My uncle, who is a hunter, told me that to feel alive you have to be fit and live at one with nature. Here are several activities to get into this 2010 that will most certainly pump life in you. It’s not just about burning those holiday calories, it’s about a new life, where you balance stress with a good diet and a solid, fit lifestyle.

By Benedicto Escano

1. Mountaineering - “Because it’s there.” is what George Mallory quite simply and famously replied when asked why he climbed Mt. Everest. The Philippines, just like the Himalayas, has so many great mountains to explore, big and small. And you do not even always have to travel that far. Catch sight of cloud rats, pitcher plants, secret waterfalls, or even glow-in-the-dark lichen—it is out there!

How to get into it:
Google AMCI or UP Mountaineers. They have schedules of their Basic Mountaineering Course for 2010. Already experienced? Google MMS and click on their itineraries. Being a member of mountaineering club allows you to explore beautiful, faraway places you would not easily reach on your own.

Popular Destinations:
Mt. Pulag (Benguet), Mt. Talamitam (Nasugbu), Mt. Pinatubo (Pampanga), Mt. Pico de Loro (Cavite).

2. Cycling – Running is all the rage now. Take it to a different level by riding a bicycle. Most of us never seem to forget the joys of biking, though we outgrew our first bicycles long ago. Whether it’s for the exercise or the ability to go places purely on human power, cycling is back (again) and probably here to stay. Chances are there will be a bike shop near you.

How to get into it:
The first step, obviously, is to buy a bike (road or mountain bike). You can go to bike shops like Sabak (Makati), Gran Trail (Alabang), Cycling Zone (Alabang) or Bike King (Taguig) and find out how to join the group. To expand your network further, join Yahoo Groups like PECA.

Popular Bike Routes:
Sunset Boulevard (SM MO), Paliparan Trail (Muntinlupa/Cavite), Daang Hari (Muntinlupa/Cavite), Alabang to Tagaytay (you can park your car in Westgate Alabang).

3. Triathlon – So you already run, and have done races from 10K to half-marathons. And you can bike —you’ve done Alabang to Tagaytay and back. Sounds like the makings of a triathlete. This is almost 90% of the battle. Time to learn how to swim or clean up your swimming strokes. Once you put all of this together, you will no longer be a mere mortal but a triathlete. This is the pinnacle of fitness. Even cycling legend Lance Armstrong will try his hand (and leg) at the Ironman Championships in Kona in 2011.

How to get into it:
Join a triathlon club – they have their own coaches for the three disciplines or visit www.triathlon.org.ph. Fitness First is currently recruiting and training the next generation of triathletes. Go to your local branch and find out how.

Popular Races:
SUBIT (Subic Bay International Triathlon – (www.triahlon.org.ph), Cobra Ironman 70.3 CamSur                                                             (www.ironman703phil.com), White Rock Triathlon                                                             (www.extribe.com.ph)

4. Krav Maga – in Hebrew means “Hand-to-hand combat”. Developed in Israel and employed by many law enforcement agencies including the Mossad, FBI, and the US Special Operations Forces, these defensive tactics and fighting techniques were created to neutralize threats during real-life combat. This is the veritable practical self-defense art that gives realistic answers to dealing with life-threatening situations.

How to get into it:
In the Philippines, you can learn this system for self-preservation at Krav Maga Philippines (www.kravmaga.ph).

Popular Competitions:
Of course it is fun to watch the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Challenge) but that’s not the real arena for Krav Maga. The arena is where you stand or sit right now: the urban jungle, home of the rat race. When it comes down to it, you have to know what to do and do what you have to do.

5. Ultramarathon - You’ve done the Ironman 70.3. You’re a 2-time marathoner. You’re tough…But are you ultra-tough? Can your run 60km without sleep? What about 100km of grueling terrain non-stop supported by only your feet? Come April, the TNF 100 (The North Face 100) will come to the Philippines just for you.

How to get into it:
Put simply, you have to run…lots! There are many training programs available online. Google Pinoy Ultra Runners if you wish to get some tips or drop by R.O.X. in Bonifacio High Street to find out how to get into ultramarathons.

Popular Races:
TNF 100 (www.thenorthface100.ph), Bataan Death March 102 (Google Bataan Death March Ultramarathon).