JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

FR

EE

!

ANd HER

FITNESS FIRSTTRI TEAMSET Up FoR A

coMEBAck

dorayellis

ON THE COVERPhoto: Edsel OchoaHair and Makeup: Arlyn Basa and Jerry SebastianStylist: Kring Leyco of Miss KayceShot on Location: Dan’s Bikeshop

cREdITS

Start/Finish Linen the movie A Few Good Men, Tom Cruise’s character, Navy lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee, asks his Marine client if he assaulted his fellow Marine with the intent to kill him. The Marine replied, “No Sir, to train him, Sir … to train him to think of his unit first before himself. To respect the code: Unit-Corps-God-Country.” Now, that sounds like a fucked up code, right? But think about

it. While no triathlete will admit it, our code seems equally messed up, putting our sport first before anything else. It’s ironic that we, RaceDay, would be the first to say that triathlon is not the end-all and be-all.

In this issue, we feature people who were faced with a choice, and ended up not choosing triathlon. Bobby Go writes about his planned sabbatical from racing. Drawing parallels from a previous life-changing decision, he looks forward to the change, which he sees will be a good one. We don’t wish the same, Bobby. We want you back.

This year, we’re starting a new regular section where we feature other sports or hobbies that triathletes do. Many of our comrades have been telling us about the high of trail running. And who better to sell us this sport than an athlete whom trail run snatched away from triathlon? That’s Pen Nepomuceno, and while she has also said goodbye to tri, we will try to charm her back.

In our cover story, 10-year triathlon veteran Doray Ellis and the Fitness First Team that she co-founded are also both undergoing changes. Last year was challenging for them, and warranted a painful decision. We sat with Doray for this issue’s The RaceDay Interview.

While it’s sad reading their goodbyes to our sport, one takeout you’ll get is that while they’re leaving triathlon, its spirit remains in them. They’ve retained the desire to do better, to dream big, to make the impossible possible, and as Suunto would say, “Conquer new territories.” (And that’s how you make a product placement in an Editor’s Note.)

Speaking of brands in triathlon, for this issue, we present to you our very first Race Primer, this one for the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic. Personally, I was surprised that Century Tuna would give up their established race, Century Tuna 5i50. But after talking to the brand’s GM, triathlete Greg Banzon, I realized that if they’re the #1 tuna brand in the country, there’s no reason they can’t be the biggest brand in triathlon as well.

Monching RomanoEditor-in-Chief

I

EdIToR’S GUNSTART

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : Monching RomanoMANAGING EDITOR : Christian Obmerga CONTRIBUTING EDITOR : Adrienne DyART DIRECTORS : Johnmer Bautista Emmeline SiaCONTRIBUTORS : Bobby Go Don VelascoPHOTOGRAPHERS : Edsel Ochoa Pet Salvador Mary Ann Saquing

Unit 217 La Fuerza II Building, Pasong Tamo, Makati City

Publisher/CEOMonching RomanoCreativesJohnmer Bautista and Emmeline SiaMarketingPatricia Carrillo and Teresa SorianoEditorial AssistantBabylou Dalida

For inquiries and feedback: Email us at racedaymagazine@gmail.comRaceDay Magazine is published bi-monthly. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the publisher. All information, content and services are provided “as is” without any kind of warranty. In no way shall RaceDay Magazine be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential damages that may arise from any of the products, advice, reviews or information obtained from this magazine.

Copyright © 2015All rights reserved

Vol. 3 No. 1

coNTENTS

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SIdESWIpE: Shifting GearsA Try-Athlete Looks At 50by Bobby Go

cENTURY TUNA IRoNMAN 70.3Race primer

The Races of 2015

A school for bike fanaticsSpEcIALIZEd BIcYcLEcoMpoNENTS UNIVERSITY

THE RAcEdAY INTERVIEW:doRAY ELLISon the joys and tribulationsof managing a team

oTHER cRAZY STUFF THAT WE do:TRAIL RUNNING

racedaymagazine

2XUGlorietta 3, Makati

BALESIN ISLANd RESoRT

BIkE kINGBonifacio High Street, Taguig

BIkE ToWNpasong Tamo, Makati

GRAN TRAILpasay Road, Makati

HEALTH FoodGlorietta 1, Makati

pRIMo cYcLESBurgos circle, BGc, Taguig

R.o.X. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig

RUNNRBonifacio High Street, TaguigTrinoma, Quezon cityAlabang Town center, Muntinlupa

RUdY pRoJEcTAlabang Town center, MuntinlupaGlorietta 3, MakatiThe podium, MandaluyongTrinoma, Quezon cityBonifacio High Street, TaguigSM Mall of Asia, pasayLucky chinatown Mall, Manilapaseo de Sta. Rosa, Laguna

SABAkpasong Tamo, MakatiAlabang, Muntinlupa

SEcoNdWINdHome depot, pasigGreenhills Shopping center, San JuanTeacher’s Village, Quezon city

SpEcIALIZEdpasong Tamo, Makati

STARBUckSAll branches nationwide

THE cITY cLUB AT ALpHALANd MAkATIAyala Avenue Extension, Makati

THE VILLAGE SpoRTS cLUBBF Homes, parañaque

WHERE To FINd US:

IDEALISK INC.

SHIFTING GEARSA Try-AthleteLooks At 50

his wasn’t the first time he stood at the crossroads, faced with the decision of either easing comfortably into another year of predictable expectations and pressures,

or challenging himself to do something a little more—or perhaps something even a little different. There were instances in the past when he thought he might have satiated his appetite for this passion that demanded so much, but it seemed to lose its luster under the oppressive and insistent demands it made on the other aspects of his life. The strangely familiar feeling crept stealthily like an invasive itch into his normal routine: at dinner with the family, movie dates with the missus, and those persistent visits to the toilet (a biological consequence of his daily hydration strategy). It was enough of an itch to merit more than a few scratches, because like what had transpired four years ago, he knew he would have to make a decision that would alter his world, and the universe it revolved in.

Was it that recent, or that long ago? Four years, but it feels like he had been away for much longer. He remembers the day he said goodbye to the people who mattered, the people he believed in. He had chosen his birthday to make the announcement, calmly reading off his first and last scripted speech to them, pleading with them to be happy for him and for themselves, because change was good, and change was coming. He admitted to failing them and succeeding with them, but defended the importance of cutting clean in order to do right by everyone. There would be no long goodbyes or big send-offs—just a quiet walk into the sunset at the end of the last workday.

In the past months, there were some who convinced him to stay, many of them he did not know personally. They were the newbies standing nervously at the swim start, fumbling at transition, and struggling to put one foot over the other during an excruciating run leg. They were the race volunteers and supporters who stood for hours under the mercy of the elements to make sure cups were filled and spirits were lifted. He remembered his first race, a sprint distance he gamely signed up for on the suggestion of a friend who lent him a spare bike. He smirked as he recalled how his quads knotted over the first hundred meters of the run, as he raced out of transition. It was a pain he would be reacquainted with over the years that followed, at different times, and over different distances. He learned to fight back and run through the discomfort of dehydration and cramps caused by spotty nutrition and hydration strategies. He

learned to tough it out through choppy open water swims and searing heat that bounced off uneven roads, always finding a reason not to quit, as if having a normal functioning mind and body were not enough justification. He enjoyed the camaraderie rarely found in other sports, and the challenge and satisfaction of beating the course and himself—perhaps even more than those in his age group, or the young punks who swaggered confidently at the start of the race. So, was this all there was to it? Then again, wasn’t this enough?

You’ll be back, said the boss. You just need a break, a sabbatical. Maybe you’re burned out and just need to recharge. I won’t, he said. This is final. The dogged tone of his immediate reply surprised even him. It spoke of how committed he was to move on and take the next step—the one step that held risk, redemption, and possibly a fresh start. This was the risk he did not want to regret not taking. After years of following the straight and narrow, of doing what was expected, he chose to follow his heart, even if his mind said otherwise. Even today, during quiet moments of retrospect, he knows that it was a decision that made all the difference.

He felt he was neither here nor there. On the one hand, he’d been around long enough to understand the dynamics of the sport, befriend a significant number of its participants, become part of a team, and gain a level of acceptance in the community. On the other hand, it was too short an exposure to consider himself a seasoned veteran who had been there and done that. Hell, there were others who spent decades swimming, biking and running, without any indication of slowing down. They raced each race like it was their first or last. It was admirable. There was no need to rush, though he thought it may have been the years creeping in that pushed him to do so much in such a short span, graduating quickly from sprint to standard, from half to full distance. Had complacency set in so early, allowing him to cruise through a standard distance to a half-Ironman without training for them with the discipline and focus that newbies showed? What was missing? He had worked with so many people over those 25 years; genuine friendships were naturally forged with some. How many of his friends would still be there in five years, or 10, he wondered? His visits to the old grounds often drew surprised looks and polite smiles from former colleagues, with some

affording small conversation when they weren’t rushing off to another appointment or errand. He deliberately made himself scarce, aware that the consequence of discovery was facing the same questions regarding what was keeping him busy lately or why he left. Maybe it was partly embarrassment, because he didn’t want to explain why he looked so much more relaxed and peaceful, in contrast with his contemporaries who appeared older and weathered. It was always a choice, he reminded himself. But the timing also had to be right.

There was enough promise of drama and highlights to consider this another watershed year. The coming season would be nothing short of an avalanche of races that would change the face of the sport. The unprecedented number of events would bring in more participants and sponsors, but at the same time usher in a period of correction, where only the strongest would weather the many challenges to the sport that is triathlon. In between all the multi-sport racing, he had stumbled upon other kinds of endurance events that challenged him in ways that appealed to his stubbornness and curiosity. Ultramarathons and trail marathons, the types of races that left him so far gone with so much further to go, became his focus, his reason for racing, his source of joy.

