MY 1ST ULTRA-MARATHON EXPERIENCE

Last December 2011, I had been tagged in the most awaited 1st Ever All-Women Ultra-Marathon in the World in Facebook. I, together with my running friends were very excited for this event which was going to happen in 3 months. 

As the event drew nearer, the organizers made it clear to the registered runners that safety was their utmost priority since the run will start at night. Spoilers of the volunteered running club support stations were also published. 

with my fellow  ttb babes

 On March 8, 2012, All the registered runners together with the organizers, support groups and race marshalls met at the Ayala Active Zone for the race pack collection and race briefing. Mr. Joel Garganera and Doc Willie Estepa led the briefing. They talked about the race route and prizes in store for the winners. They also showed us the much awaited finisher medal that we will receive upon crossing the finish line! I was happy that they also provided carbo loading for the participants since the race briefing started at 7pm. 

Last March 10, 2012, I was both feeling nervous and excited for my 1st Ultramarathon! I tried to sleep during the afternoon but only for 2 hours.  Then I chose my outfit for the run and prepared my things in my bag. I even bought a headlamp when I went to HongKong just for this event. 

I decided to go to Ayala 2 hours before the event because I knew there was going to be a mass for all the runners. I was overwhelmed when I saw all the participants in their running gear. Then I said to myself " This is it! No turning back now!" 

Tess, Glen,Susan,Me and Marivic 

We had our pictures taken before the start of the run. On the left, I had a picture together with the Elite Female Runners of Cebu. Mrs. Tessie Escacinas (3rd Place), Mrs. Glen Pontanar (9th Place), Mrs. Susan Militante(19th place) and Mrs. Marivic Yu (20th place)

with Gabby and Marivic

with the Duen Aliens Elites

10 seconds before gunstart, all of the ladies pose for a picture and then started the countdown to no.1.

Then off we go!!! I paced with my friend Marivic maintaining our 8-9kph speed. Its so nice to see strangers on the side cheering for us. Everything went smoothly up until I tried to speed up my pace when I reached Mandaue which was a bad move. I guess it was hearing Doc Willie's voice telling me I was no.19th. hehe. All the support running clubs I passed though were really helpful. They offered just about anything to us! 

That crazy move made a toll on me when I reached KM30 when I felt my legs getting tired already. So many aches and pains even in my upper back. I looked at the checklist and found out I was no. 21. But at that moment my rank and my finish time did not matter anymore. All I wanted to do was cross the FINISH LINE.  When I left kM30 station I started walking more than I was running. I walked the uphill part of the bridges which we climbed 4 times.  I could never forget the support of the remaining support stations after that. Its so nice to see them from afar cheering for you and just treating you like a PRINCESS when you reached their aid station. 

The remaining 10Kms was more of a challenge for me. I think it was the fact that I was running without music! Which was something new especially on such a long distance run. So anything was just rushing though my brain. I sang the Abc's, counted up to 200 and upon reaching the streets of Barangay Mactan I was counting the lamp posts of streets just to push myself to run a little further. It was quite scary because I could not see any runner in front of me and even in my back. 

with Arlene Yu

When my watched beeped at KM50 the beach resort was nowhere to be found. Then I heard somebody say 1.5KMs to go pa! As in? That was probably the longest excess kms in my life! On the last 100 meters, Arlene surpassed me and we took pictures after crossing the finish line.  

Crossing the finish line!

I crossed the finish line in 6 hrs 58 mins 12 secs!!! 30th finisher to cross the finish line among 181 registered runners!!! Not bad for my first Ultramarathon Experience!!!

Thank you so much to the Organizers, Volunteer Running Clubs Support Stations and Volunteer Race Marshalls! You indeed made this experience for all of us an unforgettable one! 

Congrats to all the finishers!!!

12 Months of Marathons List

1. JANUARY- Cebu City Marathon 2012 
2. FEBRUARY- Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2012
3. MARCH- Seoul International Marathon 2013
4. APRIL- "Virgin London Marathon", "Big Sur International Marathon", 
5. MAY- Sundown Marathon Singapore 2011
6. JUNE-" Phuket International Marathon", "Perth Marathon", "Standard Chartered KL Marathon"
7. JULY- "San Francisco Marathon", "Rio Marathon"
8. AUGUST- "Brisbane Marathon"
9. SEPTEMBER- "Berlin Marathon", "Sydney Marathon", 
10. OCTOBER-" Atlantic City Marathon", "Frankfurt Marathon", "Amsterdam Marathon" Venice Marathon
11. NOVEMBER-"Athens Marathon", "New York Marathon", 
12. DECEMBER-"California Marathon", "Honululu Marathon", "Rome Marathon"," Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon"
    

Standard Chartered Marathon- Hong Kong

Last October 2011, I registered for my 2nd International Marathon. The Standard Chartered Marathon in Hong Kong. From the moment I registered for the race I knew it was going to be a tough one! The runners will be running on the 4th longest bridge in the world known as the Stonecutters bridge.

