I love triathlon. For those who have heard me do my impromptu speeches would have known this by now. Triathlon is a long distance race consisting of three phases: swimming, bicycling and running. I heard about the sport two years ago from a friend. It seems exciting so I decided to give it a try. The problem was I didn’t know how to swim freestyle and how to ride a bike, but I tried to learn anyway. |
I read training programs and tips for beginners through the internet. I watched YouTube instructional videos on how to swim. I went to Ultra pool and did my first “swim” while doing my best not to drown. I rented a bike in the Quezon City Memorial Circle and watched kids go ahead of me while I learned how to bike. I acquired bruises and drank lots of chlorine treated water. Finally, I did my first mini sprint at Alabang in 2011. Let me tell you, it was an amazing moment doing something I never thought I could do! I finished last in my age group category but who cares? I was the happiest last placer there is!
Triathlon became my passion. It was a love story built over time from the many trainings, finish line moments, sacrifices, pains and heartaches. Triathlon makes me feel strong and humbled at the same time. It makes me feel free and fulfilled. It has made me realize my potential as an athlete and my discipline has translated to the other aspects of my life. Suddenly, I feel more confident and braver than ever.
Being a triathlete is never easy, especially when you have an 8 to 5 job and attending MBA classes at night. It requires dedication and commitment. I wake up at 5:00AM to run then do my swim after office hours. Then I would do my bike training on weekends.
One of my biggest motivations for doing triathlon was probably my health. My family has a history of cancer and heart attacks. I lost my father because of heart attack at the age of 40. My beloved grandpa died of lung cancer. Even my aunt and uncles are all beyond the suggested BMI and sugar levels.
When I received the results of my first APE here in Meralco, I discovered that my blood cholesterol is in borderline level at the age of 22. Sugar and salt levels are at a high. Weeks after, I did my first run/walk around Meralco. And that’s how the love story with sports started.
I used to do triathlon for myself. However, my greatest motivation lately would have to be my mom. Last year, my beloved, strong-willed mother, had a stroke. Half her body was paralyzed. During the first few months, she can’t move. She can’t speak. Every day, I have to watch her cry as she tries to do things that she can’t do. It was the most heartbreaking moment of my life. Thank God, she’s slowly recovering now but I blamed myself for what happened. I kind of blamed myself for not taking care of her more, for not forcing her to exercise or eat the right kinds of food, for not knowing the symptoms of a stroke.
Being a triathlete is never easy, especially when you have an 8 to 5 job and attending MBA classes at night. It requires dedication and commitment. I wake up at 5:00AM to run then do my swim after office hours. Then I would do my bike training on weekends.
One of my biggest motivations for doing triathlon was probably my health. My family has a history of cancer and heart attacks. I lost my father because of heart attack at the age of 40. My beloved grandpa died of lung cancer. Even my aunt and uncles are all beyond the suggested BMI and sugar levels.
When I received the results of my first APE here in Meralco, I discovered that my blood cholesterol is in borderline level at the age of 22. Sugar and salt levels are at a high. Weeks after, I did my first run/walk around Meralco. And that’s how the love story with sports started.
I used to do triathlon for myself. However, my greatest motivation lately would have to be my mom. Last year, my beloved, strong-willed mother, had a stroke. Half her body was paralyzed. During the first few months, she can’t move. She can’t speak. Every day, I have to watch her cry as she tries to do things that she can’t do. It was the most heartbreaking moment of my life. Thank God, she’s slowly recovering now but I blamed myself for what happened. I kind of blamed myself for not taking care of her more, for not forcing her to exercise or eat the right kinds of food, for not knowing the symptoms of a stroke.
So what do i swim, bike and run for?
I swim.
I swim for my mom in the hope that I could make her proud by choosing a healthier path. I wanted to just keep swimming, just keep swimming for her. Despite the depths of the sea, I know I’m safe because she’s always praying for me.
I BIKE.
I bike for the people who love making excuses. I bike for those who say they are too tired, too weak, too fat, too busy, or too old to workout. I bike to make people believe that it’s never too late to learn how to swim or bike, or do whatever sports to be healthy. If I can learn how to bike at this age, then so can you! Guys, I BIKE FOR YOU.
I RUN.
I run for my future family, for Doods, for my future triathlete kids. I run so that I may be with them as long as I can. I run so they will never experience the early loss that I experienced. I run with the belief that if I can’t be healthy for myself, then I will at least run to be healthy for the people who love me. I run because I love them back. Doods, I RUN FOR YOU. <I actually gestured to Doods at this time, who I invited to hear my speech. Just an on-the-spot add-on that I did. Everyone clapped after this statement. Cheesy, I know. > <3
Looking back, I guess passion is more than just doing something you love. It’s really about doing that thing you love AND discovering your purpose along the way. I’ve learned that one’s passion will go into a whole new level once you’ve realized what good your passion can do for others.
Truth be told, I never joined triathlons to win a race. But if I could inspire one person to actually try it, just try, then it would feel like I’ve already won the race.
Fellow TM’s, good afternoon and God speed!