"on a shoestring"

 As I said, I was one jealous runner when I arrived at Camaya Coast last week, but sometimes its good to have a different perspective while at races. So this are some of the pictures taken by me and my friend, Banjo (ULiKblog Runner).

MEETING FRIENDS

BONDING

INTENSE

PRAY

HEAT

JOIN LANG

FOCUS

ALRIGHT

PAIN

 

VICTORY

All Photos can be downloaded at JOURNEYINGJAMES Facebook page. Please give credits to the Photographer, Banjo. Better yet, visit his hilarious running blog- ULiKblog Runner - its a different approach to running/runners. Thanks a lot!

Race Results are also available for download:  3rd Camaya Coast Aquathlon and Trail Run Race Results

 Good job Philippine Skyrunning Association (PSA)!

 

*For the more story behind the photos, you can read Aquathletes and Trail Runners Debut

 

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Special thanks to Sir Edcel and Z for inviting me and Banjo (ULiKblog Runner) as OneSport magazine representatives for this thrilling event. Until next time?!

 

 

3RD CAMAYA COAST AQUATHLON & TRAIL RUN (stories of a jealous trail runner, that’s me, on the trails of Camaya Coast)

One of the many stream-crossing during the Extreme Trail Run, Camaya Coast 2011. For some this is where they slow down, it is stepping hard on the gas pedal for me.

 

The sun was already up when we arrived at a small port at Mariveles, Bataan where boats going to Camaya Coast park. The organizer said that every year they see new faces, this ear the participants doubled. They are amped to try new challenges whether it be aquathlon (swim & run) or trail running.

 

On its 3^rd year, Camaya welcomed athletes on its white coast for a new and exciting challenge. About 150 participants, mostly newbies, are getting ready for an adventure the metropolis cannot offer- mountain trail routes, open-water swim and white beach run.

 

 Trail Runners, as they start to enter the exciting trail ahead

 

I found myself wanting to join them, a lil’ bit jealous as I don’t have a race bib. I was there as an active spectator. All I can do was to stare and cheer my friends (shout out to XTRM TRI, Team Ungas and Snail Runners Alabang) as they do last their minute stretching; the gun just minutes away to be fired. All I want is to wear my running shoes, ready to run as fast as I can because I’m really addicted to the dirt and the different high it gives.

 

 That steep upHELL cannot be ran… WARNING: Not for everyone

 

Not wanting to be filled with more jealousy, I asked one of the organizers, Ms.Nina, if I can run a few kilometers so as to take pictures of the trail runners. Good thing, I was allowed to. I initially plan to run with the Extreme trail runners for about 2 kilometers. Those 2 kilometers were not enough so I decided to run the whole loop, a challenging 6 kilometers of sand, dirt, boulders, river-crossing, steep hills and tall dry grass. I was sweaty, breath-catching runner wanting to have just a portion of what those runners experience. It was my first time to try the trails on Camaya Coast and I love it! I want to be back next year, not as an spectator but a challenger- aquathlon event or trail run, only time would tell. We’ll see…

 

I was observing the faces (and legs) of runners and all I can say is that they are terribly tired, but extremely happy. They were high-fiving at the finish line for an accomplishment not everyone can do.

 

 Jenny, one of the adventure trail runners and the 2nd-placer for Men’s Aquathlon all smiles amidst the scorching heat

 

What I love about out-of-town race events is that the participants are only a handful, you will be able to meet & make new friends. The buffet lunch was a time to fellowship, to exchange cards, congratulate winners and celebrate victory. It was one brotherhood of adrenaline-junkies just wanting to chill out and enjoy life. A community where newbies and veterans are treated alike.

 

 

Good job Philippine Skyrunning Association (PSA)! I definitely enjoyed covering the event. It was definitely one of the most unforgettable races this 2011. See you guys on other events.

 

Photos and results of the event will be posted soon on this site and on my Facebook Page- journeyingjames.

 

_____ _____ _____

Special thanks to Sir Edcel and Z for inviting me and Banjo (ULiKblog Runner) as OneSport magazine representatives for this thrilling event. Until next time?!

Congratulations to new AQUATHLETES like me! Whether this is your first time or second time or time-out, I know you want to view the results. So, here’s to all of us.

Of course, the podium finishers are worthy of fame on this post. I’m posting their names and time.

