A Quick Q&A to some of Cebu's 70.3 Ironman Philippines Participants

By admin | 8:25 AM PST, Sun August 08, 2010

Here's a few quick questions to some of Cebu's participants of the second 70.3 Ironman Philippines this August 22, 2010. They were asked to answer any of the questions below or all of them if they liked. Q1. What are your expectations on the big day? Q2. How ready are you? How was your training or preparation? Q3. How do you feel now that the race is so close?

NOY JOPSON A1: I expect to have a strong challenge in the Filipino Elite race, Arland, Neil, Ferdie and Noel will be ready to rumble. A2: I'm almost ready, just two long rides, and a long run to go. Training's been good, I'm a lot stronger than last year and I think I'm on track to improve my time at Camsur by about eight minutes (most of it coming from the run), hopefully a 4:30 time will be enough to repeat. Been training mostly with Team Reborn, the squad that I'm coaching, and we are all ready. A3: Very excited, let's get it on!!!!

ELMO CLARABAL Two weeks to go and training is in taper mode already. If you ask me these questions, one thing for sure, I’ve prepared for this. Being the underdog in the Filipino Elite is really a big challenge. If I prepared for this, so as the other athletes. Noy, Noel, Neil, Gerry and others are in racing mode so I will be expecting a very steep competition. Going muscle to muscle with these guys is a tough mission but I'll bring what I’ve got and let’s see. For all the 70.3 camsur bound athletes in Cebu, good luck. Train safe and God bless us all.

BRO. CARLO BACALLA A1: Just to finish and improve my PR of last year. A2: I'm sooooo busy with work, no time for serious training. My preparation for the 70.3 started on July 22, that's a month to race day. But no big deal because I do it purely for fun and fitness. I will do my second "rehearsal" this Sunday. Two more bike trips to Sogod, Cebu and two more noon runs, then I'm done. My swim? I will survive! A3: Excited to meet new triathletes. I’d like to have a new photo with Noy, Terenzo Bozzone, Tessa Valdes, Pia Cayetato, Maricel Laxa, Fernando Zobel, Fred Uytengsu...and all the Cebuano warriors! Go, go, go!

ANNA MARIA NERIC My only goal is to finish strong. Training was really really tough since I'm a newbie at swimming and outdoor biking. We only have two more weeks before the big day and I'm very nervous but excited. GO TEAM REBORN!!!!

SIEGFRED ZAREX TURA A1: I expect that the race will start on time, there will be enough hydration along the race especially on the run part and it's going to be a very lllloooonnnngggg painful day for me. A2: Ready enough to finish within cut-off time. I was not able to religiously follow my training plan due to leisure time and work. I would like to think that I managed to squeeze enough training to finish the Ironman within cut-off time. A3: It's freaking nerve wrecking! A mixture of fear coz I wouldn't want any casualties to happen this year unlike the unfortunate incident that happened last year to a participant. Excited, because it has been a long time goal to be able to do an Ironman and now I'm a few days of being one. Happy, because this is what it means to be living! To be an Ironman is punishing your self physically, mentally and spiritually to extreme conditions. It takes more than guts to finish it. In short, it’s making the seemingly impossible possible!

CLEVE VILLANUEVA A1: A lot! I expect my mind set, me and my bike to be in top shape, smooth transitions and God be with all the athletes and the people who made this Cobra 70.3 IM PH possible. A2: I am almost 100% ready. I am blessed to have a very supportive family, the best coach, and a very supportive team. Training is still going on, swim-bike-run-repeat! He he. A3: Scared, excited but bu-o ang loob!! I am very blessed with the full support from the people that matter to me.

EUGENE SANCHEZ A1: My last half IM distance was 10 years ago so no expectations... plus this is a big field. I just want to enjoy and see old triathlon friends again. Looking forward to seeing my Tri-Locos team mate, Leo Oracion and some of the Manila triathletes I used to race with years ago. I will take it easy and hope to have a good run in the end. A2: I am actually under trained and have not reached my target weight and mileage for this race. With family and work responsibilities, I couldn't train as much as I want to but have managed to at least do a long ride and a long run once a week. I do my swimming on my lunch breaks. Though I am not prepared I think I can still finish this race. A3: I am actually worried with the 21km run more than anything else, don't know how my body would react on that day. That's why I am planning to go easy on the 90k bike... I hope to maintain a certain speed on the bike to reserve some strength for the run.

KRISTIAN CABAHUG On the big day, I expect a strong finish. Breaking my record last year will be the best achievement. I will give what I’ve got and most of all enjoy the sights, sounds, people and the event. I am hoping to have the best condition during the race. All thanks to the guidance of SANTELMO (Elmo Clarabal), my training partner and mentor. God speed to us all!

TRINO REY TRASMONTE If you ask a triathlete how’s his training? Chances are he’d answer you with a scratch in the head and say “wa lagi ko klaro nga training" even though his body weight has dropped by 10 to 20 lbs, totally tanned and toned. But as race day comes to a close, a triathlete can't help it but shift ones training from purely physical to one that’s mental. Race simulations are usually done in the mind, from the most ideal to the worst of conditions. Even the simplest things are simulated, from the arrangement to putting on of gears on T1 and T2 and yes, even the way to finish. Some triathletes finish by pointing to the clock to brag about their PR. Some cause conscious souls roll to the finish line as a tribute to John Blaze. Some do the handstand, hey, even some propose marriage as a way to finish. But my favorite is lifting my head and hands up high to offer what only a few can accomplish to the Almighty and say “Thank You”. So if you ask me about the million dollar questions above??? Hehehe... I guess you can read between the lines... but one thing is for sure, for an age grouper like me, the essence of an IRONMAN is about trying and giving it what he’s got... so come race day, we’ll see how much these legs can take...

JOSE RICARDO DIZON I expect the race to be very hard, long and difficult given the fact that to date, I'm not 100% fit for the 70.3 Ironman. I wanted to train as much as I want to but couldn't do more because of family and work responsibilities. So on the race day, I'll do my best and love every bit of the pain because that’s what we are here for. Good luck everyone. I’m looking forward for that Cebuano spirit in us... see you on race day.

RALPH FRANCISTINO ARCHE Camsur will be my longest race to date. Finishing will be a PR in itself. I know it's long overdue but I'll take it. This could be a prelude to the real deal, the full one. I wish everyone a safe race. See you at the finish line!