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!

2014 Hardcore 100 Race Report

 

My 2nd shot of the 2 editions of the Hardcore 100 Miles Trail Ultramarathon Philippines held a few days ago, 21-22 February 2014. I have decided this soon to put in writing the experience while the details are still fresh, vivid and to a certain extent ... painful :) Previous race report here.

 

I had no grand plan coming into this race unlike last year when I was really psyched up and excited to race it despite the inclement weather. That fire was not burning inside last weekend and in fact, even before the race (training phase). I don't know why. Methinks that is very important when one has to do great in a race. You should be on fire, driven and greatly motivated to accomplish what you have set out to do. Absent that, the discomfort and all those incessant pains and whatnot during the later stage of the race would slow you down considerably. Of course, I am no authority on this. 

 

Race results here.

 

WEATHER

 

The mountains gave us good weather all throughout the race. Drizzles in the night and at dawn which further lowered the temperature but overall it was good. I heard it was around 11'C up in the mountains and perhaps colder with chilly wind. Well I can attest to that. Even a few minutes of stopping drastically lowered our core temperature and gave us some chills especially on exposed parts of the course. So we had no choice but to pick it up again and keep moving.

 

Weekend runs in (new) Lone Peak 1.5

 

Finally, the pair has arrived! Thank you to Cirilo "Blue" P. Tradio Jr. for making it possible. His company Sing Phil, carrying the brand Altra Footwear, among others, based in Singapore was a major partner of 2013 CM50. It came last Friday after I absentmindedly ignored the Notice card in the morning from the local post office that a "parcel" is ready for pick up. It was only when Blue sent me a message in FB (named "Blue-b Tradioandsons") close to 5PM asking if the shoes have arrived that I whipped my arse to pick it up. Altra Lone Peak 1.5 is a scarce commodity to find here in Philippines as they sell fast (I think for now). 
 

                                                                                                   Altra Lone Peak 1.5

Pictures from Hardcore 100

Pictures from H1 courtesy of my good friend Simon Sandoval who is running the Tarawera 100k in New Zealand this weekend, 16 March 2013. Go Simon and thanks! To Jose Devera running the 60K, go man!

 

Cheers,

Jon (missing mountain running)

Hardcore 100 Race Report

 

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

The race just took place a few days ago specifically 22-23 February 2013. It started at 12:01AM or thereabouts with a time-barrier of 46 hours. I suspect the cut-off served more to factor in the elevation gain of 10,000 meters but frankly, after crossing the finish line, Simon and I were certain that it could be higher. Same observation from other runners. The RD should be able to give a definite answer to this question.

It shall come to pass ...

One of the benefits of tapering is that you have so much time in your hand which otherwise would have been devoted to running-related activities. Of course, tapering brings also uneasiness and restlessness of varying degree given how much energy is coursing in your system. It comes with the territory I guess and thus, there is nothing to worry about. But for those who are new to big races as long and tough as H1, it can be nerve-wracking. There is no easy solution and the only thing I can say is ... it shall come to pass.

So what's up?

Okay, Hardcore 100 miles (H1) is looming in the background. You can read more about it here: 

http://frontrunnermagph.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/3093/ 

 

 

It will be my next big race for this year aside from TNF100 Baguio and Bighorn 100 in Montana, USA this coming June with my good friend Rick Gaston (who did not make it to WS100 ... again. In my case, Hardrock. Badwater is still on the radar.). H1 will be on its debut and I expect some kinks but I could care less. I had seen and run some portion of the course, the hardest part I must say, with running buddies including RD Jonel himself covering Mt. Pulag. H1 is definitely a "post-graduate" race to cater to more experienced ultrarunners. So I don't expect many runners to join but those who will could certainly be called "hardened" or at least have the balls to even attempt it. With elevation gain of 10,000 meters, H1 will be higher than UTMB (9,700 meters). I will not be surprised if no one can come under 24 hours unless Kilian Jornet is running it. But then again, who knows.

 

I am super psyched up for H1 and fortunately my training is going well (knock on wood!). My peak training this and next week with PlLIPINAS AKYATHLON®: The Philippine International SKYRACE™ 2013 to cap it off in 09 February. Link here:

 

http://philskyrunning.com/events/pllipinas_akyathlon%C2%AE_the_philippine_international_skyrace%E2%84%A2_2013 

 

PlLIPINAS AKYATHLON® should be a fast tune-up race for me. So that is 2 weeks before H1. Perfect! Another excitement is the fact that Simon Sandoval has agreed to pace me. Simon Sandoval is the former CR holder of CM50 in 2011 and ranked No. 2 in 2012. He should be a big boost for the last 60k of H1. I have not felt this excitement before for a race since I raced BDM160K in 2011 and won BDM102 in 2012. I hope all the stars will align perfectly during the race.  

 

Last week, I was in Davao for a convention and fortunate enough to be accompanied by Eric John Luna for trail 10 miler. Eric and I knew each other circa 2008 during the first edition of TNF100 in Batangas, Philippines. It was both our first 100 kms trail race and what a wicked race with storm, mud, water and cow dungs along some portion of the trail. Funny, I still remember those dungs. Who would want to run a race again when the impression it left is poop? Anyway, good thing TNF100 is now up North in Baguio City. Eric worked in Japan for 3 years after the 2008 TNF100. His story of races in Japan, trail routes and the fascination of Japanese to running was mesmerizing. Running is a big thing in Japan. I am not surprised.

 

Eric and I basically had fun and halfway the run, rain caught up with us. It was already dark when we finished. We capped it off with fresh coconut juice for only P/15 pesos each! Wow. By the way, we had soup no. 5 and balbacua before our run. Funny we should have those AFTER and not before :)

 

 

 

 

Next post would probably be a review on trail shoes - ALTRA Superior and Inov8 Trailroc 245!

 

Cheers,

Jon (raring to race again)