Most of my life I've been exposed to sports. During my childhood my parents looked for ways to introduce me to different sports. As a kid I tried baseball but quit when the coach would only let me play catcher (if only Ivan Rodriguez would've been playing MLB back then I probably would've changed my mind). But my parents didn't stop there. They let me play basketball too for a little while. Then my uncle trained me in volleyball and it became my sport from middle school through college.
The word bully didn't exist back then or maybe we just knew them in Puerto Rico as "abusadores". In my elementary school years I was more focused on my studies, playing guitar and singing. So no muscles! Hence I was pushed around and punched from time to time. Then in seventh grade I had an epiphany after watching, Footloose and Rocky IV! I became infatuated with physical fitness and yes I tried Kevin Bacon's Footloose gymnastic routines (almost killed myself) and emulated to the best I could Sylvester Stallone's training on Rocky IV. This led to get into martial arts which became a way of life until I got my college degree. After my college degree my fitness went on a roller coaster, gaining weight one year, losing it another with Atkins diets, weight lifting (or putting weights up and down as the Planet Fitness commercial says) and jogging a WHOLE 15 min!
In 2011 I discovered the sport of cycling and its popularity in Upstate, SC. I participated in many charity rides and even completed a metric century (100 Km/62.5 miles) on a flat course in Columbia, SC. Since then I've been in love with cycling and all the good it does for people and the community. But I was feeling incomplete. I needed diversity, something to give me purpose and challenge me in different terrains. So I started researching about triathlons. And the research led me to a 30+ time Ironman finisher from New Jersey who grew up in North Carolina and who not only coaches triathletes but who specializes in turning regular individuals into Ultra Triathletes. Her name?
Katie Malone.
My triathlon journey with Katie started the fall of 2013. I always thought that I had a good idea of how to swim, bike and run and boy, I was lost in the outer space. Still remember gasping for air after a 25 yard swim! With the goal of doing a half ironman the fall of 2014 Katie slowly began shaping my chubby and stiff body into an endurance one and lined up the races I should do to get ready for the half. After completing a couple of Sprints, unfortunately, life (or I) got in the way and decided to quit training that summer.
Winter of 2014, after a couple of months feeling depressed, I asked Katie to take me back in 2015. Just to disappoint with anot
her year of me "trying". After completing my first International (Olympic) distance triathlon I decided
not to race for the reminder of the year but continued training although inconsistently. I was wondering when Katie would give me the boot!
Third time's the charm!
January of this year I registered for the Ironman Augusta 70.3. This was the year to make it happen. Also there was something special about this year, my wife Brendaly would join me as a triathlete turning this into a family lifestyle and my children Alejandro and Alois would be home with me making the move from Puerto Rico to SC! Although my training rolled in quite consistent early this year, severe allergies and unforeseen events prevented me from doing most of the races planned and reduced my time to train significantly this past summer. Being aware of my inconsistent training I suggested to Katie that I should withdraw from IM Augusta. But Katie wouldn't let me go so easy this time, as long as I was willing to work hard on a compressed 8 weeks schedule she would take me to where I needed to be. And boy she did! She made me a Half Ironman!
I have been blessed with a beautiful, supportive family, specially a magnificent wife. Without their support, understanding and sacrifice I would never be able to take on this journey. I just want this to be a humble example to our children and show them the beauty of the sport and how rewarding it is when you work relentlessly to reach your goals.
Katie Malone, saying that you made me a better person is an understatement. As I always say, you are not just my coach; you are my psychologist and my friend. I have given up on so many dreams in my life, but you showed me what it takes to make it to the finish line. The feeling is overwhelming.
Now, although this first half of the story has been exhilarating, I also realize that we are halfway there. So I ask you and my crew (family/friends)...
Are you willing to join me till the end of the journey?
