Triathlon coach Ani de Leon-Brown says #neverstop
MANILA, Philippines -Long before triathlon became the boom sport that it is now, Ani de Leon-Brown was already swimming, biking, and running day in and day out. Her first race was an Olympic-distance triathlon in 1994. Since then, “Coach Ani†has finished multiple races from Sprint to full Ironman-distance, including the prestigious Ironman World Championships in 2008. A prodigious athlete, she has also raced the SEA Games for the Individual Time Trial and Road Race (cycling) in 2003, and for triathlon in 2005. Her most recent accomplishments include winning the overall female category at the 2012 Timex 226 and first overall female Age Grouper at the 2013 Challenge Taiwan (an Ironman-distance race), among others.
For raising the image of Filipino women worldwide, her contribution to Philippine sports in general, and the development and popularization of triathlon in particular, coach Ani has also been recognized this year as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS). Aside from racing, Coach Ani promotes sports among women and children via programs like Pinay In Action Women Empowerment through Fitness Program, and IronKids Philippines.
One could be forgiven for thinking that she is a full-time, professional triathlete. In fact, her schedule is probably more hectic than the average, working, age-group athlete. Juggling work, training, and being a wife and mom, it’s no wonder she is one of the most admired personalities of multisport. coach Ani was only too happy to become a Yurbuds ambassador when she learned of the brand’s “never fall off†earbud design and its durability made with athletes in mind. Here, she shares with us the challenges of her chosen career and lifestyle, and what it means to #neverstop.
Why did you choose to race with Yurbuds?
To begin with, I love racing Ironman-distance triathlons, and I am always happy to support brands that are aligned with my passion. Yurbuds are exactly that. They are designed with endurance athletes in mind. I also do not mind that they come in really cute girly colors!
What’s your favorite workout?
I like short and speedy workouts, but I also like the feeling of being smashed after a really long training ride. You feel like you’ve accomplished a lot in terms of your fitness.
How big a factor does proper equipment play in triathlon success?
A motivated athlete does not need much in terms of actually executing a workout. Having said that, I don’t feel obliged to prove that by training very Spartan-like. It makes the training and racing that much nicer and more fun to do with gadgets. If this is my job then I don’t see why I shouldn’t invest heavily in quality sports equipment.
What do you love about triathlon?
The people who do it. I have such a diverse group of friends as a result of doing triathlons.
How do you find the time to train given your schedule?
I always tell people, even if it’s 20 minutes or 30 minutes, I’ll take it. Consistency is everything, even if you can’t always get the volume.
What model Yurbuds do you use, and what song pumps you up before a big race?
I use the Inspire for Women in light blue! Titanium by David Guetta is my race song lately.
What are you gearing up for now?
My goal is to race 10 triathlons this year, three of which are Ironman-distance.
What’s the best piece of advice you can think of for aspiring athletes?
Love what you do, but don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s okay to have fun. A lot of triathletes get so distraught killing themselves over one failed race or even a missed training session. You will burn out easily this way. Remember, it’s one long endurance event. Anything can happen!
