By: Gemma Chua
I would never have imagined that I can be so active and dedicated on keeping myself fit. True, 2020 was a year of many challenges, the worst challenges the entire world had faced because of the pandemic resulting to a lot of misfortune incidents. How can I battle this uncontrollable disease that conquered the entire planet? Well, I was determined to keep myself healthy and well. My goal was to stay strong and active.
My family have always been a fan of outdoor activities. A stroll at the park, riding our bikes on trails, swimming at the community center and lots more. I never realized that I can do much more and challenge myself.
I’ve been constantly running since 2018 when I joined my first half marathon and consistently the following year after that. I’ve joined long distance cycling with my husband and a group of friends, usually tackling the hills of Caledon and surrounding town. I’m most proud of the ‘hairpin’ climb at Forks of the Credit. I started swim training in the fall of 2019 with the help of my brother and youtube videos. I never knew that I can swim continuously for 1000 meters on a free stroke, but I did.
Year 2020 had been a challenge because of the obvious reason which resulted to the lockdown. I thought I was going to complete my first triathlon race but it was cancelled. I was very excited to participate at the first Brampton marathon, and that too was cancelled. That’s when I learned about Ironman Virtual Club, thanks to my brother. Because of the cancellation of the triathlon races, majority of race organizers opted to virtual races which includes marathon, cycling and triathlon. The aim of IMVR is to promote continuous training for triathletes as if they are preparing for an actual race, each virtual race have swim, bike and run activities with varying distances like the distances on the actual race which are the sprint, olympic, Half Ironman 70.3 and of course the Full Ironman 140.6. Out of 34 virtual races I’ve completed 23 races and 50 plus challenges which are still ongoing.
With such amazing active triathletes that encourage and push me to my max, I was able to accomplished a healthy and active lifestyle. My husband as my running, biking and swimming buddy; continuous training with him made it much more inspiring. Being active is not just mere losing weight, but for me I want to be healthy and strong for my family especially my children, I know that even when I’m 60, I can still run a marathon pace.