Rockstar Triathlete: Raul Garcia
Coaches Notes:
Raul had a lot of fear about training and racing in a triathlon.
He almost died as a child in a near-drowning accident, and he tried cycling but did not feel safe cycling in Miami.
I was excited about the opportunity to help him overcome these fears with my Performance Program, which covers every aspect of triathlon training, including mental skills and building his belief in what was possible for himself.
We got to work first in the water- helping him feel safe, regulate his nervous system, and breathe while in the water to override his trauma. I also taught him EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, also called Tapping) to help him calm his fight-or-flight feelings and reprogram his belief in his ability to survive in the water and swim through it.
His tears of joy when he swam across the pool successfully were simply profound.
He is a true warrior for pushing through the fears most people would never face, and I’m so proud of him!
The bike confidence came from getting a bike and a proper bike fit from Coach Dennis, and from practicing bike-handling skills. After riding solo for a few months doing intervals, he was ready to join the group ride and have confidence in his ability to ride on the road in the group. No one is allowed on our group ride unless they are vetted for bike-handling skills.
The run he had so much experience in, but never put in the effort to get faster. So implementing run testing and training zones helped him understand how to train to become a faster runner.
After a few short-course races, he really wanted to go for the 70.3- So Ironman Gulf Coast 70.3 was it.
Even with a shortened swim and terrible weather on race day, he had had an amazing day. He kicked fear to the curb!
Raul, you are a true Rockstar Triathlete! Let’s go get that full Ironman in the books! Thanks for choosing Full Circle Coaching for your journey.
Meet Raul
PROFESSION
Dentist
Why did you choose FC to help you on your triathlon/health wellness journey?
I like to set big goals for myself. I have completed 25 half marathons, 8 full marathons, and 5 Spartan races.
A year ago, I did not know how to swim, or ride, or even own a bike, but I had a random thought while riding my wife’s townie to the Key Biscayne half-marathon last April 2025. Maybe I can do a Triathlon?
I asked my old friend Maria who she would recommend for triathlon training, and she recommended Erinne Guthrie. I looked up Erinne on Instagram and reached out.
What is your “A” race for this season?
It was the Gulf Coast 70.3 Half Ironman last weekend.
What are your next BIG GOALS?
Probably Haines City, 70.3 in December, and I think there is now a full Ironman in my future in 2027.
Then I think I’ll settle back into shorter local races, stay at the half-Ironman distance, and keep my running to half marathons. The Miami full is probably going to stay as my one marathon every year.
Tell me about your success so far! What were some of your biggest improvements in performance for each of the following: Swim, Bike, Run and Nutrition/Health.
Well, this week was a dream come true!
SWIM – I had ZERO swim ability when I first started training. I cried in the pool during the first lesson with Erinne at Shenandoah pool.
I was feeling sorry for my childhood non-athletic self on day one.
I really struggled with the swim at a pace of 4:00/ 100, and now I’m under 3:00/ 100 and on race day with the current I was flying!
BIKE – I also had ZERO Bike skills, having tried cycling in 2014. I felt like I was going to hurt myself or be hurt riding in Miami, so I sold the bike. I did not feel comfortable in the group rides, I was slow, did not like drafting, the bridge scared me. I did not like the early morning training and I did not understand exercise fueling.
I had you younger children at the time and would say it was a good decision back then.
But now I’m in a different place in my head and my business. My kids are older, I could afford to splurge on a coach, a new bike that fits me, and a triathlon is a much better fit. The triathlete dynamic and mind suits me better, and I like the variety of the workouts. The overall fitness of the sport is great.
I loved the gym for the last few years, but I always thought that many gym-goers couldn’t even run a mile. I do like the functional aspect of fitness, strength, plus swim, bike, run, and mindset and healthy nutrition, it’s just a more well-rounded health journey.
RUN – My run is also better; My run technique and the more natural running shoes have all helped. Knowing my training and racing zones and heart rate tracking are all beneficial. My times are a little faster. More than improving on the clock, I’m getting older and not slower than some times in my half from my mid-40s- 12 years ago!
That feels so great! When I finish a race, I feel good.
My recovery time is much shorter; my body is not as worn out as it was years ago, when I did not prepare as well and did not nourish my exercise as I do today.
Name 2 or 3 things that you feel will make the biggest difference in your triathlon journey.
#1 Erinne!
Erinne’s Performance Program, accountability, and Training Peaks workouts, learning to track training through the Garmin data analysis, and Tricalc3 are all good things that helped me improve my performance.
Coach Dennis Phipps provided great support with my comfort on the bike; the bike fitting and selection of a new bike were key in helping me enjoy riding.
The Full Circle Coaching team members’ support and inspiration have been an unexpected blessing.
We are all in it for different reasons, but the team is incredibly supportive of one another.
What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
The variety of the sports, it keeps the workouts interesting never bored. Race days with other team members is fun to share common events.
What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
Give it a try you will be surprised to find a support group to your goal. A coach that is vested in your commitment. Holding you accountable to help you achieve your goals.
READY FOR YOUR BREAKTHROUGH?
If you’re tired of guessing and want real structure, support, and results like Raul, let’s talk.
Book a free call with me to learn more about our coaching programs and see if we’re the right fit for your goals.
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Do you have what it takes?
