“Kaya Ko Pa Bang Bumilis?” – The Late Bloomer’s Guide to Multisport and Triathlon

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of triathlon. You might be thinking, “Kaya ko pa bang bumilis?” (Can I still get faster?) The answer is a resounding YES! Age is just a number, and late bloomers can bloom just as brightly. In this article, we’ll explore the world of triathlon for beginners who started training later in life. We’ll also look at whether you can still “bumilis” (get faster) in swimming, cycling, and running as individual sports!

The Late Bloomer’s Advantage

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of triathlon training, let’s talk about the late bloomer’s advantage. Sure, you might not have been a child prodigy in any of the three disciplines, but you bring something invaluable to the table: life experience. You’ve faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and learned the art of perseverance. Triathlon is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and your life experiences give you an edge.

Swimming – From Sink to Swim

Ever watched a graceful dolphin glide through the water? Yeah, well, that’s not you (yet). But remember, even dolphins were awkward baby dolphins once!

Many late-starters worry about swimming. It’s no secret that some of us had less-than-stellar experiences in the pool as kids. But fear not! Swimming can be your secret weapon in the triathlon world.

• Training: Start with basic swimming lessons. Find a coach or a swim club for adults. Focus on building your endurance and refining your technique. Gradually increase your pool time, and don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks. It’s okay to look a little like a floundering fish in the beginning; we’ve all been there.
• Becoming Decent: As a beginner, aim to become a competent swimmer first. It’s not about racing Michael Phelps; it’s about conquering the water with confidence. Speed will come with time and practice.

Cycling – Rediscovering the Joy of Pedaling

Ever seen a Tour de France cyclist in full gear? They look like they’re about to embark on a space mission. Don’t worry; you can start with regular workout clothes.

Cycling is often the favorite leg of the triathlon for late-starters. Why? Because most of us have some childhood memories of riding a bike. It’s like rekindling a long-lost romance.

• Training: Start by dusting off that old bike in the garage or investing in a decent one. Join a local cycling group to learn the ropes and build your endurance. Don’t be surprised if you get hooked – cycling has a way of doing that.
• Becoming Decent: Focus on building your stamina and mastering the art of pacing. Speed will come as your legs get stronger. Just remember, it’s not a race to become the next Tour de France champion (unless that’s your secret dream).

Running – Chasing Your Own Finish Line

Remember when you used to sprint to catch the ice cream truck? Well, now you’re sprinting towards a healthier you.

Running is where many late-starters find their stride. It’s the simplest of the three disciplines – just put one foot in front of the other, right?

• Training: Start with a beginner’s running plan. Invest in good running shoes and learn about proper form to prevent injuries. Begin with a mix of walking and running, gradually increasing your running time.
• Becoming Decent: As a late-starter, don’t obsess over speed. Focus on consistency and staying injury-free. Running is a journey, not a sprint (unless you’re training for a sprint triathlon, of course).

Triathlon – The Sum of Its Parts

Transition zones in triathlons can be chaotic. Imagine trying to put on socks and shoes while your legs feel like jelly. It’s a comedy of errors we can all relate to.

Now, let’s talk about triathlon as a whole. It’s not about being the fastest in any one discipline; it’s about seamlessly transitioning from one to the next.

• Training: Incorporate brick workouts into your training routine. These involve doing two disciplines back-to-back, like cycling followed by running. It’s like a mini triathlon practice.
• Becoming Decent: Triathlon is a game of balance. Focus on efficient transitions and pacing yourself to save energy for the next leg. And don’t forget to smile – it confuses your competitors.

Bumilis with a Smile!

In the world of triathlon, the only person you’re competing against is yourself. So, “Kaya ko pa bang bumilis?” Absolutely! Embrace the late-bloomer advantage, and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Keep training, keep smiling, and who knows, one day you might find yourself saying, “Kaya ko na bumilis!” (I can get faster now!).

So, grab your swimsuit, dust off your bike, and lace up your running shoes. Triathlon is waiting for you, and it’s never too late to become a triathlete. Good luck on your journey to becoming a faster, fitter, and funnier you in the world of triathlon! If you want, you may “tri” conquering the SBR.ph Tri Series!

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