**Race Report – IRONMAN 70.3 Davao ** WARNING LONG POST
Edit: After a 7-year hiatus focused on raising my kids and spending time with family, I finally returned to racing. This journey back wasn’t easy, but it was deeply meaningful.
Swim (1.9K @ 57min):
Training for this race was no easy feat. Balancing motherhood, a full-time job, and being a wife stretched me thin. My biggest challenge wasn’t just the lack of training but battling my own mind—fear, doubt, and anxiety. The week leading up to the race was overwhelming: my kids fell sick, I made multiple hospital visits, and we celebrated my grandma’s 102nd birthday. On the race day, my eldest was unwell, but I pushed on, knowing my family was behind me. #alfafara #kintanar #cruz Rommel Cruz
When I entered the water, I was calm despite the cloudy skies and light rain. But soon later, anxiety sets in. I struggled to catch my breath for the first 1K, and doubts crept in. I even started thinking of excuses for not finishing. But then I remembered why I was here—I couldn’t quit. I kept swimming, and by the time I reached the red buoy, I had found my rhythm. I finished the swim in 57 minutes, not the 50 I had hoped for, but I was relieved and proud to have made it.
As soon as I finished, I received heartbreaking news—my grandma had passed away. I dedicated this race to her. This swim was for her.
Bike by Glenn Morrison (2hrs 40min):
With my late swim finish, the pressure was on for Glenn. Despite a reckless motorcyclist dangerously veering into the course, Glenn stayed focused and powered through, finishing strong in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Full details in Glenn’s report.
Run by Jan Taladua (2hrs 19min):
Jan started the run strong but wasn’t expecting the steep elevation on the bridge, which led to leg cramps. Despite the challenge, he pushed through and finished in 2hrs 19min. Full details in Jan’s report.
Finish:
We crossed the finish line together in 6 hrs 1min, driven by determination, support and love from our family and friends who waited for us to finished.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who prayed, cheered, and supported us—whether you were there in person or with us in spirit. Kudos to the organizers, and congratulations to all the athletes.
I also want to extend my gratitude to the entire Filipino sports community in Dubai for their unwavering support.
Filipino Int Triathletes 3F Striders Global Tss Tapulinian Filipino Runners UniTri
Special love to
Rommel Cruz forever supportive husband
Vanessa Mariñas for sponsoring my registration
Marsha Yecla for being there with me and always inspiring to give your best.
Rhean Buelis for the new friendship built 🥰
Jo White for the new friendship built
Joy Eugenio for my training buddy and budol friend sa distance swim 😅
To more races to come! That’s it for now kbye!
ironman #triingmom #ironmandavao703 #filipinocommunity #triathlon #vacation #ironman703 #trimom #OFW #Davao #IM703Davao
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