Congrats Heather on IM FINISH! - Triathlon Week

pyschosyd · 11-05-2006, 04:19 AM

Congrats on the great race! Seems as though (by your times) you had a strong race!

Let us know all the gory details once you get back to reality!

Cheers
Syd

sfricks · 11-05-2006, 08:38 AM

Kick ass Iron Mom! Great swim, 18 MPH kick butt bike, and a great 10 and a half MM Marathon. You rock! I can't wait for you to come rock us on the Beast! I'm really proud of you!

Spike10 · 11-06-2006, 11:11 AM

Way to go Heather! I guess it's my turn to go long.
As Syd said, give us all the juicy details when you are able.
"Pain is temporary, Pride is forever!"
Spike

chappy · 11-06-2006, 07:37 PM

Nice job, sounds like you had a pretty good time.

hmullett · 11-06-2006, 08:13 PM

Wow, I'm still on cloud nine! I really had the race of my dreams. There were things going against everyone during the race; choppy (whitecaps) water, 15 mph headwind on the bike, and chilly conditions in the morning prior to the race. But, the swim was GREAT! Granted, I drank half of the Gulf, but I was strong and passed many. Luckily, I didn't get stung by the jellyfish, others weren't so fortunate. I did see them in the water though. Then, the bike started. And all was going well, until mile 42 when my whole cleat came off of my shoe and stayed attatched to my bike shoe. So, I made it to the next aid station, about 2 miles (uphill! not kidding!), and used a steak knife to unscrew the cleat and reattach it to the shoe. That took 14 minutes, so my bike time would've been better, but I'm still pretty happy with the time. Then, I really took my time in the transition and I think that paid off. I started the marathon and ran the whole way. The only time that I walked was thru the aid stations. The conditions were ideal for a run, and I felt amazingly good. So, I told myself at mile 16 that I would just keep going until I felt that I really needed to walk. I never felt that need. When I realized that I was going to break 13 hours, I picked up the pace. I crossed the finish line in a 3/4 sprint with a huge smile on my face! And I heard those precious words, "Heather Mullett, tonight you are an Ironman!" And, I still felt good. The next day, I still felt good! But, today, I've caught the cold that my husband has, and I think that because my immune system is weakened, its hitting me harder than it would have normally. So, now I'm planning my next IM, trying to decide which one to do next. Thanks for all your support, guys! It truly means the world to me!

Heather (now OFFICIALLY "Ironmom")

sfricks · 11-07-2006, 08:06 AM

IM, your next race will be Beauty & the BEAST! :)

chappy · 11-07-2006, 08:45 AM

Tatoo??????

DOUBLE DOWN · 11-07-2006, 09:08 AM

Congrats Heather!
What an accomplishment!

Where is the M-dot going?

hmullett · 11-07-2006, 01:02 PM

It's going on my right shoulder, either this week or next.

Heather

pyschosyd · 11-07-2006, 01:39 PM

What could be more satisfying than all of your training coming together to form the near perfect race! Congrats again.

I've heard about the jellyfish before. A full suit is apparently necessary. I've also heard that they have vinegar at the swim exit for those who have been stung. My parents watched it last year, and saw a few people without wetsuits that got stung pretty bad!

I have a bit of a surfing background so the waves are comfy for me!

At what point on the course did the winds affect you the most? Beginning middle end. I assume it was probably along the coast on the way out that they were the worst. When I was down there last ther was a strong wind out of the west along the coast. Just interested!

The run is a nice one. I like the state park section alot. I also kinda like running in the dark so that might be good for me. My ultimate goal is to not spend much time in the dark!! (knocking on wood at the moment!:) )

At what time did it get dark?

I'll probably pick your brain more later. At this point I'm to excited about being entered for next year so I have a million and one questions.

Cheers
Syd

hmullett · 11-08-2006, 08:21 AM

Syd,
You're right, the coastal winds were brutal, and it stayed gusty until about mile 70. Then, we got a tailwind for about 25 miles and back to the coastal winds. It got dark at 4:45 - 5:00. And it got really dark in the park. Let me know if you want any other info! Good luck!

Heather

jwier92 · 11-10-2006, 02:12 AM

Hey, great job. I talked with someone in the pool yesterday that said the same things. Sounds like he had a good time too though. I am planning on doing my IM when I am 35, so summer/fall of 2008 and Flordia sounds like a good place to do it.

Jason

hmullett · 11-10-2006, 08:29 PM

I went back to work yesterday, and I couldn't believe the amount of people (some who I don't really know) that had tracked my race and were so proud of my accomplishment. I was so touched! I've been told by 2 women that I work with that they would like to train for some sort of triathlon, they don't know which distance yet, and that I've inspired them to get up and move! THAT'S what I'm happy about. If I can inspire others to want to acheive these goals, then I've done well.

Jason~ Florida was great! And, with it being a late race, you've got all season to prepare and build up to it. Get ready to sign up the hour that registration opens, though. It sold out in an hour this year.

Heather