There are triathletes, and there are yogis. But they don’t have to be different people, they can be one in the same. In my first Q&A with a YogAthlete, I am honored to talk with IronMan athlete, Yoga practitioner and teacher, and overall badass, the amazing Bine Trujillo (who also happens to be my best friend and inspiration).
I love you like a sister, and like most families, there’s always the one family member who is a little crazy. I think we could both agree that you’re crazed with passion for endurance races. How did you start the madness we know as IronMan?
I had run several marathons and was always thinking, “What next?”. I wanted a challenge (to see how far I could push my body and mind) and IronMan seemed almost impossible. I started with triathlete sprints, then olympics, then I did my first half ironman with a sweet friend who I convinced to do it with me. My boys crossed the finish line with me and I thought,
“Holy Crap, I did it!”
Two months later, I registered for Ironman Arizona.
Training in Colorado, I’m sure you’ve seen your share of weird weather, what are the most insane conditions you’ve experienced?
My friend, and fellow teammate, Julie and I were riding out east. Our first 50 miles took us slightly over 2 hours and we were amazed we were so fast. After we turned around, we realized the wind was at our backs and the next 50 miles took us 4 hours!
Crazy loves company (and sweat), who in the local triathlon community inspires you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by an awesome village of moms who not only train with me (for fun), but also watch my two boys. My greatest inspiration are not the Kona qualifiers, but the ones who keep the balance in their lives and recognize caring for others sometimes trumps training.
All joking aside, you’re a full time mom, devoted wife, and loving daughter, with so much chaos, training must be a bit of a therapy?
Indeed it is. I feel my best when I have a race on the calendar. It gives me something to work towards and allows me to let go of the situations in my life I can’t control.
You’re also a yogi! How does yoga help your triathlon training?
It has given me a tremendous amount of peace as well as understanding of my body. I am able to breathe deeper and let go of all those bad training days!
What yoga pose make you feel awesome from all the hard training you do?
Tree always makes me feel wonderful. It reminds me that life is about balance. IronMan training takes a lot of time and energy, but I have to remember that there is a world around me that needs me.
In the hardest part of a race, is there a bad word that you tend to say?
It’s usually a statement,
What is your funniest triathlon story?
I did a full distance Aquabike race in May and had horrible GI issues. After hanging out with the medics, I was crying and a sweet volunteer came up to be, rubbed my back and said, “Oh honey, sometimes we hit the wall…. and sometimes we shit the wall.”. Racing can be very humbling and it’s always a good idea to keep your sense of humor!!!
What advice would you give someone looking to jump on the crazy train of triathlons?
DO IT!!!! Although racing is competitive by nature, the women in my triathlon circle are empowering and compassionate. The feeling of crossing the finish line is like nothing I have ever experienced in other parts of my life, but the friendships are really what make the sport amazing.
