MAY-JUNE 2014

FR

EE

!

TAKE

TO THE PODIUMSTYLE

VANJENDAYA,

JAYMIEPIZARRO,

REESETIRONA,

CHARMAGNEUNTALAN,

NIñOBRETANA,

RAOULFLORESCA

AUGUSTBENEDICTO

THE FICTION-LIKETRUE STORY OFTHE FICTION-LIKETRUE STORY OFTHE FICTION-LIKETRUE STORY OF

COACH MOIYAMOYAMGOES AGAINSTTHE FLOwGOES AGAINSTTHE FLOwGOES AGAINSTTHE FLOw

LESSONSFROMMELBOURNEA PEEK INSIDEIRONMEN’S BRAINA PEEK INSIDEIRONMEN’S BRAINS

ON THE COVERPhoto: Edsel OchoaMakeup: Arlene Basa, Arriane Basa and Jerry Sebastian on Jaymie and VanjTerence Buenaventura on Charmagne and ReeseStyling: KC Leyco-Mempin | Miss Kayce

On Charmagne: New Balance Tonic Top,2XU Women’s Compression Shorts, New Balance Training Entrainement, Timex Ironman 30-Lap Memory Chrono watch

On Reese: 2XU Medium Impact Support Bra, New Balance 3 Inch Woven Shorts, Compressport R2 (Race & Recovery), Zoot Ultra Race 4.0, Timex Ironman 30-Lap Memory Chrono watch

On Jaymie: Specialized SL Expert Jersey, Specialized RBX short, Specialized S Works Trivent bike shoes

On Vanj: Arena 1 PC Training Swimwear, Arena Training Breeze goggles

CREDITS

Form and Functionam not a particularly driven person. So, one positive thing that I get from putting this magazine together is inspiration from the personalities we feature. This is especially true for this issue. Listening to the stories of August Benedicto

and Moi Yamoyam was one big yes-you-can-do-it-too! moment. These two athletes ceaselessly decide to just do what needs to be done, no matter what life throws their way. They make coming up with excuses very hard.

Moi and August trod different paths. Moi tells us on page 06 how he took risks and made a comeback; and how time away from the sport helped him find clarity. August (page 04), on the other hand, just barreled through one obstacle after another ’til he got where he wanted to be.

I have to thank Coaches Ige Lopez and Omar Paredes for my column in this issue.They were very open and candid about a topic that is sensitive yet common to us triathletes. I’m sure it’ll be helpful for both students and coaches.

This issue is also special as it’s our first attempt at a style feature (page 08). Admittedly, we’re not the most fashionable people around. So we asked help from the

experts—the brands that give us the clothing and gear that make us look good and perform better. Then we tapped six triathletes—Vanj, Jaymie, Reese, Charmagne, Niño and Raoul—to bring the apparel to life.

Hope you enjoy this one.

Monching RomanoEditor-in-Chief

I

EDITOR’S GUNSTART

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : Monching Romano

MANAGING EDITOR : Christian Obmerga

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR : Adrienne Dy

ART DIRECTORS : Johnmer Bautista

Emmeline Sia

CONTRIBUTORS : Rodolfo Azanza, Jr.

OneSport Media Specialists, Inc.Unit 217 La Fuerza II Building, Pasong Tamo, Makati City

Publishers/Joint CEOsEdsel Ochoa and Monching RomanoCreativesEmmeline Sia and Johnmer Bautista MarketingZ VillarinEditorial AssistantBabylou Dalida

For inquiries and feedback: Email us at racedaymagazine@gmail.comRaceDay Magazine is published bi-monthly. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the publisher. All information, content and services are provided “as is” without any kind of warranty. In no way shall RaceDay Magazine be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential damages that may arise from any of the products, advice, reviews or information obtained from this magazine.

Copyright © 2014All rights reserved

Vol. 2 No. 2

CONTENTS

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6

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14

TRI MO KAYA:There’s No Easy way to BreakYour Coach’s Heart by Monching Romano

The IndefatigableAUGUST BENEDICTOby Rodolfo Azanza, Jr.

MOI YAMOYAMAgainst the Flowby Monching Romano

COVER STORY:TAKE STYLE TO THE PODIUM

LESSONS FROM MELBOURNE

racedaymagazine

2XUGlorietta 3, Makati

BALESIN ISLAND RESORT

BIKE KINGBonifacio High Street, Taguig

BIKE TOwNPasong Tamo, Makati

GRAN TRAILPasay Road, Makati

HEALTH FOODGlorietta 1, Makati

PRIMO CYCLESBurgos Circle, BGC, Taguig

R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig

RUNNRBonifacio High Street, TaguigTrinoma, Quezon CityAlabang Town Center, Muntinlupa

RUDY PROJECTAlabang Town Center, MuntinlupaGlorietta 3, MakatiThe Podium, MandaluyongTrinoma, Quezon CityBonifacio High Street, TaguigSM Mall of Asia, PasayLucky Chinatown Mall, ManilaPaseo de Sta. Rosa, Laguna

SECONDwINDHome Depot, PasigGreenhills Shopping Center, San JuanTeacher’s Village, Quezon City

SPECIALIZEDPasong Tamo, Makati

STARBUCKSAll branches nationwide

THE CITY CLUB AT ALPHALAND MAKATIAyala Avenue Extension, Makati

THE VILLAGE SPORTS CLUBBF Homes, Parañaque

wHERE TO FIND US:

02

TRI MOKAYA

riathlon is a high involvement activity. Once you get into it, it will take over your life. Suddenly, your triathlon buddies will outnumber your non-triathlon

friends. Your Facebook wall will be filled with training and racing posts. So imagine what kind of relationship you’ll develop with the one person you’ll trust most in this sport, the one person that you will be with almost every day of your triathlon life: Your coach.

