JU

LY

-Se

pt

em

be

r 2

015

Fr

ee

!

a tri-wiFe SpeakS

aboUt Living with a miStreSS

caLLed triathLon

aboUt Living with a miStreSS

caLLed triathLon

aboUt Living with a miStreSS

caLLed triathLon

the right SaddLe?

how crUciaL iS havinghow crUciaL iS havinghow crUciaL iS having

SantÉ barLeYdiScLoSeS the StrategY

behind itS winSdiScLoSeS the StrategY

behind itS winSdiScLoSeS the StrategY

behind itS winS

bike hackS:Speed doeSn’t aLwaYS

come at a priceSpeed doeSn’t aLwaYS

come at a priceSpeed doeSn’t aLwaYS

come at a price

on theSea gameS winand where it aLL began

nikkohuelgas

muscle

damage-42

ON THE COVERPhoto: Edsel OchoaHair and Makeup: Arlyn Basa and Jeri SebastianShot on Location: Dan’s

creditS

f I had a son, I would want him to be aNikko Huelgas.

I spent some time observing him when I accompanied the national team to Taiwan, then a few more hours talking to him for this issue. I haven’t seen such an unquenchable thirst for knowledge in a young man as I did in Nikko. He would listen to everything you say, and amplify it by saying, “Ganito, ganitong usapan ang mga gusto ko.”

I like that he is focused on a goal, yet cultivates options. He is a dreamer and a realist at the same time. It’s refreshing to see that while he is determined and serious,

he has a naughty side. But of all the things I admire about Nikko, what stands out is his sense of gratitude—to his teammates, coaches, teachers, friends. Just listen to how he remembers his college swim coach, Guy Concepcion, “... he was the mad scientist of everything. He taught us the value of sports in general. He made us become well-rounded athletes and people. And that’s something only few people can tell. Kasi 13 lang kaming dumaan sa kanya nu’ng time na ’yun eh ... But lahat ’yun, naging successful in their own field, everybody who stuck with him.” It’s no wonder Nikko is where he is now, and why he is our first SEA Games Gold Medalist for Men’s Triathlon.

Doing things right, you might say, is the theme of this issue, with Nikko as lead. We also tapped WU Crew’s Javy Olives to show us a nifty way to prep our bikes without negating its aero features. One thing we always take for granted is our #1 support crew: our wives, husbands and significant others. Following their recent racecation for Ironman 70.3 Honolulu, we asked Trixie Manuel’s point of view on how she “manages” being supportive to triathlete husband Rico.

Capping the issue’s theme, we took a closer look at Team Santé Barley, which has landed on the podium more times versus any other competing team. They must be doing something right.

Monching RomanoEditor-in-Chief

Ido right, do good

editor’S gUnStart

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : Monching RomanoMANAGING EDITOR : Christian Obmerga CONTRIBUTING EDITOR : Adrienne DyART DIRECTORS : Johnmer Bautista Emmeline SiaCONTRIBUTORS : Patricia Suaco Manuel Javy OlivesPHOTOGRAPHERS : Edsel Ochoa Edwin Yabut

IDEALISK INC.Unit 217 La Fuerza II Building, Pasong Tamo, Makati City

Publisher/CEOMonching RomanoCreativesJohnmer BautistaEmmeline SiaSales and MarketingTeresa SorianoKitkat Faylona

For inquiries and feedback: Email us at racedaymagazine@gmail.comRaceDay Magazine is published bi-monthly. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the publisher. All information, content and services are provided “as is” without any kind of warranty. In no way shall RaceDay Magazine be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential damages that may arise from any of the products, advice, reviews or information obtained from this magazine.

Copyright © 2015All rights reserved

Vol. 3 No. 3

contentS

2

46

7

12

tri hacker:Free Speedby Javy olives

SantÉ barLeYFinds a gem in the Sport of triathlon

Speed from the Saddleby christian obmerga

the racedaY interview:nikko hUeLgaSon where it all beganby monching romano

Living with that mistresscalled triathlonby patricia Suaco manuel

racedaymagazine

2XUglorietta 3, makati

baLeSin iSLand reSort

bike kingbonifacio high Street, taguig

bike townpasong tamo, makati

gran traiLpasay road, makati

heaLth Foodglorietta 1, makati

primo cYcLeSburgos circle, bgc, taguig

r.o.X. bonifacio high Street, taguig

rUnnrbonifacio high Street, taguigtrinoma, Quezon cityalabang town center, muntinlupa

rUdY proJectalabang town center, muntinlupaglorietta 3, makatithe podium, mandaluyongtrinoma, Quezon citybonifacio high Street, taguigSm mall of asia, pasayLucky chinatown mall, manilapaseo de Sta. rosa, Laguna

Sabakpasong tamo, makatialabang, muntinlupa

Secondwindhome depot, pasiggreenhills Shopping center, San Juanteacher’s village, Quezon city

SpeciaLiZedpasong tamo, makati

the citY cLUb at aLphaLand makatiayala avenue extension, makati

the viLLage SportS cLUbbF homes, parañaque

YeLLow caball branches

where to Find US:

muscle

damage-42

Free Speed

othing is more disappointing than seeing beautiful, aerodynamic bikes worth hundreds of thousands of pesos, in transition with energy bars, gels, flat repair

kits and God-knows-what hanging on every imaginable part.

You see, these cutting-edge time trial bikes were built for one sole purpose—to go fast. Save for a few modern triathlon bikes designed with built-in hydration and nutrition compartments (Specialized Shiv Tri, Scott Plasma, Canyon SpeedMax), most of our bikes provide nothing more than a few bottle cages. How then can we most efficiently carry our nutrition, hydration and flat repair kits, keeping in mind that our bikes were not built with bento boxes, taped gels and hanging pumps in mind?

I will not be delving into the latest aerodynamic gear and bikefits. What I will be tackling is how to get you from T1 to T2 faster, without breaking the bank.

Don’t get me wrong, I was once a victim, too. During my first 70.3 back in 2009, I rolled out of T1 with four full bottles of hydration and nutrition. Salt caps in little baggies were taped to my bars, and a spare tubular and pump tied to my seatpost. Probably the only things I didn’t have on my bike were sachets of soap and shampoo. Yes, I looked like I came from the sari-sari store.

This is a common scene I see playing out in most multisport events—be it among noobs or veterans. While it may be comforting to carry your kitchen sink (and sometimes even the pantry) on your bike, it is not the most practical thing to do in a race, especially when speed is of primary concern.

Here are some practical tips and tricks I’ve learned and developed through the years:

1. Make the most of the Aid Stations along the course. I am a believer of carrying most, if not all, the nutrition you need onboard. Hydration, of course, is a different story. Typically for a 70.3, I exit T1 with two bidons mixed with calories and electrolytes—the first to cover the first hour, and the second one to serve as the feed bottle for the remainder of the ride.

