Heartbreak to Comeback | Kaitlin Carew’s Journey To The Ironman World Championships

Qualifying for the Ironman World Championships is a journey in perseverance. This sentence lives in the story of Kaitlin Carew.  Her goal to qualify for this event has driven Kaitlin for over a decade. First learning about the prestigious event as a high school freshman in 2011, she was instantly captivated by the challenge and has since devoted countless hours to pursuing her dream. Through three Ironman competitions and heartbreaking near-misses, Kaitlin continues to chase her goal with unwavering dedication while balancing a full-time career as a physical therapist.

Finding Her Way to Ironman

For many endurance athletes, there’s a pivotal moment when the seemingly impossible becomes a personal mission. For Kaitlin Carew, that moment came during her freshman year of high school in 2011 when she first discovered what an Ironman triathlon entailed.

“From the moment I had learned about this race and the world championships I was hooked—I wanted to qualify,” Kaitlin recalls, describing the beginning of a journey that would shape the next decade of her life.

The allure of conquering a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run in a single day captivated her imagination. What might seem like torture to many represented the ultimate test of human endurance and mental fortitude to Kaitlin.

It would take six years from that initial spark before Kaitlin would toe the line at her first Ironman in 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. This first attempt wasn’t about setting records or qualifying for championships—it was about discovery.

“That one was all about learning how to race and what it was like,” she explains.

The Heartbreak of Coming Close

After gaining valuable experience in her debut Ironman, Kaitlin returned to the same Madison course in 2021 with higher ambitions. This time, she wasn’t just participating—she was competing for a coveted spot at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

For most of the race, Kaitlin’s dream seemed within reach. She led her age group for the vast majority of the race, maintaining her position through the swim and bike portions and into much of the marathon run. But as many Ironman veterans know, the final miles often present the greatest challenges.

“I was leading the race for my age group for about 95% until my stomach started giving me problems during the marathon run,” Kaitlin shares. “The athlete in second place passed me in the homestretch of the marathon.”

When asked about those final moments, the pain in her voice is still evident.

“It was heartbreaking. I felt so sick during the run that all I could think about was getting to the finish line,” Kaitlin admits. “It really hit me when I went to the awards ceremony the next day and watched someone else take the spot.”

Such a near-miss would be enough to break many athletes’ spirits. Coming so close to a long-held dream only to see it slip away in the final moments tests the mental fortitude of even the strongest competitors.

“There were a lot of tears shed in the days that followed,” she confesses.

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Learning From Disappointment

Rather than allowing this disappointment to define her journey, Kaitlin channeled it into motivation for her next attempt.

“I don’t know if I have even fully processed it, but it has made me even more motivated to earn that spot,” she says. “I think the best way for me to process it is to learn from my mistakes during that race. This way, I can turn something negative into a positive.”

This approach—learning from setbacks rather than being defeated by them—characterizes many successful endurance athletes. The ability to analyze what went wrong, adjust training and strategy accordingly, and return stronger is often what separates those who eventually achieve their goals from those who abandon them.

For Kaitlin, this meant signing up for another Ironman, which she completed in October 2024. Despite finishing as the 10th female overall, she placed fifth in her age group—once again missing qualification for the World Championships.

The Persistence to Continue

After multiple near-misses, many would question whether continuing to pursue this goal makes sense. But Kaitlin remains steadfast in her journey and commitment to qualifying for the Ironman World Championships thanks in part to her persistence at getting back up but also in the perseverance it takes to do just that…..get back up!

“I haven’t given up on that dream because I know it’s possible!” she emphasizes.

When asked what specifically keeps her motivated after coming so close but falling short multiple times, Kaitlin’s answer reveals the mindset of a true competitor.

“I think that falling short so many times is what keeps me motivated. There’s that saying: Fall down seven times, stand up eight. Every race, I learn more and become faster. I know I have it in me.”

This perspective transforms each disappointment into fuel for future attempts rather than evidence of limitations.

“To me, it’s more than just qualifying for the race—it proves that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to!” Kaitlin adds.

Balancing Professional Career and Athletic Pursuits

Like many amateur endurance athletes, Kaitlin balances her training with a demanding professional career. As a physical therapist at a hospital in Oregon, she brings unique insights to her training approach.

“My knowledge significantly helps with my training,” Kaitlin explains. “There are many things I emphasize that others often overlook—especially recovery and injury prevention.”

Her professional background gives her a distinct advantage in understanding how to care for her body through the intense training required for Ironman competition.

“One area where I see other triathletes struggle is strength training. My knowledge helps with programming and boosts my confidence in the weight room, which I believe is a critical part of training that many skip!”

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Managing the Training Load

Ironman training is demanding enough on its own, but fitting it around full-time employment requires strategic planning and sacrifices. Kaitlin has structured her work schedule to maximize training opportunities.

“I work full-time at a hospital in Oregon and typically train about 15 hours a week,” she says. “I work four days a week, which really helps with training! Having a third day off during the week for longer sessions has been invaluable for increasing volume and completing brick sessions.”

Even with this arrangement, most workdays still involve multiple training sessions.

“Most days I work, I have double workouts. I collaborate with my coaches to limit training time on my workdays to avoid burnout,” Kaitlin explains. “Some days, I need to adjust if I’m feeling fatigued or have had a long day at work.”

This balancing act requires not just physical stamina but also emotional support.

“I also know that training this much means I will miss out on other things. I have come to terms that there is only so much time in the day to get everything done,” she acknowledges. “I’m thankful to have super supportive friends and family that understand! I lean on them throughout training! I wouldn’t be able to get through it without them!”

Building Confidence Through Experience

Perhaps the most valuable lesson from Kaitlin’s journey is how her confidence has grown with each attempt, regardless of the outcome.

“The most important thing I have learned is that believing in yourself is your greatest weapon,” she reflects. “With every race, I gain a little more confidence. I used to be afraid at the start and held back, but now I feel confident at the line.”

This progression illustrates how endurance sports often serve as a vehicle for personal growth that extends beyond physical achievements.

“I’m currently hitting times I once only dreamed of in high school and college,” Kaitlin shares with pride. “Hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of delusion can get you a long way! It takes time—it took me years—but if you stay the course, you will see results!”

The Path Forward

As Kaitlin trains for her fourth Ironman attempt, at Ironman Maryland, she carries with her the lessons from each previous race. The disappointments haven’t diminished her dream but have instead sharpened her focus and commitment.

For many everyday athletes like Kaitlin, the journey itself becomes transformative regardless of whether the ultimate goal is achieved. The discipline required for consistent training, the mental toughness developed through facing disappointments, and the community connections formed along the way create value that transcends race day results.

Kaitlin’s story exemplifies how endurance sports can become a powerful framework for personal growth. Through her ongoing pursuit of qualifying for the Ironman World Championships, she demonstrates that the finish line is often less important than the person you become on the journey toward it.

Her willingness to share both triumphs and disappointments offers valuable insights for other athletes facing similar challenges. By being open about the difficulties of balancing professional responsibilities with athletic ambitions and the emotional toll of near-misses, Kaitlin provides an authentic perspective that resonates with everyday athletes.

As she continues working toward her goal, Kaitlin Carew stands as an inspiration not because she’s achieved perfection, but because she refuses to let setbacks define her story. Her journey to qualifying for the Ironman World Championships is about persistence and perseverance but not just in sport but also in life. These traits often matter more than natural talent, and the courage to try again after disappointment may be the greatest strength of all.

Follow Kaitlin’s perseverance and journey to qualifying for the Ironman World Championships on Instagram here.

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