Buffalo Springs Prep.

I am in Lubbock, Texas in preparation for the Ironman Buffalo Springs 70.3 Triathlon. This will be my second half iron distance race this season. I learned some valuable lessons in Ironman Oceanside 70.3. I am hoping to capitalize on the added experience.

Lubbock has been hot and humid with severe thunderstorms. Yesterday, I was out running with my coach to keep my legs loose and a thunderstorm came up from behind. The thunderstorm was being pushed by strong winds. The wind was carrying a massive dust storm and the dust was pelting our skin like rocks. When we made it back to the house in Lubbock, the dust mixed in sweat had us caked in mud. This was a fun run. I must say, I have never come back from a run muddy before.

Lubbock is a very clean city. It is a small city, but I certainly appreciate small cities. A gentleman by the name of Chuck was kind enough to provide us with a home to stay in. This saved me about $200 on hotel expenses. I am greatly appreciative of this. The added travel to get to the longer races is getting expensive. Chuck is also providing home stay for a professional triathlete, Ryan Milton, from Australia. Ryan is on a US tour. You can checkout his website at www.ryanmilton.net.

Today, we will be going for a swim in Buffalo Springs. We will also be setting out for a short ride. I would like to check out the course a bit and get a feel for what lies ahead.