Belen Valdovinos

Belen Valdovinos

I got into running as a way of having my own time and burn off some nervous energy. This was almost 20 years ago and I haven’t stopped. I have raced every distance from 5k to 100 miles, enjoying the longer distances better.

I am very active in my community, trying to race at least once a month. Both my husband and I are USAT level 1 certified coaches, but I am currently focusing on qualifying for the IM World Championship in KONA. I help him a lot with his athletes when it comes to nutrition (how to fuel for a race, what to eat, etc.). This is when I usually introduce them to Vfuel.

I have also mentored KSR (Katy Students Run), which is a group that focuses on transforming the lives of high school students in the Katy area by developing character and promoting healthy choices through running. We provide an environment which empowers students with the ability to experience success and the sense of accomplishment.

Hometown: Katy, Texas

Real Job:  Engineer

Social Media:   strava

Favorite Beer: Red wine… prefer sangria!

Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate!! And gelato!

Other Hobbies: Triathlon, swim and bike. 

Pets: I have 2 dogs. Both rescues. Bronco is 5 and Max is 9 months old. They aren’t runners. But they make the house a happy place.

Best thing about VFuel: how easy it is on the stomach. I can have 10-20 of them as if they were candy.

Best recovery meal: Bacon cheese burger with sweet potato fries!

Favorite trail running memory:  When I crossed the finish line of my first 100 miler and couldn’t wait to sign up for another.

Results/Schedule:  

•      June 28: IM 70.3 Lubbock

•      July 26: Cypress Sprint Tri

•      September 19: Ironman Maryland

•      November 7: Ironman Florida

•      December: CIM or Brian, College Station Marathon. 

 

Any advice you want to share with a new athlete?:

Listen to your body, don’t compare yourself to anyone. Dream big and take it one step at a time.

“If your goal doesn’t scare you, then it probably isn’t big enough”

 

Athletic Accomplishments: 

USAT Triathlon All American (top 10% of USA Triathlon National Rankings)

Ironman AWA Gold (top 1% IM distance)

9-time Ironman finisher (several top 10 finishes in AG)

Podium finish at Ironman Florida 2019 (5th place in 40-44 AG)

Boston Marathon qualifier and runner