50k ultramarathon. I may even go for 100 if I'm still alive.

GM: Aww that's so great son!

GBM: Uh, yeah? It's running from UP to Commonwealth then SM Fairview then retrace the whole thing back to UP! It's a big deal you know! I'll be famous!

GM: Awww that's wonderful! How long will you be away?

GBM: I'll be running for 8, 9 hours straight! Very few runners are crazy enough to do it!

GM: Wow, very nice! Very nice! Make sure you won't run come nightfall it's dangerous!

GBM: Ugh, its at 1am Mom.

GM: Well then make sure you're home in time for lunch! It's Sunday and you rarely go here! Take care! Do you have money?

GBM: (The way our conversation is running you would think I'm just going out to the mall to watch a movie or something. Old people. What fun. )

Starting Line , 12:59 am

T he runners were all hyped up and ready to go, the excitement over the culmination of weeks and months of training reaching fever pitch. As the organizers counted down the seconds, you could feel the palpable tension amidst the crowd. There was a definitive buzz. Neville and Ian had given last minute instructions, car stickers and banners already distributed. Class pictures were taken. Niceties were exchanged among the brave souls, a pall of both uncertainty and anticipation slowly falling over the group. 81 have come to defy the odds and enter the hard-knocks, no-frills world of the ultramarathon. As the starting gun went off and the group started going en masse past the utilitarian starting line banner, you get to think... how many of them would be here to cross the finish?

Newbies getting tips from the ultra vets

Sir Ronnie aka Runnerforchrist and Takbo.ph running bud Doc Sherwin pre-race

They will keep us safe

Pat's lucky charm

Race directors par excellance Ian and Neville for last-minute instructions

The starting line beckons... .

Kilometer 10, 2:10 am. What's the Rush?

Amidst the helter skelter start, me and TNF 100 vet/ Takbo.ph buddy Pat were left bundled together for the first 10km of the run. For some insane reason , we thought we were way behind the pack. And for an even more insane reason, we ran the first 10k in 70 mins. Apparently, for runners of our skill level, that is tantamount to a virtual death knell in ultra terms. As you see the story unravel, the implications of such a brazen move would have significant ramifications on the two of us as the race wore on.

I can do this...

The bunny is the key

The 1st and 2nd placers of GIG Run pose for a bit

Km 11 - 20 , 3 am. The Endless Roads of Commonwealth Ave.

The route looped back to base camp at Ylanan before we set out to go to Commonwealth. I was starting to think that this breakneck pace was not prudent at all if I was to go the distance. So I signaled to Pat to leave me behind. As I went out to Commonwealth, I realized that the road to success would be a solitary one.

Mundane sights on a road that doesn't end
The very same route I have traversed endless times in the past by car didn't seem like it would end. An interesting twist was that I had to pass by the Quezon CIty circle as well, going through the overpass twice.

The sight that greets tired wannabe ultramarathoners
I never realized that thing was that long. Once you had completed that part, you would be passing what seemed like a never ending road. Twists along the way - Tito Caloy finally tracked me down, gave much needed support. I was expecting him to look sheepish or bored to death, but he looked genuinely concerned. Naks. Scene after Tito Caloy had given me some much-needed refreshments :

Unknown Oldie Runner : May tubig ka b a diyan?
Tito Caloy : Ah, eh, meron
UOR : Pahingi naman
TC: Ah, eh, cge eto
UOR: Gatorade meron?
TC: Um, oo, pero... ..
UOR: Pahingi na din. Baon. Malayong bakbakan to.
TC: !!!
GBM:!!!

(runner speeds off)

TC: You're welcome!
GBM: What the fudge was that all about?

