I have always been a competitive person, so when my friend called me in February 2013 and asked if I wanted to do the CapTex Tri in Austin, I immediately said yes. While I’ve always considered myself to be “athletic,” triathlons were new territory for me.

Right away, I got on the computer and researched everything that I could — I wanted to know what I was signing up for. Since this would be my very first tri, I decided to register for the super sprint distance. The swim was my biggest concern, so the pool became my best friend. I spent numerous hours swimming, cycling and running for the next three months.

Once race day came, I was still so nervous despite my training, but I swam, cycled and ran my heart out. There is no greater feeling than crossing the finish line after you have bled, sweat and cried through training and racing. It’s indescribable, and I was so proud of myself. It was in that moment I became hooked.

That day, I decided I wanted to complete the sprint distance next year, and since then I have raced in the CapTex Tri every year. I have to give a major shout-out to my dad, who has helped me tremendously before and after each race. I have really enjoyed the bonding experience it has created for us, and his support means so much to me.

This year’s CapTex Tri was especially important to me, as it fell on my friend Drew Satterwhite’s birthday; he passed away last year on March 24, 2015.

Drew was unlike any other. We first met in elementary school, and although we went to different high schools, we reconnected in college while both attending school in Austin. He was fearless and loyal, and he had the biggest heart. Drew and I shared a love of sports and the great outdoors, and he was always one to encourage fellow athletes. He would be one of the first to encourage and congratulate me during my triathlon training and racing.

As much as I miss him, I have learned so much from him. He has inspired me to live fully, do things big and take risks. This is what drives me now, and continues to motivate me to take on new challenges in the world of triathlon and beyond. I hope to eventually complete the Olympic distance of the CapTex Tri, and I know Drew will be pushing me along the whole way.

In memory of Drew Satterwhite, do the Drew. Live fearlessly.

Caitlyn Mullikin is an Austin triathlete who raced the 2016 Life Time Tri CapTex in memory of her late friend, Drew Satterwhite. Caitlyn is also the winner of our Hard Rock Hotel giveaway promotion, and will be enjoying an all-inclusive trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico this year.