Part 20: the Merrell adventure trail....

I reached Singapore airport once more with the Hong Kong fiasco still freshly etched into my mind. Its impossible for these experiences to not have an effect on you in future, no matter how well you prepare, but I learned my lesson and booked forwarding flights to Bangkok days ago, checking and re-checking all my documentation just to make sure. A 3.5hr pleasant, and completely stress free flight later, I landed back to base in Manila; my Asian home, and was met by my friend who took me straight back to my Condo unit. Finally I was beginning to fully realise the value of having a proper base for me to recover from my travels now. This wasn't something I put a huge amount of thought into, but it was working perfectly for me to regroup in-between my travels.
After collapsing into my comfy bed, I immediately began thinking of my mountain adventure trail run in 5 days and if I would be fit enough after my Singapore shenanigans, then checked the weather report for the coming weekend, learning it would be well over 100 degrees, so sensibly I made no plans other than to eat healthy, get plenty of sleep with some very light fitness sessions to conserve as much energy as possible. This was going to be a seriously challenging run, especially with the impending heatwave!! My competitive streak would be the end of me I swear because most normal people would just want to enter for fun and take it easy; not me though. Before I knew it, the weekend arrived and I was beginning to feel the nerves.
My fitness crew made all the necessary travel arrangements as usual and I almost felt guilty but all I had to do, was be prepared with all my kit for midnight sharp and they showed up right on my door step.
The drive to Mount Sinal in Rizal where the run would be, was about 2/3 hours and we decided to leave at 1am in the morning just to be safe, as the race was due to begin at 6am, especially since you cannot be sure with the unpredictable Manila traffic, even this late at night, plus quite often there would be road works in the early hours that cause major disruption.
The first part of the journey was easy enough, but the second was all off road, bumpy, pitch black, and really dusty, reminding me of the early 90's rave days when we would all be looking for the free parties in the middle of nowhere. This narrow road had huge potholes and we had to drive really carefully up the mountain; as the car was swaying from side to side we slowly made our way up.
My Filipino buddies as always, were in good spirits, making me laugh and joking all the way up which was taking my mind off the long drive that seemed to be going on for ever.
Thankfully we arrived shortly before 4am in one piece, even if we took a few wrong turns, but once there, we saw plenty of runners who looked far more energetic than any of our fitness group, all doing their fancy technical stretches and warm ups! Infact we looked anything but fit compared to these pro's.
However I was really impressed at the set up and didn't really know what to expect from the event at first, but very quickly grasped the sheer scale and how well organised it was, with a plenty of effort going into it. Radio and tv stations were at the camp interviewing participants, stalls, first aiders, filling stations, stages, and musicians doing their utmost to generate an event like atmosphere - there were even Filipino armed forces here keeping guard.
Merrell, who organised the event had plenty of representatives and promo stalls there - it was a very big deal.
One guy noticed my Merrell shoes and began telling me every little detail about them.
He really knew his stuff and tried to sell me an upgrade pair. We then spoke about the Philippines in detail and he was rather intrigued by me spending so much time in his country.
After congratulating him on his excellent sales technique,
I was so embarrassed when I learned that this man, who I just called a 'wicked shoe sales man' was actually the millionaire president, and founder partner of Merrell Adventure!!
He laughed, seeing the funny side of it, and took particular interest in me being one of only a very few European entrants and wished me luck.
'Thank you' I sheepishly replied.

We all got changed into our gear and waited for instructions, taking the opportunity to do warm up exercises ourselves.
Nerves had kept me up the night before but adrenaline was kicking in now.
I was very anxious incase the heat and humidity would be to much for me because in normal circumstances the heat can sap all your energy, just taking a short walk to the mall, let alone on mountain run!
Even more people started to arrive now as we where handed our race bibs, numbers, and oddly enough, hard boiled eggs!
I would be number 1277 of 2000 mostly Filipino and Asian entrants.
The atmosphere was building and suddenly our group went quiet, focusing on the task ahead, especially after I learned that the race was 75% up hill, with the start point being 800 meters above sea level.
Also learning from the race commentator that this years event would be the most grueling and toughest since this event began some years ago....brilliant!
It was soon morning light, bringing into view these amazing misty mountain ranges, and river crossings. The sense of euphoria that these vista's gave me was hard to put into words, especially since I had never seen anything like it before I came travelling.
By now an commentator was really beginning to get the crowd going and an aerobics instructor took a warm up session with pumping loud music blaring out of a huge PA system.
It was quite a sight seeing all the runners waving their arms in the air in fandom, jumping up and down to the music.
My friends chuckled when I joined in, making a fool of myself in the process.
Then a huge digital timer was counting down; my nerves were going crazy as it got closer to 6am!
Even though none of us would readily admit it, there was secretly a bit of competition between our group as we jostled closer to the front to get the best starting position amongst a very congested crowd - a terrific atmosphere was building up nicely, thanks to our race host, with his 'over the top' radio accent, who was doing a great job in rallying the participants into a frenzy!
