Ironman ALASKA Rockstar Triathlete; Rosa King

Coach’s Notes:

I was thrilled to be chosen as a part of Rosa’s return to triathlon after so many years. Her will to push through to the very end is so inspirational.

Last year we spent a lot of time on short course triathlon to implement some faster training and strength building to then go long on a very hilly course in Alaska.

Ultimate Tri Camp was also a key part of the journey in learning how to ride the hills with more efficiency.

Race day turned an already challenging course into an even more difficult event with the cold and rain.

Never did I doubt Rosa would finish, as I said, her will to fight is so strong! Even though it was not a PR (Personal Record) for the distance. It’s important to look at each part of the race and where you improved.

Her swim was the biggest improvement along with her nutrition. So now you can take these new skills into your next races with confidence.

Congratulations Rosa, once again you are an Ironman!

Age:

50!!!!!

Profession:

Pharmacist, Motivational Speaker

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?

I’ve known Erinne since 2000, she trained me for my 2nd marathon (Disney Marathon 2001) and 1st Ironman (Great Floridian 2004). Then I moved to Georgia for 12 years. When I moved back to Miami, I knew who I wanted to train with again. Coach Erinne knows her stuff and I knew that she would get me ready for my next Ironman.

What is your “A” race for this season?

Ironman Alaska 2022

Please share your BIG goals:

To finish this very challenging Alaska Ironman Course: Swim 2.4 miles in cold water 56 degrees, Bike 112 miles (5,825 feet of total elevation), Run 26.2 miles (1306 feet of total elevation) all within 17 hours.

Tell me about your successes so far:

After 21 years of racing, I’ve won 1st, 2nd, & 3rd places in all the different triathlon distances (Sprint, Olympic, and 1/2 Ironman) last year 2021 in my age division.

Last week, August 7th, 2022, I was able to finish one of the hardest Ironman course under very harsh weather conditions. A girl from Miami who only trained in the heat 80-90 degrees was going to go to Alaska to swim in very cold water, bike & run in hilly elevations, rainy and cold weather. I was very nervous but I knew that I had trained the hardest that I could. I finished!!

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following? Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Health. Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved:

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:

1. Nutrition = in previous races, I would bonk towards the end. This Ironman, I had energy to finish the course and I could have kept going.

2. Swimming = I learned not to panic in the water, I stayed calm and found a rhythm, “Swim long and strong,” “Bubble, Bubble, breathe.”

3. Bike = I was able to change my gears faster and pedal more efficiently

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?

Finishing the races. Whenever the weather is not favorable, I’m always confident that my Full Circle Training will get me to the finish line. I always finish!!

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?

Do not hesitate. If someone like me with minimal swimming or cycling background can finish a very tough Ironman in Alaska, then anyone who really puts in the work can do it.

Do not let your genetics, previous failures, body type, or financial status hold you back. There’s no price in investing in your health. You do not have to spend a lot of money. Make a commitment and go for it. There are local races right here in Miami to start your journey. You can learn to swim like I did as an adult, buy an economical bike, and a good pair of running shoes.

Our Full Circle Tribe will guide you to what nutrition you’ll need and even let you borrow their stuff (goggles, trikits, swim paddles, etc..) before you buy your own. I chose to do another Ironman after 8 years because I wanted to challenge myself as I was turning 50, and I choose Alaska because I knew it would be hard. I did it!! I had never swam in cold water ever. So I had to buy a full length wet suit, neoprene cap, and booties. I had only practiced swimming in my full sleeve wetsuit twice: once in San Francisco on a family trip 2021, and in Rainbow Springs, FL (72 degrees) a month before leaving to Juneau, AK. I bought a new triathlon bike (BMC Time machine) and travelled to Clermont, FL several times to practice on the steep hills. You do not need to buy a new and expensive bike, I still use my 18 year old Kestrel road bike when my BMC bike is in transport. I did my long runs at night as per Coach Erinne at Key Biscayne by myself in the dark which came in handy when I was running in the dark rain forest in Alaska.

Also, I attended the Full Circle 2022 Ultimate Triathlon Camp during Spring Break. I gained more triathlon knowledge, skills, and made lots of new friends whom have been cheering me on all year long. I love my Full Circle Tribe because everyone is there to help you get better. They all genuinely want to see you reach your goals. My Full Circle Tribe has become like a second family, we swim, bike, and run together.

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Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.