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Registration for the 2020 Jack’s Generic Tri Opening Soon

February 27, 2020/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Bust out those race calendars! It’s almost time to secure your spot at the 2020 Jack’s Generic Tri

The time has come for you to start your planning for Jack’s Generic Tri’s 18th celebration! Registration opens for the 2020 Jack’s Generic Tri on Sunday, March 1st with exclusive launch pricing ($79) lasting one week only.

Jack’s Generic Tri will take place on Sunday, August 23rd, at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park in northeast Austin. This award-winning triathlon consists of a 600m swim in Decker Lake, an 11.2-mile bike ride in a protected lane around the lake, and a two-mile run through Walter E. Long Park. We also offer aquabike and relay options for race day. The relay team can consist of two or three members. The aquabike is for those who wish to complete the swim and the bike only. Although this year marks the 18th time toeing the start line alongside Austin’s finest athletes, our goal remains the same: forget about the fancy packaging of today’s triathlons and put all the focus on guaranteeing each participant an unbeatable experience.

Feel confident hitting the racecourse

Participants getting ready to kick off Jack's Generic Tri!

Team Radioactive getting ready to rock the Jack’s Generic Tri race course!

The 2020 Jack’s Generic Tri has three different divisions: Open wave is for athletes expected to finish in the top 50. Athletes in this division will not be eligible for age group awards and will go head-to-head with other athletes. Awards are given to the top 3 males and females. All other athletes start the swim with their division based on their age group with two participants entering the water every few seconds. Jack’s Generic Tri also features Athena and Clydesdale categories. Triathletes who can’t make it to the event can still participate through the virtual option on their own time at their preferred locations.

Participants always first!

Participants will receive custom 2020 participant tanks, finisher medals, water bottles, and swim caps. After the race, it’s time for the legendary finish line party (arguably everyone’s favorite part of any tri.) You can expect rockin’ music, check out some of our sponsors, and celebrate with others who share your latest accomplishment! In addition, everyone can enjoy the beer garden (21+), some post-race snacks and fresh fruit, and the signature swag toss. Professional timing and photography, as well as a great volunteer crew and hundreds of supportive spectators, will make this triathlon memorable for all athletes.

Celebrating at the Jack’s Generic Tri finish line party!

Set a calendar reminder and spread the word to help your fellow athletes save some cash when they register for Jack’s Generic Tri for the best pricing available, through 11:59 PM on March 6th. We’ll see you at the finish line!

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Swimming Tips for Beginner Triathletes

January 28, 2020/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Beginner’s Guide to Triathlon Swimming

Don’t struggle through the first leg of your first triathlon by not being prepared for the swim portion. Use these beginner swimming tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years that will help improve your swim technique during your triathlon to help you hit the water with confidence.

Practice Your Breathing

Breathing comes naturally during the bike and run portions, but you need to practice this during your swim training to progress as a swimmer. As your body rotates back and forth, breathe out steadily when your head is underwater to get into a rhythm you are comfortable with. Practicing this will help ensure you are not out of breath at the end of the swim. Holding your breath will create a lot of tension in the upper body and restrict your arms during the swim.

Take Your Time

Practice on your own to begin with. Use this time by yourself to work on technique and breathing to become comfortable in the water. Set yourself up for success on the morning of your upcoming tri by taking your time and easing into your swim sets. Think of it this way: quality over quantity.

Keep It Short and Sweet

You don’t need to do long, strenuous workouts to build your skill in the water. You also don’t want to wait too long in between each swim, you will lose the progress you’ve made on your technique. Ease into your swim training by not overwhelming yourself with long workouts. Stick to short, repetitive sets that will keep you feeling confident in the water. Manage what you can with your schedule, but your goal should be to hit the pool every other day.

Swim With Others

Once you feel comfortable with your own abilities in the water, get out and practice with other athletes to really get a feel for what you will experience on race day. A Master’s Swimming Program is always a great way to get with other athletes that share your goal of improving in the water. Use this time to get used to being close to other swimmers, while also counting your lengths to see what your pace will be like on race day. If you aren’t happy with your pace, adjust your pool training around that until you see the results you want!

