Seven days to go!

With seven days to go, Cebu is on a buzz for the biggest international triathlon race that will hit the country. Top caliber athletes around the world are coming to the Queen City of the South. This year marks the most number of first-timers in the event. There are a total of 1,726 Filipino registrants and 141 Singaporean entries, 54 Americans, 52 Australians and 39 Japanese. These numbers doesn't  include those who are joining in the relay competition. Go around any bike shop or gym and you will hear people talking about the Cobra Ironman 70.3. The half ironman is a true test of human spirit and endurance. How hard is it to finish?  First, you have to tackle 1.9km swim, then pedal for over 90 kilometers around the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay. And if that is not hard enough, one must finished a 21km half marathon. All of that must be done within the cut-off time of 8hrs and 30mins. I have participated in the last two races here in                 Cebu and everytime I reached halfway of my run, I vowed not to do it again but as soon as you crossed the finish line, everything changes and the feeling of accomplishment and pride of being called "You are an Ironman " is beyond measure. So now on my third year, my goal is to beat my previous time of 7hrs and 51mins. To be specific, my goal is to finish the grueling, lung-busting race in less than 7 hours.

Here are some simple tips during and before the race:

BE MINDFUL OF OTHERS. If you are slow, give way to the faster swimmer. If somebody is behind you, try not to use breast stroke as you might kick the lights off the swimmer behind you. Hold on to the buoy in case you need a rest, but pretend to swim. Try not to stop because the organizers are very strict in the cut-off time. You can dog pedal, back float, or breast stroke your way to the T1. Most of all, relax and don't panic as 70 minutes is enough time to finish the 1.9km swim stage.

CHECK YOUR BIKE.  Have your bike equipment checked at least 2-3 weeks before the race. It gives you time to try and test your equipment and make some final adjustments a week before. Don't adjust, change or uninstall anything from your bike the night before the race. You might forget to install it back.

BRING EXTRAS. Bring extra tubes, tools, bike shorts, goggles, bike jersey, swimming gear during check-in. It is better to be safe than sorry. I have seen a lot of cyclists ask for tubes and air pump during the bike leg. Hate to say that it's very irresponsible for them not to bring one.

RUN AT YOUR OWN PACE. If you feel challenged as some women age-groupers are really strong, swallow your pride. Take in liquid and nutrition in every water station. Don't change your running shoes a week or days before the race.

CHOOSE WHAT YOU EAT. During carbo-loading nights, avoid eating something you are not accustomed with as you may end up running to the toilet on the morning of the race.

AVOID UNSOLICITED ADVICE. Avoid listening to unsolicited advice or worse, giving one unless you are asked for advice. Never give out advices during the race.

TAPER OFF WISELY. Taper in quantity but not in quality as some may prefer to totally take a day or two off before the race. But for me, it is better to have short and high intense workout even a day or two before the race. This is a good muscle memory your lungs, heart and body needs going into the race. My ritual is taking at least two days off  a week before the race. And after the two-day complete rest, I go for short but high intensity ride on a bike trainor, run in an oval and swim for 20-30 minutes. I avoid big group rides where accident usually happens.

BE GENEROUS. Be generous on using petroleum jelly for your sacred body parts. It's better than getting blisters along the route.

Don't try anything new and that you have not tested. From helmets, bike shoes, shorts, nutrition gel, and hydration etc.  You should need at least 2 to 3 weeks to break in.

DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA. Always bring your camera as you might spot celebrities, both foreign and local. But please don’t do it while they are still competing.

SIDELINE: I would like to thank Mr. Maui Recla for taking time on making our lovely METAFIT Tri-Team video. Thanks much also to Mr. Grand Benedicto of Be Resort for hosting our swim simulation.