COBRA ENERGY DRINK
The energizing power behind Ironman sucess
For nearly a decade, the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines lives up to its lofty billing as one of most sought-after triathlon events not only for its prestige but also for its commitment of providing individuals a different kind of high in terms of the level of competition and excitement. This is why Cobra Ironman 70.3 is dubbed as the ‘Crown Jewel of Asia’.
Since 2009, Cobra takes pride for being at the helm of the Ironman in supplying the right kind of energy that every triathlete needs to be ready in such a lung-busting race. This entails not only physical endurance but also mental toughness and will power.
Even the pros have spoken, rating the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman that drew close to 3,000 triathletes from a record 51 countries across the globe as simply the best. So ‘perfect’ for them that they all looked forward to coming back again next year especially with the return of the Asia-Pacific Championships in the Queen City of the South.
for me. “This The race tirelessis very support special of the people especially the children is simply amazing. It pushes me to keep going. It does feel great to win here again and I will definitely go back here next year,” said Australian Tim Reed, who just completed a historic three-peat in the country’s most prestigious triathlon event.
Faced with a lot of challenges including a tough field of opposition, Reed took the time to focus more on improving his performance to enjoy the rest of the three-in-one battle.
“Every race is different. But I really worked hard for this. I did a lot of training in the US before going here and kept myself out of pressure,” said Reed.
The weather may be hot and humid as it is but the amazing support of the crowd was simply hotter that motivated the new women’s pro champion Amelia Watkinson of New Zealand to pull off one big surprise. “Honestly, I did not have much expectations going into this race. It’s my third time here in the Philippines, once in Bohol and twice here in Cebu. It’s a different atmosphere. The Philippines and Asia have a different vibe, very colorful. It makes you want to push yourself up,” said Watkinson. All the other pros, firsttimers or not, also share the same feelings as Reed and Watkinson about the country’s premier long distance triathlon race. New crowd-darling Mauricio Mendez of Mexico himself couldn’t wait for the next edition, saying he would work harder to win the title next year.
“I heard so much about this event, but I didn’t expect to be this amazing. Definitely one of the best races in all terms the way it has been organized, and the kind of hospitality and welcome accorded to us. You can’t ask for more,” said Mendez who placed second to Reed.
The amiable Mexican, who outshone the other early favorites in the line, said drinking Cobra Energy Drink definitely gave him the extra energy he needed to keep himself up in the race.
“I did try it (Cobra Energy Drink) before the race and like it. It tastes good, and I felt like it has given me extra energy,” Mendez said.
Now, Mendez said he needs to improve on his preparations for next year’s race.
“I would definitely train harder. Train to be better and of course, perhaps do some more of an indoor training with no aircon in it so I get used to the weather here already,” he said.
The Cobra Ironman also pushed each of the participants to never settle for anything less.
Leanne Szeto of Hong Kong National team is one example of it. This year, she takes home the title of Female Asian Elite Champion.
Szeto revealed that her parents wanted her to do more “feminine” activities like ballet, music and even joining an art school.
Against all odds, she started training in triathlon at her school at the age of 13 without her parent’s approval.
“So I started triathlon at school without even letting my parents know about it. By getting my first medal in triathlon, my parents realized that I was really into the sport that I would sacrifice so much “playing” time on training and racing,” Szeto said.
From that victory, there was no more turning back for Szeto.
Having been to the world stage by joining the Hong Kong National Team, Szeto decided to join the Cobra IM to look for a new challenge and look into things to improve on considering the stellar cast of athletes around.
“In the strive for perfection, I believe, is the very best virtue of humanity. I choose to come back from race to race since I believe “effort won’t lie”. Every little improvement, even just a second is the biggest encouragement for me to aim for a higher goal,” said Szeto.
While Szeto’s passion for the sport pushed her to succeed, veteran Jomer Lim did a triathlon not just for the challenge, but also for battling out to lose weight.
Yes, while the pros are focused on the gold and glory, others joined this event in search for a healthy and active lifestyle. From baby steps, they came to push themselves further by joining the Cobra Ironman too and found it to be a life-changing experience.
“My story is typical of any triathlete. It all started with the desire to be fit. Fit not for vanity reasons but for health. I was already into basketball as a weekend sport that I do with friends. I was looking for something more so I got into running. After finishing my ultramarathon, I was again looking for more challenges and that’s how I discovered triathlons,” said Lim.
Lim expounded that it’s the community, the friendships formed and fostered, the energy on race day and the thrill of anticipation leading towards the big day that kept him coming back.
“The Cobra Ironman is so remarkably staged and organized that I can’t find any reason not to come back. I have done a number of international races, both Ironman and Xterra. And I can tell you with utter confidence that Cobra Ironman is the bestorganized race I have ever joined. Aside from a properly planned race routes and security, the athletes’ spirits are lifted with the joyous atmosphere of the whole weekend. It is nothing short of perfect!” exclaimed Lim.
“We definitely make sure that they feel the Cobra Ironman experience inside and outside Shangri-la that’s why our team puts in extra effort to make the race route as festive as possible.” says Dan Ong, Category Manager for Asia Brewery.
John Philip Duenas, one of Cebu’s elite runners turned triathlete and coach, recalled the hardship he went through just to be able to do triathlon and the Cobra Ironman itself.
“It’s quite a big challenge for me because I never knew how to swim, as in zero! I don’t even have a bike. But when Cobra Ironman first held its triathlon here in Cebu last 2012, I was being challenged by my students to try triathlon, so I took the challenge and started my swim training like a child on learning the basics of swimming. Then I have to set up a new bike. Everything for me when I start doing it was a challenge, even up to now,” said Duenas.
Taekwondo instructor turned triathlete JP Gonzalez, had more on his mind than just reducing weight when he got into triathlon, that is to nurture a healthy and active lifestyle. Interestingly, he keeps Cobra Energy Drink with him, especially during long rides.
Gonzalez said Cobra boosts his energy when he feels heavy and adds miles to his rides and runs especially that he is not a coffee drinker.
Actor Jake Cuenca, who was with Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu, like some other fellow actors are getting hooked to the sport to keep themselves fit.
“I want to do this for a lifetime. Triathlon is something you want to share with your family and your future kids na nagawa mo. Mahirap magtraining talaga especially pag may tapings ka. Pero time management lang talaga pati disiplina.Pag nasa training ka, focus ka talaga dun,” said Cuenca while sipping an ice-cold Cobra.
Triathlon in itself is a very demanding sport. It goes beyond the physical preparedness of an individual. To get his desired outcome, one needs not only an iron will and burning determination to do anything but also the kind of energizing power that only Cobra Energy Drink can provide. For nine years, it has been the energizing power behind the Ironman success.