Rizal to Laguna 50K Ultra Marathon

“Running is a road to self-awareness and dependence.. You can push yourself to the extremes and learn the excruciating reality of your physical and mental bound or coast quietly down a unique path watching the world spin beneath your feet. But when you are through, exhilarated and exhausted, at least for a moment everything seems right with the world.”

October 26-27, 2013

The service van started picking up each member of the team at exactly 5 in the afternoon. There was a little bit of delay with the itinerary because of the DPWH’s infinite road re-blockings. But when we already got out of the metro, reaching Pililia, Rizal was already airily.

At exactly 1:27 in the morning, the Road Eaters Running Club’s service van finally reached Pililia Municipal Hall. This is where the participants had to verify their registration for the race and also for claiming their bib. Immediately after the registration, all the Road Eaters’ participants conditioned themselves and prepared their running paraphernalias from headlamp to hydration bottles to their energy gels; they are now ready.

The grounds where the gun start took place is full of enthusiastic and voracious runners. From the “elites” down to the “rookies”. Few minutes before the start, we had the chance to take photos while sending them well and goodluck wishes!

The club’s representatives for the first Rizal to Laguna 50K Ultra Marathon were BJ, Jeck, Jerome, Kevin, Kirk, Luther and Marvin.

The support crew were Josh, Lyvia, Jessica and Ray.

KM 7: GPS FAIL

The support crew immediately moved inside the van as soon as the race started. They were supposed to stop at KM 5 but ended stopping at KM 7. The GPS (Global Positioning System) failed to assist them because there was no internet connection in the mountains of Rizal. The option of the team was to rely to ‘Kuya Ake’, the service van driver. He uses the van’s speedometer to measure the road’s distance. Now that they have a human GPS, they were now patiently waiting for the first Road Eater to come. But guess who did they saw first? As usual, it was Amos of the Ultra Snail Brotherhood (Team USB). Lyvia was really happy to see him (well, she’s always happy to see him); the first Road Eater to cross the 7th kilometer line was ‘Ultra-robot’ Kevin.

Immediately after Kevin left, Jerome and Jeck came. Third were BJ and Marvin. Fourth was Luther who felt slightly knee pain and last but not the least, the stronger-than-ever, Kirk. Now, they can move to the next stop.

KM 15: DIFFERENT PACE; DIFFERENT NEEDS

As a tradition, when the support van moved to the next stop and saw a running Road Eater, it’s either the van will honk or cheer them loudly.

Jerome and Jeck came in first followed by Kevin. The three Road Eaters decided to run together after this stop. After several minutes, BJ and Marvin came. BJ asks for pizza while Marvin tried to take a nap beside the road… in supine position. Fourth was Luther, who felt knee pain, so Ray decided to put some heat liniment on his knees and then Kirk.

KM 26: HALFWAY THERE

The support crew also needed to take a rest, so Lyvia and Ray took in-charge of the support team while Jessica and Josh soundly sleeps. Lyvia and Ray sat on the road while eating, talking and laughing while waiting for the first Road Eater to pass by.

After 30 minutes, Jerome and Jeck came, and then followed by Kevin. Cramps and sprains were already felt by our dear Road Eaters. Lyvia offered food while Ray sprayed heat liniments to their legs and knees to prevent further injuries.

BJ and Marvin came and they stayed a little longer, they needed to eat and charge up for the next half of the race. After they left, Luther came and asking for some iodized salt. But unfortunately, the crew doesn’t have any salt with them. He stayed a little bit longer also to charge up.

After a while, the mighty Kirk came. The support crew noticed that this guy is getting better and stronger. He actually runs effortlessly. He didn’t stay longer because he wants to reach BJ and Marvs. He also asked for iodized salt which is unfortunately the crew doesn’t have.

KM 36: PHANTOM OF PAIN

It was already pass-6 in the morning when the support van reached KM 36. Josh and Jess were already awake. Josh prepared the breakfast for the support crew and service van driver. He wants everyone to eat their breakfast so that they will have enough energy until the end of the race. Lyvia and Ray are still hunting iodized salt. Luckily, they found this mini sari-sari store nearby that sells salt.

This is one of the hardest stop as the support crew saw their fellow club members suffer in pain. Now, the support team are working hand in hand for the runners’ different type of needs. Lyvia and Jess in charge for the food and refreshments while Josh and Ray acted as the Physical Therapist of the team.

KM 46: ALMOST THERE

The support van stopped in between the town of Lumban and Pagsanjan. The crew doesn’t want to waste every single minute; they offered pizzas, sandwiches, water and Lyvia’s cold jelly to all passing runners.

They also had time to take some photos within the area while waiting for the first Road Eater to come.

Jerome and Jeck were the first Road Eaters who reached the support van’s last stop. These two needed less attention as they looked completely okay. Several minutes after they left, Kevin came. Josh offered to change his water and sports drink, Lyvia offered pizza while Ray offered him a massage.

Third were BJ and Marvin who also needed some stretching and massage. They stayed a little while as they have 3 more hours before the cut-off. Josh and Ray rendered massage to both of them.

