LAVARED0, VJ100 & FAT ASS 2025

At the outset, it dawned on me that this blog has sort of become my online "diary." I am really glad that I started it years ago. It is so nice to take a trip down memory lane (good and bad), read and relish some experiences which would have been lost in time. So now, it is easy to go back and read up on past stories especially about running.

LAVAREDO (ITALY)

My good friend, Simon Sandoval swears by this race in Dolomites, Italy when I asked him a few years ago which amongst the ultra races he has so far joined that he really liked the most. He said Lavaredo. By the way, he and another Pinoy, Majo Liao are registered for 2025 edition of Hardrock in Colorado, USA on 11 July 2025. Simon had been trying to get in for 8 years or so! No local Filipino has ever finished it within the cut-off time. (Well, I did finish it in 2018 but a bit outside the time barrier. Here is the story). There is confidence they will finish it. After all, Simon and Majo are some of the accomplished ultrarunners out there in their own rights.

It is most probable that Simon might have a different favorite race now after he manages to finish Hardrock this July 2025. To date, Hardrock is one of my favorite 100 mile races in the world! Simon and I have shared trails at UTMB (France, 2011), Hardcore 100 (Philippines, 2013) and Fat Dog 120 (Canada, 2016).

(My good friend, Simon, in shorts)

Let's go back to Lavaredo. After hearing Simon about this race, I made a mental note to register. That was before Covid broke out. Then the race resumed and we (there were several of us Pinoys) were told our registration would be carried over. Unfortunately, there were too many hassles and inconveniences just flying out of the country due to pandemic protocols. To my mind, it was so much trouble to travel outside the country at that time what with face masks, vaccines, distance, etc. I did not bother anymore until 2025. 

Past forward, I managed to get lucky with the lottery and made it for the registration. No use joining the 120K distance (this was the target) due to lack of sufficient UTMB points. Good thing there were enough points for the 80K category. It sucks. Even I managed to email them about my "qualifications", i.e. races I have done thus far but to no avail. The person answering my email was most likely doing his/her job. So, no point arguing.

The flagship distance of 120K for Lavaredo would have been better. 80K, modesty aside, is short for me but what the heck. We take what we can get ... for now.

So, in my desperation to get that much-needed points for races accredited under UTMB and/or ITRA (getting complicated now but that is another article all together), I joined a local 100K race up in Baguio called VJ100. 

Honestly, it took me in a while to get my motivation back to do ultras after Covid. To date, I have done full marys so far but ultras, that took me quite some time to get my mojos back. I am not sure why, but I am glad I did the VJ100 - 100k of 10k x10 loops last December in Baguio City. More on this race below.

Unfortunately, the UTMB points earned after VJ100 could not be used for Lavaredo anymore. It was too late but at least I have points I can always use in case there is an ultra race I fancy in the future. 

VJ100

Anyway, this race is organized by our good friend, Robert Watson via Intrepid Spirit. It was held last 14 to 15 December 2024 in the Summer Capital of Philippines - Baguio City.

Distances are 20k, 50k and 100k in a 10k loop. I registered for 100K. 

How was the race? Bloody hard doing 10 times of 10k per loop with a total of 7,000 meters of elevation again. Nasty. Also, the mental part of doing the same loop for 10 times will make you go bonkers. 7,000 meters of elevation is high for a mere 100k race. You will definitely need a pair of trekking poles if you ever decide to try this race.

My suggestion is remove the stairs part towards the end of the loop since the total distance of the race, I was told, is more than 100K. (My watch went bonkers as well, battery power thingy). Here are some pictures:

(Only 5 of us survived the 100K. Go figure)

FAT ASS 2025

Now this is the fun part 😀 

Fat Ass Philippines has been going on since 2010. It is one of a kind running events on this side of the planet. A bit of history here.

For 2025, it took place last 11 to 12 January. There was a twist though. 2025 Fat Ass was staged for a good cause. We partnered with Angeles City Justice Zone (ACJZ), Justice Zone Coordinating Council (JZCC), Angeles City District Jail and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Region III to raise funds for their project to support PDLs who want to go to college.

I must say things went well and it was a huge success as everyone had fun enjoying the cool weather, camaraderie and all! Below excerpts are from the FB page of ACJZ. Might as well quote the same 😉

Huge CONGRATULATIONS to our top runners!

