beginner triathlete Archives

2021 CapTex Triathlon Opens Registration

November 10, 2020/in Blog, Press Release /by CapTex Tri

2021 CapTex Triathlon invites triathletes to compete in Austin’s only downtown triathlon

Registration is now open for the 2021 CapTex Triathlon presented by Life Time. Every year on Memorial Day weekend, triathletes from around the country participate in Austin’s only downtown triathlon. CapTex Tri is celebrating with Special Launch Pricing that’s available until Tuesday, December 1st at 11:59 p.m. CST. The 2021 CapTex Tri will take place on Monday, May 31st, in downtown Austin.

“Triathletes travel from all over to participate in Austin’s only downtown triathlon,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re ready to welcome them back and showcase why CapTex Tri is a world-class event.”

CapTex Tri, an award-winning triathlon, consists of a swim in Lady Bird Lake and bike and run courses through downtown Austin. Triathletes who can’t make it to the event can still participate through the virtual CapTex Tri. Participants of the virtual can complete the Sprint or Olympic distances on their own time at their preferred locations.

Austin’s only downtown triathlon

CapTex Tri offers several different divisions for both distances. Age groupers are separated by five-year increments and begin with others in their age group. They are eligible for age-group awards. Open Division allows participants to begin regardless of age, with a mass swim start. Open Division participants are not eligible for age-group awards. CapTex Tri also features Athena and Clydesdale categories. There are also aquabike and relay options for race day. The relay team can consist of two or three members and the aquabike completes the swim and the bike only.

Event distances include:

Sprint triathlon – 750m swim, 12.3-mile bike, 5K run
Sprint aquabike – 750m swim, 12.3-mile bike
Olympic triathlon – 1500m swim, 24.3-mile bike, 10K run
Olympic aquabike – 1500m swim, 24.3-mile bike

Participants will receive custom 2021 participant shirts, finisher medals, water bottles, and swim caps. After the race, everyone can enjoy the beer garden (21+), and a post-race meal. Participants can relive competing in Austin’s only downtown triathlon thanks to professional timing and photography. A great volunteer crew and hundreds of cheering spectators keep the energy level high throughout the day, creating a competitive and supportive atmosphere for all triathletes.

3 Tips for Running During the Holidays

November 5, 2020/in Blog /by CapTex Tri

Stay on top of your running during the holidays with our advice

The holiday season is fast approaching. You might wonder if you can keep your running schedule going without any disruptions. Spending time with your family and friends, eating your favorite Christmas meals, late nights, and drinking can make running during the holidays quite the challenge.

If you don’t go for a run regularly, you can feel out of shape. So how can you keep running during the holidays? Follow the advice below! Prepare accordingly, stay on track with your running schedule, and have a wonderful time this holiday season. Pro tip: preparation is crucial and one of the main habits of successful triathletes.

Set a goal

One of the best ways to keep yourself running during the holidays is to set a goal. For instance, a goal can include a specific number of miles or a fixed amount of time every week. Another option would be to start a running streak by setting a schedule. Feel like your running is in a rut? These training tweaks could improve your performance.

You can register for an event, like the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Having a goal race on your calendar will push you to run regularly. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be a big event to get you running during the holidays. Even registering for the Run Austin Virtual Series’ Armadillo 5K or Makin’ Music 4-Miler can do the trick. All you need is to create goals that will motivate you to go for a run regularly.

Go with the flow

During the holiday season, you are bound to have family, work, and travel commitments. They affect how much time you can spend training and keeping your body healthy and fit. When it comes to running, the first thing you should do is take a look at your schedule. If you have any commitments, avoid canceling your run. Instead, make adjustments to your running schedule. If you feel like going for a run outside of your “planned time,” do it. You never know what might happen to prevent you from running. Pro tip: remember to leave some time for the important warm-up and cool-down.

Have fun

The most important thing when it comes to winter training is to have fun. Although the holiday season is a time to enjoy and relax, it may not always be the case. Sometimes, you have to crunch extra hours at work to spend time with your family and friends. For a lot of people, the holiday season comes with a lot of stress. The best way to deal with anxiety-inducing situations is to take a break from them. You need to relax to recharge your mind and be ready to deal with anything that comes your way.