If you’re a beginner triathlete, mastering these basic, essential swimming tips` will not only make you feel more at ease starting the race, it will also set you up to perform better during the remaining two portions of your tri. Like most other triathletes, swimming probably isn’t your favorite leg of a tri. Don’t wait until the last minute to begin prepping. With this as your guide, get ready to tackle the swim like a pro on the morning of your race.

5 Ridiculously Relatable Triathlon Memes That Will Make You Laugh

January 9, 2020/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

For those times when you’ve hit the wall during your training, remember: you are not alone!

A little humor never hurt anyone, so we’re here to help you laugh through the pain as you train for your upcoming tri with these relatable memes for every triathlete.

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5 Must Try Yoga Poses for Triathletes

November 21, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Give your muscles the TLC they need when you incorporate these 5 must-try yoga poses for triathletes into your training.

Adding yoga to your life offers many benefits such as increasing mobility and range of motion, preventing injuries, and relieving pain. Hopefully, you already have some kind of stretching routine included in your training. If you don’t, the offseason is the perfect time to try some new things! We’ve compiled a list of the 5 most beneficial yoga poses for triathletes to combat the wear and tear we put our bodies through during training.

1. Downward Facing Dog

Purpose: This is a common pose but is especially beneficial for a triathlete with any built-up tension in your calves and feet from running. Also great for cyclists with lower back from riding. Hold this pose to help build strength in your shoulders, arms, and chest.

How To: Start on your knees with your hands out in front of you, push your bottom up until you feel a stretch in your calves and the bottom of your feet. Straighten your legs if you can, but the main thing to remember in this pose is keeping your back flat as possible.

2. Crescent Lunge

Purpose: This pose utilizes all the muscles in your body but focuses on getting a stretch in the back of your legs, groin, and hip flexors, while building strength in the front of your legs. Practicing this pose will open your range of motion in your legs and hips.

How To: Start in a standing position, and go into a lunge until your front leg is bent at a 90-degree angle. Keep your core tight to remain balanced as you lift your arms above your head. During this motion, you will feel a stretch in your triceps and chest. Take deep breaths as you hold this position, switch to your other leg and repeat.

3. Pigeon Fold

Purpose: The Pigeon Fold is a great yoga pose for opening up your hips and getting a deep stretch in your hip flexors and glutes. Good for athletes who spend more time cycling to loosen and realign their hips after putting in hours on the bike.

How To: Start in a Downward Facing Dog, bend your right knee and sweep your leg down and place it on the mat beneath you. Lower yourself to a comfortable seated position with your left leg behind you as you feel the stretch in your quad and hamstring. Hold your chest high to focus the stretch in your legs.

4. Cross-Legged Twist

Purpose: This pose focuses on stretching your lats, shoulders, and neck. This will help reduce any pain you may have from constantly rotating your body side to side during your freestyle swim stroke. Holding this pose will lengthen and help mobility along your spine which is great for increasing your range of motion during your swim training.

How To: Begin on the floor with both legs out in front of you. Bring your knees to your chest and place the bottom of your feet on the ground. Slide your left foot on the ground under your right leg to rest your foot beside your right hip. Bring your right arm across your body and place it against the inside of your left knee. Push slightly to twist your body until you feel a stretch in your lats and shoulder.

5. Bridge Pose

Purpose: Offers relief from pain caused by the position you are in when training on your bike. Good stretch for your quads, chest, and abs while also strengthens your glutes and hamstrings. You will feel this pose strengthens your back muscles to reduce or prevent pain you may have from running and cycling.

How To: Lie flat on your back with your knees bent with feet on the floor shoulder-width apart. Place hands on either side of your body to help keep yourself balanced. Press your feet and arms firmly into the floor and push your hips up off the ground.

These yoga poses work muscles that are often neglected in the repetitive movements you do while preparing for a triathlon. Get the most out of your training when you add in these 5 yoga poses that are best for triathletes before or after your next workout!

15 Reasons You’ll Love Jack’s Generic Tri

November 1, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Still searching for that one triathlon with an experience different from all the rest? Look no further!

If you’re a regular racer, you’re familiar with big-name races that cost big bucks to participate in, but your experience ends up being subpar. Or maybe you’re a new triathlete searching for your perfect race to kick start your tri journey. If you’re looking for a race that puts the participants first, Jack’s Generic Tri is the tri for you! Keep reading for 15 reasons why you’ll love Jack’s Generic Tri!

