Buffalo Springs 70.3 race report
This race for me was a return to the 70.3 distance after taking last year off to welcome my new daughter Michelle to our family. It was also my first attempt at traveling all together to a race (me, my wife, and 3 children).
We had planned to drive from New Braunfels to Lubbock on Friday (~7hrs), but we decided to take off Thursday evening to drive half the distance. The drive was fine but also stressful as we expected with taking the baby. We arrived in Lubbock Friday afternoon and checked in to our hotel. Saturday I took my son to meet up with the team, it was nice meeting the team members. I'm still pretty new to triathlon so it was great to hear about their race experiences.
I really didn't have any expectations for the race other than to finish feeling good and working hard.
My swim time was 46:13 - I'm meeting with a swim coach soon to evaluate my technique because I've been stuck at this pace even though I swim 5 days a week - it's frustrating but I got through the swim feeling good.
My Bike time was 3:12 - It matched my fitness level and I was happy with that time considering the course.
My Run time was 2:31 - I ran the first 6 miles straight at moderate pace, but the second lap I felt my HR was getting too high. I stopped to pee and I noticed it was very dark almost like coffee. I knew I was super dehydrated so I decided to walk run next few miles. I ran the last mile. Lesson learned I need drink way more than I did and I need to manage my stress better with a better plan with the family.
Overall it was a great race and we made some great memories!!
Comments
It sounds like you really do need to take in more fluids starting with the bike all the way through the finish, wow! With 3 more HIM's on your schedule you're going to want to dial in your nutrition plan so you can finish those races strong! I would suggest taking a look at the nutrition page in the wiki found here: http://members.endurancenation.us/Resources/Wiki/tabid/91/Default.aspx?topic=Nutrition+Central If you have any questions about fueling or fluid intake don't be afraid to post them in the Nutrition forums.
Keep up the great work and good luck with the rest of your season!
HUGE job getting it done out there Sunday David. Not an EZ day on that course for sure!
I've done that race 3 times, and ended up in the medical tent every time with an IV because it is so hard to manage the water loss for me as well on that race (every time its been 95 degrees when I crossed the finish) combined with the intensity that goes with an HIM.
Smart to recognize your current state on the run and make the right adjustments!
Congratulations on a well fought battle!
SS
@Doug Thanks for the link. I hadn't looked at that information, it will be very helpful. I didn't realize I required so much hydration and I never eat on the bike. I will change that though.
Well done on the tri and the family travel! Yep, more fluids. But you know that. Congrats on the baby!
@ David Good to meet you too! I really admire how you can manage to race while bringing along all your family. I gives me confidence with my family. I just calculated a sweat test and I need 48oz per hour on hot days! I only drank 60oz for over 3 hours on the bike! Big lesson learned. I'm looking forward to my next HIM to use my new strategy and compare results.