FORMER University of Cebu stalwart Ernest Ybañez Jr. is bracing for a new endurance challenge almost a year after winning a gold medal in the decathlon event of the Philippine National Games (PNG).
The 27-year-old track and field coach will debut in the elite division of the Spartan Philippines SEA Regional Series at the Lima Technology Center in Malvar, Batangas on May 4.
Ybañez’s first Spartan Race was last year under the open division, wherein he finished second place at the Forressa Trails in Balamban, Cebu.
The Spartan Race, one of the rising fitness competitions, requires athletes to endure run and obstacle challenges. Ybañez is listed in the elite sprint category, which covers a five-kilometer run and 20 to 23 obstacles.
“It’s a new challenge for me. I’m back training for about three weeks already. I’m not expecting a lot from the results, but I’ll make sure to complete my training,” the native of Bantayan Island told SunStar Cebu in Cebuano during a quick chat at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The Bachelor of Science in Criminology graduate Ybañez bagged a PNG gold medal in decathlon, a competition of 10 track and field events: 100-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 110m hurdles, discus throw, 400m run, javelin throw, pole vault and 1,500m run.
Despite having a background in endurance sports, Ybañez said he still needs to adjust to the Spartan Race set-up, being a totally different sport compared to the decathlon.
“In decathlon, there are 10 events in two days and you can rest after every event. It’s really different in the Spartan Race, which is more focused on upper strength and endurance,” he said.
“I have to adjust and do long runs. I’m used to sprints. I also practice obstacles at the Obstacle Course Camp in Crossroads,” he added.
Ybañez said that coach Pio Solon of Epic Performance and Fitness recommended him to try the Spartan Race. He was later introduced to Guenter Taus of Spartan Race Philippines and Patricia Mendoza of Obstacle Course Cebu.
There will be no PNG this year, as national team athletes prepare for their stint in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which will be hosted by the Philippines on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11. (RSC)