Pre-race warm-up to kick off the open wave!

1. Location

Jack’s Generic Tri takes place at Lake Walter E. Long (aka Decker Lake) and spans 1,200 acres. JGT kicks off with a 600-meter swim in the lake. The bike course goes around the lake for 11.2 miles and features some rolling hills. The run is on a mix of off-road paths and paved roads. Then we meet back up at the finish line party for some fun!

2.Participants Always First

JGT was inspired by creating a race unlike any other that put the participants at the forefront of the entire event. This race has come a long way since 2003, but our goal remains the same: give the participants an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

3. Pre-race Warm-up

Final steps of preparation before we kick off the race. Camp Gladiator is there with us to lead you in a group warm-up as the sunrises over the swim course in Decker Lake.

4. Professional Race Photos

This is a race you’ll want to remember. We have professional photographers set up all along the course to capture your best moments during the race! You can even pre-order your photos for a discounted price.

5. Super Cool Participant Shirt

This isn’t your typical tri, so you won’t receive a typical race shirt. Be ready to make all your friends jealous when you rock your JGT shirt around town!

6. Family-Friendly Course

Fun for the whole family!

Make sure you bring the whole gang to cheer you on throughout the race. There are great locations for your family and friends to watch along the course.

7. Professional Timing

You can count on accurate chip timing to have your results waiting for you at the finish line party.

8. Volunteers

The Jack’s Generic Tri volunteers are there every step of the way and go above and beyond to help you reach your goal of crossing the finish line.

9. Free Food and Drinks

You’re going to be hungry after all that swimming, biking, and running! We have free food and drinks ready for all participants at the finish line party to enjoy as you share your race stories with fellow athletes.

Reasons Why You'll Love Jack's Generic Tri

Cheering on your teammates as they take their final steps over the finish line!

10. Comradery With Other Athletes

One of the true highlights of JGT is the sense of comradery all the athletes bring to the event. The constant support we see among the participants throughout the racecourse is inspiring and is what makes us love this race above others.

11. Fully Supported Course

There will be a mechanic there on race morning to help you with any last-minute mechanic issues. There is 1 aid station outside of transition, and 2 aid stations located along the JGT run course stocked with water and hydration beverages to help you make it across the finish line!

12. Finisher Medal

Get ready to earn some awesome bling with your very own finisher medal made especially for JGT’s 18th celebration!

13. Finish Line Party

Meet back up with your friends and family after the race at the rockin’ finish line party full of music, beer, free food, and drinks! Be sure to stick around and check out the vendors for your chance at some free goodies!

Participants and spectators celebrating at the finish line party!

14. Beer Garden

One of the highlights of any tri: the beer! We have our beer garden stocked full with Oskar Blues Austin beer to cool you off after the race.

15. Swag Toss

We wrap up JGT every year with our signature swag toss with awesome opportunities for you to win some free race entries and other great prizes!

There are many more reasons to love Jack’s Generic Tri, but these are a few of our favorites! Come on out and join us in celebrating JGT turning 18 this year and see for yourself why you’ll love being part of Austin’s coolest triathlon.

17th Annual Jack’s Generic Triathlon Sees Sizzling Times

August 25, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

17th annual JGT featured massive finish line festival, beer garden, and Brad, the water-spraying unicorn

Fleet Feet Austin's Ari Perez hangs out with Brad, the water-spraying unicorn, at the 17th annual Jack's Generic Triathlon.

Fleet Feet Austin’s Ari Perez hangs out with Brad, the water-spraying unicorn, at JGT. Fleet Feet Austin is the Official Running Store!

The 17th annual Jack’s Generic Triathlon (JGT) took place this past Sunday, August 25th, at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park in northeast Austin. More than 700 triathletes from all over Texas and 11 states registered for this beloved Central Texas triathlon. Hundreds of spectators arrived early to cheer on friends and loved ones. Overcast skies provided excellent weather for fast times and PRs by everyone who crossed the start line.

“I loved every minute of Jack’s Generic Tri, especially the amazing atmosphere created by the volunteers,” said Jordan Martindale, who completed his second ever triathlon (1:21:10). “JGT made me challenge myself and is something I will definitely do again!”