Sight for sore legs

Generous Guy Tito Caloy having a drink. No not that kind.
Along Commonwealth I also repeatedly ran into veteran ultra dude Kiko (who actually went on to finish the 100k. Kept on offering him an Oreo or Gatorade. Or something. Refused every time. "I'm good, thank you." Classy, nice guy. Ultra Marathon tips on-the-go that I got from him :

1. Walk the inclines. Always. Don't even think about it.
2. You should have no injuries or funky feelings at the 50k mark. If you do, don't even think about it.
3. Eat real, whole meals. Planning on eating Oreos and chocolates the whole time? Don't even think about it.

Sage advice from ultra vet Kiko helped me surviveI took his advice to heart... . thus I ended up not thinking at all :)

Km 22 - 30 , 530 am. The long uphill to SM Fairview.

Upon reaching the very end of Commonwealth and hitting the turn to SM Fairview, evil voices in my head were slowly picking on my psyche in the dark solitude of that fateful Sunday morning.

You gotta be crazy dude. This is a route that BUSES take. You are so far off. You're alone. It's so dark you could get mugged. In your excitement to maintain an "ultra pace" your friends are at least an hour ahead of you. You're slow. Just quit and get back to your pampered , softie lifestyle. Go... go ride your support car and go home to Daddy.

Thankfully, I did my best to tune out these thoughts that would make Norman Vincent Peale turn in his grave. And Tito Caloy was resolute in not letting me rot on the road. He would show up every 10k or so, and just the mere sight of someone to talk to would sustain reanimate me. Thank God, he didn't desert me! Blood is thicker than alcohol! I've been running for nearly 5 hours straight already. Must not quit.
Just as I was completely losing my sanity, I ran into the group of veteran ultraman and Takbo.ph buddy Ronald. Was a big group, and we ended up pacing until the aid station at SM Fairview where cold water and camote nourished us. The last sigh of fresh air before the final push. Its much akin to that slight lull before the Battle of Helm's deep in LOTR.

SM Fairview will never look the same again

Brief respite before the final push
Km 30 onwards. What happened??

The events of what happened from this point on were all a blur to me. It's like a lucid dream. A real, live one (to the younger readers, kindly google "Vanilla Sky"). Essentially, the absurdity of a quick start combined with running for what was to eventually be eight hours began to catch up with me. Laundry list of what happened to me until the finish line :

1. Cramped up both legs at 35k mark
2. Knees tightened at 37k mark
3. Couldn't run well at 37k mark
4. Lost Tito Caloy until QC Circle Part Deux. He was ensnared in a running conversation with an old lady along Fairview on magnets (huh?) and he couldn't extricate himself. Ugh.
5. Was escorted by two scooters at 35 k mark. Seriously thought I was the very last runner. For someone who takes solace in the fact that he cracked the top 60 of his last 10k race, this was a terrible blow to the psyche that added exponentially to the mental strain he was already going through
6. Ipod went dead at 40k
7. Voices in head became louder at 40k
8. Saw Mcdonald's icon Grimace running in front of him at 41k mark

9. Openly considered quitting at 41k after seeing Grimace
10.Became fast friends with two gentlemen of an advanced age who were ditching the 100k ultra because they couldn't go on any further . Sakit ng tiyan ko hijo, masakit!
11.Quick fist pump at 42k mark. First full marathon. Wohoo! Oh great 8k more to go
12.Received encouraging phone calls from Takbo.ph pals Rico, Rod and Edu at 42 mark,
reviving me from a semi-comatose state
13.Decided with finality that shooting for a 100k would land me in the hospital. I need the money from my job. Hospital would TAKE money I don't have away from me. Easiest choice I ever made.
14.Tito Caloy gives encouraging advice to call it a day with a smile.
15.Met by the most raucous ovation one could ever ask for at the 45k mark from the Takbo.ph family. I almost cried. Oh wait hold the tears. 5 more kilometers to go.
16.Bromance partner Rico aka Sheer Will paced me for the longest 5k of my life. Would possibly wilted if I was alone.
17.Best finish of my relatively nascent running career - screaming friends, a medal, parent and fun uncle in the crowd. Tons of cameras clicking away. With the racket going on you would think I won the damn thing. Felt like a gazillion bucks.

