A Note from Miguel: Trust the process
My first sprint (short) triathlon was on July 19, 2025, so obviously, I signed up for a full-distance Ironman since it was being held exactly one year later, to the day.
It was my way of measuring personal self-growth over the course of a year.
The truth is, a lot can change in a year.
I signed up on a whim, afraid of the challenge (which actually drew me to it), without fully comprehending what was involved. I hadn't accounted for the endless supplies/maintenance (nutrition, electrolytes, equipment, routine bike shop visits, etc.). The constant mental and physical fatigue. The complete overhaul to my practice from cash-pay direct care to an insurance-based fee-for-service model, and its administrative burden. Schedule conflicts didn't cooperate with long training days. The list goes on...
What I've really come to understand is that progress doesn't always look like progress while you're in it. You only see the full picture when you look back at where you started.
A year ago, I was a new swimmer who was terrified to swim in the lap pool with other people who knew what they were doing. I was solely riding an indoor stationary bike, afraid to get on the road, and I've stepped outside my comfort zone more times than I imagined I would.
That's why I like to say: trust the process.
There's no room for self-doubt.
I intend to enjoy the day, be present and grateful for each step I'm able to take, and give it my best shot - even when I have nothing left in the tank.
This year hasn't been easy. There were stretches where I wasn't sure I had it in me to keep going. Back in March, I expressed self-doubt as training started to ramp up, and my coach said, "Miguel, you've come too far," so I kept trying as best I could, and now I'm heading to the start line. It really means a lot to me.
I believe everyone who crosses that finish line has a story that brought them there.
There will be a day that I won't be able to get to the start line, and I'm taking full advantage.
Be well,
Miguel
