What is your history with sports and athletics?
I was a varsity swimmer and soccer player from grade school through college, a BMX champion at age 18, and 100m dash sprinter in college. I started triathlon when I was 32 years old.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
The thrill of competing and being in pretty good shape.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I gained some weight after medical school and had a tough time losing it until I started doing triathlons.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
Yes, of course. I am now stronger and I have more stamina compared to my teen years when I was play youth sports. I was always a great short distance swimmer, but now I can swim 3.8km with no problem.
What is your “why?”
Why didn’t I start joining triathlons earlier?
Do you have a favorite race or event?
Half-ironman in Mactan, Cebu, Philippines.
What’s next?
I want to lose more weight, get back into training and wait for the pandemic to be over so I can race again.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I’m addicted to carbon fiber bike parts.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Start small. Join a 5k run or a sprint triathlon. Just have fun, go at your own pace and learn by observing experienced competitors. Make friends, laugh and enjoy the race.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
I got into triathlon because my co-worker asked me if I could join their triathlon relay team as a swimmer. She would run and her boyfriend would do the bike leg. I had never swam 1.9km straight in my entire life and I thought I was crazy to say yes. But I did. I really struggled with the waves, but I made it in 45 minutes. Afterwards I was hooked and bought a bike and started jogging. Thanks to my co-worker I am now an Ironman!