Eternally grateful for the 5k push

A final, painful run for glory

Happy Gingerbread Dad

Tito Caloy comes through for the Gingerbread Clan

It was all worth it... .

Because of these guys and gals

So there. Whew. That's my story. A dichotomy that unraveled as the layers of my soul were stripped down to its barest, purest form. A guy who yearns to be on top of the list ends up on the bottom. One who yearns to be fast ended up taking it very slow. Who went through the entire journey in independent solitude, only to rely on the kindness and thoughtfulness of others in order to finish.

I came in to test my limits, to prove that the mental faculties of an individual trump the physical every time. I came in with a chip on my shoulder, to show that I have the ability to go over and beyond what people expect of me. I came in... . with lofty expectations.

81 hopefuls. 47 made it.
In the end, when everything was said and done, amidst the warm company of family and friends...

I was just so happy to be there and savor the moment with them.

There's always a story behind a story. Isn't that the interesting part?

It's been just over a month since Adidas held its highly touted annual King Of The Road race. To pre-boom running denizens, KOTR was one of the most awaited races each year. The fact that it always seemed to have the best singlet of every season didn't hurt either.With the running community growing year in and year out, I'll rattle off ten quick things about this year's experience.

1. Singlet Fun?
Last year's singlet took the cake, with a revolutionary yellow and black motif that has been ripped off endlessly in smaller races after. A lot of people I know last year registered if only to get that fancy singlet. Yes, it's happens more often than you think, and I'm guilty as charged. With that in mind, expectations were sky high for this season's event. How could they possibly top the best singlet to come out in ages? What fancy color scheme would the mad geniuses at their design unit come up with? Forum chit chat had numerous guesses , and rumors abound that the original color would be changed.

Nevertheless,excitement was at fever pitch.

In the end, they went with... ..

Black.

While it would possibly appeal to the minimalist, most people still preferred last year's edition. Decent singlet with sizing on the large side, add it to your collection stashed in your aparador. Last year the yellow and black ones were ubiquitous. In the weeks after, I barely see it on the road. Shucks.

2. ANR Singlets

Cheap, P995 bucks. Imported material coming from SG for the exclusive singlet of the Adidas Adination of Runners members. If you aren't in the know, it's a community-based group run/pseudo running clinic/random weekday social gathering held at different locations throughout the metropolis. Quick bit of useless trivia: I'm the lead facilitator of the Ortigas area sessions, and we meet every Wednesdays 7:30 pm at Pearl Drive Mcdonalds. Join us, it's a lot of painful fun. Going back to the singlet,I guess it's a decent deal if you have money to burn. For the price I paid for it, I feel faster already. Amazing.

p.s. Dear Adidas, I'm broke. Thank you.

Hmm, this makes it all worth it :P

3. 21k hotcakes

Last season, 10k kits ran out in a matter of days. This year, it seems that the running boom learning curve snapped up the kits before you could say pikermi. While projecting these things is like playing a game of sa pula sa puti at Resorts World, hopefully they could get it right next year.

4. Hydration Hydration.

Big fuss over hydration, or lack of it for the matter.After the race, I got into a semi-sensible discussion with some disgruntled runners at the Takbo.ph boards . Same old same old. Hydration runs out for whatever reason, blame the organizer. Vent it out online. Or on whoever has a contrarian opinion.

Listen, running is no joke, specially when you tread the middle to long distances. I know Rio spoils you to death with overflowing drinks for his races. That's awesome. But he won't be there all the time for you and you CANNOT expect the same level of organization for all races. Hope for the best but expect the worst. Races aren't Club Med, it's a legitimate athletic pursuit with your life possibly on the line. Would you really put your life in the hands of other people when you had complete freedom to bring your own hydration beforehand? And to whoever sardonically dissed me on that thread for suggesting it's your responsibility to bring your own hydration, I sure hope as heck you won't be needing that ambulance you suggested I bring with me on race day once you run out of drinks on your race. Splash.

