Yes, you read it right — the Alaska IronKids are here! After having successfully mounted last year’s “1st Cobra Energy Drink 70.3 IronMan” in Camsur, Alaska Milk Corporation president and CEO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, himself a triathlete, has now brought IronKids to the Philippines.
Fred shares that when he watched a segment of The Biggest Loser, which featured children, he was intrigued and shocked. The show had kids, some as young as 16, who were talking about losing 40-50 pounds. He realized that today’s generation leads sedentary lives while glued to their television screens, computers, and portable electronic games unlike children in past generations who were active in outdoor sports.
According to Fred, “The IronKids’ mission is to inspire and motivate the youth through the sport to lead an active, positive, and healthy lifestyle.”
There will be a series of events, which starts with a running event on February 28 at the Manila Polo Club. Highlight is a children’s triathlon to be staged on the day before the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Camsur. Visit www.ironkidsphil.com for more information.
My children have already signed up for the race on the 28th of February. Because the series of IronKids events includes swimming, running, and biking, we have all decided for our kids to join renowned triathlete, coach Ani de Leon’s training program at the Manila Polo Club. She holds it every Wednesday (5 p.m.) and Sunday (4 p.m.). It was wonderful to see a bunch of 30 plus kids train and have fun all at the same time while getting fit for the coming events. Watching the parents get excited and nervous for their kids was another interesting sight. It’s one thing to enjoy triathlons as an adult, it’s another whole new dimension to discover if our children want to pursue our so-called obsession themselves.
If you are thinking of having your kids join IronKids, or any race, here are some guidelines that might be good for you and all of us parents to think about:
1. Ask and please don’t force your kids to get into sports. Adjust to the kind of personality they have. Dr. Mary Gavin of KidsHealth describes three different fitness types for kids as follows:
a. The nonathlete: This child may lack athletic ability, interest in physical activity, or both.
b. The casual athlete: This child is interested in being active but isn’t a star player and is at risk of getting discouraged in a competitive athletic environment.
c. The athlete: This child has athletic ability, is committed to a sport or activity, and likely to ramp up practice time and intensity of competition.
2. Get your doctor’s approval. Have your children go through a routine medical exam to make sure they are fit for any sporting activity or race to avoid injury or health complications.
3. Consider age-appropriate distances. Coach Ani recommends that parents let their kids try short distance races only. Because children’s bones are still developing, early exposure to extreme training or sport may cause burnout and dislike for sports later on.
4. Encourage proper nutrition. Keep your children’s diet generally healthy and make sure they avoid too much sugar. Make sure they stay hydrated and well-nourished while racing. No need for the little ones to consume gels and bars as their races’ distances are short.
5. Keep it fun. For very little children, coach Ani stresses the need to make your kids feel like playing while doing sports. Let them have fun as they get fit. Don’t push them too hard for a podium finish. Assure your children that winning is as great as losing. Both have rewards and lessons. Cheer them, don’t push! Pushy parents can cause stress and trauma to their children. Parents must recognize that their major role is to be unconditionally supportive by being their children’s number one fans. This sends a very powerful message that they are truly loved.
6. Make it a family affair to remember. Join as many races together as a family so you bond as you all get fit. While you’re at it, make sure you build positive memories for life.
All the best!
* * *
E-mail author at mommymaricel@gmail.com.