Heather Gollnick: You can do it all
Click Here to view PDF or read the full text below.
Heather Gollnick is a positive person. Just three weeks ago, at a race in Colorado, Gollnick stepped on a piece of glass while exiting the swim. She actually had to have it pulled out of her foot in T1. Despite pain and discomfort, she continued on her bike, and even hobbled through the 13.1 mile run to a fifth place finish.
No, the 38-year-old optimist from Bradenton, FL, says: “The good side is I’m rested and ready to go.” Vintage Gollnick.
Last year, Gollnick used her strength on the bike and run to power past the women’s field and claim victory at the first Ford Ironman Louisville. Her winning time of 9:23:22 was 28 minutes ahead of second place finisher, Nina Kraft. Gollnick’s 5:08 bike was 20 minutes faster than any other woman on the course and her 3:14 marathon, 13-minutes faster.This was the third time in Gollnick’s career that she won an inaugural Ironman event. A victory at the first Ford Ironman Wisconsin in 2002 was followed by a win at the first Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene in 2003 (she also repeated at Wisconsin in 2003).
“I love inaugural races,” says Gollnick, in her typically exuberant voice. “I like going to different races, something new. This year (in Louisville), I expect it to be even better, as people know you’ve won before, and people remember. It should be a lot fun.”
Carole Sharpless, a fellow pro who finished fifth at last year’s IM Louisville, has this to say about her good friend: “It’s hard to be around Heather and not be affected by her contagious, positive attitude. Her smile and enthusiasm lights up a room and, when she says hello to you, it’s always with a huge smile and in a voice that rises three octaves. She is known for, and is seen, encouraging other athletes during her own race, very often cheering on her competition. She is such a positive face of Ironman racing.”Like the men’s returning champion, Chris McDonald, Gollnick loves the Louisville course. “It is absolutely beautiful – rolling hills, big houses with 506 acre yards, white picket fences, and horses.” Heather is particularly excited about the run course change: “There’s a college football game Sunday (which forced the course change); and, hopefully, they’ll all be out there cheering like crazy.”
Most certainly cheering like crazy will be Gollnick’s three children: twins Joshua and Jordan, age 10, and 8 year old Zachary. While they are usually staples at the finish line of their mom’s races, typically attired in t-shirts saying something like “Go Mom” or “My Mom is the Defending Champion,” this year they’ll be cheering from home because they didn’t want to miss any school.
Gollnick’s husband of 11 years, Todd – they were high school sweethearts – adds to the family support team. Again, Carole Sharpless provides perspective: “Her devotion to her children and husband is so touching. It’s no wonder she hugs them with such enthusiasm at finish lines — she’s been missing them for nine hours!”
For those who feel it is difficult to do an Ironman, let alone win one, if you have an otherwise full life … just consider Heather Gollnick. Along with being a mom of three, Gollnick is an active triathlon coach (www.ironedgecoaching.com), will direct four triathlon training camps in 2009, and is even the “Room Mom” for her twins. “If there’s a classroom party or field trip, I’m there. I can be flexible with my training.” The deeply spiritual Gollnick adds, “I am so thankful for the talent and life God has provided … you can do it all.”
Barry Siff, owner of 5430 Sports, is a Race Director, writer, and triathlete, and resides in Boulder, Colorado with his wife, Jodee and dog, Jackpot.