Anywhere between kilometer 25 to 35, I would have consumed that first bottle of nutrition and water, so I would toss it in favor of a bottle of water or electrolytes at almost every aid station thereafter. The second bidon filled with concentrated nutrition would remain with me throughout the ride, providing much needed calories and electrolytes.

For Olympic distance or less, the bike ride would just be an hour give or take, so I would just have a single bidon of water mixed with nutrition and electrolytes to serve as both hydration and nutrition throughout the ride.

2. Clean is fast. There are way more practical methods than taping bars, burgers, spares and gels on your top tube, or stuffing them into bento boxes. For those who race primarily on liquids (gels, powder mixes), the most efficient and practical way to carry your nutrition would be inside your water bottles or hydration systems. Not only does it make it easier to consume (no more struggling to open gels and bars; no more littering, too), it also “cleans” up your bike from a visual and aerodynamic perspective. If you prefer calories in concentrated form, I suggest getting a Gel Flask which can hold as many as six gels—tucked into a rear pocket or neatly between the aerobars. Another option is a Gel-Shot bottle, which can carry both water and gels.

As for your flat repair kit (tube, levers and Co2/pump or pitstop), which need not be accessible at all times, here aresome of the best ways to carry them: . neatly tucked under/behind the saddle (Check out SpeedSleev); . neatly bundled and carried in a jersey pocket; . neatly bundled in a belt bag and worn around the waist; or . inside a bidon/tool bottle on the bike.

For those racing on tubulars, carrying a spare is a little more difficult. Perhaps the best way to do so would be to hide a neatly rolled tubular under or behind the saddle, inside a bike bottle, or to wear it around the waist (yes, seriously!).

For tubular spares, look for track tubulars, which fold a lot smaller than training or racing tubulars, making it a lot easier to tuck under a saddle or into a jersey pocket.

You don’t necessarily have to put it on the bike—you can put it on you. Remember to discard bike related items in T2 before you head out to run.

3. It’s not just about the bike. So your bike is neatly set up, raring to go fast, but what about you? You and your kit will play a big part in saving time on the bike, perhaps even more than the P15,000 aero helmet or P100,000 aero wheels you just bought. Here are some things to keep in mind:

. As much as possible, stay in your aero position. Sit up and stretch at turnarounds and aid stations as you feed, then return to your aero position. . Make sure your tri or cycling top is a snug fit. The tighter, the better. . As much as possible, keep your top zipped up fully, so as not to allow it to “catch” wind. Ladies, sa after party na ’yang low neckline! . If a race number on the bike is a must, make sure your racebelt is nice and tight, and wear it “low” on the buttocks and hips so that it stays out of the wind. If at any point one side breaks open, tuck it into your shorts until you get to T2.

I hope you picked up a tip or two. Ride safe!

Javy picked up running immediately after a paparazzi photo showed him in his gluttonous best in Yes! Magazine. Six years later and 40 pounds lighter, this triathlete has managed to bring together the three things he is most passionate about: technology, gadgets and triathlon.

N

From top left, counter-clockwise: 1) SpeedSleev with tubular and CO2;2) Saddle top view with strapped on SpeedSleev; 3) SpiBelt with flat repair kit; 4) Saddle back view with packed SpeedSleev.

1

2

3

4

TriHackerBy Javy Olives

02

Jonah Rivera, Joey Marcelo and Keith Peralta

santÉ Barleyfinds a gem

in the Sport oF triathLon

Triathlon, at its core, is a race. The Santé Barley Tri Team, however, took a counterintuitive approach to the competition by putting a premium on values and

relationships—a strategy that became the motivation of its members to pay it forward and strive to win.

The Formative YearsInspired by Ironman finishers, Joey Marcelo—owner of Santé Barley, a distribution company offering premier organic health and wellness products—found interest in triathlon. When he took up the sport, he realized that it could fittingly represent his company in its advocacy to promote health and wellness.

From a group of friends with the same passion for triathlon, a team was born in late 2011. Members trickled in from “referrals and friendships”. With a strong bond among members as its foundation, Joey recalls, “Naging perception sa team, medyo light. Nandyan yung family, mga anak. We make it a point to wait for the last athlete to cross the finish line before we all go back to the hotel. It seemed like others had that perception so we were able to attract athletes. We did not expect that they would be potential triathletes who will shine at a point in time in the sport.”

Santé Barley Triathlon Team progressed to be one of the most decorated teams in the country, winning in almost all age group categories and team events.

Valuing the AthletesWhen the team formed, the athletes came without expectation. Joey, however, recognized the huge contribution of the triathlon team to the rise of the company’s popularity. As the team’s wins accumulated, the company’s business also began to flourish.

“I realized how much the team contributed to the Santé Barley name. Santé Barley became known as a company marketing products for sports and wellness because of the triathlon team,”he acknowlegdes.

“The team gets a training program from one of triathlon’s best, Coach Ige Lopez. Whether we train as a team or break into smaller groups, at least once a month, we make it a point to meet everyone to maintain the relationship and friendship,” Joey shares.

How Santé Rolls “Every race day,” says Team Captain Jonah Rivera and Keith Peralta, “it is important that our athletes have good team dynamics to ensure that they perform well and exhibit positive behavior—no discrimination between grassroots or elites. We’re all the same.”

At the same time, “We never pressure our athletes to bag a podium finish,” says Joey. “Regardless of a podium finish, what is strong within the team is a spirit of excellence. Everyone simply has that will to win, to contribute. That is Santé Barley’s team spirit.”

The Right PrioritiesJoey believes in the importance of involving the athletes. “We take care of our athletes. And in return, they do their best in winning competitions.

“With this in mind, Santé Barley looks for people who sharethe same passion and values, people who can blend with the existing team members. We believe in camaraderie. We support one another.”

The Next ChapterSanté is also committed to continue supporting rising, young athletes with potential to excel in multi-sport, the likes of Robinson Estevez, Mervin Santiago and Don Velasco. Recently, the team management came across several student swimmers whom they are willing to help, “as the future of triathlon, just in case they decide to do the sport,” discloses Joey.

Santé is preparing for the next three to five years, firm in the belief that “triathlon is here to stay,” says Joey. “We’re opening up businesses in different countries, and we believe that someday, we can bring our athletes to compete in other countries, or [even] set up Santé Barley teams abroad.”

Joey is certain that the Santé Barley Tri Team will exist as long as there’s triathlon. “We will evolve. Someday we could become coaches ourselves. Right now, the priority is to welcome new athletes who will make for a better and stronger Philippine triathlon in years to come,” he says.