That step four years ago taught him more than he would ever learn about himself had he simply chosen to stay. “How will you ever know if you don’t try at all,” his late father dared him? His words rang true at every turn of success or failure. He had to try and keep trying. Damned be the naysayers and dissuaders. If there truly was only one life to live, then it shouldn’t be allowed to waste away in a regret-filled sea of ‘what if’s’ and ‘if only’s.’

It would be so easy to lose himself in the flurry to register for coveted slots in the same races he would have fought to get in. But this time was different. He wasn’t leaving for good. The training program would still have him doing endless pool laps, century rides on the weekends, and marathon distances every other month. It’s a mere step back from all the racing, he reasoned—a small change that makes all the difference. No long goodbyes or big send-offs as well. Just the quiet notion of not being on the final list of participants—on all the lists, in fact—was more than enough.

Change was good. And change was coming.

T

SIDESWIPEBy Bobby Go

02

SIDESWIPE

Century Tuna has long been committed to promote and provide a fit and healthy lifestyle. Proof of this is its involvement with prominent endeavors, such

as the Century Tuna Superbods and the Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon. Plus, it continually supports the National Age-Group Triathlon races and numerous running events. For more than three years, Century Tuna has staunchly supported the triathlon community in the Philippines.

This year, it has taken another leap by announcing its partnership with Sunrise Events, Inc. to stage a longer and bigger triathlon event—the Century Tuna 70.3 Subic Bay.

Asked why the company ventured into sponsoring triathlon, Century Pacific Food, Inc. General Manager Greg Banzon said, “We wanted to extend our relationship with health enthusiasts via sponsorship of runs and even triathlon. We started by doing the Superbod Run in 2009, which ushered in the advent of big run events in the country. Excited by this result, we then started sponsoring the Cobra Ironman 70.3, as well as TRAP Events. We continue to participate in the major tri and run events at various levels.”

The event will be more than just a race. Slated to span four days from March 5 to 8, the festivities will include a must-attend talk from Lance Watson of Life Sport Coaches about “The Essentials of 70.3 Success”. Fred Uytengsu, chairman of Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Philippines and president and CEO of Alaska Milk Corporation also announced, in a message posted on the official event website that, they’ll be offering a post-race camp by Life Sport to be personally “handled by Lance Watson and hopefully have a couple of professional triathletes to assist.”

The Staging GroundThere is no better place to hold a historic event like this than Subic Bay—dubbed by triathletes as Triathlon Country. Subic offers the perfect canvass, with its pristine calm waters bustling with marine life; well-maintained and picturesque run and bike routes; and warm hospitality from the locals.

The course includes a 1.9-kilometer swim, which will start and end at Sands of Triboa via the Subic Bay Airport to Transition 1. The 90-kilometer bike ride will commence on the runway heading to Argonaut Highway, Rizal Highway, Subic-Tipo Expressway, all the way to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Participants will make a U-turn upon reaching Floridablanca Interchange, and head back to Subic Bay Convention Center where Transition 2 is set up in the parking lot. From the Convention Center, participants will take on the 21-kilometer run from T2 to Efficiency Ave., Binictican Drive, Maritan Road, Causeway Road, Argonaut Highway, through the airport, and finally to Dungaree where they will turn around and take the same route going back to the Convention Center for the finish. (See the next spread for the detailed course map with technical advice from Coach Don Velasco.)

What’s at StakeOn top of the prestige and satisfaction of finishing an Ironman 70.3 race, the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Philippines also serves as a qualifying race for the Ironman 70.3 world Championship in Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria. Twenty-five age-group qualifying slots are at stake, along with the $15,000 prize purse for the event.

Century tuna TAkES ANoTHER STEp FoRWARd

In the days leading to the inaugural Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay, RaceDay talked to Greg Banzon, general manager of Century Pacific Food, Inc., to learn about the company’s motivation to venture into a bigger event.

RaceDay: Century Tuna 5i50 was already an established race in our triathlon season. What made you move higher and sponsor a half-Ironman race?

Greg Banzon: Just like with any challenge or endeavor, we felt it was time to level up as a brand in terms of our support for triathlon as a sport. And it was clear that the tri community was looking for bigger, more exciting challenges. Stepping up to an Ironman 70.3 was a means of keeping pace with the expectations of the community, as well as broadening our exposure as a brand.

It is in line with Century Tuna’s thrust of promoting a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise, and using the Ironman 70.3 as a vehicle is an exciting and highly visible way of doing so.

RD: We will have at least six 70.3s this year. What makes Century Tuna IM 70.3 different?

Banzon: The Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic has attracted over 30 pros, including three-time Ironman World Champion and two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion Craig Alexander; the fresh crop of superstars like Luke McKenzie and Caroline Steffen; plus a large field of age groupers. This makes it the most contested tri race in the country by virtue of the number of pros at gun start.

Additionally, we took pains to make the course both challenging yet fun and audience-friendly. We are also giving the community an easily accessible venue—Subic Bay, the triathlon capital of the Philippines. This is probably why we have such a large field of pros from abroad. It is a world-class event that’s very accessible.

RD: Has it been a good decision to go into triathlons? Banzon: Yes, we believe so. We started with the Cobra Ironman 70.3, then expanded to doing our own title event, because we saw the efforts paying off in terms of providing exposure in mainstream media, and even more so in social media, blogs, Twitter and Instagram. RD: As a triathlete, when did you start racing? What made you get into it? What was (were) your most memorable race(s)?

Banzon: I started as a runner during my grade school days and have been running ever since. That’s over 30 years of running! When tri started to get more visibility, I added the sport to be kinder on my knees. I started doing tri in 2005 when I was invited to join Vic Magno and Terry Eugenio and a few other guys to form the nucleus of the Tri Hard team. The team is where Philippine Record Holder and TeamCaptain of the National Tri Team Nikko Huelgas, and National Coach George Vilog are also members.

A STRENGTHENEd coMMITMENTTo TRIATHLoN

03

- Mary Ann Saquing of IC3 Photography

- Mary Ann Saquing of IC3 Photography

Water is calm for the first 800m until the turn. From this point onwards, the water will be relatively choppy. Usually, a moderate to strong current pushes from behind. It’s best to conserve energy at this point as the second half of the swim will be a lot more difficult. Past the turnaround, managing the current is the priority; a strong stroke with minimal glide is recommended in situations like this. After the final turn back to the beach, it’s best to focus on your kick to wake up the legs. This will make the long run towards T1 easier. A few hundred meters out of the water, it’s best to hydrate and take in some nutrition.

The Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 offers a unique experience to both beginner and veteran triathletes alike. At first glance, the course might not seem daunting; however, mismanaging the race will have dire consequences. The swim is a mix of calm and choppy water with some strong currents coming from the west. Technical skills like sighting and navigation are needed to tackle the L-shaped course. The bike leg’s challenge comes from the way the segments are joined together. It tempts you to go hard in the flat portions of the race, only to hit you back with its long and steep climbs. Those who do manage to tackle the uphill segments well should focus on maintaining his or her advantage in the technical and high-speed descents that follow. The run, on the other hand, despite being relatively flat, is a test of resilience and stamina. After the taxing efforts in the bike course, the heat adds to the pain of running exponentially. With minimal shade along the bike course, hydration and pace management are the utmost priorities.

1.9K SWIM COURSE

KNOW THE RACE COURSE

LEGEND:

SWIM LOOP BIKE COURSE RUN COURSE

BY coAcH doN VELASco

04

FINISH

START

All HandsBeach

DungareeBeach

SBECC

21K RUN COURSE

Out of T1, the first portion of the bike course is on the airport runway. During this segment, everyone is scrambling for lost time during the swim; it’s very tempting to hammer it out with the competition, but it would be best to take it relatively easy for this part. Focus on warming up the legs, hydrating and refueling. Replenishing calories lost during the swim will be advantageous during the harder portions of the bike leg. After the airport, the very long downhill along Argonaut Highway is another tempting portion of the race. Once again, conserve energy by staying aerodynamic and managing efforts wisely.

Once the start of the ascent towards Tipo begins, get ready physically and mentally. The climb towards the highest portion of the race is 3.5km long; thankfully, this is divided into 2 segments. The first segment is roughly 2-km long with an average grade of 7%; the last segment is easier with an average grade of 5% and a length of 1km. To put things into perspective, a 7% grade is similar to Sampaloc in Sierra Madre, and 5% is like the climb going up Teresa or Antipolo. Attack this portion by producing a solid effort roughly 10 to 15% above threshold power. Recover well during the descents interspersed within this climb.Past the peak of the climb, the high speed descent follows.

On the way back, refuel and rehydrate as much as possible, because the most difficult part of the race is about to come. The return towards Tipo is definitely the most difficult part of the race. The heat, fatigue, and stress are adding up. Furthermore, the climb towards Tipo from this side is a lot steeper. The average grade on the first 500m of the hill is around 9% and is similar to the climb towards Puerto Azul. The next two are less than a kilometer long with grades reaching 5%. Enjoy the descent after the toll gates as this will be the reward after 80km of racing. Once again, focus on refueling and rehydrating well before dismounting in SBECC.

A few hills are part of the descent towards Dinalupihan. Aim to carry as much speed as possible into these hills; use the momentum to push yourself over the hill with minimal effort. During the flat portion of SCTEX, aim to stay within the tempo zone. Avoid spending too much time redlining, as this will deplete energy stores for the hills towards Floridablanca. There are six short hills near the Floridablanca turnaround. These are short and mild at around 1-km long and 4% steep.

