This actually wasn’t part of my original plan, but after ending last season with a disabling hip injury, I’ve been slowly ramping up this year and sorting out some rehab issues to make sure I have a strong second half of the season.
So first up on my race schedule this year was Buffalo Springs 70.3 in Lubbock, Texas this past weekend. I picked this race because I like racing in the heat, and at 112 degrees on Sunday (the second highest temp in history for this day), it didn’t disappoint. I also picked this race because of where it fell on the race schedule. I’ve learned in the past that the first race of the season is like spring cleaning – getting back race fitness after six to eight months of not racing hurts, but it has to be done in order to clear out the cobwebs and be ready for the more important races.
With the hot temps in Lubbock, the strong headwinds and hilly bike, and a hilly hot run course, Sunday proved to be a good day to do some spring cleaning. With a strong pro field of 18 women and not being !00% race fit, my goal for the race was to finish top 10. Until mile 9 of the run, I was running comfortably in eighth place, but the lack of race miles in my legs combined with some steep downhills began to take their toll and I was passed by two girls in the closing three miles. All in all, still a good day of training and a top 10 finish to start the season.
So the spring cleaning is now done, and the cobwebs have been left in Buffalo Springs. Time to get on with the rest of the season!
