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Zach Hurd ✟

@_zach_hurd_

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Vivat Christus Rex
Ironman & Nursing Student
@hurd.fit

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The Day I Became an IRONMAN

A year ago, none of this was part of the plan.

I started my triathlon journey in April 2025 with no intention of doing anything like this. Then, over the summer, everything changed. After surviving a car accident, I was so thankful for the time Jesus gave me and just how fragile and valuable life is. That moment shifted my mindset completely - I decided I was going to work hard and accomplish my dreams with the time God had blessed me with.

From that point on, I committed to showing up every single day. Whether it was in the classroom, my relationships, or training, I chose discipline. Day by day, I kept stacking bricks—even when it was hard, even when I doubted myself, even when I didn’t feel like it.

And the results followed my progress.

-I finished Ironman 70.3 Waco.
-Earned a 4.0 GPA for the fall semester and a 3.9 overall.
-Scored high on my nursing school entrance exam.
-Got accepted into nursing school.
-Served others through volunteering with cancer patients.
-Took on leadership roles.
-And stayed present for the people who matter most in my life.

But the truth is—I didn’t become an Ironman on race day, that would discredit all my hard work over the past year.

I became an Ironman in the quiet moments.
In the early mornings.
In the days I wanted to quit but didn’t.

That title was built long before I crossed the finish line — the race was just the celebration.

I’m beyond grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.
To my parents—thank you for your constant support, both mentally and financially
To my friends—thank you for never letting me give up.
And to my coach @aarmellini —thank you for taking me on as a client and guiding me on my path to becoming an Ironman. I couldn’t have done this without you.

This has been the greatest seasons of my life so far and I’m so thankful for what Jesus Christ has blessed me with.

If there’s one thing I hope you take from this, it’s this:
Your time on Earth is limited—make it count. Show up. Stay consistent. And chase your dreams relentlessly.

#ironmantri #ironmantexas taken in IRONMAN in Texas by @_zach_hurd_

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6 months ago

Yesterday was surreal #ironmantexas #ironmantri #ironmantraining #fitness taken in IRONMAN in Texas by @_zach_hurd_

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6 months ago

Lucky enough to have these guys by @_zach_hurd_

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2 years ago

Goated and White Coated

@larismaphotography for the BEST pics taken in Texas Medical Center by @_zach_hurd_

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13 days ago

Showin Cali how a Texan does it taken in Northern California by @_zach_hurd_

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2 months ago

Larp it til you live it🏔️🙏 taken in Banff National Park by @_zach_hurd_

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3 months ago

Dare I say it? Auraful.

Big thanks to @medlifemovement for the scholarship and opportunity to go abroad to provide long term sustainable impact to the low income communities of Peru. Beyond thankful for the chance to provide medicine, education, and development for low income families everywhere. #medlife #medlifemovement taken in Miraflores, Lima, Perú by @_zach_hurd_

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5 months ago

It’s never over, that’s half the battle. 70.3⚡️

April 18th, 2026. Ironman Texas

@ironmanamericas @ironmantri taken in Waco, Texas by @_zach_hurd_

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a year ago

“It ain’t the easiest thing in the world but it’s doable” taken in The Grand Tetons by @_zach_hurd_

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a year ago

Yesterday I was involved in a car accident. The car that hit me ran a red light and I was t-boned. My car barrel rolled and next thing I knew I was upside down and had to crawl out of the car. I crawled out the car and immediately thanked my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for keeping me safe. I’ll never stop thanking him for this day and the blessing of life. Without him I don’t even know if I would be alive right now and I’m so fortunate to still be here. Thank you to all the people that were there for me yesterday and for your prayers. I’m just so blessed that I didn’t die or break anything. Deuteronomy 31:6 ✝️ Thank you Jesus by @_zach_hurd_

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a year ago

SMC 2025❗️

Thank you Jesus for this experience! I learned so many things like how to obey God, overcoming anxiety, Jesus is the definition of manhood, & and how to build God’s kingdom instead of my own. But most importantly I learned that with all this information I need to apply it to my life because “information without application is devastation”.

@smc.dallas
@houstonstumo taken in Frisco / Dallas - Texas by @_zach_hurd_

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2 years ago

Encore was stronger than a storm🌪️ by @_zach_hurd_

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2 years ago