90K BIKE COURSE LEGEND: BIKE LOOP BIKE TO FINISH TURNAROUND POINT TRANSITION 2

“Hot” best describes the run leg of this race. There are minimal patches of shade along the course and the heat radiating from the asphalted roads saps whatever energy one may have left. In addition to this, there is a steady ascent towards the turnaround point in Dungaree Beach. Mounting a solid effort during this part is a good strategy for those who are willing to take risks. The return towards SBECC will be slightly easier with a few downhill segments but will be significantly hotter. Avoid severe dehydration by taking time in the aid stations and making sure that fluids are consumed. The last 5 kilometers of the race are flat but very hot. Shut up the inner demons during this part of the race; resist the urge to slow down as only a few more minutes of pain are left before the ecstasy of triumph.

LEGEND: RUN LOOP RUN TO FINISH TURNAROUND POINT

05

KM 45 BIKE TURNAROUND FLORIDABLANCA INTERCHANGE

Part-time nurse, full-time Pro triathlete • 7th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie • 6th 2014 Challenge Gold Coast Half Ironman • Champion 2014 Port Douglas 5150 • 7th Ironman Cairns 70.3 • 2nd 2014 Tasmania Age Group National Championships • Champion 2014 Geelong 5150 3rd 2014 Albany Half Ironman

Renee Baker (AUS)

Full-time PRO-athlete & part-time Legal Advisor • 4th 2014 Laguna Phuket Triathlon • 7th 2014 Challenge Laguna Phuket • 4th 2014 Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon Philippines • 4th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya, Malaysia • 1st in Open Category 2014 Toyota Hua Hin International Triathlon • 1st in Open Category 2014 Amarin Cha Am Triathlon Thailand • 1st in Open Category 2014 Golden Triangle International Triathlon • 1st in Open Category 2014 U-Patao Triathlon Thailand

Carole Fuchs (THA)

Champion 2013 ITU World Triathlon - London, England • 3rd 2013 ETU European Triathlon - Alanya, Turkey • 2nd 2013 ETU European Middle Triathlon - Barcelona, Spain • Champion 2012 ETU European Triathlon - Eilat, Israel • Champion 2010 ETU European Duathlon - Nancy, France • 2nd 2009 ETU European Duathlon - Budapest, Hungary • British Triathlon Female Age Group Triathlete of the Year 2009

Parys Edwards (GBR)

A public school psychologist • Returned to Ironman racing 4 months after giving birth and placed 5th in Ironman Malaysia • 6th 2014 UWC Bahamas Olympic Triathlon • Champion 2013 San Diego Women’s Half Marathon • Champion 2013 Xterra Portland • Champion 2013 Xterra Hagg Lake Trail Half Marathon • 2nd 2013 San Diego International Triathlon • 4th 2013 Ironman Wisconsin • 5th 2013 Ironman Cairns • 5th 2013 5i50 Port Douglas Triathlon

Beth Gerdes (USA)

1/2 of the Duffield Ironman Twins – the first Australian Twins to go head to head at the Ironman World Championships • 5th 2014 Ironman Cairns • 3rd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Busselton • 7th AG 25-29 2013 Ironman World Championships • 1st AG 2013 Asia Pacific Ironman Championships

Katy Duffield (AUS)

9th 2014 Challenge Half Mallorca • 8th 2014 ETU Madrid • 2nd 2014 Triathlon d’Yverdon • Champion 2014 Triathlon de Vesoul • Champion 2014 Triathlon de Nyon • Champion 2014 Triathlon de Dole • Champion 2014 Triathlon Val de Gray • 8th 2014 Challenge Kraichgau • 3rd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Pescara • 6th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Pays d’Aix • 3rd 2014 Triathlon International Cannes • Champion Triathlon Santa Cruz

Emma Bilham (SUI)

PRO Triathlete and Off-road Motorcycle Racer • Champion 2014 ITU Australian Cross Triathlon • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Taiwan • 3rd 2014 Ironman Langkawi Malaysia • 4th 2014 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Cairns • 4th 2014 Ironman Australia • 8th 2014 XTERRA Asia Pacific Championship (1st Australian Female Champion) • 3rd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya Malaysia • 5th 2014 Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines Championship

Dimity Lee-Duke (AUS)

15-time Ironman distance Champion • Landed at the top 10 of the Ironman World Championships 5 times • 2nd 2014 Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon Philippines • 3rd 2014 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines • 2nd 2014 Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Philippines • 3rd 2014 Challenge Taiwan • 2nd 2014 Laguna Lang Co Triathlon

Belinda Granger (AUS)

Female Elite Triathlete of the Year 2014 swimbikerun.ph Annual Awards • 1st 2014 Ilocos Heritage Triathlon 113 • 1st 2014 Tri Noah, Ilocos Sur • 1st 2014 Challenge Philippines, South East Asian Elite Category • 1st 2014 Defy 123 Triathlon, Bohol • 2nd 2014 Saipan Half Iron Distance Triathlon, Saipan • 2nd 2014 Metaman Half Triathlon, Indonesia • 3rd 2014 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon, Subic • 3rd 2014 Safeguard Active 5i50 Triathlon, Bohol • 6th 2014 Laguna Phuket Triathlon, Thailand • 7th 2014 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines • 8th 2014 Challenge Laguna Phuket, Thailand

Monica Torres (PHL)

Triathlon Coach, Mentor and Ambassador • Ironman of the Year Award - 2008/09, 2010/2011, 2011/12 • WTC Triathlete of the Year 2012/2013 • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Korea • 2nd (fastest run split) 2014 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Busselton • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Geelong • 3rd 2014 Challenge Melbourne • 6th 2014 Ironman 70.3 New Zealand • 5th 2014 MetaMan Ironman Triathlon

Rebecca Hoschke (AUS)

2-time Ironman World Champion (2010, 2012) • 2-time ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Champion (2010, 2012) • Champion 2014 Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast • Champion 2014 Ironman 70.3 Philippines • Champion 2014 Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Philippines • Champion 2014 Ironman Melbourne Asia Pacific Championships • 5th 2014 Ironman Hawaii World Championships • 3rd 2014 Challenge Roth • 7th 2014 Challenge Bahrain • 2nd 2014 Challenge Melbourne

Caroline Steffen (SUI)

A former US Navy Serviceman • 9 years as a PRO Triathlete • Champion 2014 Challenge St. Andrews • Champion 2014 Ironman 70.3 St. Croix • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Eagleman • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Brazil • 5th 2014 Ironman Arizona • 5th 2014 LIfe Time Chicago Triathlon • 5th 2014 St. Anthony’s Triathlon • 6th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Racine • 32nd 2014 Ironman World Championship

Timothy O’Donnell (USA)

Champion 2015 Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships, Auckland • Champion (fastest ride) 2014 Ironman 70.3 Vineman, California, USA • 7th 2014 Ironman 70.3 World Championships, Mont Tremblant, Canada • Champion (fastest ride) 2014 Challenge Gold Coast • Champion 2014 Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs, Texas, USA • 2nd (fastest ride) 2014 Ironman 70.3 Australian Pro Championships • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Australian Long Course Championships, Geelong, VIC • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Cairns • 2nd 2014 Huskisson Long Course Triathlon • 5th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Auckland Asia Pacific Championships

Tim Reed (AUS)

TA Pro License granted 7 Jan 2014 • 12th 2014 Professional Sunshine Coast 70.3 Half Ironman • 14th 2014 Professional Challenge Gold Coast • 2nd Overall 2014 Kerran Mudgway Memorial Club Championships • 1st Overall M 2014 Ray White Darwin NT Sprint Distance Championships • 1st Overall 2014 Lake Eacham Triathlon, Qld • 15th Elite Male 2014 Challenge Batemans Bay • 10th Elite Male 2014 Challenge Melbourne

Tim Green (AUS)

A professional skier (alpine and cross country) before he turned to triathlon • 3rd 2014 Ironman St. Croix • Champion 2014 Laguna Lang Co Triathlon • 4th 2013 Challenge Laguna Phuket Triathlon • Champion 2013 Laguna Phuket Triathlon • 11th 2013 Ironman 70.3 World Championship • 13th 2013 Ironman 70.3 St. George

Ruedi Wild (SUI)

2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Rügen • 9th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Zell am See • 14th 2014 Ironman Mallorca • 4th 2013 Ironman 70.3 World Championship Las Vegas AK25 • 9th Overall 2013 Ironman 70.3 St. Pölten • 3rd place Ironman European Championship AK25 (8:51:59) and 35th place overall • Champion 2013 Hessian Triathlon League Four Home • Champion 2013 Hessian Triathlon leagues Griesheim

Matthias Knossalla (GER)

Former Pro Cyclists turned Pro Triathlete • Champion 2014 Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Philippines • Champion 2014 Poznan Triathlon in Poland • 2nd 2014 Challenge Forster • 5th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie • 6th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast • 5th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Busselton • 14th 2014 Ironman Melbourne Asia-Pacific Championships • 5th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Geelong

Casey Munro (AUS)

Triathlon coach • Coach to wife Belinda Granger • 4th 2014 Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon Philippines • 7th 2014 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines • 6th 2014 Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Philippines • 2nd 2014 Challenge Taiwan • 6th 2014 Laguna Lang Co Triathlon

Justin Granger (AUS)

Champion 2014 Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie • Champion 2014 Challenge Half Shepparton • Champion 2014 Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney • Champion 2014 Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon Philippines • Champion 2014 Luke Harrop Memorial Sprint Tri • 2nd 2014 Beijing International Triathlon • 2nd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Muncie • 2nd 2014 Kansas 5150 Triathlon • 2nd 2014 Challenge Half Batemans Bay • 3rd 2014 Escape from Alcatraz Tri • 4th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Boise • 6th 2014 Ironman 70.3 St. Croix • 8th 2014 Nepean Triathlon

