I really missed this space. There are days when you feel that facebook and instagram have become too mainstream and you feel the need to go back to your roots, to your original sounding board, to that space where only quite a few really take a peek. Today is one of those days and I never felt so guilty to have foresaken this space.
So now, I am making a comeback with a vengeance haha. I've been keeping promises I couldn't really keep like writing in this journal from time to time. I always fail miserably. This is my humble attempt to keep that fire burning. Here we go...
The Cobra Ironman 70.3 happened more than a week ago and it still feels surreal that finally my husband conquered it and had it off his bucket list. The stage wife that I am couldn't be more proud of this achievement. The road to ironman is not an easy feat not only for the triathletes but also to their so-called supporters - wives, partners, girlfriends, children or probably the next door neighbor. In this post, I will not be speaking on the triathlete's perspective but on a supporter's point of view. It may look easy to just cheer on the sidelines but I tell you, we also had our share of "laspag" moments.
We have to endure extreme weather conditions - staying under the heat of the sun or under a drizzle during races just to take good photos of our triathlete. We also get our share of dehydration, tan lines and sunburn (yes, in that order). Our muscles also ache when we are made to carry stuff, a sportsbag perhaps with the triathlete's essentials - water, extra clothes, running shoes, cleats, helmet, bike pump or extra tires. We also get those jitters at the start of the race. We mentally recite the Holy Rosary and call on all the saints to give our triathlete a safe race. Our sigh of relief may not be as loud as our cheer but yes, everytime our triathlete gets out of those rough waters or arrive at the transition area, we give out a huge sigh of relief and thank the heavens above. At the end of every race, we are often the designated driver as our triathlete is way too beat up to even hold that steering wheel. These and more are the many sacrifices that supporters do.
We do this out of sheer love and dedication to our triathlete. We do this because we want them to have a good race and to finish strong. Afterall, they've worked their muscles out just to finish their race of a lifetime. We don't really mind the lost family time during practice and simulations. We can't complain about the heat or how heavy (and expensive) your stuff is on our shoulders. We're not even close to freaking out everytime you get grumpy or stressed prior to race day.
To our dear triathletes, we are your unsung heroes, your staunch supporters, your PA, your prayer warriors, your benefactors (your expensive gears are taking a toll in our grocery budget), your no. 1 fan and WE'RE LOVING EVERY BIT OF IT. We will be behind you every race because accept it, no one else will. Someday, please learn to also return the favor as what Sen. Pia Cayetano once said. We really don't mind a quiet dinner at some fancy resto or a shopping spree if we get lucky or as simple as a kiss and hug after every race. We're not really that hard to please. Cheerio!!! 😃
