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How to Defeat the 4 Most Common Excuses for Skipping Your Workout

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No more excuses, it’s time to get your workout on!

We’ve all been there. We have the best intentions of following a workout routine, but sometimes life gets in the way. Next thing you know, we’re skipping more workouts than we should. There’s good news, you’re not alone!  Below are four solutions to the most common excuses for skipping workouts.

What’s Your Excuse?

1. You’re Too Tired

Taking time off when you’re tired is essential, but it may not be the best solution when it comes to skipping workouts. Sometimes pushing through a workout is the perfect way to get the boost of energy you need. Exercise increases blood flow and the release of serotonin and dopamine. All of which will help make you feel better. 

Solution: Maybe your regular workout is not ideal if you’re tired. Try less-intense exercise such as yoga or walking. They can be just as beneficial. You’re getting outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, and increasing your blood flow.

2. Gym Memberships Are Expensive

While gyms might be useful for strength workouts, it’s no secret that some memberships can be expensive. However, there’s an easy way to defeat this excuse and still increase your strength.

Solution: Get some basic equipment and create your gym at home. Start with a couple of dumbbells and resistance bands and slowly expand from there. Mix it up and find some online workouts for free to try at home. You can expand your gym from there. Additionally, you don’t need a membership to run or ride your bike and most city pools only charge a small fee.

3. Not Enough Time

Life can be crazy sometimes. When we look at our packed schedules, we might think the last thing we have time for is a workout. Try this, instead of finding time to work out, make time to workout.

Solution: You don’t need to work out for an entire hour to get the benefits from exercise. Sometimes 30 minutes can be enough. Try waking up 30 minutes early to exercise. Take some time off during your lunch break to ride your bike. You can also multi-task. For example, why not try out some body-weight exercises while you binge-watch your favorite series? If you have kids at home that might prevent you from working out, make it fun, and get them involved in your routine. Schedule family walks/runs/bike rides around the neighborhood.

4. Just Not Motivated

Sometimes improving our health or getting a PR in our next race is not enough motivation to help us stick to a workout routine and save the excuses.

Solution: Set smaller, short-term goals that are realistic and achievable. While setting big goals is important, it might take a long time to accomplish them. You might become unmotivated over time. For some people, having someone else to exercise with can be very motivating. Finding yourself an accountability partner can be helpful. Lastly, doing something that is not fun is definitely not going to be motivating, so find a type of exercise that is fun for you! 

How to Defeat the 4 Most Common Excuses for Skipping Your Workout

It’s Go Time!

Whether it is a lack of time or motivation, we’ve all made some excuse to skip a workout here and there. The good news is that there is always a way to defeat our excuses. No more slacking off with these four solutions for skipping workouts. For extra motivation, join us on Facebook for a great place to share training tips, advice, and keep up with your fellow triathletes!

2020 Jack’s Generic Triathlon Canceled

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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!

 

How to Avoid Knee Pain While Training for a Triathlon

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Tips to avoid knee pain during tri training

If you experience knee pain during your training, you’ll want to make some changes to the way you train as well as look into what could be causing the pain. The source of the pain can come from any of the three tri disciplines, so you’ll want to pay close attention to when you feel discomfort to address the problem source. While you do not have to stop training, it’s important to ease up on your training intensity and make some adjustments to the way you train to combat the pain and prevent further harm/damage to your knees. Follow these tips to avoid knee pain during your tri training.

What’s the Problem?

Tips to avoid knee pain while training for a triathlon

Knee pain is a common problem we hear about in the world of triathlon because you’re training for two sports known to cause knee pain. Best described as pain felt above, below, or behind the kneecap that is caused by overuse or misuse during specific physical activities. Knee pain is very common for triathletes, but most often stems from the incorrect form while running or cycling.  It can lead to swelling and even grinding or cracking sounds when doing any physical activity, so it’s best to get to the root of the problem before it’s too late.

Train Without the Pain

Swim

Swimming is the lowest impact on your body in a triathlon. For this reason, it’s the safest alternative to turn to when dealing with knee pain. When hitting the pool for a workout, find a swim stroke style that causes the least amount of discomfort in your knees. Swimming is also an excellent way to alleviate current pain and helps you avoid causing any further damage. You can also try focusing on arm-only workouts and use a pull-buoy to avoid making the problem worse.

Bike

Knee pain is typical when riding for extended periods for any athlete. Avoid riding on hilly terrain or unpaved roads to avoid putting too much strain on your knees. Another thing that could be the cause of your knee pain is incorrect bike fit. You can fix this with minor tweaks, like correctly adjusting your saddle height. While this seems minuscule, it impacts your knees much more than you may think. Suppose you are experiencing more pain than usual when out for a ride, this is an indicator to ease up on your training rides. Deal with your current injury to prevent permanent damage.

