AngelaNaeth

PB: How did you first get into the sport you are competing in? 

I was a track athlete in college and have always loved sports. I started cycling following an  injury and simply fell in love with riding. I signed up for a local triathlon two years later for fun and never looked back! 

During Covid, I started riding a gravel bike and felt like a kid again. I had the opportunity to race Unbound in 2021 and enjoyed it so much that I now do both triathlon and gravel racing. 

PB: When did you know you would be able to compete at a professional level?
Was there a specific race or moment that stood out to you as a watershed event? 

After completing my first triathlon, I entered a 100 mile bike race. The coach that was putting on the camp saw talent in me based on how I rode and was able to stay with the front group. He worked with me all week and said I had the ability to go pro in the sport. We continued to work together for a couple months leading into my first half-Ironman where I qualified for my pro card.

PB: What was that transition from amateur to professional like? 

FAST! I only really did three races prior to jumping into the professional ranks. It was a FAST learning curve. I had no ability to really support myself financially and lived race to race. 

PB: Professional athletes are known for their intensive training regimens. What does a typical week of training look like for you while in season?

A typical week is quite similar to a long-distance Ironman age group athlete, with the caveat that I may do a few more sessions with more rest in between. Now that I am doing gravel, I mix up my rides to include mountain biking and skills. 

• Monday: Swim recovery and focus on rest; easy jog or spin
• Tuesday: Swim steady, intensity ride and/or run off bike
• Wednesday: Longer run or bike focus
• Thursday: Steady/higher end effort of run or bike, with an easy swim or bike/run
• Friday: Swim recovery and focus on rest; easy jog or spin
• Saturday: Long bike day
• Sunday: Long run day

PB: Many recreational athletes see being a professional as a dream job. But even the best jobs in the world have their drawbacks. From your experiences, what do you see as the hardest part of being a professional athlete? 

I don’t feel there is a hard part of any job unless you believe there is. When I started the sport, I had no means to do what I was doing so I relied on the community and friends for support. That was difficult for me. Now what is most difficult is continuing to balance friends, coaching and performance, and aligning my daily routine with partnerships. Like any job, everything takes work but that is where the enjoyment comes from. 

PB: Having good nutrition practices is a critical part of performing at your best as an
athlete. How do you approach fueling yourself both during and outside of training?

EAT EAT EAT. I focus on fueling my training each day with quality products that provide enough carbohydrates. Outside of training, my goal is to eat six to eight servings of vegetables, 100g of protein and fruit. Prior to big days, I have a lot of added carbohydrates in the form of rice, pasta and bread. I have chocolate everyday. 

PB: Balance is an important term when considering all aspects of a professional athlete.
How do you approach maintaining balance across all aspects of your life? 

Each week I prioritize doing things and activities with friends, such as book club, lunch, coffee, easy rides and swims or just hanging out. I find when I bring others into my life, everything becomes that much more enjoyable. I am also the owner and founder of two amazing teams of women in gravel and triathlon. I love interacting and being a support network for all of these amazing women. (www.iracelikeagirl.com)

PB: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received that you feel is worth passing on?

FUEL EVERY SINGLE WORKOUT.