Stonecutters bridge

 By November 2011, I decided to take my training seriously and hired a coach. Coach Philip. When he evaluated me, I didn't realize there were so many weak points I needed to change in my running style. I trained 2-3x a week since then and ran my peak run by joining CCM Full marathon. I felt a little confident since my time improved.

We left Cebu for HK Feb 2 (10pm). Andrea and I picked up our race packs at Victoria Peak at Causeway bay wherein we will finish the race. Hong Kong weather was very cold 13-16 degrees.

A1021

We woke up 5:45am on race day since I needed to drop off my race bag at the baggage area a few meters from the starting line at Mira Hotel at Nathan Road on Tsim Tsa Tsui. When we walked going to the starting line we saw a lot of runners! Some familiar faces from Cebu like Team Boyek, John Ong Corrine Nillas, Coach Banzon, Gianluca, Jung,  Sheila Colmenares and Arlene Yu. Andrea joined the Half Marathon Category.

Fifteen minutes before gun start I saw actor Edison Chen from China. He also joined the race. He's so handsome! I, proceeded to the walk towards the starting line because I want to be near the front. The Emcee started to countdown and all the runners started to cheer.

The weather was a mixture of cold and hot so I kept on rolling up my sleeves and taking off my gloves from time to time. We ran through the first bridge "Stonecutters Bridge" which felt like forever especially the uphill part. Afterwards 2 more bridges Tsing Ma and Tsing Yi bridge. We also passed by 3 tunnels. One of which was quite long that it felt like forever running inside. But fun at the same time since some runners were cheering. We also passed by flyovers. The race overall was very well organized. Enough hydration and food. So many volunteers cheering for you and giving you support! 

HK Finisher Medal

When I crossed the 4 hr mark I knew it was a surefire new PR because there was only 5kms left to the finish line so I took it easy by walking 1 min every 1km left.  I cross the finish line at 4 hrs 44 mins and 18 secs! After crossing the finish line, I received my finisher medal. 

Results

1232 out of 4501 runners (Full Marathon 1 category)

111th runner out of 510 female runners under my category

2nd filipina to cross the finish line! :) 

My Past Races:

LIST OF RACES I JOINED:

