Heads up for 2015

CEBU, Philippines - As we welcome 2015, let us try to achieve our New Year's resolution. In my previous article I have given more than a dozen of advices on how to get through this and in order to give you a silent motivation, one has set goal to achieve this 2015.

When you set a goal and sign up for a big race, you will be unconsciously preparing for it and that will be the extra motivation you need.

Here are some events that I personally recommend and will give you some interest. Most of them I will be joining and running.

Cebu City Marathon: January 11, 2015

CCM started in 2006 and has become one of the biggest international running events in the country. This is a must join for all Cebuanos as this is the only foot race that will pass through the SRP tunnel.  This year's action will feature a 10-km run aside from the 42-km full marathon and 21km half marathon. A finisher's medal, finisher's shirt also awaits in the finish line. The participants in the full marathon may use their time to qualify for the Boston Marathon as the race is registered under the International Association of Athletic Federations and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. 

Metafit Cebu Fitness Camp:

January 12 to March 14, 2015

Join the Biggest fitness boot camp. It's the only camp outside of Metro Manila that is designed by Coach Jim Saret. Getting fit is easier if you have a support group. This is open for all from sedentary, weekend warrior and elite athletes who want to get fitter, stronger and healthier. The boot camp will start on January 12 in Persimmon and January 13 in Parkmall. Registration is still ongoing at the Sands Boutique in Parkmall. Entry fee pegged at P3,000 for 8 weeks. For more details one may call 4069267.

Cebu City Triathlon: January 25, 2015

This year, Sinulog foundation has included triathlon as part of the festival celebration. Cornerstone Group has been tasked to organize the race and has come up with the most unique race Cebu will ever experience. The race features a fast and heart pounding sprint distance with a 750-m swim, 20 km bike and 5km run.  Aside from the P25,000 at stake for elite category special prizes will be given to the winners of age groupers. Swim leg will be held inside Cebu City Sports Center pool, roads will be close for the bike leg that will transverse from Osmeña Boulevard to SRP and back. The Run leg will also be from Osmeña Boulevard to Capitol and back. It will be a spectator friendly race as the finish line will be inside the oval.

You can still register at www.cornerstone 8080events.com or at 30 Kitchen+bar at the Gallery in Mabolo.

METAFIT triathlon camp: Coming this summer of 2015, this is a two-day triathlon camp that aims to help triathlete in getting stronger and faster without actually swimming, biking and running. Coach Jim Saret and yours truly will be unlocking the secrets that will make you stronger.

Xterra Albay: February 8, 2015

For the first time Xterra will be held outside Cebu in their fifth year. The Xterra franchise has experienced increasing number of participants since it came to the Philippines.  This triathlon event is considered to be one of the toughest as it separate men from the boys. Registration is still open. As of this writing there are only 131 registered in the full distance, only five pro athlete lead by two-time Xterra Philippine Champion Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack.  Only four participants in the Filipino Elite and 24 for the elite distance have already registered. They are giving away a limited edition bike jersey for the first 400 participants. Yours truly will not be joining this year.

SM to SM Run 5: February 22, 2015

On its fifth year, SM to SM Run has been one of the most anticipated run in Cebu. The race features 3km, 6km, 12km and 21km distance. The run will cover from SM City Cebu to the new SM Seaside in South Road Properties.

8080 Triathlon Series: Cornerstone has lined up some great triathlon events for 2015 starting in Daanbantayan on March 28, Moalboal on May 2 and the final leg in San Remigio on November 14. They race feature a unique distance 1.8 km swim, 65 km bike and 14 km run.

Tabuelan 111: June 14, 2015

On its fourth year, this is also one of the most anticipated triathlon races in Cebu as local triathlete's are joining in preparation for the 70.3 Ironman on August. Mayor Rex Gerona,the man behind this event, is an Ironman and Ultra marathon finisher himself.

Hunat Sugbu Run (Dagan para ni Manning):

June 21, 2015

Also on its 5th year the Hunat Sugbu run offers 5k, 10k and 21km distance. The event is backed by Cebu Parklane International Hotel.

Hunat Sugbu Triathlon: September or October 2015

This year will be Hunat Sugbu's third edition. Hunat Sugbu is the only triathlon race that helps the tourism of each municipality as it started last 2013 in Oslob, and then Argao in 2014 and this year will be in Badian.  The race features an Olympic distance and Sprint distance. Aside from competition, the race will help tourism as the host municipalities will have chance to feature their local delicacies and tourist spots.

70.3 Cobra Ironman: August 2, 2015

Organized by Sunrise Events 70.3 Cobra Ironman is the biggest triathlon race in the Philippines. The registration closed four hours after its opening as thousands of participants immediately signed up for the events.

This shows us that Cebu is the Center for Sports tourism especially triathlon. During every Ironman race, participants will be greeted and cheered by local folks from start to finish.

Milo Marathon Cebu Leg: October 2015

Thirty-eight years and counting, the Milo Marathon is the one of the longest-running and most attended marathon in the Philippines. Since its inception in 1974 more and more people have joined the race making it the biggest and grandest sporting event. Every year more and more participants run different distances supporting Milo's mission to build a nation of Champions.

Let us make it a fruitful 2015. Times really flies fast and let's make it a fitter and healthier year.

Sideline:

Dates of each events are subject to change please verify on each of the event website.

***

Happy Birthday to my ever beautiful wife Caroline from yours truly and kids Micho, Kyle and Alana.