ISAAC GONZALEZ GARCIA - IRONMAN MARBELLA 70.3
Isaac Gonzalez Garcia, a familiar face to many team members through our group programs and Zwift rides, recently finished Ironman Marbella 70.3 with remarkable determination! Isaac, born in Spain and now based in Brussels, first connected with Team Triumph during a visit to his sister in Ottawa. Intrigued by our Total Immersion swim coaching, he started lessons with Coach Dawn, and from there, his triathlon journey began.
After successfully completing his first 70.3, Isaac aimed higher, setting his sights on a full Ironman. For a year, he dedicated himself to a custom training plan, but a family situation emerged just before his Ironman race. Isaac's mantra, “Family First,” saw him prioritize loved ones, and he recalibrated his goal, finding another 70.3 to tackle just one week later. Confident in his training, he jumped into the new plan with resilience.
The week leading up to race day, however, came with more unexpected challenges. Despite these twists, Isaac made it to the start line in Marbella and, with grit and perseverance, crossed the finish line! Below, read Isaac’s honest, heartfelt race report, where he shares what it took to overcome adversity and finish strong.
Isaac's Race Report from IRONMAN Marbella 70.3
Isaac’s experience here was anything but ordinary! From a stomach virus to a demanding bike course, he faced a series of obstacles. Here’s how he pulled through with remarkable determination.
Pre-Race Trials:
The challenges started early. On the Monday before the race, Isaac came down with a viral stomach flu that led to a few days of intense stomach pain, limiting him to crackers, tea, and bananas. It wasn’t the carb-loading week he had envisioned! By Thursday, he felt slightly better and tested his endurance with a short run and a Maurten Gel. While he managed, nights remained uncomfortable, filled with stomach pain and sleeplessness. Yet, he promised himself he’d attempt the race unless he was unable to hold food down on race day.
Race Day Strategy:
With a conservative approach, Isaac prepared a light breakfast, hoping his electrolytes and in-race nutrition would carry him through.
Swim:
Isaac started the swim conservatively, focusing on simply finishing. Though the first 1,000 meters felt manageable, stomach pain struck again. He stopped to vomit near a kayak, apologizing to the race volunteer for the unpleasant interruption. Despite this setback, he powered through, finishing in 1:02, thanks to an unexpected turn of events: a storm the night before had shifted the buoys, adding 900 extra meters to the swim! Fortunately, Ironman adjusted the swim cut-off time, allowing all athletes a bit of leeway.
Bike:
With over 1,500 meters of elevation, the bike course in Marbella is one of Europe’s most challenging. Isaac paced himself conservatively, focusing on zones Z1-Z2 to avoid further stomach pain. He strategically stopped at fueling stations to refuel and maintain his energy, finishing the bike portion in 4 hours and 15 minutes—a confidence-boosting accomplishment for future full Ironman events!
Run:
With a steady Z1-Z2 pace, Isaac prioritized finishing over pushing his limits. Despite the challenges, he crossed the finish line at 7 hours and 55 minutes, completing his fourth 70.3 with resilience. Reflecting on his achievement, he shared how the experience reinforced the importance of mental resilience and adaptability, as well as the invaluable lesson of knowing when to adjust goals in pursuit of health and safety.
A Triumph Over Adversity
Isaac’s performance is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. His story reminds us that in races—and in life—we can conquer unforeseen obstacles through determination, mental strength, and careful decision-making.
Looking ahead, Isaac has his sights set on Ironman 70.3 Valencia and Ironman Vitoria in Spain in 2025. We’re thrilled to see what he accomplishes next and thank him for sharing his story, an inspiration to us all!
Congratulations, Isaac! Your journey and race report are a testament to the spirit of Team Triumph. We’re proud of you!
Julia Aimers
CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist
CSEP High-Performance Specialist
Certified Triathlon, Cycling, Yoga and Swimming Coach
USA Cycling Level 2 Coach
Training Peaks Accredited Coach
A year ago I could only tread water and had not run since childhood. With the amazing Virtual Olympic course, support, guidance, and tips from of all the folks at Team Triumph I've ended the season with my first Olympic distance triathlon under my belt and am hooked! Really looking forward to the 2025 season and even to the hard work over the winter to prepare. Karen Houle
I wanted to let you know that the Perth triathlon was a great experience, I somehow placed third in my age group! What a supportive group of participants (including Team Triumph athletes), cheering bystanders and volunteers.
Thanks to your swim lessons, I learned the technical basics and gained confidence to get back in the pool after decades. And it was really special doing this with Ann Laidlaw, my bestie for many years. We did a couple of additional swims with Kevin and Team Triumph people, also a great way to continue learning and practicing good technical form.
I will continue with lane swimming and who knows, maybe there's another triathlon in my future!
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman