Trail Running 101
On Sunday, January 18, I had a different kind of running experience. Instead of running on the paved streets of Manila, I ran (well, more like half-ran, half-wobbled) on the trails at the foot of Mt. Batulao in Batangas. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of my experience!
5:55 The 10-km runners assembled at the starting point, ready to conquer the trail. We said a short prayer and sang the National Anthem.
6:00 And we’re off! I was only wearing the sleeveless, dri-fit TNF singlet, my knee-length Mizuno leggings, a Nike cap, and Merrel running shoes. It was cold, but I didn’t mind. I wanted to feel the fresh air brush against my skin.
6:15 I wished I had worn my real hiking shoes. The trail was rocky and I could feel the stones under my feet. I ran slowly at first because it was still dark and I was concentrating hard on where to step, carefully avoiding sharp rocks and cow manure.
6:30 The sky was starting to get light, but the sun’s rays could not break through the thick clouds. I was starting to feel at ease and ran a little faster. By this time, the seasoned 20-km runners, who started running about 10 minutes after us, were beginning to overtake us.
6:35 I reached the water and first aid station with Roland and Kim. We took a quick break to have a sip of water and catch our breath.
6:45 The rest of the trail was gently rolling. It brought us around the hillside, where we could see rows and rows of cornfields. The craggy peak of Mt. Batulao loomed in the distance.
7:00 We had to go down a steep, narrow trail filled with loose stones and mud. Ropes were set up to guide us down. Thank God for the awesome weather. At least the ground was dry and our shoes and socks were spared from being caked with mud.
7:05 We crossed the hanging bridge with ease, then made a steep, uphill climb. I was out of breath by the time I reached the top.
7:15 We were back on the road, where Roland and I met Bitoy as we passed by the Chapel on the Hill. It was tempting to just walk, but we were encouraged to start running again when we saw other AMCI members taking pictures.
7:30 We made one final sprint and crossed the finish line!
7:45 After stretching and getting our freebies (Gatorade, Men’s Health September 2008 issue, and TIMEX discount cards), we grabbed our cameras from the car and took lots of photos.
8:15 We stood by the finish line to cheer for AMCI members in the 20-km category who were just finishing their runs. (Congratulations to my batchmate, Mercy, who won 1st place in the female division!)
9:15 We headed back to Alfonso Hotel to eat breakfast. Coffee, chicken tocino, one egg, and a cup of fried rice was not enough to restore our energy!
12:00 After a quick nap, we headed to Hawaiian Barbecue—my fave restaurant in Tagaytay—with Bitoy, Christy, Marga, Marris and Ver to have a hearty lunch of spam rice, baby back ribs, chicken, barbecue, assorted seafood, and sweet pineapples. Aaah… my favorite part of the day! :) Read more...
