IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii | 2019
Reflecting on this particular event, I was experiencing significant distress. As was often the case between 2012 and 2020, I grappled with several personal challenges and difficult life situations.
Leading up to the event, I was quite fatigued. I juggled multiple roles and parenting responsibilities. However, with the support of my sponsors, I was determined to compete.
I'm profoundly grateful that those struggles are now behind me. That challenging chapter is closed, and—most importantly—I've emerged improved, healed, and happy, having grown tremendously through the experience and wisdom.
Admittedly, I hadn't prepared well for this triathlon. I was easily distracted then, and looking back, if I could offer my past self any advice before the race, it would be: "Raquel, stay focused and relaxed."
“You may not control all the events that happen to you,
but YOU CAN DECIDE not to be reduced by them.”
Unfortunately, my main nutrition bottle fell off during the first bike portion. Losing access to my carefully planned nutrition significantly impacted my concentration and performance, especially after weeks of practice.
As you know, proper nutrition is crucial in long-distance triathlons. These unexpected events are simply part of the sport.
“The middle is messy, but its also where the magic happens” Brene B.
When my primary source of nutrition dropped during the race, I found myself battling negative thoughts, but I actively worked to replace them with positive affirmations. I kept telling myself, "Raquel, you're doing great; just focus on reaching that finish line."
An Ironman 70.3 triathlon consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run, totaling 70.3 miles. This is half the distance of a full IRONMAN triathlon.
This event's Swim was in the Pacific Ocean. It consisted of two laps with approximately 100 meters of sand.
The Cycling had some slight inclines; it was windy, and the view was beautiful.
The Run was mostly on the golf course and the road; it was difficult to run on the grass. There were a lot of spectators, and the energy was incredibly high.
That was one of my slowest 70.3 IM races. During the run, I stopped at every aid station to walk and thank the fantastic volunteers while enjoying a much-needed hydration. I kept telling myself, "Raquel, just get to the finish line, no matter how long it takes today."
Forever thankful with the support of my coach , Coach Mark Olson and my awesome Team Athletic Mentors.
After crossing the finish line, I chatted and laughed with other female pro athletes and coaches who also had a tough day. That was a highlight.
I wasn't thrilled with my performance, but I'm proud of my perseverance and good attitude. The journey to the finish was filled with obstacles, challenges, and sacrifices. Throughout it all, I've remained committed to staying strong, responsible, and supportive of others.
“An entire sea of water can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, the negative of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you. ”