Before I get into some brief details of the day in Lubbock, Texas, I just have to say what an honor and privelge it is to be on the Timex Multisport Team, and be associated with such incredibly wonderful teammates.   I have been racing triathlons since 1986, and have never been part of a more supportive, positive, and sincerely nice group of folks.  I love you guys!!!

OK, the race: Buffalo Springs Ironman 70.3.  Hot, hilly, tough day, tough course; but not tough enough to keep Chris Thomas from being the overall Age Group Champion … “allowing” Tim Hola and Denny Meeker to take 1st and 2nd in the 35-39 AG.  Amazing performances by these guys!  Chris nailed his Kona ticket, while Hola’s already in, and Meeker is sitting out Kona this year (onto Roth in 3 weeks),

Not to be outdone, though, was Cindi Bannick, winning the 30-34 AG, and punching her Kona ticket – Cindi looked spectacular out there today.

On the pro side, it was a very competitive field, with Andrew Hodges finishing 13th (and getting a pro Clearwater slot), Alex McDonald 19th, and Laura Tingle 12th. 

Me?  Very happy with a 13th place in my AG, just a minute off from my time here 2 years ago, and felt solid and strong all day – particularly pleased after just 6 weeks of serious training, after 6 months of just staying fit.  I had a great time out there – smiling and thanking every volunteer I could; and my nutrition plan was perfect, thanks to my PowerBar products.  My Orbea Ordu ran flawlessly – I lovethat machine!  And, the 10 hour drive down here was smooth as Tim Hola’s looks, thanks to our very own Timex Multisport Ford Flex.  We even got to use the amazinghands-free feature when we parallel parked the night before the race at our pre-race dinner.  The Flex rocks!

But, unequivocally, the highlight of the weekend and race experience for me was going out on the run, and seeing each and every one of my teammates heading to the finish, kitted out in our awesome Sugoi apparel.  We all recognize each other, cheer each other on, and the camaraderie is seen by all.  It speaks volumes for our key sponsor – Timex … and, believe me, we were visible!

Lots of pictures were taken post-race and at the awards, and I’ll let others post those.  I just want to publicly thank my teammates at the Lubbock race for their sweet and sincere support.