If you’re starting out and preparing for a serious race, you will have to train six days a week, maybe two to three hours every training day. And in our local setup, you will probably be with your coach on all of those six days. Add to that the extended periods during weekend training camps and out-of-town races. Inevitably, your coach becomes your friend, mentor and confidante. You talk to him about training, nutrition, work as it relates to your training, your family, and your wife or any significant other.

But things happen. A situation may arise necessitating that you leave your coach—or worse, switch coaches. Sounds easy enough. But not unlike a romantic relationship, breaking up with your coach is not that easy.

So, how do you break it to him gently? Should you do the “It’s not you, it’s me” routine? I wouldn’t know. So what I did was talk to two veteran coaches, Ige Lopez and Omar Paredes, to find out how it really feels when a student leaves, and how they would want a student to say his goodbye.

I have bad news for you: Yes, coaches are affected when you leave. Omar was direct and honest, “Syempre affected, lalo na kung maraming maganda kayong pinagsamahan, and it’s not just coaching pero yung friendship na develop.” Ige feels the same way but puts it into perspective, “Maraming pumapasok sa utak ko pag may lumipat … good and bad syempre. Of course I feel sad. However, iisipin mo na lang na iba-iba rin

ang tao. Hindi mo naman mako-coach lahat ng tao sa mundo. Iba-iba rin ang takbo ng utak ng tao na gustong magpa-coach. Some people don’t like [the] other coach’s style of handling them. Yung iba, gusto one-on-one; yung iba, gusto team dynamics; yung iba, online lang, masaya na.”

Given that they are affected, should we tell them the real reason or should we just cook up a real nice story that makes everybody happy? Both coaches subscribe to the adage “The truth may hurt for a while, but a lie hurts forever.” Omar’s take: “Well, preferably, it’s better to tell me the real reason para I will understand—kung okay yung pinagsamahan namin ha. Pero kasi I’ve been a coach for 11 years, nung umpisa talaga sumasama loob ko. Pero in time, napaintindi ko rin sa sarili ko na as a coach, professional service ko yung hiningi nila kaya as much as possible, maluwag dapat yung pagtanggap. Yun lang, minsan talaga hindi mawawala na sumama loob ko lalo na pag sa akin talaga nagsimula, like sa swim coaching ko. Halimbawa, ako nagturo mag-bubbles, flutterkick, etc. from 6 years old hanggang lumakas na teenager na, tapos bigla na lang mawawalan ng gana mag-train at aalis, ayun mga ganun talagang nakakasama ng loob.”

Ige can accept it both ways though. “Depende na talaga yan sa student or client. Some students stick naman after they vent to you, while others will just find some other coach, which is really fine. Ganun din naman with high performance athletes. Okay din na magsabi sila, pero kung nahihiya sila okay din with me. With my students naman, after ng isang season, I usually ask them kung tuloy pa kami or happy na sya sa self-coaching or lilipat sya … para klaro.”

I guess in most instances, telling the truth is the best option. But should you include all the details? What if you’re transferring to another coach? Does telling the truth entail the “and nothing but the truth” portion? Ige cuts us some slack. “No need for me to know kung saan siya lilipat. Eventually din naman

malalaman ko yan. It’s a free country so he or she can choose whoever para mag-improve sya. Ayoko naman pigilin ang growth niya as an athlete and person.” Omar feels the same way. The info is optional.

I wanted to put the burden on them this time with the question: “If your student is transferring to a coach that you know is incompetent, would you let the student know? Stop him? Advise him otherwise?”

Omar is torn between his concern for the student and appearing bitter over the separation. “Normally, hahayaan ko na lang siya lumipat at ayaw ko rin as much as possible na mag-comment nang di maganda sa lilipatan niya, unless controversial personality, halimbawa may reputation na pervert (laughs). Kung alam ko na incompetent talaga yung lilipatan niya, siguro a little warning lang kasi baka magmukha naman akong bitter. Sa huli naman, yung student pa rin magde-decide eh, so sa huli, konting advice lang galing sakin tapos bahala na siya.” Ige treads more carefully, “Ayoko naman manira ng ibang tao. Mas maigi na sila na maka-experience ng iba.”

Breaking up with your coach is much harder than with a girlfriend or a boyfriend. With the latter, it’s very possible that you’ll never see them again, or at least try not to be in the same place at the same time. That’s not possible in the triathlon world; for sure you’ll see each other at training venues and during races. As one of my friends put it, it’s like changing hairstylists in the same parlor.

But one nice take home message from my talks with coaches Ige and Omar is that our coaches don’t see and treat us like clients or commodities. The fact that they get affected when we leave shows we share more than a coach-student/service provider–customer relationship. Which means, yes, there will be no easy way to break your coach’s heart.

There’s No Easy way to Break Your Coach’s Heart

By Monching Romano

T

AUGUST BENEDICTOWords: Rodolfo Azanza, Jr.

Photo: Anthony Yu Photography

efore you even finish saying his name, you’d already be choking on his dust.

His goes by the name of August Benedicto, and he is fast—and not short-burst fast. He is long-haul fast; built to keep going. Not quite the hypothetical perpetual motion machine, but pretty darn close.

In the triathlon community in this corner of the world, some consider him the Manny Pacquiao of the sport, because his humble beginnings and passion for athletics parallel those of the Pambansang Kamao.

As a boy born in the flatlands of Paniqui, Tarlac, he dreamt a dream. He saw himself traveling around the Philippines. But for the second eldest in a sizable low-income family of eight brothers and sisters, it was quite an awesome—and seemingly unreachable—dream. For those made of less-stern stuff, it

B would be perfectly understandable for such a dream to never see light of day. But this boy was made of a different substance. And judging by how far he has propelled himself today, he might as well be made of adamantium.

He surmounted his humble background and skyrocketed to athletic stardom—and is now regarded as one of the best triathletes this country has ever produced. His life story is best encapsulated by St. Catherine of Siena, who said, eons ago: “Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the worldon fire.”