Run

Typically, running is where athletes feel the most pain and discomfort during training. Running is known to be hard on your joints, but there are ways to reduce this to keep reaching your triathlon goals. An alternative workout for knee pain we recommend is aqua running. If running is especially painful for you, take some time to evaluate your form when you run. Make sure you’re running lightly while maintaining a comfortable stride to avoid heel-striking.  

Try training with a group or with a professional coach who can watch your technique and form to help find the source of your problem. It’s always great to have people looking out for you. Plus, you’ll enjoy getting advice from those more familiar to the sport if you are just starting. 

When in Doubt, Stretch It Out

Tips to avoid knee pain while training for a triathlon stretches

Pain in any joint is attributed to the tightness and strength, or lack-there-of, in the muscles around it. This is why flexibility and mobility are so essential to avoid further knee pain. There are a number of knee-specific stretches you can do. Most athletes find the effects of stretching properly essential to dealing with knee pain during training. These stretches almost instantly alleviate knee pain and can be done in front of the tv, or anywhere you’d like. You can also incorporate yoga for triathletes into your training to work on strengthening the knee while increasing your flexibility.

Take a Break When Needed

If you are experiencing extreme knee pain, take some time off when training to prevent causing permanent damage. While this may be tough or feel counteractive, you’ll thank yourself in the long run (pun intended). Pay attention to your body, and take a break if you need to. With the help of these tips, save yourself the trouble and avoid knee pain from happening down the road.

 

How To Adjust Your Bike To The Perfect Saddle Height

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Steps to Achieve Your Perfect Bike Saddle Height

Adjusting your bike to the perfect saddle height is crucial in order to maximize comfort and payoff during your training rides for Jack’s Generic Tri. Incorrect saddle height leads to pain and discomfort during and after your ride. It can also prevent you from improving your performance on the bike. Learn the importance of correct saddle height, and how to adjust your bike to the perfect saddle height with these easy steps.

What is Saddle Height?

Saddle height is measured by the distance between the center of the pedal axle and the top of the saddle, or your bike seat. This is set by adjusting the seat post to your ideal height to balance your comfort and power on the bike. Saddle height is arguably the single most important adjustment on your bicycle. Incorrect saddle height can contribute to discomfort in the saddle, anterior and posterior knee pains, and ultimately limiting how much power you produce.

How To Adjust Your Bike To The Perfect Saddle Height

How To Adjust Your Saddle Height

There are many ways you can approach finding your perfect saddle height. One of the best approaches is to establish it based on the rider’s individual ride characteristics and flexibility. You can follow the “heel to pedal method” before your next ride. This will get you in the ballpark.

  1. Stand next to your bike and raise the saddle to your hip to get an idea of where to start.
  2. Get on your bike, and place your heel on the pedal to determine if you will raise or lower your saddle.
    • If you are having trouble making contact with your heel to your pedal – the seat is too high.
    • If your knee is bent – it is too low.
  3. Put your bike on the trainer and adjust accordingly.
  4. Get back on your bike with your heel on the pedal and pedal backward to reach the six o’clock position.
  5. Your leg should be completely straight, without being overextended to achieve the correct saddle height.

Pro tip: Make very small adjustments during this process, then repeat until you have found the perfect saddle height.

Ready to Ride

Once you find the proper height, use a piece of electrical tape around at the base of the post where it meets the seat clamp as a marker. Take a tape measure and record the measurements at which you think you’ve found your perfect saddle height. This is good to have in case you need to make very slight adjustments in the future.

Have a professional look at your bike every few years to achieve maximum comfort on your bike. After adjusting your bike to the perfect saddle height, make the first few rides short. Give it time!  Your body may need a few sessions to adapt to your new saddle height before you feel yourself improving on your cycling journey. How often do you check your saddle height? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Test Your Knowledge: How Well Do You Know JGT?

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How well do you know JGT?

On August 23rd, we are celebrating 18 years of generic, triathlon fun at Jack’s Generic Tri, so let’s put your JGT knowledge to the test. If you’ve been a proud member of the generic gang, see how well you know JGT with this quiz. If you’re joining us for the first time this year, this is a great place to learn all the history and fun facts of JGT that has led us to our 18th Anniversary Celebration!

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Where did the first ever Jack's Generic Tri take place?

running on the JGT course Tom Marek
Correct! Wrong!

What year was the first Jack's Generic Tri?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

How long is the swim portion of JGT?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

Who won the first-ever JGT?

Correct! Wrong!

How many people completed the first JGT?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

What's our go-to beer for the beer garden?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

How do we wrap up the JGT finish line party?

Tom Marek
Correct! Wrong!

Where is JGT currently located?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

How many divisions are offered?

Ed Sparks
Correct! Wrong!

