2GO Triathlon Team Dominates IRONMAN Philippines in Lapu-Lapu

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, Philippines, 13 August 2025 – 2GO, the country’s largest end-to-end multimodal transportation and logistics solutions provider, celebrated impressive podium finishes from its athletes at the IRONMAN Philippines Lapu-Lapu race, securing top spots in the relay categories.

 

The 2GO Triathlon Team delivered a strong performance in the challenging swim-bike-run course. The men’s relay team, composed of Albert Godinez, Chris Andreu Ferrer, and Jhonn Marc Dizon, claimed first place. The women’s relay team, composed of Cecille Mole, Carla Flotenia, and Lizane Juay Abella, also secured a first-place finish. The mixed relay team, made up of Bencynt Ghail Luague, Bert Anthony Minardo, and Jessie Abelgos, earned second place, further establishing the team’s presence in the competition.

 

With elite athletes from across the country vying for the top spots, the victories were hard-earned and a testament to the team’s determination, discipline, and teamwork, qualities that reflect 2GO’s service commitment.

 

“The team’s win is also a win for 2GO. They faced challenges head-on with determination, the same way we provide logistics solutions to our stakeholders and customers,” said Faye Alonzo, business unit head of 2GO Forwarding. “Their #go2GO mindset is how we at 2GO achieve our goals.”

 

As IRONMAN Philippines’ official logistics partner, 2GO plays a vital role in bringing this global event to Philippine shores, reinforcing its position as the country’s premier logistics provider and supporting the growth of sports tourism.

 

For more details on 2GO services, visit www.2GO.com.ph or follow Facebook.com/2GOTravel.

Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS Philippines holds its second leg this year in Cavite

Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS Philippines is a race for boys and girls who are 4 to 14 years old organized and staged by Sunrise Events presented by Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink. For this year, the first Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS Philippines was concluded last March 23 at the Azuela Cove in Davao City as Swim-Run race. Today, May 12, another Swim-Run race will be held in Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite City. 

It's the perfect sport for children to develop their endurance, strength, make friends and experience the fun of healthy competition.
The Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS Philippines calendar includes a Swim-Run in Azuela Cove in Davao on March 23; Swim-Run, Vermosa Sports Hub, Cavite, May 12; Swim-Run, Subic Bay, June 1; and Swim-Bike-Run, Cebu, August 10. In addition, the event will also hold its annual tradition Alaska Family Run on Friday March 22 at People’s Park, Davao.

The event is perfect time for families to bond. It gives parents the chance to show their children that being physically fit and healthy is more fun. In turn it fosters in children an awareness of the importance of exercise and proper nutrition.

Parents – watching and cheering from the sidelines, with some actual running along beside the young children in previous races – are just as excited if not more so than their children who participate.

Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS Philippines includes competition in the individual category with age groups: 6 to 8 years old (will race in 100-meter swim and 1-kilometer run); 9 to 10 years old (200 meters and 1.5 kilometers); 11 to 12 years old (300 meters and 2 kilometers); and 13 to 14 years old (400 meters and 3 kilometers).
Participants can go solo or partner up with a friend and join the relay category.

There is also the non-competition individual play for beginners which include children who are as young as 4 years old up to 10 years old.
Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS Philippines encourages children to exercise regularly and develop the habit of drinking milk daily. It encourages families to learn the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle together.

Alaska Milk wants children to drop their game consoles and gadgets and encourage them to swim, bike and run out in the sun instead.
Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS Philippines brings not just excitement and fun, it also promotes good values such as determination, discipline and hard work as children aspire to become better athletes.

For more information visit the website www.ironkidsphil.com, Facebook /­ironkidsphil, Instagram @ironkidsPhilippines or Twitter @ironkidsPhil. Learn more about Alaska Sports at www.alaskamilk.com/­alaska-sports/, www.facebook.com/­alaskamilkphilippines­/

Filipino Triathletes on Triathlon, Training, and Beyond

At first glance, triathlon looks intimidating but, who wouldn’t when you have to bike, swim, and run all in one event?  Some triathletes even consider the sport as an ultimate endurance challenge, requiring not only the gear but also strenuous training.

The multi-discipline sport, however, didn’t seem to faze Sheilla Gagui, Louie Sangalang, Philip Le Roux, and Mervin Santiago, members the Santé Barley Tri-Team, who are conquering the grueling world of it.

So how exactly did the four triathletes got into the sport? And what does a typical training look like for them?

