Hello name-twin, what brings you to Bayside Triathlon Club?
I want to do my first Ironman 70.3, and I know I need a community!
Welcome to our community! How did you hear of us?
I searched in Austriathlon and spent lots of time comparing clubs in the area. The regular training schedule, social events and active FaceBook stood out for BTC.
That’s great to hear. Hey, where’s your accent from?
I grew up in Venezuela.
Cool, okay you can be Venezuelan Nat and I’ll be English Nat 😊 How long have you been living in Australia?
8 years in Melbourne. I also lived in Sydney for 1.5 years back in 2004.
And clearly decided Melbourne was better – yay for us!
Have you ever done a triathlon?
Yes, a few sprint ones and the corporate one every year.
What distance(s) and how did you do?
Sprint, I finished with a smile :)
Oo, so you’re jumping from Sprint to Ironman 70.3 – good job. Were you sporty growing up?
I was not “the sporty” one – in Venezuela you had to be good with ball games to be considered that, and I’m still awful at those. But, I enjoyed hiking with my sister and being outdoors.
Nice. What are your triathlon aspirations?
I want to give it all and also enjoy my first Ironman 70.3.
Hmm, I’m not sure an Ironman 70.3 is ‘enjoyable’. What’s your dream race?
I’ll be dreaming about Ironman 70.3 Geelong in 2025. I also dream of doing another adventure race.
[Adventure racing – multidisciplinary team sport involving navigation over an unmarked wilderness course, including trekking, biking, paddling, abseiling.]
I’m doing Geelong too – we can race each other😊 Which sporting achievement are you most proud of?
The London Marathon, many moons ago, which I did in 3h 45min. I’m also proud of doing adventure races (max 24h).
That’s a great time. Are we in the same age group? [Worried now]
I’m 43.
Phew, I’m 50. What’s your spirit animal and why?
No idea! But I love dogs.
Me too. What would you sing at a karaoke night?
“El Rey”.
And Ricky Martin’s La Vida Loca? Do you remember singing that together with Mexican Emma at the End of Season event 😉
So, karaoke, adventure racing…what else do you do for fun?
I was a Zumba instructor for 10 years. I love to dance! We host parties & dinners at our place, for many and any reason.
Oo, we can do a BTC member-led Zumba session – fun!
Who’s your greatest supporter?
My husband Elias.
Aww. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never underestimate the importance of having fun.
Love it! But don’t be trying to steal my [self-imposed] title of Fun Nat!
Thanks for answering the questions and great to get to know you. Look forward to training together for Geelong Ironman 70.3!
