KOTM 2016: Mt. Ugo Marathon

I'm honored to be a part of this running event now on its fifth year of staging.  As the title suggests, this run take us to the very summit of Mt. Ugo at 2,150 masl.  I did prepare for this but not as rigorous as to the preparation of other joiners.  It was just enough to give me the confidence I needed.  It also helped that I was familiar with the route. 

Majority of the runners arrived in Kayapa a day before the event in time for the race briefing and race kit claiming.  According to the race director, this year's attendance was record breaking.  It was like a reunion of runners.  Many friends and familiar faces in trail running were present.  Excitement can be seen from each runner's face while being briefed by the RD on the dos and donts and the things to take note about the event. A photo op ended the briefing and as a welcome treat, runners were served with sweet potatoes and local coffee.

Runners were released 4 am the next day at the grounds of Kayapa central school.  It was a cold morning but with clear skies although it rained earlier.  I stick to my game plan of starting slow until my body adjusted and got its rhythm.  I walked on the uphills and run on flats and downhills.  Trailwise, from the starting point until kilometer 16 was a combination of tire paths and dirt roads.  It was wide enough for runners to freely move and carry out their game plan.

Two hours after, I arrived at the first aid station at kilometer 10.  Since I still had enough supplies in my hydration pack, I just picked three slices of apple and left.  I was expecting a beautiful sunrise, however thick fog enveloped the surroundings obscuring any spectacular sunrise.  The thick fog remained even after I reached Ansipsip viewpoint and Domolpos village.  My camera had to remain in my hydration pack.

At 8 am, I reached the second aid station at Domolpos waiting shed.  I rested for a while and replenished my hydration pack in preparation for the toughest part of the route - the assault to the summit.  I left the aid station re-energized and confident.  Slowly I made my way into the the pine forest, my favorite part of the entire route until I reached the start of the assault part. 

As expected, the summit assault was hard.  It took me almost an hour at a slow pace to reach the top.  I had many stops along the trail to catch my breath. Upon reaching the top, I rested for a while and refuel.  Regaining strength, I took the opportunity to visit the summit marker and have my picture taken beside it.  I missed this during my first and second visits.

the summit assualt

Descending, it was swift until I was annoyed by a cramp on my toes. I had to stop and let the pain subside.  Continuing the run, it became not just a physical struggle but a mental one as well.  In this state and with a halfway to go, it was hard.  Giving up was not an option for me however.  I was determined to finish the run. Patiently, i made it down back to Domolpos waiting shed. Somehow I was relieved knowing that the hardest part was over. It boasted my dwindling confidence.

Minutes after leaving Domolpos waiting shed, I caught up with some friends. Together we negotiated the trail by walking and running until reaching AS1. It was during this point that I get to appreciate running buddies. Their encouragement and push came exactly when needed.  Exhaustion was setting in all of us but with support and uplifting from each other, feelings get lighter and better.

Mt. Ugo summit

I had to stop and refuel at AS1 making sure I'll have enough strenght and energy for the last 16 kilometers.  My game plan was to run the last 10 kilometers.   Trailwise, it was all going down. If there was a challenge that was the intense heat.  As planned, I picked up my pace and run the last 10 kilometers.  I passed by a number of runners along the way.  Having a glimpsed of Kayapa Central school meant I'm nearing the finish line.  All the more that adrenaline came rushing in my system. 

Finally I crossed the finish line and clocked at 7:27.  It was a nice feeling as always! All the negative thoughts on my low points during the run vanished amidst the cheers and congratulatory gestures and messages from other finishers.  I'm now officially a finisher of Mt. Ugo Marathon. 

proud finisher

The organizer, Frontrunner led by the race director sir Jonnel did a good job.  Hats off to all of them from the race marshals to the other crew.  Runners were in good hands!  To all the finishers, I extend my congratulations.  I hope to be back by 2017.

http://frontrunnermagph.com/official-results-2016-mount-ugo-marathon/#

Four Peaks, One Day

The unavailability of bus that would take us to Nasugbu on our desired time prompted a last minute change in our itinerary for this event.  Originally, the mountains to be covered were Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Batulao, Mt. Marami, and Mt. Pico de Loro.  With the change, Mt. Marami and Mt. Pico de Loro were dropped and replaced with Mt. Apayang and Mt. Toong.  The adjustment was done for us to make the most of the time we had for the day. The traverse from Mt. Marami to Mt. Pico de Loro is long and would considerably eat up time which will lead to not finishing the four peaks in a day challenge.  We were supposed to start at 3am had the original IT been followed but it was already 5am when we actually started.  It will be the first time that the Mt. Talamitam-Mt. Apyang-Mt. Batulao-Mt. Toong route will be attempted.  Luckily, there was a guide who knew the route and was willing to accompany us all day long. 

the beautiful dawn as viewed on the summit of Mt. Talamitam

The event was spearheaded by Lady D. and a part of a series of training in preparation for future running events.  I was hesitant at first because its been months since I did a multi-mountain dayhike. The convincing powers of Lady D was hard to resist though.  We were joined by four other trail addicts namely: Darell, Edward, Rommel and Jeysen.