Sheila Gagui, mom of 2

“It was my friend who invited me [to do triathlon.] I just gave birth to my second son when my friend told me she wanted to do triathlon, but she didn’t have someone to do it with. She knew that I was a swimmer before, so she told me that there was a swimming event that I can join. After that, I start doing short distance races like Super Sprint Triathlon. From there, I looked for a coach and started training.

Training is every day for me. I train twice a day, then I squeeze in some gym day. For the morning, it’s either swim and bike or swim and run. I finish it off by going to the gym.

For Olympic, three months is usually enough for me. But if you want to really excel in a particular race, it’s not just the length but also the quality of the training that you put in. You have to do a lot of sprints, you’ll time yourself all the time.”

Philip Le Roux, missionary

“I first got into running because I was overweight. I was really fat—I used to weigh 250kg—so I decided to lose some. After a month, I realized it’s actually nice. You start losing weight quickly and decide maybe I’ll continue running. I started joining races, increased my distances, and joined marathons.

I was studying in the UK when my family and I decided to go to the Philippines 10 years ago. I then started a blog called ‘Foreign Runner’ where I got to meet fellow bloggers. One blogger, in particular, asked me if I wanted to join a triathlon, and the rest is history.

Since I live in Agutaya in Palawan, training is difficult since we don’t have a road to run and bike on, so I’m doing everything indoors. I have my own gym. I’ve got a bike trainer. I do everything indoors.

When it’s offseason, I’ve got a maintenance program that my trainer [Don Velasco] gives me. Mondays are my off days. Tuesdays, I do short brick [training.] Wednesdays, I run. Thursdays and Fridays, I swim. Saturdays, I bike. Sundays, I brick. My shortest training is an hour and my longest is three hours a day.

During races, it changes. It obviously depends what you train for. For Iron Man, it gets hectic and long. In the beginning, it would be 10-12 hours a week. We end off with at least 20-25 hours a week.”

Louie Sangalang, multi-sport athlete

“I took a break from martial arts and decided to get myself into an activity that’s a bit intense. In my case, I get bored easily when I don’t feel tired. So, I told myself that since I was already mountain-biking and running, ‘swimming na lang, then triathlon na.’” I was very intrigued with this sport since I saw how people trained for it. I noticed that there were a lot of executives and entrepreneurs. I realized there must be something that attracts that kind of profile to the sports.

For training, it really depends on the race. For a half-Ironman or for an Olympic distance, training has to be every day and then you do different disciplines per day. I usually do two disciplines a day. It’s either I run and bike or run and swim.

I also do weights once a week since I eat lot when preparing for triathlons. So, there’s really a tendency to gain [weight] once you stop. I think with triathlon, at least from my experience, it’s easier to carry yourself if you’re lighter. Though, I’ve noticed that some people, even if they’re heavier, they can carry themselves well.”

Mervin Santiago, coach

“I had my start at triathlon when I was in college around 2009 or 2010. I bike, and I also love running, but I didn’t know how to swim so I took a swimming lesson for my PE subject.

My training is based on what race I am preparing for. I spend three hours a day training for short distance triathlons, and five to six hours a day for longer ones. For Olympic, I usually prepare for two months; three months for 70.3; and six months for a full Ironman.

I train twice a day during the morning and afternoon. Let’s say I swim in the morning, then I bike in the afternoon. I just interchange the three sports [swimming, biking, and running.]

Since I work as a coach, I try to follow my students’ program but mine is harder. I do this, so I can train even when I’m busy. During offseasons, I usually go to the gym for base training, and core exercise for building the muscles so when race season starts, I’m not prone to injury.”

The Santé Barley Tri-team is a triathlon team founded by Joey Marcelo, CEO of Santé. The team that has been competing individually and as a group in major triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and running events with podium finishes in local and international competitions.

The company believes that optimal health is not only achieved through proper nutrition but also by participating in various sports events.

SBR.ph opens This Season with a Bang

January 26 marks the opening of SWIMBIKERUN.ph (SBR.ph) 2018 activities.  Held at the activity center of the Century City Mall, the event was well attended by traditional and digital media practitioners and invited guests.