04

Guess which component contributes the most to a rider’s aerodynamics? Yes, it’s the rider himself. You can get your hands on the most aero bike in the market, but if

you can’t hold the aero position significantly long enough, you’re just negating the benefits of your cutting-edge bike.

So, aside from getting a proper bike fit, what else can you change in your setup to ease up and stay aero for longer? Answer: Saddle.

The saddle is an often neglected variable in our quest for the fastest and most aerodynamic bike setup. Understandably, compared to the wheelset, cockpit, etc., the saddle has almost no direct interaction with the wind, and appears to contribute nothing to speed. But, believe us when we say it does—a lot.

We’re not claiming to be bike experts here, but we recently spoke with some professionals from Specialized California, who revealed the science to back this up. Specialized Saddle Developer Jason Walton and Product Manager Matt Mangen disclosed the latest in saddle development and what to look for in a saddle.

The Science of Sitting on a BikeThe saddle “is a very big, important piece of the puzzle,” says Mangen, who’s also a professional rider. It’s “the connection

between you and the bike … if you’re on a saddle for a long period time of time, it makes a big difference [in a rider’s performance],” he adds.

One of the key characteristics of a good saddle is that it allows you to stay aero or in the drops for a long period of time without hindering blood flow to your sensitive areas. Of course, everyone wants to improve their performance on the bike, but we doubt if anyone is willing to sacrifice his performance in bed for a few minutes’ improvement in his PR.

For performance without the pain, “a saddle’s design should mimic your pubic rami,” Walton explains. “So, if you are on bone structure the whole time, you are not sitting on soft tissue pressure. You don’t get blood flow loss.” On the contrary, if you put pressure on your soft tissue and your nerves, it restricts the blood flow in the arteries to your sensitive areas resulting to numbness or worse—erectile disfunction in the long run.

It’s common knowledge that staying in the aero position means less drag, so the longer you hold this aggressive position without problems, the longer you can keep the speed while maximizing the aero features of your bike. Getting the Right Saddle.Knowing your sit bones’ width is a crucial step in your quest for the perfect saddle. Good news is, you don’t need to acquire a special equipment to do this. Just go to a Specialized store and talk to the resident Body Geometry Fit expert—he’ll do the measurement for you. From this, you’ll know the size of the saddle that best fits you, and choose from the available options based on your preference.

The rail, the base, the shape, and the kick-up will all depend on your preference. “Sometimes, the rider wants a flat saddle. Some people want a high kick-up, so that it allows them to push forward and stay locked down,” shares Mangen. Just make sure that you get the right size for your sit bones.

“It’s all based on skeletal structure. The saddle size depends on the rider’s pelvic width,” Walton stresses. “We have a tool to measure where your sit bones are and figure out which saddle you need.”

When you’ve finally made your choice, give it a go for a couple of weeks. If it feels weird for the first few rides, don’t give up on it yet. It’s actually expected if it’s your first time to utilize your sit bones on a bike saddle.

“On some saddles that you might be riding right now, you might not be actually sitting on your sit bones. So riders who try Specialized saddle will feel a little discomfort at first. [Their] sit bones are a little sensititive ’cause they’ve never sat on actual sit bones before. It could take two or three weeks of riding to actually overcome that; maybe longer,” Mangen reveals. “But medically, we feel that it’s better to sit on sit bones.”

“You always give saddles a little bit of time. Your body has to kinda get used to it, no matter what saddle it is. You have to go on a few rides to really understand how you feel on that,” Walton adds.

“If you haven’t [ridden] a Specialized saddle … you ride it for the first time sitting on sit bones, you’ll be like, ‘Oh man, it hurts a little,’—but that’s a good thing, really; you want to feel the sit bones,” reassures Mangen.

speed from the saddlehow Something So obScUre can makea big diFFerence in YoUr perFormance

Words: Christian Obmerga

In the 90s, a study by Dr. Frank Sommer made headlines by stating that all riders will eventually develop erectile dysfunction, if they haven’t already. That’s when Dr. Roger Minkow, a Body Geometry expert, developed the first body geometry saddle for Specialized.

Fast forward to today. A team of experts in Specialized has developed the latest Body Geometry saddles: the Specialized Power Saddle and the Sitero. Based on extensive testing in their headquarters in California, Walton says these saddles are the only ones that actually performed in an aerodynamic position for a very extended period of time, without making the rider numb or producing unwanted side effects.

“Every week we have a blood flow test and pressure mapping. We get to see how much blood flow [loss] goes to the rider on certain shape. We’re always working on development to improve that,” reveals Walton. After more than a year of tinkering, they came up with the Sitero and the Power Saddle, which will both be out in the market by September.

For more information on the Sitero and the Power Saddle, visit www.specialized.com.

the birth oF SpeciaLiZed bodY geometrY SaddLeS

Specialized Saddle Developer Jason Walton and Product Manager Matt Mangen

06

Words: Monching Romano | Photos: Edsel OchoaHair and Makeup: Arlyn Basa and Jeri Sebastian

Sport Shoes and Apparel: Nike | Shades and Helmet: SpyderShot on Location: Dan’s

nikko huelgasthe racedaY interview:

on where it aLL began

07

Shit happens.

Back in high school at Elizabeth Seton School, Nikko Huelgas was already a rockstar athlete. Co-captain of the swim team and the go-to guy of the water polo team, Nikko was set to win three gold medals and the MVP award for the water polo event in the much awaited intramurals. It was his senior year, and it was glory time.

But Nikko had a naughty side.

Days leading up to the intrams, training was intense. A single hour of pool time to train was nowhere near enough. But with so many teams, that was the most each could get. Time was monitored with a single wall clock. Nikko decided to turn back the hands of time, literally. When it was his team’s time to train, he set back the clock by 10 minutes. Before their time ended, he set it back another 10 minutes, giving his team an additional 20 minutes to train. And nobody noticed.

He felt that certain high that comes with breaking the rules and getting away with it. (That’s why bank robbers never stop.) So the next training day, he pulled off the same prank, this time upping the ante to 15 minutes per adjustment, giving his team an additional 30 minutes. Of course, that much of a difference was bound to get noticed, and his coach was fuming mad when he found out about it.

Thinking that a friend ratted on him, Nikko confessed to his coach—a man he considered more than a coach, his mentor and closest friend. He expected a reprimand, at most. To his surprise, he instead got threatened with getting the whole senior squad disqualified from the intrams. Nikko laments, “Nabaliw ako. Sabi ko, ‘Anong nangyari?’ Most likely, buong fourth year hindi makaka-compete sa swimming, all swimming competitions—parang nanginig ako nu’n—as in lahat. At gunning for gold kami. Malamang, fourth year na eh. Kami na eh. Imaginine mo, water polo, men’s, women’s relay, individual event. Medal tally ’yan. Ilan ’yun? 30 medals at stake.”

