Fat Ass 2014
January 4-5, 2014
Impulsively,
the Road Eaters Running Club joined Fat Ass 2014. Some of its members became
interested because it's free (but with limited slots) and the concept was one-of-a-kind.
There were
three categories to choose from: 24 hrs, 12 hrs,
and 6 hrs. All registered Road Eaters chose the longest! Kirk, BJ, Jemai,
Jerome, Marvin and Don took the challenge. Josh also was tagged along as
support.
The 24-hour race category’s schedule was from
January 4, 6AM Saturday up to January 5, 6AM Sunday.
2:30 AM was
the call time at SM North Edsa. BJ’s Vehicle was used as transportation. Don
took charge as driver.
Along their way, they passed through a long
bridge. Kirk asked a trivia: What bridge is exactly as the same length as the
bridge they are passing through right now? Everybody made a wild guess. Some
answered San Juanico Bridge. Some answered Macapagal Bridge. But all of it was
wrong! The right answer was mentioned by Jemai. It was... the opposite side of
the bridge! Haha! Quack quackquack!
The car’s tire also needed to be replenished
with air from time to time. So they stopped by a gasoline station whenever they
got a chance.
On their way, they were undecided if they were going to exit at Dau
or would they take
SCTEx. They were not confident on either ways but they agreed to take SCTEx.
At SCTEx, they got lost going to the Freeport
Zone because they have passed by the Clark Exit.Good thing that the U-turn slot
was near or else they will go to Porac!
At 6:00 AM, they set up their tent courtesy of
Marvin. They also arranged their cooler courtesy of Kirk so that they can keep
the coldness of their hydration and other supplies. They started gearing upand
stretching while waiting for gun start.
Runners, around 40-60, headed to the starting point and waited for the signal of Atty. Jon, the race organizer.
The circumference of the Clark Parade Grounds (CPG)was 2.2 kilometres short. Within 24 hours, runners have to run as my loops as they can. The one who gets the most number of loops would be crowned as Fat Ass King.
Runners, around 40-60, headed to the starting point and waited for the signal of Atty. Jon, the race organizer.
The circumference of the Clark Parade Grounds (CPG)was 2.2 kilometres short. Within 24 hours, runners have to run as my loops as they can. The one who gets the most number of loops would be crowned as Fat Ass King.
Each Road Eater’s goal was not to be King but
to finishas many loops as they can in 24 hours. Runners can eat, drink, sleep,
rest or go anywhere anytime as long as we take records of our loops and start
from our last position. http://jon-ultra.blogspot.com/2013/12/2014-fat-ass-guidelines_10.html
The sun was already up, at exactly 6:30 AM, the “ultra fun run” began.
The team managed to run a few laps and took photos, except for Josh who was sleeping in the car. They had many running shots (as well as jump shots) taken through Jemai’s SLR.
The sun was already up, at exactly 6:30 AM, the “ultra fun run” began.
The team managed to run a few laps and took photos, except for Josh who was sleeping in the car. They had many running shots (as well as jump shots) taken through Jemai’s SLR.
At 8:00 AM, BJ needed to go back to Manila because he had work left in the office.
After accompanying BJ to the terminal, the team decided to have a power nap
because everyone had
lack of sleep. Besides, the sun was up so they protected
their skin from harmful UV rays.
They woke up at around 11 am. They got hungry they went out
the CPG to eat somewhere. They headed to SM Clark and devoured some food there.
It was almost 1PM when they got back to the CPG. The sun was scorching hot but the team decided to run since many runners were ahead of them. Josh also decided to have a short run with the team even if he’s not registered.
It was almost 1PM when they got back to the CPG. The sun was scorching hot but the team decided to run since many runners were ahead of them. Josh also decided to have a short run with the team even if he’s not registered.
Enduring the heat of the sun was hard but the
team considered it as part of their simulation training for the next races.
From noon until dusk they
kept running, did power walking and appreciated the place as much as they can.
