To A Determined Warrior, It Will Be Given To You (BDM102 2012)

Sabi ko kay Ama, sa panahon na ito kailangan Kita. Kung nanaisin Mo, pakibigay sa’kin ito. (I told Him, in this moment I need You. If it is Your Will, please grant me this.)

This was one of the moving lines Ronnel (aka Kampuger) shared to fellow BDM102 finisher Randy Rubio as we were headed home after that momentous 4th Bataan Death March (BDM) 102.

Almost 200 great individuals from different running groups and even from the army joined Jovie Narcise (aka Bald Runner)’s annual event for the quest of that signature Bald Runner’s hug, gold medal and the BDM kilometer marker trophy. From Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando City, Pampanga, these strong-willed warriors ran the whole stretch and proved that they just don’t enjoy running long distances but they lived it.

It’s Ronnel’s 2nd consecutive year (his first, read here) and from a not-so-memorable BDM160 defeat, he wanted to prove to himself that he has not lost his power in conquering long distances. He even dubbed this year as “Death by Ultra”; he has been a suki (regular customer) of BR’s PAU (Philippine Association of Ultrarunners) events and I don’t think he will stop as this leg is just one of his “fun runs”.

We were already in Km7 in Bataan and checked in at MC Lodge so he could have enough sleep and preparation before the event (started at around 10:15pm, Saturday March 3, 2012). Together with other BDM regulars, Alfred delos Reyes and Randy Rubio, you would not see any hint of air from these guys! They have the wittiest remarks and the whole trip from Manila to Bataan turned to a trivia game! The thought that these ultramen are actually the best in the crowd, you are drawn to admire them because of their humility.

At 8pm, we left the place and went to Km0 to get the energy going. This is the time, like any other individual anticipating on a big event, these guys were nervous! Trying to hide the anxiety, photo ops and greet exchanges were done. We left the place 15 minutes before the start. As there are about 200 participants, just think of the sheer number of the support crew!

We stationed at Km8 and from there, we met Ronnel every 3km. He is stronger than ever but this time minus his running buddy Beep Beep (Mark Anthony Rodica) who is another clown but with a humble soul. At Km14, one of the runners Memes’ (James Lee Escasinas) crew’s car died down at Km7 and his crew called us to assist him. 20 minutes passed and finally he was there, still strong but the worry on his face was there (Fortunately the crew and the car got back to continue Memes’ adventure: his first and he finished strong!). We went back for Ronnel and gave his regular hydration.

This time our strategy for Ronnel to avoid any over hydration or dehydration, we readied him with Gatorade for the first kilometers and alternate it with C2 and Real Leaf Tea. Every 10k, we forced him to eat enough carbs and protein so he won’t pass out and his body can sustain the long distances. At Km50, Ronnel is strong and positive as he grabbed his first complete meal. His teammates joked around but with assurance they are there every step of the way. After 20 minutes, Ronnel left, waited for Reylynne (her first BDM102 and finished 4th in women!) and continued their journey.

After 3km, Ronnel’s arms were cold and we rubbed it with Bodivance to make it warm. It turned out to be effective and he’s so back in the game! We sustained every 3 kilometers until what I call his curse: Km79. This was his last hurrah in his quest for BDM160 until he called BR to declare his first DNF. The sun was cursing but the winds were friendly, he came and crossed the marker: alive, strong-willed and determined! The curse ended and he continued running.

At Km90 and the sun has reached its fury, thank God for Razon’s! We bought halo-halo for everyone and when Ronnel took a sip, like dead man walking (more of running) he sprung to life and was energized! You see during this last kilometers, our ultrarunners’ taste buds are at its worst and this is the time you really have to force feed them and give them enough nutrition. I really appreciate the doctors who are ultrarunners themselves as you will hear from them first-hand how to handle these situations.

At Km99 Ronnel has already reached his boiling point together with the weather–mercury rising. He just wanted to finish it and be over with it. It was hard but Ronnel’s determination is firm, he will finish this. By Km101, he couldn’t believe it’s almost over. We parked just meters away from the finish line and from the last 500 meters, he sprinted! I think this was the last kilometers where he was talking with Him, mustering the energy he preserved from all the power walks and you will definitely see, he nailed it to the finish! He got his signature BR hug, his gold medal and his trophy. He finished with the time: 15:54:55.

The strength of the warrior cannot only be measured in his physique nor his ability to fight; his strength is best measured in his will to survive, his determination to finish the fight and his connection to the Higher Being. Cheers to you Ronnel and to this year’s BDM102 finishers!