The Arizona Ironman triathlon celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 17, returning to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Tempe area for another year of racing excellence.

The triathlon comprises three sections: a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run, which is a full marathon. To progress, athletes must complete each section within its designated cutoff time.

Among this year’s competitors were three relay teams composed of members of the Salt River Triathletes, plus one sponsored athlete representing the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community who competed in all three sections of the triathlon.

The first relay team included Caroline Sekaquaptewa (swimmer), Kyle Dallas (cyclist) and Michelle Roan (runner). The second team consisted of Fantasia Painter (swimmer), Elisha Bishop (cyclist) and Shannon Brown (runner). The third team included David Brown (swimmer), Vanessa Ozoran (cyclist) and MaLorie Charley-Krause (runner). Competing as the SRPMIC-sponsored athlete was Rachel Seepie.

Preparing and competing in an Ironman triathlon is an impressive feat in itself. Physically and mentally, it demands months of training and a strong spirit.

Some of the SRPMIC athletes shared their experience in this year’s Ironman Arizona withO’odham Action News.

Fantasia Painter (swim)

Is this your first Ironman?

This is my fourth time swimming in the Ironman as part of the Salt River Triathletes! I was initially inspired to do it by my grandmother Monica Shaw, who did the bike portion of the Ironman as part of the Salt River Triathletes back in 2014. 

Why did you choose the swimming portion?

I chose the swim because for me, the swim is the easiest of the three parts. It’s what I’m best at; for others it’s the bike or the run. Everybody has their own thing, but we come together to do something amazing! My favorite part about the swim is being in Tempe Town Lake, a section of the Salt River that people don’t usually get to access. Even though a lot of people think the water is dirty, I think it’s special. The river is the lifeblood and the namesake of our Community, and to be there feels important. 

How did you prepare physically and mentally? 

Physically, I swam three times a week, and I started training about 14 weeks before race day. Mentally, whenever I start to have doubts, I tell myself, “This is hard. But I can do hard things!”

How did the rest of your team perform?

I was part of an amazing relay team of Native athletes. After I swam 2.4 miles, Elisha Bishop biked 112 [miles], and then Shannon Brown ran a marathon [26.2 miles] to bring us across the finish line. It was an amazing group, and I feel lucky to have been part of it. 

What did you do to celebrate?

Well, the water was chilly, so to celebrate I had a hot coffee and an even hotter shower!

Any words of encouragement to other Community members looking to try?

Ve:sij t-vem! All of us together. Together we can do anything. 

Vanessa Ozoran (bike)

Is this your first Ironman?

My first time participating in an Ironman was in 2011. I competed for the Salt River Triathletes relay team as a runner. In 2013, I completed a full Ironman as an individual. Throughout the years following, I ran a few times and swam once for the [Salt River Triathletes] relay team. 

How did you prepare physically and mentally?

I took spin classes and rode indoor bikes during the hot summer months. I did some strength training as well. Staying positive and enjoying training helped me stay mentally strong. 

Were there any unexpected challenges during the race?

I did not have much time to get out on the course with my bike during training, so I didn’t encounter the natural elements as much as I should have. It was very windy on the course on race day, and the extra resistance was difficult. Unfortunately, I did not make the time cutoff and was not able to finish the bike portion. 

How did you overcome this obstacle?

I took on the course with as much strength as I could. I allowed myself to be patient with my body and give myself grace for taking on a challenge. 

Any words of encouragement to other Community members looking to try?

I had never heard of an Ironman before my first time participating. I was a cross-country runner in high school and continued to run in my adult life. When I was asked to run for the relay team, I had no idea the impact it would have on me. I was so amazed to be surrounded by so many different walks of life on the course. Every single person in that race was going through something, had lost someone, was recovering, had a family, was going through whatever life threw at them, but we were all out there doing something for ourselves. I would say to someone who is interested that you never know what you are capable of until you try. You will amaze yourself. 

Rachel Seepie (full triathlon)

How was this year’s experience different from others?

This year the water was cold. The temperature was 61 degrees. Even with a wetsuit, the condition of the cold water was a challenge. 

What were you proud of during the swim portion? 

I was proud to be participating in the race with fellow SRPMIC members and my fellow Salt River Triathletes. It’s a good feeling to know you are on the racecourse with others you know.

What were some unexpected challenges in the race?

Halfway through the swim, at about 1.2 miles, my swim cap was coming off, along with my swim goggles. While trying to keep afloat, I had to stop for some time to try to put them back on. With the help of a canoe, I struggled to put on my swim cap and googles. It took some time to get them back on and caused me to go over the allotted two-hour, 20-minute time cutoff by eight minutes. This was the first time I DNF (did not finish) the swim. In turn, I was not able to continue with the bike and run portions of the race. My race day ended.

Any future plans with triathlons or athletics? 

Yes, I plan to do a smaller triathlon in 2025, so I can be prepared for another Ironman or Half Ironman race here in Arizona or in another state. I am currently preparing for a marathon distance race set for spring/summer 2025.