Josh Amberger (AUS)

2nd 2014 Triathlon Internacional Porto Colom (elite) • 2nd 2014 Vulkanland Triathlon (elite) • 2nd 2014 Gosselddorf Triathlon (elite) • Champion 2014 Trumersee (elite) • 15th 2014 Ironman 70.3 European Championship Germany (PRO) • Champion 2014 Piberstein Triathlon (elite) • 2nd 2014 Faakersee Triathlon (elite) • 15th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Salzburg (PRO)

Christoph Schlagbauer(AUT)

Started doing TRIs on 2007 but has running as his main sporting background • A renowned DJ/selector and party host/promoter/organiser/animal for the best part of the last 20 years • 3rd 2014 Ironman Japan • 5th 2013 XTERRA European Tour • 7th 2012 Ironman 70.3 Italy • 9th 2012 Ironman 70.3 Mallorca • 13th 2012 Ironman 70.3 Pays d’Aix • 4th 2012 XTERRA France • Champion 2012 Tagaman Saipan • 3rd 2012 XTERRA Guam, Philippines et Saipan

Cedric Lassonde (FRA)

5th 2014 Challenge Melbourne (fastest bike) • 9th 2014 Challenge Batemans Bay (fastest swim) • Champion 2014 Redcliffe QLD Triathlon • 4th 2014 Gold Coast Triathlon • 10th 2014 St. Anthony’s Triathlon • 12th 2014 Ironman 70.3 St. George Triathlon • Champion 2014 Byron Bay Triathlon • Champion 2014 Coral Coast 5150 Triathlon • 3rd 2014 Ironman 70.3 Cairns • 5th Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens (fastest swim)

Clayton Fettell (AUS)

2nd 2013 Ironman World Championships • 3rd 2014 UWC Bahamas Olympic Triathlon • 4th 2014 San Diego Int’l Triathlon • 10th 2014 Challenge Roth • 15th 2014 Ironman World Championships • 13th 2014 Ironman Melbourne • 9th 2014 Life Time Tri Oceanside, California, USA

Luke McKenzie (AUS)

3-time Ironman World Champion (2008, 2009, 2011) • 2-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion (2006, 2011) • 27-consecutive Ironman 70.3 victories achieved • Champion 2014 Ironman 70.3 Geelong • 5th 2014 Ironman Asia Pacific Championship, Melbourne • 7th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship, Auckland • 13th 2014 Ironman World Championship, Kona • 6th 2014 Ironman 70.3 Mandurah

Craig Alexander (AUS)

Meet tHe Pros The Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay will be graced by the presence of professional triathletes from different corners of the globe. The event will provide an opportunity for our age-groupers to meet and race with their heroes.

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Distance: 750m Swim – 20km Bike – 5km Run 1.5km Swim – 40km Bike – 10km RunVenue: Subic Bay FreeportOrganizer: Bike King | Sponsor: Unilab Active HealthThe first of four events in the TriUnited series, Tri United 1 starts with the 1.5km single loop swim leg at the calm waters of Dungaree Beach then proceeds to the two-lap, mostly flat bike course on smooth fast roads on Argonaut Highway and Airport Road before heading back to the transition area near Dungaree Beach. Triathletes then run towards the container area and back twice for a total of 10km before crossing the finish line.

Set on the first weekend of March, this is the race most triathletes participate in to start off their triathlon season—sort of a diagnostic race to gauge where their fitness level is at for the start of the season. TU 1 also has a sprint category for those who are new to the sport. It goes through the same but shorter route as the standard distance race.

NAGT- LEG 2Distance: Sprint; Standard DistanceVenue: Sipalay, Negros OccidentalOrganizer: TRAIN & TRAP

There are a couple of irresistable reasons to Race in Sipalay: the compact course, transition by the beach, beachside run, scenic bike route by the riverside and mountains, and the epic after-race party. You can also expect an unforgettable finish by the beach with a view of the picturesque Sipalay sunset. Then savor your achievements with the post-race party featuring the native cuisine Bacolod is known for, and overflowing booze amidst the music of Bacolod’s premiere party band. The NAGT-Leg 2 in Sipalay, along with other NAGT events serve as qualifying event for the Philippine National Games 2016.

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MARcHtHe raCesof

2015THIS YEAR’S TRIATHLoN SEASoN WILL BE EXcITING, WITH NUMERoUS RAcES oF dIFFERENT dISTANcES ANd FLAVoRS To cHooSE FRoM. WE LIST doWN YoUR opTIoNS To HELp YoU pLAN YoUR 2015 RAcE ScHEdULE.

JANUARY

25 NAGT LEG 1Distance: Sprint/Standard DistanceVenue: Subic Bay FreeportOrganizer: Triathlon Association of the Philippines

xTERRA OFF-ROAD TRIATHLONDistance: 1500m Swim + 35km Mt. Bike + 9.2kmTrail Run (Full Distance) / 500m Swim + 17.5km Mt. Bike + 5km Trail Run (Lite Distance)Venue: AlbayOrganizer: Sunrise Events, Inc.

FEBRUARY

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21 Distance: 1.9km Swim – 90km Bike – 21km RunVenue: Subic Bay FreeportOrganizer: Leverage Sports Asia/Hubble Sports

Arguably the most beautiful swim course in Asia, Challenge Philippines starts from the white sand beach of Camayan Resort and ventures into Ilanin Bay, a protected marine preserve where tropical fish, reefs and giant sea clams are visible in the crystal clear water. The bike route starts in Adventure Beach on smooth, tree-lined roads into the Bataan Technology Park (BTPI) and continues to Morong where the cheers of the locals await you. The loop stretches from Morong town until the twisty road of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant–a unique stretch of nature and progress—then back to T2 in Adventure Beach. A shaded forest run is the last challenge. Beautiful and peacefully quiet, the run will take you through the Ilanin Forest Reserve where paved roads morph into a rare triple canopy run. No exhaust fumes, no distractions, fully closed to cars and is entirely within the protected forest reserve.

cHALLENGE pHILIppINES

ApRIL

TBA

25-26 k-SWISSSUBIc BAYINTERNATIoNAL

TRIATHLoN

PET SALVADOR

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ABOITIz TRI 2015Distance: Standard DistanceVenue: TBAOrganizer: Bike King

Distance: Sprint/Standard DistanceVenue: Subic Bay FreeportOrganizer: TRAPThis is the longest international triathlon event in the country going on its 22nd year. Your life as a triathlete will not be complete if you haven’t done this race. A 4-in-1 event, the K-Swiss Subic Bay International Triathlon includes:1. Asia Cup 2015 Series Event - Top local and international elite athletes get ITU points for Asian and world ranking, and qualification to major international competitions. 2. National Age-Group Championships - At stake is a sponsorship and other assistance by TRAP to the Asia Cup 2015 Series Event in Taiwan in June 2015. Only the finishers in ASTC Asian Triathlon Cup 2015 are qualified to be endorsed by TRAP to the 2015 World AG Championships in Chicago, USA in September 2015. 3. Inter-Club Competition - Top 3 finishers will be declared the National Triathlon Club Champion and runners-up.4. National Triathlon Try-Outs - Excellent and promising performers will be qualified and considered in the National Pool and will have the opportunity to represent the Philippines in international competitions.

DIPOLOG TRIATHLON 102Distance:1.5km Swim – 60km Bike – 15km Run750m Swim – 30km Bike – 7.5km RunVenue: Boulevard, Dipolog CityOrganizer: City of Dipolog

TRIMANDistance: 800m Swim – 30k Bike – 5k Run Venue: Fontana, ClarkOrganizer: SBR.Ph

DINAGAT TRI CHALLENGEDistance: Standard DistanceVenue: Dinagat Islands, SurigaoOrganizer: Province of Dinagat

dEFY 123Distance: 1km Swim – 110km Bike – 12k RunVenue: Panglao, BoholOrganizer: DEFY Triathlon

CompanyDEFY 123 Tri is 1-km Ocean Swim, 110-km Draft-Legal Bike, and 12-km Multi-Terrain Run starting and ending at the 5-star Bellevue Resort, Panglao Island, Bohol. This one-of-a-kind triathlon event includes an air-conditioned transition area dubbed Frost in Transition (coined by Beer Below Zero, an event sponsor).

This race won the SBR.ph Race of the Year (below 500) in its inaugural year, and was remembered for the exciting peloton biking through Bohol’s scenic and historic sights.

Gun start is at 10 a.m. The beach-front finish line at sunset and the post-race party makes for transcendent mind, body, soul, all-sensory experience. DEFY 123 Tri answers the question why we do Tri.

8Distance: 1.9km Swim – 90km Bike – 21km RunVenue: Subic Bay FreeportOrganizer: Sunrise Events, Inc.True to its commitment to support a healthy and fit lifestyle, Century Tuna launches the inaugural Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay in partnership with Sunrise Events, Inc. The event serves as the perfect long-distance race to start your triathlon Season. Scheduled on March 8, 2015 in Subic Bay Free Port—the Triathlon Capital of the Philippines—the race offers 25 qualifying slots to the 2015 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Zell am See-Kaprun, SalzburgerLand, Austria, and a $15,000 prize purse.

The swim leg will be held at clear waters of Sands of Triboa, the bike leg on the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway, while the run will be in and around the vicinity of the Subic Bay Free Port.

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Distance: TBA Venue: ClarkOrganizer: Bike King | Sponsor: Unilab Active HealthIf you’re thinking about trying something new before the year ends, TriUnited 4 is the race for you. It is a beginner-friendly sprint distance event that takes place inside Fontana Leisure Parks in Clark, Pampanga. Through TriUnited 4, Unilab Active Health aims to promote further growth of the triathlon community.

