Welcome to SweetwaterNOW’s series, #WHYoming.
We are highlighting people from around our communities and asking them a few questions. We want to learn a little about them and see why they chose this great state to raise their families, start their businesses, or simply to ask — Why Wyoming?
This week we sat down with Dr. Floyd Huxford, who is a Rock Springs chiropractor. Dr. Huxford swims, bikes, and runs in Ironman Triathlon races — sometimes 6 of them in a year!
He’s done 14 Ironman Triathlons in places like San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Boulder, Lake Tahoe, Boise, Hawaii, St. George, and more. He even qualified for the World Championship Ironman in Austria based on his performance in previous Ironman races.
How did you get into doing Ironman Triathlons?
It was a challenge with some friends. It started with a sprint and turned into the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in California and then went on into the Ironman circuit races.
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What is special about the framed poster behind you and the Ironman you did in Austria?
That is the World Championship Ironman 70.3 in Austria. It’s a race we have to qualify for through previous races around the country. I qualified for that through Ironman Triathlons in St. George and Lake Tahoe.
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What is an Ironman 70.3 Triathlon?
An Ironman 70.3 triathlon consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run (half marathon).
I have participated in a total of 13 Ironman 70.3 triathlons. One Ironman 140.6 triathlon, 2 escape for Alcatraz triathlons and several Olympic and Sprint triathlons.
I have also completed 3 triple by pass bike rides and 4 century (150 miles) bike rides.
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How long does it take to do an Ironman?
It takes me about 6 ½ hours.
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What was it like running and biking through Austria?
It was hot and really, really steep. Those Alps are intense. We trained a lot on airport hill and we did the triple bypass in Colorado, which is a 12,000 ft climb over 120 miles. We did that 3 times in preparation. It was still the steepest I’ve climbed.
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Do you ever get tired when you’re doing these races and how do you keep yourself going?
Yeah, they’re taxing. On the runs, I’ll do math in my head and count backwards on miles. Cadences or on bikes I’ll look at landmarks and say I’ll stand up until I hit that landmark. Anything to keep it fun. .
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Do you have any advice for people on endurance training?
It’s better to be 10% undertrained than 1% overtrained. Make sure you’re being consistent. It’s harder with the long winter to use the stationary bike, treadmill, and the pool. It’s easier to hit the miles for each area when the weather is nice. What helps a lot is training with other friends to keep you motivated.
To train at this altitude is a big advantage, especially when you go to sea level. You don’t appreciate it so much when you’re training, but when you get to the event, your cardiovascular system is greatly enhanced.
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How did you end up in Rock Springs?
I was born in Rock Springs. I’m a native. I moved back in 1984 and started my practice and have been here ever since. I had family here and it’s a good place to live, raise a family and have a great practice.
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What do you appreciate most about the community?
Pretty much the people. It’s a good community.
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If you could give one brief piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy each day.
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Where is your favorite place to hang out in Sweetwater County?
Flaming Gorge or cycling all around the area.
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Would you rather walk, ride a bike, take a horse, or drive a car?
Ride a bike.
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How would your friends describe you?
Hardworking and good father, husband, and chiropractor. A caring person.
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What is one of your proudest accomplishments?
My family and the success of the clinic.
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Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Clint Eastwood.
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Why do you continue to live in Wyoming?
It’s not the weather. It’s just a good community. We are close enough to larger cities that offer other amenities Sweetwater County does not. I like the smaller area. I don’t like the areas with larger populations. I hope it stays this way here.
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If you’d like us to interview yourself or someone you know for #WHYoming, please send us suggestions to katie@sweetwaternow.com