[Pictures courtesy of TNF100.com]

We had just come back from one helluva race… THE NORTH FACE 100. It was a trail run only for those who had the guts to dare 100km of rugged terrain, to be completed within 30 hours. Take a look at pictures of the course.

The event was held in Nasugbu Batangas, within the premises of Evercrest, Golf and Country Club. There were also 10, 20, and a 2×50k relay event. Coach Ruel Ano did the 2×50k relay event and they won first place! Coach Jan (current 800m Philippine record holder won 5th place for 20k and Coach Rio got 6th place).

[Thanks to Coach Rio's for the pictures]

NIGHT BEFORE THE RACE

We got to Tagaytay the night before and stayed with the Ordovesa’s at Royal Pine. As soon as we got to Taygaytay, we went straight to bed. Everyone was stressing over whether they’d bring their Camelbak and hydration belts with them to the race. We weren’t sure if there would be enough water stations since TNF had mentioned that everyone should bring their own water supply and that there would be minimal support. Others had concerns whether the CamelBak would make them chafe at the arms.

We were also comparing gear. Others had bought trail shoes just for the event, while others, like me just wore my regular running shoes (BIG MISTAKE). With everything prepared, our running gear, camelbaks, hydration belts and even power gels we went to bed.

MORNING OF THE RACE

We woke up at 3:30am the following morning to get ready for the race. Everyone was hyped. We got to Evercrest at around 4:45 only to find out later that the race would start at 7:45am. Had we known, we would have slept in. Hehe! Apparently, there were some race numbers that were missing and we couldn’t start the race. While waiting, we did some warm up runs and stretching with Coach Rio leading us.

AND WE’RE OFF

By 7:45am, the lone gun shot let the runners on their way. There were over 80 100km runners, more than 100 for the 20k and over 250 for the 10k. This was a big turnout for a trail run. The first km was relatively easy up until the road disappeared and what was left was a mud trail. I’d have to admit that I wasn’t expecting the terrain. I wasn’t prepared to be traversing on slippery mud all the way, especially the steep climbs and descents. There were times that I really had to find my balance or else I would have fallen to my doom! Hahaha!

10KM IS ENOUGH…

Supposedly, I was going to do 20k but after one loop of the 10k course, I had decided I wasn’t doing it again. I wasn’t mentally prepared for another assualt on the rugged terain, ill-equipped. at that! With each step getting harder and heavier with all the mud clinging to my running shoes (YES, running and NOT trail shoes), I had enough. There were even several times that I lost my balance. Good thing there were people in front and behind me to catch my fall. You should’ve seen my face when I saw the descents! OH WOW! Haha… had I tripped, I’d stumble into a whole lot of runners like a bowling bowl going through pins.

ONE HELLUVA RACE!

No doubt The North Face 100 is one helluva race. I only did 10k but I could imagine how much harder the 100k trail would’ve been. Those who did the 100k race deserve utmost praise and admiration Ibang klase kayo!

The next time I’m joining a race like this, I’ll be sure to buy decent trail shoes, gloves and hydration gear (belt or camelbak).

To everyone who participated, congratulations!

PS. I think I killed my running shoes… what do you think?