Running and Walking SG's Twilight Ultra Challenge 2012

...and no, no fanboy or fangirl ran as Edward or Bella, respectively.

1st loop (Photo by Running Kaki)

Purple haze began to spread across the languid sky. In a while, the sun will come up and illuminate the vast wilderness cloaked in darkness. Err; we were not in the wild. But we were wild about one thing--running or walking as many loops that we can. Never mind that some of us didn't have enough sleep. Never mind if some of us--especially me--didn't have enough training. Never mind if after this race, we will all be embodiment of pain. 

Hiatus in Africa and Missing Manila's Running Scene

partying in Angola!

I'm currently in Angola, Africa for work until next month. I've seen a few people running by the beach and my envy consumes me. Getting around is difficult since I don't have my own car and have to rely on the company shuttle vehicle. There's no gym in the guesthouse we are staying in and it makes me lazier to do any form of exercise. I sometimes have to content myself with a few pushups on those few days when I am not lazy. As the company is strict on safety, we are not allowed to wander alone, hence, road running is out of the picture. 


I miss the Philippines especially my family and friends. And the running scene.From its back-to-back weekend races to those challenging ultra races, forgive me for being biased but the Philippines has one of the most exciting running scenes in the world. Whenever I see my friends posting their recent running conquests, I am filled with ENVY. I miss the early morning calls for a race. The pre-race jitters. The crazy things that happen during the race. The commotion in every hydration stations. The camaraderie among runners. And that finish banner. The simple and quick gratification for some minutes or some hours of running. Simply put, I miss running in the Philippines!


I know five weeks is slow or fast depending on my attitude. But for now, hopefully, with some windfall, I get to run in Angola even just once. Else, running for now, will have to take a backseat. 

TNF100 Camsur 2011: My First Trail Ultrawalkathon err, Ultramarathon (Part 2 of 2)

Me displaying my running Oscar

Running Oscar

We treaded upward to the next aid station. We sat down when we got there and asked for some water. Robert was already saying that he can’t go on anymore. And then in just a few minutes while I was busy changing the batteries of my headlamp, Robert just fainted. It was a good thing the marshalls were quick to respond and was able to revive him. He already told the marshall that he won’t go on. The next challenge was to get him down to the clearing for the ambulance to pick him up. He was tall at 6’4” and said he was 80 kilos. There were about ten people who took him down in a stretcher. I was just fervently praying that he gets help ASAP and nothing serious happened.

TNF100 Camsur 2011: My First Trail Ultrawalkathon err, Ultramarathon (Part 1 of 2)

Getting jittery before the race

It was the height of naivety.

First, I never did a trail run. I am a road runner. Second, while the endurance of my first road ultramarathon helped me with the endurance and all that, a trail ultramarathon is far different. And last, what the hell was I thinking?

I did finish it though. It was not a strong finish. But it was a good one. 

With Roch before racestart

TNF100 was supposed to be my break into ultramarathoning. But as luck would have it, Mayon 360 came around calling. I remember likening TNF100 as the main course and the Mayon 360 as just the appetizer. I could go without the appetizer but still went with it anyway. I was almost in taper mode after the run in Albay with 21 kms as the farthest I have run. That was for a month! I basically slept my way to the start line.