Runnilla Eco Challenge: Because Selfie

Event: Runnilla Eco Challenge – April 13, 2014 (REGISTRATION OPEN! More info here >>) To register online, click here >>
Related Stories: Ran around the trails of Minglanilla
Chasing Happiness In Trails
Newbie’s Trail Running Tips to Newbies (Part 1)
MINIMALIST FOOTWEAR: KAI Running Sandals
And more Runnilla Eco Challenge stories here >>

Also keep posted for our Athletes Talk 3: Trail Running 101 Part 2 this March 21, 2014.
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Many times I heard about the Sitio Calbasa-an of Minglanilla. Soybitz had done a tree planting project in the said place (read story here >>). Tony Galon had also been training here, and had done a fundraising run for Boljoon. And, Jake had been inviting many times to visit it.

But it took many invitations before I finally gave in because knowing them (Cebu Trail Runners), their kind of “trail” is not at all easy for me, and I’m just happy and contented in Consolacion / Lilo-an’s backyard. (You can read on my first experience trekking in city trails with Cebu Trail Runners here >>.)

But then when it’s the trail that’s calling, you cannot resist it. And, I’m happy that I did it. So here are a few photos of the trail which was taken last year. I think most of the route we trekked is part of the Runnilla Eco Challenge.

I’m sharing this because a few of my Mareees (girl friends) are interested to join Runnilla, but are quite hesitant, like me at first, because it might be too much for them. But, hey, I survived it, and here are proofs! So you too can do it! =)

Big Mountains

After about 3KM from the entry at the main road, the first that I noticed was that their mountains are bigger than what I had in my backyard. I mean like “duh,” their highest elevation was probably 700M, while back in Lilo-an, it’s something like 400M.

Single Tracks

There was a good portion of single tracks on the way to Campo Siete. It was not really that technical but I still look awkward. The more “technical” single tracks came after the Peak (Sitio Calbasa-an), but it’s something doable for newbies.

Spell awkward

The Peak

It is a gradual climb to the peak, like you can sing “The hills are alive with the sound of music” on the way there. (Though the route might be reversed in the Runnilla Eco Challenge.)

The Rock

You know you reach the peak when you see a big rock, waiting for you to rest on. =)

Nicest People

If the single tracks made me feel awkward, the “hospitality” of the residents in Sitio Calbasa-an made me feel MORE awkward. Their sincere generosity made the city girl in me felt so poor. They have “rich life.” I could go on and bore you with my thoughts, but I guess it’s best that you experience it.

So, guys, come and join the Runnilla Eco Challenge this April 13, 2014. More than helping in raising a fund for a generator of a school in Calbasa-an, let’s discover the beauty of the mountains and learn the richness of our sisters and brothers there.

And, above all, it can make your SELFIE worth the while!

There will be a trial run on 15KM part of the route this coming Sunday, March 16, 2014. It’s FREE, and is open to any one interested. Details here >>.

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This post is in part of the Runnilla Eco Challenge, promoting the love for nature while raising funds to light a school. This event is made possible with their support:

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Posted by:

Rose Buenconsejo. A runner who runs after runners, and their stories, and her dream to become a NEDBANK.
Promo Girl, runroo.com
View her aktib race calendar >>

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