After a wonderful stretch back on the East Coast, PTC teammate Ida Chi will be moving back to San Diego this weekend. Ida has been an absolute inspiration from both her grit overcoming racing challenges and also her professional endeavors showing it is never too late to get started in life. We were able to luckily squeeze in a member spotlight with Ida before she headed out. Thanks so much and we know you'll rep the Green and Yellow with you on the West Coast!
Where are you from originally, what area/neighborhood did you live before moving back and what is your current occupation?
I was born and raised in the Philly area (Plymouth Meeting), then moved to San Diego when I was 25. Lived there until 2023, when we had an opportunity to buy a little farmhouse in Chester County and also because my family (sister and dad) are in PA. We are moving back to San Diego in 2 days, since my husband got a new and exciting job opportunity with Trek Bicycles there. (If anyone ever needs bike gear or advice, definitely let me know). I currently work as a psychotherapist but will be pivoting to law (most likely health due to many years in the industry). I'm in my 2L year at UNH law and hope to graduate and take the bar in 2028!
What lead you into triathlons and joining PTC?
I did my first sprint triathlon in San Diego in 1996 - the Carlsbad Triathlon. I have always loved the ocean and was curious about doing all three sports. However, I failed miserably because I was unprepared for swimming through 3ft waves and current. That fueled my desire to learn more about ocean swimming. I joined TCSD (Triathlon Club of San Diego) and swam regularly with a group in La Jolla. I also picked up surfing during that time, and fell deeply in love with the Pacific Ocean. I'll never forget swimming in La Jolla cove in October when the water was still warm and clear, and saw all the harmless leopard sharks swimming at the bottom of the cove. It was absolutely beautiful! I stopped doing triathlons when I had kids and had a pretty long haitus from the sport. I also had a terrible bike accident where my wheel got caught and I flew over the handlebars, so that also was a detractor. However, I always did double workouts in the hopes that I would pick the sport up again at some point. I would go for a quick run, and then surf, or vice versa. I finally got over my fear of riding and returned to triathlons in 2017. I have been going on since. When we moved to Philly in 2023, Joy (whom I knew through my sister Nina) introduced me to PTC.
Where are your favorite spots to train in the Philadelphia area?
In PA, I typically run along the SRT because it is close to our house. When we move back to San Diego, I will be running along the North San Diego county coastline, usually along Encinitas to Del Mar, doing a surfcheck during my run.
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your triathlon experience and why?
After I turned 50, I began to implement strength training and I think that has helped me to maintain my strength and stamina.
How has a failure or apparent failure you've had in your triathlon journey set you up for later success?
My abysmal failure/DNF at the Oceanside 70.3 in 2024; I made it through the swim in 56 degree water, but those hills in Camp Pendleton just killed me. I finished the bike but didn't make the cut-off for the run. I was crushed! I think I must have ugly-cried in the transition area for ten solid minutes and nothing could console me. I just couldn't end with that, I had to persevere and find a way to succeed (which I did in the Eagleman 70.3 in 2025). If anything, triathlon has taught me so much about having faith in yourself and keep moving forward. The sport trains you to endure massive discomfort physically and mentally. It has definitely served me well so far in my law program.
What advice do you have for those just starting out in triathlon/multi-sport?
Keep at it, don't give up, and focus on the aspects that you love about the sport. Failure is ok, it's always a good teacher. Most of all, tt's supposed to be fun! Never forget to focus on the fun.
With your recent career pivot toward law later in your adult life, what advice would you give to those who are in a similar situation about a career change but hesitant to make the jump?
I am probably one of the oldest students in my cohort, and it has certainly been interesting to sit in a group of 20 or even 30 year olds in class or internship. I even made some friends with the young whippersnappers! My advice is to go for what you desire and don't let age stop you. This is certainly oft said, but so true -- you are never too old to learn, and learning keeps your brain young.
What is your favorite purchase in the past 6 months that was $100 or under (doesn't have to be triathlon related)?
I'm so broke from buying law textbooks that I really don't know. Maybe GU energy gels and Stroopwafels?
What are some of your favorite PTC memories and any thank you/shout outs?
My favorite PTC memories are running along Kelly Drive with Amy and Jimmy Liu, doing the Jersey Genesis triathlon, and the Eagleman 70.3 with Joy Iocca, who got me into PTC in the first place. I will really miss you all, and I will still wear my PTC gear with pride when I train in San Diego.