Race Coverage

"I am an Ironman"....

Saturday, 13 September 2014 00:10

ED. Great weather and great racing at Lake Elmo Park Reserve this morning. Words and photos on Monday. RESULTS

By Nicole Heininger

Ironman Wisconsin Race Report - Not sure where to even start...I'm an Ironman. I worked hard this past year to accomplish something I knew would bring me a new challenge in life. "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you." I made sacrifices to work towards this goal and I thank all my friends who have understood and stuck with me. I thank my family for being supportive and believing in me when sometimes I questioned myself and my abilities.

I also am beyond appreciative to all of my triathlete friends, far more experienced than myself for the continuous advice and guidance (there are too many to name but you know who you all are)!  The volunteers and crowd support was truly amazing and like none I've ever experienced before. I could honestly write a novel about this experience but the end has yet to come.

I am so so grateful I completed my first IM and I couldn't have felt better throughout. In no way am I disappointed in my own performance as I ran across that finish line, crushing my goal time. (Yes those pics are lipstick on my mirror). I included them to show what my goal finish time and splits were when I started training. Swim 1:10:00, T1 5:00, bike 5:45:00, T2 5:00, run 4:30=11:35:00....actual=11:10:16. Most would think this is great, I do too, but I'm also ready for my next challenge...break 11:00:00....

I had no plan of signing up for another IM unless it meant I qualified for Kona and in that case, how could I pass it up. Well my plan changed and many encouraged me to repeat IMOO next year. Something I rarely do, I made a spontaneous decision. Madison Ironman 2015, here I come! The bottom line is I did what I planned to do and accomplished my goal. I put a lot of hard work and effort into training and it paid off.

However, knowing what to expect for next year I have new goals. Being so close yet so far from that Kona spot got the fire fueling in me. Losing to the top three in my AG when it comes down to the run, sucks. I'm going to do what it takes to become a lean, mean, running machine and therefore not have to worry about holding back on my bike for a solid run. "All things are possible for those who believe."