Kirk was the fourth one who came and asking for immediate attention. His blisters appeared again (Yes, like the ones appeared during T2K Ultra Marathon) that prevents him from running properly. Ray immediately applied antiseptic solution on the blister area and covered it with sterile gauze. But Kirk noticed that it was too bulky so he asked if it can be covered by leukoplast alone.

Lastly, Luther came with visible pain all over his face (But mind you, he still manages to smile. Incredible, isn’t it?) Even though he is not in good shape, he is still determined to finish the race.

KM 50: THE FINISH LINE

Before the support van arrived at Sta. Cruz Municipal Hall, three strong Road Eaters already finished the race. The first one was Jerome (6:55:26), runner-up was Jeck (7:35:57), and the third one was Kevin (8:00:53).

Josh had to leave the other crew to find the Jerome, Jeck and Kevin. Lyvia, Jess and Ray decided to clean and arrange the service van so that later on, all the finishers can relax and sit comfortably.

After a while, they saw BJ and Marvin running towards the finish line. Everybody was cheering for them. Fourth place goes to BJ (8:20:07) and fifth goes to Marvin (8:20:46).

Now, the Road Eaters gathered near the finish line patiently waiting for Kirk and Luther.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It was Kirk running towards the finish line! Everybody was really proud of him! He’s at 6th place (8:54:30).

The Lanzones Runner is coming! Luther finishes the race (9:17:28) and ranked 7th among the other Road Eaters!

This race only proves that this team is really competitive (despite of their lack of training and sleep). All the participants were able to conquer their fuss and throe towards their triumph and that is something this team can be proud of. Now, everyone is looking forward for the second leg of this ultra trilogy.

Congratulations to all the finishers! Rest well and recover!

Writer/Contributor: Ray Sarmiento

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Tag : 50K, barefoot, Laguna, Long Distance, Our Races, out-of-town, R2L, Rizal, support crew, Ultra Marathon,

Tagaytay to Kawit 50K Ultra Marathon

It all started on a rainy Saturday evening as the Road Eaters’ service van (used to ride a Nissan Urvan but now a Toyota Grandia for the first time!) difficultly made its way through the traffic, picking up each Road Eater in different areas around the metro.

The weather was dreary, but inside the van, it was the opposite. As usual, unimaginable noises were created like noises of high school students inside a chaotic classroom.

When they got out of the metro, reaching the Summit Ridge in Tagaytay was a breeze. It was in that place where the participants had to register for the race.

The club’s delegates for the 53K race were Kirk, BJ, Jemai, Marvin, Jerome and Ray.

For the first time, the club introduced the support crew that would assist the runners. Those were none other than Josh, Lyvia, Jessica, MJ and Hanna.

The race started at 11PM in Tagaytay City. It was the club’s first night run and oh, the first 50K run for some of them.

Those very brave Road Eaters embarked on this difficult ordeal without enough preparation. Non-stop rains due to the recent Habagat prohibited them to train for the marathon. Buwis-buhay Jerome and Sleep-deprived Marvin only decided to join the race the night before.

5KM stop: Happyness

As soon as the race started, the support crew immediately moved on to the 5^th kilometer stop. They had to be there before the first Road Eater comes. But hey! Who did they see first? It was Amos of the Ultra Snail Brotherhood (USB)! Lyvia was extreeeeeemely happy. Next came Jerome, the first Road Eater to cross the 5^th kilometer. And Lyvia was again extreeeeeeemely happy. Second came Jemai. The support crew were sending cheers. Third was Marvin. Glad to see him on barefoot. Fourth were BJ and Ray. Jessica and the gang were happy and supportive. Lastly, Kirk came. The support crew were happy so see the last but not the least Road Eater and they can now move to the next stop.

15KM stop: “We’re here.”

The support vehicle honked everytime it passed the running Road Eaters as if it was saying, “The support crew were here, keep going!”

The crew munched on some foods at the 5KM stop and they continued munching while waiting at the 15KM stop but they didn’t forget that there were other Road EATERS in action. Rain poured but soon, Jerome came in first again, followed by Jemai who needed some knee support, next came Marvin, who said he wanted to have a power nap then BJ and Ray and then Kirk. The support crew realized that the runners had different needs. They devised a different strategy on how they can efficiently assist the runners.

25KM stop: Pains and Loss

A different story happened at this stop. The support crew felt the coldness of the night waiting for their dearest fellow runners. Everything’s ready: water, Gatorade, foods and medical kit. To combat the boringness of waiting, they let themselves entertained by hearing the marshall’s command: “Raners! Kip lep! Kip lep! (to the nth power).

However, they were annoyed by the smell of animal poop nearby. While waiting for the first Road Eater, the crew offered water to the other runners. They were worried that Jerome had already passed the 25^th kilometer without any support. Good thing, he came. Next was Jemai, who needed Omega pain killer and Josh assisted him.

BJ came after some time, and it was his wife Jessica who attended to his needs.

It was at this stop where pains became inevitable.

