Even though I had completed the distance, the race organizers didn’t give me credit because I didn’t complete the distance on the assigned course. At the end of the day I saw a “DNF” on Day 1 under my name.
What’s unique about this race is that Ultraman allows all athletes to continue to participate to next day’s event, despite a DNF.
I decided to do the hardest thing there was – to show up on day 2 and 3 as a participant and still do the race despite of a “DNF” in the results.
That’s when things started to turn around.
I had a very strong day on Day 2 of Ultraman. I finished 171 miles of cycling. Placed 3rd female overall and 21st overall, out of 40 athletes.
I continued to show up to Day 3, where athletes were required to run 52.4 miles. My coach advised me to take my time during the run and enjoy the race. I followed him and did my best to be strategic all throughout the run.
I was 24th on the 10k mark.
I was 18th at the 13.1 miles mark.
I finished Day 3 as the 1st female overall and the 11th athlete overall (out of 40).
I was the first Filipino (male or female) to ever take on that race.
And even though that race was officially lost, I had just executed a perfect race.