July 2009July - Celeste RamirezCeleste is a 38-year-old Computer Animator who recently switched from runner to triathlete. Never in her life did she ever think of using the word “athlete” to be self-described. As the good, warm-blooded Puertorican that she is, she enjoys the warm outdoors and dreads to train when is below 65 degrees. Still, it needs to be done!

She is by no means the fastest of the pack, but her stubbornness and perseverance keeps her going and facing these new distances and races, making her faster little by little. As a runner, she always saw the triathlons as something she would like to do someday, but it seemed so far. Well, not anymore!

For years she thought Miami had already showed everything it had to offer, making her want to move away and far. That was until she found the sport. Now she enjoys great workouts, great friends, and great challenges. She trains 6 to 7 times a week, and some days even twice a day.

When did you start racing?
I began training in 2006, when I signed up for the ING Miami Half Marathon. Before that, a great run took place in the treadmill for maybe 30 minutes, if I was feeling sporty. So when I signed up for ING Miami, I made sure I told everyone so would not back out. I hooked up with Miami Feet in Doral (now Doral Runners) and trained with them, and I actually did my first Half Marathon a month before expected (Marathon of the Palm Beaches)

What motivated you to get into it?
Well, I had a motto back then: why wait until 50 when you can have a midlife crisis at 35? At the time I really needed to change many things in my life, many bad circumstances. So I said; “why not running?” After doing several races, I got injured while training for the Marine Corps Marathon, so I decided to give triathlons a shot. Definitely not as easy as I thought!

Which has been your main event?
It really depends. As a Half Marathon: ING Miami (even though it was my second, it was my first goal). As a Marathon: La Salle Chicago Marathon (the water stations ran out of water in mile 5, so with barely any fluids, I completed the race). As a triathlon: Florida 70.3 Ironman (the longest triathlon and hardest by far).

Most important accomplishments as an athlete?
Finishing eight Half Marathons, three Full Marathons, three sprint triathlons, two Olympic and International distance Triathlons and a Half Ironman. Hopefully by the end of the year I’ll have two more Olympic and two more half Ironman under my belt.

Which one has been your favorite race?
The Florida 70.3 Ironman. It was a very challenging race, where I had more than ten feelings at a time. I was exhausted, but with a great sense of accomplishment. I was surrounded by a great group of people, and many others send me kind words of encouragement. I’m hoping to finish two more of these by November.

What do you feel you have learned about yourself in the process?
I have learned that is never too late to challenge yourself, to start a new lifestyle, to meet great people. I have learned a great deal of discipline and to work with others to become a better athlete. I never knew I was capable of such endurance, and I cant wait to see what’s my next move.

What's your goal and motivation for this year?
My goal is to continue to train hard, get leaner and set PR’s every time I’m out there. Next year I would train Ironman Cozumel, so stay tuned!