June 2019

You Need This Essential Triathlon Equipment Checklist

June 26, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Pursue your love of triathlons the right way!

It’s never a good idea to wait until a couple of weeks or days leading up to your next tri to get all your necessary gear together. We’ve created a checklist of the essential triathlon equipment you’ll need to be a pro triathlete in no time.

Bike

Simple enough, but one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need. You can’t complete a triathlon without a bike. From tri bikes and road bikes to mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and cruisers, we’ve seen just about everything on the JGT course. Whatever kind of bike you have will be just fine for your next tri. Whether you’re currently in the market for one or are looking to improve your current ride, here are some suggestions for your perfect ride.

Pro tip: You can always rent bikes to test it out before you buy.

Helmet

Arguably the most important piece of equipment you will need for a triathlon. A safe tri is a fun tri, so it’s important to make sure you have a helmet that protects you. The fit of your helmet is crucial in the case of an accident. It is also a good idea to make sure you test them out in person to ensure a correct fit before purchasing your helmet.

Running Shoes

Running shoes are a must. It takes time to figure out what will make the run portion the most enjoyable and painless for you. Everyone is different and has different needs when it comes to a running shoe, so make sure you’re choosing the perfect pair of shoes. Hopefully, by now you already have a favorite pair or have a pair on the way, and are ready to take on the JGT run course. Pro tip: It’s a good idea to wear your running shoes to the race, to avoid forgetting them along with all your other essential tri gear.

Swim Goggles

Of course, you need goggles for the swim portion. Open water swimming tends to frighten people, so it will make you feel better to be able to see while completing the swim to see the buoys. Also, depending on the weather race day, choose goggles with the appropriate amount of tint to avoid hindering yourself during the swim portion.

Swim Cap

Swim caps are great for eliminating drag and increasing your speed in the water. JGT provides our participants with a bright colored swim cap specific to your age group to keep the groups together and help with the time trial swim start. Per USAT rules, swim caps are required for safety purposes to be able to identify swimmers in the water.

Pro tip: Wear two swim caps on race day with your goggles in between the two. It will prevent any sort of slipping your goggles may encounter.

Swimsuit or Tri Suit

A standard swimsuit can come in a one-piece or two-piece. You will need to come prepared with a pair of cycling shorts after you complete the swim if you opt for the swimsuit. Then there is a tri suit. A tri suit can also be in one or two pieces, but the bottoms resemble cycling shorts. The key difference here from a wetsuit is the pad included for cycling is not nearly as thick. Find what you’re most comfortable in to be ready for your next triathlon. Lastly, if you plan on doing your training in a pool, the chlorine can damage your suit. It’s always a good idea to have one you train in, and one designated for race day.

We advise shopping around before you make your purchase regarding these different pieces of essential triathlon equipment. Everyone has their preferences, so take some time to guarantee you get the equipment best for you and your body.

Oskar Blues Austin Returns to Jack’s Generic Tri Beer Garden

June 24, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

JGT welcomes back Oskar Blues Austin to the JGT finish line festival

High Five Events announces Oskar Blues Austin will return as the Official Beer Sponsor of the 17th annual Jack’s Generic Triathlon. Triathletes (21+) will celebrate with Oskar Blues’ Austin-brewed beers at the finish line festival’s beer garden. Jack’s Generic Tri will take place on Sunday, August 25th, at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park in Austin. Oskar Blues Austin returns to sponsor the Jack's Generic Tri beer garden!

“Oskar Blues isn’t just a beer brand, it’s a culture, a vibe and a community of folks kicking butt together, the beer just brings all of that together,” said Leilani Howard, Marketing Manager Oskar Blues Brewery Austin. “We are stoked to be part of Jack’s Generic Tri to celebrate with the triathletes, their families, and friends.”

Oskar Blues Austin

Oskar Blues Brewery Austin will offer finishers and spectators Austin-brewed craft beers on race day. Jack’s Generic Tri’s beer garden will provide triathletes and their friends and family a place to gather. They can relax and enjoy select Oskar Blues’ craft brews post-race. Available beers will include Austin-brewed voluminously hopped Dale’s Pale Ale, refreshing Mama’s Little Yella Pils, and sessionable Pinner Throwback IPA.

“Triathletes love crossing the JGT finish line and celebrating their accomplishments with friends and family and an ice-cold Oskar Blues beer,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re excited to have Oskar Blues and their crew join us for a generic time on August 25th!”

