You need resilience, determination, mental toughness, and just the right amount of crazy to run a 100-kilometer Ultramarathon — which I just did during the Cebu North 100K from Cebu City to Bogo City.
The first 50 kilometers was just like any other 50K run I’ve done before. Typical chika pace with my Team Putosik running buddy, Sheila Bardago. Pacing ourselves, getting ready for the next 50K.
The second half of the race, well, that’s another story. A whole new experience. It’s a whole new level of physical and mental challenge.
At around 60K, the start of the upHELL portion of the race, I started to question my decision in joining the race. This was at the municipality of Sogod — a fitting name. Dire na ga-sogod ang sakit. Pain on my feet. Pain on my legs. Pain on my waist.
It was around this place where we were joined by Dumaguete Ultra veterans and Team “Wrong People”, QOTM Joyce Solomon, and “Machine John” Bael. And then I suddenly forgot all the physical pain I was feeling as the run with the group started to become fun and enjoyable.
At around 70K, still climbing the numerous humps of Sogod and Borbon, added with the searing heat of the morning sun, I was again questioning my sanity. Unsa god ni ako gi apilan? Ug wala pa koy mga kuyog dire dapita, dugay ra ko ni sakay ug pauli.
My legs were starting to buckle at about the 80-ish km mark. More hills, coupled with the noon-time sun bearing down on us, made every step a challenge. Physical and mental stress were at an all-time high. Good thing I had friends running with me. The stress just seemed to disappear as we kept on chatting.
Km. 90, I was thinking when this would ever end! The afternoon sun was blistering hot! The small pockets of shade were not enough, as we had to push ourselves to put one foot infront of the other. Feet in auto-pilot mode. The lively chit-chat that we had before were replaced with groans, moans, and the occasional “Hapit na! Kaya ni!”
95 kilometers in. Five more to go. But at that point, five kilometers felt like 50 kilometers. There was no more running, only trudging. Limping. Grimacing in pain. Cursing. More cursing. But we still soldiered on… all the way to the finish!
CN100 Ultra Fun Run. Cebu City to Bogo City. 100 kilometers completed.
I am now officially a member of the Sien Siyots Society!
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Author’s email: bvicuna@yahoo.com
