UNITED IN TRAIL, ONE TRAIL RUNNING COMMUNITY

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE

The trail-running community is growing. There is a sense of unity, and oneness among the runners when they are on the trail. You can talk freely, converse, share experiences, and exchange views, and advice, there is mutual respect and kinship that exist among runners like brothers and sisters. They have common values and passion this is the bond that ties them. 

Forests and mountains though nothing compared to their natural beauty are a harsh world to be at. Runners are in survival mode with one thing in mind, conquer. The mountain trails are not for the weak so they have to find easier activities like staying on the road while abrasive personalities are softened and humbled by one’s vulnerability and the need for someone to count on. Each one looks on the shoulder of the others and helps when someone is down. Like soldiers, all runners are accounted for at the end of the battle for the finish line. 

The Trail Running Community is one, united, and strong. We are the Trail Runners and we love to run the trails. Anybody can run in well-paved and well-lit roads with easy access anytime and anywhere, but not all can be trail runners, which combined being a runner and an adventurer and need more discipline. While a triathlete, swim, bike, and run on a mostly flat surface, the trail runner on the other hand, climbs mountains, hikes, crosses rivers, navigate oneself inside the forest, over valleys and hills, in sticky mud, a never-ending ascend and descend, and running on rocky roads. A weak heart will easily quit with broken confidence, but the brave and courageous will go on and try to be a better runner in every race. For a trail runner, quitting is not an option finishing is everything, but winning is the best. Winning is not just winning the race, it is about winning against your own limitations. Each finisher, therefore, is a winner. 

Being called a Trail Runner is a badge of honor. To be a trail runner you have to have the heart of a conqueror – brave, strong, and resolute. There is no room for weakness yet remains compassionate towards fellow runners. Trail Running is not a contact sport runners always run in a single file especially when in the mountain. One gives way to the others, either you ran faster or you give way to one who can run faster ahead of you. There is no jostling or physical contact. You compete against yourself, against your own mental and physical limitations. It’s a battle not from the outside but from the inside, YOU. The prize of finishing or winning is not about against others it’s about you who happen to surpass your limitations. To conquer what seems to be the impossible. The challenges of natural obstacles, competition, and race are just but the forces to bring out the best in you. To a Trail Runner, the mountains are no longer just a wonder to behold and appreciate with the eyes but a playing field to enjoy and have fun with, a gift from God. 

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE

WOMEN TRAIL RUNNERS

We have a real admiration for women trail runners, they are like beautiful swans in the water. They look fragile from the outside but inside you can sense they are really fearless and fighters. They have no fear not even the dark forests, the high mountain to climb, the cliffs, the raging river, and all the elements that can be found in the forest. They run with grace and calm that is electrifying even to men of steel and rocks. 

In two straight years of covering years back the Nature's Trail Discovery Run Trilogy Championship series by Pimco Sporting Events, I have seen many women trail runners who crossed over from the glamor of road running to the extreme sport of trail running. Sometimes you will know they are new in trail running because they come to the race event still wearing their favorite road running get-ups as if they will simply run the road. Yes even in trail running they look glamorous, stylish, and trendy. They are awesome in their individual style and look of a runner. I take photos and anxiously await their return in the finish line from long-distance trail routes that cover dozens of kilometers for every category and like the organizer I pray for their safety. Sometimes I wonder where they are getting the guts to dare the natural obstacles they faced in the mountains yet lo and behold when they get to the finish they will almost instantaneously display the satisfaction they get in finishing the distances. Sometimes like men they pump fists in the air and jump in the moment of triumph. Nothing I think gives satisfaction to the women runner than finishing what she started. Anything short of it is a disappointment to the runner thus pushing oneself to the limit is a heroic act of conquest - beating one's own limitations. Its not about winning it's about finishing.

By its simplicity, trail running races provide the stage for the drama that unfolds in every race. When I watched and take photos at the sideline, I feel like watching a teledrama in television complete with the set and beautiful actors and actresses. But it is real, it is raw, it is extreme as it can get, it is Trail Running and I love every minute and hour that passed until the last man or woman comes to the finish line. From the early hour in the morning at past 12:00 in the morning they start to come and converge until the starting line is filled up with excited runners and in each race, more women are joining, their numbers grow in every season of NTDR races and I guessed then that they will grow more in the years ahead. And they did even when Pimco decided to take a leave in organizing races, some of the runners who regularly joined Pimco Trail Run continued on organizing races for the growing community of trail runners. For others, they continued to flock to the Sierra Madre Mountains discovering nature's best as day hikers, trekkers, and mountaineering.