The Iceman RunnethAs a lad, he did not shy away from responsibility. He helped his father, an ice dealer, make ends meet. He assembled his first bike from parts bought from junk shops, and had a sidecar attached to it so he could deliver ice blocks to his father’s clients. Throughout elementary and high school, he ferried

hundreds of kilos on his bike every day. He only wanted to contribute to the family coffers to help his parents, but The Boss upstairs had other plans. August’s leg muscles were fast becoming the mean machines that would one day deliver his dream to his doorstep. Ice delivery was his secret training.

A teacher in school soon noticed his athletic physique and asked August to join the track-and-field events. Wearing a pair of borrowed shoes one size too big, he won his first medal—a bronze, the first one to ever grace the Benedicto house. In the succeeding year, he joined races in multiple distances and raked in the medals. Looking at his stats, he realized that he was built for long distance competition. He finished silver in the 800 and 3,000 meter categories, but brought home the gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 meter races—winning the latter by a whopping 2 laps ahead of the closest contender.

THEINDEFATIGABLE

04

With such a sterling performance, it was only a matter of time before a larger playground beckoned: the “Palarong Pambansa”. But disappointment came when the school told him that he would not be sent to compete due to lack of funds. August shrugged it off and ploughed ahead with his training. He knew it was a temporary setback.

Relentless on the SaddleHe joined his first duathlon in Subic in 2003 where he finished 10th to the last. He did well in running but his bike skills were found wanting. So when he chanced upon a friend selling an old, heavy bike, he knew that fortune was half-smiling at him. He bought it on installment and painstakingly paid for it by taking odd jobs.

He trained with his new (old) heavy bike and joined a few local bike races. But it wasn’t long until a vehicle sideswiped him. His back got acquainted with the pavement and his bike rims were twisted irreparably into indescribable shapes. Fortunately, August only sustained some bruises—most of them on his ego. Still, fortune favors the brave: The guilty and concerned vehicle owner bought him new rims. It was his first bike upgrade.

He joined a cycling event in North Luzon and finished 46th in the 2nd elimination, well enough to qualify as one of the 84 cyclists to compete in the final round. His name was mentioned in the local papers and it was portent of greater things to come. He was becoming durable and relentless on the saddle. A friend also ministered to him and his faith in the Great Architect of the Universe began to take hold.

The Tipping PointThe tipping point in his sports career came when he found his self-confidence. He started to believe in his athletic prowess, and was so confident that his team would win in the next

cycling tour that he took a loan against his future prize money and bought a new bike. Determined to pay the loan, he sat on his alloy horse on race day and pedalled like a maniac. His team finished 3rd, and the next day he was debt-free.

In 2005, with support from his friend, he resurrected his interest in the duathlon. He competed and outpaced members of the Junior Duathlon National Team. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) decided it was only logical to take him in as part of the team. He was sent to Thailand to compete in an Asia-wide duathlon race and he didn’t disappoint. August brought home the gold in the Age 20-23 category, defeating the star athletes in Asia.

The year after, PSC sent him back on one of only two slots for the duathlon event in the SEA Games. He did the country proud, taking home a bronze medal.

Try TriAugust crossed paths with Chrissie Wellington, the British Triathlete and four-time World Ironman Champion, when she came to train in the Philippines in 2007. It was Wellington who first broached the idea to try triathlon, seeing that not many Filipinos were into it yet. With Wellington as his inspiration, August plunged right into it despite a childhood fear of drowning due to a near-death incident. Through the support of the Manlicmot couple of the Philippine Maritime Institute (PMI), he received proper coaching in swimming.

To polish his skills, he joined some races in 2008; the first one was in Camiguin. “It was more of a try-try triathlon,” August quips, describing his zeal to put in the hours needed to become great in the sport. Triathlon, it turned out, is not just about

being god-like in the three endurance disciplines of swimming, cycling and running. Given the continuous and sequential nature of the sport, the transitions are just as important.

August entered the First Ironman 70.3 Philippines in 2009, where he finished 4th overall. He was just 30 seconds shy of the 3rd finisher, besting a lot of big names in the sport. His swimming skills still had a lot of rough edges but he excelled on the run and the bike. In 2010, he joined anew and finished

first in his age category. The year after, he finished 2nd overall.

Down But Not OutAnd then the unthinkable happened. After joining the Timex 226 Bohol Iron Distance Triathlon towards the end of 2011, August developed a major lumbar injury, and was side-lined. “Pero hindi ako pinabayaan ni God (God did not abandon me),” Benedicto exclaims. Good people came to help. PMI continued to provide support, and local pharmaceutical Unilab provided Active Health Sports Nutrition Products: EnervonActiv for increased stamina and immunity, Active Health Sports Gel for Maximum Performance, and Enervon HP as a post workout recovery drink, and other additional assistance essential to continuously

exceed his performance. Unilab also helped him with his physical therapy and supported his international training. At present, Unilab still continues to support him in getting better at the sport.

Fully healed, he came back strong in August 2012 and emerged Filipino Elite Champion of the Ironman 70.3 Philippines held in Cebu, the Filipino Elite Champion of the 2014 Challenge Philippines in Subic, and 1st place finisher in the recently held Duathlon in Thailand. The boy wonder of the sport sowed fear in the hearts of other triathletes, including foreign competitors.

The Road AheadHis goal now is to win anew in the 2014 Ironman 70.3 Philippines; after that, he plans to go pro and do the full-distance triathlon in Kona, Hawaii in 2016 (referring to the Ironman World Championship), the Holy Grail of the sport, which entails a grueling 2.4-mile (3.9-km) swim, a 112-mile (180-km) bike ride, and a 26.219-mile (42.195-km) marathon run. Coaching him now is Jurgen Zack, the legendary German pro and head coach for the triathlon academy in Thanyapura (located in Phuket, Thailand).

