NYNY Staff Spotlight: Bryan Garcia Completes the 2013 NYC Triathlon
Today we are speaking with NYNY Fellow Support Coordinator Bryan Garcia about his triumphant completion of the 2013 NYC Triathlon. The challenging Olympic distance race consisted of a 1500m swim in the Hudson River, a 40k bike ride along Manhattan’s West Side highway and a 10k run in Central Park.
NYNY: Congrats, Bryan! How does it feel to have completed the NYC triathlon?
Bryan: Thank you! It feels otherworldly!
NYNY: How did you prepare for the triathlon?
Bryan: I began training about 7 months ago, in January 2013. My friend who is a cross-country runner, marathoner, and triathlete provided a structured training plan that I followed as strictly as I could. I reorganized my schedule and managed my time in a way that provided space for me to swim, bike, and run several days a week.
NYNY: What motivated you to compete in the triathlon?
Bryan: Completing a triathlon was always a personal goal of mine. I got involved with this wonderful charity that implements social change and educational projects in East Africa and decided to participate on their behalf!
NYNY: Who supported you throughout the process?
Bryan: My friends and family (especially my NYNY family) provided amazing support throughout.
NYNY: Describe the experience for our readers.
Bryan: This was the most challenging and rewarding day of my life. There were several times when I wanted to give up but knew that giving up was not in my nature. I had made a commitment and gave all that I had to follow through on my commitment. The kindness of strangers coupled with the beautiful amount of support that I received from friends and family was humbling, inspirational, and heartwarming.
NYNY: What was the hardest part?
Bryan: The swim! Hudson River water doesn’t taste great…
NYNY: Is there anything that you would have done differently?
Bryan: I would have done an open water swim and participated in a shorter distance triathlon first. My body was in shock for a brief moment in time!
NYNY: Do you have any advice for NYNY Fellows, Mentor Coaches and Staff that would like to compete in the triathlon next year?
Bryan: Do an open water swim before race day, don’t inspect the Hudson River water too much (as I did) the morning of the race, have fun, enjoy the views while biking/running, and just keep swimming, just keep swimming.
NYNY: Who should sign up for the triathlon?
Bryan: Anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone, push themselves to their perceived limits, and challenge their mental strengths. Also, the energy and environment on race day is tremendous.You get to bike on the West Side Highway!
NYNY: Can you draw a comparison between preparing for the triathlon and preparing for an interview?
Bryan: Similar to interviewing, succeeding in a triathlon relies heavily on the preparation. Because of all the training and prep, I felt confident going in and embraced the challenge as an opportunity. From this viewpoint, you realize that a triathlon or an interview is an opportunity to grow, learn about yourself, and accomplish your goals!
NYNY: What is your next challenge?
Bryan: Eating a colossal Crumbs cupcake. All of this exercise has gotten me hungry!