City Sports Club-Cebu lays down comprehensive triathlon program

CEBU, Philippines – Some people embrace triathlon to test their limits in this very demanding sport that entails both physical and mental strength. Others get into this three-event discipline because of the competitive side of it. The rest are into it simply to nurture an active and healthy lifestyle.

The City Sports Club-Cebu endeavors to roll these three components into one for its members.

In a breakthrough undertaking in Cebu sporting scene, the City Sports Club-Cebu has crafted a wide-ranging triathlon team program, a one of a kind training sequence that aims to provide its members the most comprehensive support in triathlon.

"I've been thinking about a program that I can leave before my term ends [as CSCC board director]. We have a lot of members and I thought that maybe we can formulate something that can bring us together, something that all the members can fully utilize their facility. I want to bring the club's name to a higher level, increase the value of the club, and also give value to its members," said Peter Militante, the club's sports and games chairman, during the formal launching of their event yesterday.

Militante was joined by Bernard Vonn Sia, a CSCC member who is also a devout triathlete, fitness coach Pio Gerardo Solon of Epic Performance Fitness, and Rey Fuentes of City Sports.

"Instead of forming just a team, we are able to expand it to a comprehensive program. That's the good thing about this," said Fuentes, who is also the man behind the highly-successful CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament that has just concluded its 11th season.

In laying out such program that covers a holistic approach on this popular three-in-one sport, Sia said their goal is not to win nor aspire a podium finish in every race they will be taking part in the future.

"We are here not to win nor aspire for a podium finish," said Sia. "We are having this kind of program because we want to have a healthy and active lifestyle for us to endure many, many years. We want to emphasize to our members that triathlon is a conduit to improve our quality of life. I believe that by engaging in sport, it will teach us discipline, focus and perseverance, which we can apply in every facet of our life."

CSCC's extensive training module that is free of charge for its members includes specialized seminars and lectures starting off with the Triathlon 101 on February 20 next year. It involves endurance program design, performance tracking and recovery using technology, triathlon economics, choosing the right equipment and strength training application.

It will be followed by a 'Sports Nutrition' seminar on February 27. The other topics to be tackled in their series of seminars/lectures from May to July 2016 include mental strategies for performance, triathlon swimming, cycling and running, injury prevention, transition/race etiquette, and optimizing recovery.

Under its detailed scheme, City Sports has training program formulation, special training schedules, group training, race simulations, and fitness tests. Epic Fitness through Pio Solon is tasked to conduct fitness exams for the team members to measure their fitness levels such as V02 Max and Lactate Thresholds.

City Sports will also tie in its program at least two races to provide its members registration discounts and support. Their races will serve as a qualifying event of some sort for added member benefits.

"We want to impart to our members methodology to prepare and how to avoid burning out or over stressing during a race. We have a classroom-type discussion and hands-on physical training," said Sia. "The end result is to come up with a triathlon team who can best represent City Sports Club in the Asia-Pacific Ironman event next year."

Sia made it clear that the program is open to all members of City Sports, especially those who are eager to learn the rudiments of the sport. "This privilege is open to all members, even those who are not into triathlon. Even if they are just joining our sessions, it will improve their life significantly. I guarantee them that," he said.

With such solid bedrock, City Sports is truly a team to watch out for in Cebu triathlon circuit come 2016. (FREEMAN)