I'm writing this on my flight back from Lubbock, Texas. I was thinking about the sport of triathlon, how much I love the lifestyle, and what a great vehicle its been in the never ending self-learning quest. Funny, a month and a half ago, I was sitting on a flight back from St. Croix, thinking maybe I needed a long break from the sport.
I was pretty beat up mentally after St. Croix. My Last three races were poor, and I was starting to doubt my ability. I decided I needed to choose a tough race, not tell many people I was doing it, and give it one more go. I chose the Buffalo Springs Half Ironman in Lubbock, Texas for two reasons. First, it was supposedly a very challenging race. Heat, hills, wind, no shade. Second, it was a qualifier for Kona and it has a reputation for attracting some of the top amateurs in the country.
I didn't tell a lot of people I was doing this race. Even though it may not be true, I felt as though people doubted my ability also. I truly race for me, but as a coach and personal trainer, I sometimes feel pressure to perform (athletically). I didn't want to hear "Well its going to be really hot in Texas, are you sure that's a good idea?" I know people wish the best for me (most anyways), but sometimes concerns can affect you negatively.
So I worked on a few weaknesses since St. Croix to be dialed in for Lubbock. Of course I didn't work on my swim! My plan was to go out solo on Friday, race on Sunday, then fly to Cape Cod on Monday to meet Lisa and Ryan for a week of vacation.
Angela Forester, who was also racing, picked me up at the airport. As we drove to Lubbock, all I could think was "Where the hell are the hills?" Turns out that the swim is in a canyon and you ride in and out of a few canyons.
I felt good on race morning, although I was nervous. I always was able to step it up on race day, except for my last three races. Unfortunately your last or most recent performances are the ones that resonate loudly in your subconscious. I saw a lot of familiar faces at the starting line. I don't know most of their names, but they're the same crew I see chasing the Ironman qualifying races. My wave started fourth. The pros left first, then the waves were separated by 5 minutes.
The water temp was "conveniently" measured at 77.5 degrees, which is below the 78-degree mark that would have made wet suits not allowed. I felt Ok on the swim. Not great, but not bad, so that was cool. Unless something bizarre happens, there's usually nothing exciting to report here. I came out in 27 minutes and change, and was told I was in about 12th position in my age group.
The bike was where I wanted to do some damage. I told Scott Forester I had been feeling snappy on the bike lately and wanted to open it up here. The course starts immediately with a climb out of the canyon. As a coach, I would recommend that people go easy here since it's so early and you can waste your legs for later. Of course I hammered it. I settled into a good cadence and felt smooth right away. I could tell in the first 5K that I was going to have a good ride. At the 5-mile mark, I blew past a friend and competitor who's done a 9:17 in Hawaii and swims in the very low 50's there. I was blasting by people like they were street signs. The wind was really kicking on one long, rolling stretch, but I felt so strong pushing into it. I wanted even more wind because I could tell most out there were hurting. I didn't know how fast I was going because I didn't wear a watch and I never use a bike computer, but I knew I was tearing it up. There were a couple out and back sections in the big bike loop. At the 40-mile mark I was leading my age group. I counted the number of pro's and younger age groupers, who started in earlier waves that were ahead of me at the second turnaround. There were only 8 guys ahead of me total! I loved the bike course. It had everything in it. There was an Argentinean in my age group who came off the bike somewhat close, but he was penalized 4 minutes for drafting. I actually rode somewhat conservative in the last 10 miles in prep of the run and still had a huge lead off the bike.
My run kind of sucked. There wasn't a bit of shade on the course, it was in the 90's, and I forgot my hat. I kept it steady though and no one was gaining on me, which meant everyone was hurting.
The last 5K of the run traveled around the lake, and I could hear Scott screaming for me from the other side of the lake. It got me revved up and I dug deep to finish the last mile strong. As I was coming in, I was doing the math in the my head: "Pro James Bonney was way out in front, but I think I'm the top amateur, and in freakin' second place overall!" It was great having Scott and Angela there to share in my race. Scott was at the finish and I was really fired up, and I could tell that it got him pumped up also.
Angela and I drove Scott to the airport after the race (we had to ditch the husband), and then we went to the awards, drank some beers and margaritas, and had some dairy queen blizzards. It's always great to splurge after a hard race.
I can't wait to go back to Hawaii, have my best day and carry my son across the finish line! I am actually really looking forward to training hard for that event and doing my best time ever over there. Sometimes I have to remind myself that it’s all about the journey.
Cheers,
EH