It's worth it.

5. Pandesal and Hot Dogs.

I could have sworn that there was supposed to be a buffet for the runners. If they changed it, I totally missed it. The pandesal and hot dogs underwhelmed me, not that I was hungry anyway. Feel bad for the guy who thought he was at the buffet line, ANR registration pala.

Yum.
6. Alay Lakad

While I lucky enough not to be personally affected, people were complaining about how the massive crush made the route practically impossible to traverse. Some were relegated to doing a sort of Alay Lakad move. Quick question, is this phenomenon a totally unavoidable consequence of a really big race right smack in the boom ,or it could have been rectified by proper execution?

It's the next best thing.

7. 250k Baggage
I sucked out at the 10k category I ran in, checking in at a modest 51 minutes or nearly 5 minutes off my usual time. Takbo.ph prez Jinoe lustily jeered me at the line for failing to break the sub-50 barrier (I am still serving a lifetime ban on being a Takbo.ph hoff for hitting it before him. Hihi.), but unbeknownst to my good friend, my rubbery gingerbread legs were bringing with them roughly 250 kilometers worth of crushing bike mileage. I had competed in the mutliple stage Tour of Matabungkay with Endure Multisport's cycling team just the day before, and with little sleep, I felt like I was dragging around a ton of bricks with me. Even if I felt my fitness level was at an all-time high, there was really nothing I could do. People were passing me left and right, and being the competitive nut that I am, the itch to just chase them down but having no physical capability to do so was driving me crazy. Still quite an experience though, revenge is due next year smirk.

Kalayaan 12, GBM 11
8. Fulfillment
It was pretty nice to see a lot of my Adidas Adination Ortigas runners "level up" with this race, taking down 21k's with relative ease. When I first met some of them, they were tubby ordinary joes who could barely complete a 5k. Now they are fit, veritable weekend warriors already looking ahead to the upcoming marathon and ultramarathons in the 2011 calendar. Hmm... we must be doing something right eh? Proud "coach" here. Sniff.

This group has come a long way...
9. Kleptomania in the house.

Sucks. As I was busy facilitating the insane rush of people registering for the ANR sessions (the booth was mistaken for the baggage counter like a gazillion times) , I made terrible mistake of placing my brand new, fancy Adidas Techfit shorts (which set you back a cool P3,000 believe) on the counter. Amidst the mob scene, I thought nothing of it, it was like inches away from me. Much to my abject horror, I suddenly noticed it was gone. Aww shucks.That crap happens? Even here? And to think I tried my best to smile and humor the people despite the hassle and the crush of the crowd. Cruel. Chalk this one up to the "loss of faith in humanity" list.

Asar.

10. I will never run this race again!!
That was what people said last year after the debacle in claiming the race kits. And yet this year even more people joined. I heard practically the same thing in the aftermath of the race, but why do I have this sneaky feeling the race will set another attendance record next year? Go figure.

That's all folks, see you at KOTR 2011!

Busy weekend for all of us! It's one of those weekends that so many big events were held concurrently. Running denizens were divided amongst the Cebu International Marathon, Subic International Marathon, Fat Ass 24-hour run, and the 2011 Bull Run. With a veritable smorgasbord of choices, let's see how everybody fared with these different runs.

• I wonder how SIM 2011 fared this year? Among the people I knew, only Endure Multisport star Erick Guieb joined this one, and last I heard he was gunning for a modest below 5-hour finish. But knowing him, he probably did it in 3:45. Lol.

• I was part of it in 2009, running the 10k Nike Human Race (where I placed 13th) and the 21k race (where I ran with Tito Caloy) Sigh, how time flies so fast. Internet Legend Tito Caloy has since gone back to the professional competitive drinking circuit, he missed it too much. Came in to the scene too late to know who he is? Google google google.

