Triathlon is fast becoming the go-to sports for extreme athletes and enthusiasts. The high-level intensity sport is an activity that combines swimming, cycling and running in one event and usually the victory is very momentous for the person finishing the leg. While many can just aspire to be a triathlete, there are so many inspirational stories that prove that anything is possible for anyone who has the discipline, perseverance and willingness to train.
The Tri United series male and female champions in the Long Distance category, Augusto Benedicto’s and Lezette Albarote’s finisher story is inspirational and can be a testament to those aspiring to be a triathlete. Augusto started biking as an ice-delivery boy in Tarlac and Lezette only learned how to swim when she was already 35. It was a scorching hot day when the triathletes crossed the finish line in the recent Tri United 3 race. After hours of swimming, biking and running from Subic to Pampanga, the two were declared the champions.
These triathlon inspirations finished strong in the third leg of the Tri United triathlon series organized by Active Health which aims to develop progressive athletes. Active Health has a four-way approach in helping the active community. It provides training through sports clinics, gear through Active Health merchandise, nutrition through supplements, and events through races such as Tri United 3. August, a member of the Active Health Elite Team, topped the male Long Distance category with a time of 4:48. Swimming was the most difficult leg for him and biking on the uphill roads. Over 800 participants joined Tri United 3 which has two individual categories: Tri King Distance which covers a 1-km swim, 60-km bike and 10-km run, and Long Distance, a grueling race composed of a 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run.
The 33-year-old athlete has been delivering ice to customers all over Paniqui, Tarlac and this unintentional training developed his stamina and strong leg muscles, which led him into joining track-and-field competitions and junior duathlons. Urged by his coaches, he then got introduced to triathlons and today, August is a consistent podium finisher here and abroad.
“I train daily. Either I swim in the morning, bike or run in the afternoon,” August says. “I value the coaches, sponsors and people who support me, so I push myself to always do my best.”
Lezette is a 40-year-old wife, mother and full-time employee in the local government of Bukidnon, where she travels daily from her home in General Santos. “I have an 8 to 5 job, and I make it a point to wake up at 3:30 a.m., have breakfast, and train for two hours before work,” she says. “At 6:00 p.m., when I get home, I set aside an hour to train some more.”
Lezette had no coach but had the support of her family – a husband who is also a cyclist and her 18-year-old son. Discipline and perseverance led her to train daily, maintaining her vegetarian diet with no junk food and sugary stuff. Starting late in the game, Lezette proves that age is not a hindrance in becoming a triathlete. “I used to play just badminton, which is a team sport. But I got busy and then got into running because it is something I can do alone in my own time,” she explains. “Then I tried biking and I liked it, so I challenged myself into joining triathlons, and learned how to swim at 35.” She adds, “Don’t be intimidated to join triathlons. Find a group and gain friends who will push you to do harder. Later on, you will see your figure improving, which will also boost your confidence. Love yourself by finding time to train even with a busy schedule.”
You too can become one of them.
Visit www.activehealth.ph for 2016 race schedules and details and get started on this life-changing journey.