Queen of 6-hour Category: Brenda Lyn Balucas = 41.8kms (19 loops)

King of 6-hour Category: Arlo Padua = 50.6kms (23 loops)

Queen of 12-hour Category: Meds Baraquel = 55kms (25 loops)

King of 12-hour Category: Joey San Diego = 72.6kms (33 loops)

Queen of 24-hour Category: Kristine Berneth Drueco Bugna = 171.6kms (78 loops)

King of 24-hour Category: Mario Alcantara = 132kms (60 loops)

A special shout-out to Kristine Berneth Drueco Bugna/ Tin Possible. A new 24-hour record of 171.6 kms has been set! Your determination is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see you crush that 200km next year.

(Tin)

Fat Ass Kings and Queens

(My good friends, spouses Boy and Beth Siojo who came all the way from Manila)

Some realizations after 2025 Fat Ass. Weeks leading to this event, some of our good old running friends had evinced their desire to join. I was looking forward to it just like the heyday of Fat Ass.

Some did show and some did not. It's just the way things are.

While I have to admit that I missed them but it dawned on me that future editions of Fat Ass should not be relegated to the past. Based on the result, it appears that we should take care of those who are new to Fat Ass like Kristine Berneth Drueco Bugna or Tin who broke the record for 24 hours with a total of 171.6 kms (old record was 160k by a male runner)!

As I wont to say in life, we live in the present not in the past.

Yep, another edition is on 10 to 11 January 2026. See you folks, old and new!

Cheers,

(Jon who misses trail running)

P.S.

These past few days, it dawned on me (again) how important running 🏃 is in my life. It is a source of strength, endurance, humility (ultras humble you), health, focus and perseverance. A glimpse of what life is all about on this Earth.

So much to gain! So, for what it is worth, I will never stop. 

Double cheers!✌

STANDARD CHARTERED TAIPEI MARATHON & FUSS ABOUT OUTSIDE SUPPORT, ETC.

Oh, it's been a while since my last post. Time flies. Time to add to my running diary here.

I cannot remember the last time I did a full road marathon. It was most likely before Covid. In 2023, I did one but it was a trail, the Mt. Ugo. I have had my fair share of 42K in the past both locally and internationally that I lost count.

So recently, I did the Standard Chartered Taipei Marathon (due to ease of travel since visa is not required anymore). I wish I had more weeks to train to come under 4 hours but it is what it is. This is by far my slowest marathon. It was however just good to be out there. 

The route was okay as it was something new. I had the initial impression that we would be running through the city but the route was mostly along a river. As I wont to say, the best way to see a city is on foot. Unfortunately, this was not the case.

Weather was cold between 11C to 13C with wind chill in some open areas. I felt stupid not bringing my gloves and so I had to improvise by buying a pair of grey socks which I used as gloves. Not too fashionable but what the heck.

Will I go back? Nope. My eyes are set on completing the Abbot World Marathon Majors. I think the biggest challenge here is the Boston Marathon with strict qualifying time at my current age of 54. Well, let us see.

The best part after running a full mary is the food and drinks! Well, you have earned it. Cheers!

(Famous oyster omelette)

(Yong Kang beef noodles. One of the best!)

(Birthplace of what is now called Bubble tea)

There is a recent fuss (for lack of better term) about the rules in one of the trail races up North. The Race Rules now prohibits support crew, and this caused some uproar in our trail running community.

Although, I rarely bother posting any comment in FB which I do not deem worth my time. Besides, I rarely open my FB account. It's just I don't have the mood going through countless FB posts which are mostly 99% rubbish anyway.

At any rate, here is my comment in one post. I posted this out of concern and should not be construed as personal. The links to the post and the open letter of the RD thereto are provided for fairness. 

Simply put, my opinion is that outside crew in designated areas and pacer should be allowed in tough ultra races like 100 miles. This is the standard now in those 100 mile races I joined abroad. 

My take is that the RD should give all what the runners need so they can finish the race. 

(It is actually 108.5 miles. Damn!)

I remember doing my first 100 miles in Australia (GNW100) back in 2010. I did not have a pacer and was in a strange land that I had not set foot on. Everything was new. During the race, I got lost a few times. The good RD "appointed" a pacer (whose runner dropped during the race or did not show up) for me which normally does not happen. The runner and his pacer should know each other. But the RD knows I needed one and the pacer helped me finish the race. So that kind of need a RD should provide to his runners. Rules are only meant to provide order. The RD's main concern is how to help his runners finish the race. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.

Here is my comment:

I rarely open my FB and I see this. Here are my two cents.

1. I have been asked several times by other runners what it takes to be a good RD and my only answer is do NOT think like a RD when organizing a race; think like a runner. That way you would know what the runners NEED during the race.

