A UCC Member’s Journey to Making History
On November 9th, Shivani Nalwaya made history by becoming the youngest woman from Udaipur to complete an Ironman 70.3. The 32-year-old lawyer-turned-businesswoman, who joined Udaipur Cycling Club just six to eight months before her race, crossed the finish line in Goa in 7 hours and 59 minutes—completing 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling, and 21.1 km of running.
But behind that finish line photo is a story of doubt transformed into determination, fear channeled into fuel, and a community that believed in her even when she didn’t believe in herself.
The Beginning: When Someone Saw What I Couldn’t
I’ve studied law and practiced in Delhi and Udaipur. Now I’ve joined my father’s business based here in Udaipur. But honestly, I’ve always been a dancer, and I guess as a hyperactive child, I was drawn into sports very organically. I’ve played state-level basketball, represented my college for dance competitions, played squash for some time. I’ve done 13 half marathons and for the past three years, I’ve been into strength training.
But cycling? I got into cycling only after I came to know that it’s an integral part of doing a triathlon.
Someone who has known me and has seen me through my journey of fitness just randomly suggested the idea of doing a triathlon. I was in denial that I could do it, but I was very happy that someone saw that potential in me and in fact suggested that I could. In a very playful way, I told my then trainer, and his immediate reaction was, “If I know someone who could, it’s you!”
That made me reflect on it again, but I was still in denial.
My “I’m doing this” moment was during training when I was able to unlock the potential every time I thought I couldn’t. For example, cycling a 100K or swimming in Fatehsagar or not complaining about waking up early. Everything was making sense.
Finding My Tribe at UCC
It’s been less than six to eight months since I joined Udaipur Cycling Club, and that’s when I tried my “real” cycling experience. Within a day of joining UCC, I did my first 100 km ride with fellow cyclists to Chittorgarh. It was crazy—only then I came to know that I could!
And honestly, as a woman, to ride on highways alone has been a traumatic experience personally. So, to be guided by the pros and getting encouraged throughout the course was a step to getting more confident in making my Ironman dream a reality.
The sheer enthusiasm and readiness for cycling from UCC members! The support to do long rides and making me feel confident while I had doubts about myself—that’s what the club gave me.
I have to give special shout-outs to Nitesh Tak, Bhawani Pandiya Sir—because of whom my father allowed me for my first night ride of 100K (he only knew him personally, and all throughout the ride he kept giving me small details of how to keep riding without pain)—and Shantanu, the little champion of the club who very patiently accompanied me for rides at my speed, never making me feel left behind.
In fact, no one once made me feel left out, which was very welcoming and supportive.
Eight Months of “Not Wasting Time”
I trained for eight months. I wanted to do it last year, but I didn’t take it seriously then since I had no structured plan.
My week is typically split into sessions—for example, Tuesday is run, Wednesday is swim, like that. Each week has different lengths of workouts. I work with a coach, and I also workout apart from the training plan because I see myself as a hybrid athlete and not just endurance-based.
How did I manage training alongside work and personal commitments? I don’t waste my time. I wake up early, train, go to office, do my second session, dinner, and sleep. My parents have been a great support. They don’t force me to do anything.
For me, the most challenging aspect was cycling. I’m fairly new to the sport, but when I see the enthusiasm people have for cycling, I just wish I had the same.
But I had my breakthrough moments too. Swimming at Fatehsagar for 1.8 kms without stopping and realizing how far I have come—that was unforgettable.
My biggest fear when I first committed to this goal? “What if I wouldn’t be able to complete it for whatever reason.” That fear of the unknown—that was always there.
Race Day: November 9th, 2025
The Morning Panic
I was panicking since my alarm didn’t ring, and it was literally my friend calling me to wake up. I had a little meal as I was late, and only once I had reached the venue, I was relaxed.
The Swim: “Sea Me Bhi Karli”
The best swim! It was in the middle of the sea, and I remember thinking, “Sea me bhi karli bina ruke” (Did it in the sea without stopping). It was smooth.
The Bike: My Biggest Challenge
The most difficult! The course had a 580 ft elevation, and because of the intense heat, it became even more challenging. Above all, because I had eaten less and messed up my nutrition while sitting on the saddle, it took over me.