But that didn’t happen. With only a few days to the games, no decision had been announced. Nikko thought his confession and apologies sufficed. Then the school handed down the verdict, signed by all the faculty of his senior batch: Nikko was disqualified from participating in the intrams. Instead, he was assigned assistant for logistics. It was worse than what he expected. “Ako ’yung utusan ng buong intramurals, ng mga officers, ng mga organizers. So ako ang taga-deliver ng pito sa lahat ng sports. Ako ang taga-ayos ng flag ng football. ... Ako taga-kabit nu’n before mag-start. Pare, it was so humiliating.”The turn of events hit Nikko hard. During one of his swims, he was in a different state. “Ang workout ko, 40 laps butterfly, wala akong nararamdaman. It was a stroll lang. Ang lakas ko. Puro luha ’yung goggles ko,” shares Nikko, while putting all the blame of what just had happened on his Coach. “Fourth year na ako, at last year ko na ’to. Hindi mo na ’to maibabalik eh. ’Yun ’yung regret.”

After the intrams, Nikko promised a friend, “Pare, pangako ko sayo, pagtungtong ko sa college, babawiin ko lahat ’to. Maalala ng lahat ’to. Aangat ko ’to. Pinapangako ko talaga. Lahat, aangat ako, sisikat ako. Magiging pinaka-magaling ako at maaalala ’to ng lahat ng batchmates ko. Babawiin ko lahat ng mga nawalang reputasyon sa akin.”

And on June 7, 2015, Nikko Huelgas won for the Philippines the Gold Medal in triathlon at the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore. Here is the rest of his story.

RaceDay: Du’n nanggaling ’yun?

Nikko: Du’n talaga. Du’n hinugot lahat ’to.

RD: (laughs)

Nikko: Everytime I wake up at 4:30 a.m. kay Coach Guy Concepcion, ’yun ang iniisip ko. Dito mag-uumpisa lahat. Hindi ko ’to pakakawalan.

RD: Si Guy coach mo ng college swimming?

Nikko: And he was the mad scientist of everything. He taught us the value of sports in general. He made us become well-rounded athletes and people. And that’s something only few people can tell. Kasi 13 lang kaming dumaan sa kanya nung time na ’yun

eh—13 men, 13 women. But lahat ’yun, naging successful in their own field, everybody who stuck with him. Kasi nag-flying kickboard si Guy Concepcion eh. … Manginginig ka. No joke.

Pero after nu’n, he taught [us] talaga. We showed up on time. We respected one another. Tapos we tried to understand everyone. Du’n ako naging thankful na nag-La Salle ako, because of that person, not because of the education. Kasi anybody can learn eh so long as you apply it eh. Pero that person talaga.

Sayang ’yung opportunity. Kasi how I value, how I see everything na, is more than education eh. Don’t let school get in the way of education. Experience ’yun eh. Dealing with people.

RD: Konti lang ’yung people who made it big or sabihin nating rich in sports ’di ba? ’Di ka ba nag-second thoughts during college and even now, parang, wow, puwede ko ba ’tong gawing kabuhayan? Eh La Salle graduate naman ako. What if I go corporate?

Nikko: Many times I’ve considered moving, switching to a different field and letting go of being a professional athlete. Kasi malaki din ang opportunity cost ko for this sport eh. Committing to this sport, I’ve been missing out so many things in terms of learning in the corporate world, finance, events. I even considered entering showbiz. … And I have connections naman.

But for me, I’ve been meeting so many people throughout, getting mentorship in life, even finance. And more importantly, I’m comparing myself and my ability if I can actually excel in another field that I plan to choose.

’Yung mga tinuro sa ’kin ng mentors ko, always, always focus more on your core competence. Focus on what you are good at. Kasi it’s God’s destiny eh. God[-given] talent na ’yun di ba? And I found na may talent ako dito.

Second, focus more on what makes you happy in that kind of field. So kunyari hindi triathlon, on other things, puwede namang maging sportscaster. Still, sports pa rin ’di ba?

Tapos, na-realize ko na life is not gonna be long for us, especially in this fast-paced world. Going into traffic, you experience traffic, twice lang ubos na ’yung half of your day. Tapos may sleep ka pang seven hours kasi pagod ka.

So you wanna choose the ones that will make you happy more than earning money, because money is something you can earn especially because I know how to make money in other ways naman because of my educational background. So I’m not going desperate. I have options.

Kasi people go for money because they don’t have any more options eh. If you have a limited resumé, you have limited options ’di ba? That’s how I see the world eh. So now, my goal in life is to be able to maximize whatever I can for what I want in life.

RD: So how long are you planning to keep this thing going, you know, being a professional athlete?

Nikko: Until it’s worth it pa, and at the same time, for as long as I’m happy about it. Kasi kung happy ka nga pero hindi na worth it, wala nang progress, hindi na practical.

RD: Pero what if one day you woke up, tapos sabi mo, parang routine na ’to eh, boring na ’to. Then you’ll stop?

Nikko: Yeah. I love everything that I’m doing right now, but I always try to compare and weigh in the opportunity cost. Every decision, either kahit kape ’yan, iinom ako ng kape, kikitain ko ’yung friend ko. Iisipin ko kung ano ’yung benefit nito. And ito reality ’to eh. More than being happy, you have to be logical ’di ba? Logical decision-making. So in this case, you have to decide first if it’s practical in terms of making you happy. Second, if it’s gonna give you experience, progress, [make you a] better person. And third, you have to check if it’s earningyou money.

RD: So balance ’no? Parang hindi ka, on the one end, dreams, dreams, passion, passion or sa extreme na always money. It’s a balance of everything?

Nikko: Balance. Yes. All around.

RD: Good. Itong win na ’to, you’ve been wanting this ’di ba, 10 years na. Ganu’n mo ba siya na-imagine na when you finally got the SEA Games Gold, and what’s happening now, the attention, the exposure, the opportunities?

Nikko: So far? No. Not even one bit.

RD: (laughs) Bakit?

Nikko: For me, I always try to set low, low … expectations. … ganu’n ’yung mind ko para hindi ako sobrang ma-pressuresa laban.

Nagpa-consult ako sa girlfriend ko. Sabi ko, “Can you twistit around?” Para lang ’di ako ma-pressure. Hindi akosobrang kabahan.

Sabi niya, “Isipin mo lang, SEA Games lang ’yan.Nakapag-Asian Games ka na. Kung walang exposure nga ’yung pagka-top 10 mo sa Asian Games, what more pa ang SEA Games na sobrang mababang level?” After nu’n, ’yun lang. Although alam ko it’s gonna be big a bit. And we will have more opportunities to compete abroad kasi ti-triple ’yung budget namin if we win a gold. Inaral ko ’yan, ’yung practicality. But inisip ko na lang at the lowest level. It’s just another medal. It’s just gonna pass by and it’s gonna be forgotten because mare-replace at mare-replace ’yun eh. ’Yun lang ’yung mindset ko. Just so I could not think about it too much. So kumbaga, reverse psychology.