The clock was edging ever nearer to 6am, but I just wanted the race to start right there and then, my nerves were going crazy! And the 'Harlem Shake' was playing through the speakers really loud. 'oh come on' I thought. 'Any song but this!'
Then finaly, this was it, the host began counting down and all the crowd were joining in '10, 9, 8, 7, 6 ,5, 4....'
Filling my lungs with air I was as ready as I will ever be. '3, 2, 1.....GO!!!'
And with that I shot off with the huge sea of contestants, amidst all the air-horns, cheers and noise trying my best to weave in and out of the hundreds of runners, with no plan in mind, I just decided to get off to a good start.
Understandably some of the pro runners were out of sight before I knew it. The first section of the race, which was all down a really steep rock face put a strain on my thigh muscles as I was trying my best to not tumble forward. It would have been carnage if somebody did though because so many of us were really close together.
The first kilometer or two was all downhill trail with an awesome combination of two scenic mountain ranges, and even at this early stage there was a great spirit and togetherness between all the contestants who where encouraging and motivating one another.
The scorching dry track was really dusty, and I had to pull my bandana over my mouth just so I could breath easier, but still I could barely see through the dust as the dirt track was so thick from all the runners stampeding like rhinos - sweat was pouring down my face and back.
The sound of hundreds of footsteps leaping down the mountain side was really loud and my momentum was carrying me faster downwards, in some instances I could barely stop myself; almost stumbling on a few occasions.
This was not going to be easy but I soon started to get into a bit of a rhythm when the track levelled off slightly, although still going downwards.
I hit some traffic, dozens of runners clustered together, and ran through some dry bushes beside them to get in front, grazing both my legs as I did so in the process.
Not many where passing me at this stage apart from the pros, who were long gone and thoughts of starting too quickly entered my mind now.
The race organisers and designers did a fantastic job of putting the track together. We were passing hut homes, cows, donkeys and chickens roaming freely. Families beaming outside cheering us on surrounded by yet more incredible jungle mountain scenery.
At one point I was met by several young Filipino children who were shouting as we passed them waving.
Some started running along side me, and I already had my own little groupies, this was fantastic and gave me so much more energy.
I was even getting a few wolf whistles from some young girls as I ran past them. But my cocky smiles and giggles quickly changed as the track started to take its toll on me, especially as the track steepened dramatically.
Plus my eyes were on fire with the hair gel I stupidly used, mixed with the sweat dripping down my face but daren't wipe with my hands, which were really sticky from factor 50 suntan lotion and insect repellent. My pace slowed down somewhat at this point and a few more runners where passing just before the track began to narrow which made it practically impossible to pass anyone who was in front of me. The runners were in a giant snake like single file row all running at the same pace, that at least gave me an opportunity to get my breath back slightly.
Luckily I reached a filling station and poured ice cold water down the back of my neck and face as I carried on running, giving me a short boost of adrenaline and relieving the burning in my eyes.
Race marshals and spectators where doing their best to encourage us too, shouting words of encouragement as we passed them. It's surprising just how much that actually helps you but when you are exhausted, you need all the support you can get.
We reached a wobbly bamboo bridge over a small crevice which creaked as we ran over it and the mountains were in full view now, although not able to look for too long, since I was so busy watching my footing in case I tumbled over.
Now my pace slowed even more once the morning heat started to take a proper grip on me. This was the real deal now and thoughts of doubt were seriously creeping into my mind. My head now began throbbing, my eyes were burning, and my legs were getting heavier as the track became more and more challenging.
I reached a section that was so steep I stopped through sheer exhaustion, breathing heavier, I was suffering hard and sucking up oxygen to slow my racing heart down.
This gruelling track that was killing me, showed absolutely no sign of relenting and I did not even know how far into the race I was, slowing to an almost crawl now.
Whilst thinking if I would be able to complete this course or not, we reached a wonderful open paddy field with the now muddy trail leading right through its center putting an even bigger strain on my aching legs.
Before I knew we were up to our thighs in water causing a bit of congestion at the bottle neck through a narrow opening and small bridge.
Taking advantage of this opportunity to get as much rest as possible, splashing water in my face to cool down, and the heat getting stronger every passing minute but somehow I just kept going.
Photographers lined the track, taking pictures of us and always being the one to lap up the attention, I raised my arms in a premature victory pose, with a long way to go.
My shoes were squelching from
The water and mud, and If I am completely honest even at this stage, there was no way I believed I'd finish.
My endurance and will power was being seriously tested.
Plus to make matters worse; more hills, which just kept getting steeper.
They were rugged, dusty and in some instances dangerous with loose rocks - I was in serious trouble!!
All my boxing training, mountain climbing and trekking combined was nothing compared to this; not even close; and I was close to breaking point.
Yes I know its cheesy but I remember humming 'Eye of the tiger' to myself in my mind.
I needed a strategy and quick or my race was over.
Tbc.....