Gavin Anderson's Triathlon Page: Buffalo Springs 70.3

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Buffalo Springs 70.3

Crashed into a cactus and still managed to place 7th in the heat of TX, not too bad of a race. I had two races planned this last weekend one in Provo Utah and one in Lubbock Texas, since the Provo Utah race was canceled I was headed to the great state of Texas for the second time this year to race a 70.3. Buffalo Springs 1/2 Ironman is known for its tough conditions and long 22 year history, even with 112 degree temperatures in the forecast it brought many to this small town in the north west desert of Texas. Again my sister and I made the drive to this race from Boulder, but this time we got to take the team Timex brand new Ford Edge. It was a very nice ride except for the poo smell through TX and NM, because we of course had to ride with the windows down to heat acclimatize. The way back would be all cool AC. We made it to Lubbock early on Saturday, got a ride in and swim in the lake, packet pickup, and dinner with friends all before 7PM. Everything went well, and we were set to be there a little early in the morning as to make sure we were not rushed like Kansas.
Buffalo Springs is a very pretty lake in a small canyon in the middle of the desert, it is spring fed so nice and cool even with the blast furnace air temperatures.

Again this race we knew a lot of folks racing wich is always nice, plus there are Kona slots at this race so many fast amateurs. I got everything set in transition and had plenty of time to learn the transition very well before the race. I got in a little warm up and was ready to start. The pro mens field was not huge here maybe 20 or so.

The beach start went well and we were off in the water, I soon found myself in front right behind a few decent swimmers. I decided for this race I was going to swim behind someone and not in the lead, so that is exactly what I did the entire swim, I felt very good exiting the water and not too tired. But I think we swam a little slower that I would have liked in hindsight. Either way I was out of the water with the same time as the guy I swam with. I had a great T1 and was in the lead of the whole race within 200 meters of starting the bike.

I lead the bike until only mile 8 or 9, I was keeping to my plan of taking the first few hills and 10 miles of so at a decent wattage and not blowing it in the beginning of the race. After only a few more passes through the 1/2 way point I was in about 4th place and felt good holding about 300 watts. I was trying to get in all my nutrition as well as my coach Eric Kenney and I have been have been discussing along with salt and lots of water due to the heat of this race. I soon realized why this bike course was tough it was the wind not the heat on the bike. The desert plains here whipped up a great wind to deal with throughout the bike course. I did get water at each aid station on my head body and some to drink as well to help deal with the heat. The highlight of my bike was at about 1:32 minutes into the bike when I had a crash into a cactus going down a hill. It sounds bad but really it was a little humorous more than anything and I only lost maybe 45 seconds. I had one hand on the bars trying to decent and eat a little at the same time, realized I was going way too fast to make a large right hand turn at the bottom I had to go off the road rather than crash on the road. I went through the side road gravel, down into a small ditch over the handle bars and landed on some cactus looking thing, I was fortunate though as it did not have needles sticking out all over it. Quickly I got out of the ditch dragging my bike up with me. Pedaled my chain back on and by this time the guy that was behind me was right there ask what the hell I was doing, we both had a laugh and uninjured I re-passed him and continued on the bike. The next aid station I had to wash off all the dust that had stuck to the right side of my body from the crash. Most of the rest of the bike was uneventful, though my watts dropped off a little towards the end. I managed to get almost 900 calories in though, PB and jelly sandwich, fig newtons, salt, and lots of water on the bike so I was set for a good run. But the heat of Texas had other ideas for everyone that day.

I choose to wear a hat and sunglasses on the run for the first time, which I think will become the norm for me now as I feel it helped a little to keep me cool. The beginning of the run was shaded, but once out of the park it was hilly and right in the desert sun against the wind. I tried to take it easy in the first 3-5 miles since it was so hot out, there were a few folks I knew cheering for me on the run which is always nice. Dave Scott told me to keep it steady which is exactly what I was trying to do. The worst part was heading to the turnaround against the wind I felt like I was slowing with every step and guys gaining on me from behind. Once I hit the turn around I was much better, with the wind at my back and the roaming aid station handing cold water and I was good for now. A little ice in the hat did not last long but offered a little reprieve. Towards the end of the run down and up a few more hills and I was within the last few miles, it was pretty painful with the heat, but managed to push though it and finish strong in 7th place. I was happy with this race for sure.

There were many folks from the Erin Baker's team and the Timex Team at this race all finished great, many winning Kona slots as well, including Christine, congratulations to all of them! Now it was time for Texas Bar-B-Q and some ice cream.