Confession time. I have never completed a full marathon before. Not even close. As a newbie, my ambition has led me to so many different avenues that I would never, ever, would have considered seven months ago. At the time, a 5k would have been a major coup. Heck, I was 30 lbs. overweight. I needed to DO something. Some months and minor successes later, here I am on the cusp of a potential life experience. I signed on for the Botak 50k ultramarathon. Yeah, crazy guy. Jumping to an ultra without doing a full mary. Not too many people knew this.So the secret's out. But hey, we only live once right? I wanted to do Milo but I'm out on official business on the 5th. So this would have been my last shot at testing my limits for the next couple of months. So why would a guy who has done 35k max try to pull this off? Why would you thrown caution to the wind when people say it cannot be done? Let us see how the story unravels.
What chain of events led to this?
A place of no limits
I teach a module to students called "The Drive To Succeed", a class that handles how to go past any obstacles from a marketing and sales management perspective. It tackles how the human mind can overrule any obstacle, be it physical or mental. It's a good ploy to get students past paralyzing stage fright when presenting. It teaches them to be hotwired to succeed.To be stubborn, resilient, and driven when common sense would dictate that it cannot be done. Now, I'm thinking, can these theories be harnessed to pull of the impossible? Can I use these powers of the mind and make the big jump?
The 100k flirtation
As crazy as running a 50k was, my crazy side was ignited after attending the Botak CLP . Watching slides of Botak founder Cesar Guarin traverse insane distances led me to openly declare my intention to try and pull it off. Wrong idea. Adjectives to describe the reactions from friends and family -disdain, disgust, wariness, exasperation, anger. But hey, that's why they're called friends and family. They care for you and your well-being. They argue with you to death and roast you. But in the end, even if they don't agree with you, you could still be assured of their unwavering support. That's the beauty of it. So okay, it's a stretch. A big one. But I told myself that if I were still alive at the 50k mark, if I could so much as walk, I'll go for it.As it turns out, running distances that you usually take a car for was much harder than I could conceivably imagine.
(to be continued)
hahaha! congrats luis! i did an ultramarathon before i did my first marathon too! i'm sure you feel superb and more psyched to run even more! ;p
bro.. so hindi ka lang full pledged marathon finisher. ultraman ka pa. 2 hits pare! congrats!
open your on Aug 1 for the 56K!
=)
welcome to the club!
Everyone who does an ultramarathon is crazy? Hehe
Welcome to the Brotherhood of UltraMen! :D
Nice Abby! Seriously? What did you run? TNF? Wow! :P Thanks for stopping by :)
Nga Rod eh hehhe :) Not too many people knew that :) Thank you! So san tong 56k na to? :P Ah okay alam ko na :)
Sir Jovie thank you so much, and hopefully next time I can train enough to attempt the 100k with more finality. Was such an honor to finally meet you in person last time at the presscon :)
Haha Dens aren't we? Thank you very much for all the support and encouragement my friend, specially at the finish line. ONe day I will try to pull of this 100k thing haha just like you!
Hi Luis,
Your a brave one. Congrats to your 50K finish. Now you have a live case study for your students to inspire. Cheers!
Comgratulations Luis. I saw the results on Ronnie's blog but wanted to wait until you had a recap. Take care and have a good weekend!
congrats boss! thanks to you and to your tito too! humingi ako ng tubig along commonwealth. :-)
Thanks Macky! It was quite the challenge for me :) Yes, that was part of the equation - to be able to draw from practical experience and tell them about it within a real-life context. Thanks for dropping by man!
Luis, congrats.
-Xty
Thanks Wayne! I'm not yet done with the recap, it's a mere prologue haha :) Thank you so much and enjoy! I hope you still read the actual events which are to follow :P
Congrats to you as well ultimate Ultraman Ronald :) Hehe no prob kay Tito Caloy un, dapat nag baon ka pa! :P Thank you for all the words of encouragement along the way :)
Why thank you Xty! :) Nice of you to drop by. :)
Welcome to the club Luis...that giant step will be the start of many many more adventures of Ultra-running to come.
Nice decision.
God bless.
Thank you so much Sir Ronnie, your words of advice kept me going and put things in context along the way. Congratulations on your riveting 100k experience, your entry read like an entry out of a movie script. Hope you are in blissful recovery now!
Congratulations Luis, you were so happy in the finish line. Im am humbled by your achievements. Next time 100km.
Congrats
hey Luis Congratulations!!! What more could I say! Galing galing!
Argonaut
www.argonautquest.wordpress.com
I always thought ultra-marathon runners are nuts. Luis, you're nuts!!! Congratz!!!
Boss Neville, coming from the Godfather of ultrarunners, I am humbled by your kind words. Yes, I was so happy, beyond belief. I nearly quit, but thankfully a higher power helped me get through. Without a doubt, I will be targeting that 100k at the next oportunity. Thank you so much for dropping by!
Hey thanks Argow :) Naks nakakacomment ka na? Amazing! Keep up the good work with the blog buddy. :)
Haha lol Natz :) Hey thanks! Ikaw, when are you planning on an ultra? Good luck for Milo man, without a doubt you will make the National Finals :)
Hehehe, I don't think I'm the Godfather of ultra running. Your accomplishment and persistence is the spirit behind ultra marathon. Never quit, also I really enjoy your blog. Till the next ultra or trail run.
Hehe thanks so much boss :) Coming from a former UA&P prof, that means a lot haha. You should have stayed! Hey glad you enjoy my work,I try to give our mundane running adventures a twist for entertainment's sake :)Till the next ultra! :
Go Luis! Congrats! Yan ang spartan. hehe
Hehe thanks Don :) Ikaw pa din ang tunay na spartan lol :P Hope your back is better bro.
Wow! Congrats! That's a very very huge achievement. Something that you should be proud of. My hats off to you sir. :D
Thank you very much Dax, appreciate it man :) You should go for it one tim, wonderful way to test the outer reaches of your limits :)