Running on the same road again and again can feel boring. So instead they
shared different stories to keep themselves entertained. Josh also offered massage to Don and Kirk.
Around 8:00 PM, they decided to rest for a
while and have dinner. BJ was also on his way back to Clark so the timing was just fine. Marvin
decided not to join the dinner, instead he started to sleep inside the tent.
The team was undecided about where would they go to have their dinner.
They enumerated fast foods. Along their way to Mabalacat Proper, they have
passed by 5 Jollibee
Stores! Too many Jollibee branches! They searched for restos that have a homey ambience such as Mang
Inasal but they failed to find one. So they end up at Chowking near the
bus terminal.
After dinner, BJ came and so they went back to CPG. Along their way, they bought some items like chips,
hydration, and some pain killers.
Upon arrival, the team went back to the race. They only have more
than 6 hours to make additional
loops at CPG.
A couple of minutes after, Jerome notified that he was already at the bus terminal. BJ and Josh fetched him. As soon as they got back to CPG, Jerome joined the team in running the loops. BJ and Jerome ran on barefoot. While Josh decided to sleep in the car.
Around 3:00 AM, Kirk, BJ, Jemai and Jerome concluded their run. They took shower and slept. Josh woke up so that BJ, Kirk and Jemai could sleep in the car. While Jerome slept with Marvin in the tent.
A couple of minutes after, Jerome notified that he was already at the bus terminal. BJ and Josh fetched him. As soon as they got back to CPG, Jerome joined the team in running the loops. BJ and Jerome ran on barefoot. While Josh decided to sleep in the car.
Around 3:00 AM, Kirk, BJ, Jemai and Jerome concluded their run. They took shower and slept. Josh woke up so that BJ, Kirk and Jemai could sleep in the car. While Jerome slept with Marvin in the tent.
Don was the last man standing on the team. He
had his shirt off and wore his artificial garland. Josh assisted Don on his
needs. Only a few
runners continued to run that morning.
In the last 20 minutes of the
24-hour category, Don made his last loop in barefoot.
The sun was up, the race was finished. Atty. Jon called the attention of all runners. The Road Eaters got up.
They took
photo ops with other runners, with the race organizers.
On their way
home, the club had their lunch at Jemai’s residence in Baliuag.
Fat Ass 2014 was such a wonderful and grateful experience.
These are some quotes posted on the shirts and
tarps of the other runners:
"Running is never boring."
"If your legs are tired of running, run
with your heart."
Writer/Contributor: Don Santillan
Writer/Contributor: Don Santillan
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
Tag :
50K,
barefoot,
Laguna,
Long Distance,
Our Races,
out-of-town,
R2L,
Rizal,
support crew,
Ultra Marathon,
Long Slow Distance Run: Sta. Rosa - Silang
1.2 to 1.6mm – the amount of rain forecast on that day of LSD. The interpretation was just light rains, however, the term “light” became subjective and the Road Eaters still pursue the run since everything is cocked and ready to fire (from the participants, support vehicle, and etc).
Upon arrival in Nuvali at 4am, surprisingly the rain stopped and they took the opportunity to warm up.
At 4:30 AM, they started to run. Marcelo, who is a local resident of Sta. Rosa, planned the route and lead the way of Road Eaters during the LSD.
Nuvali is a good place to train since the roads are clear. The signage says, “runners, bikers and cars share the roads at Nuvali”. It is also well lighted (at night), with flat, uphill and downhill road elevations. The man-made parks and executive villages are also very beautiful to see (and inspiring to have a house and live in one of them).
The Road Eaters used the Galloway method of running where they ran for 5 minutes and brisk walk for 1 minute, alternately. Jemai served as the timer so that they can follow the Galloway method.
When the sun has risen, it started to drizzle. Perfect way to cool down their bodies from the heat their body produced.
Along the race, they make fun of each other, throw jokes, did some catch up, and they happily greeted all runners and bikers “Good morning!” for good vibes.
As the cool breeze turned to strong winds, the clouds became heavier and darker, and the rain poured. It didn’t stop them from running.