What's the name of our iconic, water-spraying unicorn?

Correct! Wrong!

Do You Know JGT?
You're a JGT expert!

Alright, alright! You really know your JGT stuff!
You know the basics!

Right on! You know the JGT basics!
You must be new!

Welcome to the JGT crew! Now you know Jack's Generic Tri a little better, hopefully, you'll be there to join in on the fun this year!

Share your Results:

How’d you’d do?? Whatever your level of JGT expertise, we hope you can be there to swim-bike-run alongside Austin’s coolest triathletes this summer.

Understanding the Different Types of Bike Pedals

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Types of Bike Pedals: Understanding the Basics

When it comes to choosing bike pedals, you need to consider the best option to meet your needs depending on the kind of riding you’ll be doing. It’s all about personal preference and what you feel most comfortable with. If you’re in the market for some new pedals, keep reading to understand the different types of bike pedals to figure out which ones are right for you.

Types of Pedals:

There are two basic types of bike pedals: Flat and Clipless. Flat pedals are the more common of the two when it comes to triathlon because you wear regular running shoes with this type of pedal. Which is great and convenient for the bike to run transition. Clipless pedals are great for athletes who want to feel more at one with the bike. With these pedals, you’ll need to wear special cleats that clip into the specific type of pedal system that’s compatible with your cleats.

Different Benefits:

Flat Pedals types of bike pedals

Flat Pedals

There are many benefits of flat or platform pedals. Any type of shoe you decide on will work with this type of pedal. They’re great for a quicker bike-to-run transition because, without changing shoes, you eliminate the need to spend any more time in transition.

Flat pedals also reduce any anxiety you may have about falling over during the bike leg. You can put your feet down to catch yourself, as opposed to if you were clipped into the pedals. Lastly, this is the more common and affordable option of the two kinds of pedals. Flat pedals can be found for $10 – $40.

 

Clipless Pedals

Clipless PedalsThere are also many benefits of a Clipless Pedal (clipless means clipped in). Increase your speed during the bike portion by being clipped into your bike pedals. This allows you to take full advantage of your pedal stroke, which in turn allows you to ride faster once you have mastered the push and pull of it.

A smoother more efficient pedal stroke will lead to better average power output. Being clipped in can actually keep you a little safer while riding because it reduces the chance of your foot slipping off the pedal while climbing, descending, or while fatigued. There are endless options when it comes to choosing clipless pedals if that is the

You can go clipless right from the start or use flat pedals until you are more comfortable in the saddle. There are benefits to each type of pedal, but the important thing is to choose what is more comfortable for you. Whatever you choose, spend time becoming familiar with your bike pedals to maximize your efficiency on race morning of Jack’s Generic Tri!


Protect Your Skin During Summer Training

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Break out your sunscreen!

Summer is here to stay and the importance of protecting your skin during summer training is crucial, but often forgotten. Keep reading to see some of our favorite products to protect your skin during the summer months of training.

Protect your Skin

Whether you’re swimming, biking, running, it doesn’t matter. Apply sunscreen! Even if you run in the shade or ride on the trail, applying sunscreen is a must. If you’re doing any kind of training outside, or even just getting outside for a walk sunscreen is important. Take a look at some of our favorite sweat and water-proof sunscreen products before heading out for your tri training to protect your skin. It’ll last long during your workout and ensure the sun’s rays don’t impact your skin.

Kiss My Face Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

KINeSYS SPF 50 Fragrance-Free Spray Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

COOLA Mineral Sun Silk Crème

Applying sunscreen to protect your skin during summer training

Reapplying Rules

Training with a sunburn is not comfortable. Plus, the sunburn will warm your body and make it that much more difficult to keep your core cool. Whatever variety you go for, make sure to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading outside, to give your skin the chance to absorb the product so you don’t sweat it off right away. Then, you should reapply every two hours if you’re getting out for an extended period of time, apply sunscreen throughout. This advice will get help to protect your skin from UV rays as you continue to follow your training plan so you’re ready for Jack’s Generic Tri!

 

Rockin’ Training Playlist to Get You Ready for Jack’s Generic Tri

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Get back to your JGT training with this rockin’ playlist

Looking for a new rockin’ playlist to get you in the zone for some Jack’s Generic Tri training?! You’ve come to the right place. We’re big music lovers at JGT, so we’ve put together some of our favorite hits for your tri training sessions! Get motivated for this year’s 18th celebration with this rockin’ training playlist that will make you feel like you’re at the JGT finish line festival!

Scroll through the playlist below!

These songs can pump you up, give you a second to catch your breath or help you through the warm-up/cool-down. With these hits, you’ll want to crank up the volume, but make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you!

DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Ultimate Triathlete Mom

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Make the triathlete mom in your life feel extra special this year.

