I realize it will be wicked hot, but can anyone tell me where I can get a run in? I will be there for three weeks. Is running something they do in the Philipines? Looking for good trails preferably.
I realize it will be wicked hot, but can anyone tell me where I can get a run in? I will be there for three weeks. Is running something they do in the Philipines? Looking for good trails preferably.
Oops, I forgot to mention that I will be in Davao City on the island of Mindanao.
I have a friend who is a missionary right near there. She used to compete in college. The last time I talked to her she said that she doesn't run any more because she had to get up so early while it was still dark out due to the heat and she was like the only woman who ran so she also felt nervous for her safety. Not to discourage you or anything. Good Luck.
In the Philippines, the National long distance team trains in Baguio, situated about 4 hours drive from Manilla on the bus.
Baguio is at medium high altitude (around 800m above sea level). The top Marathon guys in the Philippines live and train there. The top guy has run a sub. 2:20 marathon.
There is also a 29 mins. 10.000 runner there who ran well in the last Asian Games meeting in Pusan, South Korea.
unless you have kidnap insurance I'd stick to the treadmill in the hotel
ghost wrote:
In the Philippines, the National long distance team trains in Baguio, situated about 4 hours drive from Manilla on the bus.
Baguio is at medium high altitude (around 800m above sea level). The top Marathon guys in the Philippines live and train there. The top guy has run a sub. 2:20 marathon.
There is also a 29 mins. 10.000 runner there who ran well in the last Asian Games meeting in Pusan, South Korea.
Both "guys" are the same person, Mr. Eduardo Buenavista. He does everything from the Steeple to the 10km to the marathon. Nice guy, built like a fire hydrant. Ran 2:18 last year at Beppu.
Speaking of the Philippines, has Mayeroff ever entertained the thought of living and training there. The Philippines presents many of the same advantages as Thailand for someone like Jason. Here is a list of pros.
1. Cheap country with friendly people, all of whom speak English (not the case in Thailand).
2. Most Philippinos/Philippinas love American culture and the people of North America. This is in contrast to Thailand where more and more people there are becoming hostile and sick and tired of 'farangs' (foreigners).
3. Baguio City, which is situated at medium altitude with cooler temps. than the lowlands. The Philippine people will tell you that Bagiuo is 'cold' - but that, of course, is an exaggeration. Average daytime temps. are in the 70's compared with the 80's in the lowland parts.
4. Very friendly women (like Thailand) with the difference being that Philippina women are more genuine than Thai women, most of whom are only after your greenbacks or citizenship and other advantages. I have quite a few friends who are married to Philippinas and they are still married many years down the road. I also know many 'farangs' who married Thai girls/women and got 'ditched' once those Thai girls/women got what they wanted (money/business/citizenship).
In summation, I think Jason should seriously consider the Philippines as a medium/long term destination. Thailand is getting more hostile to foreigners - and although all the Thais smile at you, it does not mean they like you - quite the opposite is true, as I have found out myself, being a former traveller to Thailand.
Just be careful not to get blown up.
The southern islands are where the Islamic kidnapper types hang out. Head's up.
i'm from the philippines, but i'm staying in manila- davao is 1 1/2 hours by plane from manila.
i've been to davao city twice in the past 3 years, and i can assure you that davao city is a very safe place.
military operations against abu sayyaf/muslim rebels/terrorists happen in remote areas further down south of davao city (in jolo) so don't worry about getting blown up or kidnap.
with regards to running, davao city is a little congested but about 10 minutes away from the city, and you have the road all for yourself. i'm sure there are nice trails not far from the city just ask your host about it.
it's rainy season this time of the year so be prepared for a rainy or cloudy weather. however it's still hot. temperature range from 24-34 deg celcius. so, i suggest to do your run early'in the morning.
are you open for cross training? snorkeling would be a great way to xtrain. or, learning to SCUBA dive would be cheap.
don't worry have fun.
I was stationed in the PI for 2 years and loved every moment. Baguio would be the place to go and train.