Gulf Coast Triathlon and Ironman Florida are my most favorite races. I love Panama City Beach for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, clear water and very nice people. But what I don’t like is the humidity, wind, and rough water that were all present on the race day. Also the water was too warm and the pros were not allowed to wear wetsuits.
 
The water was very rough and I am not used to swimming in big waves. Unfortunately the waves were so high that I was unable to stay with the lead group of pro-men. I had to swim alone throughout the swim course and it wasn’t always easy to find the buoys. It was easier to swim back after the turn around and I was quite happy that I did not get nauseous. My time was slower than usual but I was glad that I was the lead woman to come out of the water.

 

 

 

 

I knew I had to push as hard as I could on the bike because I had to put as much time as possible between the other competitors and myself. I had no time to waste because I knew that Amy was a good cyclist and was also able to run fast. It was very hot and humid and it felt like I was cycling in the sauna. The sweat was pouring down my face throughout the bike leg.The bike course was out and back with a tailwind on the way out and a headwind on the way back. I was surprised to see my lead had increased at the turnaround, but I knew that I had to keep going strong. It was much more difficult riding into the headwind but I was aware that if I was able to ride strong I could keep my distance from the other competitors and be able to finish the bike leg in a first place with a nice lead.   

At T2 I was satisfied with my bike time of 2:31, several minutes better than last year. However I had no idea how far the other girls were behind me. My husband was racing too and there was nobody to tell me the situation. I started the first mile slow to allow my body to get used to the run. I sped up after one mile, according to my plan, and kept checking to see what was happening behind me. I didn’t see anyone and I didn’t have to run at a maximum effort.  It was wonderful to cross the finish line as the first professional woman! 

I was not the only one to win from the TIMEX Team. Bruce Gennari won Masters in 4:18 and finished 5th overall!   

 

 

 

 

 

I am looking forward to going back to Panama City Beach in November for Ironman Florida. I hope the conditions will be much better.

 

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Ironman Arizona was great day for the girls from TIMEX Team, but not for me. I did not feel well before the race. I suffered from allergic and asthmatic problems. Unfortunately there was something wrong for my body in the water on the race day I could not breathe running through the T1. It did not improve on the bike I decided not to finish.

Thanks to my husband Jirka I can present the race by pictures.

 

 

 

Tamara, Gabriela, Blake and Sergio after PRO meeting.

 

 

 

Blake was the first out of the water from Timex Team.

 

 

 

I was satisfied with my swim a lot, but starting my bike I could not breathe.

 

 

 

Juli was fantastic on the bike 5:17. Wow!

 

 

 

 

Tamara moved to sixth place on the bike.
 

 

 

 

Rachel on the bike. Looks strong!

 

 

 

Sergio started his race very well.

 

 

 

Luis rode excellent time on the bike 5:18.

 

 

 

Tamara ran 3:09:57 - second best time in WPRO.

 

 

 

Rachel is running for the first place among age groupers, congratulations.

 

 

 

Juli on the tough run. First place in her age group.

 

 

 

Luis on the run. Good luck next week in China.

 

 

 

 

 

Tamara was sprinting at the end of marathon to finish forth, great job.

Good luck for everybody!

Gabriela Loskotova

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