Pablo Gomez took the overall victory with the time of 57:15. Second and third place overall featured a close race. Peter Murray (57:58) edged out Adrian Cameron (58:03). The women’s podium was topped by Kearci Smith with a winning time of 1:05:35. Second place finisher Mina Pizzini (1:06:27) and third-place finisher Brandi Swicegood (1:07:44) rounded out the women’s field. Marcus Cook, who once weighed 500 pounds, traveled from Houston to finish in 1:49:30. All participants cooled off from the Texas heat underneath a 6-foot tall inflatable unicorn that sprayed water.

Professional triathletes love Jack’s Generic Tri

“The half distance is normally my focus, but it was a ton of fun to race a sprint triathlon in Austin,” said Smith, who is currently coached by former professional triathlete Paul “Barny” Matthews. “I’m proud to be the 2019 JGT female champ. There’s nothing like race day, you can’t simulate it!”

2019 Jack's Generic Tri champion, Pablo Gomez, crosses the 17th annual JGT finish line.

Pablo Gomez, 2019 Jack’s Generic Tri champ.

Participants received a commemorative 17th-anniversary shirt, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, 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 made the 17th annual Jack’s Generic Triathlon one to remember. Jack’s Generic Tri was created with the participant in mind and is well-known as one of the more participant-friendly triathlons.

“JGT is a summer favorite for me and I’m super pumped to take the overall victory in a competitive field,” said Gomez, who also won the 2019 Rookie Triathlon (45:28). “High Five put on another great event and this will help me begin the second part of my season.”

Jack’s Generic Tri would like to thank all of the volunteers for coming out and making yesterday’s event memorable. Their willingness to arrive extra early, lend their time and energy, and cheer on every participant truly made the 16th anniversary unforgettable. JGT would also like to thank sponsors City of Austin, Travis County EMS, Austin Police Department, Travis County Sheriff’s Department, City Limit Cycles, Ascension Seton, Fleet Feet Austin, nuun hydration, RunLab Austin, CampGladiator, Oskar Blues Austin, and Z’Tejas. Jack’s Generic Triathlon participants can see their times here. Participants and spectators can relive race day on JGT’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

5 Easy Ways to Calm Your Pre-race Nerves for Jack’s Generic Tri

August 23, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Pre-race jitters are bound to happen on race morning of Jack’s Generic Tri. We have 5 easy ways to calm your pre-race nerves

Even if Jack’s Generic Tri isn’t your first triathlon, you’re more than likely going to experience some pre-race nerves. This is totally normal, so we’ve created a list of 5 easy ways to help you overcome your pre-race jitters and focus on what’s important at Jack’s Generic Tri: swimming, biking, and running!

calm pre-race nerves by getting your tri gear together the night before

JGT participant setting up her gear in transition!

Get All Your Gear Together the Night Before

Hopefully, you’ve already completed a full bike tune-up to make sure your ride is good to go. Now, layout your tri gear (e.g. helmet, running shoes, cycling shoes, goggles, sunglasses, etc.) as you would in the transition area to have an idea of what you’re going to do. It’s a great idea to set up a practice transition area for yourself, to know you can execute your transition game plan with ease. Pro tip: Make sure you put your JGT wristband on the night before. This leaves one less thing to remember early on race morning.

Carpool with Other JGT Participants

Having friends who are completing the tri with you is a great way to get rid of any pre-race nerves and replace them with excitement! Being surrounded by other triathletes about to take on the race is a great chance to discuss any last-minute hesitations you may have, but more importantly, get each other pumped up to finish what you’ve been working so hard for! Turn on some tunes, and jam out to your favorite training songs to remember why you originally fell in love with the sport!

Remember Your Training

Doubting your abilities is the last thing you should be doing on race morning. You did the research, you found a training plan that you stuck with, so don’t choose now to forget all the hard work you’ve put in for this! Instead of focusing on what’s ahead of you, remember all the miles you tracked, hours in the pool, and the brutal (but always worth it) brick workouts you’ve completed to get you to the Jack’s Generic Tri start line. Take a deep breath to calm your nerves, you’ve got this!

Invite Some Friends to Cheer You On!

Knowing your friends and loved ones are there along the course to cheer you on every step of the way will give you the extra boost of confidence you need to keep pushing yourself. Having a support system is a great thing to focus on during the race AND you know they’ll be waiting for you to cross the finish line.