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Distance: 1.9km Swim – 90km Bike – 21km Run 1km Swim – 60km Bike – 10km RunVenue: Subic Bay-SCTEX-Alviera, PoracOrganizer: Bike King | Sponsor: Unilab Active HealthOnce just a standard distance race, we’ve decided to take TriUnited 3 up several notches higher. Join us as we offer you a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run point to point race that every serious triathlete should not miss.

Dungaree Beach will once again be the swim location for the 1.9-km single loop swim for this race. From the transition area, athletes will bike outside SBMA and traverse SCTEX going to Porac, Pampanga and back to the start of the expressway for two loops (total of 90km). The 21km run will test their enduring spirit as they give their all on roads inside the Sandbox of Alviera.

Top age groupers and teams who’ve shown amazing performances for the TriUnited 2014 series will also be feted after the event.

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Distance: 2km Swim – 60km Bike – 1.5km Run 1km Swim – 20km Bike – 5km RunVenue: Laiya, BatangasOrganizer: Bike King | Sponsor: Unilab Active HealthTriUnited 2 takes you down south to Playa Laiya in San Juan, Batangas. The race weekend includes the Long and Sprint distances, as well as a separate category for the Teens.

Participants will swim in the property’s 2-km beachfront before heading out to a relatively flat 60-km bike route. Also one of the best courses to showcase the triathlete’s aero prowess, this route will be along San Juan Rd. going to the pier and back for three loops. On the opposite side, athletes will then have a 3-lap run towards the hilly portions of San Juan.

One of the hallmarks of this race is that it can double as a weekend out with your family and friends. Aside from cheering you on from the streets, they can also have fun by trying other water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, skim boarding, banana boat rides and other activities that our venue partner, Playa Laiya, has to offer.

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TRI MANILADistance: TBAVenue: ManilaOrganizer: SBR.ph

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REGENT FOODS 5150Distance: 1.5km Swim – 40km Bike

– 10km RunVenue: Subic Bay FreeportOrganizer: Sunrise Events, Inc.

JUNE

14Distance: 1.9km Swim – 90km Bike – 21km RunVenue: CamSurOrganizer: Leverage Sports Asia/Hubble SportsMake Challenge Camsur your PB Course and create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. This isn’t just a triathlon, it’s your opportunity to be part of a tight knit Triathlon Family–the Challenge Family. It’s also your chance to experience the essence of Camsur’s community values with the only “OLYMPIC VILLAGE” atmosphere event in the Philippines.

Challenge Camsur is offering athletes a complete and integrated package – full preparation and security at the race venue and routes, accommodations, as well as leisure, dining, entertainment and exhibition/exposition facilities. The sprawling complex also serves as the hub for the race proper, pre-race and post-race activities. Witnessing the enthusiasm and involvement of the local residents who go out as early as 4:00 a.m. and line the race routes to cheer for the competitors is also a beautiful experience to look forward to.

cHALLENGE cAMSUR

17-18 ocToBER

NoVEMBER

SAFEGUARD 5150 Distance: 1.5km Swim – 40km Bike – 10km Run Venue: BoholOrganizer: Sunrise Events, Inc.

BI3-BATAAN INTERNATIoNAL TRIATHLoNDistance: 1.5k-55k-11k/750m- 30k-5.5k/Junior AquathlonVenue: Las Casas Filipinasde Azucar, BataanOrganizer: F & F Events International Start off your race in the pristine waters of the West Philippine Sea followed by an exhilarating ride through the hills of Bagac and Morong, Bataan before ending it with a sight-filled run past rice fields, ocean views and the heritage homes of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. The Bataan International Triathlon has something to offer for both seasoned and novice triathletes alike. Participants can race individually, as part of a relay team or even as part of a tandem in the event’s various triathlon categories. Junior Aquathlon events complete the race categories to ensure a fun-filled weekend for the entire family.

BATANG PINOy 2015Distance: Triathlon/Mixed Team Relay/Duathlon Venue: CebuOrganizer: TRAP/PSC/POC

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NAGT- LEG 3Distance: 1km Swim – 30km Bike – 7.5km Run

STK Distances Venue: Cagayan de OroOrganizer: MisOr Tri/TRAP

ASTC SUBIC BAy PARATRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPSDistance: Sprint/Mixed Team RelayVenue: Subic Bay FreeportOrganizer: TRAP

DANAO TRIATHLONDistance: 1km Swim – 30km Bike – 6km Run Venue: Danao, CebuOrganizer: Danao Sports

COBRA IRONMAN 70.3Distance: 1.9km Swim – 90km Bike – 21km RunVenue: CebuOrganizer: Sunrise Events, Inc.

MT. MAyON TRIATHLONDistance: Standard DistanceVenue: Legaspi, AlbayOrganizer: Joe Matias

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL TRIATHLON TRIALS Distance: Standard Distance,

Sprint, RelayVenue: Iloilo CityOrganizer:PSC/Iloilo Citys

ANVAyA COVE INVITATIONAL TRIATHLON

Distance: Sprint, Standard, STK Distances Venue: Anvaya Cove, Bataan Organizer: Anvaya Cove Beach & Nature Club

JULY

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AUGUST

226 TRIATHLON Distance: 3.8km Swim – 180km Bike – 42km Run Venue: Panglao, Bohol Organizer: Bike King

dEcEMBER

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sPeCialized BiCyCleCoMPonents universityA ScHooL FoR BIkE FANATIcS

ave you ever asked a sales rep about a product that you are interested in, only to get a puzzled

look in reply? Or do you sometimes get bombarded with a litany of jargon that only the staff seems to understand?

Specialized aims to avoid all that through SBCU—short for Specialized Bicycle Components University. SBCU aspires to equip its staff with the knowledge and technical information about anything and everything Specialized.

The UniversityRecently, RaceDay had a backstage pass to the first ever SBCU Q&A session with Donny Perry, SBCU Global Program Manager for Asia; and VJ Varada, SBCU Body Geometry Fit professor. The session was an opportunity for bike enthusiasts and athletes to learn more about their rides, but before it started, we sat down with the two experts to get to know what SBCU is all about.

In a nutshell, SBCU is an undertaking by Specialized that aims to provide the best service to consumers by equipping the retailers with the most extensive knowledge about the brand. “Specialized saw a real opportunity to help our retailers become better and to provide a different level of service to the riders,” says Perry.

What started very informally with a couple of Specialized guys driving around in a truck and their bikes later evolved into

a “University,” with presence in over 20 countries and spawning around 70 instructors around the world, spreading their expertise about the business and the bikes. Perry narrates, “They had a truck, they had some bikes going to the store. They started talking about the bikes. It grew into classes on product knowledge, classes on management, classes on body geometry or bike fitting. It just grew and grew—and now we have SBCU.”

SBCU is a product of hearing out what the community needs. “Where it is currently was probably never the vision when it started. It was just, ‘Hey we need to get out there and teach people about our stuff.’ And as we went out there, we started listening to more and more riders. Wewere hearing that they were demanding more and more from their bike shops. So we thought we could help teach the retailers to provide better services for the riders, and then it just kind of keeps growing in that direction,” Perry reveals. He underscores the Specialized commitment to make sure that riders don’t just get a slick bike to ride, but also receive top-notch service by having access to valuable information to optimize their performance and riding experience.

Not Just for RetailersThrough interaction with the riders, Specialized learned about the extent of their needs and stepped up what it’s been already providing. To deliver valuable information in the fastest possible way,

H Specialized introduced the “Ask SBCU” channel on YouTube and the SBCU Facebook page, which answers every rider’s concerns and provides a venue for interaction and knowledge sharing, respectively. On top of that, Specialized also started conducting Q&A sessions with the riders—like those recently held in Bacolod and Manila, where riders got a chance to pry knowledge from the brains of Perry and Varada.

The SBCU channel and FB page are “a part of it, and it’s a very small part. We’re still playing around with our digital channel. But there’s a lot more to the University than that,” explains Perry. For Southeast Asia,Varada heads an SBCU classroom in Singapore that specializes in body geometry fit. There’s also a dedicated team of five guys traveling around Southeast Asia, “to make sure retailers have the product training they need, merchandising training they need, technical training they need as well. They are doing that locally; globally, we have anything digital,” says Perry.

Asked about the extent of information they are willing to share about the bikes, they both assured that they can go “as technical as anyone would want us to go. We’ll break it down to layer by layer of carbon if someone is really looking for that.”

With the direction that SBCU is heading, you can expect better service from the people of Specialized.

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VJ Varada and Donny Perry

DorayEllis

Photo: Edsel OchoaHair and Makeup: Arlyn Basa and Jerry SebastianStyling: Kring Leyco of Miss KayceShot on location: Dan’s BikeshopClothes: Zensah | Shoes: Newton

THE RAcEdAY INTERVIEW:

oN THE JoYS ANd TRIBULATIoNSoF MANAGING A TEAM

In 2005, Doray Ellis and her husband Mark founded the Fitness First Triathlon Team. They went on to become oneof the biggest and best teams in the local triathlon community, dominating the podium of most “A” races. A year before they celebrate their 10th year in the sport, a crisis tested the members’ loyalty and resolve to keep the Team intact. In a one-on-one talk with RaceDay’s Editor-in-Chief Monching Romano, Doray Ellis reveals Fitness First Team’s ups and downs, and shares her joy as the Team sets up a comeback for 2015.

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aceDay: you’ve been doing triathlon for 10 years and you still continue to do it, and do it well. Why?

Doray Ellis: It’s really for the love of it—I love the sport, I love training, I love the feeling of racing competitively. Sana, na-discover ko siya noong prime ko. Baka mag-elite ako, feeling ko kakarerin ko ito. If only I’d known this sport [earlier]. I was in my early 30s when I started.