Those were the days...

Back to his first love.

• In related news, SIM was also memorable for me because I ran into Ultramarathoner Abby on the way there at Kenny Rogers along NLEX. It was the first time I had seen her in years. Who would have known... ... .. :P Uuuy.

Our first ever picture together hihi.

• Back to SIM , that was also memorable because we were doing support for the marathoners and water ran out as early as 18k along the route. A trip down memory lane : Craig Logan was pushing Justin and collapsed. Rico sacrificed his race and rushed him to the hospital. Argow was overcome with emotion as his first marathon was marred by a lack of adequate water.There was a screaming mob afterwards, as a result there was TOO much hydration the day after for the 21k race. Fun.

It's howkay, we got your back. Hug.

• As expected, the Kenyans dominated this year's race with Vertek opting to compete in the 21k, eventually winning it. When will we ever have someone else other than Vertek to chase down these dudes?Can Cris Sabal hold his own? Someone give me data please. Winning time of 2:23 probably wasn't even close to their best.

• Sometimes, I just realized that if I were a girl, I would be a very fast girl. A very fast, tall, and fugly one with hairy legs at that.

• Congratulations to all who joined Cebu. Wonderfully organized race, I ran the inaugural edition last year and gave it rave reviews . It was as if the entire city was in synergy for one dynamic event. Haide Acuna, Doc Bontol, John Pages and the rest of the Cebu gang no doubt contribute to the robust running community they have over there, and this race is a succinct reflection of that. Only downside - you'll probably have too much fun with it that you might end up getting drunk and messing up your race. Not guilty as charged. Pockets of Endure, ANR and TPB people were there, tell us all about how it went! I have no doubt it was an awesome race as always.

Last year with Cebu running celeb/BDM 102 batchmate Haide

Cheering on Takbo.ph boss Jinoe on his first marathon

• The Fat Ass Run has long been some sort of an urban legend amongst ultra running folk, and I remember when quintessential ultraman Atty. Jon Lacanlale started it a couple years back. Back then, it didn't really garner that much attention save for a few hard core crazies. I had always wanted to run this, but for some reason it always worked against my schedule. So I was pleasantly surprised that it seemed that 1 in every 4 people seemed to be headed to Clark for it. If I'm not mistaken, you can run in 12 and 24 hour increments. Damn right it's crazy. Among the notables, BR did a leisurely 54k in about 8 hours, Frontrunner EIC/ Hardcore chief Jonel did an inhuman 121k in nearly 22 hours, and Albert "Run2dmoon" Salazar emerged this year's Fat Ass King with nearly 140k over 24 hours. Wow.

Jonel overcome with emotion at his "graduation" after running for 22 hours.

• While I'm having the time of my life being a spectator/heckler here, I shudder to think that I'll be running 160 kms in a little over a month. Ayayay.

• Don't you find it ironic that the people who join Fat Ass don't have anything close to resembling a fat ass? In fact, I have a sneaky suspicion that after running for 24 hours, they may not even have an ass at all.

• Of the all the aforementioned races, the one I did join was the one closest t0 home, the 2011 Bull Run at BGC (yes, I'm hip like that. Fort? Ano yun?). Fresh from winning the team championship at Fort Running Festival, Team Powerpuff Boys (affectionately known as TPB or "those pink guys") decided to take a stab at the team competition once more with momentum on our side. I got to train once with the gang, and if before I felt we were on a somewhat parallel fitness level, their resolute dedication to training has reaped incredible dividends. Being engrossed into establishing some semblance of a multisport base, I simply couldn't hack the aggressive programs I used to pull off. The disparity was blatantly obvious. My guys (no homo) simply ripped the course apart en route to the team snagging 1st place in the team category once more. Our goal was at the very least 1:20, and everybody did way better than that. Notable performances included Chris Iblan running an inhuman 1:03 ( 3:58 pace for 16k??) and Brandow snagging a 1:13 (wild 4:34 pace) . As for myself, I served as the weak link, checking it a lame 1:21:15, 5:04 pace which ordinarily would have been fast but these guys put that to shame. I need to ramp up my running, the boys are tearing it up there.

