I was on special assignment over the weekend: to cover one of the ironman triathlons in the beautiful province of Bohol. But the route is shorter. Well, compared to the 70.3 route that's being annually done in Cebu, this one is relatively shorter say 5,150 meters in all. It was my first time to witness a triathlon and everybody was fast.
As they rushed to swim the clear waters of Panglao Island, I couldn't help but be in awe of how they kicked and moved in water. Those who had the advantage were ahead of everyone else making the race more exciting and grueling. The last few kicks to the shoreline consisted of splashes directed at the spectators who cheered on to the athletes. They ran and ran until they mounted on their bikes. They pedaled hard and we tried to keep up but they were just too fast! We waited until they were already in their running course. At this moment, everybody was already steady at their own pace with the aim in mind that they were going to be at the finish line true enough. A British won the race, beating the 700 others behind him. He emerged triumphant and victorious with a trophy on his hand. All the others were winners too, because they were able to finish the triathlon. That is a difficult feat to conquer. I couldn't even run more than a kilometer; that is if on a fast pace.
Filipinos and the world alike are already acknowledging the fact that it pays to become healthy. We live in a world where everything is instant, even food. Produce are genetically modified and we enter in chemicals into our bodies that are altered by experts in their field. Given the modesty, we still know that these are not good for our body.
The body is one of God's gifts given to us that we are to take care of. Primary school has taught us the basics - to have proper hygiene, a proper diet and an active lifestyle. Matching type questions in the health subject was a breeze because it required commonsense. Yet, we don't actually apply it in real life. How hard could it be?
Everyone seems to be in a busy lifestyle, not stopping to appreciate life. I, for instance, kept on being in a hurry and got myself a black eye as I bumped my head into a glass door. Hilarious as it was, it taught me to slow down, relax, reflect and reevaluate life in a whole. Of course, I do not have the face to go back to the place where I severely hit my head. Kidding aside, the thud was a life lesson.
As well as watching the triathletes race themselves to victory, it sends a message that being a healthy isn't so bad and uncool. We only live once, so YOLO, but YOLO in the right way - that is having a lifestyle that preserves your being, in and out.
So I'm on my way home now and just like my all other journeys, I keep a head and heart full of lessons that I share to all of you. While seated in the passenger terminal, I saw a couple of guys bringing their bikes. I recognized them from the race yesterday, so I smiled under a breath of thanks. Thanks for opening minds to a world beyond that we are used to. Now we all know, it pays to be fit. Not only does it guarantee your health but keeps you fabulous all throughout.