RD: But before triathlon, did you get attached to any particular sport?

Doray: I played varsity volleyball.

RD: When you got involved with triathlon, you never played any other sport again?

Doray: You have no choice. Wala ka nang oras. Before triathlon, every weekend I’m out of town, diving. Wala na, 10 years na hindi na nagdi-dive. I sold everything. I used to play touch rugby, wala na rin.

RD: Back then, was the competition already tough?

Doray: Hindi pa. When I started in 2005, 10 babae lang kami. Pag hindi ka pa nanalo, nakakahiya na.

RD: But you’ve always ruled your age group?

Doray: Hindi naman 100 percent, but I always pull through.

RD: Is it a conscious goal to dominate your age group? Do you study your competitors, plan for them?

Doray: If it’s a major race, like when the 70.3 CamSur started, yun, binabantayan ko. Kasi during my time, there was only Subic and White Rock, [so everyone knew everyone else]. Who doesn’t want to win? I do, but I also acknowledge that there are a lot of strong women, so you really have to work hard.

RD: 10 years ago, you founded the Fitness First Triathlon Team. What made you decide to form a team?

Doray: We started with mountain biking and adventure racing (e.g. AXN), but our friend Martin Gallaga, who’s now with Bike King, told us, “Uy, join triathlon. Mukhang you guys will win.” So, o sige, wala ngang bike pa si Mark (Ellis) noon, bumili pa ng P10,000 na bakal bike. Ako noong una nga, mountain bike lang, tapos sige, bumili na lang ng entry level bike … And then we really did well. Panalo kami. It motivated us even more.

Our first race as Mark and Doray was SuBIT 2005. After the race, Fred (Uytengsu) approached Mark. He was inviting us to

join Polo-tri. At that time, there [was virtually] no other team. But Mark was already working for Fitness First as a national sales manager. [He said] “Yes, we want to consider joining but since I’m working for Fitness First,” it made more sense to form our own team.

Mark and I have a very good partnership. He is more of the visionary and I’m the implementer. I’m very OC and getting sponsorships is my specialty. So we decided to make our own Fitness First Team. With the help of Martin, we got the strong ones. It was like the dream team. We started with 15 members, including Ani De Leon, Ige Lopez, Peter Gonzaga, Patrick Joson, Raul Cuevas, even Sandra Gonzales. And it grew. If I were to trace the family tree of Fitness First, nanganak na siya.

RD: Some even became coaches.

Doray: Yes—Andy Leuterio, Patrick Joson. Marami. Tapos si Ani, nasa Unilab na. … And just because they’re not literally part of the team, it doesn’t mean they are not Fitness First. For us, kahit iba na ang name mo, you’re still part of it. It’s a family. And when we started, the main objective of the team was to grow the sport, not even the Team.

RD: Once, I saw you in Subic. your boys came in late and you reprimanded them. I was thinking then that democracy doesn’t work when it comes to triathlon. If you look at it,

RPhoto courtesy of Mark BustamanteThe Fitness First Triathlon Family

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Fred has the last say in Polo-tri. Joey Marcelo for Sante Barley. No need to vote to make a decision. Is it like that with Fitness First? It still exists because you have a strong hold on the team?

Doray: In a way, yes. But I call it a partnership between Mark and me. Like I said, Mark is the founder and I’m the team manager. Whatever I do or whatever I have with the Team, I present to him first. But people don’t see it kasi he is not part of the Team Com. Ako iyong uupo with the Team Com, then I present the plans or decisions to Mark. He has to know, being the founder and our sponsor, which is Fitness First. I don’t think most of the people see it, but everything is consulted with Mark. Pag ayaw niya talaga, we respect that.We’re a family. I’m the mom and Mark’s the dad. At the end of the day, whatever we decide for the Team is pretty reasonable and respected and followed by the members.

RD: In those 10 years, was there ever a time when somebody wanted to start a coup d’etat?

Doray: Wala naman.

RD: How about a big breakaway?

Doray: Hindi breakaway. Before kasi, meron kaming nakuhang member. Lakas, tuwang-tuwa kami. When we got him, hindi pa siya ganoon kalakas but we saw the potential. So we really trained him, all out. But it came to a point that he asked to be fully sponsored. The Team is not like that—we are a club, everyone pays an annual due, and everyone pays for a uniform. Everyone has to be equal. You may be stronger, but this is a team. Otherwise mag-individual ka na lang. So umabot sa point na nagre-recruit sya internally—narinig ko na lang at nagalit siyempre kami. Kasi naman, of all, magbre-breakaway Gold’s Gym pa. … So yun yung sinasabi na trying to breakaway but it didn’t really affect the team. Actually yung mga ganyang incident, makes the team better.

RD: There are a lot of groups who wanted to form a team. I always tell them that it is not an easy task. What do you think is the number one problem in managing a team?

Doray: Recruitment stage. Tendency is, teams usually recruit strong athletes without proper background check just to win. And sometimes you don’t see their true colors right away. You even see it after two years. From experience, it only takes one rotten apple to spoil a barrel. So magkamali ka ng recruit, it can affect the team. But you know you have the right people if you share the proper and right values—that’s very important to the team. In this Team, I make sure there’s a lot of respect, love, trust, and DELICADEZA.

That’s why you have to be very clear with your team objective. Is it just about winning? Sometimes getting the strong ones will destroy the team. Of course, I always want to win. In the early stages, that was my goal. But I learned from it. It’s not just getting the strong ones, it’s not just about winning all the time ... if it’s going to ruin your team, wag na lang. Again, it’s a team effort, so kung kukuha ka lang isang malakas para mahatak nang konti yung team mo, eh mag-individual na lang di ba? Kasi it’s not going to help talaga. To those who want to form a team, that’s a warning, and it happened to us twice. The most recent was the worst. So I’m not saying they should take it. I’m just saying na it happened to us. Bahala na kayo if you want to [take the advice].

RD: Is this written? Is this communicated, formally?

Doray: We have a mini-Bible. It has the how to, the stages of recruitment, etc. You have to join the team training for a while so you get to know the people first or the members, and then we will get feedback from the members kung approve or not.

Every year, we revise that Bible, based from our experience. If we feel that this one didn’t work, we’ll change it. Even our Team training has evolved so much. It started with everyone must train three times a week. But all of us are executives, wala talagang nakaka-deliver, parang lahat tanggal. So we revised it to once during weekdays and once during weekends. You have to [adapt]. Even in terms of location, merong Alabang, merong Makati. So now there’s an East group and South group. We adjust. It really evolves as you go on.

RD: But who has the final say?

Doray: The Team Com, magde-decide kami kung okay o hindi. But again, from our experience, 10 years na, may mga nakakalusot pa rin.

RD: Okay, so let’s say we’re members of the FitnessFirst Team, if I want to recruit someone, I can endorse a person or …

Doray: Yeah. That person should be sponsored by an active member. Kung inactive ka, you can’t sponsor an applicant.

RD: What’s your definition of the Fitness First Team?

Doray: JJ (Coscolluela) coined a hashtag: #ThisIsMyTeam. Or, #together. Or, #WeAreOne.” And we are! Closer, tighter, more motivated members. I’m just so happy.

I’m actually taking a rest this year. I’ve stepped down from the Team Com [and will be a consultant], because so many things are happening. We just moved in to a new house. Finally we have a home, which we can call our own, and we’re really, really excited about this family adventure. I have a new position at work, and I’m busy attending to my husband and kids. I can’t commit to race this year, but I have no regrets.

RD: What’s the secret to Fitness First Team’s longevity?

Doray: I approach managing the Team professionally just like work. Ganun ko siya nira-run. But I’m really strict. Kapag sinabi ko sa kanila na time is 6:30 and they’re late, I get mad. But you know what? It’s not like they get mad at me. If you ask them, they appreciate it, kasi they’re being disciplined and triathlon is about discipline. At the end of the day, I am just trying to be fair to all the members. If one comes at 6:30 and the rest comes late, unfair naman di ba? You have to be strict to be fair to everyone. And we also give incentives to those who perform. Instead of paying half the price for the tri suit, we give it to them for free, or meron kang free registration. Yung mga ganun, pero it has to be fair.

RD: I talked with one of your friends who is also a member of your team. I just asked, what’s Doray’s bad trait? She said, “She’s bossy. She’s actually too bossy.” Is that Doray the team manager or Doray the person?

Doray: I’m strict, there’s a big difference between bossy and strict. Bossy is bossing around and telling you to do this or do that without any consideration. Firstly, I have done everything for the Team from the start—from sponsorship to organizing a run and sports fest, team training, victory parties, etc. on my own. Ngayon nga, may bago akong Team Com, umaangal na. Sabi ko, umaangal na kayo? Ako lang ang gumagawa niyan dati. So if they look at it as being bossy for doing everything, okay lang. Pero again, is being bossy a negative thing or a good thing for them? But I can honestly say that I’m really strict. It might come across as being bossy, pero okay lang sa akin.

It’s really for the love of it – I love the sport,I love training, I love the feeling of racing

competitively.““

otHer Crazy stufftHat we do

WHEN WE’RE NoT WEARING THE TRI SUIT

14

Every setbackis a setup for a

comeback.

““

RD: Is there any secret behind all those 10 years? you are still competitive, you’re still one, no major breakaway, no coup d’etat. And you’re actually evolving to be better.

