Running the highlands of Campuestohan

It was a not-so-short hike as we ascended the area of Campuestohan in Talisay City. I’m not referring to the popular highland resort in this vicinity but the greener portion towards the mountains where I once joined a tree planting activity with the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Inc. or NFEFI. (READ: Tree planting at Upper Caliban-Imbang Watershed; Adopt an Animal at NFEFI-BCC)

The reward was a beautiful view of the mountains plus an opportunity to help nature. I could have stayed up there the whole day but we have to go down for a medical mission.

I am aware that many groups come to the mountainous part of Campuestohan to do some tree planting activities. Little did I know that runners have been doing braving the challenging terrain of Campuestohan for the past two years, through the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas Bacolod Leg.

Trail Running 101

A lawyer during weekdays and a runner on weekends, Salomon Athlete Aldean Lim gave us a briefing on what trail running is all about. Here are some points that I learned from his talk:

• City running is different from trail running – with trail running, gone are the paved roads or repetitive actions. There are changes in altitude, terrain, weather. There are river crossing, running through the rain, and all sorts of difficulties. It’s more challenging but it’s more fun and better for the body.
• Good preparation – a runner should prepare well prior to a major run. This entails exercise, proper diet, and thorough knowledge of the run itself, including terrain and weather.
• Nutrition – one must always hydrate and have balanced intake of food, especially during the run proper. There are gels, fruits, energy packs, and other food available that can suit your body needs.
• Wear the proper gear – it is important that one must have the proper attire for trail running. The outfit must be light and can withstand various weather. Here’s where Salomon comes in with its shoes and running outfits engineered for such conditions.
• Secure yourself with other accessories – headlamps are often needed for runs that will take you going even after sunset.
  It’s time not distance – in trail running, it’s not the distance that matters. Because of terrain, a 21km run that one does in the city can be finished differently when in the mountains. So if you are doing trail running regularly, allot an amount of time rather than measuring your distance.
• Learn to hike – there’s a science to it. When going uphill, instead of running, one can do hiking but in a proper way.
• Enjoy the view and the whole experience – take time out to relax, to breathe in the landscape and just have fun in the trail. Love the experience.

Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas Bacolod Leg 2016

This is the 5th year of Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas and the Bacolod Leg is on its 3rd year. There are two distances: 17km and 12.5km. The starting line is at 720 meters above sea level. The lowest is 520 meters and the highest point is at 960 meters with a spectacular view of Bacolod City and its surrounding cities and towns in Negros Occidental.

The Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas Bacolod Leg is in partnership with the Negros Mountaineering Club, Inc. and the race will pass through its tree planting site. Proceeds of the event will be for the continuous tree planting project of the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Inc.

Since this is a green event, all participants are required to bring hydration pack. Water stations are strategically located along the course.

Other race information:

• Registration fee: Php800 for the short course run (12.5km) and Php1,000 for the long course (17km)
• Registered runners will receive technical shirts, Salomon race bag, medal, 20% discount in Salomon stores in Bacolod (located in the 2nd floor, North Wing, SM City Bacolod) and Iloilo, raffle ticket, full meal, and products and giveaways from sponsors.
• Assembly area: Kampo Hiyang-Hiyang, Campuestohan, Talisay Negros Occidental
• Assembly time: 5:00AM
• Pick-up points for transportation is at Caltex I-mart near Lopue’s East and across McDonalds. Pick-up time is from 4:00AM to 5:00AM.
• Camping area is available at the race site the night before the race.
• There are lodging rooms at Eco-Trails base camp and Hiyang-Hiyang resort but are on a first-come first-serve basis.
• Contact details: [email protected]; Buddy Montinola (+63 920 917 7344); Diday Recto (+63 923 705 8771); Jovie Tuazon (+63 920 955 0126)