Fitness Lessons from the Giro D’ Luca

Ihad the privilege of visiting the Giro D’ Luca 2018 in Bohol last week to witness the grit and toughness of 429 cyclists and enthusiasts covering 500km in three days under sunny and rainy conditions. I was in awe and inspired seeing people from all walks of life come together to do something they are passionate about.

The Giro started as an activity among friends celebrating the birthday of triathlete Gianluca Guidicelli and has since morphed into a bike event that is participated in by cyclists across the Philippines and even from other countries.

What fitness lessons did I learn from the people who participated?

Longevity is key

Some people lose the momentum after a few months, but some of the people who participated have been cycling, or been involved in sport for the past 15 years! Yes, there were newbies, but the event was also participated in by these uber fit individuals who don’t look like they have aged one bit for the past 15 years probably by exercising well and eating well.

You get motivated by being connected

Community is key and the Giro brought together perhaps the Philippines’ cycling community. It’s inspiring to see people who are new to the sport battle it out in those conditions. Conditions reserved for more seasoned veterans, but alas, being in a group motivated you to push further than you ever thought possible.

Shattering your limitations brings joy

I saw a lot of smiles in the hours I visited. There were people who thought that riding a bike for 500km over three days wasn’t possible or was immensely difficult. But you know what? Once you put your mind to it, your body can definitely achieve it.

Congratulations to everybody who did the Giro D’ Luca 2018. You guys are an inspiration!