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

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Race Week-Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake


After a two month hiatus, it's finally time to race again. When I first started doing these things, my mentors would tell me that the races are the fun part. The training is what'll kill you. That made no sense to me last year but I assure you it does now. The last several weeks have delivered a pretty steady diet of increasing distance and amount of time spent training. The mornings have gotten earlier, the weather has gotten hotter, and I'm now very familiar with the massage place around the corner. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying every bit of it, but I'm also looking forward to this week of recovery leading up to Lubbock. And I'm really looking forward to being back out there.

This race will be much different than Galveston. First, I've never done this one. Things will be unfamiliar and no other Houston Tri4Himers will be there to grind it out along side me. The crew this weekend is me and dad, who will serve as co-pilot, room mate, sports psychiatrist, race-day support, equipment manager, and most importantly dad. I'm glad to have him along for the experience. He's getting pretty seasoned at watching races and is in full on training for IM Florida spectating. Lubbock will also offer some new terrains, with a hilly landscape for both the bike and run portions of this race. A bit intimidating when you look at the map, but I'm looking forward to this new challenge. It's hard to train for elevation changes here in Houston. I'm counting on the past several months of work and grit to get me through it. Interestingly, the swim will be wetsuit legal (i.e. less than 78F) despite the hot climate. It takes place in Buffalo Springs Lake, which is a natural, spring fed lake, making it cool. Notably, the only cool portion of this race with predicted temperatures of around 100F by the end of the run. Good times!

As always, I am incredibly thankful that the Lord has sustained me through all of the mental and physical pounding required of this endeavor. I've been blessed to be injury free and in good health to keep up with the training. I'm also thankful for all of you. Your support mentally, spiritually, and emotionally has continued to fuel my fire and your financial contributions to Wears Valley Ranch have served to motivate me, even further, along the way. Thank you, again. If you've not jumped on board with that, this race would be a great excuse to do so. Likewise, if you've already "joined the race," why not use this event to play add on? I set our goal of $10,000 pretty high, but have no doubt that we can reach that and know that those funds will serve to help out a Godly organization with a worthy cause. Our total is $1700 as of today. Let's kick it up a notch! Just click the "firstgiving" logo over on the right. It's fast, easy, and feels really good!

I'll keep you posted on what takes place this weekend. If you've got a second to give us a thought or say a quick prayer Sunday morning, I'd appreciate it. I'll be out there working from 6:45 to 1ish. My fellow competitors and I could use all the help we can get. If you've got a little extra time...try praying for a cold front!

Thanks again.


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