This week on the show Alyssa and Haley are chatting with newly minted professional triathlete, and PhD student Rachel Zilinskas. After a super successful start to the year in the age group ranks including age group wins at Ironman Lake Placid and Ironman 70.3 World Championships, Rachel decided to make the jump up to the professional ranks. She recently made her professional debut at Ironman Florida, finishing in an impressive 8th place on a very tough day.

With her success in the age group ranks, Rachel had earned a spot to compete at the 2021 Ironman World Championships. With the postponement of the event, Rachel made the decision to forego competing as an age group athlete at the World Championships so that she could pursue her professional career. She talks through that decision, and why it was important for her as an athlete to take her pro card and find new challenges.

Rachel had an impressive career as an elite swimmer in high school and college, until a shoulder injury sidelined her in her junior year. She reflects on how she handled that injury as a young college athlete, and what she has learned from going through the lows of recovery that she now has brought into her triathlon career.

Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachzili13

**Support the Podcast**

Sign up for the Feisty Triathlon Team at feistyteam.com

Orca Sportswear: Code - IRONWOMEN15 = 15% off

Zealios Skincare: Code - ironwomen = 15% off

InsideTracker: 25% off at insidetracker.com/feisty

Nuun Hydration: code StayFeisty for 30% off at nuunlife.com