Part of his grand plan is the noble intention of opening the international door for other up-and-coming Filipino triathletes—“the same way Manny Pacquiao opened a lot of opportunities to aspiring Filipino boxers by showing the world how competitive the Filipinos are,” he explains. And with overwhelming support from sponsors, no bar will be too high for August to hurdle.

Some quarters may see August Benedicto’s story as an accidental confluence of disjointed events. But to him, it was all divine providence; God moving His invisible hand. He is thankful that his road to success is riddled with people and institutions with good hearts.

“The genuine care and the shared philosophy of developing healthy lifestyles through sports are things that strongly influenced me,” August exclaims. The Unilab Active Health (ULAH) “Exceed Yourself” mantra became a major influence on how he mentally prepares before a race.

“For all their support, I never really felt any pressure from my sponsors,” August notes. In return, he respects his sponsors and refuses the services of an agent or talent manager. He loves to talk directly to the people who want to be involved with him. His fast feet remain on terra firma.

August’s humble beginnings continue to fuel his indefatigable spirit. And the triathlon world spontaneously combusts with awe at the mention of his name.

“Una kong laro, sa Moncada, Tarlac nabangga yung bisikleta, nayupi.

Napalitan yung rim, gumaan ng konti kasi binayaran nila eh. Na-upgrade! Natuwa ako pero bukol-bukol ako. Di pa rin ako

tumigil [kahit] pinagalitan na ako ng tatay ko. … Talagang yan na ang gusto ko eh, pagsa-cycling na. Mamatay na kung

mamatay dito … yan na talaga angkapalaran ko.”

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05

Rodolfo Azanza Jr. is an economist-urban planner sitting as top dog for a Norwegian consulting company in Manila. His favorite hobby is biking with the Vikings, and he likes his coffee decaffeinated. He believes in the constant magnanimity of the Great Architect of the Universe.

06

MOI YAMOYAMAGAINST THE FLOw

Words: Monching Romano | Photos: Christian Obmerga

oach Moi Yamoyam first caught my attention while having lunch with Philippine Iron-distance record holder Arland Macasieb. “At one time I thought Moi was going to be my heir apparent,” Arland said. Big

words coming from the Champ. From then on I paid special attention to what Moi was up to—followed his Facebook posts, tracked his triathlon coaching.

Last January, I read his post on a new Swim Academy concept. It was interesting as it seemed he was giving up the bike and run portion of triathlon coaching and concentrating solely on swim training. I am a marketer by profession and a disciple of the Focus concept of marketing guru Al Ries, who said that “it is the companies that resist diversification, and focus instead on owning a category in consumers’ minds, that dominate their markets.” So it seemed Moi’s move was strategic, albeit a bold and risky one, in the very niche and competitive market of triathlon coaching. I immediately called him up for a meeting. Yes, it was a deliberate move by Moi to concentrate his coaching on his strength, the swim. I told him I wanted to write about the Swim Academy, but not about what he tells me about it, but from personal experience. So I asked him, “What’s your shortest training course?” “Three months,” he said. So for the next three months, I spent all my Monday and Friday mornings with Moi’s Swim Academy.

Some years back, Moi was contemplating on becoming an engineer. The second among four siblings, he wanted to somehow take the load off his parents in supporting their children’s education. It was in high school when he saw the

C potential of getting in the varsity team. “When I was in high school kasi, I started swimming already. Aim ko nun was to get a scholarship sa college,” Moi narrates. “I really wanted to help my parents, kasi I think … medyo nahirapan sila kasi apat kami eh.”

With the go signal from his parents, Moi trained religiously. “Nag si-swim ako parati, I leave the house in the morningat 5:00 a.m. I go back at 10:00 in the evening,” he recounts,a habit that still persists to this day, and trickles into hiscoaching methods.

Moi’s Swim Academy program is religion. You’ll have to have faith that he will bring you swim salvation. You begin to have doubts after the second session as he makes you do nothing else but drills—2.5k to 3k of drills; two hours of endless, tiring, boring drills. And this goes on for eight sessions. I’ve been in triathlon for two years and have decent swim times. I was expecting Moi to correct my form, pull and recovery then continue on to do mileage. But no, just like the beginners, it’s drills, drills, drills for me as well. Anyone would quit, if not for how he explains his concept during the orientation. Moi breaks down the freestyle swim stroke into drills and makes students repeat them until muscle memory allows them to swim on autopilot. And it works.

Moi’s coaching method is a perfect concoction of solid experience and meticulous research. An invitation from a friend to join a triathlon opened up a new world for him. He started to build his name in the sport during a race in Dumaguete in 2000

where he finished first in the under 23 category. Since then, Moi can’t recall a race he participated in without ending up on the podium. Eventually, he got a spot in the national team. He accomplished all this following a training program that he and his then teammates devised from scratch.

At the peak of his triathlon career, Moi found himself at a crossroad—one path led to triathlon glory, the other to fulfilling his responsibilities as a son and brother. At that time, his two sisters needed help with college tuition. He ultimately gave up racing—including a chance to go to the SEA games—and entered the corporate world instead. He took up various jobs, from being a call center agent to a banker. But triathlon seemed to follow him wherever he went. While working at HSBC, Moi had the chance to race again when the company introduced a fund raising project in a form of a triathlon. Sure enough, he qualified along with Joey Torres to represent the Philippines in the event in London.

With the call of the sport growing ever stronger, Moi decided to get accredited by the International Triathlon Certification Association and start coaching again, to relieve the itch. He had been a swimming coach back his varsity days, and remembered it as a worthwhile endeavor with valuable lessons.

