GRIT is defined as a “combination of passion, perseverance, tenacity and hope”.
In her book, “Grit”, New York Times bestselling author and psychologist Angela Duckworth explains that it is not only talent and intelligence but grit which will lead an individual to success.
Last August 7, several Dabawenyos participated in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship in Mactan, Cebu. Enduring swimming for 1.9 kms.; biking for 90 kms.; and running for 21 kms. under regulated time, surviving this premier race is truly one of the ultimate tests of an athlete’s will power and determination.
Read about some of the awe-inspiring moms and dads who hurdled this recent competition as they share their “grit” journey to the finish line:
Dolly Grace Gimenes-Yuste
Number of times you joined Ironman: This is my fourth Ironman 70.3 in Cebu.
All the half Ironman races I have joined since 2013 have been in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Each year has given me different experiences and it never seizes to amaze me year after year how the sport and the races are getting better and better that is why I keep going back. The Cobra Ironman 70.3 race in Cebu is the “it” race for me yearly.
Sports competitions: Every sports event I register for during the year is geared for training leading up to the Ironman 70.3 race.
Last year, I joined the Beijing International Triathlon in China and came in 2nd in the 40-44 female age group. I also ran the full marathon (42 km.) during the Davao Finisher’s Marathon last December 2015.
Early this year, I joined the Kalilangan Duathlon in General Santos City where I placed 1st in the female age category 35 and up and the Sarbay Triathlon in Gumasa Beach, Sarangani Province.
Motivation for an active lifestyle: I got hooked to this multi-sport. I never looked back since then. I took swimming lessons, had an online running coach from Manila and bought a better bike.
Journey to Ironman: The journey towards completing the Ironman 70.3 race is priceless! It entails countless of early morning hours, sweat, blood and money! Crossing that finish arc is a very emotional and surreal feeling for me because everything I trained for over the last 6 to 8 months is finally put to a test.
Life lessons from Ironman: I have learned that if you put in the time and effort into your training, you will improve. It is also important to invest in a coach or training lessons because they will always help you.
Number of times you joined Ironman: Challenge Philippines 70.3 distance inaugural race in Subic with son Carlo, our first half IM distance (2013); IM 70.3 Cebu (2014); IM 70.3 Cebu (2015); IM 70.3 Vietnam (2016); and IM 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship Cebu (2016).
Sports competitions: Running has been my forte before my first marathon in 2013. I have completed the Run United Series in Manila in 2012 and did more than 30 half marathon in two years. Since then, marathon became my staple run every end or start of the year. I have finished the Audax 200 kms. from Davao to Mati.
Motivation for an active lifestyle: Defy age.
Journey to Ironman: It took a lot of guts, courage, motivation, and discipline to join an IM. But, when I took that initial step to run, pedal that bike and glide that stroke to swim, anything is possible. If you worked and trained for the IM distance, trust your training and believe.
You compete with no one but yourself. Focus on finishing and completing the race than trying to outrun anyone in the race.
Life lessons from Ironman: I learned to persevere and be patient at my stance. One realizes that there is no shortcut to success but hard work. It actually made me a better person as I was not only able to inspire my kids but also my friends and teammates.
Maria Norisa Goc-Ong
Number of times you joined Ironman: It was my first time to join the Ironman Philippines Asia-Pacific Championship in Shangrila, Mactan Cebu. I got third place in my age category (45-49) with a female time of 5:58:37
Sports competitions through the years: “Rody Duterte Lumba Bisikleta sa Kadayawan” - Champion, Ladies Category (2015); Sprint distance/Novice Overall Champion –Female Manta Triathlon (2014); Overall Champion - Female XRail Offroad Triathlon (2015); 1st Place-Age category Dipolog Triathlon (2015); 3rd Overall Champion Defy Triathlon 123 (2015); Offroad Triathlon Overall Champion - Female Petron Blazemen Offroad Tri (2015); and second Overall Champion – Female 8080 Triathlon (2015)
Motivation for an active lifestyle: I want to stay fit and challenge myself to my limits.
Journey to Ironman: Ironman is a hard endurance race. Starting day 1 of my triathlon training, I realized that this is not an easy sport. It will take much of my time. But, as long as I have the passion to do it, I just do it day by day.
Life lessons from Ironman: I learned from joining Ironman that if you dream something big and work hard for it, dreams do come true.
Daniel Diaz
Number of times you joined Ironman: I raced Ironman 70.3 twice, 2015 and 2016, both in Cebu.
Sports competitions through the years: I usually join local triathlon races all over Mindanao; Durianman in Davao; NAGT in Cagayan de Oro; Lawihan Tri in General Santos. Recently, I raced in the Sarbay Triathlon where I won 2nd place in my age group category 30-34.
Motivation for an active lifestyle: To be healthy for my family, to have energy to perform well at work.
Journey to Ironman: I was inspired when I saw triathletes and how disciplined they were. Training became part of my daily routine and I became healthier. I lost 10 kilos of weight.
This helps me to clear my mind and gives me a good perspective on my goals each day. With renewed energy every day, I'm able to manage my different roles: first, as husband to my wife Sai and dad to two kids; be active at work with my teammates; and perform well.
Life lessons from Ironman: I've learned that anything is possible when you put your mind and heart into it. The human spirit is unlimited that we can do everything that our mind can conceive as long as we are determined to achieve it.
Roxanne Tan Ang
Number of times you joined Ironman: The Ironman race held last August 7 was my first one.
Sports competitions through the years: Durianman, Safeguard 5150 and Dipolog 101
Motivation for an active lifestyle: I wanted to be healthy and actually look healthy. Also, hearing triathlon stories from my cousin Dolly pushed me to try it out myself.
Journey to Ironman: I started from ground zero with triathlon coach, Patrick Serrano. I could barely swim 25 meters without struggling for air, and it seemed impossible to run 1 km. without taking a break. It took about two years of six days a week workouts which consisted of strengthening, swimming, biking and running at 5:30 a.m.
Life lessons from Ironman: I learned that nothing is impossible with the right amount of will and dedication.
Advice for parents who want a more active lifestyle: It takes a lot of sacrifices but the result will be priceless. As my coach once told me, “No pain, no gain!”.
James Carreon
Number of times you joined Ironman: It was my first time to join the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines, 1st Asia Pacific Championship held in Shangrila Mactan, Cebu City.
Sports competitions through the years: Durianman - Finisher (2016 & 2015); Xtrail Offroad-Finisher
(2015); Regent 5150 Subic Bay - Finisher (2015); SarBay Fest - Finisher (2014); TimbermanButuan City -Finisher (2014); TunamanGensan - Finisher (2014); first Phil. Eagle – Finisher (2014); and sixth triad Davao- 1st in Adult Novice (2010)
Motivation for an active lifestyle: My friends and health. I used to have high cholesterol and sugar level.
Journey to Ironman: It all started as a hobby and eventually, I got hooked on it. I realized how this kind of sport could benefit one’s health. I wanted to become an inspiration to others also.
The heart medal for the finisher serves as an inspiration to me. It symbolizes the finisher’s “iron heart". That's where I draw strength from during the darkest hours of my race.
Balancing sports with parenting/work: It's all about planning and time management.
Life lessons from Ironman: Anything is possible if you pray. You can do things with perseverance and determination. To God be the glory!
Advice for parents who want a more active lifestyle: It's not about joining all the three sports. You can start with just purely walking every day. Put your heart and soul into it then that's it. You can start right there and then. And, enjoy every minute of it.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.