Ruth Gómez: Professional Triathlete, Pentathlete, Coach, and Graduate in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences
Ruth Gómez, a professional triathlete, pentathlete, and coach with over 25 years of experience in sports, has a continuous drive for self-improvement and involvement in both personal and professional sports endeavors.
Ruth Gómez
Triathlete, pentathlete, and National Coach in Triathlon, Swimming, and Pentathlon.
Ruth Gómez holds a degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences and Business Administration and Management. She has achieved numerous milestones throughout her triathlon career, excelling in swimming, cycling, and running. She has completed 11 Ironman races and is the runner-up in the Spanish Long Distance Championship at the Ironman Lanzarote.
Currently, aside from being an active triathlete and pentathlete, she is also a coach for triathletes, cyclists, swimmers, and pentathletes. She has her own Triathlon and Pentathlon club in Asturias, where all disciplines are taught, including lesser-known ones such as laser run and fencing.
Furthermore, the club promotes the participation of people with disabilities in sports activities such as Parapentathlon. Ruth is dedicated to inclusive sports and organizes sessions, workshops, and events for individuals with disabilities.
In the discipline of pentathlon, Ruth is not only a coach but also the only female international judge certified by the International Modern Pentathlon Federation (UIPM).
"Triathlon is an accessible sport when properly prepared"
We spoke with Ruth Gómez about her impressive career, her origins, and her training, nutrition, and supplementation routines.
1. How did you start in triathlon and pentathlon?
Since I was very young, I loved running (my father was a marathon runner), and even though I spent over 20 years playing basketball (including teams like Tintortto and Estudiantes), I always ran on my own. And so, without realizing it, at the age of 27, I found myself doing a duathlon by chance.
As for pentathlon, in 2022 I tried my first triathles and biathles and enjoyed them. After that, I started participating in laser run and learning fencing, which was a completely new sport for me at the time, and I loved it.
2. Of all the disciplines, which one is your favorite?
In triathlon, I would say cycling, and in pentathlon, laser run and fencing.
3. Which of the five disciplines do you think requires the most technical preparation?
Without a doubt, swimming and fencing.
4. You have completed 11 Ironman races and became the first European woman to ascend Kilimanjaro in trail running (2018). Do you have any goals or objectives for the coming years? Are you considering any new challenges?
I plan to do another Ironman, reach number 12, and take on a sports challenge that is at least as beautiful as Kilimanjaro. Such a challenge requires sponsors, and it's not easy.
In pentathlon, I love participating in Tetrathle (swimming, fencing, and laser run). I find it super fun and also very comprehensive in terms of training.
5. In addition to being a triathlete and pentathlete, you are a coach and have your own pentathlon and triathlon club. What is your goal with this club? What activities do you organize?
My goal with my Mieres Pentathlon Triathlon Club is to spread and promote these disciplines to people of all ages, levels, with or without disabilities. We organize all activities related to swimming, cycling, running, fencing, laser run, and obstacle courses. We also hold workshops, talks, events, competitions, and national and international events.
6. As a coach for children, from what age do you train?
I train children of all ages, from the very youngest to adolescents and adults.
7. Through the club, you also encourage the participation of people with disabilities in sports activities such as Parapentathlon. What challenges does this involve?
It's an exciting part of my work, in which we need to break down the stigmas surrounding people with disabilities and develop all their skills through sports.
Unfortunately, they currently don't have the same sports opportunities as the rest of the population, and our club strives to offer them more opportunities.
8. Regarding healthy lifestyle habits, what do you recommend as a coach for children starting in professional sports?
What I recommend is a healthy diet without junk food (which unfortunately is abundant in the snacks I see) and healthy sports habits. Less sitting on the couch and less technology in their hands.
Above all, a proper sports initiation is crucial, with the aim of enjoying physical activity and socializing with children of the same age. The goal should not be to achieve high performance at an early age but rather to engage in physical activity that can be sustained over time and practiced correctly.
9. And what advice would you give to anyone, whether an athlete or not?
Engaging in sports is good for health; the important thing is to abandon a sedentary lifestyle, get out of the car, eat better, and incorporate more activity into daily life, such as walking or swimming.
10. Let's talk about your training routines. What is your daily or weekly training routine? How many hours do you dedicate per day?
It depends on the time of the season. During the preseason, from October to March, I usually train fewer hours and with less intensity. During the competition period, depending on the objectives, I can easily exceed 20 hours per week with considerable intensity.
In general, I usually do two or three sessions per day, which usually include cycling, swimming, and fencing, or cycling, swimming, and shooting. Triathletes and pentathletes are accustomed to doubling or tripling training sessions.
I also incorporate strength training, mostly functional, especially during the preseason.
Personally, due to my Achilles tendons injury, I do very little running.
11. Which parts of the body are most affected by triathlon and pentathlon, and how do you take care of them?
In my case, it's my Achilles tendons. I have had surgery and suffer from a chronic injury. One supplement from MARNYS that I take and works well for me is Condrohelp.
12. Nutrition is essential for practicing these sports. Can you describe what your typical daily diet looks like?
I don't eat meat. I include plant-based protein, love fruits, salads, tofu... I indulge in cheese because I love it. I also enjoy raw nuts.
13. Do you take any sports supplements to complement your diet? Do you think they are important?
During the competition season, I do. Your MARNYS and MARNYS SPORTS supplements work great for me. I have high energy expenditure, and I believe it's important to support our bodies, where supplements play a vital role.
14. Which MARNYS® and MARNYS SPORTS® supplements do you take?
In addition to the previously mentioned Condrohelp, I take Vitamin D3 4000 IU from your Vitahelp line daily. I also take your iron supplement Ferrobine MAX, which provides an essential extra iron intake, particularly for women. And I also take Royal Provite 5000, which has the highest concentration of royal jelly in the market and provides significant energy.
During the competition season, I do not forget Metal Endurance, which enhances endurance in running. It is very easy to take due to its liquid monodose format and is also suitable for vegans.
For post-training or post-competition recovery, my favorite is Electrolyte Recovery to ensure hydration and replenishment of electrolytes, and Col Recovery, an excellent recovery supplement after intense workouts.
15. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start participating in duathlons, triathlons, and pentathlons?
Both triathlon and pentathlon are diverse and enjoyable sports, and I encourage everyone to try them. My advice is to start without rushing, respecting the progression, and always seek the guidance of a professional coach who can provide proper guidance. I would also advise against being afraid to start. These sports are accessible, suitable for all ages and levels. The important thing is to practice them correctly and have fun.
In fact, among the people I train, I have profiles of all types, from adults who are just starting and can barely swim or have never ridden a bike or fenced, to more experienced triathletes and pentathletes.
You can follow Ruth Gómez on her social media:
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