Welcome

In 2009 I discovered triathlon. Somewhere along the way, what started out as a personal challenge turned into a passion. This sport and the people I've met along the way have helped me in ways I never would have imagined. Physically, mentally, and spiritually.

In 2010 an effort was made to pass along those blessings. On the way to Ironman Florida, with your help, we raised over $10,000 for Wears Valley Ranch. This year, Tri4Him-Houston is putting together a collective effort to raise money for Emma's Hugs. By sharing "random acts of kindness" in the Texas Medical Center, Emma's Hugs is helping others in need and memorializing their child who lost her battler with Batten Disease just last year. To find out more or make a contribution just click on the link. With donations, please note "Tri4Him" in the comment section so we can track our progress and keep you posted.


This year's big race is the inaugural Ironman Texas, 5/21/2011, here in The Woodlands. It's my first race of 2011 and I'm excited for the chance to tackle an Ironman right here in our own back yard. I hope that 2011 will be an even bigger year as we continue to use this sport we love to serve something much bigger than us.

As usual, I'll be posting updates, training schedules, race reports, etc. I'd love for you to come along for the ride.

Tobey

Monday, June 28, 2010

Race Report-Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake


Dad and I made it back into town today after a long road trip and a tough race. I'm moving a bit slower than usual but I'm happy to be home after a great weekend. As expected it was hot, windy, and the fabled hills of Lubbock did not disappoint. Buffalo Springs was an interesting set up. Essentially a 70.3 Ironman event set around a lake, a large campsite, and the plains outside of Lubbock.

We were up early Sunday morning and got to the race site around 4:30AM. After getting a lay of the land and setting up in transition, I donned the wetsuit and got in a brief warm up. The water temperature was comfortable and because the lake was basically down in a hole, it was protected from the wind. That offered nice, calm water. A welcomed change from Kemah and Galveston. Fortunately those conditions and a good game plan led to my best swim time yet, 39:06. Not fast, but much improved. I exited the water feeling good about my start and ready to face the elements on the bike course. As I mentioned, Buffalo Springs didn't disappoint. Immediately after leaving transition, on the bike, we had a tough climb to get out of that hole. And once we got back to level ground the winds came into play. The entire bike course was a series of flat, windy stretches along farm roads mixed with several challenging hills. As in, 6-8 M.P.H. going up and 30+ M.P.H. going down. That got my attention! Not something I deal with riding in Houston, for sure. I was amazed at how fast some of the competitors would descend past as I was climbing up. We're talking a pebble or a flat tire away from being road kill at those speeds. Needless to say, I wasn't quite as aggressive. I had my fun but I also need to replace my brake pads this week! It was a fun and challenging ride. I was happy to walk away from it in one piece with my 3:14:19 bike leg. I figured some of the same hills were waiting for me on the run and I was right. Once again, the run took us back out of the hole and onto the farm roads. There was nowhere to hide from the sun at that point. No trees. No buildings. Just long stretches of black top and hills. The hills were obviously no fun on the run but I felt well conditioned for the heat. Relative to the usual Houston humidity I'm accustomed to, the heat in Lubbock actually felt good at times. Especially when we got a little breeze. Never thought I'd be thankful for humidity, but on Sunday I certainly was. Despite the heat and the climbs, I was lucky enough to turn in a 2:05:33 half-marathon.

All in all, it was a great weekend. My official time was 6:04:51 which is a slight improvement over Galveston. A good boost of confidence heading into the summer months. From here on out, it'll be steady training sprinkled with a few shorter distance races, mostly for fun and a little distraction. IM Florida is just four months away.

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