2. To become a good RD, you need to become a seasoned (not necessarily fast or whatnot) runner with a good deal of experience in joing races both locally and internationally. That is the only way to have a good grasp of what are the "standards" out there. Try to implement them in your race as much as possible. Problem is too many RDs now lack this experience; hence, they have myopic views.

3. They do not call it "Aid Stations" (AS) for nothing. These stations are literally meant and function to sustain runners from one AS to another. Give the runners what they NEED to keep going especially in ultra races like 100 miles. Your goal as the RD is to help your runners finish the race. That should be it. Unfortunately, you can never know unless you have a good amount of exposure to other races.

4. The longer and harder the race like H1 (I should know), the more the RD should provide support to runners. Food and fluid not enough for all the runners is to me, a mortal sin. Registration fees are also meant to cover supplies at all aid stations.

5. RD's rules are not written in stone. That is why they get revised through the years based on the feedback from runners and experience of the RD as the organizer from previous editions of the race. Improvement is what they call it.

6. Organizing a race is still considered a contract between the RD and runners as customers. They pay the fees and they expect something commensurate in return. Not listening to your customers is just plain dumb. Otherwise, you will lose them eventually and your race will not grow.

Thus, as RD do not punish runners since the course (for hard and tough ultras) itself will do that job for you. Instead, give runners (customers) what they need to finish it. And believe me, they will come back.

Until next time!

Cheers,

Jon (looking for another race)

 

 

THE HUMAN SPIRIT (MY EXPERIENCE AS A SWEEPER AT HARDCORE HUNDRED MILES)

 

I might as well get this out of the way.

I have been meaning to write a post about my experience as a sweeper for the first time during H1. The race took place last May 18, 2023. Initially, I was requested to pace a runner but she decided to postpone her first take on the race. She was not confident. I understand. Truth be told, I actually trained as a pacer since there was still a good 60 or so kilometres until the Finish line. That is not something to sneer at especially in a mountain race like H1.

We used to joke that a pacer should "pace" his runner and not the runner pacing the pacer :) Besides, it would be a shame to appear weaker than your runner since he or she needs to feed off from your strong and fresh energy or vibe. So that the pacer should train as well as his runner doing everything to make sure his runner crosses the Finish line within the cut-off time or time barrier as they say in Europe.

H1 for short or Hardcore Hundred Miles Trail Ultramarathon is the culminating race of the KOTM series up in North of the Philippines. One of the toughest races on this side of the planet and I had the "crazy" pleasure of doing it 3 in a row in 2013 (1st edition), 2014 and 2015 to get in the Hall of Fame. My first race report you can find it here and just search for the other articles using H1 as key.

After hearing the news that my runner decided not to go, I volunteered to be a sweeper instead. Something new to me. Besides, I did not want my training to go to waste but doing the entire 100 miles was not option. Firstly, I did not train specifically for it and lastly, I do not want to ruin my record of 3-in-a-row accomplishment. It would be a tragedy to DNF this race. Not now.

So, I got in touch with RD Jonel to allow me to sweep. I was given the duty for this section, Babadak-Cabayo-Banao-Castillo during nighttime or roughly 40 kilometres stretch. Not bad. Better than nothing to do with all the training. I had no idea what to do so I researched a bit. In our conversation, I jokingly said it would seem I would act as a "babysitter" for the last runner or group of runners, and he said that to listen to them "whine" - a common occurrence amongst ultrarunners especially when the going gets tough. Well, believe me there was more to it than whining that I had personally witnessed and how the human spirit can be a very powerful aid to successfully finish this race or any ultra for that matter. More on this later.

Here are some pictures:

Getting ready for the last runner to come by.

There was a drizzle but it was raining bad up in Mt. Pulag so they said. More rain later.

The organizers and some runners on duty.

Race briefing.

Start of sweeping duty.

I was happy to sweep but sad as well for what transpired. What I am about to write does not intend to cast aspersion on any of the runners I swept nor to belittle anyone. I am writing this article with all due respect to them and will not mention any names here. Better that way.

From Babadak aid station, I was following a group of last runners in varying degree of, let us say, troubles. One had hip problem which seemed really bad and the others I could tell that they were "physically" okay. There was a cut-off at the next aid station from Babadak and looking at my watch, I knew they could still make it. So, there was enough time if they would just move at a good pace.

Anyway, I told myself that my duty was merely to sweep and not to pace the runners so they could make it in time from one aid station to another. I refused to relegate myself only to that duty. I also wanted the runners to finish out of empathy because I had done this race before and I know what it felt like and what was at stake.

