From Triathlete to TikToker: The Story of Edinburgh Tumuran
Meet Edinburgh Tumuran. He may be an attorney by profession, but he is also a fierce triathlete from Fortis Multisport who constantly pushes his limits in every race. And if that’s not enough, he is also known for his hilarious TikTok videos that showcase his fun and playful side. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the world of Edinburgh and learn about his journey as a triathlete, his proudest moments, his upcoming races, and of course, his TikTok dancing skills!
Before his Ting Tang dance videos, Edinburgh got our attention when he did an IRON distance triathlon during the pandemic… indoor! Read on for the interview!
Images Credit / Source : All images are from Edinburg Tumuran.
Can you tell us about your experience completing an Ironman triathlon inside your home during the pandemic? What was your motivation behind it?
I was supposed to race at the Ironman Philippines in June of 2020, and the declaration of the Pandemic in March of 2020 was not an obstacle for me to continue with my trainings. Thus, I continued with my regular training at home, with the exception of the swimming, considering I had our treadmill, bike roller and trainer.
A first, it was disorienting doing the trainings as home practically every day. Nevertheless, our predicament taught us to stay focused in our discipline and continue on our daily trainings.
Then the Ironman Virtual Race was introduced, I did not waist time and immediately registered and said races became the norm for every triathlete rather than the exception. These races were in a duathlon format and the distances would vary from Sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman distances. Because the Ironman Ph was canceled, I call a fellow triathlete Ferdinand Bautista and asked him if he would like to join me on an indoor full ironman distance which was to be accomplished in one day be agreed. Thus, the first distance we did was 3k run, 180k bike and 42k run. The 2nd indoor full distance we did was 10k run, 180 bike and 42k run. These were done on a treadmill and a bike roller in succession.
That was really a different experience altogether because I started running at 5:30 am, thereafter rode my bike using the bike roller practically the whole day until I finished the 180k distance. My wife Malu was giving me snacks, water and energy drink while on the bike. The 42k run on the treadmill was so difficult as I had to continue running while the steady pace and changing the speed of the treadmill as needed. I finished around 10:30 in the evening.
The feeling was surreal as it felt like I literally did the full ironman distance outdoor realizing that every leg was made indoor and I never thought of myself doing that distance indoor. The Pandemic was the event that we least expected but it paved ways for us to unleash the other side of us – that is the will power to survive and the energy to do thing out of the ordinary.
After the quarantine protocol changed and we were allowed to go out with some strict check point, I had the opportunity to go out again and do my training outside and I did all my Ironman VR races outdoor, doing 5150 and 70.3 distances basically every weekend.
Then sometime in June of 2021, since the Ironman PH was again canceled and rescheduled to March 6, 2022, I again decided to the solo full distance Ironman in one day using again the Ironman VR registration. Thus, my target date was on 30 October 2022. With little time to do my training, I went back to the swimming pool to train the best I could for the 3.8 km distance and basically the bike and run training was also done with my fellow teammates at Sta. Lucia Land, Inc., TRI-REALTORS.
On the day of my solo Ironman challenged, I stated at 6:30 a.m. and I swam 3.8 km continuously in the pool at La Stanza, Marikina, which took me two hours. Then my team mates, Reynaldo Villanueva and Jael Espejo, were waiting for me and we biked 180 km from La Stanza, Marikina passed Binangonan, Rizal and we made a U-turn in Mabitac, Laguna on the 90th km mark.
How did you train for the event and what were some of the challenges you faced?
During the Pandemic, there were no face-to-face races and we were living in a world wherein we were constrained to move freely. Nevertheless, these circumstances never stopped me from doing my normal trainings in that abnormal predicament we had.
Though I had more time to go on training, it wasn’t easy considering that I had to observe the health protocols that was being imposed that time and I myself was very careful at the same time as it was too risky being contaminated with the Covid 19.
But since there were on-line races, especially the Ironman VR that was ding held practically every week, that was the primary flat form of race I was engaged with. Hence, the actual trainings were the once that would be submitted to the Ironman VR after every swim, bike or run that was achieved.