1. July 26, 2009: Metro Sports 5k (40 mins)
2. August 16,2009: Rock and Run 1 5k (32 mins)
3. October 4, 2009: October Pink 5k  (30 mins)
4. October 12, 2009: Run to the Max 2 6k (40 mins)
5. December 27, 2009: Ateneo Sesqui Blue Run 16k (1 hr 50 mins)
6. January 10, 2010: Cebu City Marathon 21k (2 hrs 25 mins 47 secs) First Half Marathon
7. February 14, 2010: Run with a Smile 10k (58 mins)
8. March 7, 2010: Quota Int'l 6k (35 mins)
9. March 21, 2010: CitiRun 12k (1 hr 13 mins)
10. April 2010: PIA Run 10k (1 hr 14 secs)
11. May 2, 2010: Mandaue City Run 5k (24 mins)
12. May 16, 2010: Rundaue 10k (1 hr 10 mins)
13. May 29, 2010: Adidas Sundown Singapore 10k (1 hr 2 mins 40 secs)
14. June 27, 2010: Planet Sports Run 10k (59 mins 15 secs)
15. July 4, 2010: Fitness First Run 12k (1 hr 10 mins 21 secs)
16. July 18, 2010: CDU Dental Run 5k ( 26 mins 50 secs)
17. July 25, 2010: Ayala Run for Kids 15k ( 1 hr 34 mins)
18. August 8, 2010: Run for the Footure 10k ( 57 mins 04 secs)
19. August 15, 2010: Cdu University Run 10k ( 59 mins 40 secs)
20. August 22, 2010: Aboitiz Race to Reduce 10k (58 mins 35 secs)
21. Sept. 5, 2010: Milo Marathon 21k (2 hrs 18 mins 48 secs) 2ND Half Marathon
22. Sept. 19, 2010: Glamour run 10k (1 hr 1 min 42 secs)
23. October 1o, 2010: Run to the Max 3 16k (1 hr 50 mins)
24. October 31,2010: Citigym Halloween Run 21k (2hrs 2mins 24secs) 3RD Half Marathon (FASTEST)
25. November 20, 2010: Run United2 21k (2 hrs 6 mins 24 secs) 4TH Half Marathon 
26. Dec.5, 2011: SCMS 2010 21k (2 hrs 22 mins 09 secs) 5TH Half Marathon
27. Feb. 13, 2011: SM2SM 21k (2 hrs 20 mins 52 secs) 6TH Half Marathon
28. March 6, 2011: Fire Run 15k (1hr 29 mins 29 secs)
29. March 13, 2011: Derek Run 5k (28 mins 04 secs)
30. March 27, 2011: CitiRun 21k (2 hrs 7 mins 36 secs) 7TH Half Marathon
31. April 3, 2011: Chase Run 15k (1 hr 38 mins 23 secs)
32. April 17, 2011: Great Lapu Lapu Run 21k ( 2hrs 27 mins33 secs) 8TH Half Marathon
33. May 15, 2011: Parklane Run 15k(1 hr 37 mins 05 secs)
34. May 29, 2011 Sundown Marathon 42k (5 hrs 12 mins 46 secs) FIRST FULL MARATHON
35. July 31, 2011: Milo Marathon Manila 21k (2 hrs 18 mins 05 secs) 9TH Half Marathon
36. August 14, 2011: Aboitiz Race to Reduce 21k (2 hrs 13 mins 39 secs) 10TH Half Marathon 
37. August 21, 2011: CDU University Run 21k (2 hrs 12 mins 38 secs) 11TH Half Marathon
38. September 18, 2011- Dagan sa Kabataan 15k (1 hr 43 mins 14 secs)
39. October 2, 2011- Milo Marathon Cebu 21k (2 hrs 29 mins 59 secs) 12th Half Marathon
40. December 18, 2011- Run United 3 Cebu 21k (2 hrs 12 mins) 13th Half Marathon
41. January 8, 2012- Cebu City Marathon 2012 42k (4 hrs 54 mins 52 secs) 2ND FULL MARATHON
42. February 5, 2012- Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 42k (4 hrs 44 mins 18 secs)  3RD FULL MARATHON
43. Feb 12, 2012- SM2SM Half Marathon 21k (2 hrs 18 mins) 14th Half Marathon
44. March 10, 2012- 1st All Women Ultramarathon 50K (6 hrs 58 mins 14 secs) 1st Ultramarathon
45. April 1, 2012- National Age Group Triathlon 1kswim-30kmbike-7.5kmrun- 1st Triathlon
46. April 17, 2012- Run for Bebe 21k (2 hrs 3 mins 30 secs) 15th Half Marathon
47. April 22, 2012- Quota Trail Run 16k

MY FIRST FULL MARATHON @ SUNDOWN, SINGAPORE

BEAT THE SUNRISE :SUNDOWN MARATHON @ SINGAPORE

Last November 14, 2010, I registered for the Full Marathon at the Sundown Marathon website. This would be my official first full marathon. I started training for this run last February when I felt my legs were fully healed. I used the Smartcoach program to guide me with my training. I am grateful to my friends for running with me during my scheduled long runs. Joining fun runs helped a lot too.

On the big day...

    I decided to rest during the afternoon and took a short nap so that I won't feel sleepy during my marathon. I drank Starbucks doulbe espresso 2 hrs before the run too. Took a taxi and left the hotel by 8pm. When I arrived at the Changi Exhibition Centre there was a traffic jam. So I decided to get off the taxi and walk to the starting point. I was surprised that it was such a long walk- 2.5km! 

   I, then went to the baggage area to leave my bag and then had last min. stop at the toilet and also asked for a glow in the dark sticks. 

ROLL CALL...

    The MC called our attention and let the elites (SUB4) go first near the starting point followed by the desired finish time of your choice. He mentioned that there are more than 10 countries that joined the race and around 11,000 runners registered for the run. I was surprised that Philippines ranked 3rd with 850 runners. 

THE GUN START...

   The gun start! Off they go the elites! Then after a min and 23 secs, off I go! I decided to follow 6.3-6.5/km on the first half. Took my first energy gel on the 8thkm. Running the first half felt like running in slow motion. On the 12km, We went inside the East Coast Park and the 2 lanes turned into 1. On a bad note, I didn't notice that my GU gels fell off my race no. belt. I had only one left and decided to take it after the U-turn point. I also had heart palpitations between 11-12km. I got worried and walked to tame my overbeating heart. The weather didn't help too since it was super humid. 

