07/21/2026
I almost lost Swedeman before I touched the water.
Not during the swim.
Not on the bike.
Not on the mountain.
Before the race even started.
A missing bike.
A last-minute airport drive.
Cold water.
A shifter button flying off mid-race.
16 hours of decisions, support, mud, rain, ice, false summits, loose rocks, and a mountain we knew was there but did not want to believe was ours.
This story is about Swedeman Extreme Triathlon, but it is not only about racing.
It is about what happens when the plan breaks and you still have to keep showing up.
It is about support, pressure, fear, preparation, work, family, and making the next useful decision when everything feels heavy.
Read my full story here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/race-started-before-start-line-fernando-lopez-mba-pmp-bz3nc/
Race photography: Ariel Wojciechowski
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