JGT pre-racw warm up with Camp Gladiator

Camp Gladiator trainer leading the pre-race stretch!

Take Advantage of the Prerace Warm-Up

Camp Gladiator will be there to lead a group warm-up for all the JGT participants. Take advantage of this time! Steady your breathing and get your blood flowing. If you still find yourself feeling nervous, really focus on the stretches you are doing at that moment to put all your thoughts into that. This should give you a moment to quiet your anxious thoughts and relax your mind.

Even with all these great tips in mind, we’re all human and the nerves are unavoidable. Best piece of advice: take those nerves and focus them into some positive energy for extra motivation to do your best! You’re going to do great, and we’ll be there at the finish line waiting to congratulate you!

Jack’s Generic Triathlon Builds 17th Edition for Hundreds of Triathletes

August 18, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

17th edition features triathletes of all levels, from pros to first-timers

High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, continues their 2019 triathlon season with the 17th edition of Jack’s Generic Triathlon. The event will take place on Sunday, August 25th, at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park in East Austin. More than 700 triathletes will participate in this beloved Central Texas race, including professional triathletes Kearci Smith, Brandi Swicegood, Peter Murray, and Pablo Gomez.

“I am really excited to race Jack’s Generic Triathlon for the first time,” said Smith, who placed 8th at the 2019 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. “With the option of an open wave I look forward to the opportunity to race some great local competition.”

Smith was also the 2016 and 2017 Texas State Sprint Triathlon Champion. Swicegood finished second female at 2018 JGT. Peter Murray and Pablo Gomez finished 2018 JGT first and second overall, respectively. Drunk Athlete has put together another super team featuring Patrick Pressgrove, Stewart Mickler, and Cat Adkins. All athletes have been featured on the Austin-based Drunk Athlete podcast.

Generic details

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 has three different divisions: Open, age group, and Athena/Clydesdale. The Open Division allows participants to begin regardless of age, with a mass swim start. Everyone else will start based on their age group, with two participants entering the water every few seconds. Jack’s Generic Tri is also returning the Athena and Clydesdale categories.

Participants receive a commemorative 17th-anniversary shirt, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, 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. Packet pickup will take place at Mellow Johnny’s in downtown Austin.

Jack’s Generic Triathlon was created 17 years ago with the participant in mind and is well-known as one of the most participant-friendly triathlons. Registration is open for Jack’s Generic Triathlon. Volunteer positions are available as well. Triathletes who can’t make it to Austin can participate in the virtual Jack’s Generic Triathlon.

Tips You Need To Know For a Faster Transition During Your Next Triathlon

August 15, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

You need to know these 7 time-saving tips for a faster tri transition!

The most important thing is to practice in advance and bring the fewest number of items. If you have a game-plan in your head of what gear you need to remove and replace first, the less time you’ll spend in the transition area throughout the tri. Use these tips for faster transitions, and tackle your next tri like a pro!

Run with Your Bike Out of Transition

JGT Participant running out of transition with his bike in hand

Headed for the bike portion of JGT, running with your bike in hand!

You won’t be allowed to get on your bike until you are out of the transition area with your helmet buckled. Depending on how big the triathlon is, the distance between the racks and mount line can be lengthy. Once you have your bike gear on and ready to go put one hand on the seat, and one hand on the handlebars to guide your bike out of the transition area. It seems simple enough, but it can be easy to lose control of your bike while running next to the other triathletes trying to get out of transition. Practice this in an open space during your training, either grass or concrete, to determine which side of the bike you feel more comfortable running on. The goal is to keep moving the whole tri, so practicing mounting your bike from either side will help determine which is quickest for you.

Attach Stuff to Your Bike in Advance

Prep your bike before the race starts to save a lot of time dealing with the small stuff you need for the bike portion of your next tri. Have your JGT water bottle full and in your bike’s bottle cage, along with gels taped to the frame if you want them. Also, make sure your bike’s tool kit is secured beneath the seat. Often including an extra tube, CO2, levers, multi-tools you are familiar with.

Know the Layout of Transition

How to Remember Where Your Bike Is During Transition

Look for something that stands out to you for you to find your bike faster!

