I still remember how I struggled to learn how to wear cleats, drink while riding, hold on to the aerobars, and uhm scratch an itch with one hand when I was a beginner learning to ride my tri bike. At least, nowadays, you have organized classes like this to teach you all you need to know when it comes to riding! Join now!
Attention cyclists! The sprawling NUVALI community in Laguna with its exciting trails and inviting amenities becomes the epicenter for action and adventure as the sixth edition of NUVALI Dirt Weekend happens on November 21–23, 2014. (more…)
When I started running in 2006, it was my secret dream that the rest of the family would pick up the sport, too. The hubby eventually started running and he completed his first marathon at the first TBR Dream Marathon in 2010 (good choice for a first, eh?) We ran NYC Marathon together later that year.
As for the kids, they would run shorter races with us. Sometimes, I would take them out on weekends for short bike rides and runs. But, I never ever wanted to push them into taking the sport more seriously. I believed that if I wanted them to enjoy this sport as much as I did, they had to want to do it for themselves. And so, through the years, I’ve been living a very active lifestyle allowing the kids to see me come home after a long run, pack my running gear for a marathon abroad, or simply listen to me wax poetic about an awesome run. At the same time, I prayed, hoped, and waited that one day they would ask me for more serious training.
After years of waiting, that day finally came! At least for my older son, Anton, who is now 12. (12 already? How time flies. Sigh.)
ABOUT ANTON
Indulge me for a moment here and allow me to tell you about this not-so-little boy of mine. He’s a good boy. He’s quiet, respectful, obedient, and humble. (I won’t argue with you, he probably got this from his Dad haha!) At the same time, underneath all this shyness, he’s also smart, a deep thinker (a trait he got from him Mom. Er, that’s what people tell me.) His teachers tell us that he’s an old soul who throws out questions like an adult sometimes. Last March, he graduated from Elementary school. He was one of only two kids who bagged ALL the awards given out that day. I was floored…and, I was overjoyed. It was truly one of the proudest moments of my life. The feeling beat a marathon finish 10x over.
– That’s my boy! –
– with the proud Mama and sis! –
If that weren’t enough, a few weeks after graduation, with summer upon us, Anton gave me even better news: he wanted to run and bike with me. My reaction? First, I was ecstatic! Okay, let’s do this! I had images of me and my boy running and conquering hills together and riding past cars (and Vin Diesel in a jeep) all over the city! Then, reality struck. While I could easily take him running longer with me, I worried about biking out with him. Wasn’t it irresponsible of me to send my dearest child out to bike with a newbie biker like me? With visions of me struggling to uncleat and dismount as I try to save him from an oncoming truck, I thought it best to find a coach to get his feet wet into this world the right way.
DUATHLON CLASSES WITH COACH NORMAN
Lucky for me, I’ve got a lot of great coach friends around. I texted coach friends like Ani de Leon-Brown and Norman Pascual who I know train kids regularly. After checking schedules (my daughter decided to take up swimming with Ria Mackay’s Aqualogic Swim Classes. More on that next time) and figuring out how I could possibly train for Ironman 70.3 in August while taking two kids to different sessions this summer (gaaah! the life of a tri mom!), I decided to go with Coach Norman’s Duathlon Sessions for kids in SM Mall of Asia every Wednesday and Friday. I thought if he wanted to get into triathlon later, then it would be easier for him already.
As for his gear, I chose NOT to spend to much on this just yet. The only thing we really invested in were his shoes: Asics Gel Kayano, a few months ago. (I love run shoes and one should never compromise on this. So there!) I got Anton a very cheap mountain bike in Cartimar a few months ago and this was what we use for now. For shorts, the hubby lent him. For his tops, I gave him some of mine. Hey, stop laughing about how frugal we are! I’ve got a couple of barely used football shoes, a tennis racket, and goggles gathering dust at home to remind me about spending too much too soon. I just told Anton to prove to me first that he’s interested in doing this long term and we’ll support him all the way.
The first few sessions were one-on-one which was awesome for a beginner like Anton. Coach Norman started with basic mounting and dismounting lessons, gearing, and even rode out with him around SM MOA a couple of times.
– with Coach Norman –
– Running seems natural for this kid. He actually leans forward and lands on his mid foot –
– After running, he gets on his bike –
By the next sessions, four other kids, all siblings, joined Anton for more fun sessions. They raced with each other and even rode MOA in drafting positions. During the last sessions, Anton even learned how to do a flying dismount, something I can only do in my dreams.
– They rush to wear their shoes, helmet, head off to bike, then run –
– The bigger kids biking –
– Little Sis comes out to watch Kuya. I’m hoping the bug rubs off on her too –
For now, Anton enjoys every single session and, for that alone, I am thankful. I’m crossing my fingers that he’ll continue this even when school starts in June. Just yesterday, he asked me: Mom, when can I get a nicer road bike? Aaaah, it may burn a hole in our pockets, but, hey, it was music to my ears!
MORE INFO ON TRIATHLON FOR KIDS
If you want to get your child started in triathlon or swim, bike, and run, here are some info that may help.
COACHES
RACES FOR KIDS (click on the links)
MAGAZINE
The premier bicycle brand in the world officially opened its doors in the Philippines with the new Specialized Concept Store. Located at La Fuerza Plaza 1 along Pasong Tamo Avenue, it is the first of its kind in the country and was built to provide the full scope of products and services for Specialized customers.
The Specialized Concept Store features a comprehensive lineup of Road, Triathlon, Cyclocross, Mountain Bike, and Hybrid bicycles as well as all of the latest accessories and components.
