This is the paper I submitted for my Leadership class. I consider the class as a blessing because it really allows me to discover who I am and what I am meant to be. I am still on the road to discovery; it's a never-ending journey. Whenever I feel discouraged or afraid, I go back to all the papers I wrote for the class to remind me of what I've been through and how it has shaped me to become the person that I am now.
TRIATHLON
I love triathlon. 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 who did the swim leg for the Ironman 70.3 during that year. I thought that the event is only a relay race which I think is no big deal. But when he explained that people actually do the entire race, I instantly thought triathlon is pure madness buy very unique and amazing, so naturally, being a Three that I am made me want to try the sport. Before I’ve decided to be a triathlete, I was already doing 10 km fun runs. I can do the run training. The problem was I didn’t know how to swim and how to ride a bike. That was when I pushed myself to learn. Since I cannot afford a training Coach and since I am only trying it out for the first time, I’ve decided to learn on my own. I read training programs, techniques and tips for beginners through the internet. I watched YouTube instructional videos on how to swim. I went to Ultra 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, with my boyfriend’s MTB, I did my first mini sprint with two of my friends at Alabang in 2011. I finished last in my age group category but who cares? I was the happiest last placer there is! My second triathlon at Subic (sprint distance) was as memorable as the first. It was my first open water swim and I was really scared. I had difficulty with the bike course (I used an MTB again). When I finally reached the finish line, I was overwhelmed with relief and happiness that I cried like a baby while doing congratulation handshakes with my friends. A GMA sports reporter caught the whole drama on cam and decided to interview me; hence, my first TV appearance. The report was aired on the local news four times and my friends and family members congratulated me for it. People commented how inspired they are because of me. That experience was truly priceless.
The more triathlons I join and the longer I train for the events, the more I fall in love with the sport. Triathlon makes me feel strong and humbled at the same time. It makes me feel free and fulfilled. Training became my happy place. I would feel agitated and anxious whenever I would not have time to train. Every time I finish a triathlon event, I would feel very emotional and on the verge of tears. It is something that I would do for free (I wish I could do it for free!). I see myself racing until I’m in my 40’s (hoping for a podium finish someday in that age group category).
Triathlon training, like other sports, requires dedication and commitment and over time, I acquired these essentials. I would wake up and go to sleep early so I could have enough time for training and rest. I recall the countless weekend trips I didn’t go to so I could train instead or save enough for a decent red road bike I had assembled at Quiapo. I think the fact that I am willing to sacrifice my time, effort and money for the sport shows how passionate I am about the sport.
The more triathlons I join and the longer I train for the events, the more I fall in love with the sport. Triathlon makes me feel strong and humbled at the same time. It makes me feel free and fulfilled. Training became my happy place. I would feel agitated and anxious whenever I would not have time to train. Every time I finish a triathlon event, I would feel very emotional and on the verge of tears. It is something that I would do for free (I wish I could do it for free!). I see myself racing until I’m in my 40’s (hoping for a podium finish someday in that age group category).
Triathlon training, like other sports, requires dedication and commitment and over time, I acquired these essentials. I would wake up and go to sleep early so I could have enough time for training and rest. I recall the countless weekend trips I didn’t go to so I could train instead or save enough for a decent red road bike I had assembled at Quiapo. I think the fact that I am willing to sacrifice my time, effort and money for the sport shows how passionate I am about the sport.
ENNEAGRAM
My attitude as a triathlete is very reflective of a Three. Like a real Three, I am very determined and goal-oriented when it comes to my training. Threes are individuals who want to gain attention and to be affirmed. I have tried a few other sports before but I fell in love with triathlon because it’s very challenging and different, it requires a lot of determination, and because I felt distinguished and unique. The challenge of excelling in multiple disciplines appeals to a Three like me because Threes enjoy giving it their best in everything they do and be an achiever in many events. As a Three, I can also be very competitive. I enjoy outrunning other athletes (especially guys) who I train with. As a Three who is very conscious of how I look, I chose the sport triathlon because I feel so cool and badass whenever I wear my tri-suit.
The integrations and disintegrations of a Three are also translated to my training. When I let go of the pressures of doing better than others and just doing the race because it makes me feel happy, I become more loyal to the training and to the race, and hence I tend to perform better. However, when I feel pressured or when I feel like I am not improving, there are times when I find it hard to be faithful to the training. I became lethargic and lazy.
The integrations and disintegrations of a Three are also translated to my training. When I let go of the pressures of doing better than others and just doing the race because it makes me feel happy, I become more loyal to the training and to the race, and hence I tend to perform better. However, when I feel pressured or when I feel like I am not improving, there are times when I find it hard to be faithful to the training. I became lethargic and lazy.
GENOGRAM
I think that what makes the sport so special for me is that I dreamed to be a triathlete on my own. I started from scratch and figured out how to do things on my own. I did this for myself and nobody asked or forced me to do it. This realization is particularly important because I grew up with a conservative family who has very high ideals on what success is. In the past, I have made huge decisions based on what my family wanted for me, like my university, college course and the company I work right now. I have no regrets in doing what they wanted me to do and making them happy in the process. It just feels very fulfilling that I have something that I am doing for myself. I have always wanted to stand up on my own terms and still make them proud of me and I think doing triathlon made it happen for me.