Ray came next but he didn’t stay long. After Ray, there was no Marvin and no Kirk. Most runners had passed. Until the marshalls left. Darkness and coldness lingered. Still no Marvin and no Kirk. MJ left to look for the two Road Eaters.

Preparing for the search and rescue

Soon, three Road Eaters were nowhere to be found. Assuming MJ was lost, Lyvia said with determination, “Susundan ko siya!” with her eyes glowing and full of emotions.

Upon seeing Kirk, the support crew immediately rushed to him bringing foods of all kinds.

MJ came back shortly but with a bad news: He didn’t find Marvin and he was told that all runners had already passed. Maybe Marvin outran Jerome. Maybe he didn’t notice that the support crew were at the 25KM stop. Maybe the support crew didn’t notice him pass. They lost him.

38KM stop: Gamblers of the Road

The support crew moved on without seeing Marvin. They couldn’t park at the 35KM stop so they tried to find a parking space until they reached the 38^th kilometer. Longer waiting time was expected and more needs would have to be attended to.

Maybe in the next marathon like this, the support crew would bring playing cards or do hopscotch while waiting. They offered water to all passing runners especially to the handsome ones. Some runners greeted the Road Eaters. This club's getting more and more popular. Jerome came at dawn. Running on a long and predictable track seemed boring for this fastest Road Eater. When Jemai came, he was assisted by Lyvia and Josh.

Kirk seemed lost and called Lyvia on to ask about the description of the place where the support vehicle was. BJ and Ray came, after sunrise. They were still being attended to when Kirk came at last.

Extreme pain was felt by all runners but Josh was always ready to act as a physical therapist.

The runners said the same thing: this stop took so long to reach that they almost lost their hope. They had a choice not continue this punishing occasion but they were determined to finish the race no matter what happens. Before leaving the 38KM stop, BJ told the support crew to push Kirk to finish the race.

45KM stop: Divided and Fallen

Fear, curse and pain. That’s how this stop can be described. When the support crew arrived at this stop, Jerome and Jemai had already left. Josh and Lyvia had to leave the support vehicle and arrive at the finish line to look for Jerome and Jemai.

Rain seemed to add a dramatic touch to the runners in pain. The remaining support crew could feel the anxiety caused by the situation.

BJ and Ray were the next Road Eaters who came to this stop. BJ mentioned that he felt sleepy along the road, but thanks to his GU’s caffeine, it kept him awake. Before leaving, BJ again told the support crew to push Kirk to finish the race. Kirk came after they left. This time, he was seriously not in good condition. Blisters on his foot prevented him to continue to run. He was ready to give up the race even if it was only 8 kilometers left to finish. After he was bombarded with assistance and motivation, he decided to continue the race, with MJ as his buddy. Now, only Jessica and Hanna were the only support crew left inside the van.

Jerome and Jemai already finished the race when Kirk called Jessica on the phone to let the vehicle go back and pick them up. His decision was final. He couldn’t continue the race.

53KM stop: The Finish Line

Fast forward to the finish line. Jerome had some emotional pain during the race but he managed to finish the race first among all Road Eaters in 7 hours. Second to him was Jemai (8 hours) who was always competitive. Next came BJ (9 hours) who made his way through all pains. Fourth was effortless Ray (9 hours), who needed less assistance and quietly endured the pain.

After much struggle, Kirk finally appeared to the waiting finishers and support crew.

At 9AM cutoff, Marvin instantly appeared out of nowhere. He fell asleep during the race on a vacant bench at a sari-sari store but tried to run again.

It might not be the best race for the Road Eaters because of inadequate preparation, but it proved to be one of the most memorable race they ever encountered. Their passion for this sport ignited their perseverance to reach the finish line. Thanks to the support crew, whose roles were unique and very helpful:

Josh – all-around manager turned physical therapist

Lyvia – food delivery

Jessica – organizer

MJ – search and rescue

Hanna – documentation

Off to Kenny Rogers Roasters!

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Tag : 50K, barefoot, Cavite, Habagat, Kawit, Kenny Rogers Roasters, night run, Our Races, out-of-town, support crew, Tagaytay,

Subic International Marathon 2013

After a day of splash at the Subic beach, cartwheels, and a game with a neon green identified flying object, still energy-filled Road Eaters had to wake up early from their VERY LATE night sleep.

Steamy cup noodles served as breakfast for those Eaters. Later on, they learned that it was not good to start a marathon.

Nice attire, Coach Wax!

As they left the resort, the internationally endorsed race course awaited them. Not the usual urban route, the Subic International Marathon 2013 was the first out-of-the-metro race for the Road Eaters. First time runners were Jessica and Rose for 10K.

All the girls were here!

Dreadlocked Marvin, in pursuit of his successful registration for this race, pioneered his entry into the Road Eaters Running Club by running his first-ever barefoot run.

It was an experience that was totally different. The race promised a cool view of nature and a lot of fresh air for the runners, but the uphills were not easy tasks especially for first time 21K runners Anjo and Saldy. One may feel apart from the other runners as the roads were wide and bat sounds were heard as they roam around. Scorching heat was unexpected at this time of the year that it proved to be burdensome.