This is the part I start panicking. I’ve always assumed that SuBIT would keep the flat bike course that age groupers have used for the past two years, but given that the swim has been moved back to the former Dungaree Beach (now ACEA) and given the whole retro theme that’s been going on, they’ve gone back to the classic bike course that puts athletes on the hilly road towards Ocean Adventure before sending them down to the false flats of the commercial district.
I’ve done SuBIT on this course before, and it was painful stuff when I was much fitter. I shudder to think of how slowly I’ll slog up the hills now, not to mention how slowly I’ll ride down the technical descents. I need to get up to Subic to familiarize myself with this course once again, but I’ve really not given myself enough time for this.
(Side note: it’s hard to sign up for a race before they release the course maps. Should have known. Should have just signed up for sprint distance!)
I know my ego is going to take a beating. I think people I used to beat will now be overtaking me and that is something I’ll have to accept with grace at this point. I know I can do better, but just not right now. I wish there were some instant way to get right back where I was before I got sick and unfit — but quick fixes and cramming are why I got into this mess in the first place.
And truth be told, I’m not in the sport to set PR’s anymore. I race to give myself a goal to work towards so the swimming, biking, and running that I do to stay fit and healthy (and which I honestly love doing anyway) has some purpose.
But obviously, I’m still going to try to do my best on race day in two weeks’ time.
new cozzie from Dolfin! Thank you Atleta Ako
It is honestly weird that swimming is the only discipline I’ve retained my usual speed at.
Before I go I just want to give a shout-out to some students from the Ateneo de Manila University working on their thesis: activewear shorts for women. I absolutely love the concept behind their FIT Activewear shorts and am glad that I have one pair of the few out there in the wild at present. These shorts have ample pockets and storage (for smartphones, keys, and cards!) without being bulky, and they are great to run in.
partnered my FIT Activewear shorts with a Cotton On Active top and New Balance Vazee Prism shoes
I love the colorways!
Find their shop on Instagram @fitactivewearph.
