In today’s fast growing world of Multisport wherein everyone tends to gravitate towards branded races, it was so refreshing for me to join two events which were very warm and personal.
They were both held in small coastal towns and organized and supported by locals. What they lacked in numbers, they made up for in heart.
The first one I want to highlight is the Timex 226 Ironman Distance Triathlon held last December 2012 in Anda, Bohol by the local government/ Art Yap, Bike King, and Timex Philippines. I had wanted to join the first one staged in Dec 2011 but I had just given birth three days beforehand, so that was my excuse 🙂 I was happily able to participate in the second staging of the race, and even though my preparation was sub-optimal, I knew I was going to have a great time.
It was a very good course, we had a wavy swim, a nice rolling bike ride, and a pancake flat run. Plus some really delicious local fare at the party. All in all a wonderful experience I wouldn’t mind doing again!
The second race I did fairly recently was an Enduro Aquathlon put up by the Tomaree Tri Club in Nelson Bay, Australia. It was a really fun day for my husband and I as we were able to convince his Dad, Mom, and sister Anna to join as well! While my father-in-law and the two of us joined the long version, my mother-in-law and Anna did the shorter version. Eva, Dash and our babysitter Gwen came to cheer for us, and I ended up being first female overall, while Dan finished 4th male. It was amazing to have so many family members on the race course, and we motivated each other well. We had coffee/ tea and toast afterwards with the local Tri club. What a great morning!
Apart from doing these two races, I had a really relaxing Christmas and New Year Holiday wherein I only worked out when I felt like it, and even then the sessions would all be at an easygoing pace. Highly recommended every now and then!
Wishing everyone a successful racing season in 2013!
Filipina Ironwoman 