Josh, Jemai, Kevin, Jerome, Ray, and Marcelo were training for 42K; while Jeff and Mico were training for 21K in the upcoming Run United Philippine Marathon. They took the rains as a challenge and special training since it might rain on the race day.
Not to mention, Mico, who just break-in into running, had his entire “first” in the LSD. First long run, first run in the rain, first knee aches, and etc!
After Nuvali, they took the Cardiac Hill challenge. A very steep hill for bikers but the Road Eaters took it as a training ground! Anyone will really have a cardiac arrest upon reaching the top.
While going down, they saw a grassy area, lie down and took a quick rest. The feeling was very relaxing as they felt the grass and the ground as their bed.
All in all, they ran for about 4 hours and 30 minutes. The GPS told them that they ran for almost 25K. Everyone was tired and hungry enough that they decided not to finish the planned route.
Of course, the LSD would not be complete without the eating session! They decided to have their “brunch” at Mang Inasal near Laguna Bel-Air.
The LSD marked the height of their training since it is just two weeks to go before the Run United Philippine Marathon. The mighty Road Eaters endured the extreme weather conditions safely and soundly.
Writer: Josh Asence
Upon arrival in Nuvali at 4am, surprisingly the rain stopped and they took the opportunity to warm up.
Afterwards, they met some of Kevin’s friends – Mr. Craig and Mrs. Michelle Logan who used to live in U. S. but now living for about 25 years in the Philippines. Both of them are runners and the special thing about them is they always “drive” their son Justin (in a wheel chair) along the races they have joined.
At 4:30 AM, they started to run. Marcelo, who is a local resident of Sta. Rosa, planned the route and lead the way of Road Eaters during the LSD.
Nuvali is a good place to train since the roads are clear. The signage says, “runners, bikers and cars share the roads at Nuvali”. It is also well lighted (at night), with flat, uphill and downhill road elevations. The man-made parks and executive villages are also very beautiful to see (and inspiring to have a house and live in one of them).
The Road Eaters used the Galloway method of running where they ran for 5 minutes and brisk walk for 1 minute, alternately. Jemai served as the timer so that they can follow the Galloway method.
When the sun has risen, it started to drizzle. Perfect way to cool down their bodies from the heat their body produced.
Along the race, they make fun of each other, throw jokes, did some catch up, and they happily greeted all runners and bikers “Good morning!” for good vibes.
As the cool breeze turned to strong winds, the clouds became heavier and darker, and the rain poured. It didn’t stop them from running.
Josh, Jemai, Kevin, Jerome, Ray, and Marcelo were training for 42K; while Jeff and Mico were training for 21K in the upcoming Run United Philippine Marathon. They took the rains as a challenge and special training since it might rain on the race day.
Not to mention, Mico, who just break-in into running, had his entire “first” in the LSD. First long run, first run in the rain, first knee aches, and etc!
After Nuvali, they took the Cardiac Hill challenge. A very steep hill for bikers but the Road Eaters took it as a training ground! Anyone will really have a cardiac arrest upon reaching the top.
While going down, they saw a grassy area, lie down and took a quick rest. The feeling was very relaxing as they felt the grass and the ground as their bed.
All in all, they ran for about 4 hours and 30 minutes. The GPS told them that they ran for almost 25K. Everyone was tired and hungry enough that they decided not to finish the planned route.
Of course, the LSD would not be complete without the eating session! They decided to have their “brunch” at Mang Inasal near Laguna Bel-Air.
The LSD marked the height of their training since it is just two weeks to go before the Run United Philippine Marathon. The mighty Road Eaters endured the extreme weather conditions safely and soundly.
Writer: Josh Asence
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 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.
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 5th 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 5th
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 25th 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.
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.
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 25th 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.
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 38th 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.
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.
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!
Tag :
50K,
barefoot,
Cavite,
Habagat,
Kawit,
Kenny Rogers Roasters,
night run,
Our Races,
out-of-town,
support crew,
Tagaytay,
