"on a shoestring"

I really love out-of-town races (see here). The monicker says it all, ayt? So options on joining Salomon X-Trail Run are “TO RUN” or “TO RUN?” I chose the second one. I love the trails- more exciting, tiring and perspiring. I love the outdoors! Go R.O.X!

Let me explain further why I love the recent Salomon X-Trail Run.

10. Out-of-Town Race. Time and time again, I said in this blog that the route in Bonifacio Global City is becoming boring to me. I think I have ran every street there and has memorized all turns. I don’t blame the organizers but I feel sorry for those who doesn’t have a choice because that the nearest running spot they have.

9. Bus Service. Two-thumbs up to the organizers for looking into the welfare of the runners in providing a service to and from Subic. And we are not jam packed in that tourist bus. I appreciate that guys! Thanks.

8. Nature. JourneyingJames loves nature- the fresh air, the trees, the valley, the mountains and the mud. Never will you see me run on a dreadmill. What better way to experience this but in Pamulaklakin Forest Reserve. Nice choice of place Salomon!

7. The Uber Challenging Route. As soon as I saw Neville, I said to myself, “prepare for the worst!” The route has no loops, is very challenging and well thought of. It was a complete challenge- a total body workout if you like. There are paved road, mossy path, uphills, downhills, mud, more mud, dirt, mountain, grass, rocky road, river-crossing, never-ending bamboo and treacherous muds at the last 100meters (see number 1 to understand).

6. The shower near the finish line. After the burning sun and run, the shower provided by the firetruck was bliss. It was an instant mass shower as everybody had their share of the fountain to cool down. Sarap!

5. The unique Whistle medal. Our aeta brothers specially made the finishers medal for every finisher of the race. Fire-carved are the words “Salomon X-Trail Run Subic”

4. I won a Nalgene bottle. I’m not lucky on raffles. But this is my day.

3. Pika-Pika. Thanks to the sample-all-you-can franks, cheese, olives, bacon, and beef. Beer na lang ang kulang The soft drinks was refreshing too! Sarap ulit!

2. Post-Race Party. To the Takbo.ph peeps, we rocked the event! You guys are parteh people! Also, the sounds was a lifter. We danced and chilled out after a tiring run. I forgot who did the gig, but whoever he is, I hope he get into recording soon.  \m’ (shaka hand sign bro)

1. The Race itself. I positioned myself in front of the starting line because I was thinking that the route will have some single-file paths, but I was wrong. So I was running fast at the first 2 kilometers. The first kilometers were on the golf course, then to the trails, its so hot that I’m forced to walk, run, walk. But even though I was struggling on the first 7 kilometers because of the upHELLS (running on hills while the sun is super hot), I was enjoying it because its anew experience. Then came the river crossing at Km.10 then up to the summit. Boy I was mesmerized at the summit, the beauty of the mountain ranges was a relief for after some 13K. That was also the time were I picked up my pace until kilometer 19 where I did fartlek. Yes, I was doing fartlek on the last 5K. The Hammer Gel I took really kicked-in and I was able to do a negative split. Then came the final 100 meters, and I would say that this is the most treacherous last 100meters I ran in my entire life. As in, I was stuck in a knee-high mud and I don’t have a choice but to take off my shoes and walk bare-foot till the finish line. Man, that was cool! Hats off Salomon, Suunto and Neville!

Before I end this post, let me thank Dianne for the race kit and Jojo and Matet for letting me use their nice shots. Some pictures are from Salomon’s Photos uploaded fans. (Just let me know if you want credits) Until the next trail run? “TO RUN” or “TO RUN?” Do I have a choice?

Jojo with Aeta brothers. They are fast but not that fast to win the top 3.

Race Results:

Men’s 24K / Women’s 24K

Men’s 12K / Women’s 12K

P.S. Just visit the site back for the official Photos