Triathlon is a multiple-stage competition composed of three sequential endurance disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running across different distances.
IRONMAN TRIATHLON
Out of all the triathlon events in the world, the Ironman thriathlon is the most well-known of all. We in the Philippines play host to one Ironman event: the Ironman 70.3. Even though this is only the half-distanced version of the original Ironman triathlon, the Ironman 70.3 is still a challenging race to complete as it asks its participants to cover a distance of 70.3 miles or 113 kilometers.
THE BEGINNING
It is believed to have started in the 1920s in France. According to historian Scott Tinley, the competition was originally called “Les Trois Sports” and was held yearly in France.
ORIGIN
The word triathlon originated from two Greek words: “Trei” meaning three and “Athlos” meaning competition.
WORLD’S FIRST IRONMAN
It was Commander Collins, USN (1978) who first uttered the phrase “Whoever finishes first, we’ll call him the Ironman.”
It was in the dawn of February 18, 1978 when Gordon Haller was hailed the first Ironman. He was one among the 12 out of 15 participants who completed the race. He crossed the finish line in 11 hours, 46 minutes, and 58 seconds.
FILIPINA IRONWOMAN
Our Kasangga Jr Langit had the opportunity to interview Celam Hitalia on our IBC13 TV show “Kasangga Mo Ang Langit”. Celma trained everyday with the help of her coach Abet Alon-Alon. He witnessed Celma’s discipline and fervor in training for the Ironman.
DETERMINATION
Celma would wake up at 4AM everyday to train. She ensures that she is always in condition by training well and watching her diet. As the race day neared, she made sure to train harder to work on her stamina.
EUPHORIA
The euphoria of finishing the race serves as her motivation. She said that she wants to continue racing until she is well into her 50s. She believes that anyone can participate in triathlons just as long as they have discipline, focus, and the will to become better versions of themselves.
TRANSITION
After the swimming leg of the race, the participants will race off into the bike transition area. In the past, this is where they would strip off their swim gear and change into their bike gear. But because even the smallest of seconds matter in a race, specialized triathlon clothing was popularized to make the changing unnecessary. Now, caps and goggles are the only things that the racers needs to strip off at the transition area. For others, special shoes are even mounted on the pedals of their bike for a faster transition time.
NEVER TOO LATE
Celma Hitalia is 48 years old, a late bloomer. It was only at the age of 40 when she decided to become an athlete. She serves as a great model to anyone who desires to become an athlete.
It is truly amazing that she has only been joining triathlons for four years. In the first three years, she merely finished the race. Now, on her fourth try, she was hailed an Ironman with a time of 05:39:38.
Photo credit: www.ironman.com
Photo used under the Fair Use Exemption of the IP Code.
