It’s not easy to make a career as a professional triathlete, but Angela Naeth is one of those who has reached the level of success required to enjoy a career in the sport she loves. A winner of 15 Ironman and IM 70.3 races — and the reigning North American Ironman National Champion — Angela has recently turned her attention to a new project: a team/support/group/social center for women triathletes of all ages. She calls it, “IRACELIKEAGIRL.”

We caught up with Angela as she was planning her own upcoming season as well as her 2018 plans for the team.

This unique women’s team…how did it all come about?
I’ll flashback to 2016. I was going through a big transition in life. Divorce. Injury. I felt hurt and lonely most of the time and had little motivation to get on a bike…much less get in shape to race. I was sitting alone with my sidekick Zoe (the cutest little Yorkie you’ve ever seen) against the beautiful landscape in Boulder, Colorado, on a day when I knew I had to make a change. I needed to reconnect with my sense of purpose. And that is where the idea for IRACELIKEAGIRL was born. I knew I wanted to create something bigger than just racing in the triathlon world. I wanted to help others become the best version of themselves and frankly, I needed to connect myself to something more significant.

How is IRACELIKEAGIRL different from a typical triathlon team or club?
It came from my realization of all of the things I really loved about training and racing. For example, when I first started triathlon I loved homestays — and still do! I wanted to create a bigger platform for women, where we can connect not just for homestays during races, but support one another as a “home away from home,” and second family, throughout the year.

What has the reaction been like?
While we may be only in our second year, the team has grown to over 130 members and supporters from around the world.

How does everyone on the team connect with each other?
Our community takes part in monthly team challenges; we connect daily on various platforms to motivate one another; we share ideas and plans; we host team events, and we get to define what it means to race like a girl. And I have to say, these girls/ladies/kickass-women have changed my life. For me, through creating this team, I have found a new vision for racing and being part of something larger than myself. I race with my hair in pigtails to symbolize the power of the girl and this vibrant community. We achieve this by showing up, supporting each other and giving it our best. Every race, every day.

Do you provide training advice?
I’ve been racing for over a decade and understood I had some knowledge to share. But so do many, many others in our community. IRACELIKEAGIRL brings that knowledge to the fingertips of women training for their first 5K or competing in their 20th Ironman. Bringing this all together provides a safe space where women can feel free to ask for help and receive it and share it.

What does your own training schedule look like?  
Roughly 18 to 25 hours a week – swim/bike/run/weights. one to two very easy days a week.


What are a few of your top nutrition tips for training?  
Fuel how you will race. ALWAYS have a recovery drink. Hydrate a ton during the day.

What advice do you give to women and girls wanting to compete in their first triathlon?  
Go with a friend, learn as you go, and just enjoy the process. Your first triathlon…you’ll learn so much by just being there. Watch or help a friend do one first.

How can one join IRACELIKEAGIRL? And if she does, can she still represent her own triathlon team?
IRACELIKEAGIRL is open to anyone and YES! You can still represent your own team.

For more information on Angela’s team, visit:
https://www.iracelikeagirl.com/membership/