TNF100 Nitty-gritty (Must read for 1st timers!)

This is an “impromptu blog” so pardon me if thoughts are scattered.This entry is primarily for 1st timers in TNF100 and probably some reminders too for the regulars. (11k, 22k and to some 50k runners) 100k runners these are the elite somehow crazy ones Lol… They pretty much familiar with it.
Let’s start...
1. Make sure to file your leave  - for those who are planning to be there Friday. (Avoid the last minute filling of VL baka hindi pa kayo payagan ng Boss nyo happens to me frequently you’ll resort to SL)…

Note: That only Ultra runners (50 and 100 ) are required to attend the briefing on April  19 (Friday) 3pm at ROX Camp John Hay Baguio. For 11 and 22 runners no need to rush you can go there Saturday, since Sunday pa takbo ninyo. Last year there were several  11 and 22 runners who were there Friday (Including us) just to be informed na we don’t need to be there. It wasn't clearly cascaded last year.

Briefing site at ROX Ayala Techno Hub

http://www.thrillofthetrail.ph/race-details (Check this for Race Briefing schedule)

2. Booked your Accommodation – This should be done by Feb or March, the fact that Baguio is the summer capital of the country medyo busy mga hotels ngayon dyan, to add up the TNF 100 delegates. Choose hotel Near camp John Hay or the ones in The City, thus you’ll be near to the event.

http://www.agoda.com/asia/philippines/baguio (Check here for Hotels)

3. Buy bus ticket ahead of time - particularly for the ultra runners. Briefing starts exactly 3pm in Baguio. An hour delay of Bus ride is significant, what more kung mga 2 hours pa yan.  Maraming tourist bound to Baguio this summer kahit weekdays. So kung mag walkin lang talaga kayo you’ll end up waiting… And mind you madami din kaming runners for TNF 100 ang nag intay sa Terminal ng Victory Cubao thinking that we can just buy and ride when we got there. (Baguio is 6 Hours ride).

The same thing goes heading back to  Manila… Repeat #3

Victory Bust Terminal Cubao (waiting in vain)

http://www.victoryliner.com/schedules/ (Check here for VICTORY BUS Baguio trips schedule)
http://www.phbus.com/ (You may also check this for other bus liners)

4. Location/ Transportations – Upon arriving Baguio given that you boarded Victory Bus. You’ll end up here on their Terminal  the new Victory Liner terminal in Baguio City. The best way to go your hotel or Camp John Hay is to ride a Taxi - Metered Taxi (Flagdown Rate: Php 35; plus Php 2 per 200 meters). Note that Cabs here don’t have ACs or most doesn't use it, why would they need to anyway… Well I think you can request the to turn it on kung na iinitan pa kayo. Cab drivers here are way different from some “Gahaman” drivers in Manila, they would give you change up to the last centavo, they don’t usually accept tips unless you insist. Hindi namimili ng pasahero and location. (How we wish ganito sa Manila). PUJs  (min fare: Php 8.50) but I think you need to have several rides.



Venue is in ROX Camp John Hay Address: Cluster C, Ayala Techno hub, Camp John Hay, Baguio!
Phone: (074) 2447593

Just ask the cab driver to got to Ayala Techno Hub. Most drivers are not familiar with the stores inside Camp John Hay.





Like any Ayala park this it’s no different form the one we have her in Commonwealth, they just have a good climate there. Restos, Fast food, Pizza, Coffee shops are everywhere inside. Hindi kayo maguutom as long as you have money.

(Check this blog for some shops inside) http://www.tinavilla.com/2012/10/the-shops-at-new-baguio-ayalaland.html

Drop off bags ready for deployment. (For ultra runners only). Bag counters for all runners are available during the race Day

Start and Finish will be at ROX for all categories.

http://www.thrillofthetrail.ph/race-details (Check here for complete race schedule)

Free post event “boodle- brunch” courtesy of D.O.T. CAR also at ROX (Only for the Ultra Runners) Well they paid 3,500 for the event anyway.

Notes:

• No shower area
• Dining is every where inside the park (After the run)
• Changing room comfort room is provided in the park
• Parking slots  are adequate
• We’re not sure if they will allow campers at the site though we saw some tents there during the event.