Then it started to rain. In a tough race like this, rain is an aggravating factor. It multiplies the hardship. Mud, slippery trail, cold temperature, blisters and visibility are some of the issues. You tend to move slowly. Taxing also on the body because it has to warm itself properly.

Then the night came and the rain was not letting up. On my way to the next aid station, I chanced upon a group of runners taking shelter on the balcony of a house. It appeared that no one was inside. They huddled together and wearing jackets and ponchos. Rain was bad. The runners I was sweeping went ahead. They could still make it in time. I knew it. I could tell from their eyes and demeanour. 

It was very cold and wet now. The only part of me that is dry were my head and torso because of my jacket. The rest was soaking wet. Good thing I "3M ductaped" (I know this is not in any dictionary and just made it up) my feet. Otherwise, my feet would have been macerated - a perfect recipe for blisters.

I stopped by and took shelter as well since technically, these runners were now my last runners to sweep. I wanted to carry on and get going (I still could) since stopping would decrease your core temp drastically and even make you feel colder) but my duty was to sweep. So, I had to wait for them.

From their look, the eyes and all, I could tell they had already "resigned". Making up some excuses about this and that and I knew they were not going anywhere. The fighting spirit was gone. Honestly, I felt a mixture of emotions of pity, sadness, and indignation as well. Sadness that they had called it quits and indignation since I knew they could still put up a fight. If they would just fight. They looked okay actually. No visible injury, pain, etc. Just cold and wet but what the heck. We all were. No exception.

I have said before that in any race as long and tough like H1, you always focus on things you can control. The weather, rain or sun, fuck it. Let it be. Do not allow it to control you. Focus on yourself and how to keep going even how difficult and annoying it is. 

I was once asked what the key is to finish a tough ultra race. My answer: Your mind, your spirit. 

You have done your training and that covers the physical aspect of your preparation. Your mind, however, is equally or even more important than the physical preparation. You should come in a race, mentally prepared too. In our own lingo - "Buo ang loob mo!" No doubt. Nada, zero, zilch. You better swear you will finish no matter what. Nervousness, hell that is natural but doubt is a bitch. You come in a race with any lingering doubt, it will destroy you later in the race because it will be amplified by hundred fold by time, difficulty, soreness, fatigue, weather, fuel and hydration issues, pain, discomfort, etc. which are all inherent in ultra races. And the only thing to fight these with is your indomitable spirit.

You might be curious to ask, how to train your mind or spirit. Easy. Train alone when doing long distances or runs (I used to train alone in Miyamit for a good 30kms, 40kms or so kilometres in a day. You go up there at the peak, you better make sure you come down since no one will most likely help you. No ride, no 711. You are on your own just like in a race. You are the only one who can bring yourself to the finish line and no one else. That mentally preps you a lot. You get the idea). A group of friends to train with from time to time is all right to break the monotony. It should, however, be an exception than the general rule. Train mostly alone. I am sure others have other ideas too. This reminds me of my all-time favorite quote:

“Out of sufferings have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” (Kahlil Gibran)

Let us go back. When I saw that the weather was improving, I encouraged the runners to keep going to the next station where they said to wait it out until the next morning which meant they had decided to quit. Damn. I was sad.

It must have been around 10PM when we reached Banao aid station (was it Banao?) or something where there was a school. Some of the crew said there were other runners inside the school "sleeping" = DNF. I was sad again.

They asked me whether I was staying for the night and told them no. I better keep moving and hopefully, catch the last runner. That was my duty to begin with. Besides, I did not think I could sleep well there with all the runners anyway even though I was tired. Not physically though. A different kind tiredness, you know.

So, I set out alone after getting some supplies. I did not give a shit about the weather. I carried on for a good 6 hours, more or less, to Castillo where my duty would be over. Hiking now, I was hoping to catch a runner or two to accompany them following exactly the trail markers along the race route. I did not take a shortcut. What for? There was unfortunately (perhaps, the better word is fortunately) no one. I did not see a single soul even the locals. I was deep in the mountain and for some reasons, I was not scared at all. Just peace and quiet. I figured they all must have been inside sleeping what with the nasty weather and all. As for the runners, they must have been flying to catch the time in the next aid station. That was good.  

 

At the Castillo aid station, the crew were waiting for me before they dismantled everything. It must have been around 4AM. Meaning, no more runner to wait for whether within or outside the cut-off time. I was glad I continued on. Otherwise, they could be waiting needlessly.

Would I sweep again? Maybe not. My experience was not totally, uhm, "rewarding." You know. More likely, pace someone to make sure my runner would get to the finish line in time and then celebrate what we call the human spirit.

Until the next blog post. Cheers!