'Biggest Loser' hero in Ironman Challenge

MANILA, Philippines - After his life-changing stint in the reality TV show the “Biggest Loser” Pinoy edition last year, Alan Choachuy continued to inspire as he posted what he considered his biggest achievement – a resounding finish in the Ironman 70.3 Philippines at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City recently.

Choachuy completed the grueling endurance race consisting of a 2K open water swim, 90K bike and 21K run around the major thoroughfares of the Queen City of the South in seven hours, 58 minutes.

Almost a year ago, Choachuy was a hulking 5-foot-11, 309 pounder who was taking medication for hypertension and could barely move, run or do things on his own.

“It was my life-long dream to join an Ironman competition but because of my condition, and overweight with hypertensive condition, it was impossible for me to join,” said Choachuy. “So when I was chosen to be one of the BL contestants, I made a promise that after the show I would continue my journey and will join the Ironman Philippines.”

Armed with his newfound health and wellness fervor, Choachuy transformed himself into a living proof that with discipline, fortitude and faith in one’s self, nothing is impossible.

“It was a very emotional finish for me. I broke down at the finish line while bringing the ‘Biggest Loser’ banner with so much pride,” said Choachuy in sharing his Ironman experience which he likened, in jest, to winning in the lottery.

“The first thing that crossed my mind was that this is all for the obese and unhealthy people out there who thought they have no chance to change. I’m a living proof that you can be what you want to be as long as you put your heart into it. Never in my life did I ever imagine that I could finish a race of such magnitude as Ironman 70.3”

Aside from his family led by his wife Caroline, Choachuy also drew strength from all the trials and hardships he had gone through during the “Biggest Loser” camp.

“My family, my wife Caroline and my children (Micho, Kyle and Alana) are my chief driving force for all that I have achieved. My other motivation is my journey in the ‘Biggest Loser’ show, recalling all the hardships I went through while trying to lose weight,” said Choachuy.

“I also think of my fellow BL contestants Joy, Eric, Wynwyn, Destiny and others. If I don’t make it to the cut-off time, then I will be failing my BL family and people that look up to me as an inspiration,” he added.

Upon completion of the lung-busting race, Choachuy said it felt great relishing the sweet taste of success and at the same time savoring the reward of all his sacrifices. – Emmanuel Villaruel/ Freeman News Service