Triathlete. I don't really know if I deserve this title because I ended up last -- like Arnel Vismonte, in the Alabang Speedo 2008 National Age-Group Triathlon Series (Mini-sprint or Sprint Triathlon 950m swim, 30 km bike, 7 km run). One thing is for sure, though, I was a sprint triathlon finisher, and for that I am very much grateful.
Here are the top ten thoughts that were racing through my head while I was participating in it last October 12th:
Thought #1 "I should have taken the 'mini-triathlon' instead!"
Thought #2 "C'mom, c'mon Ferdie, you can do it!!!"
Thought #3 "Ahh, I even preached on 'Perseverance' in that Olympic series. It's even in EveryNation Podcast! I might as well live up to what I preached!"
Thought #4 "I command you, leg muscles. Don't give up on me. Cooperaaaaate!"
Thought #5 "There are no more marshals. But nope, I'm not going to do a short cut. Better do the right thing and die, than 'short cut' it and finish."
Thought #6 "Men, this vanilla flavored gel tastes soooooooo good! I will eat a lot of this even after the race."
Thought #7 "What is Elizabeth thinking? Embarrassed or proud of me?" (I found out later from her mom that she was thinking of FOOD because she was famished already).
Thought #8 "I am going to do better next time."
Thought #9 "Will I still be able to preach later?" (I was supposed to preach in our evening gatherings, 5:00 and 7:00 PM)
Thought #10 "I am dedicating this first try in triathlon to the most courageous boy I have ever met in my entire life: John Philip." (I spent solid seven days in the hospital because of my son's severe infection and dehydration just prior to the competition)
I would like to greet my friends, colleagues and fellow 'triatheles': Ariel Marquez, Jun Escosar, Jansen Morados, Stevie Yang, BG Hernadez, Peter Yabut, Mike Datu, Raymart Santiago, and my new found friend, Poch Bermudez.
Special thanks to my ever dearest friend and lover, my wife Judy, who surprised me with a road bike for my birthday.
What's next?
Our Every Nation pastor in Perth, Australia, Pastor Franco -- a former South African triathlete -- advised me to focus on being fit at least up to the end of the year, and to highly consider going on a proper diet regimen, doing cardio-vascular exercises and obtaining proper rest.
Five-year triathlete veteran Harvie De Baron has become my "personal consultant." He has recommended a fantastic swimming coach, even as I am, at the moment, actively looking for coaches in running, biking, and strength training.
It really requires hard work to live the dream, any dream.
And so inspite of the beating, my body continuously gets from this seemingly masochistic activity, by the grace of God, I just...go, go, go.
After all, life is a lot like a triathlon...it is not a destination...it is a journey.
[this is good] So proud of you, Pavement Chaser! Very inspiring, Pastor Ferdie. :-)
Posted by: thelmabowlen | 11/26/2009 at 09:52 PM