R.O.X. MAPAWA Trail Run: The Vertical Monster

Related Event: R.O.X. MAPAWA Trail Run – 11K/21K/42K, Oct. 26, 2014 (More Info & Registration >>)
R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014 – 42K, register here >>
R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014 – 22K, register here >>
R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014 – 11K, register here >>
(See below for other registration venues options!)
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R.O.X. MAPAWA Trail Run: Forget about pace and do what feels good

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Paolo Andre Fernandez (PAF) was nothing much of standout in last year’s first full-marathon (42KM) edition of MAPAWA Trail Run finishing in 12th place. But fastforward to the early months of 2014, he bagged the championship title of TDR80 Ultramatahon in his first attempt at the ultramarathon distance (Read his TDR80 Ultra race story here >>.).

This coming R.O.X. MAPAWA Trail Run Oct. 26, 2014, Paolo will be back. Let’s get to know more about this runner in the following Q&A who will give the lead pack a good challenge.

Runroo: How did you start running?

I started running three years ago around September. I did it cause i was so intrigue about running barefoot.

Runroo: Aside from running, what are your other interests?

Slacklining… That’s it. And, it helps me a lot in becoming better on running downhills.

Runroo: What are you doing if you’re not running?

I manage my family’s poultry farm and I’m a full-time dad. I have no yaya.

Runroo: This is your 2nd time in MAPAWA this 2014. Is there a pressure of having an ultramarathon championship title under your belt this time?

Yes, I feel the pressure but in a good way. But I use that pressure in training. And, as always the only person you have to beat on race day is yourself. It’s about becoming a better, faster and stronger person at the finish line. So, yes, it’s not an easy expectation of myself.

Runroo: What’s your training for this upcoming MAPAWA? Is there a difference with how you train this year versus last year?

Last year, I didn’t really train for it because I just thought it would be another 42km. But, boy, was i wrong! So this year, I decided to do more vertical training as much as I can. I know it’s not much for some but I really try my best to get at least 1500m to 2500m vertical gain per week.

Runroo: Share with us your favorite training ground?

At the back of my house is 800masl to 1000masl – Impalutao, Bukidnon.

Runroo: Do you prefer going up or going down… on the trail?

If I had to choose, I prefer climbing up. Because the downhills are mean on the quads.

Runroo: And, the most important part of the Q&A, the gear p0rn: what’s going to be your gear set-up this MAPAWA 2014, and your choice of shoe weapon?

With a big mandatory gear list, I will have to wear a belt in order to carry my hydration, went with Salomon Slab Belt 2, 1 UD bottle (20oz), Salomon Flask (17oz), Simple Hydration bottle (13oz), BD storm headlamp, and wind breaker.

For the shoes, I’m still thinking about it. I have two choices: the Salomon Sense Ultra 3 SG, or the Salomon Sense Pro. If it will rain before the race, then I’ll wear the Sense Ultra 3 SG; but if not, I’ll go with the Sense Pro.

Photo by KG Oliver Yu

Runroo: Any tips for the upcoming MAPAWA Run?

Whether you’re running fast or slow, always enjoy what the trails/ nature has to offer and draw energy from that. Think positive, every time you hit a low point.

Runroo: Last, who are your bets for the R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Run?

Igi Sitier of Team Base Camp (Davao), and Bass Salang.

(Photo credits to Paolo Andre Fernandez.)
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This post is in part of R.O.X. – MAPAWA Trail Run (42K/21K/11K), Oct. 26, 2014, which is made possible with the support of: R.O.X., Salomon, ABS-CBN CDO, 8a Multisports apparel, Mindanao Star, BusinessWeek Mindanao, The Cagayan Times, Endurance Sports, Magic 89.3, Mindanao Daily News, Sea to Summit, Black Diamond, realxgear.

You can register thru:

* Bank deposit: MAPAWA Nature Park Corp / BDO 322 000 9586
Email slip to docyad@yahoo.com
* Online: http://store.aktib.ph
* CDO Registration center: R.O.X.
2nd Floor Centrio Ayala (Sat. & Sunday only, 10-7:30PM)
* Cebu Registration Center: KAi Shop
Villagracia Building (Across Cortes Hospital), S.B. Cabahug St., Mandaue City
(Inclusion and other Details of event, click here >>)

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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 >>