Posts

2021 Jack’s Generic Triathlon and Rookie Triathlon Canceled

/in /by

Both are Central Texas’ most loved and longest-standing triathlons

High Five Events has canceled Jack’s Generic Triathlon and Rookie Triathlon for 2021. The decision was made due to heightened COVID-19 requirements and a low number of registrations. Rookie Tri was scheduled for May 2nd and Jack’s Generic Tri was scheduled for August 29th. Registrants of these two canceled events will have the option to transfer their registration to any High Five Events event within the next 12 months at no cost. 

“Rookie Tri and Jack’s Generic Tri were two of our first events and we know how much they mean to the tri community because they mean that much to us too,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re excited to continue introducing triathlon to first-timers with Rookie Divisions and distances at CapTex Tri and Kerrville Tri.”

New Rookie Divisions and distances

CapTex Triathlon presented by Life Time and Kerrville Triathlon Festival will now include Rookie Divisions and distances. The CapTex Tri Rookie distance will feature a 300m swim, 12-mile bike ride, and 2-mile run. The Kerrville Triathlon Rookie distance will feature a 300m swim, 14-mile bike ride, and 2-mile run. This will continue the tradition of introducing triathlon to first-timers like Rookie Tri has for 16 years.

Registrants will receive an email on how they can transfer to one of the following events at no cost:

  • Austin Half Marathon – April 25, 2021
  • CapTex Tri Rookie, Sprint, or Olympic distance – May 31, 2021
  • Kerrville Triathlon Rookie, Quarter, or Half distance – September 25-26, 2021
  • 3M Half Marathon – January 23, 2022
  • Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K – February 20, 2022

Registrants will also have the option to request a refund for their event if they do not wish to transfer to any of the listed events.

How to Transition from the Pool to Open-Water Swimming

/in /by

Grow as a swimmer when you transition from the pool to open-water swimming

The thought of swimming in open water can cause anxiety and feel overwhelming if you’re used to the clear waters of a pool. But don’t worry! It’s not as daunting as it seems. Transitioning to open-water swimming can be done easily by following some helpful tips. If you want to become comfortable or get more comfortable with open-water-swimming, then you must swim in open waters regularly. Take note, all but one of our tips can be done in the pool! Get started today with our advice and you’ll become more and more comfortable with open-water swimming over time.

6 ways to become more comfortable with open-water swimming

1) Keep your eyes closed

Open water won’t have the helpful black lines.

While swimming in the pool, keep your eyes closed for several strokes. Increase the number of strokes as you become more comfortable. This will help you get a feel for swimming straight without needing to use the black line at the bottom of the pool as a reference. You still want to wear your swim goggles at all times in the pool and in open water. Make sure you have swim goggles that fit you best and are helpful in both environments.

2) Start fast

When you swim in open water, you need to make a quick start. This helps participants get their position right and then settle down. While in the pool, start quickly and then settle down to a pace that suits you. Practice this regularly so your body becomes more familiar with this approach.

3) Practice sighting

Practice sighting in the pool so you become familiar with it.

Sighting means you focus on something far away while open-water swimming. Focusing on that will help keep you from veering off course. To practice sighting, you need to synchronize looking ahead with your stroke and breathing. Look at a target at the end of the lane, swim for two strokes, look at your target, repeat. Gradually, increase the number of strokes. This will help you become more comfortable with sighting in open water and keep you on course. Don’t swim extra if you don’t have to!

4) Learn to be efficient

In order to be an efficient swimmer, you need to reduce your stroke count for each lap. Sighting will help you become more efficient too. It takes fewer strokes and less energy if you swim in a straight line versus zig-zagging in the water. Taking in the right amount of oxygen when you breathe can help you become efficient too. Keep your form the same as often as you can so you don’t over-extend yourself and feel like you have to play catch up.

5) Wear your wetsuit

Become familiar with your wetsuit before your event.

