Sports
Mari Andrade: Longevity, Strategy, and Passion at Ironman Brazil
Ironman Brazil Runner-Up in Floripa Reveals Training Secrets and Passion for Competing at Home.
Mari Andrade, two-time runner-up at Ironman Brazil in 2023 and 2024, shares the secrets behind her preparation and longevity in the sport. In an exclusive interview, she discusses the race dynamics, the importance of self-awareness, and the joy of competing in her hometown. The triathlete also offers valuable tips and outlines her goals for the upcoming competition.
The exclusive coverage of the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman Brazil welcomes triathlete Mari Andrade, the event's runner-up in both 2023 and 2024. In a relaxed chat with hosts Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura, Mari shares behind-the-scenes insights from her 14th participation in Florianópolis and 19th career event, revealing the passion and self-awareness that have kept her in the sport for so long.
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The Longevity of a Triathlon Veteran
For Mari Andrade, known as the "Manezinha da ilha" (a native of Florianópolis), longevity in triathlon is built on intelligent balance. Unlike many high-performance athletes who train 30 to 40 hours per week, Mari maintains an average of 20 to 23 hours of training, balancing it with her work. This approach allows for a higher quality of life, preventing burnout and keeping her motivated over the years. "I love it because I'm not one of those who trains 30, 40 hours... I think that ends up giving me a quality of life to train well, to work, to do other things," she explains.
Challenges and Emotions of Ironman Floripa
Competing at home in Florianópolis adds an extra layer of emotion for Mari. She highlights the local crowd and the support from family and students as a key differentiator. The Ironman Brazil race, which was once a South American Championship with a strong presence of international athletes ("gringas"), now features a different dynamic. Mari is enthusiastic about the current start list, which brings new names and makes the competition even more unpredictable and exciting, especially in the swim.
Regarding the weather, a crucial factor in Floripa, Mari adopts a pragmatic stance: "There's no point in thinking about probabilities. Let's take it easy, easy, easy. Relax, everyone. Suffer only in the moment, not beforehand." She prefers to check weather conditions only on the eve and, more importantly, on the morning of the race, preparing for all situations.
Overcoming Challenges and New Goals for 2024
Mari's journey to the current edition of Ironman Brazil is marked by overcoming adversity. Last year, she competed just two months after undergoing two lumbar surgeries. Despite the difficulties and lack of training, Mari achieved an impressive seventh place. "I got here purely on grit; I didn't even have much of a race strategy," she recalls. For this year, her confidence is different. With a consistent, pain-free training cycle, under the guidance of coach Eduardo Braz, she feels stronger, especially in running and cycling. Her big dream in triathlon, besides staying healthy to continue in the sport, is to secure a spot for the Kona World Championship.
Champion's Tips and Curiosities
When asked for advice for those starting in triathlon, Mari is emphatic: "Don't skip steps. Live the sport, enjoy the process. And surround yourselves with good professionals." Regarding race nutrition, her strategy for the Full Ironman includes approximately 100g of carbohydrates per hour on the bike and 70g during the run. And to cross the finish line, her chosen song is the samba "Clareou," a personal anthem of her achievements.
Mari Andrade's journey at Ironman Brazil is a testament to passion, resilience, and the constant pursuit of self-awareness. Her balanced approach and the joy of competing at home inspire not only fellow triathletes but anyone striving for their best results, both within and outside of sport.
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