– Two floors of Specialized bikes and accessories! –
– How can you not fall in love with bikes when you’ve got set ups like this? –
– At the Specialized store opening with my Unilab Active Health teammates Drew Arellano and Javy Olives and Team Fitness First’s Ton Gaitmaitan –
The new store also features a dedicated Service Area, and an exclusive studio for its Body Geometry Fit Integration Technology (FIT). Lead by Dr. Andy Pruitt, the Director of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, Body Geometry FIT is the state-of-the-art and scientifically proven method of fitting the bicycle to the rider based on his personal strengths and limiters such as Range of Motion, possible Leg Length Discrepancies (LLD), and riding style, among others.
Body Geometry FIT has been used with great success to help professional athletes like Alberto Contador, Sylvain Chavanel, the Specialized-Lululemon women’s cycling team, and countless amateur athletes and recreational riders who have wanted to enjoy their bikes to the utmost. I’m going for my Body Geometry FIT this coming Thursday and you’ll read more about it here!
– my coach, Andy Leuterio, does the Body Geometry FIT for Specialized –
“We hope that with the opening of this store, all our customers will better appreciate what it means to ride the premier bike brand in the world.”, says ATHLEEMA president Joey Ramirez.
– with triathlete and Specialized distributor, Joey Ramirez –
– with friends Anthony and Maricel Pangilinan and Maiqui Dayrit –
– Fantastic and friendly service team –
Customers who wish to avail of the Body Geometry FIT method can call 0919-8603241 for a reservation.
SPECIALIZED CONCEPT STORE
Units 14 and 15 La Fuerza Plaza 1
2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati
To runners who bike, this May 20, Circulo Verde in cooperation with Livestrong would be holding a cycling event, the Livestrong Twilight Challenge Ride, that will gather at least 1,000 bikers for a good cause: helping empower people affected by cancer and encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.
The route would cover a 25 kilometer distance, passing by least three cities: Pasig, Quezon City, and San Juan. Take off at 4pm from Circulo Verde along Calle Industria in QC, towards Tiendesitas, around Ortigas Center to Greenhills, then back to Circulo Verde, ending in a barbecue party. This is a reunion bike ride for all Philippine Livestrong Supporters of the 2010 & 2011 Livestrong Day events.
– Jerseys and race kits will be distributed on site. The jersey is NOT included in the race kit, but it would be available at the event for P500 at a first come, first served basis. –
WIN LIVESTRONG TWILIGHT CHALLENGE RIDE KITS
I’m giving away 5 (five) kits to the Livestrong Twilight Challenge Ride to 5 (five) lucky winners. Here’s how to win:
1) Post a comment below telling me how you “Livestrong” each day
2) First 5 people who comment will win 1 race kit each
3) Winners will be notified via email on how to claim race kits
4) Only 1 submission will be accepted. Sending more than one entry will lead to disqualification
Read the press release below…
LIVESTRONG TWILIGHT CHALLENGE RIDE SLATED FOR MAY 20
Livestrong Philippines in cooperation with Ortigas & Co. premiere development, Circulo Verde, has slated this year’s Twilight Challenge Bike Ride on May 20, which is expected to gather at least 1,000 cyclists from Metro Manila and nearby cities.
The Livestrong – Circulo Verde Twilight Challenge Bike Ride will cover over twenty-one kilometers starting from Circulo Verde, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, passing by other key Metro Manila landmarks including the Ortigas Business District, Tiendesitas at Frontera Verde, and Greenhills Shopping Center.
“Our thrust is to convince people that living a healthier and more active lifestyle is essential in preventing cancer; that the road to good health starts by making small commitments like eating the right food, exercising, and quitting bad habits like smoking,” says Eric Bergara, Community Representative for Team Philippines Benefitting Livestrong.
Livestrong is an affiliate of the Lance Armstrong Foundation that aims to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. This year’s ride attempts to reunite 2010 and 2011 Livestrong Day Philippines supporters and hopefully enjoin more people for the cause.
Event co-sponsor Ortigas & Co. is a known developer of green communities like Circulo Verde, Tiendesitas, and Greenhills Shopping Center.
“In Ortigas, we believe that it is the developer’s job to create the ideal conditions for leisure and living. Our communities are all designed to have ample space for play, exercise, picnics, and barbecue parties. Circulo Verde, for example, which spans 12-hectares, has allotted 70% open space to make room for parks, biking, jogging, and walking lanes. Hopefully, people can get a preview of a healthy and active lifestyle in Circulo Verde, true to the vision of Livestrong, ” says Joey Santos, General Manager of the Real Estate Division for Ortigas & Co.
Twilight Ride participants are requested to wear yellow and gather at Circulo Verde as early as 3:00 PM in time for the 3:30 PM gun start. The event would be capped off with a band performance, an outdoor barbecue, and a Zumba Dance Party facilitated by Gold’s Gym.
Registration is done online at a fee of P300.00 inclusive of snacks, while jerseys will be sold on site for P500.00 at a first come first served basis. Proceeds of the event will go the beneficiaries of Livestrong Foundation in the Philippines.
The event is co-sponsored by Dunkin Donuts, Manila Water, and San Miguel Beer. For more information and updates please visit www.livestrongdayph.com or follow @livestrongdayph on Twitter.
UPDATE: Congrats to pjong, Mark Terrado, RM Ornedo, Ronaldo Robles and Kamote 22 for winning 1 race kit each! Please expect an email from me regarding claiming of your race kits. Thank you to everyone who joined.