EXTRA-LITE CATEGORY (2.5K run – 200M swim – 2.5K run)

Male

1st #149 Alex Estenor (0:28:37) [0:09:37.8 - 0:07:20.0 - 0:11:39.2]

2nd #152 Chit Ruiz (0:29:12) [0:10:07.4 - 0:07:22.0 - 0:11:42.4]

3rd #155 Jixee Lagunda (0:29:58) [0:09:42.3 - 0:07:24.0 - 0:12:51.5]

Female

1st #159 Ella Beatriz Bautista (0:37:04.60) [0:11:47.0 0:10:33.0 0:14:44.6]

2nd #157 Alma Inocente (0:39:56.00) [0:13:44.9 0:12:30.0 0:13:41.1]

3rd #147 Anna Maria Ejercito (0:40:42.20) [0:14:26.9 0:13:20.0] 0:12:55.3

LITE CATEGORY (2.5K run – 400M swim – 5K run)

Male

1st #211 Elmer Ching (0:46:41.00) [0:10:13.1 0:12:33.0 0:23:54.9]

2nd #230 Xerxis Tan (0:47:54.90) [0:10:09.0 0:12:49.0 0:24:56.9]

3rd #251 Benjie Santos (0:48:54.20) [0:10:41.6 0:12:22.0 0:25:50.6]

Female

1st #220 Chang Hitalia (0:51:53.40) [0:11:18.0 - 0:16:09.0 - 0:24:26.4]

2nd #254 Betsy Medalla (0:52:18.00) [0:13:25.0 - 0:12:02.0 - 0:26:51.0]

3rd #253 Julie Perez (1:09:05.40) [0:13:20.1 - 0:22:34.0 - 0:33:11.3]

For us finishers, we can just download the results below.

1st Triple A Cup Results (216)

1st Triple A Cup Results 2 (208)

Again, we want to thank the organizer, committees, marshals and photographers present at the event -you made this a successful event. Especially to The Palms Country Club, Filinvest Corporate City, Vitamin World, Scorecard/Sports Media, Sunlife, Dole Global Era Logistics Inc., 5 Aces Restaurant, Gourmet, Globe Telecoms, Gloprints, Powerade, Pharex BComplex,  Men’s Health, Women’s Health & Runners World.

Someday, I want to hear the words, “Congratulations! You’re an IronMan!” But that won’t happen if I just pound and pound the roads and be contented with running a marathon. I must take the second step to pursue that dream.

The successfully concluded TRIPLE A Cup (Amphitrite Alabang Aquathlon) helped me in realizing this dream. Now I can proudly say that I’m an aquathlete. The event I joined was  Extra-Lite category. Wherein you have to run 2.5K then swim 200meters and finish strong with another 2.5K run. I was confident that I can finish the race, the only problem is that I was grasping for air after the 1st kilometer in the run leg because I foolishly paced with the fast runners. Anyway, just charge it to experience.

The Fast "Runner" (Abs kung Abs)

It was already engraved in my mind that I’m there to join the fun and a good time finish would just be an extra to my aquathlon debut.

Some Photos from the Event (Click the image to enlarge)

So, here are stuff that made the race FUN, FUN and FUNNY and some Lessons too:

• Days before the event, I was broadcasting on my Facebook status that I will drown those who will overtake me in the swim leg. No one dared to come swim near me during the swim part. Lesson: Bullying works (not in school but in aquathlon). Good thing, no one get drown.

• At the first plunge, I drank some Palms Country Club Pool water (sosyal)- seems like water from the hydration station in not enough for me. This slowed me down in the process. Lesson: relax on the swim leg, you don’t need extra hydration.

• Funny to see fellow racers run even the swim leg. I don’t want to name names, but it was fun seeing them stride not glide in the pool. Lesson: I will practice striding in the water next time- its gets you faster and exert less energy.

• I was running 4:15/Km during the first run leg because of the adrenalin rush. It was zoooooom!!! Later did I paid of the lost energy because I was already walking some parts of th 2nd run leg. That slowed me down and took most of my energy. Lesson: Don’t get overly excited. I need to distribute my energy and the burst of my adrenalin.

Thank you so much Ms.Tiff Batilo and Co. for organizing a “labor of love” event to people like me. Now I can proudly say, “I’m an AQUATHLETE!”

Lastly, this event would not be successful without the faithful support of our sponsors and partners: The Palms Country Club, Filinvest Corporate City, Vitamin World, Scorecard/Sports Media, Sunlife, Dole, Global Era Logistics Inc., 5 Aces Restaurant, Gourmet, Globe Telecoms, Gloprints, Powerade, Pharex BComplex, Men’s Health, Women’s Health & Runners World. We hope that this is just the beginning of our partnership in the multi-sports world. Thanks to all of you!