Meet this month's Athlete Spotlight -- Catherine de Torcy! Catherine is coached by coach Roberta. 2024 was Catherine's first full year of training, from her first full Triathlon at the beginning of the year to qualifying for the World Championships at Kona. Catherine also won the annual Paragon Training "Rookie of the Year" award. Check out the Q & A with Catherine:
Age: 25
Occupation: Tech Sales
How long have you been swimming, cycling, running, and/or doing triathlons?
I began my endurance sports journey in 2019 with my first marathon. After completing another marathon in 2023, I took a break from running and shifted my focus to HIIT workouts. Along the way, I managed to complete my first rookie sprint triathlon in 2021. This year, I decided to fully embrace endurance sports and dive deeper into triathlon training. In January, I committed to Ironman Cozumel and began training in February.
What aspects of training and/or racing do you enjoy most?
I enjoy the sense of purpose that comes with working toward a challenge. It keeps me motivated, disciplined, and adds structure to my daily life. Every completed workout feels like a small victory, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see my progress and improvement over time. The journey itself, not just the end goal, is what makes training and racing so fulfilling for me.
What has been your favorite training or racing event, and why?
My favorite racing event was the Kerrville 70.3. In the month leading up to the race, I faced several challenges—I got sick, crashed my bike and had a concussion, and traveled for work. Despite feeling nervous at the start, the race turned out to be an incredible experience. The swim was refreshing, the bike route was beautiful, and although the run was hot, I felt strong throughout. Finishing the race gave me a deep sense of accomplishment and boosted my confidence, reassuring me that I was ready for my Ironman just eight weeks later.
What is your favorite post-workout or race meal?
Buffalo chicken wings and a cold beer!
What is one recent accomplishment you are proud of?
My most recent accomplishment that I’m most proud of is completing Ironman Cozumel. It’s something I never imagined I could achieve, but after nearly a year of dedication and countless hours of training, I made it happen. Crossing that finish line was the culmination of hard work, perseverance, and pushing my limits—it was an incredibly rewarding moment.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Retired.
What is something no one knows about you?
Something most people don’t know about me is that I was born in Paris and moved to the U.S. when I was 9 years old without knowing any English.
Why do you race/train?
I race to challenge myself and push beyond limits I once thought were impossible. Each accomplishment reinforces that if I can achieve these goals, I can tackle anything I set my mind to in life. Training and racing also keep me physically and mentally healthy. With a 9-to-5 job that keeps me in front of a computer all day, triathlon training gives me the chance to move, be outdoors, and disconnect from technology. It provides structure, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment. I also race to inspire my family and friends, showing them that with determination, anything is possible.
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