TNF 100km Briefing

I was among the 50 plus runners who attended the The North Face 100 briefing last night at R.O.X. in Bonifacio High Street. The brief focused on the TNF 100km race but I was intent on getting more info about the 10k race to convince hubby—as I had been doing for the past few days—to join the event with me. Since it’ll be an out-of-town race, there was no way that I could register for this on my own.

By the time I arrived, Jundel Llagas of TNF, along with race organizers, Coach Rio de la Cruz and Vince Mendoza of Finish Line, were already discussing the prizes for the 100km winners. While the ultra runners listened, I stayed in the sidelines doing my own informal research with the race’s technical consultant Neville Manaois, and Dr. Paolo Punsalan, another experienced trail runner.

– with Marga (the Changeling Child), Mark (Mark’s VO2), Mariel and Jun (Sole Mates) –

My takeout: the race was going to be tough mainly due to the water and sand inevitably seeping into the shoes and making it difficult for anyone to run. But, it was going to be a different and exciting adventure for runners used to the road.

What outfit should one wear? I was told not to wear my Skins as they may be ripped apart. Hmm, I would rather get a cut in those compression pants rather than my own skin. I haven’t decided yet on this one.

Does one need to carry a hydration belt? Vince of Finish Line assured us about adequate water and Gatorade and more than enough water stations. When it’s Finish Line who says this, one has no reason to doubt. I’m definitely leaving my amphipod behind for this race.

What shoe should one wear? Of course, TNF trail shoes if one can afford. We discussed wearing Vibrams or sandals when passing through rivers, but Doc Pao said he tried this last year and sand went into the sandals making it difficult and uncomfortable. Jokingly, he said trash bags would probably work for a few minutes but rocks would probably rip them off too.

– Celebrity runners, Coach Rio and Sir Jovie (Bald Runner), and Vince Mendoza of Finish Line –

By the end of the night, I got confirmation from hubby via a brief phone call that he was in. Just this morning, I booked the hotel at Clark. Woohoo, TNF here we come! Am I the only one experiencing butterflies in my tummy?