Seeley Gutierrez F30-34

tallahassee, florida

Describe your athletic background. I was a competitive gymnast growing up, and then an aerobics and Stairmaster junkie in college. As I got bored with those, I started running road races, which awakened my competitive juices. After a few years of running consistently, a couple of my running friends talked me into doing a triathlon.

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? Consistently since 2004

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com? It’s hard to narrow it down to one! My Speedo Vanquisher goggles are super comfortable, as is my Blue Seventy Helix wetsuit.

What is your favorite workout? I enjoy long runs with my friends, where we can catch up with each other. I also like hard track workouts when I feel like I’m flying.

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” Sleeping, going out to eat, spending time with my family, reading

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? Any of my triathlete-friends, as it means I’ll be able to not only get a hard workout in, but also have some social time as well.

Describe your biggest race disaster. At Worlds this past summer, the swim was really cold and rough and I knew I hadn’t done as well as I should’ve. I was sprinting through the wet, grassy transition area and before I knew what was happening, my feet slipped out from under me and I fell on my butt, with my goggles and swim cap flying everywhere. I quickly got up, grabbed my stuff, and ran to my bike, only to find my fingers completely frozen and unable to bend. I couldn’t buckle my helmet, and, after noticing all the girls around me had French or Spanish sounding names, realized they wouldn’t be much help either. I ran over to a race official and asked him in my best sugary sweet Southern accented voice if he could please buckle my helmet for me. He gave me this look of utter disdain, but helped me out. Fortunately, the race got much better after that!

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? Get to the race as early as possible because I have to check out all the Port A Potties.

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)?  Beer, margaritas, REAL ice cream

Have you ever accidentally destroyed a very expensive piece of gear? (For example, have you driven into the garage with a bike on the roof, run over race wheels, etc.) My husband does not allow me around expensive triathlon equipment

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? Summer camp counselor

What adjective describes you best? Focused

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition?  Find a good group of people to train with and keep workouts fun but challenging. Keep races in perspective and enjoy the journey to the finish line.

Race Results: Red Hills Triathlon (Sprint)-1:15, 2^nd OA Female; St. Anthony’s Bike/Run (Olympic)-1:47, 9^th Elite Amateur; USAT Age Group Nationals - 5th age group; ITU Age Group Worlds - 5th age group, 1st American overall;