I was a bit disappointed because I trained for months and prepared what I can to get ready for the race, but then, Mother Nature had other plans.
I left Zambales around 2pm on Saturday and decided to go straight to Brgy. Sta. Juliana, the jump-off point to Mt. Pinatubo and the start/finish line for the 50km trail challenge. I am a bit excited for this race because I had ample amount of training and I have been gunning for a podium finish in the past 2 years (in 2011 3rd place, in 2012 5th place).
Arriving at the Barangay Hall, I was greeted by some locals and was allowed to park at the covered court in the adjacent school. On the way there, I saw a lot of trees and debris on the road. Electric posts were also damaged by the typhoon, leaving electrical wires hanging really low, or even on the ground. I was a bit concerned and was worried that the event may not push through. I sent messages to friends regarding status of the race, and was informed by Gwapo Ariel and Gen. Ronnel Go, that the race is a go, rain or shine. What a relief! With that, I decided to take a nap as I was also tired from the aquathlon early that day.
I woke up and found that Madame Rowe and BR were already there. Madame Rowe was hesitant to wake me up, as she wasn’t sure I was one of the runners (Ma’am Rowe: Mukhang hindi runner yan, may bike sa loob ng kotse e!) I was happy to see them and greeted both of them before they left again to get supplies for the race.
During the night, runners arrived one car after another, and by 3 am Sunday, a lot were already getting ready for the 50km run. I saw new faces as well as old ones. It was all good to see them. This was surely gonna be an exciting run.
Gunstart was at 5:35am. BR decided to wait for a little morning light to ensure safety of runners, especially on the river crossing. The river had become wider and deeper because of the rain. The sand and soil were also soft and it was a struggle to run across the terrain. I ran behind a foreigner (Australian, I believe) who was really a strong runner, but wasn’t that all familiar in the trail (maybe that’s why he didn’t want to be too far away). With me was Totoy, my buddy. We ran alongside and had a good laugh or two on the way to the crater.
In the end, I managed to finish with a time of 6hrs and 48 mins. I didn’t get to beat my 2012 record, but am still happy, I get to finish at 1st place.
RD na, Sweeper pa!
Congratulations to all Warriors of Mt Pinatubo!