Mt Megatong Trail Run Challenge: Exceed Yourself

"Mangadto mog bukid, te?" Asked the innocent child I met me along the way. I've just covered 6K at that point and was already slowed down with cramped legs, even tempted to call for DNF already. But his question awakened me which brought a new light of hope ahead of me. Mt Megatong, I won't quit on you.

Mt Megatong 32K Trail Run Challenge, which was held in Sto Tomas, Davao del Norte, marks my first longest distance in trail running event since I've joined races in 2014. I haven't originally planned in competing on this but my boyfriend persuaded me to do so. After all, I wouldn't know my potential if I won't give it a shot.

On the day of the event, I was still in doubt whether I can make it or not. Nevertheless, I run with the crowd after the gun was fired. Minutes and hours went by smoothly albeit the muddy trail being a technical one, was packed with challenges. It was, in fact, "one false move and you'll rest in peace" kind of trail according to some. That fine moments though turned to what seem like dark hours when suddenly I found myself slumped in the mud and was struggling to stretch my cramped legs. Alone.

I wanted to wail my heart out but I know I'm always better than being a cry-baby..

Thankfully, a 12K runner came to my rescue upon realizing my pain. He must've been so thoughtful to stop by even if he was running against time too. The quest continued after the pain temporarily subsided all the while making sure to incorporate brisk walks when cramp signals to set in. And that was when I met the kid. As I was armed with the newfound determination that he did strike, I was able to advance myself - and those who got ahead of me while I was coping up.

Around three kilometers before the peak, I met a guy on his way back to the finish line. "You are the 6th female runner I encountered. Here's what you do, slow down but don't stop. Take advantage of the uphill then walk on downhills to avoid further cram", was his advice. I thanked him and moved on although at that same time, my second problem set in. Heat exhaustion. I've been mindful with the energy and hydration I was consuming to make sure that I'll make it to the end. Energy partitioning and conservation as per Kenn's reminder, so as not to pass out. With nobody to talk to, the astounding beauty of the landscapes served as a distraction to my burned out body.

Imagination was on a roll. I recalled the past climbs I had with my MSU Mountaineering family as I realized how the rolling hills appeared identical to Mt Malinas in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. I looked ahead and dreamed of myself breathing the fresh air with content once I reach the peak of Mt Megatong. I stared down the cliff and imagine the cold clinging to my body as I dip in Kipaliko River. These thoughts kept me going. By the time I passed by a marshal, he offered me a chocolate. When I finally reached the peak, another marshal offered me wet wipes.

As I was there contemplating, I have finally convinced myself that quitting could never be an option. I've been enduring well so far and going back trails for DNF meant wasted efforts. So I pushed a little bit more towards the 32km turning point.

Behold! The fresh bukos awaits me!

All negativity were washed away as I gulped down the buko juice especially prepared by the Aete Tribe. After re-hydrating, I'm on my feet again to my boyfriend who was waiting for me along the trail. We decided to run together the remaining 16Km towards the finish mark when we met just before I was able to reach the turning point. Kenn was dictating my pace; and although both of us were already tired, we managed to get 'cheezy' over a conversation while running. <3 We got ahead a runner from Bukidnon, who was exhausted as well by that time and to whom Kenn thought was Kuya Ramie's wife. When we dropped by an aid station to eat banana and reload water, another female runner from Team Titans Davao was also taking her break so Kenn and I left earlier. Everything then seemed like a fleeting routine - run, walk, jog, run...

At 6Km point, we were joined by two policemen. They knew that I was the fourth female to finish the race but somehow it seemed pointless to me if we won't make it before cut off time. We all have two hours and few minutes which made our occasional break shorter than usual but enough to catch for breath. I was too worried about time but passing along cogon grass, rope lines, banana plantation and another open trail, I knew somehow that we're almost there, I kept holding on...and all that reigned in me was faith.

I can make it! I will make it to the end.

The rain poured down in rescue to our overheated body. And although the trail got muddier, Kenn and I were just running until such time that we were turning toward a familiar road. This is it! As I was approaching the finish line, my mind was running backwards from around ten hours earlier. There were too many great things that happened to me in such a few hours to which I am overwhelmed and thankful for. There were those who assisted me pass through the rope lines. At some point, the Datu of Ata Manobo of StoTomas who was running barefoot engaged me in a small talk to distract fatigue. Others encouraged  and was being encouraged as we exchanged smiles of greetings. Some happenings, although minor in details were too vivid for me to forget. On top of everything, I've learned a life-long lesson too:

Always exceed yourself. Doubts, fears, cowardice...it's all in your head. Nothing in this life comes easy, but if you start baby steps in achieving your goals without giving up, only then will you find out how far can you go.

Not only was I able to conquer Mt Megatong, I was also able to conquer and exceed myself.