Dr. Jose Fierro is Driven to Tri

Dr. Fierro on bikeHow long have you been racing?

I have been doing triathlons for about 10 years.  However, I have been a runner for longer.

 

What inspired you to do a triathlon?

I was first inspired by the TV coverage of the Kona IronMan.  I was motivated by the efforts the athletes were making, and the challenges they went through. Seeing these men and women racing in one of toughest races on the calendar is still truly inspirational.

 

How many races have you done so far? Any upcoming race?

I cannot recall how many races I have done. I have a few medals hanging in my office.  I am doing the Beach Blast Half Marathon with our student veterans on October 15, and will complete two triathlons before the end of the year. 

 

How do you find time to train? How often do you train per week?

Time is hard to come by nowadays; however, I do my main training early in the morning before work around 5 a.m. When I have the time, I do a second short workout in the evening. 

 

What’s your most favorite and least favorite event in the 3 triathlon events, and why?

Running and biking are my strongest sports.  I used to be a good runner, but now I’m not as fast as I was before. I like running because it is simple and gives me time to think. Swimming is my weakest discipline and requires a lot of concentration on my part.

 

Have you done the Iron Man? If so, how was your experience? If not, do you want to try?

I have done a number of Half Ironman distance events, which is 70.3 miles; in fact, I enjoy this distance a lot.  In the future, I would like to complete a full Ironman (140.6 miles).  Perhaps in the next couple of years I will carve out the necessary time to get myself ready. 

 

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

Now that I think about it, yes, I do.  I always have a couple of cups of coffee before the race, place all my transition items in the same way, and then wait until the very last minute to get ready for the swim. 

 

Is there any other sport that you want to try, and why?

I would like to play soccer again.  I used to play soccer a lot but have not played in many years.

 

Have you had any situation or accident in the middle of a race (e.g. flat tire, missing bike, etc.)?

I have been able to finish every event I have participated in, but not all events have been without a challenge. The important aspect of facing setbacks during a race is learning to overcome them.   I have learned to make basic repairs to my bike on the road and to keep calm when I feel my body is too exhausted to finish the race.  For me it is not about winning, it is about challenging myself.   

 

How is your typical post-race day? Can you go back to normal daily activities like work, or do you need some recovery time?

It depends on the race.  A 70.3-mile races take a toll on the body.  For the most part after a race like that, I take about a week off from my workout.  I do some light biking and swimming just to loosen up.  The recovery from a short race is not nearly as involved.  Generally speaking, I am able to go back to normal the next day or two after. 

 

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