Gracing the event from the Department of Tourism is Mr. Frederick M. Alegre – Assistant Secretary for Office of Public Affairs, Communications and Special Projects, from Black Arrow Express – logistic partner, Century City Mall – venue host and The Big Difference communications (TBDC) – PR & Marketing partner.  This year, SBR.ph   finds its new home in one of Century Properties venue, the Century City Mall – located along Kalayaan Avenue corner Salamanca St, Poblacion, Makati City. Black Arrow Express (BAE) is the e-commerce arm of AAI Worldwide Logistics (formerly known as Airlift Asia Inc.).  Their leadership is also into the triathlon scene which explains why they support this kind and similar athletic event and activities. Century City Mall believes in the concept of fun sports which the TRI-series projects and carries which explain as to why they decided to become the venue host for some of the events   of SBR.ph.

 The recognition given to SBR.ph by the Department of Tourism is no small matter for both parties.  For the DOT, they are recognized as a local group responsible in making the sports scene of the country more dynamic and noteworthy for the sports-tourism actions of the department.  For SBR.ph, the recognition is equivalent to all the efforts that they have placed in making things happen for the sport and the formed community.

Welcome talk was given by Carlos De Guzman himself and was followed by a warm message coming from the Department of Tourism.  From there the whole calendar activities of SBR.ph for 2018 was presented to the media giving highlight to the results of the online nominations and the ongoing online voting which shall end on February 3,2018;  to the SBR Award’s Night on February 10 and the Expo on February 10 and 11 respectively.

  Awards to be given in February are the following:

-              Elite Tri-Athlete of the Year (Men and Women Division)

-              Duathlete of the Year (Men and Women Division)

-              Age Group Tri-athlete of the Year (Men and Women Division)

-              Youth Tri-athlete of the Year (Men and Women Division)

-              Race of the Year (Below 800)

-              Race of the Year (Above 800)

-              Team of the Year

-              Shoe of the Year

-              Shop of  the Year

-              Tri-Gear of the Year

-              Bike of the Year

-              Coach of the Year

-              SBR.ph Hall of Fame Class of 2017

Happening to a near side-by-side with the Award’s Night is the SBR EXPO, a retailers event showcasing items all geared to the needs of a tri-athlete.  New retailers will join in the event showing their wares that are health related in nature that both athletes and non-sport minded individuals may be interested in. This is an open to all event, regulars of the mall can also enjoy the items offered on those days.

  

The first of all the races will take place in April which is the AQUAMAN (Aquathlon), followed by the DUAMAN (Duathlon) in May and capping it all off with the TRIMAN (Triathlon) in June; registration for all SBR events is now open to all interested individual and enjoy an early bird discount. 

  

Part of SBR’s plan for this year is to launch a race event for kids and PWD’s – a group that shows promise in terms of growth, recognition and possible fair market locally and abroad.  Mr. De Guzman believes that the sport should be made open to all ages, sex and physical condition and still maintains the element of simple enjoyment without the normal pressure of a very dynamic and demanding sport.  He aims to bring the sport nationwide and have it set on the natural terrain of the province that he goes to.

             

WHO IS SBR.PH?

What started as a simply desire by a tri-athlete is now a growing e-commerce and triathlon event group serving the growing local fans and enthusiasts of the sports, thus SWIMBIKERUN.ph is born in 2011.

SWIMBIKERUN.ph (SBR.ph) is the brainchild of a Carlos de Guzman, a tri-athlete with a passion for the sports.  With the fire burning strong, a community is now formed that is continuously growing and inspiring lives.  SBR.ph is an online store that caters to the gear needs of tri-athletes and/or those that are simply into running, swimming and cycling.  He has shirts, socks, caps, drinking bottles, monitor watches, goggles, support straps and such made available on his site.  He can also give support to some cyclist needs such as wheels. 

Carlos de Guzman  conceptualized a whole tri-series event designed for beginners and come-backers.  This locally produced event is set to have the participants beat their own time in their own pace, letting them enjoy the whole experience of being part of this sport.  The logic behind this is to help the participant develop their own confidence and needed strength without the pressure of an outside time meter.  They build their strength and stamina and when they are ready, then they can fully try-out the other triathlon events in the country.  That is why he developed the whole sports event in a segmented pattern – the Aquaman (Aquathlon), the Duaman (Duathlon) and the Triman (Triathlon).  These allowed interested individuals to try out a segment first, build his confidence and strength, move to the next, and rebuild his strength again, till he is ready for the whole thing.  It also became a retraining ground for those who were out of the circuit for a time, making it a place for beginners and elites to meet and know one another and have their stories shared – flowing freely within the growing community.

