Ironman Cozumel Race Report

Eren Perez Places 5th in Her Age Group At Ironman Cozumel!

Team Triumph 2024 Athlete of the Year Eren Perez has shown us once again what an incredible athlete she really is! Coming in 5th at Ironman is an amazing feat especially in the highly competitive 30-34 age group. Congratulations Eren on your 5th place finish and another phenomenal year of racing. 

Here is Eren's Ironman Cozumel Race Report:

Ironman Cozumel was filled with both challenges, and Triumphs. The day began with a very early alarm at 4:00, heading out the door by 5:00 to T1, and making my way to the swim start around 6:50 after a taxi ride and then a bus transfer. With a gel at 6:30 and plenty of water and Gatorade to hydrate, I felt ready for what lay ahead.

The ocean swim, which I’d been apprehensive about due to the waves, turned out to be exhilarating. Practicing beforehand really paid off. My plan to draft behind friends quickly changed as I found my rhythm and pulled ahead after just 200 metres. I did get stung by jellyfish twice (a familiar sensation from practice swims!) but stayed focused.

The second half of the swim was particularly swift, thanks to a favourable current, and I was thrilled to clock a sub-7-minute 500 metres. Coming out of the water, I rehydrated and rinsed off the salt, buoyed by the sight of a sea of bikes in transition – a sign of a strong swim leg. A note for next time: severe chafing under my arms was a painful lesson, so I’ll be addressing that in future races.

The bike course presented its own set of battles, especially with the notorious wind. I hadn’t had a chance to ride the windiest section in advance but was warned it would be a tough 20km stretch. The first lap was manageable, even allowing most of the time in the aero bars, but the wind strengthened as the race went on. A stop at special needs during the second lap for water refills provided a brief respite, but by the third lap, it was pure mental grit to keep pushing through. 

At every aid station, I cooled down with ice water and kept up with hydration, though I did miss a few stations due to volunteer shortages. My heart rate was higher than planned – likely due to the heat. Nutrition-wise, I alternated between a Maurten gel and a Precision bar every 30 minutes. I’m now convinced it’s time to invest in a tri bike!

Transition 2 was a challenge in itself, as the heat and wind took their toll. I took my time, knowing I needed to regroup before the run. The aim was to keep both my heart rate and body temperature in check, fuelling and hydrating as much as possible. I walked through each aid station, dousing myself with ice and water to stay cool. 

The first half of the run was fuelled by gels, switching to bananas and coke in the second half. Thankfully, my heart rate stabilised during walk breaks, which was reassuring. My brother kept me updated on my position (albeit with a malfunctioning tracker), and my own calculations had me finishing just under 12 hours. Imagine my surprise to learn I’d actually finished 5th, in under 11 hours and 10 minutes!

What once seemed impossible – a sub-12-hour finish – now feels like just the beginning, and breaking 11 hours is within reach. I achieved all my goals, raced with joy and resilience, posted a much faster time than at IM Wisconsin, and, although I didn’t secure a Kona slot, I did earn a podium spot. Standing on the Ironman podium was beyond my wildest dreams, and I’m grateful for the journey and support. Onwards and upwards!