The Ironman World Championships were  just four weeks ago and following its completion my season was planned to be over.  After returning home however, I realized that deep down what I really wanted to do was race again – especially a race where there was no pressure (put on myself of course) by myself or others, sponsors or fans. I was thrilled with my IM Florida race, (I couldn’t have been happier with my race – well, I could have)  – I would have liked to have placed higher and of course gotten a Kona slot but nonetheless there were so many positives throughout the day.
Although this was a no pressure/ fun race, I woke up feeling incredible butterflies in my stomach – my great mentor, Marc Strickland always told me it was ok to have butterflies as long as they are all flying in the same direction. Well, to go along with the butterflies, I needed the porta-john A LOT. After a few long waits in line – I zipped up the wetsuit, got to the beach and I had to go again. I saw someone’s Hotel Room Door open on the beach and thought, “what the heck- I am sure they will say not but… can I please use your restroom? The women, obviously not dressed to race looked mortified and was shaking her head NO !! hand stretched out to motion for me to stop – at the same time her husband waved me in and said sure – I think he recognized me, I can only imagine that whispering conversation going on while I was using their bathroomJ
On to the race… I had one of my best swims. My time was over 3 ½ minutes slower than my PR, as the water was rough but I was particularly pleased with the outcome. I started smart, quickly dolphining my way out of the shallow water and got with a pack – I fought hard to stay with this pack until the end of the first loop. A small gap quickly formed before the second loop where you exited the water, I ran around the fencing on the sand and re-entered the water. There were two male pros ahead of me about twenty feet – then myself,  and three or four behind me about ten feet. I pushed hard to catch the two in front and stayed with them for the second loop and felt very good about my swim overall.
The bike was a fast course and I did a good job riding a fair and honest race. Bella caught me at the beginning of the bike and since she won the race five times I decided I would pace off her. She also rode a very fair race. Sophi who would win the race rode with us for forty miles and then got caught with a pack of men and put a lot of time into both Bella and I by being with the pack of men. The slower women swimmers and the age groupers were in some massive packs. I am sure many of you have seen it first hand on U-Tube but honestly unless you are non competitive and completely soft pedal 25x its hard – they really need to have a wave start.
The run finally felt good, not my fastest run but I was not throwing up or wanting to stop and ran tough. I ran part of loop one with my friend Scottie Defilipino – he was cramping so he’d stop at the aid station while I used the porta pottie (way too many times). I was energized throughout the run as members of our local Tri Club the Sarasota Storm as well as friends on course cheered constant words  of encouragement. This took me back to one of the reasons I wanted to do this race to begin with – I wanted to have Fun and enjoy the moment.  I ended finishing in fifth place but had a great overall day.
The highlight though was after – being at the finish line for my athletes I coach. A HUGE Congratulations to Brett Paddock and Andy Berster (1st time Ironman Finishers) and Regina and Julia – Great Days SUB 12 hours! Tough Women !!
I am thankful to all of those who helped me along the path to race day including my great sponsors: Trakkers, K-Swiss, Quintana Roo, First Endurance, Fuel Belt, Gu, Village Bikes, Zipp, Oakley, Lifesport, Marc Strickland and the Center 4Massage – you are the Best – your continued support means the world to me!!
www.heathergollnick.com
@heathergollnick
We had sooooo much fun after the award ceremony - GO STORM
