It has been a very busy month, took me forever to find time updating the team’s website. We have been very busy training for different ultra marathon events locally and internationally. While some of us are focused on generating new running activities for the team and the running community (trail runs, and 3 major ultra marathon projects). As we all know the hot topic right now is the upcoming TNF 100. Here are some of my thoughts about what lies ahead for all of us joining.
Let’s start off with the 100km
All I can say this will be a difficult race since The North Face always wants to challenge and explore your limits. Coach Rio and Vince along with the Finishline team will surely create a unique and challenging race for all of us. No matter what distance your taking part, Clark-Sacobia will provide a unique and dramatic challenge for everyone. It’s quite difficult to asses what will happen to the course since, the weather is quite unpredictable. A few would have predicted that rains will come this early. Let’s just see what will happen in the next few days. The course will be two loops just like last year’s TNF 100 in Nasugbu which somehow contributed to a lot of DNF. The initial plan this year was to make a single loop however the area provided unique challenges making it quite impossible to do. So two loops of 50km , however the second loop will involve a slight change in the course and even the terrain. (Picture Above: PUR, Jose De Vera in Mt. Pinatubo. Terrain of the TNF 100 course would be similar to Pinatubo, however I am expecting the course to have several climbs 4 to be exact).
The topographical map provided by the organizers highlights the difficult and challenging sections of the course. The first one will be the start up to AS 1(Aid Station 1) since runners will be running in the middle or near the side of the river. River crossing won’t be a problem, since your already in the middle of the river. If it stays dry the Sacobia river would remain firm with puddles of water. If it rains, I don’t think the water will be high( a few inches deep) enough to cause any danger but it will definitely be fast flowing. This resembles like the river in Pinatubo, shallow but fast flowing. So take it easy here, run your own pace, and don’t worry to much about your feet getting wet, just keep moving and focus on your pace. The race will start at 4am so just take it easy let the stronger runners pass you and use them to show you the quickest and stable route. TNF Map.
The Haduan section looks also difficult, specially from MP3 to MP7 and MP6 looks really really imposing. As you can see in the topographical map the contour lines(brown lines-represent the landscape) are really close to one another, if I can remember correctly it indicates these areas are really narrow. The lines are close to one another which represent steep climbs or drops. The MP’s are really close to one another, which also shows the difference in elevation. This loop will be really challenging so plan your pace well, you can sprint and reach Haduan while the trail is still freah, or you can be a diesel runner and run this part after several runners massacres the trail(at least you know your in the right trail).
Mp 11 to 14 is also imposing, contour lines are bunched together, and I assume there might be strong winds in this area since it’s on top of a ridge. Hopefully we can see the whole Clark area from here as well as our base camp. If it rains or the sun reaches its highest point, hmm good luck to us this will definitely test our endurance.
For the veteran and elite runners this will be a cake walk, just like last year they were all flying and blazing through the course. But for mere mortals like us who just wants to see the finish line, my suggestion is bring a trekking pole, it may be heavy to luggage around but it will surely help you go the distance. (Picture: PUR crunning down from Pinatubo. I'm assuming some sections would have a similar terrain.)
Kilometer 35 or AS 4, will be the first AS which we can access our gear. Refuel as much as you can the starting point is 15km away but would still involve some hills and river crossings. It would be a bit easier, my suggestion stick to your shoes and continue running or walking, you will be crossing several wet areas, changing shoes or socks might not give you any advantage.
The 2nd part of the 100km will remove the Haduan loop, which will be replaced by a 10km road section. Don’t let this fool you, since the road section is very hilly (based on the map this route is part of the dreaded climb in the 25km New Balance Power Run). Some runners might change running shoes or even lighten their load to gain some race position. Reaching base camp, you might want to consider running to the 60km mark before you finally refuel or rest. Finish 60% of the course before you take in some comforts in base camp. If you rest at the half way point there is a huge risk you to rest for a very long time and next thing you know you’re entertaining that idea of quitting, just like what happened to some runners last year.
At base camp, eat lots of food and refuel as much as you can, chances are you will be running or walking at night. Also you may want to brush your teeth or gargle with mouth wash. The goal here is to remove the taste of trail food you have been devouring for several hours. For me it helps reset your taste buds.