Before race morning, go check out a course map to know exactly where the transition area is, and its layout. This will help you plan ahead to know how far transition is from the course so you can plan accordingly. Make a mental note of where both the bike exit and the run exits are located.

Have a System to Remember Where Your Bike Is

You’ll be assigned a bike rack according to age group. Transition area can look hectic once everyone’s gear is in there, so come up with a method of remembering where yours is for quickest access. Pro tip: JGT participants rack their bikes (on the assigned rack) of a first-come-first-serve basis, so the earlier you get to the transition area prior to the race, the more likely you’ll be able to get a spot at the end on the racks for easiest access and identification.

Wear the Same Clothing For the Entire Race

Come to the race dressed in your tri suit. Granted Jack’s Generic Tri is in Austin, Texas at the end of August, we advise against wearing a wetsuit. Plus, any additional clothing changes will add a significant amount of time to your overall tri.

Use Easy Laces for Running Shoes

You don’t want to waste time tying your shoes in the transition area. Either have your shoes already tied and ready for you to slip your foot into with a secure fit, or try out these Lock Laces or ‘speed laces’ to eliminate having to tie your running shoes at all. The elasticity of the lace will make sure your running shoes stay in place throughout your run portion of your triathlon.

Use Race Belt for Bib Number

Attached bib number to race belt for easy access

Attach your bib number to your race belt before the race for a speedy transition!

Attach your bib number to your race belt before the race start. When you’re heading back into transition after the bike portion, grab what you need and go to get out of transition as quickly as possible. Keep your eyewear on, grab your race belt and go! Put your race belt on as you head for the run start. Next step, finish line!

Set up a practice transition area prior in the weeks leading up to your upcoming tri and run through it as many times as you need to to make your transition process quick as possible! By the time JGT rolls around, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get in and out of transition and focus on the triathlon!

Best Transition Area Tips for Your Next Tri

August 6, 2019/in Blog /by Willliam Dyson

Worrying about transitions is a thing of the past. We want you to feel prepared when taking on JGT, so keep reading for the best transition area tips for your next tri!

One of the first steps of any tri you participate in is setting up your tri gear in the designated transition area. If you are new to triathlons, the best advice for tackling transitions is to arrive at the race site as early as possible. Use this time to prepare your gear exactly how you want it during the race, and acquaint yourself with the transition area. You’ll find this will also ease your nerves as you become more familiar with the race site, as well as getting to know some of the triathletes in the process! Keep reading to check out the best transition area tips that are sure to make your tri the best it can be.

1.) Rack your bike

Everyone will have an assigned rack for your bike in the transition area according to age group. The way you rack your bike while setting up has a big impact on how quickly you can get in and out of transition. Place your bike on the rack by either hanging the handlebars over the rack for security or place the bottom of your seat on the transition rack. Do whichever way works best for you to know your bike won’t fall or get damaged when in the transition area. Most importantly, remember where you racked your bike for quickest access. Pro tip: We have a first come first serve basis when it comes to where you place your bike on your assigned rack, show up early to opt for a spot near the end on the racks.

2.) Make sure your bike is in an easy gear

Tips for racking your bike for transition

Make sure your bike is in easy gear when walking out of the transition area!

Easily forgotten, but possibly one of the best transition area tips out there! When you grab your bike to walk out of transition, you want your bike to be in an easy gear for when you hop on. Whatever speed bike you have, set the gear to the easiest or ‘lowest’ setting before the race. This will help you get going on your bike without difficulty. The lower the gear, the easier it is to pedal. You don’t want to have your bike on the max gear after completing a 600-meter swim. Once you feel comfortable on your bike, change your gear to whatever you feel most comfortable with for the rest of the ride.

3.) Place your helmet on in the proper direction

When you lay your transition gear out before the race begins, you want to do so in a certain way. Think about what you will be putting on or taking off first, and lay your items out according to the order you will use them. Pro tip: Lay your helmet top down with the front end facing toward you. Along with being a time-saver, this will ensure you don’t accidentally end up riding through Jack’s Generic Tri with your helmet backward.

Take it from us, these are the best basic tips for a trouble-free transition. After you feel like you have set up your gear in the transition area in a way that works best for you, grab your goggles and head to the water! For more Jack’s Generic Tri transition area tips, click here to read more!