Since Ironman arrived in Cozumel in 2009, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. It's been a few years, and the impact on our island community has been undeniably positive.
Today, you can spot local athletes diligently training year-round, a stark contrast to the past when our beautiful sports complexes were eerily quiet. Even when there are no major sports events scheduled, dedicated athletes still flock to our island for training.
What's driving this enthusiasm? It's the sheer beauty of Cozumel. The opportunity to pedal alongside stunning sunsets and the mesmerizing turquoise waters on the other side of the island is a draw for many. Triathletes, in particular, can't resist the allure of swimming in our crystal-clear ocean waters.
My husband was among those inspired by this new athletic energy. Having already completed four Ironman events and a couple of half Ironmans, he encouraged me to take up swimming. Ten years ago, I couldn't even swim a mere 25 meters across a pool. But today, open water swimming has become my passion, and I've even secured a few podium finishes.
Our 13-year-old son, Lucas, is no stranger to the world of triathlons either. He has been participating in a couple of Iron Kid events – a testament to the way these athletic pursuits have taken root in our family.
Cozumel now hosts a series of high-profile triathlon events, including Oceanman and the meticulously organized Grand Fondo Cozumel this coming weekend. The island also welcomes international competitions like the Cozumel ITU Triathlon World Cup, Ironman 70.3, and Ironman 140.6. In fact, my husband is gearing up to participate in his fifth full Ironman in the upcoming event in November 2023.
He is dedicating each kilometer he participates in to support a noble cause: helping 5-year-old Archangel in his journey to recovery from encephalitis. If you'd like to learn more and potentially become a sponsor, please don't hesitate to reach out for additional information.
Secure your vacation rental for you and your family
What's interesting is that my involvement in the triathlete community has evolved in an unexpected way. I've become something of a vacation rental mother for triathletes. Over the years, athletes from all over Mexico and the world have reached out to me to find the best properties for their visits – properties that would help them create lasting memories with their families.
I've become an expert in assessing the practicality of rental accommodations for triathletes.
- Is your rental convenient for your family to watch you Swim/Bike/Run?
- What are the logistics on event day?
- Where can you grab a quick meal or get a last-minute bike fix?
- What about the currents in specific areas for swimming?
If you're in need of accommodations for your event, rest assured, I've got you covered. I have a wealth of options that cater to the needs of triathletes and their families. And If you happen to spot me in the swim, I always carry spare goggles – just in case.
For those considering living and training in Cozumel, you might want to take a look at Casa Hacienda. It's conveniently located near two prominent sports facilities and just a three-minute bike ride (or less, depending on the traffic lights) from the municipal pool.