Runner-up at South American Champioship 2013

Like a triathlete would say: "We do it 3 times!". 
And this was my third 2nd place at the South American Championship!
(2008,2012,2013)

Even though I was so close to be the winner on 3 opportunities, I can't complain! 
Each race unfolded in a particular way, where at none of them the 1st or 3rd places could get a top 5 again!

The La Paz Triathlon is one of my favorites! 

I had already done it for 5 times and my best placing was 4th.

On the previous one, I was devastated by not making the podium, they do an awesome awards party that on that day I watched as an expectator.
I have told to myself that on the next one I would be up there, celebrating it from the up high view of the podium. To not forget this will, I collected some small pieces of paper that were flying during the winners celebration, and I save them in my wallet. I carried it with me for 3 years (as the Brazilian National Federation postpone my participation, read about it here).

Well, it was 3 long years with those small pieces of party that I did not enjoyed, at sight on every purchase I made. I wanted to make sure to find daily motivation and not be afraid to suffer while training, as the loser feeling would be worse.

The day has arrived!! January 13th of 2013, my revange!!

For the happiness of those who don't like the heat, the 3k swim start delayed for almost 2 hours. We took off at 6pm and going down the river, we finished that portion in a bit more than 20 minutes, matching the 1.5k swim time for the Olympic distance.

The river was quite choppy and I didn't swim well, I finished leading the second pack close to a minute behind the leaders. Followed by a strong bike ride, where I felt great, but the guy to watch was Oscar Galindez, who is recognized as one of the best cyclists in the world, and end up to put together all the favorites in one big bike pack.

The race verdict was on the run! I left the transition as fast as I could, and by the mark of two kilometers I was already in the position I would cross the finish line. But was not easy to hold that second place, right on my back was running the hero and Argentinian idol Galindez!! I could measure how far he was just by the loud noise people were cheering!! A lot of them were cheering on me, but the cheers to Galindez was causing goosebumps even 20 secs ahead, where was me!

On the last stretch there was fellows almost closing the street with straight hands to greet the competitors, I've never seen so passionate triathlon fans before, the T-Rex could easily reach to clap all the hands on both sides!! There is no other triathlon like this! I was imagining how impossible would be a finish sprint with that many people wanting to celebrate with the top finishers!
Well, afraid of losing my position I finished strong, even running sideways for a while trying to pass through those many folks!

I assured my placing! The 3rd athlete came 16 secs behind! I assured my place! Where I wanted to be.

Right up there!! On the VIP area of that party, did not bother me at all, those many pieces of paper sticking on my champagne sticky body!! Goal reached!!

I couldn't forget to mention that I met some really nice friends!
We have made some workouts together, and also had a good time enjoying the city!
They all raced on Saturday, the age-group race. As we had agreeded, the barbecue post race had some of the awards champagne, and ferne with choripan (traditional drink and food in Argentina)!
Besides a great race, I also had a great stay!!

Hasta el próximo año!!