6 tried and tested tips to become a great triathlete

MANILA, Philippines — A sound mind and body is something that you have to consistently work on if you are to seriously take part in the world of triathlon. Mental and physical endurance, after all, is of utmost importance in overcoming the challenges of the sport that involves swimming, cycling and running long and arduous distances.

Three of the country’s top triathletes shared their insights into the demanding sport: Frank Lacson, Lezette Albarote-Treseno and Brian Borling. All three members of Team Herbalife have been competing in the top triathlon events in the country- and have medals and honors to their name.

If you plan to get into this high-endurance sport, Lacson, Borling and Alborete-Treseno have these tips to becoming a strong contender in this sport:

Work to toward a fit mind and body.

“Have a strong and willing desire to be at your fittest and best shape ever,” Lacson said. He believes that preparing for the race is of vital importance in a triathlete event. “Focus not only on the race, but also on the journey leading to it,” Borling added.

Prepare for pre and post-race logistics.

Lacson advises would-be triathletes to immerse themselves in training days, weeks, or even months ahead of the competition. He points out that rigorous training and having the proper nutrition help a lot during one’s preparation for a race.

Feed your muscles.

“Endurance sports such as triathlons demand good nutrition to fuel training and a good recovery drink as well to help regain strength and ‘feed’ the muscles that have have been worn out. As much as I take the sports seriously, I equally give importance to my nutrition. It’s a big factor in thriving and eventually triumphing in this sport,” Albarote-Treseno said.

Have a good nutritional plan.

All three athletes could emphasize enough the importance of having a healthy diet in preparing for a competition.

Boost your nutrition.

“Plain table food is not enough to sustain long hours of training and then recover adequately to do more training,” Borling said. For their nutritional boost, Lacson takes the Formula 1 Nutritional Protein Shake, Formula 2 Vitamin and Mineral, Formula 3 Personalized Protein Powder, Herbalife24 Endurance and Herbalife24 Formula 1 Sport, among others. Albarote-Treseno prefers Herbalife’s Fiber and Herb, Vitamin and Mineral, Cell Complex, Omega 3, Calcium, Formula 1, Personalized Protein Powder, and Herbalife24 Prolong in her daily nutritional intake. Borling counts on the Personalized Protein Powder, Herbalifeline, Fiber and Herbs, Cell Complex, Vitamin and Mineral, XtraCal, and Nightworks to give him the nutritional boost that he needs.

Have a “recovery” plan.

It’s not enough that you have the strength to take on the challenge, but also have enough energy to take on another leg or course. They drink Formula 1 Shake, Vitamin and Mineral, Cell Complex, Omega 3, Calcium and NRG (Guarana tablets) to make sure their body replenishes what they’ve lost during the competition. — Alixandra Caole Vila