Christina Avila Achieves Rockstar Triathlete Success

Age: 42 Profession: Curriculum Support Specialist, MDCPS

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?  Initially, I chose FCC to help me on my triathlon journey because I needed more explicit coaching for running and strength training.

What is your "A" race for this season?  I am unsure what my “A” race will be for this coming season but I would like to complete a 70.3. I would like to do the Olympic distance Escape to Miami so I can swim from the island.

Please share your BIG goals:  To be able to complete a 70.3 without falling apart.  To continue getting stronger and building endurance.  To be faster in the swim, bike, and run.

Tell me about your successes so far:  I am very happy to say that I recently completed my very first international distance triathlon. It was very challenging for me but I was able to finish it despite the weather. I have also completed several sprint triathlons that have consecutively shown improvement in speed.

What were some of your biggest improvements in performance for the each of the following? Swim: Bike: Run: Nutrition/Health: Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved:  Each sprint triathlon I did this year showed improvement in the swim, bike, run, and transition. My swim improved by almost two minutes from the first trilogy to the fourth, and my run by six minutes. I recently PR’d my 5k running time, and completed my first international distance triathlon.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey: 1. Being consistent in training 2. Getting more individualized attention during track 3. Taking part in the Friday strength training class that has made me stronger and eliminated my knee pain.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?  I love being involved in triathlon! There is so much to be excited about! I am not the fastest, but I love being able to challenge myself and see improvement over time. There is nothing like getting to the finish line and knowing that you made it! It is also great to be part of a group of people that share the same passion and are nothing but supportive and encouraging to one another.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?  I would say to definitely try it out.  I love starting my day with a training session, especially the Wednesday swim class and the Friday strength training class.  The FC group is very welcoming, and it is very motivating to be among such incredible athletes.