RD: So it means na ’yung mga nangyari sa’yo ngayon after winning is much, much more than you expected because you set the bar low?

Nikko: So much. Yes. I know there will be a couple of interviews kasi it’s still a medal. Pero not to the point where [there are] so many guestings. Tapos ’yung magazine features. Tapos, ’yun nga, ’yung interviews in the news. I never expected.

’Yun na rin ’yung parang naging goal ko talaga eh, na to be able to promote triathlon.

RD: Pero when you started sabi mo nasa swimming team ka. Paano ka napunta sa triathlon?

Nikko: As in wala akong talent sa swimming.

RD: (laughs)

Nikko: Hindi nga, talaga. Pure no talent. Sobrang sipag lang talaga ko nu’n. I was the only one in DLSU who trained for one year with Coach Guy na walang absent ni isa. I was the only one. So talagang endurance-wise, kargadong-kargado na ko.

Now, ang nangyari, we were doing some run sessions lang just to get fit. Kasi may land training eh. Tapos … sumali lang ako sa isang libreng fun run malapit sa ’min. Just so I can experience it. Umuulan pa naman pag dating ko du’n. Nakilala ko si Coach Rick (Reyes).

“Hi. Are you competing?”

“Yeah.”

Eh lahat naman si Coach Rick kinakausap niya kahit sinong ’di niya kilala eh. “Okay, good luck.”

Tapos I won, kinausap niya ko.

“Do you know how to swim?”

“Yeah. I actually swim for the varsity team.”

“Okay. Good.”

Binigay niya ’yung calling card niya.

“Okay. Join this, log on to this website and join us sa aquathlon. And if you do good, I’ll consider you for the national triathlon team together with LC Langit.”

Kasi kilala ko na si LC nu’n. Du’n ko nalaman ’yung triathlon. Medyo sikat na talaga si LC nu’n and si Mikki Quilala.

08

RD: When was this?

Nikko: 2009, so I had mentors na nu’n. Si Mikki Quilala at si LC Langit. … parang dumadaan na lang ako sa footsteps nila. And both of them competed in the Asian Games pa. At si Coach Guy, hinandle din niya ’yung dalawang athletes eh. So they know the process na rin.

So from there, after I joined aquathlon, it was good. Sabi ni Coach Rick, “Okay. Join more aquathlons then I’ll tell you when to buy a bike.”

So basically, I was just really following his orders. Whatever it takes, I’ll go anywhere you want just to get into the national team. Kasi for me, I think this is it. This is my sport. Du’n ko na-discover. So ’yun, I joined aquathlons.

Then I joined my first triathlon nu’ng June 12, 2009, the Animo Sprint Triathlon. I won that. And then, “Congrats, Nikko, you’re now a triathlete. Keep joining more. Prepare for longer distances. And prepare yourself. ’Yun lang. Keep gaining experience kasi you will be failing many times.”

RD: May nag-co-coach sa’yo nu’n?

Nikko: Wala pa nu’n. As in on my own lang. Sa umaga, swim. I still trained with the swimming team. Tapos sa gabi, bike, run sa gym. Tapos I met Coach George when I joined the October 18 NAGT (National Age Group Triathlon) in Alabang. ... Inaward ako then shinake hands ko, “Ay, Coach George Vilog? Sir, idol kita.” Ganu’n. Tapos umalis na ko.

Biglang nilapitan ako, “Kumusta?” Parang, “Ako kasi nagco-coach na ko ngayon eh. Kakapasok ko lang. Baka gusto mong maging atleta kita. Ano tayo, parang, quits-quits tayo. Bibigyan kitang programa. Pag maganda ang resulta mo, eh di maganda rin ang resulta ko. Tulungan tayo dito.”

Next thing you know, after two months, inintroduce na ko sa Century Tri, Sunkist Tri pa nu’n, nu’ng December. And that was it.

And 2010, January, I was sent an email, hinihingi na ang sizes ng tri suit [ko] for national team. And that’s when the goosebumps came out. Ito na, nakuha ko na. So exactly first week of January, that was it.

RD: From the beginning, si Coach George na ’yung nag-mentor sa’yo sa triathlon?

Nikko: Ever since, walang bitaw. Laging update. He was my overall coach.

RD: And now you’re in parang direct supervision ni George din? How, or papaano siya nakatulong, how important was he in this whole triathlon journey mo up to the SEA Games?

Nikko: More than his help in terms of physical performance and mental, he also coached me emotionally. And life coaching—how to treat people, how to stay humble, and always remembering where you started from. He was the person who reminded me every single day. He would always be honest with me, be frank with me, and he was never afraid to tell me what I needed to hear.

RD: Oo nga, nakita namin sa Taiwan ’yan.

Nikko: And that’s where the true friendship came out. Du’n lalabas talaga ’yun. So from there, without him, I wouldn’t know who will be my coach until now talaga. Kasi there was no other coach that I would have great chemistry with eh. Kasi more than performance talaga, it’s the chemistry eh. We understand each other.

RD: Sige, let’s go into your training. Sa book ni Malcolm Gladwell, sabi niya, “To be an expert at anything, you need 10,000 hours.” Obviously, you gave that. So, describe to us a typical training day, a training week halimbawa o day na may competition kang hinahabol.

Nikko: It’s always per week bine-base namin ’yan. So I swim 21 kilometers. 250-kilometer bike. And 70 to 80-kilometer run.

RD: And you go out every day?

Nikko: Every day.

RD: Twice a day?

Nikko: Twice a day. Two sessions per day. Morning and afternoon. Sa morning, may two sessions or sa afternoon.

RD: Bale, it’s three sessions?

Nikko: Oo.

You need to be resilient. You need to be fearless in making mistakes. Hindi

’yung mamimili ka lang ng mga laban mo. Keep racing

to know what works and doesn’t work.“

“

09

Shoes and apparel: Nike

Nikko with his coach and mentor George Vilog

RD: It’s three sports, three disciplines in a day?

Nikko: In a day? Sometimes, two lang. Sometimes three. We focus more on intervals. Be able to get that speed going. Short but sweet lagi. Kasi ITU ’yung race eh, very explosive compared to the maintenance lang. Parang zone 3 level.

Tapos we focus on recovery. Malaking bagay ’yun. After workout, what to drink, what to eat, ganu’n. You have to be meticulous with that.

