Get To Know Angela

My journey into endurance sports began with track and field, but it was discovering triathlon in my early twenties that truly ignited my passion. The combination of swimming, cycling, and running appealed to my natural athleticism and love for challenges. As I progressed in the sport, I found myself drawn to the mental and physical demands of long-distance racing. Each discipline offered its own unique test, and the process of mastering all three became a driving force in my life.

Throughout my career, I've pushed myself to Go Beyond in numerous ways. Some of my proudest achievements include winning over 30 70.3 podium finishes and multiple Ironman championships. However, one of my most significant Go Beyond moments came in 2018 when I placed eighth at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii - less than a year after being diagnosed with Lyme disease. This achievement required me to push past physical and mental barriers I never thought possible.

More recently, I've expanded my horizons into gravel cycling, taking on new challenges like the 6-day Transpyrenees Backroads Cycling Route in the Pyrenees Mountains. These multi-discipline endurance events have allowed me to continue pushing my limits and redefine what's possible in my athletic career.

As a triathlete, a significant portion of my training takes place in the water. I chose to work with H2O Audio because their products allow me to bring music - a crucial element of my training routine - into an environment where it was previously impossible. Their commitment to creating high-quality, waterproof audio devices aligns perfectly with my needs as an athlete always looking to optimize my training.

H2O Audio has revolutionized my swim training. Being able to listen to music or podcasts during long swim sessions has made them more enjoyable and helped me maintain focus and rhythm. This has allowed me to increase the quality and duration of my swim workouts, which has translated to improved performance in races. The ability to stay connected to audio content during all three disciplines of triathlon has brought a new level of consistency to my training approach.

My workout playlists are pretty eclectic - I like to mix it up to keep things interesting during long training sessions. You'll find a blend of hip-hop artists like Eminem, classic rock singers like Billy Joel, and alternative rock bands like Counting Crows. I also enjoy throwing in some pop-rock from groups like Maroon 5 and Blink-182, and occasionally some classic pop hits.

For my longer bike rides or runs, I prefer a varied playlist that includes all these genres. The diversity in styles and tempos helps me modulate my energy throughout the workout. Hip-hop tracks give me that extra push during intense intervals, while the storytelling in rock and alternative songs provides a mental escape during the tougher parts of a session.

The key for me is having a mix that can match the ebb and flow of a long endurance workout. Sometimes I need that driving beat to push through a hill climb, and other times I want something more melodic to help me find my rhythm during a steady-state effort. This variety in my playlist helps keep my mind engaged and my body moving, no matter how long the workout.

One particularly memorable training session occurred a few months ago after my hip surgery I had earlier in the year. I was struggling with a long swim workout, feeling discouraged and battling fatigue. Thanks to my H2O Audio headphones, I was able to listen to an inspiring podcast about athletes overcoming adversity. This not only distracted me from the discomfort but also reinvigorated my determination. I ended up completing the entire workout and left the pool feeling mentally stronger and feeling great! 

The ability to listen to music or motivational content during tough sessions is invaluable. When I'm pushing through a particularly challenging set in the pool or battling rough open water conditions, having my favorite tunes or a powerful audiobook in my ears helps me stay focused and positive. The music can help me maintain a steady rhythm, while podcasts or audiobooks provide a mental escape during the most grueling parts of a workout.

To aspiring athletes, I would say: embrace the journey and don't be afraid to face challenges head-on. My career has taught me that setbacks - whether they're injuries, illnesses, or disappointing performances - are opportunities for growth. Cultivate resilience and always be willing to adapt your approach. Also, never underestimate the power of community. Whether it's through initiatives like IRACELIKEAGIRL or GirlsGetGritty, or simply training with like-minded individuals, surrounding yourself with supportive people can make a world of difference. Lastly, remember that being an athlete is about more than just physical performance - it's about becoming the best version of yourself, both on and off the race course.