If you’re not sure about the weather and you want to pack light, my suggestion bring garbage bags. When it rains cut the top and side portions and transform it to a rain coat. When the rain is over, remove it tie the openings and give it to the marshal which they can use as a trash bag. Or you can choose the expensive alternative buy a light weight jacket or shell. However in the end you will still get wet, what’s important is to make sure after the rain your dry and warm. Remember out there once body heat escapes its difficult to bring it back. (Picture: PUR Jeremy Go in Mt. Pinatubo. The first part of the run will most probably be like this)
Just keep eating and drinking. Keep your calories up. Also try to breakdown the 100km into different manageable segments. Don’t target the whole thing just yet; focus on the 25km marker or the AS or MP points, that would at least help you manage your mental attitude. Don’t forget to reward yourself once you reach your target goal. Sandals anyone? I’m still not too sure about this it will basically depend on your preference, sandals is too open you might get injured specially in technical sections like the Haduan loop or small rocks might hit your toes. On the other hand it will keep preserve your feet. It’s up to you; maybe you can use it in the last few sections before the finishline or the end of the first loop. Also manage your expectations, don’t get discouraged about your time. Trail runs specially this one can take longer than road runs. Sometimes a 5-7kilometer trail can take you several hours to complete. Think of this race as a long trek or walk, I’m sure a lot of mountaineers who will be racing have experienced long never ending treks especially during multi day climbs. Hope this helps you prepare for the race.
More to come, I’ll also post some of my thoughts about the 10km and the 20km, just need to work right now. See you at the starting line at Clark.
Last May 9, 2009 We went to Mall of Asia to experience the amazing fireworks display at exactly 7:00 pm. There are so many people watching this show in every Friday and Saturday. we choose to go at MOA "Mall of Asia" for fun and to play the my son at the playground. the crowd is great. there are plenty of snacks around.
This One They called WOW ball: wowball is a game or a rides here in MOA "Mall of Asia" and the mechnics is this. The ball must inflated by air then the small children going inside and play. while the ball is floating on the small pool.
Fountain: There are also a fountain dancing with the sound track of tatanic. hehehe I wonder why?
If you want a good taste of sea foods but face the consequence its too expensive.
Bring them to us. In exchange, we're taking as much as Php 1,000 off your new Adidas sport shoes and passing on your old pair to the INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF PAMULAAN CENTER.
Terms:
1. Bring in your old shoes of any brand to receive...
a. Php 500 off your new Adidas shoes purchase worth Php 1, 500 - Php 2,000.
b. Php 1,000 off your new Adidas shoes purchase worth Php 3, 000 and above.
2. Each discount value is applicable for only one pair of shoes purchased.
3. Bring in as many old pairs to enjoy special offer on as many new Adidas shoes.
4. Old sport shoes have to be in decent condition and still functional.
5. All old shoes will be donated to Pamulaan center for indigenous people education.
The Britain's Got Talent singing sensation -- known for her frumpy look as well as her beautiful voice -- dyed her hair and showed off a sleeker style on Friday.
Check out Us Weekly's biggest celebrity makeovers of the year.
Boyle, 47, had her graying, frizzy hair dyed chestnut brown and styled for reportedly $50 dollars, or 35 pounds, the Assciated Press reports.
The singer, who was seen earlier this week in a new dress and black leather jacket, showed off another chic ensemble -- topped with a Burberry scarf -- outside her home in Blackburn, Scotland.
Although Boyle -- whose performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables has gotten more than 13 million views on YouTube -- said, "Why should I change?" on Larry King Live last week, she has thought about sprucing up her look.
See what's new with your favorite American Idol contestants.
"Maybe I'll consider a makeover later on," she told the London Times on Saturday. "For now I'm happy the way I am short and plump. I would not go in for Botox or anything like that. I'm content with the way I look. What's wrong with looking like Susan Boyle ? What's the matter with that?"
One person who might not approve of the transformation is Simon Cowell 's fellow British judge Amanda Holden, who said she wouldn't allow the Scottish to get a makeover.
"She needs to stay exactly as she is because that's the reason we love her," Holden told the U.K. Mirror of Boyle. "The minute we turn her into a glamour-puss is when it's spoiled."
Check out the Dancing With the Stars hot body makeovers!
The Britain's Got Talent judges will decide whether Boyle gets through to the next round on May 23.
Today is Earth Day 2009, April 22, which marks the beginning of The Green Generation CampaignTM which will also be the focus of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for a new global climate agreement coming up in December, Earth Day 2009 must be a day of action and civic participation, to defend The Green GenerationTM’s core principles: Family with windmills: Renewable energy for future generations. What are the Earth Day activities? What are the Earth Day facts? What is Earth Day? Is there any Earth Day crafts and Earth Day T-shirts for sale? Read more about Earth Day 2009.
