16/08/2026
My first Korean student and he honestly looks like he’s in his 20s!
Then he told me he’s 40… okay, WHAT?! 😂
But the biggest plot twist? He’s a priest!
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Don Simone knows how to swim, bike, and run, and his dream is to compete in an Ironman. He’s used to swimming in a pool and knows how it’s very different from swimming in open water.
The ocean can look calm from the shore, but once you’re in it, waves, currents, and the unfamiliar environment can quickly mess with your confidence.
That’s why I’m glad Don Simone chose to prepare properly.
Despite being busy with English school and his responsibilities as a priest, he woke up early for a one-on-one open-water swim session here in Cebu. We worked not just on technique, but also on mental preparation, staying calm, controlling your breathing, and learning how to handle the water when things don’t go as planned.
He loved learning that open-water swimming is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.
As a coach, I love seeing athletes who are willing to learn, respect the water, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Always remember, your Ironman dream starts long before race day.
