Discovering back roads and running trails

It was a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day running 16 kilometers of rough roads, limestone quarry, and the hills and trails of Talamban in Cebu City, Casili in Mandaue and Tolo-Tolo in Consolacion.

Athletes Noy and Amale Jopson discovered this little-known trail during their training runs and shared it with the rest of Cebu’s running community during the Quota Trail Challenge 16K and Kiddie Run last Sunday.

The Quota Trail Challenge was a simple, yet very organized race. There was ample hydration, trail markers and marshals throughout the race course and the village people were welcoming, helpful with directions and even accommodated runners who needed to go on bathroom breaks. Even the village dogs were friendly and didn’t bother the runners. I later learned that organizers went house to house and briefed homeowners about the race.

The best part was the undulating out and back race route, which was almost car-free. I only counted five cars throughout the race. It reminded me so much of the back roads of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon leading to Dahilayan (minus the forests and pineapple plantation) – one of the most beautiful running routes in the country.

The running trail isn’t hard to find. Start at the Pristina North Commercial Center in Bacayan, Cebu City. Climb up the limestone hill beside the posh village and follow the anapog road which will lead you to Barangay Tawason, Mandaue. When the road forks in Barangay Sacsac, still in Mandaue, turn right and follow the road which will lead you to the hills of Tolo-Tolo Consolacion. Even if you decide to run this trail on your own, you won’t have to worry about getting lost or running out of water since there are stores and houses along the way.

Mayon 360 80KM Ultramarathon

Imagine running 360 degrees around the perfect cone that is Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay. That’s 3 cities, 7 municipalities, 77 barangays, 80 kilometers all in 15 hours or less. Last Sunday, five Cebuano ultrarunners were among the 139 finishers of the Mayon 360 80KM Ultramarathon. Kenyan runners took all three podium spots in the men’s category with Albert Omboga (6:33:15), Eliud Kering (6:44:57) and John Fred Abiner (6:56:30) finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the distaff side, Janet Agura emerged as female champion in 8:17:48 followed by Ellen Tolentino in 8:26:21 and Peris Poywo in 9:04:43.

Noel Tillor posted the second fastest finish among Filipino runners and the best finish time among the Cebuano contingent. Tillor landed sixth overall after crossing the finishline in 7:33:01. Lyra Valles (12:30:25), Coleen Digman (12:40:30), Janet Legaspi (14:24:33), Mohsherwin Manangil (14:27:39) all finished well within the race’s cut-off time of 15 hours.

FitFil Fitness Boot Camp

For all of you who listed getting fit as part of your New Year’s resolution, it’s never too late to start even if more than a quarter of 2012 is almost over. You can still jump-start your fitness journey by joining the Cebu leg of the FitFil Boot Camp from May 15 to June 9, 2012 (Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. On Saturdays from 6 to 8 a.m.) at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City.

The boot camp is headed by top fitness coach Jim Saret (of Biggest Loser Philippines). Experience TRX, boxing, yoga, pilates, circuit, P90x, and other newest workout techniques in one fitness camp. Sessions also include exercise briefing, nutrition counseling, and fitness lecture. For those joining the program with weight loss in mind, the goal is to help you lose no less than 8 to 10 pounds in 4 to 5 weeks with maximal fat burning and fitness training. Biggest Loser Philippines former contestants Raffy, Hazel, Eric, JM, Winwin, Alan (Choac hoy), Destiny, Ryan, and Leigh will also coach participants and share their experience in this 4 to 5 weeks program.

Registration is on-going at the Ayala Center Cebu Active Zone. The early registration fee is P800 until May 1, 2012 and P1,000 thereafter.