FAT: You have become the face of Fil Am Tri in Hawaii and are one of the most recognizable faces. How did you first become part of FAT?
Crocs: I become a member of FAT back in 2009 when I meet Arland in the Big Island of Hawaii for the 2009 Ironman Hawaii 70.3.
FAT: About how many FATs are there in Hawaii now? and do we have most islands represented?
Crocs: There are about 50+ members in the Facebook group and I think there are about 17 of us already sign up at the FAT website, hope every one sign up and pays their membership fees hehehe! There are three Island represented now, Oahu , Kauai and Molokai.
FAT: You won the local lottery slot for Hawaii residents to compete in the Ironman World Champs in Kona this year. How did you feel when you found out that you got the slot?
Crocs: I felt like I've just won a million dollars when my friend called me that I won the lottery, God do answers prayers!
FAT: We always read your training updates on Facebook. Do you ever drive a car?
Crocs: Hardly! Hehehe! I only drive a car on my days off when I have to go to Costco or when I go to Church or go to a Family gathering, Oahu is a small Island, you can actually ride your bike around the Island for about 5 to 7 hours.
FAT: What's the story behind the Crocs? Why do you wear them in lieu of sneakers and how the heck did you run a 3:17 marathon in them???
Crocs: It all started when the Gorilla (Matt Acosta) dared me to wear the Bahag for the Honolulu Marathon, shoes and Bahag look awkward together that's when the Crocs came about. Crocs is very comfortable always light and always waterproof that's why I love running in them and be able to run 3:16:39 Marathon in it, to God be the glory!!!
FAT: Can you tell us about your experiences in Ironman Philippines 70.3? I believe you've raced there all 3 years also. Would you recommend other fil-ams to race there also? and what advice would you give them?
Crocs: My experience in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippine is awesome! I always feel welcome when I go there and all the staff and all the people in CamSur are so friendly, they always treated us like a rock star. I highly recommend to all FAT members to do the Cobra at least ones but be prepare for the heat because the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines is labeled as the hottest Ironman event in the world so do your heat training and when you race the Cobra? Enjoy!!!
FAT: Who are your favorite athletes and who inspires you?
Crocs: My favorite athletes are Lance Armstrong, Chris McCormack, Chris Lieto and of course Arland Macasieb, and Dick and Rick Hoyt , All of then inspired me to be the best that I can be!!!
FAT: Now that you're going to do race Kona and you've already done Boston, what's left on your bucket list of races?
Crocs: One of the races that I would like to do in the near future is the HURT 100 miles Ultra Trail Run and the Molokai to Maui channel crossing swim, someday!!!
FAT: Any other words of advice to our newbie's out there and any shout outs you would like to give?
Crocs: To all the new guys in this sport, always enjoy what you are doing, get addicted to it so you will always have to get it and always train safe and of course you have to watch your nutrition, you puts in good things in your body and good things will come out of it!
FAT: Thanks so much! Mahalo! and Happy Birthday!
Crocs: Thanks Champ!!!!
FAT: You and Joe will be filamtri.com's very first members of the month!
Crocs: Alright!! Thank you!!!!
