Montebon
IRONMAN COBRA 70.3
On August 6, a total of 2,696 triathletes will test their mettle in the 1.9-kilometer swim, 90k bike and 21k run for the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines. How do they prepare for Cebu’s premier sports event?
Two triathletes — Cebuano Voltaire Montebon, 40, an age grouper and Asian elite Paul Jumamil, 25, of Bohol and a Rider Omega Pro Triathlon Team member, shared with CDN their training, diet and other preparations for the race which has attracted 793 foreigners.
CDN: How do you prepare for a big race?
Jumamil: Even if I’m not preparing for a race, I still do workouts to maintain my fitness and weight. Doing cross training is also one of my activities like mountain biking, trail running, swimming and doing swim or run drills.
Montebon: I usually train three times a week to maintain my endurance. I usually start training three months before a race.
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CDN: How long do you train for a race like Ironman 70.3?
Jumamil: It takes about 10 weeks.
Montebon: I prepare for a major race like IronMan 70.3 for six months.
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CDN: Can you share your diet and nutrition while training?
Jumamil: I don’t actually measure the calories. I eat a lot but recently I am controlling my food intake because I already reached my target race weight. I would prefer sliced bread with peanut butter and boiled eggs in the morning. I skip oily or fried foods and sweets. I always listen to my body.
Montebon: In this kind of sport we need plenty of carbohydrates. I eat a lot in the morning then at lunch I eat two cups of rice and lots of veggies and chicken. I eat less at dinner.
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CDN: How do you prepare mentally for a race?
Jumamil: I am 100% focused when I have a race. During a race, I don’t mind the pain, I take it as a challenge.
Montebon: As an age grouper just relax, focus on your goals and enjoy the race.
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CDN: What is triathlon for you?
Jumamil: At first, I never thought I would be passionate about it. I was only a swimmer but eventually I enjoyed triathlon. Winning is also a plus. I am motivated not just because of the prize but in my quest to beat my personal records in every race.
Montebon: I can say that it’s very important. It keeps me fit and it’s my stress reliever.
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CDN: How much do you spend for your equipment? Training? Diet? Nutrition?
Montebon: In terms of equipment, the bike maintenance and nutrition would be the most costly. It would cost me P10k a month.
Jumamil: I can’t make a comprehensive total of my expenses but I can say it’s quite expensive. Also a healthy diet and nutrition is never cheap.
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CDN: How did triathlon help you improve yourself?
Jumamil: This sport made me a better person. I was never perfect but all the struggles and trials made me stronger.
Montebon: Yes it helped a lot. It made me persevere more to achieve my goals and aim for the things that I thought I cannot do before. I also learned not to surrender to the storms in life.