25 Mar COACH D FINISHED 2ND ON IRONMAN PH 2019
The Ironman is indeed a woman!
It was not easy and the heat was scorching in summertime Davao but Coach Dwan Abantao finished strong at 2ND Place in the recently concluded ALVEO IRONMAN 70.3 in DAVAO finishing second place in the All Female Relay category.
She tells us, “That was quite a struggle I must say. The challenge that I have to face is the open water current – the rest, the running and the biking came out a breeze. When I swam the day before to simulate the area it was high tide and high current. Then I worried and panicked a little of what will I be expecting on race day. True enough the current was difficult to adjust in but I gave myself a mindset which is to be inspired by all of the challenges. The inspiration that I’ve been training all year round so I wanted to see the fruit of my labor!”
Coach D has been a skillful competitor for IRONMAN for the past nine (9) years and every year is different. “It is so funny that this year I wasn’t able to achieve my personal record. My target was 35 minutes but the swim hindered it, so I went to 43 minutes instead. OK lang. All is good! I still believe I did well!”
The lifestyle and fitness coach also said that it is always a battle with your OWN self. She is grateful and happy that even with her age, she defies limitations and calls them opportunities. “I have been through a lot of challenges in my life – both professionally and personally but IRONMAN is something really helpful in terms of challenges because it is both physical, mental and emotional. YOU get to be in touch with yourself as you battle against all odds – the race itself, the sun – your own personal goals but every single thing is worth it!
Like I said, it is different every year and for next year, I am so geared and pumped to do it again. And again !!!” she said.
Coach D dedicates her win to her parents.