Tuesday, July 24, 2007
POLO TRI (Philippines)
By Fred Uytengsu & Rune Stroem
Mabuhay and greetings from the Philippines.
Polo Tri Team is a group of professionals who have taken up the sport of triathlon in the Philippines. Members are former weekend warriors turned hardcore amateurs/adrenaline junkies who come from diverse athletic backgrounds but all share a penchant for multi-sport training and racing.
The group was founded by David Charlton, Rune Stroem and Fred Uytengsu, all of whom started in triathlon in the mid-'80s. However, Polo Tri started about five years ago when the group expanded to its core of approximately 40 members, composed of both Filipinos and expatriates.
Polo Tri members race regularly in the Philippines but have also competed internationally in Australia, Sanada, Switzerland, Germany, Lake Placid, Lanzarote, Maui, Laguna Phuket and Asia.
In addition to triathlon racing, members have competed in adventure races and numerous 10Ks, half-marathons and marathons. Several members have competed in the New York and Honolulu marathons, and another handful has competed in a masters bike tour that races throughout the Philippines.
The team has organized workouts during the week, which start at 5:30 a.m. at the Manila Polo Club (where the group got its team name). Mondays and Thursday are bike days; Tuesdays and Fridays are run days; and Wednesdays are the lone swim days. Saturdays are usually long-ride days from 90-150 kilometers, and Sundays are reserved for long runs.
If you ever find yourself in the Philippines, we welcome one and all. For more info about the club, please visit sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/polotri.