Many runners who were introduced to trail running by Pimco said the trail run organized by the said sports event organizer, has more intensity and more drama, and they really enjoyed them. For Pimco Sports Events, Trail running is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle, an entertainment for the runner and the family that most often join them and cheer for them. I have watched and seen it many times and I'm sure there will be lots of it in the most awaited return of Pimco in the trail running races. 

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE

TRAIL RUNNING AND GLAMPING

The upcoming "Woodland International Trail Run Fun Race" will be very special for the participating runners because it will be the highlight at the weekend opening of the Woodland Music, Art, and Food from September 1, 2, and 3 Food Bazaar as part of the Food Fest presenting different kinds of food, Art Exhibits and Workshop as part of the Art Fest, and daily musical performances by musical bands and singers.

Visitors and guests of the Woodland MAFF '23 and the Trail Run Fun Race events who want to stay at the venue called Woodland Holiday & Leisure Park during the 3 days opening week of both the festival and the race event may get a booking for either camping or glamping and fully enjoy and experience the Barrio fiesta-like celebrations.

Trail Runners participating in the Trail Run Fun Race will have double enjoyment, fun, and wonderful experience for taking part in the Race Event by staying the whole 3 days weekend at the event venue. They can book for camping or glamping either alone, with friends, or with family members going with them. Thus it's Trail Running and Glamping combined. For those trail runners on a tight budget, they can have both?

Register early to ensure participation since there will be limited slots available. Don't miss out on enjoying and having fun at the venue, the camping site, and the trail routes. See you then. 

Glamping is a portmanteau of "glamorous" and "camping", and describes a style of camping with amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services not usually associated with "traditional" camping.

“Glamping,” short for glamorous camping, has become a mainstay of outdoor recreation over the past decade. If your essentials list contains things such as a real mattress, running water, or an actual toilet, you can still find numerous options that bridge the gap between traditional camping and the comforts of home.

Glamping Tents: You’ve no doubt seen these in movies, perched in some exotic location and offering a comfortable existence to adventurers away from home. Why not try renting one for yourself? With many featuring furniture, electricity, fully functioning kitchens, and storage, Glamping tents are a perfect marriage between comfort and adventure.

IS GLAMPING A BETTER OPTION FOR SMALL CHILDREN?

You know your kids better than anyone. Because glamping often offers additional amenities than a traditional camping trip, it may be the best answer to your family’s needs. At Woodlands Park Glamping Tents provide you bathrooms and Toilets so there is no need to poop anywhere. That means no scrambling to make it in time to the bathroom when your little one has to go in the middle of the night. They also offer a bit more privacy. On the other hand, if your kids are really excited by the thought of “roughing it” then a more traditional camping experience may be a better fit. At Woodlands, even in our more traditional Tent Sites, you still have access to amenities such as clean bathrooms and hot showers!

HOW DO YOU TURN CAMPING INTO GLAMPING?

To turn a camping trip into a glamping experience, all you need is some awesome lodgings, those luxuries and essentials you just can’t do without, plus, a little bit of creativity. The main difference between a more traditional camping experience and a glamping trip are those bonus amenities that make your stay all the more comfortable and the special things that you bring along that you know will take your trip to the next level.

Glamping is all about making your camping experience comfy and luxurious. Electricity, plush blankets, running water, mood lighting, scrumptious meals — all these creature comforts and more are what make glamping an ideal vacation for many.

Reportedly dating back to the late 1990s or early 2000s, “glamping” combines “glamor” and “camping”. Language historians believe it has a lot to do with the rise of the internet, and that glamping came about when camping became “smart”, or connected. , when campers started having internet access at campsites, glamping was born. That’s only one aspect of it, though. As we said above, glamping involves upscale camping with better amenities than basic camping. What qualifies as amenities varies by person, but in general, if you’re in a camper van/RV, have access to modern entertainment, private bathroom facilities, air conditioning, gourmet food, and so forth – then you’re glamping it up.

A sleeping bag and a cozy bonfire under the stars do not count as glamping. That’s pure old-school camping, by any definition. Additionally, glamping and camping diverge in the way you think about your experience, not just how much you spend on it. Beyond money, glamping tries to bring the comforts of home, or at least some of them, with travelers on a camping trip. Regular camping embraces roughing it out.

Whether you are camping or glamping in September, you don't have to cook for food because the venue for you outdoor adventure will have the food bazaar food of different varieties you can choose from.

If you prefer a mix of both worlds, the more natural and the familiar, then glamping may be the right approach for you. You can still take in the great outdoors, but not have to completely forego some luxury and comfort. Glamping won’t challenge you and generally doesn’t require much skill. If you want that, then go the pure camping route and take as little as possible with you.