  

After cultivating the soil for interaction, what better way to make it prosper by having a recognition activity and an expo thus the Award’s Night and SBR Expo was born.  This became a much attended event by the growing community of SBR.ph.  Enthusiast of the sports gets to be truly interactive by nominating their favorites and voting for those who qualified the nomination stage.  Winner gets to get the accolade that they deserve from the community that they are part of.  With the expo, runners, cyclist and swimmers get to see, choose and purchase sport’s items in one location.  It also became a meet and greeting ground for tri-athletes, community member or enthusiast they may be.  Expo retailers get to show their latest ware and enjoy a day or two of greeting, friendly haggling and seeing familiar and new faces in the sports.

  

From e-commerce to events maker to recognition and a growing home grown community, SBR.ph is truly making it strong and will push the envelope, opening new venues this 2018.

*This is Press Release

SBR.ph Opens Voting Period With Nominees Post

SBR.ph Opens Voting Period With Nominees Post

Nomination is done and the voting has started this January 17, 2018 for the deserving local tri-athlete for 2017’s season run. With names that made a mark in the circuit, community members and sports enthusiast came to front to cast their votes – showing support.

Here are the nominees:

  

With the nominations done, SBR.ph has opened its site for the voting to take place and know the voice of the local triathlon community. To vote, click on the link below or go to the provided site; http://www.swimbikerun.ph/5thSBRphAwards .

SBR.ph Pre-Awarding Activities: Where and How to Make Your Vote Counts

Catch the latest in the SBR.ph Awards happening in February at the Century City Mall!  With Black Arrow Express as official logictics partner, Philippine Airlines as official carrier, The Big Difference Communications -partner PR and Marketing, Tourism Promotional Board and the Department of Tourism, SBR.ph is all set for its annual award's night.

The whole awarding started with the nomination stage. Now on its voting phase, community members and friends are placing in their voice by choosing who they think should be the one by going to http://www.swimbikerun.ph/5thSBRphAwards.

How not to get your vote(s) counted at the 5th Annual SBR.ph Award?

Please double check your email as the voting is automated. You won't be able to confirm your vote if you entered the wrong email.

Voting Procedures :

1. YOU MAY ONLY VOTE ONCE.

2. Make sure to enter your CORRECT email as you will be sent a CONFIRMATION EMAIL.

3. You will need to reply with the keyword to validate your vote.

4. As an extra measure to prevent double votes and fake accounts, everyone is required to answer the simple question in the confirmation email.

5. Double check your email address as the confirmation email will only be sent once.

6. If we see you voted more than once, your vote will automatically be deleted along with your original vote. Your invalidated votes will then be deducted to the current count of the nominee(s) who you voted for.

Cast now your votes and be counted in the winning moment of your nominee!

It's More Fun in the Philippines with SBR.ph

2018 is truly opening doors of opportunities as SWIMBIKERUN.ph (SBR.ph) is recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a prime local group responsible for the tri-series events in the country.

Setting the tri-series event this March, May and June, the triathlon community is sure to expect a more energized set of events that will definitely rock this year.  This year, the featured events of SBR.ph will start with a press conference that is set at the activity area of the Century City Mall.  With Century City Mall as event location host for this year, SBR.ph will not only have its press con at the said area but also the Tripalooza and the SBR.ph Awards Night giving glamour and recognition that the growing community deserves.  Gracing the said recognition night event is from the DOT to give talk and support for the said community.

SBR.ph is a hobby based on passion that grew from an online shop of triathletes needs into an event group set for beginners and elite athletes alike.  Carlos De Guzman, owner and the driving force of the said event and ecommerce group, started everything with simply passion in his heart for this sport.  Now on its 8th year, he gets to team up with The Big Difference Communications – a PR-Marketing-Events Management group, making the usual simply more than the usual in its appeal.

The whole tri-series event shall take place at the following locations:  Philippine Sports Plaza, Nuvali and Fontana.  Each location shall set the place and pace for the Aquathlon-Aquaman, Duathlon-Duoman and Triathlon-Triman events.  For registration and more information on the above mentioned events, log-in at www.swimbikerun.ph.  Two events worth looking at is the triathlon feat for people with disability (PWD) and the kids category, which shall be made into reality in the succeeding months as stated by SBR.ph.
Expect a more energized tri-series and more in 2018, showing why it is more fun in the Philippines with SBR.ph.

What You Need to Know About Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses among many Filipinos. However, did you know that you can have diabetes and be unaware of it? To prevent diabetes from becoming more serious, you should be aware of important medical facts so you’ll be able to treat it properly.

