Journalist Kara David and comedian Bearwin Meily shared their tips for preparing for a triathlon during the media conference for the My Daily Collagen Triathlon held last February 19. Both celebrities discussed their experiences and training methods as they gear up for the competition.
Kara, who is returning to racing after a year-long hiatus, expressed mixed emotions about rejoining the triathlon scene.
“Excited na nga po bumalik kasi mag-iisang taon na akong hindi nag-race. Kinakabahan, actually, kasi ang tagal ko nang hindi kumakarera, pero masarap naman ‘yung feeling ng camaraderie ng triathlon community,” the journalist said.
“Hindi siya ganoon ka-competitive. It's more of talagang pushing each other. So ‘yun ‘yung excited ako about: seeing friends and seeing people suffering together, tapos just being a better version of yourself.”
Although she admitted to not undergoing rigorous training due to a busy schedule, Kara still finds ways to run regularly.
“Nagra-run naman ako. Tumatakbo naman ako bago matulog. Bago matulog kasi sinisingit ko sa trabaho,” she shared. “It's really difficult to balance work and training. So pinipilit kong makatakbo at least mga three, four times a week just after work, tapos kapag weekend.”
“I try my best to to bike. Swimming is the part na hindi ko nagagawa, so diyan ang kinakabahan ako,” she added.
Kara, who is turning 52 years old, also emphasized the importance of having professional guidance, if only to ensure that everything you’re doing is within boundaries and isn’t putting your body at risk.
“Get a coach lalo na kung may edad ka na, katulad po ako ay turning 52. Mayroong mga sumasakit-sakit na, so baka mamaya sumasabay ka doon sa mga age group na hindi na kaya ng katawan mo,” Kara advised.
“A coach will really help you manage your expectations, like kung hanggang saan lang ‘yung dapat mong gawin muna,” she explained. “I encourage everyone to try entering into a sport kahit hindi ‘yung swim, bike and run.”
She also highlighted the mental and physical benefits of staying active.
“Kahit swim lang, bike lang, or run lang, kasi malaki ‘yung maidudulot nito sa iyong personal life. Hindi lang sa katawan mo pero your mental health as well,” she added.
For Kara, staying active is a necessity which is why she really makes time for it. “Siguro tinatanong ng mga tao kung paano ko pa nasisingit [ang pagiging active] sa dami ng ginagawa ko sa buhay, pero kailangan ko siyang isingit to keep me sane and to make me happy,” she said. “Kasi ang exercise gives you natural endorphins. Happy hormones. Kapag malungkot ka, tumakbo ka, magbisikleta ka.”
Meanwhile, Bearwin encouraged people of all ages to adopt an active lifestyle.
“At my age, I’m not for the trophy or for the podium, but to encourage everyone, of all ages, to do running, biking and swimming,” Bearwin told PUSH ABS-CBN.
He advised beginners to find their personal motivation to do sports rather than forcing themselves into exercise routines.
“Learn to love the sport, kasi kapag pipilitin mo lang mag-exercise, hindi magwo-work ‘yun. Kung mag-diet ka lang, pwede sa iba, pero pilit pa rin kasi wala ‘yung valid reason mo or ‘yung real why mo bakit mo ginagawa,” he stated.
“Enjoy a sport. Make it a lifestyle. Make it a habit,” he advised. “Doon mo makikita ‘yung resulta.”
Bearwin also shared the benefits of having an active lifestyle, which he is extra thankful for as he approaches 50 years old.
“‘Yung satisfaction is, up to now, I'm not high blood. I do not have maintenance (medication),” he shared. “I’m going 50 years old already and I’m enjoying sports. At the same time, I have family and friends na na-e-encourage ko sila. Ayon palang, malaking benefit na iyon.”
Being in sports is one way that Bearwin is able to bond with family and friends. For the upcoming triathlon, Bearwin will compete alongside his son, Ico. He expressed excitement about their father-son bonding experience during this year’s race.
“I think ‘yung exciting part dito is last year nag-vlog lang ako eh. The whole family supported my son. It was his first triathlon last year and medyo maganda ‘yung resulta, so exciting ‘yan kasi ako naman ‘yung lalaro,” he shared, recalling how Ico participated in last year’s race.
It was then that he decided to train as well.
“It's also the anniversary of my triathlon experience,” said Bearwin.
Kara and Bearwin are set to participate in the fifth edition of the My Daily Collagen Triathlon on March 9 at Subic Bay. With the theme “Where Stars Are Born,” the event welcomes seasoned triathletes, first-timers, and those chasing personal milestones.
"This category isn't just for elites or celebrities; it's our way of recognizing the dedication and passion every participant brings to the race. On race day, we believe everyone will shine like a star”, said My Daily Collagen Chief Sales Officer Oliver Salas in a press release.
Here are the following categories to register for:
- Standard Distance – 1.5KM Swim | 40KM Bike | 10KM Run
- Sprint Distance – 750M Swim | 20KM Bike | 5KM Run
- Standard Distance Relay – 1.5KM Swim | 40KM Bike | 10KM Run
The My Daily Collagen Triathlon, which debuted in 2019, is organized by Super Series PH.