The First Running Specialty Store In The Philippines For Runners, By Runners

What type of training did you do?

Allan: I usually run 3 times a week. 5km recovery run during Mon/Tues, 30min intervals or 6min/km pace 10k during Wed/Thurs , and 20-30k LSD during sat/sun if I don't have a race.

Jayreus: I did two weekend long runs prior to the event and several 10k’s and 15k’s on weekdays. I try to avoid speed trainings because I wanted to focus on my endurance since the route was really grueling according to some friends who made a “test run” on the actual route. I also cross-trained by swimming twice a week before the event

What kind of shoes are you wearing? How was it during the race?

Allan: Right now I'm enjoying my Asics 3010. It's the best pair of shoes that I have tried, so far. During the race, my feet felt very comfortable.

Jayreus: I used NB 769, a stability trainer. For me it was the perfect pair particularly in the latter part of the race. As fatigue and exhaustion kicked in, I suddenly changed my form and eventually became a heel striker. I was just throwing my feet forward especially on the downhills. The shoes offered the much needed support my feet were asking for.

Did you use the same shoe for your training?

Allan: Yes, I also use it for my training.

Jayreus: Yes. Actually that was supposed to be my trainer and I was planning to use my NB RT801 during the actual race but I got scared to get too fatigued to not be able to sustain my mid-foot strike.

Hydration belts? Was it effective or was it bothersome?

Allan: I always wear hydration belts whenever I run more than 10km. I find it very useful and effective because I can always drink whenever I get thirsty.

Jayreus: Both! I used Nathan Speed with four 10-oz bottles and it was perfect for our strategy of nutrition and refill every 5 kilometers (which became 3 during the last 15 kilometers). I filled the two bottles with Gatorade for hydration and the other two with water in case I needed to cool my body. After a few kilometers, I left one bottle in our support vehicle because the weight of the entire belt was already taking its toll. I started to feel some chafing on my hips during the homestretch.

What kind of nutrition did you take during the run?

Allan: I brought with me 6 Gu energy gels. I took 1 every hour

Jayreus: Fifteen minutes before the race, I took Hammer sports gel. On the first 35 kilometers, I drank at least 24 ounces of Gatorade every 5 kilometers. After the 10k mark, I ate chips and banana at the stops after every 5 kilometers. I consumed two more sports gel, one at the 20 and another at the 40-kilometer mark.

What were you wearing? How did it help you during the race?

Allan: I wore a visor, cycling shorts and the second wind singlet in the early part of the race. At the turnaround point, I changed to a white shirt and wore white sleeves.

Jayreus: I wore Headsweats sun visor Team8 compression tights (both from Secondwind :D). The sun visor protected my face from the heat of the sun. I also used it to “attach” a ‘sponge dipped in cold water’ to my head. The compression tights prevented too much vibration in my legs especially on the downhills where I experienced the most impact.

Did the store help you in any way?

Allan: Yes it did. Hector and Neville would share training tips and strategies whenever I drop by their store.

Jayreus: Definitely! Most of my gears (sun visor, compression tights, singlet, and socks) were bought in Secondwind. Also, the sports gels that I used in training and on race day were also bought from the Maginhawa branch.

How's your recovery? What are you doing for your recovery?

Allan: I have a big blister in the sole of my feet. Other than that, I feel okay.

Jayreus: Actually, I didn’t expect to recover so fast. My legs felt great after a couple of days. I didn’t feel the “burnout” that most of the runners feel after a marathon or ultra-marathon. So, my “recovery” was more on food. I ate meat and vegetables, and tried to lessen my carbs. I also ate lots of fruits.

Would you recommend to others try ultra-marathon? Why?

Allan: Yes! Ultra-marathon is a whole new running experience. If you're losing interest in running then I suggest that you go ultra!

Jayreus: Yes! Ultra-marathon will not only test your speed and endurance, it will test your character.

What was the toughest part of the race and what got them through it?

Allan: The toughest part is the last 15km stretch, since it's a very steep climb all the way to the finish line. All I can say is "Patience is a virtue".

Jayreus: The toughest part of the race was when fatigue kicked in. I got the strength to keep moving forward from other participants who were experiencing the same thing, and of course, from my support team who were very committed in what they do.

What motivated you during the run? What tips can you give to others who want to join Ultramarathons?

Allan: Even though I was nursing a leg cramps at the latter stages of the race, the thought of being called an ultra-runner kept me going. My tip for those who want to run ultra is to just train smart. Everything is doable if you are well prepared.

Jayreus: Our support team motivated me the most. Their dedication kept my engine up and running.
The only tip that I can share to others who want to try ultra is to KEEP MOVING FORWARD. There is nothing on earth that can replace the feeling of crossing that line.

Thanks for wearing the SW singlet. Are you proud that we have been part of your lifestyle?

Allan: That singlet has always been the most comfortable to wear, its my favorite!

Jayreus: A big yes!

*photos courtesy of Eric Mostoles