Here are some significant notes from a Fellow Blogger “Boy Praning”  We find very informative and helpful for ultra runners. Based from experience.

http://boypraning.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/notes-to-tnf-100/ (Significant notes for Ultra runner)

Our personal reminder to all runners lalu dun sa mga bago sa Trail running. Mind you, this is way different from road running in term of:

• Track/trail, elevation, difficulty, Running style that should be applied.
• Water stations (Konti  lang mga water station sa mga trail run because of kind of terrain) Also keep in mind that they don’t provide plastic cups. The water stations are more of a refilling station. Make sure to bring your own hydration system: (waist pack, hand held, or back pack type with balder)
  • We personally prefer back pack hydration system for it contain larger amount of liquids and its hands free. ( It is important that your hands are free while running along the trail to keep your balance and protection, you can quickly garb on to something specially on slopes.

There are some alternative Hydration pack in store: Thus you won’t be limited sa mga expensive brands.

You can Try: Sandugo, Bobcat, High Sierra and Outdoor products. They are less expensive but of good quality too.

Here are some of the gears we used last year for tnf100 22k

Recommended Gears From TNF100 organizer and some notes from us!
There are some alternative brands para naman hindi kayo maghirap sa pag bili.

• Hydration equipment (water bottles or water bladder up to 2 liters) – Check Outdoor Products brands in Major department store they are cheaper pero ok ang quality.  Pay much attention on your hydration you don’t want to be dehydrated along the trail where help is far… This happens to us during the Salomon X-Trail run just last March Our X-trail, eXtra ordinary run <- click here to see our story.
• Dry bag or plastic bag to keep gears dry.
• Trail food to last several hours – This is important, this will fuel you along the trail this will counter fatigue. It’s about time you try Gels like GU.

Our personal Trail food consists of: Bananas, hard boiled eggs, Trail mix nuts, Iodized salt (we get from McDonalds and Jollibee), Gels (GU), and Pocari. http://www.fitnessfuture.com/salt-intake-for-endurance-athlete.html (Check this for salt intake)

• Jacket (Rain/Wind)
• Thermal Blanket  - You can buy Coleman, Handyman (counter area). Ito yung silver sometimes gold na foil blanket.
• Headlamp/Flash lights (with spare bulb and batteries)
• Blinker or reflective equipment
• 1 Mobile phone with at least 100 credits (to call or text in case of emergency)
• Whistle
• First aid kit
• Map case
• Map of the course (provided by the organizers)
• Cap or hat
• Extra clothing/shoes
• Trekking poles – You can buy at Coleman or some Airsoft store they’re much cheaper there (this will aid you in slopes more on descending this might slow you down, but definitely do its purpose when needed.
• Sun block or Sun Screen
• Extra pair of socks
• Petroleum Jelly, Body Glide, Vaseline, Etc. – Apply this sa mga singit-singit.

And here re the Mandatory gears for the Ultra runners (They are mandatory for a very good reason; safety and protection)
Mandatory gears should be carried by the runner at all times during the race. Random checks will be conducted by the organizers and a runner without the mandatory gears will not be allowed to proceed with the race until the missing item is replaced.
For day running

• Hydration Equipment
• Trail Food
• Whistle
• Cell Phone – this could also serve as your navigator/locator than can determine your elevation exact coordinates distance traveled and many more… How? Well most cellphones now are GPS capable just install programs like http://www.sports-tracker.com/ and  Map-my-run. The drawback is it would drain your battery fast you might want to consider bringing  extra cell bat

For night running

• Headlamps with batteries – Super important to have at least one and extra batteries (Petzl, Black Diamond, Silva, Pricenton) Ito yung maganda pero mahal. (Energizer, Eveready) ito naman yung maganda pero mura. You can buy it sa Handyman and ACE hardware. (We’re using energizer 7leds 40 lumes head lamp. Php 700. and Petzl Tikkina 2.

• Blinkers or Reflectors
• Hydration equipment
• Whistle
• Jacket (Windbreak, Rain Jacket, etc.)
• Cell Phone

One important gear they always miss here; Gloves you’ll appreciated wearing one during the run.  Bike or gym gloves will do.



Please use trail shoes; these are made for trails and Road shoes are for roads. (Tractions, protection and build) Masisira lang road shoes nyo sa trail and papahirapan pa kayo sa pag takbo. 
What else? We’ll update this… Wala nako maisip

Remember this event “TNF100 “ is not your typical fun-run anymore it is fun but also serious. You can be hurt here if you wont take it seriously, preparations are needed, do your research ask people who are used to it.  This is serious stuff….