Earth Day activities focuses on the following: * A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end our common dependency on fossil fuels, including coal. * An individual’s commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption. * Creation of a new green economy that lifts people out of poverty by creating millions of quality green jobs and transforms the global education system into a green one. Join The Flaming Lips, moe. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and more for Earth Day on the National Mall! Under the umbrella of The Green GenerationTM, thousands of events are currently being planned in schools, communities, villages, towns and cities around the world. As in 2008, on April 19th Earth Day Network will celebrate Earth Day on the National Mall in Washington, DC, plus large-scale volunteer events in New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, Atlanta, and DC in partnership with Green Apple Festival. We want to make Earth Day a time for meaningful change, so sign up to restore and give back to the community! And after you’re done giving back, celebrate with a free “thank you” concert for all our volunteers! Earth Day Network’s “Green GenerationTM” campaign is a two-year initiative that will launch in 2009 and culminate on the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. Similar to “The Greatest Generation” that confronted the challenge of World War II, who inspired the major societal changes that followed, the Green Generation includes ordinary people who are engaged in individual and collective activities to improve their health, to improve their schools, to participate in building a solution to urgent national and global issues, such as climate change or the world’s water crises. People are increasingly bound together in a green movement that will no doubt equal or eclipse other monumental changes in social and industrial history. Earth Day Network is joined by many “futurist” writers who believe that history will view this period as the launch of an era devoted to a whole new way of living and doing business sustainably. Earth Day 2010 will mark that beginning of the change. The Green GenerationTM is open to everyone: people of all ages and all nationalities, consumers who are committed to buying green; community leaders who are focused on greening their communities; parents and teachers who work to provide healthy foods and green schools for their children; those who work in green jobs; academics whose research is focused on innovative products and services; scientists and engineers who develop new green technologies; and governments that seek to implement policies and support research that will build a green economy and healthy population, and the religious community who are committed to a vision of a just, sustainable, green planet. Corporations will play a key leadership role in the Green Generation campaign, particularly those that recognize that their future success is tied to sustainable products and socially just endeavors. Related links to EARTH DAY: Earth Day website - www.earthday.net US Gov Portal for Earth Day - www.earthday.gov Earth Day TV - www.earthdaytv.net The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010 will be recognized by future generations as a turning point for all people worldwide and will mark the beginning of a new era of personal, corporate, and government responsibility for preserving the Earth. Earth Day Network and its Green GenerationTM campaign partners will create and launch a world wide education and media campaign to mark that beginning.Sign our petition! Our partners in Cleveland, Columbus, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Beijing, and Manila, among others, are planning large events where everyone can participate. Find an event or activity near you! Members of Clean Up the Philippines campaign will join millions of volunteers around the globe in the celebration of Earth Day. Volunteers and Members of Kaya Football Club from Sunvalley, Parañaque City will hold their Earth Day tree planting activity on April 21, 2007 at Tanay, Province of Rizal. On the same day, the Rotary Club of Mandaue North together with other Cebu-based environmental organizations will have an Earth Day film showing of the Inconvenient Truth at SM Cinema Theatre, Cebu City. Members of Clean Up the Philippines campaign are encouraged to support Clean Up the World’s 2007 theme, “Our Climate, Our Actions, Our Future” - joining communities around the world taking action on climate change. On September 15, 2007, thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in the Clean Up the Philippines Day, a simultaneous nationwide clean up activity held in conjunction with the national clean up month and international Clean Up the World Weekend Celebration. Clean Up the Philippines campaign is under the banner of Clean Up the World. Supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Clean Up the World is a global environmental initiative which involves more than 35 million volunteers in over 120 countries each year, making it one of the most largest community-based environmental campaigns in the world. For more information on Clean Up the Philippines visit www.mycleanup.org. Earth Day Facts * Earth Day is celebrated during April 22. * Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. * Earth Day is celebrated in many countries every year. * Unofficial Earth Day flag, by John McConnell: the Blue Marble on a blue field. * As a 16-year-old high school student, Betsy Vogel, an environmental advocate and social activist that enjoyed sewing costumes and unique gifts, made a 4 x 6-foot (1.8 m) green and white “theta” ecology flag to commemorate the first Earth Day.
The Walt Disney Studios will celebrate Earth Day 2009 (April 22nd) with the debut of “Earth,” the first feature-length nature documentary from its new production banner, Disneynature. This amazing new film is from award-winning British producer/director Alastair Fothergill, whose credits include the Emmy and Peabody award-winning “Planet Earth” series (BBC and The Discovery Channel) and “The Blue Planet.” Follows the epic migratory journeys of four animal families as well as the earth’s journey around the sun and the massive influence it has on all life on the planet, from the Arctic spring to the Antarctic winter.
Bird migrations are likely to get longer according to a study of the potential impacts of climate change on the breeding and winter ranges of migrant birds.
The findings from a team of scientists led by Durham University in the UK indicate that flights undertaken by birds to spring breeding grounds in Europe could increase by as much as 250 miles for some species.
The research team, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and the RSPB, looked at the current migration patterns of European Sylvia warblers, a group of birds that are common residents and visitors to Europe.
Published in the Journal of Biogeography, the report says there is evidence that breeding ranges will shift northwards in the future, while the wintering ranges will remain stationary for many species
Some 500 million birds are estimated to migrate to Europe and Asia from Africa; birds as small as 9 grams undertake the annual migration of thousands of miles between the two continents to find food and suitable climate.