Being closer to the sport that he loved made him miss it more instead. Fueled by burning passion, he took the big leap. “Hinahanap ko na yung passion ko. Sabi ko, ‘Kailangan ko nang bumalik.’ … I started to teach already again. [And] yun nga, na-discover ko yung Total Immersion (TI) technique, so I researched it,” Moi shares.

Moi got in touch with Terry Laughlin, founder and head coach of TI. The next thing he knew, he was flying to Singapore to learn about TI from the man himself. He says, “If babalik ako, I [need to have] a certain technique na susundin para madali kong i-teach at madali ko siyang i-train also.” Moi eventually made another trip to Singapore to learn the TI coaching method more extensively, and to get his coaching certification.

“When I got the TI, sabi ko, okay ’to ah. So I tried it on my own, kasi ayaw kong i-teach na di ko nata-try eh. Experience is one thing that I can give directly. … Mas madali ko syang i-teach rather than theory lang. Tinry ko and I did 10k sa army pool. I clocked 3 hours 16. Sabi ko, ‘Pwede’,” he narrates.

Moi’s coaching program is race-distance-time based. He asks you what race you’re preparing for, its swim distance and your target time. He breaks it down to how many seconds per stroke, time per 50m—then that’s your workout for the rest of the program. You start your mileage swim with a target rest interval per 50m. That rest interval gets shorter every week until it reaches zero. This gradual reduction of rest intervals builds up your endurance over time. If Moi sees that your desired target time is easily achievable, he’ll revise your program and push you to a better finishing time.

07

Moi is a strict coach. It’s probably because he has been under a number of coaches as a high school and college varsity swimmer and a member of the triathlon national team. Yes, he will trade stories and joke with you before the session. But when that clock strikes 6:00 a.m., it’s game on. He takes no excuses. Once, last January when mornings were still uncomfortably cold, a student asked, “Coach, can I wear my wetsuit?” The student was already getting the wetsuit, when Moi gave a firm yet gentle “No”. Rest intervals to Moi are sacred, and I got my share of reprimands. “Monch, the rest interval is 20 seconds, not 25, not 30!” I had suspicions that Moi had eyes at the back and sides of his head. When I see that he’s not looking at me, I’d take an extra 5 or 10 seconds rest. You can bet that every time I did that, I would hear the “Monch, GO!” reminder.

Once, I forgot my front snorkel, without which it would be impossible to do the drills. But not for Moi. He showed me how to do it without a snorkel. In all honesty, I tried doing it but I would have drunk half of the pool’s water if I continued. So I stopped and just swam freestyle. Moi pointed out to me, not once, nor twice, but three times how I wasted the session. There’s something about the way he said it—the same way my Dad told me to file my LOA from college and work for a while after he found out that I failed four of my five subjects. (In fairness to me, I was doing something more important—

fighting the dictator.) It wasn’t anger; it was frustration, knowing I could do better.

Moi sets up his sessions for maximum efficiency. It’s a big help that he has exclusive use of the College of San Agustin pool for his classes. Each student is assigned a lane; no sharing.

Once session starts, you can see him checking each student, giving out instructions and corrections. If a particular student is struggling, he strips into his trisuit and jumps in the pool to guide the student. If the student continues to struggle, Moi lets him don two-way radio waterproof earphones so

he can give instructions to the student while he’s swimming—immediate and real time feedback.

Talk to Moi about his Swim Academy and you’ll feel how passionate he is with his coaching. Asked why, he says he finds great satisfaction in seeing his students achieve their goals. “Sobrang enjoy; … parang dito ako tinawag. Sometimes I don’t see it as work, I see it as something that I share. This is how I give back [my blessings],” he says.

I have a problem with following rules and authority. Maybe it’s my years with Diliman’s “question everything” mode. But it was different with Moi. His passion for the sport and sincere concern for his students made me surrender my pride and just follow what he tells me. Just like religion.

“Ito yung gusto kong gawin. Ito yung gusto kong i-achieve. Ayoko kong umupo ng eight hours sa office at

magsulat at mag-type ng something. Parang mamamatay ako [’pag ganun].

Hindi ko passion [yun].”

“I study and study and I won’t stop until I die. [I want to really learn] and to give back to other

people what I learned.”

RAOUL FLORESCA spends a typical day with creative pursuits. A veteran triathlete active in the sport for five years and a member of The Starting Line team, Raoul lists XTerra Philippines and Ironman 70.3 Philippines as his favored events.

RAOUL FLORESCA spends a typical day with creative pursuits. A veteran triathlete active in the sport for five years and a member of The Starting Line team, Raoul lists XTerra Philippines and Ironman 70.3 Philippines as his favored events.

On Raoul: Specialized SL Expert Jersey, Specialized SL Expert Bib Short,Vamos socks, Brooks Red Pure Grit shoes,Yurbuds stereo-Bluetooth Sport earphonesOn Reese: Zoot Ultra Tri 6” shorts,Zoot Ultra Tri Racerback, New Balance Running Course, Salice 011 Radium (White-Red), Timex Ironman 30-Lap Memory Chrono watch On Jaymie:2XU Ice X singlet, Moving Comfort Indigo Exotic sports bra, New Balance Go 2 capri, Skora Fit shoes On Vanj: 2XU Tri Bra, New Balance Sequence Hood Jacket, 2XU running short, Newton Motion III shoes On Charmagne: Arena Comp X-Python, Arena Q-Chaku Competition Goggles On Niño: New Balance Go 2 singlet, New Balance Impact Split short, Timex Ironman 30-Lap Memory Chrono watch, Ironman FuelBelt R2O Bottle Belt, Compressport R2 (Race & Recovery), Brooks Glycerin 12 shoes.