UPDATE! 

TNF100 Announcement:

1.In liue of the post buffet lunch, the DOT will instead host a pre race briefing carbo loading merienda on April 19, 3-5 pm at Azalea Hotel (http://www.azalearesidencesbaguio.com/)

2.Drop off bags will be collected after the race briefing at Azalea Hotel. It should not exceed 60L in volume. Ultra runners who will not be able to attend the briefing, may turn over their drop off bag at Camp John Hay Jamboree area until 10pm

3.Start and Finish arc is at the Camping/Jamboree area of Camp John Hay

4. F&B (Aid stations)

a. Fresh Bananas

b. Nilagang Kamote

c. Nilagang Saging na Saba

d. Breads

e. Chuckies Tetras

f. Water

For some personal insights and updates about the Run follow us here -> http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hikezillas/102548083200528

Here are some clips from our 2012 TNF100 run nasa end part. :)

Route preview: 

See you all trail lovers!

-Boyzilla

2013 The North Face 100 Benguet ( Registration and Freebies info)

One of the most anticipated annual trail-runs  in the country and perhaps one of the most expensive? Considering  the location and accommodation that you also need to pay. But as they saying goes, the early bird catches the early worm. –In registration  (Early rate freebies plus huge discounts) see below.

The north face 100 invites you to run further than you ever have in 2013! Promoting the genuine spirit of exploration since its kick start in 2008, The North Face 100 has become the most well-received and anticipated distance trail running series of seven Asia Pacific countries in fifth year: Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, China, Australia, Singapore and Japan. Whether you are an aspiring trail running beginner or a seasoned racer looking for new challenges, unparalleled experience is offered in each competition of this region’s largest trail running series. Break all boundaries, and Never Stop Exploring.

 

Talking about excitement and anticipation. We made sure  to avail all the freebies that we can get since this time we’ll be participating the ultra category  50Km and yes it’s pricy, Php 3,500 plus the transportation to Baguio and hotel accommodation for at least to nights, make that 3 nights for us and food consumption as-well. Roughly around 7,500 of hard earned money. That can cover 7 road marathons.

But like any hobbyist and enthusiast like us; we do shell out money for these events. Guilty?

Just yesterday (Jan. 16) we registered for 50K at TNF SM Mega Mall. Well, having updated and connected to some TNF folks that we made friends before and of course trough their FB account, we ‘re always up-to-date on their promos like: Start of registration early registrants freebies and discounts.

Here are those:

Get 30% discount on registration when you use your TNF-Unionbank credit card or when you present a Total Fitness Magazine Jan/Feb issue (with TNF100 Belly Ad).

If you’re a TNF merchandise fan-boy, then I assume already have this. I’m a Fanboy too unfortunately I failed to acquire this card (long story). Anyway here’s how to apply for one: http://thehikezillas.blogspot.com/2011/10/north-face-credit-card-must-have.html

Another way which is the easiest way, (this was easy for us last year) . TotalFitness magazine Php. 120

If some of you noticed that magazine and books store don’t have this issue of Total Fitness yet is because they have not delivered or just starting to dispatch it. The January-February issue and it’s already middle of January, crazy right?

Good thing we have friends that can make some work-around and help us to get a copy ahead. That’s one perks of being a blogger.  

Anyway you can grab a copy of this issue this weekend, try going QC area since the publisher/warehouse is just within  that are as-well Panay Avenue to be exact.

Here’s the break down:

Registration Fee:

100k and 50k: Php 3,500 – 30%off = 2,450 – 120 (Magazine cost) = Savings of  930 that’s still huge.
22k and 11k: Php 1,000 – 30%off = 700 - 120 (Magazine cost) = Savings of 180 not much but still a discount.

And if you’re an early bird… whom always gets the good stuff. (For 50km and 100km only)

FREE TNF100 Enduro Belt for the first 5 registrants per store (valued at approx. 1,500)
FREE Bus ride (Manila-Baguio-Manila) for the first 5 registrants per store (savings of 1000 if you take victory liner.)

Also TNF promised this year a good quality and much better design and at last Asian sizes of  singlets. Valued at 1500.

Plus.