Even then, my biggest accomplishment is cycling—not even once did I come off my bike, my legs were not hurting, there were no cramps, and I didn’t feel dizzy. The training helped me to get through the elevation for sure. Somehow, I was able to overtake fellow cyclists on elevation, and that felt great!
The Run: When My Legs Were Shaking But My Mind Wasn’t
The start of the run was insane. My legs were shaking as my body was underfueled, but my mind was not. I could smile at my passersby but couldn’t make sense of how drained I was. Running, which was easy for me, suddenly became most challenging until I had the food they were offering during the course of the run.
My last lap in running just flew by when I saw my parents cheering up for me.
What Kept Me Going
During the toughest moments of the race, I was only picturing lying on the ground and touching my parents’ feet after completion. That was a strong picture in my head that got me through.
My mantra? “One step at a time.”
Crossing the Finish Line
When I crossed that finish line, I was flying. There was no pain, no discomfort.
My finish time was 7 hours and 59 minutes. Since this was my first, my only goal was to complete it. I had no idea what to expect. Even though I KNOW I could have done better, I am still happy that I completed it without any injuries or bad experience.
One thing I’ll never forget about race day? That my parents were teary all the time and extremely proud. I saw tears in their eyes, and the fact that they are still smiling when someone is congratulating them.
What surprised me most about the experience? The fact that I was able to smile even when my legs were shaking. I was in fact more humbled and grounded by the experience than any other feeling.
What This Journey Taught Me
I don’t think there was any challenge except the “fear of unknown,” which means I was maybe panicking about small stuff like doing everything alone and not knowing what to expect from other people.
What am I most proud of from this achievement? That everything I had been doing on those early mornings, or making my own food, or sleeping early, or sticking to my schedule—everything has made sense.
This journey taught me that I am only beginning now. All these years were not a waste. I am living my dream, truly.
The journey has only begun, and I cannot thank enough for each day that I get to workout and “tick” each day worth lived. I have become more sincere towards my day-to-day routine and workouts after completing this Ironman as I have a dream to achieve in 2026.
The best piece of advice I received during training? “You complete it or not, the next day you’ll do the same things as you are supposed to.”
What’s Next
Yes, I have a marathon in January and two Ironmans for 2026.
Thankfully, I had no injuries, but one setback I still have is my cycling speed. That’s the one thing I’m working on.
My Message to Udaipur
Our beautiful city, Udaipur, offers us clean water to swim, elevation for rides, and incredible roads to run. I cannot think of a better place to wake up early and get going while enjoying the scenic views and breathing fresh air. We MUST have more athletes!
To other women or UCC members considering a similar challenge: Have fun in whichever activity you choose, and then pushing the limits would come naturally.
What would I say to someone who thinks “I could never do an Ironman”? If you say so, then you might not. But if you’re even doubtful of you can, then you will.
And one more thing—don’t waste your anger or disappointment on people. Use it as fuel.
My UCC Family
My biggest supporters throughout this journey were my parents, my friends, Gourav bhaiya, Nidhan bhaiya, my trainer, and people from UCC who just kept cheering.
How can the UCC community support members with big goals? It’s a community with a lot of potential and varied experiences. These experiences can be shared and encouraged for goals to achieve, which the community does anyway.
Quick Facts About My Journey:
- Three words to describe my Ironman experience: Strength, grit, and determination
- Favorite training meal/snack: Energy bars and oranges with lots of salt
- Training discipline: Not even once was I listening to music while training—it’s not allowed on race day
Race Day Stats:
- Swim: 1.9 km in the Arabian Sea
- Bike: 90 km with 580 ft elevation
- Run: 21.1 km half marathon
- Total Time: 7:59:59
Shivani Nalwaya is Udaipur’s Youngest Women to complete an Ironman 70.3. She is a member of Udaipur Cycling Club and continues to train for her next goals, including two full Ironman races in 2026.
Congratulations, Shivani! You’ve blazed a trail for women across Udaipur and shown us what’s possible when determination meets discipline. The entire UCC family is proud of you!