Newest toast of Cebu triathlon

Determination played a key role in Cebuano triathlete John Philip Dueñas’ third-place finish in the recent Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Mactan.

Dueñas was the highest placed Cebuano in the Filipino elite category, finishing the 1.9-kilometer swim, 90km bike and 21km run in four hours, 33 minutes and 18 seconds for third place behind Banjo Norte and last year’s champion August Benedicto.

However, the win was anything but easy for Dueñas, a local runner known for his victories over the vaunted Kenyans in Cebu races.

First, he had severe cramps. Then he suffered from exhaustion and dehydration, but still managed a podium finish. That put the 26-year-old triathlete in the elite company of top Cebuano triathletes such as last year’s Filipino elite third placer Mendel Lopez and former Filipino elite champion Noy Jopson.

As he predicted, Dueñas struggled in the swim leg which he finished in 35 minutes. He also had problems in the bike course, where he vomited and suffered dehydration.

He crossed the bike transition area in two hours, 31 minutes and 32 seconds and was already feeling signs of cramps. The run segment was supposed to be his forte, but cramps got in the way.

EMBRACE

THE PAIN

When the pain became severe, he said he thought of giving up, just a few kilometers from the finish line.

“I was closing my eyes because I can’t handle the pain anymore,” said Dueñas. “I just told myself that If I give up, I would just waste the months of preparation and all the sacrifices I made. So I just embraced the pain all the way to the finish line.”

That mindset paid huge dividends for the runner-turned-triathlete. “I was surprised that after crossing the finish line, they announced that I was third.”

For him, the biggest lesson he learned last Sunday was not to give up on something you worked hard for.

“Last Sunday’s race proved that I can push myself beyond my limits. Pain is temporary, but the disappointment of not pushing yourself would last long.”

Despite his struggles, Dueñas said he was mighty proud of what he achieved despite being new to triathlon. Afterall, he improved his sixth place finish last year.

Dueñas started training for triathlon in early 2012 and scored a smashing debut by winning the 25-29 age group division of the Speedo National Age Group Triathlon Series at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

For now, Dueñas is basking in the glory of his well-deserved win. Soon, he will be back in serious training for the Safeguard 5150 Triathlon in Subic this October.

And the newest toast of Cebu triathlon has made a vow. He will come out stronger in next year’s Ironman.