TPB with, er, fans :P

Posing at the awarding "Bb. Pilipinas" style.

• Mary Anne Ringor usually does a good job at organizing, last year was pretty good. This year,epic fail at the 16k gun going off ten minutes early. It was supposed to start at 5:45 as was announced in the published material. We were at the corral already, and me Jix and Nick took a leak thinking there was more than ample time to get back. Much to our chagrin the gun went off as we were on the way back. We're vets at this, and it's really no big deal even if wading through hundreds of 10k runners and the back end of the 16k pack was draining. Still, it would be nice if we could keep to the published start times.

• Double fail to the drivers along the Makati ave intersection who kept on impatiently honking their horns. You see there's a race going on, a little consideration wouldn't hurt. Highly indicative of our mentality, in other countries people on the road would actually cheer runners on. Hay nako.

• Fail to Accel gels. Gu didn't have any chocolate variants, so we decided to give it a go. Tasted good, but I don't think it helped me one bit. In short, it was so bad that even the placebo didn't work. Shucks.

• Tip of the week : 1 pound lost = 12 seconds faster in a 10k run. Lose 10 lbs, that's 2 minutes off your time!

• Pilipinas Cycling League's season opener, a century race in Jala-Jala commences in Jan 23, Endure Multisport is competing. I'm antsy, haven't had a good road ride since my crash. Pray pray pray.

• It's BDM test run season, and I'm pretty much missing all . Why? For the simple reason that I plan to race Condura 42k. I have a friendly bet with bossing Jonel because he's doing the test runs. If he still manages to outrun me it's Mcdo breakfast time. Juicy. :P

New Renters
November moved in quietly the other day, stealthily occupying that abandoned rental at the end of the street.
We were just waking up from our Autumnal hangover otherwise known as Halloween.
Before the candy low hit, there were lights in the windows, and a plant blooming on the doorstep.

Settled in quite nicely, fooled us when we weren’t looking into believing that October could be the one renting for a little longer. At least until Spring came along with it’s love of a good cleaning. Of course that was all for show, to impress the landlords. Soon the lawn will be ragged, the snow will fly, the sidewalks left unshoveled. The garbage piled up at the back door, blinds will remain drawn day, and night. Light spilling out onto the driveway, illuminating the shabby old vehicles parked in the driveway that never seem to move. Arguments will rebound from cracked windows, snow will swirl, noisy parties, comings and goings at all hours of the night. Cold weather, killing frosts, storms, it’s unsettling to think that this is happening. And there is November with its icy chill, giving us the cold shoulder and not returning our greetings when we waved “hello new neighbour” at it as we walked by. Slouching on the porch, smoke twirling in damp air, massing under the eves, butts now scattered on the beautiful garden that October had tended so carefully. Glaring at us. Well isn’t that nice… not. “Quick turn you head the other way, it will see you staring… Yes of course I care if it sees me, who wouldn’t.” “Now look at the what the neighbourhood has become, it all starts with just one.” “Maybe the owner will sell, and something better will move in… I wonder if Spring is looking for a place to rent.” Let’s give her a call, tell her know that we might know of a place to rent.