AFTER THE U-TURN POINT

  I felt relieved after the U-turn point, although it was still a long way to go. I experienced again heart palpitations on the 22km. The weather became a little cooler and I decided to stop and stretch every 2km. I noticed that my body was chaffing when it would sting if i pour water over my neck. back and arms. It made the second half a little harder. I was happy to see that I was bit faster though during the marathon than my last LSD. Experienced another HP on the 33km as if it was scheduled (every 11kms). The clock was still 4 hrs when I reached 34km. 

 But my shins started to feel pain on the 36km so had to walk a lot. Good thing the volunteers and muscle pain ointments. Thirty minutes after 4 hrs 33mins I reached the 38km and decided to walk the next 2km since most of the runners beside me were walking too. I knew that a 5hr finish was impossible already. 

 5hrs on the clock, I reached 40km. I badly wanted to pee good thing there was a portable toilet! It totally saved me since my legs can't sprint to the finish line anymore. I decided to run the next km. and Run/Walk the last kilometer for a strong finish to the finish line!

THE FINISH LINE

 I was so happy when I crossed the finish line that I stood there for a while. I still can't believe I ran 42.2km. I,then, walked to the area where they were giving out our Finisher Shirt and Finisher Medal. I can't help but smile when the gave it to me. 

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/89756241.

Finisher shirt and medal

Year 2010 in Summary

           Now (CCM 2011)                                    Then (CCM 2010)

        I just came to realize what a fun year 2010 had been for me. Every month of the year I get to experience so many new things and meet new friends.

  My Highlights of 2010:

 

    Last January 2010, I get to experience running my first ever Half Marathon in the first ever Cebu City Marathon together with my friends. On February, my family and I moved to our new condo in Citilights. I, then experienced my first ever trekking experience last March on my friend's birthday. We trekked in the mountains from Talamban to Busay! 

Summer came, On April, my friends and I went to Danao, Bohol and had an adventure of a lifetime. I tried the plunge!Then on May, I travelled to Singapore to join the Adidas Sundown Marathon participating in the Women's 10km. My first time to run internationally and at night!

Summer went by fast. Last June, together with my gymates and other friends, we trekked to Mt. Mannugal! We trekked for 8 hours in the heat of the sun. It was a lot of fun and my body was so sore the next day. July came, I experienced getting into the top 10 in the 12km run of Fitness First and also travelled to Palawan! My dream destination! The following month August, I became a member of TTB! A new set of friends to run with whom I met in the site dailymile.com

September came, I ran my 2nd Half Marathon of the year! On October, I had a mini vacation in HK and by the end of the month I ran my fastest Half Marathon of 2:02:24! By November, I experienced running a Half Marathon in Manila which I placed 11th in the women's category and 2nd in my age division. 

By the end of the year (December 2010),  I experienced running a Half Marathon internationally again in Singapore. Which I also experienced traveling Business class for the first time. 

 

     

Business class experience

Such a late post....

Last Dec 3, 2010. I flew to Singapore for my first international Half marathon race. It was also my first time to fly business class. Philippine Airlines got a promo on their miles redemption. 70% off! I checked my number of miles and got surprised that I can still avail to fly business. It was always a dream to experience sitting on those huge chairs and have better food served. 

It was a funny experience since it was my first time that I didn't know that business class passengers have free food at the mabuhay lounge so when I got into the airport I ate lunch at Deli france before going inside the mabuhay lounge. When I went inside mabuhay lounge, I still ate the free food and drank the flowing drinks. Their internet was quite fast so I didn't get bored waiting for my flight which was 1 hr delayed! 

When I got inside the plane, they served right away mango smoothie. It was very sweet. I decided to watch Sorcerer's Apprentice.

My first dish was the appetizer. 

Baby octopus

Turkey 

a slide of boiled egg

Red Wine

Next dish: Salmon over cheese and salad, bread , fruits 

Main dish: Beef tenderloin with vegetables and herbed mash potatoes. with lemon.

Dessert was supposed to be arcy dairy ice cream but i guess they ran out of it so they just served the fruits.

Since I'm not use to drink alcohol. I didn't get to finish the movie because the wine made me sleepy. hehe

On the way back to Manila... Pineapple juice was served when I got inside the plane.

 The appetizer with white wine

All I can remember is the cream cheese

the other two I forgot. 

The next dish:

Salmon with orange wedges,

cheese

bread with butter

fruits for desert 

Main dish: Hainesse chicken with rice and 

vegetables. Very healthy dish. 

White wine for white meat

Watched the movie Eclipse on the way back

The window seat is more cozier than the aisle seat.

It was nice that I didn't have a seat mate next to me. 

I wonder when I can experience this again! :)