The Lone Wolf.
Was this moniker conveyed as an admiration or a goading? For the giver, whose sincerity has been consistently inconsistent🤨, opined that it was the former. But for me, the recipient, it’s more of the latter. Being on dissenting opinions in regard to cliquish running, I took the taunt positively from the source for it aptly describes me in the T2M (Tagaytay to Maragondon) 2018 ultramarathon on March 3-4.
Availing of the event’s service van in going to the start area in Summit Ridge Tagaytay City from Starmall Alabang, I was alone but totally free from tension when all of us 14 runners, who were strangers to each other, reached it a few minutes past 8:00 pm. We arrived early for the race kit claiming. The table, where we were supposed to queue for our respective bibs, was not yet manned by any members of the Run Mania staff. I noticed several participants who were likewise on-stand by for their numbers.
It was a green light for me to look for a place where I could carbo-load. The three hours of waiting before the flag off at 11:00 pm was just perfect for me to prepare.
That evening Robinson’s Tagaytay was full and abuzz with local and foreign tourists. For that reason, it was not surprising when the two diners I entered declared “take out only” and “pancit luglug only” to someone who wanted to sit comfortably and enjoy her meal. As a result, I allowed myself to cross the street and forget all about my decision, which was arrived at together with my family in November 2017 due to unimpressive customer service, that I’d no longer eat at Josephine’s. For a famish human being, eating one’s word can be resorted to just to be full. Hahahaha…
Tahong or mussels soup, fresh spring rolls, four seasons beverage and rice (oh, rice!) comprised my late dinner. The hot soup was what I needed to normalize my body temperature. Consuming all the spring rolls, I didn’t anymore take in any rice, which has already been substituted by sweet potato in my meals. I finally surrendered to the big bowl of soup even if I wanted to sip some more. I also had to warn myself for the possible bad effects of overeating these “poor man’s oysters.”
Pleased with my simple dinner, I went to the rest room to change. Since I was familiar with the place, I knew I would have a bigger cubicle where it would be easy for me to wear and check my running garments. I had more than two hours to complete the pre-run routine.
I went back to Robinson’s activity area and spotted the runners who were claiming their bibs. I found my turn in the line. Receiving my personalized bib, I looked for a corner where I could wind up with my attire change.
Two runners followed suit and I did a little chitchat with them. Once finished equipping myself, I walked to the service van where I left my bag in the care of the driver. When I returned near the start area, I again saw Dinoji Bhadra Ananda, a fellow ultra marathoner returnee, whom I exchanged a quick greeting with right after having my bib.
Dinoji and I met in one of our training runs in San Pedro, Laguna later part of 2016. We shared the road and felt a rapport at once. Foremost reason I guess is our being both “nutty” runners and our speaking the same tongue about this unfathomable craziness. 🤪😜🤔 Second is our discovery that our Grade 12 children are batchmates in the same Benedictine school. I was starstruck! No kidding. This guy can be a Facebook influencer and celebrity with his addictive wits and humor. Then while we were in the middle of our conversation, I saw another familiar face, who added to the positive energy that I was surrounding myself with that night. He was with his own running buddies who are Dinoji’s mutual friends too.
Roby Villaflor Amil, one of my “angels” during my 2BatoQ odyssey, was obviously surprised but delighted to see me again after my final bow from ultra marathon in 2016. You see, it has never been final at all. I, the Wandering Jouster, am now picking up where I left off almost two years ago. And yes, it has to be via a Run Mania Philippines Promotions event.


You’re so…admirable Mau,
a lone wolf 🙂 🙂
The hardest run is running alone but you are the strongest.
Stay Strong and Good Health.
BlessGod!!!
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Your message is always a source of inspiration for me, Josie.
Thank you very much for always finding time to read my article whether you are in Qatar or in the Philippines. I know you have a hectic sked, but you have never forgotten to visit WJ.
I am truly honored and blessed to have found a friend and upper in you.
God bless you and your loved ones more.🙏😇
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Congratulations Mau on your jubilant return to ultra marathon running. And what a comeback. A personal best time for the 50kms no less. Indeed, a Lone Wolf can be more dangerous than a pack of wolves.
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Thank you, Bicolano Penguin.
Surviving an ultra marathon alone is a daunting task. It’s a fight that tests a lone wolf’s limits in all aspects. But having been a choice because of circumstances, one’s victory is sweeter and more fulfilling.
I will continue to be a wanderer.
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