Another reason why I am so into sports was because of health issues. Nobody in my family plays sports. In addition, my family loves to eat. My grandparents, uncles and aunts and even my sister are beyond the normal BMI. Because of this, everyone in the family has either high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic diseases. My father’s parents died before they turned 50 years old while my mom’s father and aunt died of cancer. I never actually enjoyed playing sports and putting up a sweat before. I hated PE classes because I was always the slowest, the weakest (I get sick a lot) or the one who’s afraid of flying balls. However, However, I started doing exercises and be conscious of what I eat after I have received the results of my first physical annual exam in my company. It turns out that I have borderline cholesterol levels. Knowing my family’s history of cancer, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases, it made me fear for my own health. I tried various sports suck as running, taekwondo, badminton, football and mountain hiking. Then, I eventually tried triathlon and fell in love.
Another reason why I am so into sports was because of health issues. Nobody in my family plays sports. In addition, my family loves to eat. My grandparents, uncles and aunts and even my sister are beyond the normal BMI. Because of this, everyone in the family has either high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic diseases. My father’s parents died before they turned 50 years old while my mom’s father and aunt died of cancer. I never actually enjoyed playing sports and putting up a sweat before. I hated PE classes because I was always the slowest, the weakest (I get sick a lot) or the one who’s afraid of flying balls. However, However, I started doing exercises and be conscious of what I eat after I have received the results of my first physical annual exam in my company. It turns out that I have borderline cholesterol levels. Knowing my family’s history of cancer, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases, it made me fear for my own health. I tried various sports suck as running, taekwondo, badminton, football and mountain hiking. Then, I eventually tried triathlon and fell in love.
LIFELINE
Looking back at my lifeline, I saw that I was at one of the lowest points in my life before I got into triathlon: I had a nasty break-up with my first boyfriend. We fought a lot towards the end of the relationship. He said a lot of mean things about me like how clingy and weak I am, that I can not last a day without him, that I shouldn’t make him the center of my universe. It hurt a lot when someone who I draw strength from made me feel very weak. I cried for weeks and became very depressed. I blamed myself for not being the girl he wanted me to be. Getting over him took a long time and it started with accepting me for who I am and proving to myself that I am not who he thinks he is. I guess one of my motivations in doing sports is the fear of feeling weak again. Triathlon became particularly appealing to me because my boyfriend doesn’t know how to swim and how to ride a bike. It may be embarrassing to admit but it was somehow fulfilling to think that I can do things that he can’t. It made me feel stronger and better than him. Of course now, I do triathlons for myself and not because I still fear I am weak. I even found a supportive boyfriend who accepted me for who I am. After reflecting on what happened, I think that the break-up is actually a good thing because it gave me the opportunity to discover myself, my strengths and my passion.
HOW CAN my passion be of service to others?
I believe that my passion can help others if I could serve as an inspiration to those who want to pursue their dreams. As someone who was never into sports, I consider it a miracle that I am now a triathlete. I did it for my dreams, for my self, for my health. The feeling is really beautiful and fulfilling and I thank God everyday for the passion to be able to do the things I love. In turn, I want others to feel the overwhelming experience of my first triathlon. I want others to know that no matter what age they are, what their past is or how hectic their schedule is, they can reach your dreams if they put their heart in it. I, together with my two friends who joined me in my first triathlon, have formed a non-competitive triathlon team who encourages professionals to try out the sport. We formed training schedules and gave tips based on our experiences. Now, the sport is getting more known in our company and I am glad that I get to be part of the marketing committee and support committee for the racers. In addition to being a triathlete, helping others become one also, is very fulfilling. Knowing that I can inspire and help others with my passion makes the dream more significant as compared to simply succeeding on my own.
I believe that my determination and commitment to the sport translate to my daily activities as well. Triathlon has taught me to persevere, to believe in myself and to have the courage to face difficulties, heartaches and injuries. These are the things that I carry with me whenever I do my work in the office. I am also more able in taking care of my mom who had her stroke because of what I have learned in triathlon. Perhaps, without knowing my passion, I would not be able to serve others with so much determination and sincerity.
After analyzing my enneagram, genogram and lifeline and how my passion can help others, I came to understand more of myself and why the sport is so sentimental to me. The exercise made me understand why I am so passionate about triathlon and why I am willing to sacrifice for it. Passion is not something you would suddenly feel or realize overnight just because doing something makes you feel happy. It’s all about loving something for a reason. Looking deep enough and analyzing myself, where I came from, my experiences and how the passion could help others helped a lot in knowing the reasons and significance of (both the obvious and subconscious ones) why I love the sport. It also made me realize my motivations why I continue to sacrifice to do the sport. Doing the paper really made me appreciate the triathlon even more.
I believe that my determination and commitment to the sport translate to my daily activities as well. Triathlon has taught me to persevere, to believe in myself and to have the courage to face difficulties, heartaches and injuries. These are the things that I carry with me whenever I do my work in the office. I am also more able in taking care of my mom who had her stroke because of what I have learned in triathlon. Perhaps, without knowing my passion, I would not be able to serve others with so much determination and sincerity.
After analyzing my enneagram, genogram and lifeline and how my passion can help others, I came to understand more of myself and why the sport is so sentimental to me. The exercise made me understand why I am so passionate about triathlon and why I am willing to sacrifice for it. Passion is not something you would suddenly feel or realize overnight just because doing something makes you feel happy. It’s all about loving something for a reason. Looking deep enough and analyzing myself, where I came from, my experiences and how the passion could help others helped a lot in knowing the reasons and significance of (both the obvious and subconscious ones) why I love the sport. It also made me realize my motivations why I continue to sacrifice to do the sport. Doing the paper really made me appreciate the triathlon even more.