Matteo's aim is to qualify again for the 2013 XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii, which is only possible if he would be part of the top age group finishers vying for 40 slots.
"I hope to qualify again. I'm getting scared na because training ko hindi pa masyado dahil sa mga tapings ko for 'Paraiso.' Maraming araw na walang tulog kaya hindi pwedeng itodo," shared Matteo.
He added that if he is training on the day after a taping, he must get sleep for at least eight hours.
The Vaseline Men XTERRA Championship in Cebu will kick-off with two triathlon events on March 2 - the XTERRA Lite (a 500-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run) and the XTERRA Philippines Championship (a 1.5-kilometer swim, 35-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run).
The Vaseline Men XTERRA event will end with a trail run on March 3, in three demanding courses in 21, 10 and 5-kilometer distances for both the male and female categories. The top age group finishers for the 21K trail run will qualify for the world championships for the XTERRA Trail Run 2013 also in Hawaii.
Matteo's interest in triathlon started more than 10 months ago when his father gave him a road bike. He then thought that triathlon was a boring sport until his first race in Cebu last year. After a "dismal" performance, he vowed that he would improve on the sport.
"Some people think that it's just a swim, bike and run sport. But it's not that simple. It's a tough multi-sport. It's an endurance sport and there's a lot to learn. You have to get fit so you eat right and you feel better. Sarap. It's a healthy lifestyle," he explained.
He also likened triathlon to go-karting which he excelled in years ago. He likens his body to a go-kart engine which has to be well-conditioned and in top shape.
More than testing his limit as an athlete, Matteo said that triathlon is a "wake-up call" for him. His experience in triathlon showed him that there are athletes far better and faster than him even if they are 40 to 50 year old women.
"When you join a race and be competitive, masarap. It's addicting. Like in my state now, I'm trying to be competitive. For example, in my 10K run, I'm trying to bring it to 45 minutes. And then there are different strategies, running forms, there are a lot of things to study and to learn," described Matteo.
To Pinoys who want to try the sport of triathlon, Matteo's suggestion is simple - train, join a race and be competitive.
source: manila bulletin
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