Overcoming An Injury: Belinda Agamaite’s Journey Toward Ironman California

Belinda Agamaite is no stranger to overcoming setbacks. In triathlon, where obstacles can be both physical and mental, Belinda’s story is about perseverance and the power of a supportive community. This month, we catch up with Belinda as she navigates overcoming an injury, prepares for upcoming events, and shares insights into her ongoing fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society.

The Roadblock: An Unexpected Injury

Belinda’s recent challenge came in the form of a lower back injury sustained during a boot camp session. “I haven’t run or cycled in two weeks because I injured my lower back doing boot camp,” she explains. “I took off for a week and then went back, but I still wasn’t recovered. So, I took off another week and just focused on swimming.”

Despite the setback, Belinda remains practical about her situation. “It is what it is. I can’t do anything about it except keep moving forward.” This attitude is emblematic of her approach to triathlon and life in general – accepting the reality of setbacks while continuing to push forward.

Resuming Training: Easing Back into Routine

After two weeks of rest, Belinda recently resumed running with a twelve-mile run. When asked how it went she said, “I did better than expected, so it was fine.” However, she’s also mindful of the need to address her injury fully. “I have been thinking about getting my back adjusted. That is next on my list if it persists.”

When asked about her plans to ease back into biking, Belinda’s determination shines through. “No, I’ll go right back into it. I mean, it’s just two weeks. I like riding my bike. I am I’m going to ride 50 to 60 miles tomorrow.” This resilience, combined with her matter-of-fact approach to training, highlights the balancing act of pushing limits while maintaining good judgment.

Fundraising for the American Cancer Society

Belinda’s commitment to her causes extends beyond personal achievements. She’s actively raising funds for the American Cancer Society by swimming ten miles in June. “I signed up to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Swim 10 miles for the month of June. That’ll fire me up,” she laughs.

Her involvement in fundraising is driven by a desire to give back and inspire others, although she admits to feeling the pressure of social media. “I raised money for various causes, and what I forget about is I have to post about this stuff. That means videos, and then I get annoyed by seeing myself so much.” Despite these challenges, Belinda’s efforts are making a significant impact, demonstrating the power of combining personal goals with philanthropic efforts.

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The Support System: Key to Success

One of the crucial elements in Belinda’s journey is her support system. Her friend and former training partner, George, plays a significant role in her preparation for Ironman California. “George is an unusual bird. He’s just such a kind person. He almost feels obliged to run with me. He’s like, ‘Come on, Belinda, you gotta run.’ And I say, ‘Alright, I guess you got your coach hat on. Let’s go.'”

George’s support extends beyond just physical training. He’s there to lighten the mood and offer encouragement, making the grueling training sessions more manageable. “He’s super sweet and super funny. Sometimes you’re just like, ‘What are you thinking, George?’ But having him around takes the edge off and makes the journey more enjoyable.”

Upcoming Training Events and Open Water Swimming

With July approaching, Belinda is gearing up for open water swimming, a critical component of her Ironman training. “Next month is open water swimming,” she says. This transition from pool to open water signifies a new phase in her preparation, demanding a different set of skills and mental fortitude.

Belinda’s approach to training is methodical and strategic. She has lined up several century rides (100-mile bike rides) to build her endurance. “I have a hundred-mile race next week. I’m doing Giro Bello. And then I have a bunch of hundreds every month. I even have 100 in September.”

Mental and Emotional Aspects of Training

Training for an Ironman has physical, mental and emotional challenges. Belinda’s ability to stay positive while overcoming an injury,  shows her mental strength. “It’s better to go in undertrained than overtrained. I’ve done that before. I did the North Face 50 without as much training as I could have. Day of, my friends were asked, ‘Is Belinda going? Is Belinda coming?’ And I said, ‘Let me see what I can do.’ And I did it.”

This mindset helps Belinda maintain a healthy perspective on her goals and avoid the pitfalls of overtraining. Her experience and wisdom shine through as she prepares for the months ahead, balancing intense training with rest and recovery.

Overcoming An Injury and Embracing the Journey

Belinda Agamaite’s journey toward Ironman California is a reminder that the path to achieving a goal is often long and spotted with obstacles. Her story highlights the importance of patience, resilience, and the support of a community. By focusing on the journey rather than just the destination, Belinda embodies the theme of “Enjoying the Journey,” demonstrating that success is not just about crossing the finish line but also about the experiences and growth along the way.

As Belinda continues her training, fundraising, and preparation, she serves as an inspiration to others, showing that with the right mindset and support, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

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