In the episode we hear from Chris Tubbs who is a husband, father and has a PhD in Biochemistry. If that wasn’t enough, Chris also invests in real estate, has started a charity walk that grew to the point he had to enlist help to manage it and is a Prostate Cancer survivor. After being diagnosed with cancer, Chris started journaling as a way to document his thoughts and emotions. After Chris shared his journal with a few close friends they encouraged him to transition to blogging so that he could share his experience publicly in the hopes that someone who might be facing a similar situation would find comfort in the knowledge they aren’t only facing adversity.
Chris shares that during his junior and senior years of high school in Los Angeles, CA he was ranked in the Top 25 swimmers in the city. He then took a 25 year hiatus before finding Triathlon in his mid-40s. We spend a few minutes talking about family, high school swimming, and Chris sets me straight on how long it takes to get a PhD.
I ask Chris if Ironman would allow my idea on how to get faster in the pool by getting cosmetic surgery. We talk about Chris’ blog journeyto140. Chris reminds us of the importance of documenting our progress as most progress comes in small incremental steps that are more obvious when viewed over a longer period of time.
Chris a 2X Ironman Finisher with both of his races being at Ironman Florida. Chris explains how he came to race Florida twice through a series of deferrals and needing time for his body to recover. Being completely open about all things, Chris shares that he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and had a complete Prostatectomy just weeks after completing Ironman Florida in 2020. Chris acknowledges that considers himself lucky as his Cancer was initially discovered through a blood test when he went in for a “regular” physical.
Because Chris raced Ironman Florida in back to back years, I take to opportunity to ask him to compare the differences from one year to the next. Chris walks me through his experience this year on the swim. At one point he thought he might have been swept out to sea as he lost sight of all the buoys and the pier that the swim course follows. Chris is very honest about how his body is still recovering from surgery and spent more time than intended off the bike. Because of his experience with the change in weather the days leading into race weekend, I agree to pack a light jacket regardless of the venue moving forward.
After getting distracted talking about Ironman 70.3 Texas, Chris explains how he had planned to attack the run course this year with a much different plan than in 2020. Chris’ plan to run at a slower pace while walking the Aid Stations got him to mile 18 but soon found himself walking more than running. Luckily for Chris, another athlete whom he had run with earlier in the day, provided the encouragement that was needed to finish strong.
We discuss the benefits of talking to others on the run course. Chris admits he enjoys the connection he is able to make through the community that is triathlon.
Because I follow Chris on Instagram, I know that he has added Yoga to his workout routine, so I put him on the spot and ask him to share his favorite yoga pose. Because the Warrior pose is what gives him the most challenge, Chris list it as his favorite at this moment. We agree that adding yoga to your triathlon training is key to developing core strength.
We talk about Chris’ customized QR tri bike, and I ask him his thoughts on those athletes that ride a non-traditional bike to increase the difficulty of the race. We laugh at the notion of someone riding a bike from the early 1900s. And Chris share what’s on the race schedule for 2022.
You can follow Chris on Instagram @journeytoironmantexas