On Raoul: Specialized SL Expert Jersey, Specialized SL Expert Bib Short,Vamos socks, Brooks Red Pure Grit shoes,Yurbuds stereo-Bluetooth Sport earphonesOn Reese: Zoot Ultra Tri 6” shorts,Zoot Ultra Tri Racerback, New Balance Running Course, Salice 011 Radium (White-Red), Timex Ironman 30-Lap Memory Chrono watch On Jaymie:2XU Ice X singlet, Moving Comfort Indigo Exotic sports bra, New Balance Go 2 capri, Skora Fit shoes On Vanj: 2XU Tri Bra, New Balance Sequence Hood Jacket, 2XU running short, Newton Motion III shoes On Charmagne: Arena Comp X-Python, Arena Q-Chaku Competition Goggles On Niño: New Balance Go 2 singlet, New Balance Impact Split short, Timex Ironman 30-Lap Memory Chrono watch, Ironman FuelBelt R2O Bottle Belt, Compressport R2 (Race & Recovery), Brooks Glycerin 12 shoes.

REESE TIRONA is an entrepreneur and eMarketing professional who loves to travel and engage in extreme and outdoor activities. Reese is fairly new to the sport—with Tri-United 1 as her first race—yet she’s showing an inherent skill in the water.

REESE TIRONA is an entrepreneur and eMarketing professional who loves to travel and engage in extreme and outdoor activities. Reese is fairly new to the sport—with Tri-United 1 as her first race—yet she’s showing an inherent skill in the water.

TAKE

STYLEPHOTOS: EDSEL OCHOAMAKEUP: ARLENE BASA, ARRIANE BASA AND JERRY SEBASTIAN ON JAYMIE, RAOUL AND VANJ TERENCE BUENAVENTURA ON CHARMAGNE, NIÑO AND REESE STYLING: KC LEYCO-MEMPIN | MISS KAYCESHOT ON LOCATION: THE CITY CLUBAT ALPHALAND MAKATI PLACEThe City Club, 7232 Alphaland Makati PlaceAyala Ave. Ext., cor. Malugay St., Makati Citywww.thecityclub.com.phT: (+632) 846.6205E: sales@alphaland.com.ph

RACEDAY ASKEDSIX AVID TRIATHLETESTO SHOwCASE THE LATEST LOOK FROM THE SPORT’S TOP BRANDS.

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TO THE PODIUM

CHARMAGNE UNTALAN is a Systems Manager who’s also a diver, food lover and an avid traveller. She took on triathlon barely two years ago and never looked back. Slick on the bike, Charmagne shone her brightest in this year’s TriUnited 1.

CHARMAGNE UNTALAN is a Systems Manager who’s also a diver, food lover and an avid traveller. She took on triathlon barely two years ago and never looked back. Slick on the bike, Charmagne shone her brightest in this year’s TriUnited 1.

NIñO STEVENS BRETANA got his hands in various sports before finally getting hooked with triathlon. An IT professional and a member of Puro Tri Team, he’s been into multisport for three years now. Fast on the saddle, Niño favors standard and half-Ironman distances, and performs his best on the Ironman 70.3.

NIñO STEVENS BRETANA got his hands in various sports before finally getting hooked with triathlon. An IT professional and a member of Puro Tri Team, he’s been into multisport for three years now. Fast on the saddle, Niño favors standard and half-Ironman distances, and performs his best on the Ironman 70.3.

JAYMIE PIZARRO a.k.a. The BullRunner is among the most recognizable figures in the running and triathlon community. A member of the Unilab Active Health Tri Team, Jaymie got into triathlon three years ago. When not busy with organizing the TBR Dream Marathon and other multisport commitments, she spends her time doing yoga, drawing and graphic designing.

JAYMIE PIZARRO a.k.a. The BullRunner is among the most recognizable figures in the running and triathlon community. A member of the Unilab Active Health Tri Team, Jaymie got into triathlon three years ago. When not busy with organizing the TBR Dream Marathon and other multisport commitments, she spends her time doing yoga, drawing and graphic designing.

VANJ ENDAYA has managed to accumulate a couple of podium finishes under her belt despite juggling huge responsibilities as an AVP controller of a property group and a mom to a teenage daughter. Within just two years doing triathlon, Vanj has excelled in the sport and proven she’s a force to reckon with on the bike. With her dedication, expect her to outdo her impressive performance in last year’s 5i50 Century Tuna and TriUnited 3.

VANJ ENDAYA has managed to accumulate a couple of podium finishes under her belt despite juggling huge responsibilities as an AVP controller of a property group and a mom to a teenage daughter. Within just two years doing triathlon, Vanj has excelled in the sport and proven she’s a force to reckon with on the bike. With her dedication, expect her to outdo her impressive performance in last year’s 5i50 Century Tuna and TriUnited 3.

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On Vanj: 2XU Tri Bra, New Balance Heidi Klum Essential Tank, New Balance Heidi Klum Perfect Pants.Opposite Page:On Niño: 2XU Gym Singlet, 2XU Men’s Compression shorts,Timex Ironman 30-Lap Memory Chrono watch, 2XU Unisex Compression, New Balance Running Course. On Raoul: 2XU Techspeed X Run Singlet, New Balance Go 2 Capri, Newton Gravity III

On Vanj: 2XU Tri Bra, CWX Endurance Generator Tights, Zoot Ultra Race 4.0. On Charmagne: New Balance Graphic Racerback, New Balance Momentum shorts, New Balance Training Entrainement, Specialized Purist White Water Bottle, Yurbuds Inspire Pro for Women sport earphones

On Reese: New Balance Tonic Top, New Balance Impact 4 Print shorts, Zoot Ultra Kane 3.0

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On Niño: 2XU Compression Trisuit, Specialized S Works Trivent bike shoes, Red CRX Salice cycling sunglasses,Felt bike. On Raoul: Specialized SL Pro Jersey, Specialized RBX Comp bib shorts, Vamos socks, Specialized S-Works Trivent bike shoes, Specialized Evade helmet, Specialized S-Works bike.

