Race Coverage

From Hypothermia to Hawaii...

Saturday, 15 September 2018 23:10

By Nick Serratore

Exactly 1 year ago today I was walking the full 26.2 miles of the marathon of my second Ironman to a disappointing 14:52:56 day and having to nurse myself (with the aid of my parents, cousin, and friend) out of hypothermia after the race... After that day, I took some time to reevaluate why I have competed in Ironman triathlons. I realized it was mostly because I loved the people I meet and compete with. The triathlon community is like a family that you can only want to be a part of and racing in an Ironman gives you an almost instantaneous bond with anyone you meet that has also completed such a rigorous race. However, I didn't need to continue racing Ironman distance races to obtain that anymore. I'd completed two and experienced both a great day in 2016 and a lousy one in 2017. It was with that understanding that I realized I had my own personal desire and dream to someday race at Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii and that I'd give that dream one more shot before I aged up into the 30-34 age group next year.

This year I had more fun racing. I didn't take it nearly as seriously and I tried to relax and let the day be what it was meant to be at each race. But most of all, I made new friends and enjoyed the community. I didn't post nearly the quantity of information on my own activities on Facebook as I have in the past, mostly because as far as I was concerned, this year was for me and giving my own dream one last shot....

Looking back on that race 1 year ago, it's almost laughable how that day stands in stark contrast to the successful race I had yesterday. My time of 9:53:08 was good enough to earn me third place in my age group and 20th overall among amateur athletes. I had a not too fantastic swim, a stellar bike, and a run that left a little to be desired... However, I never quit and I gave the race everything I had. Not knowing how slots would be allocated for World Championships, my parents, cousin Samantha Serratore, and myself went to the awards ceremony this morning and waited for the slot allocation ceremony at 11. When the male 25-29 age group was announced as having 3 slots, I nearly lost it. I accomplished my goal and dream of qualifying for Kona and will be racing on the big island on October 12, 2019.

It's hard to thank everyone and mention every person who has inspired me and helped me to this point... I can't thank the Tri community at large enough, especially my fellow athletes and coaches that I train with at Tri Fitness in White Bear Lake. After the race I have gotten so many messages of support and congratulations that I can hardly say how thankful I really am for everyone who watched my progress yesterday.

My coach Vicki Ostendorf... We did it! We are going to Kona!!!

The guys at Now Bikes and Fitness in St. Paul who built me my dream bike and helped me maintain it through the year.
The bicycle fit guru himself, Chris Balser. This man is a genius and helped get my bike fit exactly the way it needed to be. My 5:02:35 bike split would have been impossible without his help.

Dana at Podium Sports Therapy Massage in Hopkins, I wouldn't trust anyone else with my pre and post race massage care.

My family and buddy Jack Schuknecht... I know last year was hard on you watching me struggle through that day but I'm glad I was able to make it a little easier on all of you yesterday. I can't honestly say how much I appreciate all of your support the last 3 years of training for accomplishing this goal! I love all of you and thank you!