And as we age, we are very, very careful na with our bodies injury-wise. Kasi as we’re getting older, very prone na to injury eh. If we’re training too much, ’di ba? There are some things that we cannot control.

RD: I remember an interview with Bryan Lundquist, ’yung kalaban ni Michael Phelps, tinanong siya, “Are there days that you don’t want to train?” Ang sagot niya, “Every day.” Pag sa’yo, how do you feel about training?

Nikko: Ako, in my situation, I really, really hate waking up in the morning. I really hate it more than anything in this world. Talaga. But I want to, because I get to enjoy the moment. I get to maximize the whole day eh. Pero the process of it, waking up is the most struggling thing in the world for me, more than anything. In fact, I hate it more than the hurdle workouts. And maybe it’s me lang talaga.

But the moment I wake up, I get my coffee, ’yun na. I own my day na. I know I’m gonna grab the day. It’s my day. And pag training time, confident na ko.

RD: For this sport, the mental thing is a big part, a big factor. And I’ve seen you sa karera talagang minsan come from behind ka. Minsan naman kahit bandera ka, talagang parang mamamatay ka sa finish line parati eh. So how do you develop or where did you get this killer instinct or all-out parati?

Nikko: Well, I’m assuming part of it is my ADHD. Since meron ako, feeling ko may konting karga from that. That’s one.

RD: Why?

Nikko: Kasi pag may ADHD ka, may extra energy ka eh. Hyperactive kami eh. That’s why days before the race, I always stay calm. On the morning, kalmado lang so that you won’t use the energy. Tapos it’s just gonna instantly and naturally burst, especially during the run.

When I was young. Nu’ng pinanganak palang ako, sobrang hyperactive na raw ako eh. Nagbabasag daw ako ng mga vase sabi ng kuya ko at mom ko. And that’s the time din pala they found [out] my talent. I had a talent for enduring pain for a long period of time, because I wouldn’t cry during painful moments. Sinabi lang sa ’kin two years ago, “Alam mo never kitang nakita umiyak Nikko pag masakit. ’Pag iniwan ka lang ni Mommy sa bahay, iiyak ka.” ... Pero ’pag ’yung mga emotional factors I do. When it comes to physical, I don’t.

RD: ’Pag ganitong nananalo ka, you become a sports celeb. You become a role model. Others welcome it. people like Dennis Rodman, ayaw nila ’yun. Sa’yo?

Nikko: It’s a purpose. For me, after winning the SEA Games, sabi ko, I was already talking to God the last two kilometers. Parang, “I think I’m gonna win this. Lord, Ikaw na ang bahala. Whatever happens, just remind me of what’s my purpose in this.”

I really thought I wouldn’t be able to win it. But I became the first and only Filipino with a gold medal for the SEA Games. Surely, it will bring exposure na. Nag-sink in na after one game. So, let me know, parang tinanong ko lang, parang, sana bigay mo sa ’kin ’yung purpose kung bakit mo ’to ginawa. Kasi lalabas at lalabas eh.

So, I found out a few weeks later, na it’s God’s purpose. It’s for me to make a change to promote the sport. It’s not about me. It’s about the sport that we have. It’s convincing enough that we have the talent for this sport. And that we should invest more in this. The same way as boxing. Kasi it comes naturally eh.

Bakit ibang sports sobrang iwan na iwan tayo and yet we see talent naman? We see track and field athletes gunning 10 seconds in a hundred meter dash. And yet, sa triathlon parang natural tayong magaling eh. We could see that, like cycling, ’di ba?

So maybe this is a turning point na. I became an image to be able to spread it to people. Because I found out I have a talent din for public speaking, motivational speaker. So I’m using it.

Fame-wise, I don’t feel it, to be honest.

RD: But do you enjoy it?

Nikko: Enjoy it? Yes, I feel blessed. I feel overwhelmed. I knew I’m doing something selfless because of that moment ... na I’m giving back to the community. It’s a life worth living eh.

RD: Somewhere there’s a kid na baka may talent for swim, or magaling mag-bike. Having gone through it, what do you think is the perfect track for him to take to be able to compete at your level? Like others would say get a coach. Others would say go to the national team. Iba-iba, ’di ba? ’Yung iba diyan, kino-coach ng magulang. May iba kukuha ng outside help. Iba papadala sa States. So basing on what you went through and what you know, what do you think is the best track for a talented kid to be able to get to your level?

Nikko: First, keep joining races to know if you have the talent for racing triathlon. I’ve met so many people who are talented in training but during a triathlon race, they succumb. They give up to the intense level, the demand of the sports eh.

So from there, keep racing to know. Trial and error. You need to be resilient. You need to be fearless in making mistakes. Hindi ’yung mamimili ka lang ng mga laban mo. Keep racing to know what works and doesn’t work.

From there, if you know that you can do it, get a coach and set goals. Be in a relationship with your coach up to the minute. Because he or she will be your mentor. At tuloy-tuloy kayo. Whether it’s your parents, it’s the same thing. Ganu’n. Kasi you cannot do it alone. That I can assure you of, ’di ba?

So from there, consistent training lang kasi endurance sport ’to.

RD: How important is science?

Nikko: 50 percent science, 50 percent hard work.

RD: Nu’ng akti-aktibista kami sa UP, ’di ba passionate kami? Pero ’pag tungkol sa girlfriend na, ang term namin du’n, oops, tigil ang rebolusyon. Wala muna kami diyan. So, sa’yo, you have a girlfriend now. One, I assume. (laughs).

Nikko: My first one.

RD: Your first one? Really?

Nikko: First rin niya ako.

RD: Kamusta siya in the whole scheme of this triathlon, in your sports career?

Nikko: It’s very maganda. Sobrang perfect chemistry. It’s good that she’s not into sports.

RD: It’s good? People say mas okay if you were together in this sport.

Nikko: It depends. Pero siya, she’s understanding in whatever I want to do in my life. Hindi lang sports. Paano kung music, tapos hindi niya gusto? Tapos na ang boxing, ’di ba? Me also, I’m also understanding in everything that she does. All around talaga. And she’s there to help me out with everything. She’s not demanding.

Tapos effective communicator. ... Marunong makisama sa lahat ng bagay or magandang kausap. Kasi there are times na siya lang mag-isa eh. Kapag race ko na, siya lang mag-isa. So she knows how to take care of herself.

RD: What’s your next goal?

Nikko: To end our 2015 campaign, we will be competing in the World Cup in Tongyeong, Korea in October; the week after, in Hong Kong, Asian Cup.

RD: Personal goal. Okay, you wanted a medal, SEA Games, you got it. What’s the next one?

Nikko: First, I want to be an Olympian talaga eh. Ultimate dream, like any other professional athlete.

But more than that, with what’s happening right now in life, I just want to be a well-rounded person. ’Yung person na [with] consistent progress and a man of value. Be a man of value more than a man of success.

