Wick qualifies for world half-ironman

Petaluman Holly Wick, has qualified to compete in the 70.3 (half ironman) World Championships.

More than 1,800 domestic and international competitors earned entry in the race by qualifying at one of the 33 Ironman 70.3 (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run) events held around the world.

Wick qualified in the 50-54 age group at the Oceanside 70.3 in April. She has since placed first in Sonoma County’s Half Vineman (Barb’s Race) and San Francisco’s Olympic Triathlon, and second in Auburn’s World’s Toughest Half Ironman.

“This has been a very long season, and I am looking forward to racing with the best in the world, and then taking a long break. The 50-54 age group is seriously fast,” said Wick. “In the past two years, they have dominated the women’s field, beating women half their age.

“I will be racing to do my personal best in this outstanding group of women triathletes.”

Wick works at Athletic Soles with her business partner, Dame Rahal. She trains 15-20 hours a week, arising at 5:30 a.m. to do one of two daily workouts, often with other Petalumans.

“I lead Tuesday track workouts for the store at 6 a.m., so I can spend quality time running with my husband. I also swim with the masters group at Club One,” she said.

But the bike is her favorite part of triathlon training. “Sonoma County has the best cycling routes in the world,” according to Wick.

“Since I know most of the local races, and have done over 50 triathlons, I am able to give people great tips on what races are best suited to them.”