Highlight on Volunteers: Karen Underwood

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Karen Underwood races and volunteers, sometimes in the same day

The next winner of the High Five Events’ “Nomination Contest” is Karen Underwood. She has a sweet gift headed her way as a token of our appreciation.

Karen Underwood is an outstanding volunteer!

Karen high fiving kids as they return to the Kerrville Tri finish line.

Karen Underwood’s friend, Nancy Edmonds, nominated her and told us that Karen not only volunteers at most of the Texas Tri Series races, but she also races. That’s why you will usually see Karen at the end of events, such as Jack’s Generic Tri, helping the High Five Events crew break down the race sites. She’s even the bike lead for the Kids Fun Run at the Kerrville Triathlon Festival. What a commitment! That’s taking triathlon to the next level!

We had the chance to ask Karen some questions about her volunteerism. Even though she describes herself as a “behind-the-scenes” person, she is honored to receive this nomination. Volunteering really means a lot to her. In her words, it makes her “feel so good, inside and out!” Karen volunteers at races because it allows her to give back to triathlons, which have taught her that “there are no boundaries to potential.” She also likes helping other people achieve dreams and goals that they never thought were possible.

The High Five Events’ “Nomination Contest” features volunteers who go above and beyond at one of our events. These phenomenal volunteers help us produce successful, safe, and fun events for athletes, volunteers, and staff. Know an outstanding volunteer? Fill out this short form and nominate them today!

Our 4 Fave Shaded Running Routes

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Hit these four shaded running routes and make your next run a little cooler

Our four favorite shaded running routes will get you off the blistering roads. The mercury continues to rise in Austin and you should build shade into your runs anytime you can.

Hop in Barton Spring Pool after running the Greenbelt, one of our fave shaded running routes

Cool off in Barton Springs after your Greenbelt run.

Greenbelt

Choose your distance on this technical (most off-road route on the list), completely car-free route (be aware of mountain bikers). You’ll travel 15 miles total if you begin at Barton Springs Pool and run to the Hill of Life. Run without headphones so you can focus on the trail and listen for mountain bikers. Pro tip – on really hot days complete this run in the morning. Finish before 8:00 a.m. and take a refreshing dip in Barton Springs for free. Even after 8:00 a.m. it’ll only cost $3. Trail shoes aren’t required but they will provide more traction and stability on your run.

Shoal Creek Trail

This roughly 3.25-mile trail stretches from Lady Bird Lake to 38th St. It’s a popular trail for cyclists who commute downtown. There are some bridges to avoid streets, but if you run the entire route be advised there are some street crossings. If you want a condensed interval or speed workout, begin at Pease Park. You can do one-mile out-and-back repeats.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

You can run countless winding miles on this nearly 300-acre section of land in north Austin. Plenty of parking makes access a breeze. Bring your four-legged friend with you! Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is off-leash in the main section. Scope out the trails beforehand to ensure the creeks are running so your pup can hydrate. Knock out your hill workouts and keep an eye out for mountain bike.

Southern Walnut Creek Trail

Knock out your next 15-mile run on this nearly 7.5-mile out-and-back trail that begins at Govalle Neighborhood Park off Bolm Rd. in east Austin. It features 10-foot wide concrete paths and splendid views. Be advised, this is a popular route for cyclists and traffic flows both ways. Parking is plentiful. Need a longer run? Keep going past Daffen Lane and Decker Lane to add more miles. Use caution when crossing both roadways.

Pro tip – hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Just because you’re off the roads doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hydrate. Some of these places have water fountains, but you should bring your own hydration to guarantee you’ll have some. There are many hydration options that you can wear on your back, around your waist, or in the palm of your hand.

Mechanic’s Corner: Saddle Bag Essentials

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What is a Saddle Bag and What do You Put In it

Saddle Bag Kit with Tire inflator, patches, and co2 inflator - what to do when you get a flatIf you’ve ever had a bike ride end early because of a flat tire or minor mechanical problem, then you already know the importance of carrying a saddle bag with you on your bike rides.  A saddle bag is a bag that is specifically designed to hang underneath the back of your bicycle seat. They come in a variety of sizes and styles so check for one that will fit comfortably on the back of your bike. Some people even have two different saddles bags, one for training rides and one for races.

At a minimum, that bag should have an inner tube, a patch kit, tire levers and a bicycle specific multi-tool in it. If you don’t know the size of your inner tube, check the sidewall of your tire for the size or ask your local bike shop which is best for your bike.

For A Flat Tire

If you’re not carrying a hand tire pump mounted somewhere on your bike, then a CO2 cartridge and inflator are also essential.  A flat tire can be fixed in under five minutes, and you can be back on your way if you have the tools and spare with you to fix it.  Otherwise, you’ll be calling a friend for a ride or maybe calling in late to work if you’re mid-commute when the flat tire happens.

For Other Mechanical Problems

Aside from a flat tire, a loose bolt that allows your handlebar to move or your seat to slip is a common problem that is easy to fix with a bicycle specific multi-tool.  A broken chain is a less common occurrence, but a chain tool is included on many multi-tools and is a necessity if you do get a broken chain while you’re out on a ride.
If you don’t know how to change an inner tube or use a CO2 inflator, you may want to talk to your mechanic or ask a friend to teach you how before your next long bike ride.  Finally, I recommend that you always have a cell phone, some cash and identification with you in case of an emergency.

Do You Know JGT?

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