My Tagaytay to Kawit Ultra-Marathon Race Report

As I write this post, I am nursing an injured right foot.  I already iced it for 2 days, and now rolling a golf ball for some compression.  I just hope it's not that serious and that I could get back on the road.

I miss running ultra-marathon distances.  The sheer distance and the company of friends brings enough excitement to the runner in me.  Learning that my schedule would permit me to participate, I immediately signed up and let my heart bring me to the starting line in Robinson's Summit Ridge in Tagaytay, all the way to the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.

I have my compadres Doc Topher and Victor, and friend Racs, as my support crew.  We met at our house around 7PM, had a hearty inasal dinner at a neighborhood resto, drove to Tagaytay, and arrived just in time for registration.

It was cold (of course!) and had to put on another layer to keep me warm.  I later on realized that the red Takbo.ph shirt was just the right gear for me at that time, for I ran with my heart and celebrated friendship all throughout the race route.

My plan was very simple: run for 2 minutes, then walk for 1 minute.  Pit stop every 2.5 kilometers.  That's it!

The route was generally friendly.  Downhill from Tagaytay to Dasmarinas, some hills going to Gen Trias, and flat all the way to Kawit.

Race organizers provided nutrition and hydration station every 10 kms, police/military presence in key areas, roving marshals and ambulances.

Race started at 11:04:44 PM in my watch.  Everything went well until I found myself very sleepy around 5:30 AM.  I was somewhere in km 33 at that time.  I dragged myself and could not keep my eyes open.  My crew tried to keep me awake by giving me food and a cold towel.

I then reversed my plan:  run for 1 minute, then walk for 2 minutes.  It worked!  My system was awakened, and I found myself overtaking, until my right foot got hurt somewhere in km 41.

From this point, I had no recourse but to walk all the way to the finish.  It was like forever from hereon.

The moment I reached Kawit, I raised my hands and celebrated victory.  I knew that I still have 3 kms more, but am already thankful that my friends supported and made sure that I will finish the race.  Truly, this ultra-marathon race celebrates friendship.

Photo courtesy of Topher Montaos, MD