Non-Swimmer to Ironman 70.3 Finisher

Andrew's Journey of Growth, Grit & Confidence

At RTA Triathlon, we believe every athlete starts somewhere. For some, it begins with curiosity; for others, with courage. For Andrew, it began with a simple idea — do a bit more cardio.

​​The Beginning: A Casual Idea That Sparked a Big Goal

In early 2024, Andrew was simply looking to get healthier and add more cardio to his routine. During a conversation with a friend, he heard about “one of those crazy endurance races.” The mention stuck with him.

“I did some research and came across triathlon — and specifically Ironman,” he said. “It didn’t scare me, but it was completely different from anything I’d done before. The challenge of mastering three disciplines intrigued me. I wanted to see what I was capable of.”

There was only one small problem: Andrew couldn’t swim.

​That’s when he reached out to RTA Triathlon for help. Through one-on-one sessions, he began learning how to swim while also improving his cycling and running technique. It was his first step into a world he knew almost nothing about — and the start of a transformation that would take about 18 months.

Later that same year, after months of private instruction and steady progress, Andrew completed his first sprint triathlon.

What started as “more cardio” was quickly becoming a new lifestyle.

The Next Step: Setting a Bigger Goal

One year after his first swim lesson, Andrew decided it was time to go all in. In early 2025, he hired RTA Triathlon to coach him through his next big challenge — his first Ironman 70.3 at Jones Beach, New York.

His goals were clear:
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1️⃣ Finish Ironman 70.3 Jones Beach
2️⃣ Complete the Jersey City Marathon
3️⃣ Race the Franklin Lakes / Wyckoff Triathlon

The biggest milestone, though, was obvious: cross the finish line at Jones Beach.

“What motivates me,” Andrew shared, “is wanting to go to bed better in some way than when I woke up. For most of my life, I cruised and took the easy, comfortable way. But life challenged me, and I came out stronger. Now I know I can — and should — aim to be great.”

With RTA’s customized weekly training plan, Andrew learned how to balance training around work, recovery, and life. His workouts were structured one week at a time, keeping him accountable but adaptable.

The Challenges: Injury, Fear, and Doubt

The road to Ironman 70.3 wasn’t easy. Andrew trained through a stubborn right-ankle injury that lasted the entire build-up. Instead of backing off completely, he and his coaches adjusted the plan to manage load and prevent setbacks.

“I trained my whole block with an injured ankle,” he said. “It reinforced that I can accomplish what I set my mind to, even with obstacles.”

Then, just before race day, another test arrived. During a pre-race swim, everything went wrong — pacing, breathing, nutrition.

“My heart rate was through the roof. I veered off course, got dizzy, and felt disoriented,” he said. “That planted a lot of fear and doubt. Heading into race morning, I wasn’t sure I could even finish the swim.”

Race Day: Turning Fear into Focus

On race morning, Andrew kept things simple: solid nutrition, hydration, and a calm mindset.

“I accepted the possibility that I might not finish,” he said, “but I promised myself I’d give it everything I had.”

When the gun went off, something clicked. The swim — the leg that had terrified him — went smoothly. He stayed calm, controlled, and confident.

“That was a massive win after the fear the day before.”

The bike leg was steady, with consistent pacing and nutrition. The run tested his endurance but also revealed his growth. His final mile was his fastest — a symbol of how far he had come.

Crossing the finish line at IRONMAN 70.3 New York was a moment he’ll never forget.

“It was amazing,” he said. “I hadn’t felt that kind of accomplishment in a long time — maybe ever.”

Reflection: Lessons Learned

Andrew’s race wasn’t flawless, but every challenge taught him something valuable.

He learned that fueling properly matters. That transitions count. That fear loses power when you face it head-on.

“The hardest part was the mental strain before the race,” he said. “But once it started, everything fell into place. The sense of pride and relief crossing that line was incredible.”

Why Coaching Matters

Andrew credits RTA Triathlon’s coaching for giving him the structure, accountability, and expertise to reach this milestone.

“There were things I simply didn’t know,” he said. “RTA had the experience to guide me. They helped me train smart and show up prepared.”

In his Google review, he wrote:

Elizabeth and Chris’s knowledge, support, and structure made all the difference. With their help, I crossed the finish line and achieved my goal. I’ll be starting back up with them next week to get ready for next season.” - Andrew

​For Andrew, the journey with RTA isn’t over — it’s evolving. He’s continuing into the 2026 season, stronger and more motivated than ever.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Possible

Andrew’s story is about transformation, mindset, and perseverance.
In less than two years, he went from a non-swimmer to a 70.3 finisher.

He proved that progress isn’t about talent or time — it’s about showing up, staying patient, and believing in what you can become.

At RTA Triathlon, we’re proud to have been part of his journey — guiding him from that first swim lesson to the finish line at Jones Beach.

Because the real win isn’t just crossing the line.
It’s discovering who you become on the way there.