I found out a few weeks later, na it’s God’s purpose. It’s

for me to make a change to promote the sport. It’s not

about me. It’s about the sport that we have. It’s convincing

enough that we have the talent for this sport. And that we should invest more in this.

““

10

With Nikko’s dedication to the sport, BMC, Century Tuna, Gatorade, Nike, Spyder and more have trusted him to represent their brands.

And I want to give that recognition to Rambo (Chicano). I see him as that quote, eh. Try not to be a man of success but a man of value, ’di ba that’s from Einstein? I saw Rambo in that eh. When I saw that quote, si Rambo lang ang unang maalala ko du’n eh. Yes, sa family, ginagawa niyang ma-balance lahat. Same great level training, elite-level performance kahit hindi niya napapanalunan lahat, but he’s winning races. And he’s getting so much respect from people, especially from me. Grabe.

RD: Is he the next Nikko Huelgas? Rambo?

Nikko: Rambo? Anybody can be. I’m not comparing myself but … (laughs) parang ang labo noh. Anyway, I hope so. But surely, he can do more because of what he has achieved from balancing his life with his family. I saw how he does it eh. He does it nicely. And with what he has done, he can do anything he wants. And he’s gonna do well in it, of that I am sure. It’s character eh, ’di ba? How you can handle pressure, how you can handle success, and downfall; walang pera at may pera. I saw him when he had nothing. And na-build-up ’yan, nagawa niya, without cracking under pressure. That’s the mark of true success, overcoming struggles, ’di ba? The harder the struggle, the sweeter the victory.

RD: Who else among the young ones?

Nikko: May potential? Si Edward Macalalad. He has the body frame for it. Thin-boned so may talent din sa run. He just needs to get into the swim path, ’pag akyat niya, it’s his race, ’di ba?

Tapos si Justin Chiongbian. And I’m looking forward to him kasi he’s gonna be training in Singapore or hopefully in Leeds ... I hope he gets that, and itaas ang standards ng Philippine triathlon.

’Yun rin ’yung parang gusto kong maging goal for Philippine sports, na parang Great Britain, kung na-injure ako, or na-injure si Rambo, there will always be somebody who can win a gold medal pa rin kahit na wala ’to lahat. So no worries. Hindi tulad ng makikita mo, kunyari ’pag nawala, ’pag na-injure si Nikko Huelgas, ay patay na ang SEA Games triathlon natin. No. Eh di, ang gagawin, may iba tayong mag-medalist, period. Ganu’n ang yabang na gusto kong ma-feel sa Philippine triathlon. There will always be (someone), kaya parang ’pag nakita mo ’yung Philippine triathlete, na national athlete, ay, malakas ’yan. Nabansagan na ganu’n, kasi taga-Philippines.

RD: Not necessarily the person?

Nikko: Oo. The brand Philippines. The same way with Great Britain and Spain. ‘Ay mga Español ’yan, malalakas ’yan.’ ’Yan ang gusto kong marinig from other countries.

RD: You’ve been with the national team since 2010. Madaling maging critical of triathlon for us who don’t know anything naman. But you’ve been through the program, you’ve been a recipient of it. We won two golds and one silver. Do you think we’re on the right track? And do you think there are other things that need to be done?

Nikko: Maganda ’yung system compared to any other NSA (National Sports Association). I’ve seen it. I’ve seen how they do it. Nakita ko ’yung behind the scenes ng lahat ng NSAs. And apparently, I find that we are one of the best, despite such a tight budget. So kumbaga, parang rags-to-riches tayo. We didn’t depend on private sponsors like Philippine basketball did, talagang on our own tayo.

And we converted our talents into profit. From just the staffof the NSA, ’yan sila Fabie (David), sila Mario (Canja),taga-organize … all-around sila. They also do races on weekends. So they’re maximizing all things. This organization is running more than what they are expected to do, more than what they should do, which is good.

Now, with [exceeding] expectations, parang kailangan lang maging consistent. Because I feel that when Sir Tom Carrasco resigns, baka mag-downfall tayo eh. Without Sir Tom, it might go down talaga, I can assure you. Kasi wala pang kayang tumapat sa kanyang position eh.

So consistent lang kailangan ’yung grassroots program, that’s one. Consistent ’yung NAGT races kasi that’s where you discover talent, and that’s where you promote the sport to the beginners. Kasi 70.3, next level na ’yan, eh.

Everybody should start from TRAP (Triathlon Association of the Philippines) races, ’yung mga short races lang, just to know if they really want this sport. Kasi it would be too daring if you’re gonna immediately join a 70.3 without joining a short race. What if you don’t enjoy the 70.3? ’Di ba, dahil nga na-burnout ka, you might not enjoy the sport in general. … And our goal is to make sure to enjoy the sport. Make a lifestyle out of it.

So I hope they could consistently organize the TRAP races in a very good way. Reputation is everything, more than ambition. Mag-a-ambisyon kang gumawa ng sobrang bonggang race pero

hindi naman quality, ang daming butas. I prefer ’yung steady lang. Nothing new pero malinis, maayos. ’Yung principle ko: Reputation will always be first.

RD: Maybe a subset of the triathlon community knows you. But the rest, they know you from a distance. How do you want to be known? How do you want to be remembered?

Nikko: To be a role model in the sport, a man who has overcome so many struggles in life, and [who has] faith in God.

11

M any years ago, I was a golf widow. I was overjoyed when my husband finally gave up golf—only to take up another obsession.

Triathlon is now the other love of his life. He eats, breathes and sleeps triathlon. Like a man with a mistress, he devotes his free time and emotion to the sport. I could be a jealous wife and begrudge the amount of focus triathlon receives from him, but what would be the point? Instead, I have embraced it and made it part of my life. As someone who has lived with this “mistress”, I can offer the following advice:

On Tri ExpensesTriathlon is an expensive sport. Although running is free, pool fees, coaching fees (there’s the swim coach, the tri coach, the strength training coach), the myotherapists and massages, bike parts—they all add up. Not to mention race fees.

Race fees are not cheap, and if you factor in accommodations, gas, toll fees or plane fare, plus food, it’s a lot. If I added up all the correct prices for these, I am sure it could fund all my children’s yearly tuition. (And I say correct, because I am sure that when I ask how much that P5 is, my husband will say it is P50,000! Which is okay ... because when he asks how much my new bag costs, I will say, P1,000!)

I figure my husband works hard and triathlon is his outlet, so I let him be. As he always tells me, triathlon is cheaper than a Porsche, a mistress or a by-pass. Kidding aside, I’m glad that his hobby is something that benefits his health. Plus, as our 25th Homecoming approaches and I see all the DadBods out there, I must admit that I am extremely proud and smug of the physique my husband sports. I am also glad that instead of coming home late from a night of drinking with friends, he would rather sleep early because he needs to train the next morning. I do pretend to grumble about leaving parties early, but secretly, I am happy to be out of that smoky bar and on my way home to bed.

