http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqUKx9lrFc8&feature=youtu.be
On Saturday morning, the Buffalo Springs Half Ironman got started with the Tri Raider Triathlon at 7:50 a.m.
The athletes had to compete in a 500-meter lake swim, more than a 17-mile bike, and a little more than a 3-mile run.
Many Texas Tech family and friends were there to cheer on fellow red raiders. Kevin McCullough, a software engineer, was at Buffalo Springs Lake to cheer on his family friend, training partner, and Tech alum Kenan Blackerby.
"I've been doing triathlons since 2002, so he started training with me," McCullough said.
Caitlyn Campagna, Tech senior majoring in political science, said she and her friend Becca came to support Kimber Adcock, a Tech nutrition major competing in the triathlon with her boyfriend.
McCullough said not only do you have to stay hydrated, but strategy plays a key role in competing in these grueling triathlons.
"You can't over do it on the swim, because you won't have enough energy for the bike and the swim," he said.
Case Schaap from Clovis, NM said he does not neglect protein and carbohydrates before the race.
To prevent "hitting the wall," Schaap has a special type of sugar boost he takes right before he tackles the run.
