María José Martínez Maroto "From zero to IM 70.3 in just two years"

Mª José is a high executive who has been in love with triathlon for less than 3 for years.

 

In the following interview we present you to María José Martínez Maroto, a triathlete GGEE who started in triathlon 2 years and a half ago and in such a short time has already qualified for the IM 70.3 World Championship, which is held next September in Australia.

 Mª José lives in Valencia, she is 39 years old, she has a degree in Business Administration and a Business diploma, she works as General Director in BeOptimus (where she is also a partner), a company specialized in optimizing costs and general expenses of companies ... in short MJ (as her friends know her) is a senior executive who has been falling in love with triathlon for less than 3 for years.

 

Hi Mª José, how are you? In the Valencian Community we have seen that you have had a great impact in the last weeks thanks to your qualification for the IM 70.3 World Cup, but this is the first interview at a national level and we would like to know how were your beginnings in triathlon.

It all came at the end of 2013, my ex-partner told me that I wanted to go in the middle of 2014 to compete in the Challenge of Atlantic City, I told him that it seemed great, but that I would go with him ... to also run that triathlon Ironman distance. At that time I did not run, I did not go cycling and I almost did not know how to swim ... but I signed up.
 

And how was that preparation for the Challenge Atlantic City?

At that time I did not practically practice sports, a bit of horse riding, snow boarding, ... small activities to have fun, but nothing planned from a weekly routine. I had seven months ahead ... and well, there were many people who told me it was crazy to start at this distance without experience, but well, based on hope, enthusiasm and perseverance, training a lot I stood on the starting line and could finish.

 

You have a very responsible job managing the company BeOptimus, how is it usually a day of yours combining work and training?

My day to day I describe it as a "puzzle" life, on Sunday after receiving the training I take my work agenda and start to place the workouts. Today for example I made roller in the morning soon, then to the office, then in the afternoon I went swimming, then I came to do the interview with you and now at night I will run ... it will be a very complete day, haha.
 

Within triathlon, what is your favorite segment? and what do you like least?

My favorite is cycling, I feel very comfortable, especially in technical areas. On the other hand ... running, until a few months ago I hated it, now I like it, and I hope that in a few months I will be able to say that I love it. And swimming, I practically didn't know how to swim and the truth is that I'm very happy because I'm getting better every day. What is taking a lot for me is getting over the “stress” of swimming in races because of the blows you take, but hey, I'll get over it.
 

How do you see the growth that is going on inside the women's triathlon? Especially in the case of GGEE.

Triathlon is a minority sport, but one that engages a lot. The one who starts ... does not leave it and increasingly likes to compete. Women little by little we are taking away the fear, and following the example of others we start to run, for this 2016 I know many girls who will make their MD debut ... and I'm sure they will be in IM soon. Here we are taking similar steps to the USA where the female triathlon does not stop believing, I am convinced that in a few years the percentage of triathlete girls will be much higher.

How do you apply your philosophy to work in triathlon?

When I made my first IM I was inexperienced in all aspects. In my day to day I have a lot of discipline and commitment with myself ... I knew that the goal was very big, and the way to achieve it was by setting me the smallest micro-objectives that I achieved and that way I was not overwhelmed by the big one that was the IM.

The competition I faced it like this, dividing the race in several parts and having a clear mentality of finishing yes or if enjoying every kilometer, and next to the other competitors and the public that animated us very much. It was exciting, so much so that I did not realize the 223 kilometers that you do.

Finally, the trip to Australia is long and with high costs ... how many with a sponsor to help you?

I am counting on some technical sponsors and in search of other sponsors that collaborate with the development of my sports career.

The first thing I want is to thank my coach Alonso Correoso for all the work he is doing with me, he is always looking out for me and motivates me a lot.

My main sponsor is the company that I run BeOptimus, I also count on Nutrifitnes for supplementation and nutrition, Gobik for competition and training clothing, 2XU for neoprene and compression clothing, Disseny Sport helps me with swimsuits and swimming clothing, Inbuze He brings me the website, Holos Clinic with the massages, Bikram Yoga Spain Valencia is the center where I practice 90 minutes of Yoga at 42 degrees of temperature with 50 degrees of humidity and Skidding - Moto Desgauce.

Thank you very much for the interview, we wish you the best in the IM Lanzarote that you will play shortly ... and we hope that you will be many Spanish in the IM 70.3 World Championship

Thanks to you, I hope so and we are many girls in Australia.

Further information: http://mariajosemaroto.com/