Autumn Issue, 2017

Although Argo, the newest triathlete of the three, remarked that in the past he “was just a guy who ran a few times a month” and “only knew how to swim breaststroke”, after daily training for almost a year he has become addicted to the adrenaline rush the triathlon brings. He, Adam and Billy completed a triathlon race in Taiwan in March 2017. “During the swimming section, I was so behind that my results had me in the bottom 10%. But I kept going and I made it to be in the top 20% in the final triathlon results!” Anything can happen during training and the actual triathlon. Billy tumbled down a slope during cycling training. “I yelled for help and luckily caught the attention of the coach who was the last to pass by.” Adam was accidentally punched by another swimmer and lost a contact lens during the swimming component of a triathlon: “I lost my direction in the open water because of my blurred vision.” Water got into Argo’s goggles during one swim, which he had to try to clear, “It’s just so difficult to take a break out there.” Despite all the possible yet unforeseeable risks involved, the triathlon still fascinates the trio as they get to experience how it pushes them to their physical limits while simultaneously strengthening their brotherhood. Billy has even done his swimming and cycling training with an injury, and when he raced in the Taipei Marathon last December, the pain in his leg caused him to lag behind. “But you know what? These two guys just slowed their pace down and waited for me so that we could cross the finishing line TOGETHER.” Along with the triathlon training has come a changed mindset and the triathlon trio believe they are capable of so much more than they once thought they were. They feel others could benefit from the training too. “You might discover you are stronger than you thought after meeting incredible challenges,” Argo and Billy explained. Adam echoed that the triathlon encourages them to eat a healthier diet, opting for more natural foods and less meat and less alcohol, even though his work often requires him to dine out with clients. “We are just more disciplined, determined, and efficient, with unlimited stamina.” 50 Things You Need on Race Day Swim Kit Cap Goggles Spare goggles Wetsuit Tri-suit Skin lubricant Pre-race energy gel or drink Old flip flops / shoes if cold Waterproof suntan lotion GPS watch Bike Kit Race number belt Bike (including both wheels) Transition bag Track pump Spare inner tubes Tyre levers Allen keys Mini pump or CO2 quick-fills Energy drink powder Water bottles Energy gels / chews Cycling shoes Gloves Cycle computer Heart rate monitor chest strap Helmet Glasses Salt tablets Run Kit Running shoes Socks Cap / visor Glasses Lubricant Energy gels Pre-race Kit Directions / maps Race envelope / details Photo ID Post-race Kit Dry clothes Towel Shower gel Money & phone Suntan lotion Miscellaneous Prescription medication Toilet roll Ear plugs (for sleeping) Eye mask (for sleeping) Your favourite pillow Phone charger Spare food and drink for after Class Notes