Fernanda Penkal Previews Ironman 70.3 Floripa and Mental Focus
With four full Ironman races in Jurerê under her belt, the triathlete welcomes the clear skies and highlights the importance of staying present in every leg.
Ahead of the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Florianópolis, Fernanda Penkal shared her course expectations and praised the sunny weather in Santa Catarina's capital. The triathlete looked back on her racing history in Jurerê and emphasized the importance of staying 100% focused on each discipline as it happens.
Ahead of the start of the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Florianópolis, triathlete Fernanda Penkal welcomed the change of scenery upon arriving in Santa Catarina. Accustomed to training through the persistent cold and rain of Curitiba, she highlighted her renewed energy upon finding clear blue skies and milder temperatures on the Magic Island.
A strong connection with the Jurerê course
The capital of Santa Catarina is familiar territory for Fernanda. The triathlete has already completed four full-distance Ironman races in Florianópolis, along with several other events on the Jurerê circuit. That extensive experience provides peace of mind when facing the course's unique demands, particularly on the bike leg, a section she knows well and views as one of the highlights of the race.
Her history in the city also features moments of resilience, including her professional debut where physical issues forced a DNF. Returning to the venue for a race with a strong female field and prize money extending through eighth place, Penkal enters the competition with enthusiasm and a sharp focus on technical execution.
Mental management: one leg at a time
When asked about her top piece of advice for athletes stepping up in triathlon distances or tackling an event of this scale, Fernanda stressed the need to manage anxiety and remain fully present in each discipline.
According to the triathlete, the most common mistake is anticipating future concerns while still executing an earlier leg—such as worrying about transition or the run while still swimming. Her practical recommendation is to take the race segment by segment, giving full attention to immediate details without wasting mental energy on what lies ahead.