Doray: Yeah, because we are not just a team. We’re a happy family. Barkada ko na itong mga ito. Parang lahat ng ikasal sa Team namin, kasama kami. And when I say we’re a family, it’s not just the members. It really is with the wife or the girlfriend, even the anak. I can honestly say that we started the training camp sa Subic. Kami ni Ani nagpauso niyan. Magtra-training camp kami, bitbit ang mga anak. We really encourage everyone to bring along their family—nagkaroon pa nga ng housewife club. Yung mga anak namin, they’re barkada na rin. Even our Sunday run, hindi nga lang kami ang tumatakbo, we invite the partners to run with us. Mga anak namin, nasa bahay namin, naglalaro. So naging ganun ang relationship that we’re already a family. So malalim na.

RD: Going back to you, you’re a TV executive, a mother, a wife and an athlete ...

Doray: I’m a multi-tasker.

RD: The obvious answer to my question is work-life balance. But if you have to rank your priorities, how would it look like?

Doray: Wife. Mother. Work. Team Manager. Athlete. But it wasn’t like this before.

RD: We want the before ...

Doray: Nag-couples workshop na ako. Nagbago na perspective (laughs). Wife mode na. Kasi before, mother [first]. So wife, mother, work. Ito totoo to, pinag-isipan ko ito ha—team manager before athlete. Kasi even if I’m not racing, my heart is still with the Team. Nangyari yun nung nanganak ako with Kira. I’m not racing pero bossy pa din ako—hindi loko lang. I still run the show. And kahit ang laki-laki ng tiyan ko, nasa side ako, “Go!!!” Imo-motivate ko ang bawat isa.

RD: One story about you that I really love is that Ironman World Championship Kona slot of Ani De Leon. During the roll down, when the slot opened up for Ani, a payment had to be made on-the-spot for Ani to be able to secure it. you stood up and made the payment for your friend. Is this typical Doray?

Doray: Oo. True friend talaga. Actually nung nanalo si Ani, feeling ko nanalo din ako. During the roll down, she doesn’t have cash in hand. So I volunteered to pay for it first. I was so excited for her, I was so happy for Ani that I even organized something for her.

Nag-fund raising kami. Saka prinomote ko siya, the first Pinoy who ever qualified for Kona … Talagang parang I did whatever I could to help her ‘cause I’m very proud of her. We were able to get airline sponsors. We organized a rockeoke, tuwang-tuwa ako kasi umattend mga Polo-Tri, mga Tri-Clark, na talagang supportive. They gave pledges, and it was really fun. We even had a raffle. Hawaiian Air gave us a free flight, so the winner can go with Ani to cheer for her. It was really memorable. Kahit hindi ako naka-Kona, okay lang. Kasi feeling ko naka-Kona na ako for Ani.

RD: Do you keep a lot of friends or you only have a few?

Doray: Ah … I have a lot of friends but I have a good selection of really close friends. Makaibigan ako e, ma-PR ako.

RD: Recently, you had a personal issue with a team member. you decided to remove this member from the Team. Some members of the Team felt you should have not acted unilaterally and instead waited for the Team Com to decide. What really happened there?

Doray: It was so obvious that one person was greatly affecting a couple already—hindi nga lang couple e, the mother and father of the Team pa—affecting it tremendously ... Will you not take out the person?

RD: Okay …

Doray: Parang hihintayin mo pa ba lumala? So, ako, of course I’m the most affected—and talagang ramdam na ramdam ko. Being the team manager, I have to make a decision. I love this Team, but I love my family more—I need to save my family.

RD: Okay. So after that turbulent chapter, I noticed that the Team seems more cohesive, more dedicated. What do you think was the tipping point?

Doray: All I can say is, every setback is a setup for a comeback.

RD: I’ll use that, too.

Doray: Because it’s the first time something like this happened with the Team, a lot of realizations came.

The members saw the light and the truth. And it has made us closer. I really felt the support of each member—the love and respect. The best part is, I think they appreciated it. We reached the rock bottom because of what happened and they saw the light, they saw everything. My personal take is, na-filter yung Team, nasala nang husto. And now we’re one. And I really appreciated especially sina JJ and BJ stepping up, because they saw me really low and talagang, parang lost. They really backed me up na parang Dors, “Kami na muna ang bahala. Pahinga ka muna. We’ll look after the Team.” And they really motivated me and the members. And when they ra-ra the Team, grabe. Grabe talaga, I‘ve never seen the Team like this. Even our Facebook page likes increased from 200 to almost 1,000 in a span of three months. Saka lahat nagtatrabaho na, like I said, before ako lang, ngayon all of a sudden masisipag na ang mga anak ko.

RD: So it’s a better Fitness First?

Doray: Absolutely!!!

TRAIL RUNNINGt’s dirty and sometimes wet. It’s demanding and often unpredictable. But it continues to build an ever growing loyal following. Perhaps it’s all these intricacies that make

it so much appealing.

A peculiar endurance sport, trail running requires an athlete to traverse miles and miles of relatively untouched land, most of it hardly resembling the typical race course—mountain passes, creeks, beaches and jungle paths. It can go from short distances to the unthinkable hundred-kilometer events called ultra-trails.

Despite the intimidating terrain and distances, though, trail running is surprisingly less harsh on the body—particularly on the knees—compared to road and track running. Plus, trail runners claim that being close to nature offers bliss that no other running form can match. Triathletes we talked to even confess there’s a danger of liking trail running to the point of abandoning triathlon altogether. So why are we featuring it in a triathlon magazine, you might ask? Simply because trail running is an enjoyable activity that offers a new dimension to endurance sports. And it has some complementary benefits for triathletes, too.

To lead us on the path to this fun yet lung-busting sport, we talked to Pen Nepomuceno, an adventurer who used to juggle trail running and triathlon races. She was an avid trail runner who later on stepped into the world of triathlon out of curiosity. “I enjoy being in the water, riding my bike and running. When I heard about this costume fun-triathlon held annually in UPLB, I quickly signed up to see what triathlon was. So it really began as something out of curiosity and fun,” shared Pen. “As I tried to juggle the two activities, I soon realized how they complemented each other and how they challenged each other as well.”

Raceday: Aside from being an endurance sport, how does trail running complement your triathlon training? Does it also have indirect benefits for triathletes?

Nepomuceno: Trail running will definitely make your legs stronger. The trails I go to have a lot of killer climbs, and the uneven terrain gets more of your leg muscles involved. The trails can be very unpredictable as well, requiring you to be more mindful of your breathing, your heart rate and your nutrition.

Trail running is a chance for me to appreciate my surroundings and enjoy the scenery while training. Sometimes, I feel like triathlon training can get pretty intense. The focus is primarily on personal performance, which can be deadening after a certain point. But that’s just me.

RD: How often do you participate in trail runs. Does it eat up your time for training for triathlon events?

Nepomuceno: I used to participate in trail runs almost every month. Every week, I would have a long run in Maarat. I ended up targeting one race after the other and soon forgot about triathlon. The only triathlon I considered joining was Xterra because it was on trails. I just couldn’t get back to racing on the road again after I found pleasure in trail running.

In the beginning, when I tried to do both (trail running and triathlon), I would eventually slack on discipline. Training for any triathlon can be time consuming, and you really have to follow a program. Trail running also eats up a lot of time, and since I got myself pretty enthusiastic with it, I just slowly strayed away from any triathlon events.

RD: As a triathlete, does trail running offer the same satisfaction that you get from swimming, biking and running? Or does it serve as a welcome alternative, a break of some sort, from your pre-determined tri-program?

Nepomuceno: Actually, trail running has caused my interest in triathlon to wane. It started as a welcome break from triathlon training but has become a passion in itself. I have taken trail riding recently as well, and regardless of all the crashes and mishaps, I am enjoying it immensely; it’s like being a kid again. Imagine, having a great big smile after a long, muddy ride with spills to boot. The feeling is not the same.

The tri-programs can be difficult to adhere to, but they are necessary to reach your triathlon goals. I have nothing but respect for the athletes who are disciplined enough to do it day in, day out. The “break” has become my passion, and it might be for a while.

RD: Which trail events (and distances) do you participate in, and which triathlon events did you sign up for this year?

Nepomuceno: Though I still run and bike regularly, nothing major for this year. I have taken up bike touring recently and did multi-day rides in Southeast Asia. I’m planning to do a couple more long rides, including a month-long desert ride, soon. I’m not keen right now on preparing for any race, but I do want to see more of the world slowly on two wheels.

If the passion hits me, I might try racing again next year. If.

RD: What’s your advice for triathletes planning to take up trail running to help them get the most from it?

Nepomuceno: First, get a pair of trail shoes. Second, embrace the unpredictable. Like I said, you cannot compare your trail performance from your road. On your first try, you will probably get lost, trip and definitely have a much slower time. If you find yourself having a hard time on the uphill, know that it’s okay to walk—it’s much more efficient. Third, enjoy the scenery and listen to the birds chirping. And lastly, just accept that your shoes will get soiled, but that’s fine.

More on PenPen Started triathlon while still in college, in an event that she considered as “a really fun race organized by the Trantados of UPLB.” Her best and last race was the Xterra 2012, where she managed to end up on the podium. She is also a veteran of the Ironman 70.3 in Camsur.

As for trail running, back in 2007, when ultra-running was still a foreign idea, she was crazy enough to join a bunch of “running addicts”—The Pinoy Ultra Runners. “It wasn’t my first trail experience, but I guess my enthusiasm for the trails started there. My most memorable run would probably be my first ultra, which was a 68-km (more or less) run from Banawe to Sagada. It wasn’t a serious race, but a well-organized run aimed to raise funds for Kythe Foundation (kythe.org). From then on, I never saw running in the same way.”

I

Pen’s toP trail running PiCksClark Miyamit 80 km (2013)I loved the course. It was a good balance of flat terrain and hilly course. The astonishing part here was the massive waterfalls at the turnaround. I enjoy races where tourism is integrated. You get to go to places that are not normally reached through the usual paths. I appreciate backyard races that are born out of passion for the trails and the sports.

