When did you start racing?
I started competing in triathlons in 2006 with the sprint distances. Even though I was 60 pounds overweight, I made it to the finish line. Then the competitive drive kicked in and I found the motivation to drop the weight and get back in shape.
What motivated you to get into it?
Well, that's not hard to say. When you look at yourself in the mirror and see someone completely different from the person you used to be 25 years ago, when I was at the top of my game, it definitely gave me the motivation to get back in shape. I worked hard to loose the extra pounds and fine-tune my physical condition. Now I'm back on top again at 42. Also,I had some unresolved goals to accomplish from the late 80's when I was a runner with the Track and Field National Team. That leaves me with the attitude that it's never too late, that everything is possible with perseverance and consistency. I set my goals and so far I'm close to achieving them, one by one.
Which has been your main event?
Basically I have been doing Olympic and Sprint distances competing in South Florida. Every year, with consistency in the training, I have improved my performance.
Most important accomplishments as an athlete?
In 1986 and 1987 I was Junior National Champion in Cuba in the 1500, 3000, 5000 meter distance in Track and Field. Recently, I won several Sprint races in the Publix series, and have had very good results in the Miami International Triathlon (MIT) and Escape to Miami Triathlon.
Which one has been your favorite race?
There are many good races. I enjoy doing the MIT triathlon. I love the atmosphere there, competing with all the pros and a very competitive group of athletes, as well as the organization of the event. I also like doing triathlons around Florida, traveling to different towns and doing races.
What do you feel you have learned about yourself in the process?
It has been a process of learning, acceptance and the realization that I had to create a new lifestyle that was completely different from that which I had before I started triathlons. Setting goals and accomplishing them has been a very rewarding experience for me, taking into consideration that I started at 38. That tells me that it's never too late to achieve what you want in life. Anything is possible when you have not just the intention, but the drive to attain your goals.
What's you goal and motivation for this year?
For me, the triathlon year is over after the Publix Series Championship on October 10. Next year my goals are to move to a longer distance (half iron man - 70.3), qualify for the Clearwater World Championship and place in the top five in my age group.
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