Paredes first Pinay to finish Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
August 14, 2017 | 9:46am
Herbalife Philippines General Manager Rosalio T. Valenzuela, 2017 Norseman Xtreme Triathlon finisher Laarni Paredes and 2016 Norseman Xtreme Black Shirt Omar Paredes. | philstar.com/ Leif Sykioco
MANILA, Philippines — Last year, Laarni Paredes flew to Norway to support his husband, Oman, in the 2016 Norseman Xtreme Triathlon.
The following year, it was Oman cheering for his wife as she crossed the same finish line.
Laarni became the first Filipina to qualify and finish the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon last August 5.
"It's really a miracle," Laarni said about how she felt when she was one of those chosen to run the course.
Registration for the race is difficult. Out of 3,600 people from around the world who registered online, only 250 were chosen to run via a lottery pick.
This is why Laarni said that qualifying alone is both an achievement and a challenge since her husband was the first Filipino who qualified and finished the race.
"I received the notification (that I got in the race) last November (2016)," she recalled.
"Then sa (Los Banos) na ako nagtrain. Noong last five weeks na lang kami nagpunta sa Norway more on to acclimatize na lang."
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is the same as an Ironman race, but what makes it difficult is the hostile external factors triathletes must endure.
They begin with a 3.8 km swim in the chilly Eidjford. Then they will have to bike for 180 km across five mountain passes in Måbødalen. The racers will then run for 42 km with the final 17 km being a hilltop run.
Laarni said there were a lot of times in the race wherein she felt like giving up, but the support she received from her friends and family kept her going.
It might be a cliché, but Laarni has a simple advice for other Filipinos who might want to the extreme race.
"It's really in the preparation," said the mother of one.
"Mentally and physically. (And) as much as possible, nakatapos ka na ng several Ironman races kasi 'yun na 'yung panghahawakan mo in times na gusto mo na mag give up sa race."
For now, Laarni is taking a break from running and is focusing on her day job and raising their five-year-old daughter.
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