Meet this month's Athlete Spotlight -- Marcy Garza! Marcy is coached by Coach Roberta and most recently finished IRONMAN Texas last month! Marcy has been on an incredible journey to make her health a priority. After not exercising for 35 years, she started with just a one mile walk. "It's never too late!" she says. Check out the Q & A with Marcy!
Age: 62
Occupation: Registered Nurse - Ambulatory Surgery
How long have you been swimming, cycling, running, and/or doing triathlons?
I did not have ANY experience in sports prior to 2016. It all started with a journey to change my health. I wanted to make my health a priority. I decided it was time to make a change. A switch just flipped in my head and it all began. My first workout was just a one mile walk. I hadn’t exercised in over 35 years! I had no idea where this adventure would lead me. I never thought I would be an Ironman or an endurance athlete. I didn’t even know what an Ironman was or that any endurance sports even existed! I always tell people, “ It’s never too late”!
What aspects of training and/or racing do you enjoy most?
This is a question I get asked a lot. I love all 3 disciplines of triathlon. There is so much flexibility in training and it always keeps things interesting. If an injury occurs, there is always another discipline available. If I had to choose I would say that I love cycling the most. There’s a freedom you get on the bike and all your troubles go away. You can’t be sad on a bike!
What has been your favorite training or racing event, and why?
My favorite racing event would be the one that challenged me to the core. I wanted to do a race near my hometown in Western Pennsylvania. I completed the Laurel Highland Ultra Marathon 50k (31 miles) in OhioPyle, PA, with over 6175ft of elevation. They call the first 8 miles “gate to eight” because it is 8 miles of continuous elevation. I went back to my roots to climb the mountains I grew up on. I went home to celebrate all that I have accomplished and how I have changed my life. This was a little bit extreme, but I do like a good challenge. It was definitely even more challenging than an Ironman!
What is your favorite post-workout or race meal?
Let’s be honest, triathlon training can make you really hungry. There is nothing better than a chicken Gordita. I also love a spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A. I’d like to say I keep it healthy all of the time, but I do like to have a few guilty pleasures when I’ve earned them.
What is one recent accomplishment you are proud of?
I would have to generalize and say the accomplishment I am most proud of is maintaining my weight and fitness. It definitely isn’t easy and it has to be intentional. I’ve trained my mind to be strong. I am a Grandma to my two favorite little boys, Samuel and August. It’s important to me to take care of myself so that I can see them grow up .
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I’m not done yet. I have so much to do. I have spent my entire adult life working in health care. Someday I would like to do something completely different. Now that I’m healthier than I’ve ever been, I would like to volunteer or work in a State Park. I’d like to wear a big hat and have a big belt buckle and just be outside in nature.
What is something no one knows about you?
I did not learn to swim until I was 55 years old. I could keep myself from dying but could not swim. I hadn’t ever had a swim lesson in my life. I challenged myself to learn something new. I had a lot of lessons and a lot of help to get me to where I am today. Now, my best Sherpa EVER (my husband) would say that the thing no one knows about me is how impulsive and spontaneous I can be. He knows first-hand the repercussions from my extreme spontaneity. Races, races, and more challenging races.
Why do you race/train?
Bottom line - It’s therapy for me. It’s very satisfying to be proud of myself and my choices. It’s a hobby but also a way of life that I could not have ever imagined. Sometimes I can’t even believe that this is my life! I want to set an example for others and inspire people to make positive changes in their health. If I can do it, you can too!
I worked with Marcy before she became this amazing beast of an athlete. So very proud of her and her accomplishments. Keep going. You are truly inspiring.
Awesome story! Thanks for sharing.