If you plan to wear a wetsuit during your event, you need to become familiar with it before race day. If you do this in the pool, know that the chlorine can be harmful to your wetsuit. Wearing it before your race allows you to gauge the buoyancy of the wetsuit and its impact on your form and stroke. Follow this helpful advice to care for your wetsuit and get the most use out of it.

6) Swim in open water

This would be a great time to get familiar with your wetsuit! Find a lake or other body of water to practice open-water swimming. Doing this before race day will help you prepare for what you’ll experience on race day. This is where all the work you’ve done in the pool gets used. You won’t have a black line to guide you, so sighting will be imperative so you can swim efficiently. 

Practice swimming in open water before race day.

This advice will be beneficial in helping you transition from the familiarity of the pool to the uncertainty of open-water swimming. As you practice in the pool, find what works for you and stick with it. Repetition in the pool is what will help you when you need it during your event. This Rookie Tri blog has some additional helpful advice to help you get over your fear of open-water swimming. Ask other triathletes for their tips and advice. Who knows, something they do might be useful for you. 

Home Gym: The 6 Items You Need to Get Started

/in /by
Read more

Beginner’s Guide to Cycling: Triathlon Edition

/in /by

Become more comfortable on the bike with this Beginner’s Guide to Cycling

Cycling is the second leg of triathlon. There are several ways for you to become more comfortable and efficient on the bike. Casual bike riding is much different than cycling during a triathlon. Read this Beginner’s Guide to Cycling to become more familiar with what you need to know and expect. This advice will help you now and set you up for success on race day!

Understand your bike

James will tell you all you need to know about your bike.

As a first-time triathlete, you must know the ins-and-outs of your bike. This is an essential part of your training. Knowing what your bike can and cannot do is critical to your training and racing. You’ll want to understand how the gears work, get a feel for the brakes, and practice mounting/dismounting and drinking on the bike. Contact a trusted bike mechanic, like James Balentine with Velofix, for a more in-depth review of your ride and to make sure it’s ready to go. The brand that built your bike might have helpful videos to watch on their website or YouTube.

What to wear

It might make sense to wear cycling shorts on race day since you have to ride a bike during the triathlon. However, keep in mind those are designed specifically for cycling and cycling only. They’re good for training and long rides, but triathlon shorts are designed for race day and brick workouts. The fabric dries quickly which would result in less chafing. 

The helmet you wear should snuggly fit your head. You don’t want it so tight that it hurts, but you don’t want it to be loose either. Consider wearing a pair of sunglasses during training and race day. They will protect your eyes and cut down on the sun’s glare.

Know the rules

You should always wear sunglasses when you ride. Credit – Ed Sparks

Jack’s Generic Triathlon is a USAT-sanctioned event and abides by its rules. Did you know if you don’t wear your helmet when you’re supposed to, the officials can disqualify you? When you get to transition after the swim, make sure you put your helmet on and buckle the helmet strap before you touch your bike. Similarly, after you complete the ride, make sure you rack your bike before you remove the helmet.

You should also know the rules about drafting and passing. These rules are set in place to keep you and other cyclists safe. Drafting is when you use the slipstream of another rider to reduce how much energy you use. Make sure you maintain an adequate distance away from your opponents until you’re ready to pass them.

Reference this Beginner’s Guide to Cycling as much as you need. The more familiar you become the better. You’ll improve as a cyclist and make the roads a safer place. Add to your cycling knowledge and become familiar with these cycling rules of the road.

2021 Jack’s Generic Triathlon Opens Registration

/in /by

2021 Jack’s Generic Triathlon plans for 18th anniversary

Registration is open for 2021 Jack’s Generic Triathlon, also known as JGT. It’s one of the longest-standing triathlons in Central Texas. It will celebrate its 18th anniversary at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park in northeast Austin. JGT is produced by High Five Events. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Participants can take advantage of Special Launch Pricing for a limited time: $89 for the sprint and aquabike and $149 for 2-3-person team relays.

