Time indeed flies so fast. It has been a year since I had my first taste of trail running—one that up until now still lingers in my head, most particularly when the sun goes happily grilling on a fine day.
When people complain about the blistering heat of this tropical island, it unfailingly transports me back to Calatrava, Negros Occidental, and the unforgettable trail running event of 2022: the Dau Trail Run. To say that it was hot was an understatement. The sky was clear blue, devoid of any trace of clouds, intensifying the scorching heat to unimaginable levels.
The Transition from Road Run to Trail Run
Following our participation in Cebu North’s 50km Ultramarathon, Shiela enthusiastically urged us to venture into the world of trail running. Reflecting on our humble beginnings as hikers, Chiarra added that exploring trails might offer a similar sense of exhilaration and enjoyment as our regular hiking escapades—bringing in her pre-pandemic experience of Mt. Talinis, MagMa, and Alicia Trail Run.
And so, we registered for 30km. Minus Shiela, Jet, Belle, Chabs, and Sir Mark.
Yes, Chiarra and I were left on our own, navigating our way to the Municipality of Calatrava from Cebu’s Toledo Port. It was my first time in such a part of Negros Occidental, so the sense of wander and wonder was there. Ah, my former weekend traveler self.
Opposite Bacolod City, the town of Calatrava predominantly consists of vast expanses of agricultural land, with nearly 60% of its total land area dedicated to cultivating crops such as sugarcane, rice, and corn. Other thriving industries that contribute to the town’s landscape include livestock and poultry farming.
It might not be the most ‘touristy’ destination, but it sure offers a wide range of activities and immersion for those who would want to go off the beaten path.
Dau Trail Run 2022: First Taste of Trail Running
Coming from CN50, I actually had high hopes for my first trail running event. Later I found out that Team ADR just set the bar too high.
The race briefing began an hour late, finisher shirts were given the day before the race, and some entitlements did not make it on the event day itself (hello, Tapak sandals). Furthermore, the gun start did not adhere to the designated time as originally scheduled, causing some unexpected adjustments to both the organizers and runners.
It took a whole day of experience before I got to reconcile Shiela’s musings about trail running: that it was not a food fiesta. Instead, we were treated with an unlimited supply of boiled eggs—from start to finish. I never looked at boiled eggs the same way ever again. HAHA.
But well, it can all be charged to experience. As the adage puts it: “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”
Here’s What Happened in Calatrava’s Dau Trail Run
I’ve always thought that speed is the most crucial quality required for becoming a trail runner. But like the many moments spent outdoors, nature proved me wrong once again.
Another important element needed to finish the race is strength. No, not only physical strength. For sure, you’ve heard stories among your trail runner friends—of what a battle (literally and figuratively) it is to complete the task at hand.
Aside from needing to finish the race within the time frame given, you also have to deal with the seemingly never-ending assaults, down-hells, eroded trails, limited hydration, extreme weather conditions, and risks of losing your way (especially when there are no trail signs on sight, or you don’t have a gpx of the route).
The first 20km of the Dau Trail Run was fun. Road, sunrise, mild ascents, river crossing, and all. The experience was so captivating that we even believed the photographers who told us that we could be crossing the finish line before midday. As if.
After reaching the second aid station, there began the calvary. Knee-breaking downhill, grueling midday heat, confusing trail marks, and an additional 5km on top of the expected 30km distance.
Forgive my rants, again, this is my first trail running event. I was not informed that this kind of extreme sport would require a lot—I mean ‘A LOT’—of mental, emotional, and spiritual strength. Mao diayng muana sila nga “strong finish” kay ma-strong gyud diay ka sa kalagot ug ka-frustrated.
Your emotions will become too overwhelming. You will start to question your capacity to think. And there are so many things that will get inside your head that will tempt you to just put an end to everything. In fact, after reaching 32km with no finish line in sight (we are still on top of a mountain), I was already prepared to DNF.
But well, the universe always has its way of consoling them poor spirits—through the many kindhearted people you meet along the way, friendships forged, aid stations, magnificent vista, and many other intangibles that can’t be experienced otherwise.
Calatrava’s Dau Trail Run was such a humbling experience. Frustrating, but as how our newfound friends (who also adopted us in San Carlos City), put it: “Sakit pero mubalik pa ko.”
Unsolicited Learnings from My First Trail Running Event
True to the words of Murakami, pain is a precondition for this kind of sport. If pain weren’t involved, who in the world would ever go to the trouble of taking part in sports, like trail running, which demand such an investment of time and energy? It’s precisely because of the pain, precisely because we want to overcome the pain, that we can get the feeling, through this process, of really being alive—or at least a partial sense of it.
However, what has truly lingered in my memory to this day are the profound words uttered by Sol during our stay at the pension house, a consequence of being left behind by the boat destined for Cebu. “Tamang dagan lang. Magbilin og energy para ugma kay mu-duty pa ta.”
We are not paid athletes. We’re there for the “fun”. At the end of the day, we all go back to our individual lives—back to the grind to save and be able to register for another race once again. As you age, you really have to prioritize life and figure out in what order you should divide your time and energy. Always, always leave some for tomorrow—and for the upcoming races that you will join.
Despite the mishaps, it’s obvious that the time spent on Calatrava’s Dau Trail brought an unforgettable experience that prompted me to embark on other trail running events in Bukidnon, Mt. Apo, and Mt. Pandadagsaan. Through trail running, I discovered the incredible feat of scaling the country’s highest peak in a single day and had the opportunity to hike the elusive White Peak and survive Mt. Pangasugan.
Reflecting on these journeys, I now realize why it took a year before I got to write Calatrava’s Dau Trail Run. Each of these adventures on untrodden paths has brought me closer to understanding myself and the world around me—something that my former self will probably have a hard time reconciling.
If you’ve reached this part, I hope you will also find something that’s worth utilizing your energy for. You may end up exhausted and spent, but later, in retrospect, you will also get to realize what it all was for. The parts will fall into place, and you can see the whole picture and finally understand the role each individual part plays.
P.S. In case you want to get a taste of trail running too, you may join Pamutan Trail Fest in Cebu City this coming August 5 and 6. You can also check other running events here. See you? Let’s merese together. HAHA.
Dakilanglaagan 