This is it Cebu!
Year 2012, I ended my journey at the 'Biggest Loser' camp but it only marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life. As the journey from 'fat' to 'fit' ended, I started a new journey from fat to Ironman. My advocacy was simple, finish the Ironman and show to the Filipinos that nothing is impossible. In our country, one of four Filipinos is either obese or overweight, but with lots of hardwork, sacrifice, determination and motivation, one can be a fitter, stronger and healthier individual. As I crossed the finish line on my first half-Ironman race, I proudly raised the awareness that obesity is something you can fight with sheer determination. And if you do something about it now, it can save your life in the future.
Now on my third year in the country's biggest and most prestigious triathlon event, I am bound to finish it with 12 of my core students from my Metafit Fitness Boot Camp. They have one common mission transform their once sedentary lifestyle into a healthy one. Our preparation was long and hard, starting way back in October 2013. Now I can say that they are ready to inspire more Filipinos that if they can do it, so you can.
Our preparations were not easy. We signed up in almost all triathlon events in Cebu that is on top of our training in fitness boot camp. We have bled, sweat, and shed tears in this journey but we had fun doing it together as we are fitness family.
At this point, I would like to wish the Metafit Tri Team the best of luck. The team is composed of Guian Capacite, Joy Ortaliz, Leslie Peson, Romulo Russel, Mae Cañedo, PJ Cañedo, Dona Tacandong, Fr. Joseph Anore, Jinggoy Bascug, Joy Bascug, Harvey Chi, Anton Golez, and Janet Remedio Solis. Remember when you cross the finish line, it is not the end but the beginning of your journey to inspire more and more Filipinos to be fit.
'Let’s get fit Philippines'
Tapering off for a big event like the 70.3 Cobra Ironman is as important as the preparation. Rest and recovery are crucial going to the last few days of the event. In my last article, I mentioned that to taper off, it does not mean you totally rest but to maintain the intensity of your workout. It is to lessen the quantity, but not the quality. I would like to present some tips regarding tapering as shared to me by some pro, elite and celebrity triathletes.
JANE-JANE ONG (The only Cebuana to finish the Ironman in Melbourne, Australia):
It's very important to get plenty of rest and sleep. If possible, sleep earlier at night or just lie down in bed if you can't sleep. Nutrition is important too. Watch what you eat especially since we already cut back on our workouts. I normally start carbo loading three days before race day. So if the race is on a Sunday, I'd start carbo loading by Thursday. By carbo loading I mean the proportion of carbohydrates to protein is more. Personally, I don't eat meat already by Friday. Having a massage on race week is good too but definitely no massage the day before the race. I would get one on a Friday for Sunday's race.
NOY JOPSON (First Cobra Ironman 70.3 Filipino Elite Champion in 2009): Stay off your feet as much as possible. Visually go through entire race and all possible scenarios and how you would react to still make your best race in the situation. Do carbo load two days before and just a light meal a night before the race.
JOSEPH LUMAGOD MILLER (Two-time Xterra Filipino Elite Champion and the only Filipino Pro Xterra triathlete):
Doing a half-iron race is fun if you train right and train smart. Keep this advice in mind for when the big week arrives. The key is to taper smart and remember that you’re not going to gain any fitness over the next week, so avoid “panic training” with workouts that will deplete your glycogen stores and leave you feeling flat on race day. Sit back, try to relax and start visualizing the race.Keep up with your normal but scaled-back workouts, dropping volume by about 50 percent compared to the previous week.
PIA CAYETANO (Senator, lawyer, and entrepreneur. She's a leading advocate of women's rights and empowerment, better public health services, senior citizens' welfare and a sustainable environment):
1. Don't try to cram extra training into your week. It's better to rest and save your energy.
2. If you are traveling to the race venue, start checking your gear and packing a few days ahead, so you have time to buy anything you need.
3.Since you are training less this week, watch your food intake.
4. Don't try anything new on race day. Use gear that you have trained with and are comfortable with
5. At this point rest is more important, get as much sleep as you can.
6. On race day, relax and enjoy the race!
BEN ALLEN (Xterra World Champion. Two-time Xterra Philippines Pro Champion.)
Taper is a time of rest and reduced workouts prior to a race. During this time, your body rebuilds, refuels and recovers from the weeks of hard training you have completed.Tips to help you have an awesome taper: Just because you are decreasing your mileage doesn't mean you have to give up all of the intensity in your training. Run a few miles at race pace each week to remind your body what it feels like. Catch up on tasks that you are behind on. Resist the urge to try something new during taper or a race. Prepare your race plan. Use this time to relax and visualize success on race day. Most of all, smile, have fun and enjoy the experience.
Good luck to everyone! Stay safe and do your best.
Good luck to all of us and have a safe race. And remember when you cross the finish line, “You are an Ironman!"
SIDELINE: Expect heavy traffic on Sunday especially near the race route. Please be patient and cheer the athletes. Special thanks to my family especially my wife Caroline and my kids Micho, Kyle and Alana. To the Metafit Support group Lead by Allyssa and Alex Sy, Dimple Noel, Yves Fernandez, Jefferson Cataag, Boom Ledesma, Phoebe and Chester, Belle and Andrew Tan.
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