“Many people are being affected by diabetes, and some aren’t even aware that they have it. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to severe health complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and a blood vessel disease that may require amputation. That is why it’s vital to learn more about diabetes and if needed, seek proper treatment immediately,” says MediCard president and CEO Dr. Nicky Montoya.

Here’s what you need to know about diabetes:

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a health complication wherein the body either can’t produce insulin or does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that enables the body to use glucose that is found in food for energy. There are several types of diabetes but the most common ones are Type 1, where the pancreas does not produce insulin; and Type 2, where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not use insulin properly.

What are its symptoms? People with diabetes experience frequent urination, excessive thirst, constant hunger,  irritability, blurry vision, extreme and unexplained fatigue, wounds or cuts that are slow to heal, weight loss even if you are eating more, and tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet. In some cases, individuals with diabetes don’t show any symptoms. That is why it is very important to visit your doctor regularly for check-ups.

What are its complications? People with diabetes are more at risk of having other serious health problems. They are more prone to infections. High glucose levels and high blood pressure can also lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve disease and eye diseases, among others. To avoid complications, it’s important to regularly monitor and maintain your blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol.

How is it treated? To prevent complications of diabetes, Dr. Montoya recommends that diabetics should have a meal plan prescribed by a dietitian. Eating healthy and engaging in physical activities will help the body break down insulin better and convert glucose into energy. Some need to take insulin injections and oral agents, pills which help diabetics produce more insulin or utilize insulin better. Always remember to visit a diabetes specialist regularly to monitor your glucose level.

What should I do to prevent diabetes? To reduce your risk of diabetes, get moving and have a regular exercise routine like 30 minutes of walking a day. Dr. Montoya also recommends reducing your consumption of alcohol and processed sugars such as candies and sodas while adding more food rich in monounsaturated fats in your diet like avocados, nuts and olive oil.  

Learn how to combat diabetes. MediCard has numerous free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer endocrinology consultations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.

Get unlimited check-ups with My MediCard health card

It is always advisable to consult a health professional rather than research or self-medicate whenever you feel sick. However, sometimes we have no choice but to self-medicate because check-ups with specialists can be costly. Worry no more because you can now have unlimited consultations with a medical expert with MediCard’s newest health card, My MediCard.

“Many people value the advice of a professional health expert but it can be expensive. Nonetheless, self-medication can come with its own set of dangers to your health. Thus, a consultation with a medical professional is invaluable. This is the reason we introduced a new product called My MediCard which allows members to have unlimited consultations with select MediCard accredited doctors nationwide and experience excellent medical services,” explains Dr. Nicky Montoya, MediCard president and CEO.

My MediCard is the ultimate health card for unlimited outpatient check-ups. My MediCard holders can avail of unlimited consultations with the following MediCard-accredited doctors in MediCard-accredited clinics and hospitals nationwide: family medicine, internal medicine, cardiologist, endocrinologist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist and dentists. The new card also includes an annual oral prophylaxis (mild cases only).

MediCard also offers services such as preventive health care, hospital confinement, out-patient care, emergency care, and members’ financial assistance and dental care. With numerous free-standing clinics and satellite clinics nationwide, MediCard is committed to bringing the best and accessible medical service to its members.

Other clinic locations include MediCard Lifestyle Center, MediCard McKinley, MediCard Makati, MediCard Sta.Rosa, MediCard Alabang, MediCard Cavite, MediCard Calamba, MediCard Fairview, MediCard Ortigas, MediCard Clark, MediCard Sta. Lucia, and MediCard Cebu City.

You can avail of unlimited check-ups with My MediCard for only P3,600 and membership is good for one year. Membership eligibility includes individuals from 18 to 65 years old.

You can also check:

www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/.

Fast online approval for laboratory requests from MediCard

For some, part of having an HMO is securing a letter of approval
(LOA) for laboratory tests requested by doctors to help them
diagnose health problems accurately. These tests include blood
tests, urinalysis, chest x-ray, among others.

A letter of approval basically confirms that such tests are indeed
part of a member’s HMO coverage and authorizes the diagnostic
clinic to proceed with the requested tests. However, securing an
LOA may mean going through a process that can be slow and
inconvenient sometimes: A medical attendant gets your card,
then calls the HMO provider to advise them of the laboratory test
that needs to be done. Afterwhich, the patient waits for the
approval.