After completing the registration and saying a little of prayer, we started.  On a star dotted sky, we slowly made our way to our first mountain, Mt. Talamitam.   I had been into this mountain several times so I was thankful we had it first.  It is an open mountain and a trek on a sunny day would surely have our sweat glands extremely working.  A large portion of the trail from the jump off to the summit has no forest cover.  Less than an hour of trekking we reached the summit just in time for the sunrise.  Hikers and a beautiful dawn greeted us on top.  We rested for a couple of minutes and took photos before heading to our next mountain,  Mt. Apayang.

                                           the group at the summit of Mt. Talamitam                                 (c) Lady D

Our second mountain, Mt. Apayang was close to Mt. Talamitam that in less than 30 minutes we reached its top.  Unlike the latter,  there were no hikers in the former.  We had the mountain all to ourselves as we watched the beautiful sunrise signalling a hot day ahead.  After a few minutes spent on top, we descended.  It was a steep descent under a forest cover contrary to the open trail of Mt. Talamitam.  By 8:30 am we reached the exit point at Brgy. Mataas na Pulo.  From there it was around 6 kilometers to the highway (KM 91).  We had an option to ride a tricycle but all of us agreed to run instead.  Well we came to train and as much as possible no wheels.  At around 9:15 am we reached the highway and a jeepney took us to Evercrest, jump off to Mt. Batulao.

                                              The trail of Mt. Apayang                                                 (c) Drell

At Evercrest we had our breakfast first.  We needed to eat and refuel ourselves because the next time that we'll be seeing food will be at the end of the trek.  Our trek resumed at exactly 10 am.  The sun was in its full glory as we walked on the road leading to the foot of Mt. Batulao.  No one of us seemed to be bothered by it though as excitement can still be manifested from all six of us as we minced on the trail of Mt. Batulao.  However, we were annoyed be the numerous registration sites.  It was irresistible and mandatory!  Not to ruined an already beautiful day, we paid as we pass each registration site.  Despite this status, hikers still flocked in numbers to this mountain.  I have been into this mountain several times and in all those instances, its trail was busy.  

                                                the summit of Mt. Batulao                                                  (c) Lady D

We told our guide, Kuya Noel to wait for us at peak 8.  We did a loop from old trail to new trail stopping at the summit to drink the best tasting mountain dew.  By 12 high noon, we reached peak 8 and Kuya Noel was all smile waiting for us.  We rested for a while and put on some sunscreen lotion to combat the mid-day sun.

                                                      one of our rest stops                                                 (c) Lady D

From peak 8, we descended into a not so established trail.  Our guide told us that the trail is rarely used by hikers.  Good thing though, there was a thick forest cover all the way to the foot of Mt. Toong.  Ascending the mountain however was different story.  The sun was unforgiving and I think it was on its hottest during the day as we negotiated the open trail.  Fatigue started to set in also.  I was on the verge of getting a leg cramp.  I had to stop during the ascent several times.  Slowly and patiently we reached the top.  We had an incredible view of Mt. Batulao from the other side. 

                                                     the open trail of Mt. Toong                                                               (c) Darell

Nasugbu and other nearby towns were visible too.  Mt. Talamitam, Mt Apayang and other mountains can be seen too.  After the mandatory grouphie, we continued our trek to the other peaks.  One notable peak is Susong Dalaga (Lady's Breast Peak).  We had to climb boulders to pass this peak.  After this part,  all the rest was descending.  However, it should not be underestimated as it is still a long trek to the exit point.  Woodlands and farmlands will be passed by and a river need to be crossed before finally reaching Sitio Bayabasan.

Susong Dalaga Peak

We stayed at the river for a couple of minutes to cool down.  Its been a hot day and a bath in the river with its cold water was a big relief.  It was very relaxing.  From the river, it was an hour trek to the exit point.  At exactly 5pm we reached Sitio Bayabasan with all of us safe and sound.  It took us 12 hours to complete the four peaks.  We were the first group to have done it.  Kudos!

cooling down

As we were enjoying our second meal of the day,  my companions were on an idea of doing a part 2 that will include Mt. Marami and Mt. Pico de Loro.  A more challenging six peaks in a day.  Insane!