Glamping may be more suitable for families with kids that want the shared road experience without the hardships of exposure to the elements and a diet of trail mix and lukewarm water. But there’s no shame in wanting comfort, that’s our natural driving force. In any case, modern technology makes glamping accessible and generally affordable, hence the close association with the internet that we mentioned earlier. outdoor camping with amenities and comforts (such as beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing) not usually used when camping

If the eco-friendly idea of falling asleep under the stars and roasting marshmallows around a campfire appeals to you, but the reality of pitching a tent and sleeping on bumpy ground does not, glamping, the new term being used for upscale—or glamorous—camping, could be your ideal green vacation while at the same time participating in Trail Run Fun Race.

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE

TRAIL RUNNING: THE ORIGIN OF MARATHON

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE

Trail running is making waves in the Philippines running circles and communities. Many runners who used to run strictly on the road only have discovered the true origin of the Marathon. The first ever marathoner came from Greece who raced against time and his own perceived limitations by running on the mountain trails and today we call this type of running - trail running. It is only fitting to say that one can’t be called a complete runner unless he/she runs the trail. 

Unlike road running where the pace is almost constant because of familiarity with the same road you normally pass through, trail running would have you change your pacing many times during the entire route. Because trails are not maintained and are affected by changes in weather conditions the same trail you may run today would be a different trail tomorrow thus your body movement would affect your pacing as you adjust to challenges and obstacles thrown along the way by nature. You may have to move side to side, front then back, or run with your body moving forward, especially in steep climbs then moving back again on steep downhill. Then when you think you already found your rhythm you may suddenly stop and be frozen as you can’t help but stop in awe of the breathtaking scenery that you will discover. Each step is a challenge and in the mountain where oxygen gets thinner as you ascend, you may have to run and walk. This unpredictability would give you the adrenaline rush that makes trail running exciting and fun all the way from start to finish. 

What are the challenges then? Rocky roads, forested trails, protruding roots, sticky mud when the weather becomes rainy and would then turn hard as rocks when it’s all sunny for weeks and months, river crossing that will get you wet and your shoes soaked in cold water, tall grass that hampered your vision with low lying clouds that make your visibility as cloudy as it can be. Oops! Before we even forget you also have to contend with the cold temperature when the run is made in the early morning. You are exposed to the elements so what do you do? Suit up for the event if you can or look from your closet for some old running apparel that can protect your body, arms, and legs but you can easily dispose of when it gets too heavy to run (if you do this you may need a running buddy to assist you) or if you have money to spend go to the sports shop they have suits and gears for trail running just right for you. 

But there are the so-called minimalist runners, those daring runners who want to be free as possible. Just the shorts, shirt, and running shoes plus a handheld hydration bottle and they are ready to run and ramble in any trail challenges. It looks great in photo-ops if your body can take the elements of nature just described above. 

So how do you start and what race would you join in to get a real taste of trail running that combines all the elements of the sports? For the more than 2,000 runners who have joined a trail running race event since it was first introduced in the racing circuit some 10 years ago by Pimco Sporting Events like the famous Nature’s Trail Discovery Run (NTDR) trail running trilogy series which allowed the runners to get a taste of the sports and experience the fun and satisfaction that goes with it. It was conceived to introduce road runners to the sport and allow them to discover the fun, excitement, and joy of trail running with the breathtaking sceneries showcasing the beauty of the great outdoors of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. This article allows you to take a peek at some of the runners who participated in our race events from 2012 to 2016. In fact, some of them have become very competitive in running be it by road or trail. They have developed into tough runners smashing their own personal best each year. 

Continuing with what we started ten (10) years ago, where more than 2,000 runners on record have participated in our trail running races and many of them have continued today and even went into other mountain sports such as mountaineering and camping/glamping, we are making a comeback trail running race the "Woodland International Trail Run Fun Race".

So runners, get into the groove of the origin of the marathon, get into the sports of trail running. 

Takbo na Hane!

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE

IT'S WOW TO TRAIL RUN

Trail Runners could not resist the charm of the beautiful falls they just have to take a dip.

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE

If you can run the road you can run the trail and ITS WOW TO TRAIL RUN. Many road runners since 2011 when we first introduced the mountain sports of Trail Running are now trying out trail running as a new avenue for their love of running, a lifestyle sport for many Metro-Manilans and urban residents in other parts of the country who enjoy running for healthy living and fun.

