Trail run...or is it?... Montalban LSD 04.26.09

...we did "ran" from time to time in spite of the fact that it was supposed to be a "TREK!?!" ("it's the other way around...you fool!!!")...what can we do? The track was easy and we had so much energy..... :)


It was my first time to do a Trail LSD and I must say that this won't definitely be the last.
It was the combination of adventure and the adrenaline rush that made the entire thing worth filing a "leave" from work :).
The trail was not easy at all. I/we must admit, we walked almost half of the trail. It was steep from the start all the way up to the summit. Mud also made it more difficult and nasty probably because of the heavy rains the night before.
Upon reaching the top of the mountain, all the pain easily faded away because I felt the cool wind on my face and saw the majestic landscape of adjacent mountains smothered with fog, making it look like it's just beginning to emerge from underneath the earth finding it's way up, adding to the grandiosity of heavens vault.
Minutes later, back to reality, it's time to go down. It wasn't easy. Aside from the fact that I began to feel pain on my knees, the strong heat of the sun made it just as difficult as the ascend.
After our group, "takbo" peeps, settled a bit at the foot of the mountain, we headed to the "Wawa Dam" a few meters away from where our cars were parked.
The stone formations are magnificent. One thing though,I would recommend everyone going there to be extra careful on your way to the falls because there are no fences considering the steep orientation of the walkway. When we came, the water was a bit dark and muddy also because of heavy rains, otherwise it was indeed a sight worthy of fresh alkaline batteries for your digicam.


















Other photos from "Takbo" peeps namely Carlo, Timmy, Edu, Eric, & Argo. (if I failed to mention your name please let me know :))

How it all began -- and the well celebrated "Before & After" pics

The whole story.....SOON!!! :)

The Impulsive "Race Shopper" -Botak 42K -"huwhaaaat!!!!"

I passed by ROX early this evening and decided to register for Botak's Marathon this coming May 10 (this happens when you are an impulsive shopper...it applies even on races). I just told myself..."ayt! no pressure" (just like what I said when I joined the Condura Half-mary..feeling terribly pressured a couple of days before the race, worried of not finishing it), but this time....really, noooooo pressure! uuuuggggh!
Seriously (stand all! this doesn't happen often), I am joining this race to test my "current" limits (hoping to improve, ofcourse). I want to know how far can my body really take me. If it can take me to the finish line, it doesn't mean I am willing to go further such as joining a 100km run...not until Otto Blathy or Nikola Tesla gets to invent some sort of a "fine-tuning" device that will be able to regulate the Sun's heat. The problem is they're both dead! Maybe after this "testing" thing...I'll begin to work on my speed (I have actually been working on it for the longest time hahaha! )
I will also be taking this race as my "Personal Qualifying Race" for the upcoming Singapore Marathon this December. If I finish the full marathon, then I'll sign up for the same in Singapore and if I don't, then half-mary it is. I just want something to help me decide because it will be my first run abroad and I want to make the most out of it. I have to decide between having to run a full marathon to maximize the event or just run 21 kilometers to make sure that I'll hit the finish line because not finishing a race, short or long distance, is sometimes distressing.

in the AYER!!! Airspeed Runs for a Cause

It was my first race in MOA and I must say that it's a nice track specially for those who want nothing but a nice smooth run minus the challenge of uphills and breathtaking views.


The race started on time which is a good thing, except for me who arrived at the venue quite late :). I had to excuse myself to get to the starting line because the 5k runners are already in position. I am to run 10k :). When I reached the front, I was a bit hesitant to start running because I was embarrassed to take on the spotlight of shame for coming in late, having to run all by myself with the entire mob of 5k runners behind me, but what the heck, I've got a lot of catching up to do and so I ran...minus the gunshot.
The track was not that tough so I managed to run faster. I had to stop for a few sec at every turn to ask the marshals for directions because I was all alone, looking like a lost ant lacking of Pheromones wondering where the rest of the gang may have turned.

After the first loop, I was able to catch up with the tail of the pack and was relived that I am finally running amongst those wearing the same bib color as mine :).


I reached the finish line at 1:07:09 (not a 10k PR for me, ofcourse!), my official time after having to start just two minutes before the gunshot fired for the 5k runners.
Overall, the race was well organized, as expected of a "Rio Race", and fun (specially the "Taho" session after the run with "Takbo" peeps).










Original Photographs by Argonaut, Luis "Gingerbreadman", Karlo (http://karlosports.wordpress.com/ ) & Edufabian.