Can you tell us about your triathlon team, Fortis Multisport, a short background and what’s the team all about.
We established Fortis Multisport during the height of the Pandemic and from our original team the Sta. Lucia Land, Inc., Tri-Realtors. It is very small team and basically composed of individuals who are equally active in endurance sports.
We are about nine members in our team and these are: Mark Anthony Francisco, Reynaldo Villanueva, Bong Pimentel, Jael Espejo, Chadd De Guia, Benjie Catedrilla, Juan Tumuran, Joanne Wolcott and Melbert Cruz, with our Team Captain Jael Espejo and Vice Team captain Bong Pimentel, a veteran Triathlete. We also represent our sponsors who are mostly from companies whose owners are also sports enthusiasts
As a lawyer, how do you balance your training and work schedule?
It is not a walk in the park knowing that I have many cases to attend to and pleadings to prepare on a daily basis. However, I have to give time to my trainings in order for me to have that competitive spirit. Triathlon races are very demanding that most of the triathletes I know are aggressive athletes and they give time to their trainings. Thus, there is no reason for me to justify that my profession is so demanding that training regularly is next to impossible. When it comes to Triathlon, there are no excuses.
In reality, I have to find time to train property otherwise, every race I join would be very difficult for me to race side by side with some competitive triathletes.
Twice a week in the morning, I would go on swimming training save for some days that I really have to prioritize attending hearings or meeting clients. After office of Tuesday and Thursday during the night, I would go on run training with my teammate, Reynaldo Villanueva. We know that running is the most important leg in triathlon and being a strong runner is already an edge during the races.
Every Saturday, I would go on long rides with our teammates, at least 150 kilometers basically in Rizal, Laguna, Quezon and other places that biking is fun and enjoyable. I am more of an outdoor cyclist as I really enjoy the feel of the outside world. I can train and at the same time see the beauty of the outside world. Though when it is raining and there is a need for me to go on training, I would go on indoor training. On the thread mill or using my roller on my indoor training. I really prepare the roller over the trainer as it gives me the satisfaction and simulation of an actual outdoor training as the constant balance on the bike while pedaling is the key factor to gain that solid training and continuously stay balance. It is very challenging at first however when you get it right, it will become second nature.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering taking on an Ironman triathlon?
Ironman is daunting and a very challenging feat to accomplish and a well-prepared and properly executed training is one of the key facts in achieving your goal in finishing an Ironman. It requires absolute discipline to constantly train with the proper program. Having a well-experienced coach is another factor to be considered, as you will be given the correct program on a regular basis.
The period for you to train is also essential as there should be sufficient times for you to go on training. Our coach Samuel Lapena, advised as that completing a Full Ironman distance requires at least eight months.
However, training is only one of the aspects as you need also to attend to other very important and pressing matters in your life such as your work, profession, family and other social life. You must have a balance life. In my case, there is a need for me to attend to my work as a Lawyer, like attending court trials, doing paper works at the office, meeting clients and enduring the heavy traffic on the road on a daily basis as going from office to court is so time consuming. Thus, time is so demanding that sometimes I would finish work in the van instead for getting trapped in a traffic.
Having quality time with my family is another important aspect that I need to consider. Our children needs to feel that even if I are so busy on training, I can still have time with them. Dating my wife, Malu, is also part of my routine in order to have quality time together.
Have you done an IM outside of your home? How is it compared to indoor? Which one is harder?
I already did one full Ironman distance outside our home and two indoor, although when I did the Ironman indoor, there was no swim leg as it was replaced by 3-km and 10-km runs, respectively. Indoor Full Ironman was quite less stressful considering that I was just confined in the four corners of our home and the convenience of having your family support you all the way was fulfilling as they would give you food and drinks when it was needed.