Jack’s Generic Triathlon will begin at 7:30 a.m. It will feature a 600m swim, 11.2-mile bike ride, and a 5K. The aquabike will consist of a 600m swim and 11.2-mile bike ride. Relay teams of two or three can complete all three disciplines. Jack’s Generic Tri was created 17 years ago with the participant in mind and is well-known as one of the more participant-friendly triathlons. Registration is open for Jack’s Generic Triathlon. Volunteer positions are available as well.

Each participant receives a commemorative 17th Anniversary shirt, sunglasses, and water bottle. They will also receive a swim cap, finisher’s medal, post-race food and beer, and the signature swag toss. Professional timing, a wonderful volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an electric finish line festival will ensure the 17th Anniversary of Jack’s Generic Triathlon is one to remember.

Free Triathlon Training Plan Created Specifically for Jack’s Generic

June 13, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Cross your first triathlon finish line or get your PR with a custom triathlon training plan designed by a pro

Is Jack’s Generic Triathlon on your calendar or your radar? Are you ready to swim, bike, and run and then party at the finish line? Then follow this free triathlon training plan to get to the start line on August 25th! Look no further than the 3-month training plan below.

This training plan was created by professional triathlete and coach Paul “Barny” Matthews just for you. Matthews has won or placed at numerous IRONMANs and 70.3s. He broke onto the triathlon scene at the 2014 IRONMAN Asia Pacific Championship in Melbourne. The native Australian finished 2nd in his home country with a time of 8:02:14. He has also won some local races, including Rookie Triathlon and yours truly, Jack’s Generic Triathlon.

Paul "Barny" Mathews finish image at Melbourne Ironman triathlon.

Barny crosses the 2014 IRONMAN Asia Pacific Championship in Melbourne finish line in second place. Credit – Jay Prasuhn

This downloadable training plan is geared for triathletes of all levels, from first-timers to season veterans. You can further customize it yourself by cutting certain workouts in half (first-timers), adding more time (veterans), or adjusting the specific workouts and their days to fit your busy life.

After you download Barny’s free triathlon training plan, click on the day’s workout to learn about the workout’s description.

Pro tip: when you have a rest day, take it!

If you want to take your training to the next level, then contact Matthews today. Make sure you ask for his special JGT coaching rate! Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see where he’s training and join him for a workout.

Click here or the calendar below to download the PDF!

We look forward to seeing you at Jack’s Generic Tri! We’ll be celebrating 17 years in 2019 and can’t wait to have you experience the fun of triathlon!

Why You Should Try a Masters Swimming Program

June 13, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Make Masters Swimming your new favorite way to train for JGT

Don’t let the word “Masters” scare you. Rediscover your love of being in the water, while getting a workout in by joining a Masters Swimming Program. You’ll be a pro at this year’s Jack’s Generic Tri swim start after becoming comfortable with swimming in groups. Masters programs are all over the nation and offer a wide variety of training techniques, workouts, and much more.

What is Masters Swimming?

Masters Swimming is a national program that provides swimming clubs for adults. Membership is open to people 18 years or older, and 25 years or older to compete at national U.S. Masters Swimming events. From beginner swimmers to advanced, Masters Swimming is for anyone looking to improve their skill set in the water.

With guidance from an experienced coach, you are guaranteed the improvement of your swim strokes. Along with your confidence in the water. Whether you are trying to get better at swimming, or simply love to be in the water, there are many benefits of taking up Masters Swimming.

What’s in it for me?

Most importantly, being in the water works out your entire body. No matter what the drill may be, aqua workouts can improve your flexibility, endurance, and your overall muscle strength. Different level classes offer basic swim advice and tips on how to change up your swim training plan. In addition to your JGT swim workouts, you’ll likely discover new swim training methods you may have never heard of.

If your goal is to work on becoming more fit, Master’s Swimming is for you. If your goal is to keep up with your current state of fitness, Masters Swimming program is also for you. Perfect your current technique, or learn a few new ones with swimmers like yourself.

Practice is key to make you more comfortable in the water over time. Last but not least, having a club you belong to is a great motivator to encourage you to keep up with your training, and have fun in the process!

Jump in!

There are many programs around the nation that offer swim groups you can join. Austin Triathlon Club has a great list of the different facilities nearby that offer Masters Swimming based on your experience level. Depending on where you are reading this, use Club Finder to find Masters Swimming organizations near you. For our triathletes out there, getting used to swimming with others will make the swim far less intimidating. That’s just one reason why Masters Swimming is the best practice you can get for the swim portion of Jack’s Generic Tri.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Clean Bike

June 10, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Our guide to a clean bike will have your ride look good as new

Everybody knows that when you go for a ride, your bike is bound to get dirty. Whether it’s grease from your indoor trainer or mud and dirt from your ride on the trails, we know how hard it can be to keep your set of wheels clean with all the craziness of training season. Prolong the life of your bike by giving it the TLC it needs with our 7-step guide to a clean bike. Pro tip: download the PDF below to print out our guide to a clean bike!