Mt. Ugu Skyrace 35.3 km (2011)This is an out-and-back course in Itogon, Benguet. It’s a very tough course: It starts with a very steep downhill run, and then it just becomes an eternal uphill. It has an elevation gain of 1858 meters. I like it because of the breathtaking scenery, the smell of pine forest and the weather. I love running in beautiful places, regardless if the course is hard. It just makes me happy and forget the pain (and the unforgiving ascents). The interaction with the locals and the culture can be so rich that it can be quite an experience.

TDS® (Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie)A mountainous 116 km race In Chamonix, France, with abundant sections at altitude (>2,500 meters), and in weather conditions which can be very difficult (night running, cold wet winds, snow storm). This for me is the Ironman of ultra-running. I had the privilege of joining this event in 2012 but was defeated by the unfriendly weather. There’s a much longer race called UTMB® (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®), but a lot of ultra-runners would say that TDS is much crueler because of the more technical terrain. TDS is my arena, and I think it is and still is the hardest race I’ve ever done. We literally ran across borders. The race started in the Northern part of Italy, in a town called Courmayeur. The finish line was at Chamonix, France, but I stopped at kilometer 63 in a town called Cormet de Roseland. Not today—that’s what I said. Right now, I’m still indefinite on when I will go back to “my arena” again, but it will happen. One day.

otHer Crazy stufftHat we do

WHEN WE’RE NoT WEARING THE TRI SUIT

Photos courtesy of Pen Nepomuceno

15

Pen Nepomuceno

gears

SALoMoN S-LAB XT 6Race on the most technical trails with confidence, comfort, and a precise fit with the S-LAB XT 6. Its Agile Chassis system, Endofit and Seamless upper give you what you need to perform at your best. S-Lab XT 6 boasts of functional technology: Quick Drying Breathable Mesh; Protective Toe Cap; Sensifit for precise fit and security; convenient Quicklace; Lace Pocket and Tongue Cover to prevent mud and debris from getting in the shoe. It also features a Non-Marking Contagrip Outsole, and provides stability and dampening with the Agile Chassis System, Molded EVA Midsole, Dual Density EVA, Pronation Control, AC Muscle 2, EVA Shaped Footbed, Molded EVA and Ortholite. Light at 330 g / 11.64 oz., it has a midsole height of 20 mm/9.5 mm.

Taking your first step into trail running?We list down some essentials that will help you along the way—performance shoes to keep you injury free; hydration pack for your nutrition and hydration needs; and a GPS watch to ensure you don’t get lost during your adventures.

SALoMoN SkIN pRo 3 SET HYdRATIoN BAG

Stretch fit makes this form-fitting back comfortable and extremely stable so you can carry what you

need and still run easily. With its design based on freedom of movement, the Skin Pro 3 features an

innovative construction using self-adjustable fabrics. It conforms to the body for fit and stability, so it’s bounce-free and breathable. It has a Twinlink and Adjustable Sensishoulders, easily fitting small to

large sizes. The Skin Pro 3 has a Main Compartment, 2 Lateral Side Storages, 1 Mobile Pocket, 1 Chest Pocket,1 Zipped Back Pocket, Safety Pocket, Soft

1.5L Bladder – PVC, Bisphenol-A Free, Plug-N-Play System, Bite Valve With On/Off System, Under Arm Routing, and 4D Bladder Insulated Sleeve. It is also

equipped with a Custom System and 4D Pole Holder, Soft Trims and Whistle.

MERRELL LUToN BAckpAckThe Merrell Luton Backpack features lightweight fabrics and components which are engineered for endurance and performance. It has a front zipper pocket with reflective print, internal mesh pocket,

hip belt with side-release buckles, adjustable sternum straps fastened with side-release buckles

and intergrated safety whistle, comfortable padded back panel system and a lightweight and ventilated shoulder strap system. With dimensions of 8.7” x 16.1” x 2” and weighing just 0.53 lbs, the Luton

Backpack has a capacity of 1.1 gal. It is made of 420d polyester ripstop and 420d nylon contrast material.

SpRYInspired by world-class ultra-athlete and Elite

ImmortalTM Krissy Moehl, the Spry is a minimalist approach to a soft, breathable vest. It conveniently carries a 1-liter reservoir or stores provisions if hand-helds are preferred—easily packing a jacket, rain gear and extra food. Its 1-Liter UA Reservoir features the signature push/pull Infusion Valve that delivers a high

flow of water and quick fills during races, plus a roomy stash pouch on the back for easy access

to the reservoir.

Constructed with lightweight 30D high-density nylon ripstop fabric, it is lined with patent-

pending Magnon Electrolyte PocketTM with easy, worry-free magnet closure for storage. It also employs a Speed Hook sternum strap with limited stretch, and sweat-proof elastic

for breathability without restriction. The Spry provides ample storage for your race essentials and has reflective details on the front and back

for nighttime and early morning visibility.

MERRELL ALL oUT cHARGEThe All Out Charge is your ally in showing the trails the full force of your training. The 5mm lugs in a M-Select Grip outsole provide the traction you need to keep going across soft and uneven terrain. To keep debris out, the upper is lined with synthetic overlays and features a half-gusseted tongue. The HyperWrap secures the foot for increased agility, while the durable, lightweight Uni-Fly midsole specializes in absorbing shock and distributing impact across the foot for additional comfort.

SUUNTo AMBIT3 pEAkTrack, analyze, enrich, relive and share your sports and adventures with the Suunto Ambit3 Peak—the new flagship watch of the Suunto Ambit family. This is the timepiece for serious adventurers and athletes, packing Suunto’s hallmark outdoor functions, such as route navigation, barometric information, altimeter with FusedAltiTM, 3D compass and other outdoor-specific features. The Ambit3 Peak has double the battery life (up to 50 hours in GPS mode) compared with the Ambit3 Sport. Plus, its tough design, glass fiber reinforced casing and stainless steel bezel make this watch ready to take a beating under any condition for any adventure. The Sapphire edition comes in sapphire crystal glass for ultimate durability. Available at all Time Depot stores nationwide, ROX, Salomon Aura, Runnr BGC and Trinoma.

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WHEN WE’RE NoT WEARING THE TRI SUIT

16

yurbuds Gets An Upgrade, Now powered by JBLAudio equipment leader HARMAN acquires Yurbuds, the Number One Sports Headphones Brand in the U.S., incorporating the JBL Signature Sound.

HARMAN, the premium global audio, infotainment and enterprise automation group (NYSE:HAR), proudly introduce yurbuds®powered by JBL®, the number one selling sport earphone in the U.S. JBL® is known industry-wide for its supreme quality, so coupling that with yurbuds® ergonomics, guaranteed never to hurt or fall out, you have a headphone like no other on the market.

The in-the-ear Leap Wireless, in-the-ear Leap Wireless for Women and behind-the-ear Liberty Wireless are the newest entries into the yurbuds® Powered by JBL® line of more than a dozen products. Priced at P6000, the new Wireless earphones feature full music and call control, a smart battery that lasts for more than six hours, and amplified JBL® sound.

Also introduced to the market are the Endurance and Women’s 100-400 line of products. At the 100 level, you get everything that yurbuds has been known and loved for, for the past 5 years—a headphone that’s designed as sports equipment that never hurts and never falls out. At the 200 level, we added brand new technology called QuikClik®Tangle-Free Magnets for easy storage on the go. The 300 and 400 models both feature JBL® sound, patented ergonomic design and QuikClik®Tangle-Free Magnets. At the 300 level, yurbuds® powered by JBL® earphones include a microphone with track/music control functionality and the 400 model kicks it up a notch with volume and voice control for Apple® Devices. The 100 model starts at P1200, the 200 model at P1800, the 300 model retails at P2400 and the 400 is a step-up at P3000

New yurbuds® powered by JBL® is available in the following stores: Power Mac Center, Runnr, Planet Sports, R.O.X, Digital Walker, and Chris Sports. For more brand information, go to Facebook and Instagram- yurbudsph or visit www.yurbuds.com.

INSpIRE 400 for Women

PHP3000• Quik Clik™ Magnets• 3-Button Volume Control (MFi)• JBL® Signature Sound• Sport Carry Pouch• Includes 2 Size Options

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ERGoSpoRT ARMBANdPHP1200KEY FEATURES• Adjustable Size - Secure/Comfortable Fit• Radiant ReflectiveTM - Ultimate Visibility

CORE FEATURES• Touch-Sensing Cover - Seamless Control• Sweat Proof - Protects Your Phone• Anti-Microbial Coating - No Washing Required• Key & Card Pockets - For On-the-Go Storage• Compatible with iPhone 5

AVAILABLE COLORSBlack/Red

INSpIRE 400

PHP3000• Quik Clik™ Magnets• 3-Button Volume Control (MFi)• JBL® Signature Sound• Sport Carry Pouch• Includes 2 Size Options

AVAILABLE COLORSBlack/Red-YBIMINSP04RNB

LIBERTY WIRELESS

PHP6000• 6 Hours Music & Call Time• JBL® Signature Sound• Microphone with Music Control• Premium Case• Includes 2 Sizes Options• Micro USB Charging Cable

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LEAp WIRELESS

PHP6000• 6 Hours Music & Call Time• JBL® Signature Sound• Microphone with Music Control• Premium Case• Includes 2 Size Options• Micro USB Charging Cable

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LEAp WIRELESSFoR WoMEN

PHP6000• 6 Hours Music & Call Time• JBL® Signature Sound• Microphone with Music Control• Premium Case• Includes 2 Size Options• Micro USB Charging Cable

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ToBY’S