5 Minutes With Priscilla Vega

We first met Priscilla last summer when she was selected to be a Tortis ambassador at the Malibu Triathlon, requiring her to swim on a relay with two other women who had also never raced a triathlon before. Not only did she knock it out of the park (fearlessly!), she doubled down and signed up for a solo race, this time the Long Beach Triathlon in July.

One of our favorite things about recreational triathletes is that we find them to be go-getters in both their professional and their personal lives–who else swim, bikes, and runs just for the endorphin high! Priscilla owns her own PR firm, PR Vega, where she specializes in supporting female entrepreneurs in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Before that, she worked as a media specialist for NASA, PR strategist for the Nature Conservancy, and as an events producer for Oracle and Cisco.

Thanks for giving us 5 minutes of your time, Priscilla!

What inspired you to sign up for your first triathlon?

If I’m being completely honest, it was my muse Kelsey Myers! When I first met Kelsey she was just so casually approaching a world record attempt of 7 triathlons on 7 continents in 7 days and I thought…holy shit…I’ve never met anyone so fearless in real life. So I signed up for a triathlon just to try to be in her orbit. 

What are the mental health benefits you find in training (if any)? 

So when I started training I didn’t realize how badly I needed this level of intensity in my life. Like many, I have my own load. The physical exertion has been an awakening to say the least. Each sport has its own gift. 

Running allows me to completely unlock all the things I push deep down. With every pounding foot and gasping breath, it all releases. It’s the slowest exhale amongst the heaviest breathing. 

Cycling is my greatest challenge and requires me to be fully present. It’s the only time I don’t think about anything but the simple task at hand. I am pretty vocal about this challenge but it’s not the physicality that bothers me most. 

Swimming is my great escape. I almost feel like I’m dreaming when I’m in the water. I feel all the feelings but they’re somewhat muted and it makes it all that much more tolerable. It’s my sacred space. 

How do you squeeze in training with kids?

Luckily, both my kids are in school so I have drop off to pick up hours to prioritize my training. The greater challenge is squeezing in training with work. I block out the first couple hours of every morning to get it in but sometimes I have to take an early call and move my workout to lunch time.

Which of the three legs are you most nervous about?

I’m least excited about the cycling leg but most nervous about the swimming. I was always most nervous about performing my favorite dances so I would also add that swimming is my favorite leg. 

What’s your favorite piece of training apparel or equipment?

My matuse wetsuit makes me feel like a pro. My heart rate drops and spikes quickly in the water but my wetsuit keeps me cool (but in a warm way) calm and confident. 

I also love my bike!! As much as I don’t enjoy cycling, I’m really grateful for my reliable ride. My friends at The Cub House in San Marino made sure I was fully equipped to start my cycling journey. They’re the best! 

And this last one is not as sexy but I’d like to give a huge shout out to my body glide. Without the stroke along my arm pits, inner thighs and ankles….life would not be nearly as fun. 

What advice would you give to someone who is on the fence about doing a triathlon?

I would say, you deserve this win!