FOR majority of the population, the Ironman challenge seems more like a punishment than anything else. Touted as the ultimate triathlon race, the Ironman is a one-day event that starts with swimming in the open sea (3.9 kilometers), biking uphills and downhills (180kilometers), and capping off with running a marathon (42kilometers) to the finish line. All of these tasks must be finished back-to-back-to-back within 17hours! WOW.
Such a jaw-dropping route even for someone who has a normal and regular fitness routine! But for entrepreneur, coach, part-time Sunday school-teacher, and full-time super dad, Joel Ramos, this Ironman challenge is something that he looked forward to and prepared for with his whole heart. He said: “Why did I do it? I can think of 20- 30 reasons why, but it all leads to one thing. I want to glorify God. And the best way for me to do that is to live an awesome and amazing life the way He designed it to be in the first place.”
Joel has done over 40 triathlon races and a couple of Ironman 70.3s, mostly in Subic, Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro. He stated: “I started 2009 because I was inspired by my Mentor (Pastor Ferdie Cabiling). I'm a student of the game; I actually enjoy more of the science involved in training and racing than the race itself. My eagerness to learn led me to join triathlon and running courses, which eventually gave me my coaching certification. Coaching is actually not a full-time thing. I just share the things I know thru seminars and training camps.”
Because of his passion, Joel has also evolved into a certified multi-sport race official/organizer. He has been the race director of the local triathlon in Cagayan de Oro for 3 years now. On top of that, he has a day job which is managing the family business, as well as being a full-time hands-on dad to his three beautiful daughters. And as if his plate is not full enough, he also helps in his church ministry by mentoring younger kids in Sunday school.
This good looking dad who looks half his age said with a smile: “My friends tease me that I have an obsessive disorder. But the only way to get me to focus is if my plate is full. Because I have so many things I want to do and accomplish, every hour of my life is scheduled! Honestly for me, busy is very overrated. You can always make time if you really want it!”
Indeed, NO EXCUSES!
Joel was also candid enough to share his struggles with reaching this particular goal. He said: “In this case (the Ironman), I sometimes think I bit more than what I can chew. The training was crazy! I train 6x a week 1hr a day on weekdays, and 5-7hours weekends. Nutrition plays a vital role, so I cut 18 pounds for this race. I ate only complex carbs and only 100grams of meat per day for 5months. No sugar and sweets 30 days before the race.”
Based on his journey, it is clear that the Ironman is not just a physical challenge but a mental one too. It takes a lot of self-control, will-power, and discipline to push your body to its limits. Joel emphasized that training for an Ironman is a team effort, and he is blessed to have a very solid support system that backs him up. —“I thank God for my wife, Audrey, who allowed me to do this. Really, special shoutout goes to her for all her love and understanding. My managers, Miss Weng and Miss Jang, who pick-up the load at work also helped me. Also my sponsor Endure Seven Seas was very supportive. For anyone who wants to do this, you can’t just plunge in and say, I want to be Ironman. Prepare properly and plan for it.”
Joel noted that it took almost 10 years for him to finally do a full Ironman. “I didn’t rush it. I allowed my body to fully mature and absorb 9years of training. And the sweet part of my victory is the Ironman Subic is the inaugural and first full Ironman in the Philippines. The races you have heard of for the last 9 years are all HALF. But the recently concluded Subic is the big one. The FULL Ironman and I conquered it.”
Now that he has achieved his long-time dream, it doesn’t mean he will stop nor slack off. In fact, he has set his sights onto higher goals. He said: “Just because I am now an Ironman means that training is done. The work continues because this level of fitness has become my lifestyle. I intend to continue my health and fitness journey so I can be with my family in top condition for many years to come. My currents goal now is the plan to race the 5 international marathons.”
Joel is living proof that the harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph because nothing worth having ever comes easy. He also exemplifies that the only limit to the realization of our dreams is our doubts today. If you can dream it, you can work for it and make a commitment to turn it into a reality. Success isn’t handed on a silver platter but is earned through blood, sweat, and tears. Congratulations, Ironman Joel! Enjoy the sweet taste of hard-earned victory.
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