Two decades ago, I’m pretty sure I learned how to ride a bike. I mean I have a few photos, and memories of racing around my childhood subdivision. Buuuuuuutt… I kinda stopped when we moved some time ago. So, I think I forgot how to ride one. hahaha. Seriously, I haven’t been near a bike in over ten years. Unless of course, you count the ones at the gym 😛

So when I found out about the Fitness & Athletics Indoor Duathlon, I thought it would be a good chance to find out how a duathlon felt. Fortunately, I didn’t have to try hard to find somebody who would join me. Carlito also didn’t know how to ride a bike, so he was equally excited to get a chance to try a duathlon. I think this is probably a good opportunity for anyone that wants to try a duathlon in a safer environment. haha. Here’s the link to the registration page if you want to give it a try.

getting acquainted with the equipment

Our First Duathlon

There was actually a bit of a hitch when we got there. One of the bikes was having trouble, so only one of the two sets of equipment were available. I let Carlito go first so I could see how the equipment worked. hahaha. I really liked the controls on the treadmill – much easier than the usual ones with only two buttons to increase/decrease the speed. Anyway, Carlito really went for it right at the start! He was pushing that treadmill to 11-12kph. I thought to myself: Mukhang di naman kami gagabihin at this rate (We won’t be out too late at this rate).

last push on the bike

Well, I couldn’t be more wrong. The bike was a shocker for both of us. It was a challenge for us both. It really felt heavy for Carlito right at the start – the gear must have been set really high. We also noticed how slow he was going… Well, I’m partly to blame for the wrong expectations. hahaha. Apparently, it was a really different kind from the bikes we’re used to at Moro (I can do 17-km on those bikes in 30 mins.). LOL. At some point, Carlito thought of using the Galloway method on the bike by alternating the gears. Man, I really thought it was going to be much easier XD. It was a real rough ride for Carlito, whom I’ve never even seen try the bike at the gym. I think what really helped him was the Gatorade and the store staff cheering him on and talking to him.

going all out on the last kilometer

When Carlito was on the treadmill again, it was my turn to start on the other treadmill as well. I really love that you can charge your iPod on the it as I didn’t get to charge mine fully. I started out with a slow run at 8-9kph, then moved it up to 10-11kph when my legs felt warmed up. When it was my turn on the bike, I took Carlito’s lead on the Galloway method. When I got a feel for the gears, I then alternated between a higher gear (for 3 minutes), and a lower gear (for 1 minute). I started to feel myself slowing down at about 30-40 minutes though. Fortunately, Carlito was just in time with some food to snack on.  It really gave me the energy boost I needed, and I managed to push my bike leg to just about 75 minutes. When I finally got on the treadmill, I chose to walk a while because my legs felt like jelly. lol. That feeling was definitely a first! hahaha. After I shook off the fatigue from the bike, it was a smooth run all the way to the finish! 

(indoor) duathletes na kami!

Thanks again to the nice folks over at Fitness & Athletics. Sorry we took so long to finish (around 11PM) XD

Tips for the Indoor Duathlon

This is probably applicable for anybody who has no experience with bikes, and duathlons like Carlito and I. hahaha.

• Know your Gear – We were caught by surprise by the bike. hahaha. Fitness & Athletics actually welcomes participants to get a feel for the equipment beforehand.
• Bring Friends – preferably talkative ones that will cheer you on.
• Bring a Music Player – Kind of an alternative to the tip above if you’re a loner, or don’t want to talk while running/biking. hahaha.
• Bring Food and Hydration – You’ll especially need it during the bike leg.