TNF Thrill of the Trail

It was the most awaited day of the year of each couple in the world. This is the time when the couples could have a whole day for themselves and celebrate the month of hearts. But how about the single people, like myself, who are seeking for another way to celebrate the Valentine’s Day? Well, we opted to join the much awaited TNF Thrill of the Trail in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

There were 3 categories for this run last Feb.14, 2010: 22km, 11km solo and the very intriguing 11km couples run. Solo runners and couples endured long distance running on grasslands, forest, uphill loose soil, cemented road, and river for the 22km runners. We even needed flashlights and headlamps at the start because it was really dark when we started the race. Talk about thrill!

Although the air was chilly in the morning, I had sweat after 2 minutes of running because we were greeted with an uphill rocky surface. That was really a good morning for me as my senses were awakened right away. Fresh air with a little hint of animal poop and the scent of the runner beside you (the trail was a little narrow at the start) also gave me a kick. It was like a rally but with running people.

Even though the trail was a bit challenging, I had to thank some people who made the run very stimulating:

1. God for giving us a perfect weather condition

2. Josiah for being the best training buddy

3. Cheerers in every water station  showing us energy that was very contagious

4. Fellow runners who inspire us to catch their pace when we were already slowing down

5. Marshals who assisted us in the trails because some brain cells were already damaged (hahaha!)

6. Friends who showed support and love

The North Face became true to their word. They wanted to give intense excitement to the runners because the trail was not your ordinary road running site. It had elements like soil, water, wind and heart (wink, wink). Plus, natural factors like farm animals, plants, animal poop, water falls, and rock formations made the trail more interesting.

Awards were given to the first three finishers per category. Also, special prices were given like the Sweetest Couple, Oldest Couple Runner/ Participant and Fastest All Female and All Male Couple (which got the most cheers from the audience). The day ended when TNF gave away some of their valued products like bag and jacket.

Surely, this was a run that I’d certainly support again. TNF need not to use celebrity endorsers or expensive marketing strategies. They just have to give their runners new running sites because we, runners, definitely love thrills in our trails.