“Jack’s Generic Tri was created with the triathlete in mind, but don’t let the word generic trick you,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “JGT’s race-day experience is top-notch and a major reason why it’s one of the oldest and most respected triathlons in Central Texas.”

One of the longest-standing triathlons in Central Texas

Jack’s Generic Tri has two divisions – Open Division and Age Group. Open Division allows participants to begin regardless of age, with a mass swim start. Everyone else starts the swim in their division based on their age group, with two participants entering the water every few seconds in a time trial start. The top 3 in each age group will receive an additional award. Age-group awards are given in five-year increments. Jack’s Generic Tri also awards the top athletes in the Athena and Clydesdale categories, aquabike, and relay categories.

Jacks’ Generic Tri consists of a 600m swim in Decker Lake, an 11.2-mile bike ride in a protected lane around the lake, and a 5K run through Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park. Participants will receive a custom 2021 participant tank, finisher medal, water bottle, and swim cap. After the race, everyone can enjoy the beer garden (21+), post-race food, and the signature finisher festival. Jack’s Generic Tri is a USAT-sanction event and provides professional timing and professional photography. A great volunteer crew and hundreds of supportive spectators make race day memorable for everyone involved. 

Go virtual

Triathletes who can’t make it to the event can still participate through JGT’s $40 Virtual Challenge. Participants can complete the distances on their own time at their preferred locations. Virtual challenge participants will have until September 19th to complete the distances and submit their results.

As part of the updated policies for 2021, JGT will offer free deferral to participants if a government entity issues a ban on mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic that would prevent this event from occurring.

2020 Jack’s Generic Triathlon Canceled

/in /by

18th annual Jack’s Generic Triathlon canceled

Thank you for registering for the 18th annual Jack’s Generic Tri. We have an update concerning this year’s event scheduled for August 23, 2020. Unfortunately, we have been forced to cancel the 2020 Jack’s Generic Tri as a result of mandates by local/state governments and the recommended CDC guidelines. And, unfortunately, postponement is not a viable option based on permitting and venue availability.

We know that this news may be disappointing to you. We also understand the hours you have dedicated to training for this race. Please know that this cancellation was made with the safety of the entire community in mind. All registered participants have the option to transfer to another triathlon in the series at no additional cost or request a full refund. Every participant should receive an email with details on how to complete this process. Please fill it out no later than Friday, August 7th. Please allow at least 60 days to process your refunds or transfer requests.

We look forward to seeing you soon! We will continue to post blogs & social media on triathlon, training, and everything you need for a healthy & happy lifestyle.

Complete your transfer/refund

Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Jack’s Generic Triathlon, all registered participants can transfer to one of our 2021 triathlons at no cost or request a full refund.

Events that are open to transfer include:

Participants who wish to upgrade distances at the 2021 CapTex Tri or 2021 Kerrville Tri will need to pay the difference in registration for that distance. That request can only be filled after the transfer to the original distance is complete. All participants who do not wish to transfer your registration to next year’s event may request a full refund.

Every participant should receive an email with details on how to complete this process. If you didn’t please check your spam folder. If you still can’t find it, email [email protected] and we are happy to resend you the link. Please fill out the form and submit by Friday, August 7th. If no action is taken by the deadline you will automatically be transferred to next year’s Jack’s Generic Tri at no cost.

Please keep in mind, all merchandise & USAT Membership purchases will be refunded for the event, regardless of transfer or refund request. Please allow at least 60 days to process your refunds or transfer requests. We appreciate your patience.

Run Austin Virtual Series

Don’t let your training stop just because JGT isn’t happening! Stay motivated with the Run Austin Virtual Run Series! The 6 virtual runs will be introduced at the beginning of each month, have a unique distance, and Austin, Texas-theme.

Participants receive:

  • Personalized, themed bib that can be printed at home
  • Digital finisher medal
  • Online results
  • Downloadable finisher certificate

Register for each event individually or get the entire series, over $100 value, for FREE with registration for the 2021 3M Half Marathon or the 2021 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K!