39th Milo Qualifying Baguio Leg
July 5, 2015


It was pouring hard and everybody's wet and cold. One of those race events where you're absolutely wanting it to be cancelled and just go back to bed and wake up for that hot coffee or hot choco. Perfect.

Like the others, I wanted this so bad as I want to qualify for the finals. I tried but fell a little bit over the time required. Oh well. Try it again.

Wading through the ankle-high water at about 14 degrees celsius almost all thru out the race was just too much for a runner's feet. Mine felt like rock-hard ice. They felt heavy. At 4:30 am with a typhoon gracing the event, it was hard to see clearly.

The route for this year's qualifying is different due to road works. Personally, I like the route. The uphills were my favorite as it never fails to bust my lungs. The road up to Gibraltar and that turn around at Mines View woke me up. It was a hard pound. This brought me towards the zone where it's just me. Quiet.

Heading down and up towards Mansion felt unforgiving to the feet that felt dead to the feel--it worried me. Whenever there's a clearing from a passing vehicle and faster runners, it was like seeing the parting of the sea. Curtains of raindrops and wafts of winds were clouding my vision. And I was starting to feel shivers. I didn't know if I even sweated during my ride.

Overall the race took a lot of beating from participants who weren't able to run and take part in the side events. As I recall it, you run the Milo qualifying and finals come rain or shine. However me thinks there should've been a judgment call made as younger participants weren't as strong enough to brave running in the rain. It would've been nice to call the event--"for adults only run".

With everything that's been said--foul or subtle, personal discretion is needed here. One may criticize but should also watch the language one uses. It should always be objective and nothing personal.