Exactly two weeks ago, I arrived back in the Philippines, taking a Cebu Pacific flight from Melbourne to Manila. The week prior was pretty eventful with our “move” from Byron to Melbourne with the World Triathlon Championships Event in Wollongong along the way. Needless to say that with all the activities around the event and lack of focus, I was not in my best shape to race but I am still happy to have finished the race.
Connecting with fellow kababayans at Worlds
The most important outcome for me was that I could connect with other fellow athletes from Australia, Germany, and other countries, even from the Philippines! We were only a total of 3 athletes that represented PHI but at least! During the parade of nations and on all other days, I was greeted by fellow kababayans who were proud to see the Philippines´s flag and asked me for many selfies:)
I also spent some time with Craig who was racing in the same age group (40-44) and finished 13th which is an amazing result!
He had told me about his coach Ani de Leon Brown and Next Step Tri which sounded familiar to me, since I had been following the triathlon scene in the Philippines for a good dozen years already, ever since I had started racing across the Philippine islands in 2013. I decided to reach to to coach Ani as well, and only a few days later, I would show up in Imus, Cavite, at the sports complex.
First swim at Vermosa Sports Hub
And what should I say? I was welcomed by coach Ani, and the whole triathlon family over there. Little did I know that I would be sharing the swimming pool with accomplished champions! After only a few lessons, I can already feel the difference, and I am totally convinced that training here helps me a lot to reach the next levels on my triathlon journey!
I think that the Vermos Sports Hub might be the real triathlon mekka of the Philippines, maybe in South-East-Asia! Compared to Phuket, I think that the facilities are as good, if not better. I had spent about three weeks there preparing for the Laguna Phuket Triathlon as well as Ironman 70.3 Thailand the week after back in 2017 which was a great experience as well. However, given my background and having had the chance to get to know the scene here, I truly believe that this is the place to be, when it comes to triathlon in the Philippines!
I am really looking forward to many more sessions here and training with coach Ani of Next Step Tri to reach my next goals! After finally having nailed that sub 5:00 finish at Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast, I am now thrilled to train for a sub 10 at a full distance Ironman!