Follow these steps

Put a little degreaser on the chain. Not too much, a little goes a long way. Let it sit on the chain for about a minute or two.
Give the chain a light scrubbing and rinse it off with the hose/sprayer.
Prepare the Simple Green solution. We recommend a 3:1 ratio of water to Simple Green.
Take your big brush along with the solution and wash all the major components of the bike (i.e. frame, fork, wheels, cranks, and derailleurs). Save your smaller brushes for tighter areas. To avoid missing any spots, start at the back and make your way to the front of the bike.
Spray your bike down with water completely. Wash your tires while you’re at it. It will give you a chance to inspect for any damages your tires may have.
Let it dry. Either air-dry outside or hand-dry it with a towel.
Once completely dry, you can then lube the chain so it’s ready to go on your next ride.

Go the extra mile and wash the bar tape, saddle, and tires. These parts tend to get forgotten and they can get pretty gross if they stay dirty.

Consistency is key. Using our guide to a clean bike will ultimately improve the way your bike handles, as well as extending the life of your bike. Remember: happy bike = happy life.

By: James Balentine, owner of City Limit Cycles, an Austin, Texas-based mobile bicycle repair company that comes to you. Balentine began working with bikes in 1990 when he was 12. He began racing mountain bikes in 1991 and BMX in 1992, winning 12 national championships before turning pro in 1999. He has worked with USA Triathlon as a mechanic for Team USA since 2004. Since 2013, Balentine has worked with the US Paratriathlon team and is their sole mechanic.

Meet your 2019 Jack’s Generic Tri Ambassadors

June 3, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Jack’s Generic Tri Ambassadors are triathletes just like you and they’re here to help

If you have a question about event details or are looking for advice from a JGT veteran, your Jack’s Generic Tri Ambassadors have the answer. Whether you connect on social media or within the community, you can be sure that there is always an Ambassador ready to chat with you. Take a few minutes and get to know these folks.

Vicki Ford – JGT Ambassador

Vicki Ford

Ford is an adventurer, explorer, student, dog lover, athlete, and yoga instructor. Her first athletic love, what she comes back to year-after-year, is triathlon. “I really want to show the next generation what this is all about. How much fun you can have at an ungodly early hour of the morning, racing your heart out, and cheering on all the other athletes and volunteers.” Connect with her on Facebook.

Jane Ireland

I’ve done a lot of triathlons, including JGT a few times. I’m a member of several local teams/clubs (Beef Team, Team Radioactive, and Austin Triathlon Club) and I know a lot of triathletes. I enjoy triathlons and would like to get others interested in trying a tri. Connect with her on Facebook.

Heidi Maldonado – JGT Ambassador

Heidi Maldonado

I was hooked from my very first super sprint triathlon at the 2013 CapTex Tri. I’ve raced all distances, from sprint through IRONMAN, and completed the Texas Tri Series almost every year since. I love mentoring newer athletes and volunteering with High Five Events every chance I get. They’re wonderful people and put on the best-run events. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Aaron Shapley

I’ve done Rookie Tri three times and JGT twice. Although I’m out there to compete against some of the best local triathletes, these races offer some of the best environments for those new to the sport. In addition, my background as an NCAA Division I swimmer gives me the opportunity to provide some education and strategies in approaching the discipline (swim) that keeps most people away from the sport.

Troy McHenry – JGT Ambassador

L. Troy McHenry

Born and raised in Carson, California. After graduating college I moved to Austin, Texas, where I met my beautiful wife. We have one daughter. I have participated in two triathlons over the last three years, but have gravitated to doing more cycling events. I want to give back to the tri community by helping others reach their goals and felt becoming an ambassador was a great way to get started. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Alvis Prince

If you swim, bike, or run in the ATX I want to know you. Lately, you can find me biking a couple of days a week around the hills by Decker Lake (JGT’s bike course), swimming at Quarry Lake, or enjoying a run on Town Lake. Where do you train and how can we help you get better or faster? Whatever you’re working on, let’s do it together. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Amy Scarborough – JGT Ambassador

Amy Scarborough

JGT has been there to create a community as well as a challenge for me in racing. I want to spread the word about the mission and the community JGT has created. It’s perfect for people looking to do their first race (but don’t know where to start) or those wanting to get back into racing. Triathlon is a way of life for me. Connect with her on Instagram.

Thanks to our 2019 Jack’s Generic Tri Ambassadors for spreading the love of triathlon with others and helping grow our JGT family.