Any idiot can run a marathon, but it takes a special kind of idiot to run an ultra marathon. — Anonymous
CEBU CITY — After running 65.33 kilometers on May 1st, I must admit I now consider myself a “special kind of idiot”. I joined the Labor Day Coast-to-Coast 65K Ultra-Marathon: Only the Strong with only one mission in mind — to cross the finish line in the 12-hour cut-off time.
This is the second ultra-marathon installment here in Cebu, organized by frontRunner magazine through its editor-in-chief and publisher Jonel Mendoza. This year, 15 kms. was added from last year’s first ultra, starting from the old municipal hall of Toledo, running through Balamban town, traversing the killer hills of Cansomoroy, to the long and winding transcentral highway, and finishing at the Cebu Capitol.
Days before I decided to run this ultra, my mind was set that I will divide the whole distance into three. I told myself I was running three half marathons; and that the remaining two kms. was going to be my homestretch fun run.
First 21K: Galloway Method. My adoptive running brother Marvin Pangan a.k.a Kuya Kim of Team Cool Buddies paced with me thorughout this stretch. We did the 4:1 Galloway Method and it went very well. Our goal was to reach 40 kms. in 6.5 hours. We made it at almost seven hours.
I wasn’t able to befriend the killer hills of Cansomoroy. My left quads and right hamstring acted up. I couldn’t help but limp as I continuously walked the dreaded route. But I said to myself that I was lucky enough to do hill training at least twice in Busay and at Alta Vista. At least, I was able to endure the 840-meter elevation of Cansomoroy.
Surely, the downhills were my friends where I made sure to run and keep up with the pace. I was clocking an average speed of 6:30 mins/km. on every downhill run. It was just so hard for my knees, legs, and feet to hold with my 80-kg. weight. Fortunately, I didn’t suffer any injury.
Second 21K: LSS. When I was a kid, I used to sing at Church. One of the many songs I recalled when I was walking up the killer hills was I’ve Got Peace like a River which, for that time during the race, became my Last Song Syndrome, repeating it about six times each hill. This was the most gruelling and challenging part of the route.
I remember last year when I ran this route but I was doing it the other way around. I thought I was done with walking and running the hills but I was wrong. There were just more and more uphills.
Third 21K: Umbrella Hat. Weather gurus were right about the weather condition and temperature for May 1 — cloudy skies in the morning to some drizzling to clear skies and sunny by noon. So I donned the official Ungo Team Ultra shirt, my TG zebra socks, white cap and black shorts, white sleeves, sunglasses, and Halo headgear, and of course, my yellow umbrella hat. I figured it will really be hot by mid-day. True enough, the sun was shining at a high 33.2 degrees, and the heat was really painful. So by the time I got to Leyson Peak, I changed headgear and my yellow umbrella just did the trick, covering my face down to my shoulders. Cheerers, bystanders, and motorists couldn’t help but stare at my head gear. Children were laughing, smiling curiously, and cheering. In return, I threw chocolates at them.
Homestretch. I felt so relieved after seeing the Marco Polo Hotel in Lahug. I told myself I will run as fast as I can and make a strong finish. I passed one runner after another. All in all, I passed 10 runners from the last three kms. down to the finish line. I caught up with barefooter-teammate Rodney Cabahug who was, by that time, suffering from ITBS (iliotibial band syndrome), an injury associated with the thighs. I tapped his back and told him I will see him at the finish line.
Elite runner Joel Cuyos approached me, and poured cold water on my shoulders and nape. I continued to run. After a few hundred meters, I saw Joel again running after me, ready to pour water again on my neck and shoulders, and encouraging me that I could do it. He saw my face grimacing in pain as my knees wobbled and my legs were hurt.
I was simply looking forward to the finish line where I expected family to be there. Looking at my Garmin, I saw that it had been more than 11 hours I had been running and I was just so tired. And yet, when I saw my family waiting for me at the Capitol, and cheering for me, I was just overwhelmed. I crossed the finish line after 11 hours, 23 minutes, and 23 seconds. I was the 161st runner out of 219 starters. Thirty-two runners DNF (did not finish).
Outstanding support. My mobile support crew was no less than my better half Agatha Llamasares. She and Daryl Igot were on a scooter, braving the hills, and continuously giving me aid, water, energy drink, that could make me endure the route. Teammate Adrian Catingub, who was officially supporting fellow TG mates Kingking Perez and Ryan Gonzaga, was also there to provide extra mobile support. The Ungo Running community also fielded support stations throughout the route. They were everywhere — wearing the smiley shirts, providing what we needed: water, Gatorade, sponge, ice, chocolates, cookies, a massage. My TG support crew were strategically stationed at Leyson Peak. You should have seen them scram from their station to help an injured runner, spray water on our faces, massage our tired limbs, capture our running moments, or simply to put a smile on your face. I couldn’t help but laugh at a sign they especially made for me: “Bahala’g opaw basta dili uhaw! Go Richie Al!”
What’s next? When I shook the hand of Jonel Mendoza and thanked him for the experience, he asked, “Pa’no, 102 na tayo?” (apparently referring to the next ultra in November). I just laughed it off, but deep inside, I was already contemplating on it.
Two days after the ultra-marathon, I wrote on Jonel Mendoza’s Facebook page, asking him to reserve bib #116 for me for the Cebu Century Challenge in November.
102K birthday run? Hmm…that’s your special kind of idiot there. (Richie Al Villagante/ Photos by Alex Llamasares, Sydney delos Reyes)