Now, Medicard, a leading health maintenance organization in the
Philippines, takes the hassle out of getting LOA as it introduces
Medicard Online LOA -- an online application that allows you to
easily request for a letter of approval for your laboratory and
diagnostic tests in the comfort of your own home or straight from
your mobile phone on the go.

“MediCard constantly aspires to make quality healthcare
accessible and more convenient for our members because we
value their time. With innovations such as the Medicard Online
LOA, we are able to eliminate a lengthy and time-consuming
wait period to get your LOA since online application allows quick
user convenience,” said Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Getting an LOA for laboratory and diagnostic tests can be done

MediCard teams up with Hanjin Subic Shipyard

MediCard teams up with Hanjin Subic Shipyard. MediCard, a leading health
maintenance organization (HMO) provider, has partnered with Hanjin Subic Shipyard to
provide innovative, advanced and efficient quality health service to its employees.
Hanjin Subic Shipyard is the 4th largest shipyard in the world and the sole contractor of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil). With this partnership,

Hanjin Subic Shipyard employees now have access to MediCard’s wide network of
more than 1,000 accredited hospitals and clinics and over 40,000 accredited doctors
nationwide. In photo are HHIC-Tech President Mr. Park No Joon, HHIC-Phil Managing Director Mr. Jun Woo Yoon, Subic Shipbuilder Corporation President Mr. Kim Tae Jeon, MediCard President and CEO Dr. Nicky S. Montoya, MediCard COO Atty. Juan Andres S. Montoya and MediCard AVP for Sales and Business Development Maricel L. Torres.

Medicard - Triathlon for Beginners

Triathlon is an adrenaline-pumping activity that combines swimming, cycling and running in one event. It’s a popular sport in the Philippines, thanks in large part to celebrity triathletes who not only promote the sport to the general public but also make it look easy and fun to do. In reality, however, first-time triathletes need 3 to 6 months of preparation to finish the race without injury or burnout.

“It takes time to improve your endurance and stamina for a triathlon event. Aside from multisport training, you need to make healthy lifestyle choices—good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, and having a positive attitude,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.

The MediCard 24.7 triathlon team shares the following advice for those who are planning to join a triathlon event:

1. Training is serious business. Be physically and mentally prepared. The way to becoming a triathlete is to live an active and healthy lifestyle all the time and to train harder when the triathlon event approaches. Do not join when you’re not physically and mentally ready to avoid hurting or exhausting yourself.

“Eating right has always been a conscious effort for me even before I became a triathlete,” says Vanessa Aguirre-Estrada. “When I prepare for a race, training and recovery dictates my nutrition. I don’t have a strict diet but when training season is at its peak, I store more protein in my meals. I reload carbs and hydrate for the whole day.”

2. Train early. On weekdays, assign a sport to do before and after work hours. Timmy Dadia shares, “During weekdays, I train for 1-2 hours of swimming, biking, running, or cross-training depending on the assigned sport of the day, in the morning or afternoon depending on my work schedule. On weekends, I wake up at 4:30AM so I can start biking at 6:00AM and end around lunchtime.”

3. Train with a buddy for encouragement and support. Working out and doing multisport activities alone can get boring and lonely. It’s the reason why triathletes typically train with their team or with a loved one who’s also into the sport. “During the weekdays, [my wife] Lyka trains in the gym and me on my own. We train together on weekends,” says Jamie Leather.

4. Find inspiration to motivate yourself when the training gets difficult. Lyka Leather advises, “Think about the upcoming race and look forward to enjoy the experience as opposed to the suffering. Picture yourself crossing the line happy, smiling and with no injuries.” Timmy Dadia shares, “I draw my inspiration from other athletes who are doing this sport. When the going gets tough, you get added inspiration when there’s a little competition between fellow triathletes.”

5. Never stop improving. The great thing about triathlons is that there’s always room for improvement with its three disciplines to “master.” It’s about one’s personal journey to fitness and sporting excellence. So if the first triathlon event intimidates you, strive to be better next time. “Try it!” encourages Vanessa Aguirre-Estrada. “The community is growing and you can have new friends to ride, run and swim with. Conquer the sport you least like and this can be your biggest challenge and your greatest achievement. Make it your bucket list to finish one race. It only takes one race for you to believe in the triathlon bug.” Before a triathlon training, consult your doctor first to check your health and fitness level through stress testing and annual examination to design a safe and effective training program. MediCard has 12 free-standing clinics located in key cities. For more information, visit www.medicardphils.com.