We've been fans of hers for a long time and we're so happy that she's part of the Coeur team.  Meet professional triathlete April Gellatly. 

  April Gelattley with Bike

Coeur: Hi April.  This is your first year as a Coeur sponsored athlete, so can you tell everyone about your background and how you got into triathlon?

April: In my family, we grew up swimming. I was the least talented of the three. My sister was nationally ranked, my brother was a natural athlete, and I always tried really hard. Each summer, my father entered us into Peachtree City Youth Triathlon. It was my time to shine at least within my family. Triathlon (relative to Swimming) was less about natural form and feel; more about the hard work I’d been putting in for years.

Coeur: How has 2016 gone so far from a racing perspective and what’s on the books for the back half of the year?

April: As always in triathlon and life, racing in 2016 has had its highs and lows. I finished 4th at Challenge Wanaka in February. I was able to finish my first Iron-Distance Triathlon since coming back from injury in 2014! I was overjoyed that my body held up to the demands of iron-distance training, but my fitness wasn’t quite where I had hoped and my body didn’t recover as I planned on the back-end of the race. I had a disappointing race in May (2016) at Chattanooga 70.3 but was determined to finish after an Injury DNF at Ironman Chattanooga in September 2015. This summer, I had to focus on work as I accepted a head coaching position for Atlanta Athletic Club Summer Swim League. I raced a trifecta of sprint triathlons, racing with family, my roommate, and representing my local bike sponsor. It was a fun summer, but as I transition back into full-time training, I look forward to the road ahead and the opportunity to chase down some late season podiums at Augusta 70.3, Miami 70.3, and Ironman Cozumel.

Coeur: Now, if we’re not mistaken, you’ve worked with Matthew Rose from Dynamo Swim Club.  What is Matthew like as a coach?

April: Simply put, Matthew is the best. I’ve worked with Matthew for the past three years. He’s changed the course of my professional career, which without his guidance would likely have been short-lived. I, now, have a self-belief that will be 100% essential to success in sport.

Coeur: Speaking of Dynamo, we always seem to see a lot of green and yellow at Kona each year.  They must have something special going on there.  What’s the secret?

April: There must be something in the water… ;) 

Dynamo Multisport lead by some incredible Coaches has created a powerful team environment. It’s a group I take a lot of pride in representing and much of my Atlanta ‘social’ life is based around Dynamo masters practice.

Dynamo Multisport

Coeur: Now, Coeur’s Founder – Kebby Holden is from Atlanta.  What is the endurance sports scene like in the ATL?

April: Atlanta is fun. There is always something triathlon-related going on. The city’s growth is mind-boggling (so is the lack of a Public Transportation Plan) and the growth of triathlon within the city has followed this same trend. I’ve been a triathlete in Atlanta since my early 20’s and I used to know pretty much everyone. That isn’t the case anymore. The growth has just been too explosive but it’s awesome.

Atlanta Triathlon

Coeur: Now you’re also a consultant for CNN Fit Nation.  What is Fit Nation and what is it like working with the athletes?

April: CNN FitNation wrapped in 2015 with our Executive Producer racing Ironman World Championships. I worked to get 5 x seasons of six Individuals to their first triathlon finish line. When our participants started with the CNN Program, they were TOTALLY new to the sport of triathlon. Within a  nine month period, we introduced them to the multisport lifestyle and assisted them to the finish line of our program at Malibu Classic Distance Triathlon. For me, this  five year period represented a lot of personal growth. I started as a consultant early in my career as a professional triathlete and multisport consultant. The CNN Fit Nation opportunity provided a pathway for growth and I’m really proud of the work I did for the program.

Coeur: We know you were a top amateur before turning pro. What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting his or her pro card?

April: The struggle is real. This is an interesting time to be a Professional Triathlete. The rules under the organizing bodies are ever changing. Throughout my first few years as a professional, the structure and rules were never the same year to year. That being said, chasing this dream to discover your best self because you are able to race on a professional level is a gift, but be prepared to struggle, to say ‘YES!’ to opportunity to work within the industry.

Coeur: April, we are so happy that you are part of the Coeur family.  Thank you so much for chatting with us and good luck on the rest of the season!

 

Reginald Holden