About the Time ElementA lot of wives complain about the time their husbands spend training. I look at it another way: When he is training, I have ME time. On Saturdays, when my husband goes out to bike, I relish the time to sleep in, or enroll in some crafting classes. While he is out swimming on Tuesday and Thursday nights, I use the time he is not home to catch up on reading books.

But when I tell him there is lunch on Saturday at 12:00, he’d better be there. And when we have a birthday party to go to after he has done a Century ride, he cannot complain and opt out of going in favor of a nap. My husband knows that I am patient with training time, so whenever I ask him to do something, he is all the more willing to do it. Perks of tri-guilt.

During the RaceI remember being excited for races. But after a few years of doing the same thing, they have lost their luster. So we started to explore different races. Nowadays, there are many smaller races in different venues (Sipalay Tri, Mt. Mayon Tri, Ilocos Tri, and other international venues). They offer exciting opportunities to see new places. Races don’t occur in the most ideal conditions, not only for the athletes but also for the support crew. It’s hot, not spectator friendly, and there are no food or drinks around. I understand why some tri-wives prefer to stay at home. However, it matters a lot to your triathlete to see you at the finish line (and not just to carry his T1 and T2 bag while he wheels his bike). As cliché as it sounds, you inspire him to go on and finish.

If you don’t like waiting, know your triathlete’s splits and go to the finish line 30 minutes before he finishes. While waiting for the race to end, explore the surrounding areas, or read a good book. For me, the best way to pass the time is getting to know other tri-wives. Have breakfast with them and enjoy their company. Forming friendships with people who share something in common is great. Finally, someone understands how difficult it is to keep dri-fit shirts organized in a closet!

Enjoy the Race-cationCombining a vacation and racing is the best compromise. Triathletes talk about race-cations as the ultimate reward for themselves and their wives. It’s the best of both worlds. Hegets to do what he loves best, racing, in an exotic location,while the wife gets to travel and shop. It’s a family vacation. Everyone is happy.

This year, instead of doing the Cobra Ironman in Cebu, my husband and some of his teammates chose to do the Honu 70.3 in Hawaii. I was happy with a beach vacation, while he was happy he could bike the famous Queen K. Admittedly, Hawaii might not be my dream vacation, but I know it is my

triathlete’s because Kona is the venue of the Ironman World Championships. This is his chance to traverse the same course as the triathlon greats!

Remember, it’s your vacation, too. Don’t stick to activities that revolve only around triathlon. While the triathlete is out doing course recon, the tri-wife does not need to stay and wait for him to finish. Go out and explore with the other wives. When we were in Kona, we left the boys to bike and swim while we went into town to check out the shopping places. Everyone got to do the things we wanted with no one pressuring us.

Be Part of His Triathlon JourneyI am not a triathlete, but I take an interest in it since it is very much a part of my husband’s life. That way, since he can’t help but talk about triathlon, I can converse with him. I know the top age groupers and their approximate splits; I know his coaches and programs; and most importantly, I know how much bike parts cost!

I play an active role in his tri activities. I assume the important role of being his nutritionist. I figure out the food he needs to eat pre-race (translated, What will I serve for dinner?); portable non-GU food he can bring on the bike; and a steady supply of Pedialyte chilling in the ref post-race to replenish his electrolytes.

I am also the travel agent. I take care of plane tickets, hotels, and post-race activities. The wives of my husband’s teammates and I have figured out that in order for everyone to be happy, our accommodations need to be near the race venue and the places we want to go to.

ExerciseTriathletes spend so much time working out and know firsthand the effects of exercising. Perhaps the most frustrating thing for a triathlete is to be really fit and then see his wife living a sedentary lifestyle. You don’t have to be able to run 21 km, but at least be able to climb a flight of steps.

Exercising is good for you. Me, I just hate that my husband can fit into his clothes from 10 years ago while I can’t. (Granted, I did have three children. But I still don’t want to be the unfit one in the relationship!)

Exercising is also something that we can do together. My husband isn’t crazy about my spin class, but goes with me anyway so that I can be strong enough to bike with him.

A marriage is a partnership, and there is give and take to make it work. I give in on this thing called triathlon, and he will also give in when he sees my credit card shopping bill! Again, verybody is happy.

Patricia Suaco Manuel traded her career in Fashion Merchandising and Planning to take care of three children and a triathlete. She is the CEO of the Manuel household and is a master at cooking, picking up toys and reading fairy tales. Occasionally she moonlights as a driver, teacher, secretary, investment banker, travel agent and personal shopper. She also writes a blog that chronicles the life of a Tri-Wife (www.thetriwifelife.com) and how to live with a triathlete.

living withthat mistresscalledtriathlonWords: Patricia Suaco Manuel (www.thetriwifelife.com)

Photo courtesy of Edwin Yabut

1 32

1) Tri-wives working; 2) Tri-wife duties; 3) Para walang away … pagbigyan ang asawa gumastos sa $1 aisle!

12

T H E FA S T E S T B I K E J U S T G O T FA S T E R

The new Trek Speed Concept has opened up its lead in the superbike category. With proven best-in-class performance, Speed Concept now has an even cleaner front profile, reduced weight and full integration, pushing the boundaries as the fastest, most aerodynamically advanced production bike on the planet.

trekbikes.com/speedconcept

SPEED CONCEPT IS NOW AVAILABLE AT: Trek Bicycle Store Manila +63 2 553 2445 All Terra Cyclery Ortigas +63 2 909 7264 Aison Bikes Cebu +63 32 345 2160 Podium Multisport Davao +63 928 501 3073 Sprint Multisport Cagayan de Oro +63 917 706 0677

The author with her triathlete husband Rico Manuel.

living withthat mistresscalledtriathlonWords: Patricia Suaco Manuel (www.thetriwifelife.com)

T H E FA S T E S T B I K E J U S T G O T FA S T E R

The new Trek Speed Concept has opened up its lead in the superbike category. With proven best-in-class performance, Speed Concept now has an even cleaner front profile, reduced weight and full integration, pushing the boundaries as the fastest, most aerodynamically advanced production bike on the planet.

trekbikes.com/speedconcept

SPEED CONCEPT IS NOW AVAILABLE AT: Trek Bicycle Store Manila +63 2 553 2445 All Terra Cyclery Ortigas +63 2 909 7264 Aison Bikes Cebu +63 32 345 2160 Podium Multisport Davao +63 928 501 3073 Sprint Multisport Cagayan de Oro +63 917 706 0677