It was great to be back racing in Ironman Wisconsin 

I remember watching the 2007 Ironman Arizona this past spring and wondered if I will ever be able to do an Ironman Race again because of dealing with a back issue for over a year.  I got sad at the thought, but came to grips with the fact that I may not be able to do the distance again.  I was sure envious of those athletes that had the physical abilities to be racing on that day (because they could)  It again emphasized why my coaching business is called "Because U Can".  

In addition knowing TEAM 4 (an all women's triathlon team I helped start) was going strong for the 2^nd year in a row.  There was more to racing now than just for my self.

After months of core and functional strength training as well as getting on my NEW Valdora Bicycle (thank-you so much Kevin (owner of Tribe Multisport) a great triathlon shop in Scottsdale, Arizona for helping me secure this) I got to a point of attempting to try the distance once again in early June. I knew I was coming back up to Wisconsin for the summer to be back with my family and out of that crazy heat of Arizona,  that training for Ironman Wisconsin in September could be potentially doable.    So I gradual increased the mileage on the bike and in the middle of June committed to racing in the 2007 Ironman Wisconsin held on Sunday, September 9^th. 

During the past 2 months, I have truly enjoyed being back in the rolling, plush green terrain of Wisconsin.  It is so beautiful here, with the great roads for cycling, the trails to run on and the lakes to swim in.   Since being in Wisconsin my whole life, it definitely has a big place in my heart!   As I seem to meet people very easily, I once again got some great training partners.  It is the camaraderie of the people in the sport of triathlon that keep me coming back for more.  It was truly more enjoyable training with them!

The few days leading up the race made the reality set in that I would be getting another chance to race in an Ironman. I was very excited but at the same time very calm and serene about it.  On Friday, I was invited to the Press Conference as well as the Pro Panel presented by Ironmanlive.com.  It was my first time partaking in these festivities and it was also great to see familiar faces of the hard working staff of North America Sports.  In the Professional Race meeting held that afternoon, it was stated that the Professionals would not be able to wear wetsuits because of the water temperatures being above 72 degrees.   As my swimming is definitely my week link in this sport, I knew this could possible cost me more time.   I want to thank Ben Harper (The Timex Multisport Team Manager) for helping me out in finding a Blue Seventy Skin Suit for me to borrow!

Race morning came an I was fired up.  I was fired up to not only race but to be able to participate in something more than just for myself.  I was racing to help fight cancer and was very honor to be participating in the Janus Charity Challenge, together with my TEAM 4 raising just over $20,000 to help find a cure for cancer to be given to the Medical College of Wisconsin. 

Coming out of the water 12 out of 13 female Pro's I knew I had ground to make up.  Running up the helix (about a quarter of a mile, yes a long uphill transition...fun!) I heard so many of the spectators cheering my name.  It was so great to have that home town advantage.  I came into T1 where awaited some of my TEAM 4 athletes as they volunteered all day in that changing room. (thanks ladies!)  It was another long run through the 2,000+ other bikes rack as the Pros were at the very end.  Yew...finally for the 112 mile ride. 

Throughout the ride, I held my heart rate as I did in training and stayed with my nutrition plan.  I picked off some of the other women Professionals as I rode steady and smooth throughout and was pleased to come off the bike in 5:29:00.  Gaining 7 spots; coming in 5^th Pro off the bike.  T2 was quick for me; I got my shoes on and headed out for the last leg of the race.  In training I was really working on pacing rather than just putting in the miles.  I was on pace the first lap for a 3:15 marathon split.  Unfortunately slowed down a bit the second half.  It was the last 10k where I really had to get it together.  At this point it was when my quads felt like they could cramp up at any time.  I needed to keep moving forward and keep taking the Gatorade and electrolytes to help.  I was hurting at this point.  So instead of focusing on the cramping, it was where the thoughts of the thousands of women hearing the words you have cancer, or going through chemo treatments, or even the thought of what my parents had to go through during their challenge with cancer.  How I was feeling was NOTHING compared to what cancer patients have to go through.  I ended up 4th Female overall in time of 10:06:26.

To summarize the day...it was awesome!  It was awesome racing in my home state.  It was awesome racing in the fight against cancer. It was awesome to be free of back pain.   It was awesome to have my family and friends there.  It was awesome to have the great weather.  It was awesome to be part of the triathlon community once again and it was awesome to be alive!

Thank-you for all my friends and family, to all of my sponsors (please see the links on the left) and to the Janus Charity Challenge in helping us get one step closer in the fight against cancer!

Yours in the race to fight cancer, Heather

Saturday May 12th, 2007 

Over 1000 women triathletes competed in this years Tri for the Cure.   It was an honor to be racing in this years event.  The events proceeds went to the Susan G Koman Breast Cancer Foundation.