{"id":2275,"date":"2025-10-31T08:13:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T08:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clube-swim4fun.pt\/?p=2275"},"modified":"2025-10-28T12:22:49","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T12:22:49","slug":"o-meu-primeiro-half-ironman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clube-swim4fun.pt\/en\/o-meu-primeiro-half-ironman\/","title":{"rendered":"My First Half Ironman"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Participating in my first Ironman 70.3 was one of the most intense, emotional, and transformative experiences of my life. Before getting into triathlon, I had been swimming for about a year, so the discipline where I felt most comfortable was swimming. Cycling and running were completely new learnings. Over that year, I took part in small swimming events and short triathlons, mainly to get used to the competitive environment in the water \u2014 lots of people, physical contact, and chaos. That helped build my confidence for the big day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve never witnessed an Ironman race, I highly recommend it. Even for those who aren\u2019t into sports, the atmosphere is overwhelming. There are thousands of athletes, supporters, and families \u2014 an energy that\u2019s hard to describe. The start in Cascais takes place in the bay at sunrise, and it\u2019s magical. I woke up at four in the morning, had a hearty breakfast, checked all my gear, and by half past five, I was already on my way. I went through the Transition Area, dropped off my bags, and headed to the sand, where my family, friends, and several training partners were waiting. I did the race with my husband, which made it even more special. Standing there on the sand, I felt that this day was the culmination of months of effort, discipline, sacrifices, and small victories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout my entire preparation, it was essential to stay connected to Swim4Fun and the people from the club. On the day before the race, I met with coach Bibiana and went into the sea at the same time as the official start. We swam smoothly and calmly, under the light of that sunrise. I tested the wetsuit, the cap, the goggles\u2014everything. And that made me feel calm the next day. I knew it was possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no one truly prepares you for the big day. When I reached the sand, I saw my family and friends \u2014 there were hugs, tears, and good-luck wishes. With my husband, I went to warm up in the sea, just as my coach had always emphasized. It was dark, the water was cold, and my heart was racing. We went back to where our family was and listened to the national anthem, all embraced. Pure emotion. Then I moved to the start box that matched my estimated swim time. The music started playing, the applause began, and suddenly, I was in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first few meters are always the most chaotic \u2014 so many people, arms, legs, and fast breathing. I just focused on finding my rhythm and not wasting unnecessary energy. I breathed to the right and could see the Ironman mast in the distance. I thought, \u201cthis is what I trained for.\u201d I started finding space, keeping up with the pace of those ahead of me, taking in the small bumps and pushes without overreacting. Then, among thousands of athletes, I found my husband\u2019s feet. It was a special, wordless moment. We shared a smile and kept going. Sometimes, just recognizing someone in the water is enough to give you new strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When I saw the first orange buoys, I knew I was on the last part of the lap. I stayed focused, stroke by stroke, until I spotted the exit ramp. The staff helped us up; I quickly took off my wetsuit, passed through the fresh-water showers \u2014 which felt amazing \u2014 and hydrated. I looked at my watch: thirty-five minutes, exactly as planned. An excellent start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the bike, it took me a few minutes to stabilize my heart rate, but I quickly found my rhythm. I rode a calm, focused, and consistent race, enjoying every kilometer. During the run, I kept a steady pace, stopped at every aid station to drink water and isotonic, and on the last lap \u2014 Coca-Cola, the sacred fuel of triathletes. Step by step, calmly, I completed the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Half Ironman was more than just a race. It was the celebration of a journey \u2014 months of training, discipline, setbacks, growth, perseverance, and new friendships. The race itself is the cherry on top. What truly transforms you is everything that happens along the way. And I recommend this experience to anyone with the curiosity and courage to try, because in the end, what you discover about yourself is worth every stroke, every pedal, and every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carolina Dur\u00e3o<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Participar no meu primeiro Ironman 70.3 foi uma das experi\u00eancias mais intensas, emocionantes e transformadoras da minha vida. Antes de entrar no triatlo, eu j\u00e1 nadava h\u00e1 cerca de um ano, por isso a modalidade onde me sentia mais confort\u00e1vel era a nata\u00e7\u00e3o. Pedalar e correr foram aprendizagens totalmente novas. Ao longo desse ano participei … <\/p>\n

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