Meet our January Athlete Spotlight, Lexa Rijos! Lexa has been loving the multi-sport lifestyle for over a decade. She's a go-getter and not afraid to try new things, such as her recent venture into cyclocross. Lexa started with Paragon Training on the track over a year ago and stayed consistent with her training—even as a Nurse Practitioner during the toughest year to work in the healthcare industry.
Age: 45
Occupation:
I’m a Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner and love my job! I get to help people heal during their acute illness or after surgery. It’s an honor to be able to serve my community while earning a paycheck.
How long have you been swimming, cycling, running, and/or doing triathlons?
10 years and totally hooked for life.
What aspects of triathlon do you enjoy most?
I am a people person and therefore enjoy training & racing with my awesome teammates the most! I look forward to group workouts because we support and push each other. I also really enjoy getting to work on 3 different skill sets all the time. I get excited logging into Training Peaks to see the fun workouts coach has loaded. My day is always better after I exercise.
Growing up, I did not excel at sports. I was definitely the worst player on my high school soccer team but the coach kept me on because I was the team’s loudest and most energetic cheerleader. I was really the team mascot but in a soccer uniform. It feels really good to be an athlete now.
What has been your favorite training or racing event, and why?
I’m a big fan of the Half Ironman distance. My favorite is Texas 70.3 in Galveston because of the ocean swim, the flat out-and-back bike and the 2-loop run. The race course is set up so you can easily keep track of your competition and cheer on your teammates.
What is your favorite post-workout or race meal?
Pizza and chocolate. But not chocolate pizza. That’s just weird.
What is one recent accomplishment you are proud of?
I’m really proud of how my family has adapted to life during a pandemic. My husband has always worked from home as a Luthier building and repairing guitars but now has a second job as our son’s 1st grade teacher. He’s also very handy and has helped me convert a small room in our home into a gym. Our kid is thriving and thinks he has the best parents ever because we now spend so much more time together. They both support me and encourage me to continue training because they know what an integral part it is for both my physical and mental well-being.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Part of the cast of comedians on Saturday Night Live but will settle for just attending a live taping in NY someday.
What is something no one knows about you?
I was briefly in theater and even sang a solo as Peppermint Patty in a high-school play called “World According to Snoopy.” Unfortunately my stage career did not take off, mostly because I can’t dance. You gotta be a triple-threat to make it to Broadway, so I’m happy to settle for triathlon instead.
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