NAGT in Naga

The much awaited triathlon race finally took place over the weekend in the City of Naga. The series featured the best of the best triathletes over the country. It was originally scheduled last October but was postponed due to the tragic landslide in the shot city. The race had 3 categories, the standard distance covering 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run, the sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run, and the super sprint for 15 years old and below triathletes.

The National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) is under the supervision of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) where top local and national athletes earn points for the National Pool Asian & Philippine Rankings. It also serves as a National tryouts. The top performers will be qualified or considered to represent the country in international competitions. Slots open were for junior, under 23, and elite open.

The Metafit Tri Team came in full force to support this highly anticipated race, the chance to race side by side with countries elite triathletes namely Nikko Huelgas and Ma. Claire Adorna among others.

Our team was not after a national slot. We're more focused on coming up with personal records (PR). Our goal was just to complete the race and not compete guided by our main objective of advancing our team advocacy about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

The biggest difference for this race was the involvement of TSE Live group under Mr. Tonyson Lee. I have joined other NAGT races in Cebu before and promised myself never again to join such. But Mr. Lee promised me that this time it will be different. Tonyson is a seasoned event organizer, an avid triathlete and leader for the famous Omega Tri Team. I took his word and joined the race.

Last Saturday, the day before the actual race, was the race briefing at SM Seaside City and race kits were given away. The freebies alone looks like a pharmacy as there are lots of stuff inside the loot bag - from alcohol, bandage, canned goods and many more. On race day, the transition layout was world-class, Naga's famed boardwalk was spaced out efficiently. Everything was on time, from gun start to the awarding down to the hydration station, marshalls and medics. Bouncers and security were even deployed. Actually, if you total the number of participants compared the Marshalls, medics and staff members, the latter would more in numbers, said Tonyson.

As the dust settled, nothing makes me more proud as a coach when your team not only completes the race but also had a podium finish. Team co-captain coach Zusette Jarina-Co set an example that with hard work, anything can happen. She did not only finish First in her age category, she also had the fastest run split overall in the Female Age group category. Fr. Cuvacho Clement also finished first in the 45 to 49 Standard age group, while newbie triathlete Catherine Acuña finished first in the 20 to 29 age group and landed atop 3 overall in the female sprint age group. Catherine, also known as “Kintoy”, proved that her first place finish in the recent 8080 Triathlon was no fluke. The surprise of the day came from coach Pimco Pimentel,  who wound up third in the 30 to 39 sprint category. Even with limited training time, he still finished the 5km run with an awesome time of 24 minutes. Other finishers include yours truly, coach Lem Co, Coach Fritz Co, Samantha Recla, the Chu brothers, and Jodette Romaguera and Cheryl Tagra (relay)  

Congratulations to the City Government of Naga and to their hardworking Mayor, Kristine Chiong, for hosting the NAGT Series 2018. The venue was world class! TSE Live's Tonyson Luther Lee  made sure every inch of detail is being covered, from the timing of gun start and wave release.Looking forward to the next NAGT race here in Cebu.

SIDELINE: Congratulations also to Team Lycans' Jeff and Grace Herrera, Jepoy Juson, Don Aropoo, Ian Ocana and Shilby Puerto who had been training in my Metabolic Fitness boot camp for the past 3 months to help in their triathlon preparations.