Birds have to put on a large amount of weight as fat before migrating long distances; they even shrink the size of some of their internal organs to become more fuel efficient. Some species must double their weight to have enough energy to undertake the huge journeys.
"Most warblers come [to the UK] in spring and summer time to take advantage of the surplus of insects, and leave for warmer climes in the autumn. From 2071 to 2100, nine out of the 17 species we looked at are projected to face longer migrations, particularly birds that cross the Sahara desert," said Dr Stephen Willis of Durham University in a press statement.
The impact of longer migration flights could be potentially disastrous for some species.
"Our findings show that marathon migrations for some birds are set to become even longer journeys. This is bad news for birds like the Whitethroat, a common farmland bird. The added distance is a considerable threat," said Willis.
Co-author of the research paper, Professor Rhys Green of Cambridge University and RSPB commented in the Journal of Biogeography: "These tiny birds make amazing journeys, pushing themselves to the limits of endurance. Anything that makes those journeys longer or more dependent on rare and vulnerable pit-stop habitats used for refueling on migration could mean the difference between life and death."
The research predicts that some species that fly long distances (on average 2,800 miles to 3,700 miles), are likely to face significantly longer flights, up to 250 miles longer, and shorter distance fliers may face journeys of up to 125 miles longer.
Dr Willis believes that birds are facing the biggest threat to their survival since the Ice Age.
"Some species may be able to adapt and change, for example by adopting shorter migration routes, if they can find enough food at the right time. Bird migrations are incredible feats of stamina and endurance but, as temperatures rise and habitats change, birds will face their biggest challenge since the Pleistocene era," he said.
In the space of a few minutes and a few notes, unemployed Scottish charity worker Susan Boyle won over 3,000 fans. In the space of a few days and YouTube, she has grabbed the attention of millions.
And she also reportedly has A-list fans such as Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher.
She didn't play or dress the part of a star on reality TV show "Britain's Got Talent," but within seconds of beginning to sing, the auditorium knew she was one.
Boyle, 47, told the show she had never been married or kissed, and lives in Scotland with her cat, Pebbles.
She still lives in her childhood home in Blackburn, West Lothian, and believes a promise to her mother, Bridget, who died at 91 in 2007, got her on the TV show.
The town, in northeast Scotland, is a former cotton and mining center that now attracts commuters to nearby Aberdeen, the key city for the region's North Sea oil industry.
"I wanted to fulfill a wish to my mother that I wanted to do something with my life. Not only that, but I felt like I had a bit more to offer,'" she told Scottish TV's "Five-thirty" show.
As she revealed her dream to be a professional singer -- as big as Elaine Paige -- many in the 3,000 crowd in The Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, Scotland, were smirking or even laughing.
Seconds later, the first gasps emerged as she sang the opening lines of "I Dreamed a Dream" from "Les Miserables."
About five minutes later, a standing ovation and the praise of the judges, including the show's creator Simon Cowell, were ringing in her ears.
Judge Piers Morgan wrote on the show's Web site: "I watched her performance back again last night, I texted Simon in Hollywood: 'My god, Susan was even better than I remembered -- she's unbelievable.' He agreed, and I could almost feel his beady little eyes going 'KERCHING!' down the line from his new Beverly Hills mansion.
"For, unless I am a brainless aardvark -- which might, sadly, be true -- then this West Lothian villager is going to sell a lot of records once this series is over."
New fans also clogged the message board, many along the lines of Surfer1960's: "I am just blown away by her voice."
She was more critical, saying: "They say that television makes you look fat, and it certainly did. I looked like a garage."
Britain's Press Association reported Moore and Kutcher apparently watched Boyle on YouTube. About five million others have also tuned in to YouTube since Saturday's TV show.
PA reported Cowell is already looking at a record deal for her.
Cast recordings of the track have entered the UK's official midweek singles chart and the iTunes chart. And Boyle is the bookmakers' favorite to win the talent show. She is also among the most searched terms on Google, and her name has been a high trend on Twitter since her appearance.
Boyle told the show Web site she's beginning to enjoy a bit of star treatment: "It's lovely when all the kids stop me in the street to congratulate me."
Now back in her hometown, Boyle has received quite the welcome. The Washington Post reported that children in the town are clapping when she enters stores.
Her parish priest told The Washington Post she'd sing at gatherings and at church, but she has "never flaunted her voice," and this is the first time she's been publicly recognized for her talents.
And on Easter Sunday, churchgoers showed their own appreciation by giving her a standing ovation when she got to Mass.
"We let out a wee bit of a cheer for her," Boyle's parish priest, Ryszard Holuka, told The Washington Post. "We are quite proud of her."
