Monday, March 7, 2016

A Day With the Philippine Orienteers

(This very late post is brought to us by procrastination.org, world's leader in not getting things done.)

I saw an invitation at work for an orienteering event hosted by the Philippine Orienteers. I got curious because this was the first I've heard of the group. Checking what was online, I realized this was the same people who sort of got in touch with us a few months ago asking about the orienteering scene in the Philippines. Nothing much happened there, so I thought things fizzled out.

Turns out, the club was well and alive. The event that I joined two Sundays ago was already their third since November. Their dedication to the sport is admirable, indeed.

Cycling Training for a Run Event

I put it in my mind to join The North Face 100 this coming May, just for fun. I've thought about finally doing the 100-km distance, but that's just crazy for someone as unprepared as I. So 50 km is the most that I'd do.

The thing is, I really don't get the chance to do any legitimate run training. Sure, I get to run at least twice a week, but that's really pathetic. What I do get to do is bike.

Two Saturdays ago, our planned rock climb trip got cancelled. So instead of wasting a good Saturday, I got duped into riding with Daddy-o, Princess, LA, and a few other well-biked individuals. The route taken was a miserable uphill road passing throuhg Monterey Village, AFP Village, and Maarat. I can't say that I didn't enjoy the ride, but definitely it was painful while I was pedaling. A testament to my lack of long ride is the newly-burnt tan line on my arms.

Then this weekend, I went to SBMA on a marshaling gig at the Ironman 70.3. I ditched my pick-up truck, took my bike and rode the bus. I was supposed to get off inside SBMA, but the bus I rode didn't pass through the freeport. Instead, I had to pedal my way from Olongapo City up to Subic Homes in Binictican. A good 9 kilometers. A meager distance, unless you lack sleep and nursing a neck crick.
The section I handled was close to the start/finish line of the run. The bike came in handy when going back and forth to check on the marshals and racers. It was a bitterly hot day for triathlon. I was glad I wasn't one of the poor racers on the road.

The race finally finished mid-afternoon. Back at the hotel, I found my face, especially my nose, all sunburnt. Didn't participate, but I had the same facial results.

I have to find a way to start running, or my chances of doing the ultra will be gone.