When you are suffering from a mental block, going for a run can help you significantly. By taking your mind off the situation, you can come back and visit it with a fresh and new perspective.

At the same time, you should also make sure you get adequate amounts of sleep. This helps your body recover and should be a major part of your winter training schedule. After all, you don’t want to burn your candle at both ends, as this will make it harder to go for a run regularly.

Don’t stress out if you miss a run or two. As long as you do as much as you can every day, you’re doing a wonderful job!

Adjusting Your Saddle Height Can Make All the Difference

October 27, 2020/in Blog /by CapTex Tri

Learn why adjusting your saddle height matters and how it can be done

Many people don’t realize that adjusting your saddle height by a few millimeters can make a huge difference in how they feel on their bike. If you feel like you are not making gains or if you have pain after riding, you may want to try adjusting your saddle height. Properly adjusting your saddle height could help you improve these 5 bike handling skills.

Saddle height explained

Saddle height is the distance between the heart of the pedal axle and the top of the saddle. It is set by adjusting the seat post to an ideal height that balances comfort and power on the bike. Remember, adjusting your saddle height is important like making sure your helmet always fits!

Reasons to change

Saddle height is arguably the single most important adjustment on your bicycle. Incorrect saddle height can contribute to saddle discomfort and anterior and posterior knee pain. The poor leverage can also limit your power production.

Adjusting your saddle height

There are many methods and formulas to find your “proper” saddle height. One of the best approaches is to establish it based on the rider’s individual ride characteristics and flexibility. If you are looking for recommendations, visit Josh at Jack & Adam’s Fredericksburg or with the crew over at Mellow Johnny’s. A bike fit specialist can explain your individual characteristics. They can also highlight what equipment may be contributing to any performance or biomechanical limitations. If you can’t make it to a bike fit there is still a solution.

At home fix

Before your next ride, experiment at home with the “heel to pedal method.” This will get you in the ballpark range before you can see a professional. First, mark the current height. Then, put your bike on the trainer. Pedal around to make sure you are in the position you normally ride in. Place your heel on the pedal and pedal backward to reach the six o’clock position. Your knee should be completely straight. If your heel has trouble making contact with the pedal, the seat is too high. If your knee is bent it is too low. Make very small adjustments, in millimeters, until your leg is straight with the heel on the pedal.

Adapting to your new saddle height

When you’re done adjusting your saddle height, wrap a strip of electrical tape around the base of the post where it meets the seat clamp. Take measurements and keep them for future reference. Make the first few rides with your new saddle height short and sweet. It can take a few rides before your body fully adapts. It is good to get your bike fit looked at at least every few years or if you get new equipment such as new shoes or pedals. Pro tip: when you’re ready for longer rides, check out these 3 cyclist-friendly routes in Austin.

3 Cyclist-Friendly Routes in Austin to Ride

October 13, 2020/in Austin, Blog /by CapTex Tri

Get more comfortable on your bike when you ride these cyclist-friendly routes in Austin

Avoid traffic and become more comfortable on your bike on these cyclist-friendly routes. These 3 Austin spots are located throughout town, making them accessible to many cyclists. They’re ideal for enjoying a scenic route and mastering your bike handling skills. New to cycling or just purchased your first bike? Nice! The more routes you ride, the more familiar you will become with your new bike. If switching gears is new to you, using them can be tricky on your first few rides. Your bike presents a new feel. Leaning into the curves, becoming comfortable with the handling, and eating and drinking on the bike are all things you should practice. Pro tip: always check that your helmet fits before every ride.

Veloway

This 3-mile looped, one-way roadway is an ideal cyclist-friendly route. The Veloway is located in southwest Austin off LaCrosse Avenue and is closed to traffic. Parking is ample. Most noteworthy, this route is strictly for cyclists and rollerbladers, no runners or walkers (watch out for the wildlife!). The roadway is bisected with a continuous white line (slower cyclists keep to the right). Everyone moves in the same clockwise manner. You can relax a little knowing you don’t have to keep an eye out for non-wheeled individuals or riders coming in your direction. There are gorgeous views, a few tight turns, and some nice straightaways. Make sure you get into the right gear for a nice climb around Mile 2! Porta-potties are available.

