A triathlon affair

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu is fast becoming the country’s triathlon capital mainly because it is only in this side of the archipelago that we managed to fill up all the spots for 70.3 Ironman in just a few minutes after the opening of registration, literally crashing even the website when the clock hits 8 a.m. last October 1. So if you are in a relationship or married to a triathlete or a runner, expect the unexpected.

Becoming a triathlete or finishing a 70.3 Ironman is not an easy task as it takes around six months to a year of training. So if you’re dating a triathlete, here are some tips and heads up you  might want to consider.

1.   Don’t react on a dinner table if your partner is dead silent. It does not mean that there is something wrong with your hair, dress or make up. He or she is not mad at you either. Most probably there is something wrong with his bike. Getting the best bike fit takes around a few weeks or months to perfect. A lot of things need to be considered – crank arm lengths, wheel set, tires, brake lever, distance between handle bars and height of your seat post.

2.   No response to a text message or Facebook after 9 or 10 p.m. Don’t expect an answer from a phone call as it might be in silent mode except for the alarm clock. But as soon as you wake up in the morning, you wll get tons of reply that will come in as early as 4 a.m.  Sleeping time is the best recovery for active athletes and ideally, it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep. So if one is set to start training at 5 a.m., then you need at least 30 minutes to one hour to prepare from your coffee, pre workout meal and gears. It is one major production so you need to wake up at 4 a.m. That means with seven hours sleep, it is lights out at 9 p.m. already.

3. Bikes usually has girl names like Farrah, Jamie, Hope, Winter, Taylor, and etc. So don’t be alarmed if you overheard your partner saying “I miss Farrah so much” or “I want to push you hard Taylor!”  It means missing riding his or her bike. Having a bike is like a relationship. In order to perform, it needs to be in tip-top shape. It needs all the love, care and pampering. Even a little  dirt makes your bike slower. Imagine a chain that hasn’t been lubed and cleaned for weeks. It gets rusty and starts to tighten the link. Efficiency on shifting helps in making a fast cyclist. Check your pedals and brake pads also. Light carbon fiber pedals are strong but from time to time, you have to check if it has a play or some hairline cracks. And for the brake pads, you don’t like a worn-out brake pads going downhill from Busay.

4.   If you are sensitive to smell, then you might want to be accustomed to the smell of chlorine or smelly cars. Cars are usually the extension of a triathete. Most often, you can see wet tri-suit bike jersey or cycling shorts left on the compartment and if not taken out after training, it will leave a stenching smell inside the car. If you swim in a pool 3 or 4 times week, the smell of chlorine sticks to your body. To be prepared is to be always ready anytime. Packed your workout clothes, swimming gears and running shoes inside your car. But always prepare a plastic bag wherein you can seal off wet clothes after training and remember to unload it when you reach home.

5.   If your partner’s skin tone gets unreasonably dark, that is because you get dark faster on a pool especially if you train between 10 to 12noon when the sun is at its peak. Tan line on the legs and arms are common. And most of all, race numbers on the arms and leg will go off maybe in two week’s time. Mileage on the swim, bike and run is essential in making you a faster triathlete.

6. Don’t be surprised if you have sudden out-of-town trips in beach resorts at either San Remigio, Argao and Sogod, have mountain trips to West 35 or Adventure Café or take an early breakfast dates in Lantaw SRP or even to  Liloan Memorial park. These are just some few venues of triathlon races, training rides or brick training.  Other famous venues for bike hangout are Doko-doko native restaurant in Carmen and Willie’s Place in Busay.

7. Petroleum jelly is common around the house. It is used in a more efficient way, but definitely not for getting in and out of tight spots. Most triathletes use petroleum jelly on feet, toes, nipple and parts where rubbing between the jersey and your skin takes place. On a long run, bike or swim, you get “pilas” or breaks on your skin in the most delicate spots. So a thorough application of the petroleum jelly help ease out the problem during the race. Because once the “pilas” starts, the pain will not stop and will even aggravate. The longer the race, the more painful it would become. Just imagine a sharp blade rubbing on your toes. Some may even sustain a bloody nipple because of the constant rubbing of the fabric and your nipple.

So don’t worry if your partner is busy with the sport of triathlon. Now you know and understand a triathlete. The sport of triathlon is truly an anffair to remember.