Buffalo Springs 70.3 recap.....

Hi Everyone,

Dr. Crane has a fun video and recap on myrundoc.com. Check it out and enjoy. I took some time and gathered thoughts from the weekend. Here is my review of Buffalo Springs 70.3:

This past weekend, a huge step in this fun triathlon hobby of mine was accomplished. This is one race I have somewhat feared after hearing the challenges participants face on this course. Located in Lubbock Texas at Buffalo Springs canyon is a venue that will bring you honest to your abilities.

When I sign up for races, I sign up to not only accept the challenge but to gain continued strength both mentally and physically. I like courses that are tough – they make you think. They make you learn when to hold back and show you where you need to improve. It’s the reason why I am hooked on this sport.

The drive to Buffalo Springs was a long one and in my head, I thought about the people who live out on the wind farms, cotton farms and even the little towns in-between. Stopping in the smaller town, it brought to light the quirky things such as Dairy Queen being the main hang out in town to the tiny sun beat buildings showing their wear however persevering in the brutal sun. In a strange way, it was calming after living day after day in a busy network of suburbs feeding into two main cities in Texas.

The host hotel for the race was basic and no frills - pretty much what you would expect from a Holiday Inn.  The expo was smaller opposed to other races I have been to however each expo through the finish line all have their own identity and that is what makes participating in IronMan 70.3 and full distances unique.

At this race, I took on the Athena division and giggled as one other female was in the group. I wanted to come home with a memento from the race. I wanted the 1^st place finisher’s trophy for my division. For the first time, I actually looked up the other participant’s stats and realized I beat this person at Austin 70.3 last fall which was a subpar race for me. I was hopeful and albeit excited about actually winning however did not want to assume this was going to be a piece of cake.

Race morning, I was in my normal quiet state just letting my mind relax knowing there will be a lot of fun and a lot of work involved over the next 7ish or so hours. The swim waves were released one minute at at time. I thought it was a bit close together however I also knew with the heat, the race organizers wanted folks in and out of the water quickly given the weather that lies ahead.

I was in the last swim wave and I thought to myself how lucky I am to have the support of my husband, daughter and the many, many dear people in my life. My Facebook page blew up with comments of support and text messages from athletes I admire were arriving to my phone all week up to race morning. I got in the water and kept going, never stopping and passing quite a few bobbing heads with all different color swim caps from previous waves. The swim was slow for me which was surprising. Maybe I was holding back knowing what was to come on the bike. Who knows – but I know I need to work on that for future races.

After the swim, transition was good. I noticed this time I was not as tired as previous races. Something must be changing with me I thought…maybe all that hellacious workout sessions coach throws me are paying off as well. I remember smiling thinking how much I appreciate him and his wife who is a great friend to me.

First hill was immediately out of transition. I had the bike in the easiest gear and just started spinning. I took it slow and kept a consistent cadence. Next thing I know I am at the top of the hill. I started smiling and and literally squealed “that was awesome”! The whole bike course I smiled never stopped pedaling and just kept going. Some folks told me I had a motor on my bike and I agree. I was just so happy to finally conquer the course I have been contemplating over the last three years. Looking at the race photos, I was smiling in every single bike picture yet I do not remember a seeing a photographer on the course, it was a great ride.

I whip into transition and rack my bike. A fellow athlete across from me did the aqua bike course which is the same course of 70.3 except for no running. I was secretly jealous as I would like to be in the position knowing the day is complete. Alas, I whip off the helmet and cleats then on goes the visor, more sunscreen, socks and running shoes. Here goes another 13.1 run course.

The heat. It’s my Achilles tendon in life. I run very early in the morning or late at night to avoid it. When I try to run in the heat, I crumble like yesterday’s cookie. So I grab water from the volunteer, slap ice in my pockets to help keep the body cool and try to run. Yep…body wanted to run but consistency in this portion of the race was not to happen.  It frustrates me not to have the talent to run continuously and fast in the heat.

I ran into fellow running club members and cheered them on their way. I cheered on the hand cycle athletes up every hill. They made me tear up watching the power and determination they had written all over their face. They are my heroes and they are amazing. If they can do this in this heat…..I can too!