There’s a what in my front yard? There have been sightings of bear, deer, pheasants, quail.
Along with the occasional run of too many eagles bent on eating the Boo for breakfast, but the other morning this one totally surprised me. My husband casually asked me what type of bird it was that my Sister had on their farm a while ago. They were Emus I told him. “Well, there was one in the front yard,” he told me. I ran to the window. “Its just sauntered on down the road,” he said.
Yes, he said sauntered, I guess that’s what Emus do. We have a Emu sighting, and you don’t tell me… what's next a Elephant in the backyard that you forget to mention? No really, there was a Emu in the yard, it was just hanging out there having a good time. The second largest bird in existence, huge, tall, almost as big as a ostrich if you are comparing them. With beautifully iridescent, glossy feathers, this one seemed to be tame, most likely was a pet on the loose. Made for a welcome change from the errant dogs leaving deposits that we usually see. As we drove down our road later, it was hanging out in the front yard of another house.
The owners standing in the front window, their housecoats wrapped around their slightly shocked bodies, morning coffee in hand, hair all mussed up. What a sight to see. You can decide if I mean the Emu, or the neighbours.

Just a couple of days more and we'll be turning in the fat again on Christmas Eve. So while you're getting to ready for that big 6,000 calorie day, some final snippets for you to chew on before your culminating holiday activities.

• Just received the confirmation from Sir Jovie. It's final. It's mind boggling. It's the... Bataan Death March 160k Ultramarathon, the longest and most challenging road race in the country today. 28 hours of sheer guts and glory. But we'll be up for it. How do you train for 160k (or a 100 miler) anyway?While I haven't the slightest idea, maybe this rough plan could give you an idea of what it takes to finish one. No doubt about it, we'll all be extended to our very limit on this one. Off the couch, on to the road.

• Quick survey - would you ever attempt running 160 kms in your lifetime? Why or why not? Give me your thoughts.

The ultimate goal

• I have come to terms with the reality that if you want to look half decent being snapped up and tagged in a dripping wet trisuit, lose 20 lbs. Minimum. Cry.

• Some days I wish I could have taken a snap of my Oscar-worthy, PBA losing finalist smile.

• To that dude who emailed me, no I do not use spellcheck for my articles. It's a hit and miss.

• For all those who emailed and FB messaged on our recent Piolow cover story for Frontrunner, thank you so much for the support. I am very happy that you liked my article. I didn't sleep for two days working on it, subsisting on Cobra and pandesal. Yum. Seriously though, thanks a bunch. You guys inspire me to come up with even better material in the future. Cheers!

• What's fancy thing did you buy over the holiday? As for me, while I promised not to buy anything for myself anymore , I couldn't resist snapping up this cool pair of Aqua Sphere Seal XP fancy goggles courtesy of Ultraman/Ironman/VFF celebrity endorser Ronald Declarador. It gives you cool 180 degree vision in the water and seals in tight like a ziploc bag. Much better than the lame goggles I bought at the SM Kids Section.

New Weapon of War.

• Congratulations to everybody who finished the Corregidor International Half Marathon organized by my good friend Edward Kho. I heard from a lot of my ANR students that the race was one heck of a humdinger. I ran that last year, no way you could go around that without maxing out your HR.

Takbo.ph boss Jinoe finishes the course in record time. Record picture pace time :P

• Even if we didn't take home a medal, big ups to both LC Langit and Nikko Huelgas for placing 4th and 10th respectively in the recent Oman Asian Beach Games. They both broke national records for Olympic Distance in the process. The rest of the team did decently as well, Kim Mangrobang took 7th and Epoy Jurolan 17th in an extremely competitive field. These guys and gals are the future of the sport here in our country, there's simply nowhere to go but up for them.

A job well done.

• In related news, LC's 1.5 km swim split is still faster than my 800 m split. Que Horror. Gosh I suck. Time to hit the pool.

• I wonder who amongst the people we know would be joining the planned full Ironman Distance Triathlon this time next year? Hmmm... .

• I have seen more accidents this holiday season than any other. The funny thing is, what exacerbates the whole thing is the 20 or so seconds it takes for the motorists to make usyoso. I plead not guilty.

• Usapang Batalya. Carbon Fiber = Stiff. Titanium = why don't you just buy a car? And give me the change?