I may be at a disadvantage here, using text/photo to prove my case on why you should pick me for the 2013 Triathlon Challenge but my excuse (athletes despise this word) is valid and I am hoping that everyone still enjoys a good old goofball story on why I couldn't record a video. It has triathlon roots, you will see as you read on.

I was in my hotel room in Honolulu last week for a family vacation (no, I didn't get to watch IM Kona) and I accidentally nudged my jug and spilled water all over my laptop. No Macbook = No Photobooth = No Video. Clumsiness can be very expensive. I will dig up photos instead. For now, let me introduce myself through text.

I am Clifton C. Esteban, 26 years old. I am 5 feet 11 inches tall and currently 170 lbs. I was born in the USA and raised in Manila, Philippines. I was not athletic nor sporty during my high school and college days until I started working. I had LASIK Surgery (i had poor eyesight, 700 grade) done last 2011 and it was the best decision of my life.

This marked an extraordinary change in my fitness and athletic perspective. I started getting into team sports - basketball and ultimate frisbee, competing for amateur teams. I gave triathlon a shot early this year 2012. I trained with a team daily from 6-9AM. Most of the time, I didn't know what I was doing. I had poor swimming form and I wore all the wrong gear in my bike rides and runs. Regardless, I enjoyed myself immensely. Looking back, I consider this time as one of my highest points in my life not only because of my achievement but I was able to influence several of my friends to join triathlons as well. The impact is immeasurable.

After much thought, I decided to join my first mini-sprint triathlon race in Subic, Olongapo, Phils. on Feb. 5, 2012. Coming in, I didn't have any expectations. Fortunately, daily training paid off. I went on to win that race first overall (details and short-writeup can be found under #5 Clifton Esteban: http://hardcoreblog.ph/2012/02/ with attribution inside). It was a grand personal feat in itself, given that I was a mildly overweight before. After that I began to feel physical changes and started to become ablaze with enthusiasm and energy every morning. I trained for 2-3 months more then slowed down with my training because life generally got in the way.

Now, hampered with quarter-life decision making, I can't seem to bring myself to train like I used to. I still do sports but the discipline and consistency of training for a triathlon is impeccable - I want that in my life. I still consider myself a beginner triathlete since I haven't raced the standard or Ironman distances yet. If I were to rate my triathlon experience, I would say it is about 4/10. Now, I am looking to devour more experience and boost my awareness on staying fit and healthy.

My desire to join your team, however is at a high 10/10. Aside from the exquisite timing of this challenge for me (and my current circumstances), The CNN Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge is perfect to bring me back to my prime triathlon days (operative word: prime). I follow you, Dr. Gupta on Twitter and I am a fan of your advocacy. If you could accept my request to join your team, I will be eternally grateful.

Cure my drought because the unfit and clumsy nerd in me seems to be making a huge comeback, starting with my poor Macbook Pro.

P.S. I read that you are only considering video entries from the USA but I sincerely hope that I am considered in the qualifications. I am a legal US Citizen and I am free to fly to CNN as soon as requested. I speak and write fluent English. More pictures are available upon request, as well.