In what seemed one of the shortest run portions in all of the 70.3’s I have participated in, the finish line appeared. The crowd looked hot and tired. I thought to myself, let’s wake them up. I yelled over to the crowd “hey….let’s hear some noise folks”! The crowd instantly woke up and cheering started with cow bells ringing. I smiled back at them to thank them.

Crossing the finish line was nice. It was really nice. I finished Buffalo Springs 70.3. At the finish line they handed out a beer – I took it. It didn’t taste that great. It was soon replaced with walking right into the lake and just floating in the cool water...just being and realizing what was just accomplished.

Would I do this race again? You bet. I think the race organizers, volunteers, course layout was perfect. There is a reason this 70.3 is a Kona qualifier – it’s tough and you better be prepared. Can’t wait until next year to give Buffalo Springs another “Tri”.

Janet

P.S. I got my momento.

Burning Pain in Your Toes?

Burning Pain in Your Feet? Listen in on this conversation on a coffee break. Sound like you?

Time for an IronMan update.....

Hi Everyone,

Time to catch you up on IronMan training. Last year, it was all about finishing and experiencing the highs the lows and the in-betweens of Ironman training to the finish line. This year has been a lot of focus on the bike and getting a consistent run.  If you remember last year, two weeks before the race I injured my foot resulting in walking a very long 26.2 miles. I am focusing on keeping the foot healthy to be able to run in Canada….oh yeah, and listening to my coach…he yaps a lot when I do not listen….  ;)

Next weekend is Buffalo Springs 70.3 in Lubbock Texas. This race is a training day for me with focus on managing the heat. This race is known for some Texas size “bumps” on the bike course. Here is a snapshot of the elevation of the bike course:

Now that is something to do on a Sunday eh? And just think, we will have already swam 1.2 miles then will have to ride this roller coaster. I especially love the back to back climbs right at the start of the bike...good times. 

You can’t change Mother Nature so on we go to do our best.  It’s sad when the race details list the weather as semi-arid…you don’t sweat in the shade. This week especially, there will be a lot of hydrating going down on top of pre race excitement.  

From where we are located, Lubbock is about a five hour drive so Dr. Crane and I will be heading down the highway with from what I am told -limited scenery. Guess we better have some good tunes to play ‘cause that is a long drive!

After the race it’s all about IronMan Mont Tremblant as race day is August 19^th. I have a good feeling about this year and rightfully so. There has been A LOT of training going down and a lot of focus on being smart about the goals.

Stay tuned and have a great week!

Janet

A National Day for Running!

Hi Everyone!

Hopefully your week is productive and positive! Today is a special day for many. It is National Running Day!

Each year on the first Wednesday of June, running is celebrated and all of the benefits that go along with it. Whether you run or jog, short or long distance, you know the benefits to your heart and overall health. For those who do not run and have been thinking about starting, today is your day!

People run for different reasons. For some, it is weight control or stress relief. The key to starting is making sure you step in the right direction for healthy running. As with any new goal, write down what you want to accomplish with your running regimen. The goal has to be for you, not your friend or your neighbor…just for you.

Meeting with your Doctor to make sure you are ready to start an exercise program. The next step is to meet with a Podiatrist for a complete foot exam and to discuss your individual running goal. Based on the foot exam, the Podiatrist will guide you in the best protection for your feet to reduce the chance of injury down the road. Sometimes, additional support is needed in your shoes and an orthotic may be recommended. The name of the game here is preventative care.

Once you are clear to start a running program and you learn about your foot type from your Podiatrist, the next step is purchasing the right shoe type for you. Meet with a Certified Pedorthist (your Podiatrist should have a reference for you) to know what shoes to look for as you shop at your local running store.

So once you have your shoes you can hit the road and run for a few hours right? Not! Running programs especially ones for beginners actually incorporate a lot walking. When you start a running program, mileage increases over a period of time typically no more than 10 percent per week. Safely building up mileage takes time and rightfully so. Depending on your goal, you can hire a running coach to printing out predefined running programs via the Internet. If you choose to run with an organized group, make sure your lead or coach is certified. We see many running injuries from runners who are not being trained properly. If the group you are considering does not take the time to certify all of the leads or coaches, keep looking for another program.

Stop in at your local running store and learn about running products from shoes to clothes to accessories. There is a lot out there and maybe if you are apprehensive about running for the first time, take time and learn about the sport of running….you will soon see why it is so contagious! 

Happy Running!!