Conversely, the outdoor Full Ironman distance that I did was more complicated and difficult due to the fact that ones I was out, I was on my own and my only source of nutrition was the one I had with me due to the fact that most convenient stores during the night were closed and I did not know their locations. I had to consider also that, during the run leg I was alone running during the night time and I had no support vehicle following me at the back. So that was really tough as I had to be on my own. And the fact that had a block out along EDSA that I almost fainted was so scary. Had I fell on the ground, no was there to help me. Though I was pretty sure that good Samaritans were out there that were willing and able help me just in case. Praise God nothing happened.
How did you get into triathlons and what keeps you motivated to keep competing?
I was into cycling when I was in high school and I still have my old road bike, which I intend to restore soon. Until I got into law school that I stopped for a while and when I was in my early 30’s, and that was in the early 2000, I got this diabetes that I got depressed and the Doctor advised me to indulge in endurance sports. That was the moment that I remembered my road bike. But when I checked it, it was an 80’s vintage and using it was no longer practical. Thus, I assembled a new road bike and to my surprise my hiatus on biking led me to see that things had changed for about a decade off the saddle. In the late 30’s until the early 40’s, my work was getting too stressful and I knew I had to level up my fitness routine. Hence, I got into running and I joined fan runs and did a couple of marathons. Thereupon, it came into my mind to become a triathlete, but I did not know how to swim. My easiest ticket to multisport was the duathlon, which I registered in Powerman and other duathlon races.
I did not know how to swim and thinking in triathlon, one is required to swim in an open water continuously for about one and a half kilometer for the 5150 distance was already mind blowing and an ultimate challenge. But I told myself, if I would not learn how to swim, then this dream of becoming a triathlete would turn into a nagging frustration and I did not want that to haunt me.
Until I decided to look for a coach who can teach me how to do a swimming lesson tailored for triathletes. A fellow Triathlete, Rigel Valdez, introduced me to Coach Samuel Lapena, and he taught me the total immersion freestyle swimming, which paid off as it requires less fast movements and more balancing and glide. Thus, I was able to swim long distance and only then I realized that it was possible to swim the distance without consuming and burning more energy as I was expecting a swimmer has to undergo.
When I learned how to swim in the open water, it felt like a different experience altogether for becoming part of the vast, deep, murky and cold water in a short period of time is an awesome experience, which a few individuals can experience.
Then I registered in a sprint triathlon, then jumped to several 5150 distances then did 70.3 distances followed by the March 6, 2022 Century Tuna Full Ironman. Truly, a dream come true and looking forward to doing it again.
Can you tell us about your training routine and what a typical day looks like for you?
Training for the Ironman is very difficult especially in my profession where time is so demanding, I really have to find time balancing training and work. And when I became a triathlete, I appreciate even more the value to time management and having little to spare, I knew having quality trainings are the only way for me to become competitive especially there are so many strong triathletes out there.
Thus, swimming before going to the office at least twice a week and running after office also twice a week keeps me within my regular training routine. Although, if works is so demanding that giving more time to work and having less trainings would be required, I would do that. But at the back of my mind, I have to make up in the coming days thereafter.
I usually go on long distance bike training during the weekends with my team mates giving attention to intensity training with minimal rests in between. With this style, we would level up out fitness training especially if there is a forthcoming race.
How do you manage injuries or setbacks during training and competition?
Injuries during trainings and races are inevitable and these would happen in least expected moments. Thus, I would be mindful that everything this will happen I see to it that I have to continue and finish the race as possible having in mind being safe all the time. I experienced this in Milo half marathon I accidentally stepped on a path hole and I fell on the ground injuring badly my ankle and kneecap. That was too painful but I had to finish the race and I had to best the cut-off time of 2:30 hours, which I did. Although my body was saying I had to abandon and my mind was pushing me to move forward and continue on running. That was will power.
An athlete must possess an extreme mind toughness coupled with physical prowess in order to surpass these extraordinary ordeals in these extraordinary tests of character race called triathlon. In most situations, having a strong mind really helps to keep you moving forward setting aside the constant and nagging pain our body is enduring during the entire race.
If you have a tough mind, your body will instantly react to it and you can surely do things that you never expected you would do especially in times where your remaining straw of strength is your robust will power to cross the finish line. But even if you have all the attributes of a strong athlete but your mind is so weak and has no confidence, you may end up giving up. In races, what is paramount is not to finish first but having the courage to start.
