Paul Stephen Aliman

8 Hobbyists On Being Epic & Doing Your Best

“Carpe Diem. Make your lives extraordinary.” This is one of the best lines from the movie, Dead Poets Society. We have the power to be great, if not the best, that we can be. Take it from these Hobbyists. Dare to be epic. And seize that moment when you felt that you shattered your own walls and went for it!

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[Duathlete]

Own & Manages a Mail Receiving Business, 45, Dipolognon based in Orange County, California

I have never been a runner nor was ever an athletic person. The start of 2013 was a wake up call for me. I was out of shape. I knew it was time for a change in my lifestyle and most importantly, my health. My wife, Charity, would consistently urge me to run since she's been doing it for quite sometime in her workout routine. I was in denial at that time because I believed my job would just be enough to keep me physically fit. The change in my lifestyle was not easy.

I started off running short distances like 1-2km, 5k, 10k. There were definitely moments of ups and downs in the beginning. At one point, I wanted to quit because of my injury. But with the help of my family and friends, Alvin Ang and Mike Parayao, who inspired and mentored me to continue my journey, I signed up for 5K New Years Run in Los Angeles that year. These guys were the ones I look up to & I thought if they can do it, I should be able to do it myself.

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It was a life-changing event and it's a matter of making good choices, most especially for one’s health. I believe that there is an athlete within everyone and it just needs to be ignited. The most rewarding moment is when you cross the finish line and receive a medal around your neck - that amazing feeling motivated me to run more.

Three years later, my wife and I became obsessed with running & it became part of our daily routine. We participated in major races from OC to LA marathon from 5k to 21 and 42k marathon.

Last year, I landed another milestone in my journey - I've completed a duathlon in Orange County. Me and my wife's ultimate goal is to finish a triathlon in California. Hopefully I can join my nephews and nieces at the 2017 Cobra Ironman 70.3 in Cebu. My transforming lifestyle allowed me to discover a new perspective on myself and on life. With the encouragement of my friends, and the love & support of my wife, I know I am in great shape and it feels liberating knowing I've achieved a better version of me.

DUATHLONTriLife Magazine