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On Jaymie: New Balance Tonic Top, CWX Endurance Generator Tights

ON RAOUL: New Balance Go 2 shorts, Yurbuds Inspire Signature

earphones, Specialized Puristwater bottle, New Balance

Running Course

ON RAOUL: New Balance Go 2 shorts, Yurbuds Inspire Signature

earphones, Specialized Puristwater bottle, New Balance

Running Course

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On Jaymie: Arena Aqua Pro 1 PC Training Swimwear,Arena competition goggles

On Jaymie: Arena Aqua Pro 1 PC Training Swimwear,Arena competition goggles

THE cHOIcE OFDIScErNINGTrIATHLETESthe choice ofdiscerningtriathletes

yurbuds:yurbuds:

A serious triathlete and a prolific TV personality renowned for sensibly infusing his show segments with educational trivias, Kim Atienza has a penchant for collecting curious and sometimes prodigious stuff. These include Vespas and Lambrettas, Land Rovers, paintings, arts, mid-century modern chairs, a lot of cycads or prehistoric plants, animals—45 dogs—and a vast collection of music from different genre. Asked How did he get into collecting things? Kim says, “It’s a personality trait. I’m very OC (obsessive compulsive). I guess a lot of the triathletes are like me, [with] addictive OC personality. It’s the same energy in collection. Now I’ve been collecting less since I started doing triathlon. My energy is now in just being consistent with my training.” But even in training, Kim manages to enjoy his music collection. He claims music helps him recover after a long workout and keeps him company during long boring runs.

A serious triathlete and a prolific TV personality renowned for sensibly infusing his show segments with educational trivias, Kim Atienza has a penchant for collecting curious and sometimes prodigious stuff. These include Vespas and Lambrettas, Land Rovers, paintings, arts, mid-century modern chairs, a lot of cycads or prehistoric plants, animals—45 dogs—and a vast collection of music from different genre. Asked How did he get into collecting things? Kim says, “It’s a personality trait. I’m very OC (obsessive compulsive). I guess a lot of the triathletes are like me, [with] addictive OC personality. It’s the same energy in collection. Now I’ve been collecting less since I started doing triathlon. My energy is now in just being consistent with my training.” But even in training, Kim manages to enjoy his music collection. He claims music helps him recover after a long workout and keeps him company during long boring runs.

Kim’s discerning taste reflects on his choice of equipment. He enjoys his vast collection of music with yurbuds earphones. yurbuds recently released the Inspire Limited Edition Wireless sport earphones that eliminate the hassle of cords when you workout. Inspire Limited Edition Wireless are the first stereo Bluetooth® earphones that allow you to workout snag- and pain-free every time. It features: 15mm drivers that double the driver size of earphones of its kind, providing bigger and better sound, while also allowing ambient sound to keep you aware of your surroundings on your walk or run TwistLock™ Technology and FlexSoft™ Comfort Fit that guarantee the earphones will never hurt and never fall out Sweat and water resistant Durable Kevlar cord Seamlessly integrated volume, full track and call control Wind-blocking, noise-canceling dual-microphone system that lets you easily answer phone calls while you’re on the go Long-lasting battery, rechargeable via a micro USB charging port, that powers an impressive week’s worth of workouts

The yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition Wireless come with alifetime warranty and retails for P7500. Available inPower Mac Center, Runnr, Planet Sports, and R.O.X.

The yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition Wireless come with alifetime warranty and retails for P7500. Available inPower Mac Center, Runnr, Planet Sports, and R.O.X.

Kim’s discerning taste reflects on his choice of equipment. He enjoys his vast collection of music with yurbuds earphones. yurbuds recently released the Inspire Limited Edition Wireless sport earphones that eliminate the hassle of cords when you workout. Inspire Limited Edition Wireless are the first stereo Bluetooth® earphones that allow you to workout snag- and pain-free every time. It features: 15mm drivers that double the driver size of earphones of its kind, providing bigger and better sound, while also allowing ambient sound to keep you aware of your surroundings on your walk or run TwistLock™ Technology and FlexSoft™ Comfort Fit that guarantee the earphones will never hurt and never fall out Sweat and water resistant Durable Kevlar cord Seamlessly integrated volume, full track and call control Wind-blocking, noise-canceling dual-microphone system that lets you easily answer phone calls while you’re on the go Long-lasting battery, rechargeable via a micro USB charging port, that powers an impressive week’s worth of workouts

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ou can research all you want and get all the technical insights about finishing an Ironman, but nothing beats the wisdom from people who have actually done it.

Last May, more than 70 Filipinos competed in Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne, the largest delegation next to the host country. We talked to the Pinoy finishers and solicited tidbits of advice, insights and practical lessons that they learned first-hand.

Here’s what they have to say …

… On Preparation“You have to research the course. To be able to prepare for a race, for a certain course, maganda ma-recon mo. Kung hindi mo magagawa, [like] sa Melbourne … research and then try to design your training program based on that course and the actual conditions para mapaghandaan talaga. Simulate [it] in your training.”-- Julian Paolo “Jumbo” Tayag

“When you are about to do a full-distance abroad, your spectrum should be abroad already. Yung mga insights mo and inspirations, you have to draw [them] from [outside] sources also. Kasi you cannot adaptto the local settingand expect na when you go abroad, it will bethe same.”-- Robert Jonah Rivera

“It’s not only a matter of deciding to join, but deciding also to allot a certain portion of your time to do training.”--Jesus Joey Marcelo

“Two weeks before ka umalis, kung ano man yung pangit na nararamdaman sa suot mo, palitan mo na.”-- Jojo Macalintal

… On Motivation“On the day that you register, you have to see yourself crossing the finish line. It’s not really a matter of, ‘Sige, sali ako, bahala na.’ No. … and I didn’t consider the race itself as the culmination of my belief. … I enjoyed the journey. Because when I registered, [in my mind] tapos na yung race eh, nag-cross na ako. So in-enjoy ko na lang yung journey. It’s a matter of believing from day 1, and seeing yourself crossing the finish line. Kumbaga, non-negotiable na yan, tapos na ’tong race na ’to. Kailangan mong i-set yung mind mo.”--Jesus Joey Marcelo