Southern Walnut Creek Trail

The Southern Walnut Creek Trail begins at Govalle Neighborhood Park off Bolm Road in east Austin. It features nearly 7.5 miles of 10-foot wide concrete paths and splendid views. Like the Veloway, there is plenty of parking. Be advised, runners and walkers are allowed on the trail and traffic flows both ways. Ensure the other lane is clear and yell out “on your left” if you plan to pass others. There are a few road crossings along the trail to be aware of as well. Add 11 miles and some nice climbs to your bike ride when you preview the Rookie Tri and Jack’s Generic Tri bike courses! The trail rides alongside Daffan Lane and eventually hits Decker Lane.

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

Representing north Austin, the Brushy Creek Regional Trail reaches Round Rock to the east and Cedar Park to the west. Check out Stone Canyon Pool if you park to the east. Park to the west at Twin Lakes Family YMCA. Be aware of runners and walkers on this 6.75-mile multi-use trail that connects neighborhoods and existing parks. Traffic flows in both directions and there are multiple restrooms along the trail. Make sure the other lane is clear and yell out “on your left” if you plan to pass others. BCRT images from cedarparktexas.gov.

6 Items Every Beginner Triathlete Must Have

October 2, 2020/in Blog /by CapTex Tri

Every beginner triathlete needs these 6 items before they can train

You’ve decided to start training for your first triathlon, congrats! Now what? Before you get started you’ll need some specific gear for all phases of training. This 6-item checklist is a great start for every beginner triathlete! It’s got you covered from the swim to the bike to the run. You might even have some of these items already. If that’s the case, we’ve added a few more recommendations at the end. Below are the 6 items every beginner triathlete must-have. Pro tip: pair the items with these 8 habits to successfully train and crush it on race day!

Bike

Any bike. It can be anything from your uncle’s old bike that has been in the garage or the mountain bike you take out riding with your kids. Be sure that the bike is in good repair by taking it to a local shop. If the bike is really old or in disrepair, you may spend just as much on fixing it as you will buying a beginner bike. Pro tip: a road bike with gears will make your training a lot more comfortable. You will be able to go further with less effort and have more “in the tank” when you head out for the run. Remember to practice these 5 bike handling skills.

Helmet

Helmets should be replaced every 5-8 years and definitely after any crash — no matter how small. Helmets provide the same safety level at any price tag so you don’t need anything expensive. The higher-end helmets are equipped with more ventilation and aerodynamics. Some helmets are specifically sized so make sure and check when you purchase. A loose-fitting helmet is not safe. Pro tip: follow these easy steps to ensure your helmet properly fits.

Bike or tri shorts

Really you can wear what you want, just remember that transition is open and there is nowhere to change in private. If you want to be comfortable while training and racing get a nice pair of athletic shorts. These can really be anything but cotton as cotton will not wick away sweat and can lead to chaffing. Ouch! A basic tri short with a little bit of padding will make your bike-riding experience much more enjoyable. The best part is that these shorts will last long after your triathlon debut. They are perfect for cross-training, cycle classes, and even going for runs.

Goggles

There is no perfect goggle since everyone’s face is shaped a little differently. Visit a local swim shop and try on a few models to find what works for you. Leaky goggles will derail your swim and can make swimming a lot more difficult. Especially if you are having to stop and constantly adjust for goggles. Don’t skimp and just buy the cheapest ones at the store. Once you have tested them out a few times, we suggest buying a second pair in a different tint so that you have something for all conditions. Here’s some more advice to follow when searching for your goggles.

Running shoes

If they are comfortable, they are good to go. Even if they are just the shoes you got because you liked the way they looked. Have some shoes that aren’t comfortable? Well, you can still run in those — you will just be, well uncomfortable at the end of your run.

Sports bra

Ladies, even if you decide to use your swimsuit for your first triathlon you are going to want to wear a good sports bra underneath. You will want something you are comfortable running in. If you have some areas that rub, like under the armpits, you can put some Vaseline or Body Glide on in the morning to help with chaffing.

Beginner triathlete extras

Optional

Socks – keep your feet comfortable
Bike shoes with clip-in pedals – make sure you practice first
Sports watch – track your time
Sunglasses – protect from debris on your ride
Transition bag – carry all your stuff
Wetsuit – can be expensive, but could help in the water

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