Any health conscious would be horrified to know that the air we inhale in the city contains pollutants that can cause all types of cancer. In fact, just recently health experts have concluded that the air in Metro-Manila contains what is called "microplastics" which are very harmful to health. Therefore exposing oneself regularly puts you at risk of getting sick. There is in fact a surge of cancer related diseases that can be traced to such exposure according to medical bulletins. Thus in many urban cities in the world they have turned to trail running whereas in the USA alone it is said that more than 5 million individuals have turned to regular trail running as part of their health regimen. Not only that the air in the mountains is fresh oxygen given freely by trees and plants but running at high altitude has health benefits as it increases the production of red blood cells in the muscles making them more healthy, firm, and strong. 

In the Philippines our local group, Pimco Sporting Events has ever since dedicated itself in the development and promotion of trail running not for profit but for the following advocacies: 

1. Sustained awareness of the effect of global warming and the answer to such which has already been outlined in the Kyoto Protocol that of continuous tree planting in the mountains and conservation of the ecosystem. The earth is heating up its time to be serious in our conservation effort. The weather worldwide is really acting weird with super typhoons Haiyan and Yolanda in the past that wiped out entire towns, cities, and provinces down to rubble. It took the country years to recover from the devastation caused by the Supertyphoon. There were even tornados and storms that hit Washington and Illinois in the USA they were powerful that flattened houses to the ground. 

2. Sports Tourism is the answer to providing economic stimulus in the upland community where poverty is prevalent. Running in the mountain brings to consciousness the need for infrastructure and the economic opportunity of developing tourism in the locality where regular trail running is held. Runners competing in weekend races also learn of the beautiful outdoors that are great for weekend picnics and bonding with family and friends. After the races runners come back to the venue of the race event for short vacations, tours, and entertainment. 

Thus in the process of doing what you love to do, running, you also contribute to the relevant advocacies for our generation today so trail running becomes not just an ordinary lifestyle sport for you alone not only you have fun, entertainment, enjoyment, and get the health benefits but at the same time you are contributing to worthy advocacies of the organizers for the sake of the environment and the upland poor

Wow isn’t that perfectly cool that you get to do things simultaneously with trail running than any other sport? Thus for this year 2023 after the Pandemic, we decided to make a comeback in organizing trail running race events like we used to do from 2012 to 2016 and once more promote and campaign to bring more trail runners to like running the trail. This campaign will be ITS WOW TO TRAIL RUN. 

As you go through the mountain and see the scenery you say WOW, as you continue to run and pass through uphill and downhill parts of the trail you say WOW you are really doing it, as you feel the early morning freshness of the air and cool wind you say WOW this is great having to experience such. Then running through all the difficulties, and varieties of trails, and going for the finish, you say WOW I did it! really did it. One couple who thought they could not go far as they only do 3 km in the city road run did 5 km in the trails and within time, WOW you go longer yet you feel stronger, truly its WOW TO TRAIL RUN. 

Photo from the Archive of NTDR

So ano pa antay nyo, mag trail running na tayo hane! 

Happy trail running, see you! Tara na, kita-kits tayo at enjoy lang. It is just an hour and a half of easy driving from Metro-Manila in the early morning drive.

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE

Upcoming Trail Run Fun Race

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE

Here's a teaser for the most awaited comeback trail running race by Pimco. Mark your calendar for September 3, 2023, at Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal for the "Woodland International Trail Run Fun Race". The race is made possible by Woodland Holiday & Leisure Park developers for local and foreign tourists visiting Tanay, Rizal. It is a unique outdoor game and adventure event in the upcoming Woodland Music, Art, and Food Fest or Woodland MAFF '23. It's a double treat for the Participating Trail Runners who will enjoy the trail run and the opening and 1st Stage of the month-long Music, Art, and Food Fest.

The Woodland International Trail Run Fun Race (Race Event) will be featured at the Opening week of the biggest event in Sampaloc Tanay Rizal for 2023, the “Woodland Music, Art, and Food Fest ’23” (Woodland MAFF ’23)

The Race Event is organized and managed by Pimco Sporting Events under Pimco Business Solutions Co. (Pimco) sponsored by JLedesma Land Developers, Inc. for the promotion and introduction of a new venue for Tourism in Tanay. The venue for the Trail Run Fun Race is the future Woodland Holiday & Leisure Park (Woodland) which is a Joint Venture Park development for holiday and leisure, rest and recreation venues for both domestic and foreign tourist guests and visitors in Sampaloc which is becoming the Tourism Capital of the municipality of Tanay, Rizal due to its year-round cool weather, beautiful mountain sceneries, and views. In spite of its rising popularity for tourists, Sampaloc has no public parks for visitors to relax, eat, and play without paying for entrance fees. Woodland will be opened to the public after the event with Food Park, walkway, benches, toilets, and other outdoor adventure facilities.

UPCOMING RACE: WOODLAND INT'L TRAIL RUN FUN RACE