True perspective

Ironman Ritchie learns lots from job as neonatal nurse

As a nurse in the neonatal ICU at Florida Hospital for Children, Tami Ritchie is surrounded regularly by vulnerable babies.

Their young lives barely have started, yet they’re sometimes fighting for their next breath. They’re determined. They’re inspirational. They’re loved.

The gumbo of emotions every day in the NICU affects all those who witness them. Ritchie, a Clermont resident, doesn’t forget that when she competes as a long-distance triathlete.

“Any racing, especially Ironman racing, can get tough and challenging,’’ said Ritchie, 34. “You just think you’re in so much pain, and it’s so hard. It’s the worst thing ever, but you’re able to be out there.’’

That reality check emboldens Ritchie, who finished first in the women’s division at Ironman Florida in Haines City this month.

It took Ritchie 10 hours, 20 minutes, 22 seconds to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles in a race that was relocated from Panama City to Polk County because of Hurricane Michael.

Ironman Florida was her second victory, following a triumph last year near Houston.

“She has the patience to handle the day, not get too excited, stick to her game plan, know herself and what her strengths and weaknesses are, and race to those so that she performs at her best,’’ said Ritchie’s coach, Matt Zepeda. “When she’s doing that, she’s a very formidable competitor.’’

Ritchie grew up as a competitive swimmer in Bloomington, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis. She was on the women’s team at Iowa State, specializing in the butterfly and freestyle.

“Everything that we put in front of her, she would just take it on,’’ said Duane Sorenson, in his 22nd season as the Cyclones’ coach. “She was the prototypical grinder.’’

After Ritchie graduated and with her career in its early stages of development, she sought a physical challenge. She settled on a marathon.

A friend then suggested she attempt a triathlon. Ritchie bought a used bike and began training.

Her first sprint-distance event — a triathlon on training wheels, so to speak, with shorter distances suitable for beginners — came in 2007. Her first Ironman came four years later.

“I felt sick the whole run, so the full adds another whole element,’’ said Ritchie, who estimated she has competed in 10 to 13 Ironman-distance events. “It was a little bit more of a mystery than just being fit. I felt excited to figure that out and do another one.’’

April Miller, who has trained with Ritchie, raced professionally until retiring two years ago.

She said Ritchie maintains a positive attitude despite the demanding nature of triathlon.

“We would be at a store, eating a cookie, cracking up,’’ Miller said. “It felt like being a 5-year-old child. That companionship (helps) when you’re pushing your body to the extreme.’’

The 5-foot-5 Ritchie has qualified for the 2019 Ironman World Championship. It will be her third trip to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for the sport’s ultimate race.

She said her first two attempts on the Big Island left her unfulfilled, not that she is complaining.

Ritchie has two things working in her favor — her inner child and the tailwind provided by her NICU babies.

“Your legs work. Your lungs work. Your brain works,’’ Ritchie said.

“If you’re out there doing that, you probably have a job and support a family and all that, so life is really pretty good when you’re supposedly suffering the most.’’