All 50k and 100k finishers will receive a medal and Top 50 finishers per category will get an authentic TNF100 race visor. (Valued at 900)

15%off discount coupon once you registered (For all categories)

To sum-up. If you’re one of the first 5 registrant per store - Like us . (for 50 and 100 only)

1500 discount on registration

Enduro Belt for the first 5 registrants per store (valued at approx. 1,500)

FREE Bus ride (Manila-Baguio-Manila) valued at 1,000

Authentic TNF singlet valued at 1,500 (All participants of 50 &100)

Now that’s we call sulit.  Money well spend… If maagap ka.

Race details from http://www.thrillofthetrail.ph/race-details

Race Updates TNF 100 Baguio 2013

*As of April 10 2013

Updates on Race times

50km                                                                                     Time

Race Start:  April 20, 2013                                                4:00 AM
Race Finish: April 20, 22013                                        10:00 PM
Cut-off:                                                                                18 hours

100km                                                                                   Time

Race Start: April 20, 2013                                              3:00 AM
Race Finish: April 21, 2013                                            10:00 AM
Cut-0ff:                                                                             30 Hours

100km Kilometer/Stage Cut Off Times*

TNF 100 2013 will feature kilometer or stage cut offs.   Multi stage/kilometer cut-off is to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants. Below are the kilometers/stages with corresponding cut off times:

Kilometer/Stage                                                                                              Cut-off times:

50 Kilometer mark/ Kennon road                                                        14 hours from start of the race
75 Kilometer mark/ Summit Sto. Tomas                                           22 hours from start of the race
100 Kilometer mark/Camp John Hay                                                 30 hours from start of the race

*organizers can modify the race times and cut offs before and during the race depending on the conditions of the race course, weather and other safety considerations.

Participants who fail to reach the cut off times will be transported back to the finish line.

Logistic Point (LP) and drop-off bag.

• Participants have the option to turn over their drop off bag and supplies for the race on April 19, 2013, from 2pm to 6pm only at specially assigned counters near R.O.X. Camp John Hay .
• Drop off bags and supplies must fit in one (1) large plastic bag to be provided by the organizer. Runners can access their drop-off bag at the Logistic point located at kilometer 50.
• Organizers will transport the bags at LP after 6pm of April 19, and will return it at the finish line after the race.
• Runners can reclaim their drop off bags until 3pm of April 20, 2013. Unclaimed drop-off bags after will be disposed of accordingly.
• It is strongly suggested that no valuables be stored in the drop-off bags, the organizers will not be held accountable for any loss or damage to contents of the drop-off bags.

Race Briefing

Race briefing will be at R.O.X. Camp John Hay at 3pm, April 19, 2013.  Race course, logistic areas, hydration, gears, cut-off times will all be discussed here.  This will also give runners ample time to rest and secure mandatory equipment for the race.

 

Registration points:

• The North Face branches: SM N.Edsa; SM Megamall ; Shangri La; Glorietta IV; SM MOA ; Alabang Town Center (ATC) ; SM Cebu; SM CDO; SM Davao
• R.O.X. branches: BHS, Marquee Mall, Cebu
• The Travel Club SM Baguio
• Res Toe Run branches: Ermita; Gateway; Trinoma; Naga and Legazpi

Registration fee inclusions:

50 and 100K runners will get:

• Cash and Product Prizes for winners
• Trophies (100K) and Medals (100K and 50K) for winners and podium finishers
• Authentic TNF100 Race Jersey, Bib, Maps,TNF100 stickers and raffle entry plus freebies from sponsors
• Authentic TNF100 Race Visor for first 100 registrants
• Free bus ride to and from Baguio for 1st 50 registrants; bus sched To  Be Announced (TBA)
• Free post event “boodle- brunch” courtesy of D.O.T. CAR
• Special edition TNF100 2013 Finisher’s token
• Finisher’s Certificate

11 and 22K runners will get:

• Cash and Product Prizes for winners
• Medals for winners and podium finishers
• Standard issue TNF100 Race Jersey, Bib, Maps,TNF100 stickers and raffle entry plus freebies from sponsors
• Finisher’s Certificate

Click this link for previous –> TNF100 (2012 Philippines, Benguet-Baguio) FAQs

Sources: The North Face PH; thrillofthetrail.ph

-Boyzilla