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.