How do you stay mentally focused and disciplined during long-distance races?
Long distance races involves two things: Mental toughness and physical prowess. Your mind must be strong enough to resist and handle the negativity that may cause you to abandon the race due to the constant pain you are into. On the other hand, your body must be prepared to endure the constant exposure to strenuous muscles movement coupled in a longer period of time under extreme stress. Plus the nutrition what will sustain you during the race. Combining these three is crucial in achieving your goal to finish long distance races.
Thus, it boils down back to proper training, preparation prior to the race. In my case, I see to it that I won’t miss a single training that I usually do on a regular basis. But training alone is one part of the preparation. It must be remembered that I need to have enough and sufficient rest especially having quality sleep.
Nutrition is another aspect that I need to focus on. Since my mother is an Ilocano, as a child, I had been eating vegetables, which paid off considering that I get so many benefits from these foods. As much as possible, I do not eat rice though sometimes a minimal scoop of rice would serve just to cure my cravings and that is part of the discipline. Fruits are also essential for my nutrition as I can get natural vitamins from these especially citrus fruits to increase my immune system; hence, it boosts my protection from possible sickness.
Can you tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment in your triathlon career?
To be honest, I finished the 2022 Century Tuna Ironman and it was a fulfilling experience as I pushed myself into the boundaries. But my proudest as a triathlete was I was able to involve my family is racing together in a triathlon race. Since our son, Juan Manuel (a.k.a. JM) became a triathlete at the age 12, I was able to convince my wife, Malu, and daughter, Naomi, to indulge on this sport too.
In 2022 NCC Triathlon, we did a family relay, whereby, I and JM, swam and bikes, while, Malu and Naomi, ran, as part of our respective mixed relays. Of course, swimming and biking will be the next training for my wife and daughter. Our family recently finished the My Daily Collagen 5150 as a Team Tumuran.
Can you tell us about any upcoming races or competitions you have planned?
When it comes to races, I would usually select the race that I have the sufficient time to train considering that it would be very difficult to complete if you did not train enough.
As of this year, our family just did the My Daily Collagen 5150 relay and I will be racing the Tinman 9 which is very challenging also considering the weather in Ilocos is really hot and it is held at the height of the summer time.
Since, I did the Full Ironman Century Tuna in 2022, I have plan of doing it again this year, God willing. I will do also the Audax 400 and 600, hopefully, as I already finished the Audax 200 and 300.
What inspired you to start doing TikTok dancing videos and how do you come up with your choreography?
During the height of the Pandemic, TikTok became a household hit and basically everyone was doing it. I told myself that that wasn’t my cup of tea and won’t be diving into the abyss of its popularity. But it turned out that even masculine and true men are into TikTok and one day I tried it and to my surprise it was so entertaining and so relaxing that doing it again and again was so satisfying and relaxing. I was hooked.
Will I recommend this to others? Well, I will leave it up to them. But they can try it. It is cool.
What’s harder to practice: Ironman triathlon or TikTok dancing? Hehe.
That is a tough question to answer. I don’t think they can be compared. TikTok requires talent and skills to get the moves and steps in sync with your music and that is quite difficult to someone who is not really into it! Although practice is the only was to go for you to mater it.
In training for the Ironman, I will take you extreme commitment and dedication to the sports and the love for it also plays a major role for you to finish one.
We’ve been seeing you do a lot of Ting Tang videos. Can you show us your best one??
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1860587284326031
How do you see the future of TikTok dancing and its impact on the sport of triathlon? (Pang Ms. Universe! Hehe)
Well, TikTok may be one of the ways to ease up the rigorous trainings and mental toughness of triathlon and there are more and more Triathletes who are into TikTok also. To name a few, Coaches Vanessa Agdon and JoMac are also tiktokers. It is a fun way of saying that triathlon should always be fun and enjoyable.
Images Credit / Source : All images are from Edinburg Tumuran.
