Carmen Gil Brahim classified for kona 2016

Carmen finished the first in her 40-44 age group and third in the final general 

We advanced a few days ago, "the best Spanish in Kona 2014 Carmen Gil will try to qualify for the IRONMAN from Hawaii 2016"And yesterday in Florida, he achieved it by being the first in his age group 40-44 and third in the final overall (In the competition there were no professionals).

Carmen started the competition with a great swim, completed the 3,8km in 1: 01: 30 coming out in second position of the water to only 3 '' of the first. During the first kilometers of cycling he came to lead the race, although it was overtaken by Jessica Demello (final winner) and Carmen came 2ª of the general in the T2 ... and most important 1ª of his GGEE.

At the start of the marathon Carmen was leading with an advantage of more than 15 minutes over the rest of the girls in her age group, so she had half a slot in her pocket ... although she had to run and fight hard to keep the 1ª position in 40 -44 since the rest of rivals were cutting time little by little. While in regards to the general, Carmen remained in 2ª position practically throughout the marathon until the last kilometers where she lost the 2ª square. Finally victory for Carmen Gil Brahim in GGEE of 40-44, slot for Kona 2016 and to finish off a great day 3ª of the final general.

This morning we were able to talk with her who told us about her career in Florida:

"I can't move from the shoelaces and my feet are full of blisters! Yesterday was a very good day. IMFL is known for being flat and fast, but people sometimes forget that an IM, no matter how flat it is, is hard, very hard!

The water was not much moved less in the breakwater that made swimming quite physical on the first lap. Entering and leaving the sea was like going to war, the waves were throwing you from one place to another. Once past the breakwater, it calmed down, and the second round was much better. The bike is flat with few slopes, but when you are more than 5hs hours aero position hurts everything.

It is the first time in an IM that I have been so focused on the bike, my coach broke the course in small sections and I dedicated myself to focus on the moment and not think about what I had left. My hips bothered me a lot, job losses when you get older ... haha. And just like in swimming, starting at the 80 mile is when I started to find myself better.

 The race on foot was incredible, I was patient and with the encouragement of my children, sister and my team cheering, it did not even occur to me to leave despite the discomfort in my hip. Thinking about people who are not so lucky to be able to do what we do and have a support system like the one I have is what made me fight mile after mile. I went 2ª of the general until the 25 mile where the 3ª happened to me. But it helped me to start again, the girl who was 2ª is my teammate and coach, so I was just glad that she was also having a great day. Thanks for all your support and see if we get 10 Spanish for Kona! "

Carmen's competition we can highlight several curiosities, they are memory data without contrast but I'm pretty sure that Carmen 10 brand: 16: 56 is the best of a Spanish in an IM in the US, also is the first time that a Spanish gets to be 3ª of the general in an IM in this country.

After the competition yesterday Spain has 3 girls classified for Kona 2016: Patricia Bueno (in IM Vichy), Ester Leal (in IM Wales) and Carmen Gil (in IM Florida)

Juan José Martí Navío @jjnavio