Sports
Lu Cachem's Ironman Debut and Passion for the Distance
From the nerves of her debut in Floripa to the finish line, the triathlete reflects on the journey that became a lifestyle.
Lu Cachem reflects on the behind-the-scenes journey of her first full Ironman in Florianópolis. Facing initial fear in the waters of Jurerê and navigating race-day nutrition challenges, she shares how triathlon transformed her routine.
The decision to take on a full Ironman often begins well before lacing up your running shoes: it sparks simply from witnessing the energy of the race. For Lu Cachem, that spark was ignited when she traveled to Florianópolis to support her husband in the competition. Immersed in the contagious atmosphere of Jurerê Internacional, the desire to join that community took hold, fueled by the solid foundation she had already built by running marathons.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
Swim Nerves and a 120 km Long Ride in Training
Despite her previous background in road running, preparing for her first full-distance race in 2014 came with unique challenges. Lu reveals that she lined up without ever hitting the full bike distance in training—her longest ride had been 120 km, well short of the 180 km required on the course.
Tension mounted on race eve when she caught sight of the swim buoys anchored far out in the waters of Jurerê. The fear and tears gave way to determination the next morning as she faced the mass start alongside a women's field that, at the time, numbered just over a hundred competitors.
Course Challenges and Marathon Pitfalls
After conquering the ocean swim and settling into a steady bike rhythm buoyed by the crowd and her family, the true test arrived on the run. Overconfident in her strongest discipline, Lu made fueling and hydration mistakes along the course, leading to severe stomach distress and a marathon split of over five hours.
Despite the exhaustion and having to walk several sections, the feeling of crossing the finish line eclipsed all the pain. The achievement not only validated the hard work of balancing training with raising two young children, but also paved the way for an enduring journey in the sport.
Longevity and Sport as a Way of Life
On her trip home from that debut, fate introduced Lu to coach Marcelo Ortiz, kicking off a coaching partnership that has spanned more than a decade. From then on came multiple full-distance finishes over the years, podium trophies, and a World Championship qualification.
For Lu, the secret to endurance longevity lies in enjoying the daily process without getting consumed by performance pressure. Embracing triathlon as a welcoming lifestyle has allowed her to balance multiple passions and keep her love for long-distance racing constantly renewed.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
