The Atlantic City Ironman 70.3 is a thrilling test of endurance, speed, and mental strength set against the scenic backdrop of the Jersey Shore. As a Half Ironman, the race covers 70.3 miles (113 km), divided into three iconic disciplines: swim, bike, and run.

Nutrition: This time, I used a new, unflavored carb product with water (90 gr/hr) and added some drops of concentrate minerals and a 100% natural gel every 20 min. This was a total game-changer for me; once again, I kept feeling energetic, light, and strong from start to finish.

Overall, the 2022 Ironman 70.3 Ohio presented a varied course with a unique swim start, a fast bike leg, and a spectator-friendly run through downtown Sandusky.

I was undecided whether to attend the event because I was still in pain with the AC Joint Separation, but after consulting with my coach, he encouraged me to go and have fun. And that's what I did, despite the race-day weather. Everything was so beautiful. The best part was seeing so many tri-friends. A lovely friend of mine from California drove to St George to cheer me on; she and her husband supported me a lot. I was, and I am very thankful.

The course was lined with enthusiastic athletes and spectators who cheered us on, adding to the energy of the race.

The 10K Run was a unique experience as it followed a portion of the same route as the memorable IRONMAN Louisville, which I completed in 2018 as a professional, finishing 8th with a time of 9:51:46.

In this 10K run, I aimed to maintain a consistent pace while enjoying the challenge and the smiles along the way. I finished in 2nd overall, with a time of 2:10. I was very excited to be a part of this experience, community, and to handle it so well.

Stay hydrated and get as much ice as possible!

Maintaining a low core body temperature is a crucial aspect of this race. Before the race, doing an overly intense dryland warm-up before the swim may not be a brilliant idea. The water is so warm that you don't want to be overheated before you even start the swim. On race morning, I used some ice pads around my neck to keep my core temperature as low as possible until the race began.

Running Course Water Baggies at Aid Stations: 

At Ironman Cozumel 70.3, water is typically provided at aid stations in plastic baggies, not traditional paper cups. 

Ironman Muncie boasts over 45 years of history as the oldest IRONMAN 70.3 event in the continental US, according to the Muncie Journal and Towne Post Network. It began in 1980 as the Muncie Endurathon. 

Currently, Muncie 70.3 enjoys incredible support, where you can feel the excitement from the roaring spectators and community, enjoy the Hoosier hospitality, and experience the warmth of Midwestern charm.

The Muncie 70.3 in 2023 was on September 30th. The average daily temperature in September for Muncie is around 67°F (19°C), with a high of approximately 80°F (27°C) and a low of 55°F (13°C). In 2025, the event was on July 12th. In July, Muncie's daily high temperatures are around 83°F, rarely falling below 76°F or exceeding 91°F.

The bike course had a few hills, and I was trying to stay consistent. After half of the course, many other males started getting too close, making it hard to maintain the “non-drafting rule distance”. Seven athletes, three females and four males, got a “blue Card”, so we all needed to stop for five minutes at the penalty tent; if we didn’t, we would be disqualified.

The 2016 Ironman Racine 70.3 had its swim portion canceled due to severe weather, specifically lightning, dangerous water conditions, and strong gusting winds. 

I learned that even though the trainer is convenient, we should always practice riding and have the same race-day nutrition outdoors.

During this event, I learned (the hard way) that you never use a long speedo race swimsuit for an IRONMAN. I wanted to put the Sponsors' logos therefor trying to "save time and money" I just took one of my super tight speedo race-swimsuits and added the logos. It was one of my worst mistakes; I was hurting so bad I couldn't sit on the saddle. It was a very hard tedious journey. I thought about quitting so many times, but I kept thinking, Raquel, you will feel better if you finish.

Windy, cold, and rainy weather can make long bike rides challenging. Yet, this is part of the sport's appeal—you must adapt to enjoy and improve. Honestly, it was very demanding. My power meter was uncalibrated, and I spent the first 10 kilometers trying to fix it. The rain made it hard to use the touchscreen, and my chain dropped multiple times. I kept reminding myself, “Raquel, this is what it takes!”

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but YOU CAN DECIDE not to be reduced by them”. Maya Angelou.

I did this triathlon because in 2019, I finished my second full IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant, which was another tough experience. I got severely sick with the nutrition. I spent an hour in the medical tent with low pressure, then walked the marathon with paramedics all the way. I reached the finish line in slow motion.

In the picture Behind me, the Dubai's Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Competing as a Pro was never “my goal”. An honorable personal invitation from the Dominican Triathlon Federation to race as an Elite representing Dominican Republic at the Olympic Circuit (ITU) since 2013 and for 7+ consecutive years. Since I was already competing as an Elite-Pro at ITU. I was by default Elite Status or at Professional Category in IRONMAN races.

The Steelhead Ironman 70.3, held in Benton Harbor, Michigan, is known for its beautiful yet demanding course along Lake Michigan and the surrounding countryside. It’s a race that tests adaptability as much as fitness.