Philippine Ironman

Theodometer, if he had one from day one, would now read tens of thousands of kilometers. That’s on tough terrain, steep climbs, treacherous downhill rides and rough waters. Over 2,000 of those were on grueling 10-hour journeys over 226.305 km – commonly known as Ironman. Over 2,000 more of that were on four-hour sojourns over 113 km, which most people know as Ironman 70.3. Add to that the marathons and prep runs.

For Arland Macasieb, these are simple voyages that only need more preparation and determination. And the adventure goes on as he tests his limits while providing an inspiration to the younger generation.

It was delightful, no doubt, to see Macasieb finish his first Ironman. It was clear by the second time, that that well-toned frame – Filipino blood runs through it – was built for this. Other Filipino athletes began to take notice. And it was no surprise that on his eighth Ironman in Langkawi, Malaysia, Macasieb was joined by more than a dozen other Filipinos at the finish line, logging impressive times.

Coming out of the US winter straight into the scorching heat in Southeast Asia’s only full iron distance event, Macasieb bucked several problems including faulty aerobars to complete the 3.86K swim, 180.25K bike and 42.195K run just a shade over 11 hours for ninth place among elite male participants led by Belgium’s Marino Vanhoenacker.

Also overcoming the tough conditions – temperatures hit 42 degrees – were Andrew Chinalpan Jr, who clocked an impressive 11:20:13 in his first Ironman, and Ramon Rodriguez, who also had a sub-12 (hour) performance to complete the Philippines’ trio of top triathletes.

“I believe Filipinos have a great future in the sport. But we have to handle the talent carefully and we need to increase the number of young people doing the sport,” said Macasieb, who has also taken part in more than 20 Ironman 70.3 events, actually taking part when it was still called “Half Ironman.”

While shaving minutes off his own times has always been the target – he admits there are improvements to be made in his swimming – Macasieb also draws inspiration and gets satisfaction in seeing others, especially compatriots, perform well. He was particularly pleased to see former teammate Laarni Anenias stamp her mark in the 30-40 age group, winning in 13:32:24 to clinch a berth in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii in October.

“I’ve been racing triathlon for 15 years now. I attribute my ‘endurance’ in the sport to having passion for the sport, the lifestyle, and the many friends I’ve made in this journey,” said Macasieb, the first Filipino to finish Ironman Hawaii and first Filipino to finish the full Ironman distance in under 10 hours, doing it in IM Western Australia in 2008.

Aside from being an inspiration to fitness and sports enthusiasts, Macasieb, has conducted clinics at RUNNR Bonifacio High Street and RUNNR Cebu, the country’s first world-class and only concept stores for running. Macasieb, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in Exercise Science from Montclair University, discussed in detail the correct running form and proper techniques to improve performance and avoid injuries, as well as the benefits of proper shoes and equipment.

“On the run, the pedometer has been huge – the ability to count your steps has helped me the most lately coupled with the Newton running sneakers that enable us to find our midfoot strike better than conventional sneakers,” said Macasieb. “For the swim, the biggest technological advantages are the wetsuit and speedsuit. On the bike, the biggest advancement has been the powermeter. Power is the best indicator of workrate on the bike and best way to gauge your effort. Also, GPS has been a great tool for tracking speed and distance as well as elevation gain.”

“I believe we have the potential to do great things but we need to develop better systems for the growth and development of the sport particularly at the elite level. I think if we gain more sponsors from the private sector we can get to the races and training camps and we get to the next level,” said Macasieb.

Now in the mid-30s, the race goes on as Macasieb, backed by Newton Running, the revolutionary line of running shoes, and RUNNR, joined the St. Croix 70.3 in the US Virgin Islands in May, and sets sight on the Ironman France in June, Ironman Lake Placid in July, Philippines 70.3 in August and Laguna Phuket triathlonin December.

Whether he makes the podium or not, for Macasieb each event is part of life, a journey that improves himself physically and mentally, and hopefully inspires others to compete and live a healthy lifestyle.

“I feel most alive when my HR is over 180 beats per minute. I love the satisfaction that comes when you crest a hill on the bike or complete your last interval in a hard workout set and having a great race performance – which doesn’t happen all that frequently.
“I’ve had sweet tastes of victory and bitter tastes of defeat but they are both valid to the palate. I am who I am today because I am a sum of all the experiences - good and bad that have brought me here and I wouldn’t want to change anything. It’s been a great ride!”
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