ANGELA VEGA
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR ANGELA
1. WHAT WAS IT THAT GOT YOU INTO COMPETING IN TRIATHLONS?
After finishing my first marathon in 2011, I wanted to try something different. I signed up for the Rookie Triathlon and ended up finishing first in my age group. In 2013 I gave it another try and placed first and ended up winning a triathlon training camp through Tri Zones, a local triathlon group. After that I was hooked and set my eyes on a Half Ironman (70.3). I have been competing and training ever since, working my way towards the top. My hope is to qualify for Worlds 70.3 2017 in Chattanooga with a sub-5 hour time. Check out my activity on Fitrankings, my races in Athlinks and my personal journey on GetSumRun.
2. WHAT’S THE PERFECT ARCADE GAME TRIATHLON?
I would start out with a race care game. Just like in swimming, it is really about get around the other people and requires strategy and patience. Then, after a quick transition with a Sake Bomb, I would move on to Street Fighter. ‘ll be the first to admit, I am a button masher. A really good one. Similar to being on the bike where I pedal hard and strong. Then I would move on to Skee Ball. Most of the time the goal in Skee Ball is to get as many points as possible, for me it is about not getting them in the 10 pocket. This reminds me of running since it’s about finding your groove and not bonking. After all of that, I would definitely need a pick shot.
3. EXPLAIN THE FEELINGS YOU GO THROUGH DURING A RACE.
Before every race I am nervous, but those nerves quickly convert to excitement when I hear the gun go off. The race is a celebration. It is my reward for all of the hard work and dedication. There are moments of pure joy when I am flying down hills and other moments of gut-twisting angst as the heat drains me. I know that no matter what, I will finish strong with a lopsided grin on my face. If you really want to know what you go through during a race, check out Completing a Triathlon: An Emoji Story.
4.WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP GOING AT THE HARDEST POINT OF YOUR RACES?
What keeps me going at the most difficult points is knowing that second place is right behind me and they will catch me if I don’t keep going. I remind myself constantly that I trained for this and I have to trust my body to execute. In the end, it is muscle memory and mental strength that gets me through the race. Lastly, the thoughts of beer and ice cream take me to the finish line.
5. POST-RACE CELEBRATION: SAKE BOMB OR PICKLE SHOT?
Pickle shot, definitely. Pickle juice is a great source of electrolytes to aid recovery and stop cramping. The vodka helps me forget how insane I was to do what I just did.
