“They’re not just watching the finish. They’re watching how you show up every day.”
I did not grow up dreaming of becoming a triathlete. I was not a swimmer, cyclist, or runner, and I had no athletic background to speak of. Everything changed in the summer of 2024 during a casual bike ride when I met the Jesus Riders, a local Tampa Bay cycling group. What began as a brief conversation quickly turned into weekend rides, genuine friendships, and the start of a completely new lifestyle.
Those rides eventually led me beyond the bike and into triathlon. I signed up for my first Fort De Soto Triathlon with Integrity Multisport and quickly realized I was not just entering a race, I was joining a community. After completing the Fort De Soto series in 2025, I am now preparing for my next challenge at Escape Fort De Soto in May.
Swimming proved to be my biggest challenge. Growing up on the island of Puerto Rico, the water always felt familiar, but open water triathlon swimming quickly humbled me. Crowded starts, physical contact, controlled breathing under stress, and sustaining effort over distance demanded patience and grit I had never needed before.
Coach OWS Leo Brinceno helped me work through the early mental barriers, while Coach Dave at B-IronStrong brought structure and confidence to the process. What once felt chaotic gradually became controlled, intentional, and measurable progress.
Even while traveling for work, I find ways to stay active. Renting a bike, fitting in a run, or jumping into a pool is not always convenient, but finding time to move, even in small doses, keeps me grounded and focused.
What started as a personal challenge quickly became something much bigger. Triathlon changed how I show up at home. I want my children to see that commitment matters, growth requires effort, and being “too busy” is often a choice.
None of this would be possible without my wife. Her unwavering support made this journey sustainable and meaningful. After cheering me on at Integrity Multisport events, she admitted she was not built to be a spectator. I asked if she wanted to try a triathlon. Her response? “Impossible.”
I’m proud to say she’s now officially a triathlete. As she puts it, “It always seems impossible until you just do it.” She is hooked and already training for her next triathlon in May.
Mantra: Kids are always watching, make it count.
Advice to Newcomers
Welcome to a sport that truly celebrates new faces. Triathlon is about growth, community, and showing up together.
Start small. Join a group ride. Try an open water swim. Take that first step. Before you know it, you will be lining up at your first Integrity Multisport event, surrounded by encouragement, great organization, and people cheering for you from start to finish.
We’ll be there waiting for you. See you on the podium, triathlete!
Together in the journey.