“Dapat para matapos mo yung race kahit pa nakakatakot yung course, kailangan ma-excite ka matapos. Ma-excite ka na makita yung mga kasama mo sa finish line. Ma-excite kang uminom ng beer. Ma-excite kang pumarty!”-- Jojo Macalintal

“It’s a mental game. Mentally, I prepared myself … to run with a good time. I paid a lot just to be there, diba? [The huge expense] will give you motivation to finish the race.” -- Rondee Aquino

“Time spent, money spent. Yung time na tinanggal ko sa family ko, [yun ang iniisip ko nung] time na nanghihina ako, yung time ko sa mga anak ko. ’Pag di ko natapos ’to, patay! Marami nang naka-sacrifice. Kahit na masira na ang tuhod sa takbo, yun ang aking motivation factor.”--James Dulalia

… On Nutrition “You cannot live on gels alone. You have to combine [them with] solid foods. Tapos, di mo mabibigla, kundi magkaka-GI stress ka. Sa training pa lang, practice mo na.” -- Marvin Manalang

“Nutrition is really important. It’s fuel to your body. It’s just like a car; if you put in crap petrol, you’ll just race like crap as well. If you put in really fast petrol in your body, you’ll really race well. Know nutrition that works well, don’t change anything during race day. Train and eat what you plan to eat during race day.”-- Vivian Genato

… On Training“Get a training program and stick to it. You can’t do it on your own. You can’t just wing it. You have to actually follow a program and be disciplined. If you stick to the [training] program, you’ll be fine.” -- Raeanna Cranbourne

“Mindsetting. Inalam ko yung talagang weakness ko, which is the run, so talagang alam ko na gagabihin ako. So ang takbo ko hindi sa umaga, [kundi] sa gabi. Laging hapon na magdidilim. Sinimulate ko everything. … One month before the race, prapraktisin mo kung ano yung gamit mo para pag dating sa race, di ka maninibago. ” --James Dulalia

“There’s no replacement for training.”--Rec Recabar

“The race itself is doable. The distance is doable. As long as you put in the time and effort in the training, you can do it. The race itself is enjoyable. It’s the commitment to the training that’s hard. … If you can’t commit to the training, then you can’t do the race.”-- Raeanna Cranbourne

“You have to put in the hours to finish it. You will reap what you sow sa training. If you put in the [hours for] training, matatapos at matatapos ka.”--Marvin Manalang

“You should be training by feel. Just take out the watch, take out any training apparatus … at least once or twice a month … [so] you’d listen to your body more. If you don’t do that every now and then, and then during race day [your monitor] stops, it’s really hard.”--Vivian Genato

“It really helps if you train with people who are racing thesame event. Kasi nagtutulungan kayo. It helps na you have the same goals, may camaraderie. You share workouts. No sandbagging, ika nga. You help others kung pano mapapaganda yung race nila.”--Erick Guieb

“The times that you train by yourself are the most significant ones, kasi when you’re racing, you are actually alone. … Apart from that, you have to get out of that comfort zone of being able to train with your teammates or the group of people that you always train with, and just get into the zone by yourself. Kasi this is what’s gonna make or break you. At the end of the day, mag-isa ka lang dun, eh.”--Robert Jonah Rivera

… On Race Day“Prepare for contingencies, like spare goggles and nutrition. Whatever you [used] in training, use it. Do not experiment. Trust your training. Pace correctly.”

--Erick Guieb

“You have to be patient and learn to pace yourself. Since it’s a long distance, a long day, anything can happen on race day. If you overuse your energy, you won’t be able to make it. … It can happen to everyone.”-- Julian Paolo “Jumbo” Tayag

“’Pag full-distance like Ironman, steady pacing is the key. You don’t race someone else, you just race kung ano yung pace mo. No surging, wag ka mag-surge. Kung nilagpasan ka, wag ka makipagsabayan, kasi babayaran mo yan eh, yung mga surges.”-- Marvin Manalang

“Listen to your body. Maski sabihin mo, ‘Dati ang training ko nakaka-speed ako ng 35 [km/h] ng ganito katagal na oras.’ Pero pakiramdaman mo, kasi

during the race, mixed feelings na yung nararamdaman mo. Listen to your body kasi baka biglang ma-bonk ka.” --Robert Erwin and Rowena Roca

“You should enjoy yourself, mag-enjoy ka before and mag-enjoy ka after. Yung race mo [one day] lang. Wag ka masyado ma-stress about it, tapos na kasi yung training mo.”-- Laarni de Guzman

“You have to be self-aware. You have to live in the moment na nandun ka. One foot after the other, ganun lang.”--Marvin Manalang

“When it comes to racing, you’re never really prepared. Kahit gaano ka kahanda, [o gaano] kaganda yung research mo and your training, nutrition and everything … maraming pwedeng mangyari on race day na hindi mo ine-expect. So you just have to be ready with everything. ... Dapat mag-adapt ka, di ka ma-discourage. Do not expect too much para di ka ma-pressure sa sarili mo. … Wag magta-target ng mga oras na hindi naman realistic and hindi mo naman alam yung conditions and … yung course.” -- Julian Paolo “Jumbo” Tayag

“That was the game plan: Savor every moment. Enjoy the whole experience. Be it good or bad, I would never think of it as a negative experience.”-- Raymond Racasa

LESSONS FROM MELBOUrNEY

2014 Ironman Melbourne Finishers with Sunrise Events, Inc. General Manager Princess GaluraPhoto: Christian Obmerga

We picked some Ironmen’s brains for insights on how to go about a full-distance race.