I still remember standing on the starting line in St. George back in 2014, feeling both exhilarated and terrified. At that moment, I realized I wasn’t yet performing at the level the top competitors were—an eye-opening discovery that ultimately became a turning point in my career development. That taste of reality shed light on my strengths and weaknesses, reminding me that the journey to success is never a straight path but a winding road filled with highs and lows.

A Journey of Highs and Lows in St. George

St. George has played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to professional triathlon. Each race in this historic location taught me how to identify opportunities for improvement and refine my strategies. In my earlier appearances, I was eager yet naïve, thinking physical training alone would pave the road to glory. The city soon showed me that mental preparation and the right mindset are equally crucial.

Over the years, I experienced some of my most satisfying victories here, but I also had my share of humbling losses. When I outperformed my own expectations, it reinforced my belief in the power of resilience. Whenever I struggled, it reminded me to keep searching for ways to become better. This balance—these highs and lows—has kept me hungry to push forward.

The Power of Mindset and Winning the Inner Battle

Mental fortitude can make or break an athlete. Sure, the hours in the gym sharpen our bodies, but if our head isn’t in the right place, our performance management falters. Early on, I’d often let pressure or unrealistic timelines weigh me down. But once I learned to shift my mindset toward enjoying the process—celebrating every small step taken—the results began to speak for themselves. It’s something Lionel Sanders, famously known as Mr. No Limits, embodies perfectly: never letting the mind kneecap your potential.

This evolution in my perspective was the key to consistent improvement. The moment you realize how valuable mental preparation is, every race feels more purposeful. There’s a palpable joy in knowing you’ve conquered the toughest competitor inside your head before you ever battle it out in the open course.

Embracing an Evolving Competition

Another factor that keeps me on my toes is how competition in this sport is constantly evolving. Talented new athletes emerge every season, making each event more unpredictable. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned podium finisher, it’s impossible not to sense this growing energy in the field. Rather than feeling threatened, I welcome it—knowing that it only encourages me to rise higher.

It’s humbling to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people who push the limits of what’s possible. Embracing challenges is a surefire way to expedite career growth; you learn more about yourself in these moments than in any comfortable training session.

St. George: A Beloved Staple in My Career

Despite every setback or disappointment, St. George remains at the heart of my career development. It’s a location that has taught me the meaning of true resilience and determination. Whenever I race past those familiar red rocks, I’m reminded of the early days when I was just another hopeful athlete trying to prove myself. Now, I return each year with deeper gratitude—and sharper perspectives—aiming to pay homage to the place that fueled my growth.

If you’re heading out for a final race here, I encourage you to soak in every second. Let your spirit wander through each stage of the competition. In the end, it’s not simply about crossing the finish line first; it’s about cherishing the experiences and lessons that will stay with you—long after the applause fades.

The Road Ahead

St. George will forever symbolize the tough love that molded me into the athlete I am today. It’s where embracing mental preparation became my secret weapon and where adapting to the evolving competition ignited my hunger to improve. It’s a spot that reminds us to celebrate highs and lows as inevitable companions on our path to mastery.

If one message prevails, let it be this: keep striving to improve, stay hungry for new challenges, and never undervalue the role your mind plays in shaping your destiny. Whether you’re wearing the champion’s medal or simply finding your footing, resilience and determination will guide you to the next breakthrough—wherever it may be.