In this Age Grouper for Life episode, Colin interviews the great, Raymond Botelho. Raymond recounts how he got into triathlon in 1994 after a friend dared him to do a race near his hometown of Newport, Rhode Island. He had no prior experience but was eager to try it, and was mentored by an experienced triathlete named Jim Merchant who helped him train for his first Ironman race in 1996. Since, he started racing professionally in 1999. They discuss the importance of swimming, coaching philosophies and experiences, and reflections on a storied career. Thanks for joining the podcast, Raymond! You can visit Raymond’s coaching website at https://www.raybotelhofitness.com/. ​--- Show Notes: Becoming a Professional Triathlete @ 3:00 Raymond started racing professionally in 1999, working multiple jobs to support his training. He had some early successes but also struggled with fueling and pacing, leading to a few DNFs. He eventually broke the 9-hour Ironman barrier in 2014 and continued to improve his times over the next several years. The Importance of Swimming @ 7:40 Raymond emphasizes the importance of swimming, especially open water swimming, for triathletes. He discusses how he became a strong swimmer through lifeguarding and self-teaching, and how he incorporates long, steady swim sessions into his training. He encourages athletes to focus on improving their swimming rather than neglecting it. Coaching Philosophy and Experiences @ 11:20 Raymond shares his coaching philosophy, which focuses on helping athletes of all levels and backgrounds achieve their goals. He recounts a story of coaching a novice triathlete to an Ironman finish, highlighting the importance of building trust and providing the right guidance. He believes the training is often harder than the race itself. Reflections on a Storied Career @ 19:30 Raymond reflects on his triathlon career, including the highs of breaking 9 hours in Ironman and the lows of DNFs that he now sees as learning experiences. He emphasizes the importance of pushing one's limits and not being afraid to fail, as it is part of the journey to becoming a better athlete.