IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside | 2017
Funny Fact: look at the Bib #74 Raquel, upside-down. 🙃
This IRONMAN 70.3 was in California. I flew from Michigan and sent my bike with Tri Bike Transport, a bike transportation business that sponsored me for years and operated in the USA and some international races. They shipped bikes without packing them. Thus, athletes dropped off their bikes at a local bike shop, and Tri Bike Transport had them ready for the race next to the transitions.
I did a few things I would change if I could go back:
The first thing I would’ve done is to be more relaxed, even though I am very proud of my strength. Throughout the years 2012-2020, I was having huge and totally out-of-my-control issues dealing with substantial emotional, physical, and financial abuse. Thank God that topic is way behind in the past.
The second thing I would’ve done is to focus more on the details like logistics and gear; in other words, I’d have prepared in a much more organized way. It is easier said than done when you have and genuinely assume many responsibilities.
I got together with some friends that live in California and ate lunch with one of my childhood Dominican girlfriends. She went to cheer on me during the course, which was nice.
The 1.2-mile ocean swim🏊🏼♀️
I was super late in the morning for the start. We didn't plan where to park the car, my friend dropped me off and I ran to the start line.
Ten minutes before the countdown, I was still rushing to do my transition, then I was putting on my wetsuit while all the pros were already in line for the start.😅 It was epic, unbelievable, and yes, wild!
One of my friends that went with me was shocked, and I was not impressed.
The swim was a start in the water for the professionals. It went fast and smooth, even though I didn't wear the wetsuit properly.
The 56-Mile Bike Ride 🚴♀️
During this event, I learned (the hard way) that you should never wear a long Speedo race swimsuit for an IRONMAN.
I wanted to include all of my fabulous sponsors' logos, old and new ones, in my race suit (none of this would’ve been possible without their support). Therefore, trying to "save time and money," I just added logos to one of my super-tight Speedo race swimsuits.
That was one of my worst mistakes. I was hurting so badly that I couldn't sit in the saddle, a truly demanding and tedious journey.
I thought about quitting many times, but I kept thinking, Raquel, you will feel better if you finish.
The half marathon 🏃🏻♀️
This run course was beautiful. It is a two-looper with turns and inclines/declines as you go from the beach to street level.
The two-loop, 13.1-mile run course begins at Transition above the Oceanside Pier, descends onto the Harbor, on The Strand, and through coastal neighborhoods before a spectacular finish.
When I crossed the finish line, I was at least smiling. Inside myself, I was laughing at myself, as I frequently do.
I completed the event in five hours and 10 minutes (5:10), which was not too bad considering the challenges and circumstances. I finished in the top 20 in the professional category. Looking back, I am very proud of myself and thankful for the opportunity.
“I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”