“I don't race for a podium; I race for the experience.” Meet Ian Gerritson as he represents Sunwarrior in the St George IRONMAN® 70.3®.
I was first drawn to participating in endurance races in 2004 while watching a marathon with a buddy and expressing interest. My buddy made the comment that "we were too heavy to do that mess." At the time, I was over 260 lbs. and lived a generally sedentary life. But I accepted that challenge and the following year I finished my first marathon (mostly by walking). But I caught the bug. It wasn't long after that I was introduced to Steve Olsen and started religiously taking his spin and any other class he offered. I could really relate to his energy, and it motivated to reach for loftier goals. I continued running in half marathons, marathons (this year will be my tenth year at St George) and sprint triathlons.
Then in 2010, I watched Steve compete in the 2010 St George IRONMAN® 70.3®. I remember being in complete awe of the athletes putting themselves through that. In 2012, I decided to take the leap. I trained hard with Steve and another fellow warrior Shaneen. I showed up that morning scared, but mostly excited.
Suffice it to say, that was one of the gnarliest full IRONMAN races to date. I'm not sure, but I think it may still hold the record for DNFs (did not finish). I absolutely LOVED IT. I barely got out of the water before the cutoff and had to ride the last 6 miles on my back rim, but I still don't know if I'll enjoy a race that much. I don't race for a podium; I race for the experience. The experience, the volunteers, the fellow racers (especially the ones that are "too heavy"). I go through dark places as I'm racing, but I LOVE every minute of it.
I didn't decide to do another IRONMAN until last year at Boulder where I beat my personal record by 2.5 hrs. This year, I'll have my fullest calendar yet with two 70.3's and two IRONMAN races. Three of those races happening within three months of each other.
I can't begin to express my gratitude for Sunwarrior and the opportunity that they've placed before me. I'm excited to represent such an amazing company and their great products like Sunwarrior Liquid Light, Vitamin Mineral Rush, and Immune Shield, which have done miracles with my nutrition needs. I'm at the top of my game. I feel great and love what I'm doing!
You can go from living a sedentary life to full on races if you just start with that first step now. Get up. Get moving. If you want to run, run. If you want to race, then IRONMAN. Winning the race is showing up and getting it done.