Do you ever have trouble thinking of gift ideas for Mother’s Day? We know we do! After all, you want the gift to be thoughtful and make her feel loved. Make Mother’s Day extra special this year with the help of these free, Generic gifts perfect for the triathlete mom!

Turn a JGT Race Shirt into a Pillow

Remind mom how awesome she really is when you turn an old Jack’s Generic Tri race shirt into a memory pillow for your homemade Mother’s Day gift. After all she does for you, give mom a little extra recognition for also taking the time to fit triathlon into the mix! You can find the instructions here to get started!

Best Tri Mom Certificate, free mother's day gift ideas

Best Tri Mom Award

Why not add “Best Tri Mom” to the resume this Mother’s Day? After all, you know it’s true! Make her smile with this award that cuts right to the chase and let her know what you think. Click here to download, print, and frame this “Best Tri Mom” certificate that is sure to make her smile!

Make Her Favorite Smoothie

Make mom health, sweet treat to enjoy on Mother’s Day from this list of DELICIOUS smoothies from London at Evolving Table. Prep her a few so she can choose her favorite and reuse this recipe after some tri training!

triathlon gift ideas for mother's day

Tri Day

Consider this as a spa day, but for triathlete moms! Finding time to fit training in around a hectic schedule is trying in itself. Give her the day to focus on herself and swim, bike, run to her heart’s content to get in the tri groove!


Make a Bag out of Race Bibs

You know that drawer full of bibs is sitting around somewhere. Get crafty and repurpose those hard-earned race bibs into a tote bag for mom to carry this Mother’s Day. Bring back positive memories while also encouraging her to get back in the tri game.

 

These homemade Mother’s Day gifts are great for the triathlete mom in your life. Not to mention, a great way to recognize her triathlon skills and remind her why she fell I love with the sport to begin with! We hope you found the perfect idea to make this Mother’s Day one she’ll never forget.

 

Top 5 Fitness Instagram Accounts You Need to Follow

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Follow these top 5 fitness Instagram accounts for your fittest year yet!

Maybe you’re someone who likes to work out alone, or maybe your schedule is so crazy you can’t seem to find the time to get a good workout in. Luckily for us, getting a good workout has never been so easy! Well… convenient. Get back in the fitness groove for Jack’s Generic Tri on August 23rd, or start a new healthy habit with our top 5 fitness Instagram accounts you need to follow.

Strava @strava

Strava top 5 fitness instagram accounts you need to follow

Follow @strava on Instagram

Explore new paths and see where your training will take you with the help of Strava. “Designed by athletes, for athletes, Strava’s mobile app and website connect millions of runners and cyclists through the sports they love.” Connect with athletes all over the world and check out people’s favorite places to run or cycle all over the world! You can expect daily running or cycling workouts, along with words of motivation to help keep you on track. If you travel a lot, this is perfect for finding the top places to run when you visit or experience new places. You can follow other athletes to share your progress on the app. This is a great way to keep up with your tri squads training progress by uploading and sharing your routes with one another.

sworkit top 5 fitness instagram accounts you need to follow

Follow @sworkit on Instagram

Sworkit @sworkit

With over 18 million followers, the Sworkit (Simply Work It) Instagram account is a must-follow. This Instagram has it all. From daily workouts accompanied by instructional videos, to words of inspiration to help light a fire under you to get started on your fitness journey! This feel-good account also shares thousands of their participants’ journeys that bring a sense of community that can help you with your own fitness improvements.

 

 

Baby-Fit Gym @babyfit_gym

babyfit_gym top 5 fitness instagram accounts you need to follow

Follow @babyfit_gym on Instagram

Baby fit-gym was created by Kristy Ardo after having children a few years back. This one is for all the moms out there as a way to get you back to your fitness routine on your schedule! Kristy, a mother of three herself,  knows how difficult it can be to make the time. Especially when your hands are full. Kristy is a certified personalized trainer that specializes in pregnancy and postpartum fitness. These 15-minute workouts are based on your current fitness abilities and can be adjusted to increase or decrease the intensity. She has an impressive following that makes moms and new moms feel united and allows them to share their stories and encourage one another to keep up the hard work.

 

shona_vertue.top 5 fitness instagram accounts you need to follow

Follow @shona_vertue on Instagram

Shona Vertue @shona_vertue

This is for all our fellow yogi’s or anyone looking to get into yoga! Shona Vertue is an elite, ex-gymnast from down under who shares her fitness tips and tricks to inspire others to follow along with her. Her motto is based on consistency and sustainability to keep you healthy and fit for life and not focusing on your appearance. If you love her account as much as we do, she also offers more specific programs to join online depending on what you wish to improve on.

 

 

Susan Niebergall Fitness @susanneibergallfitness

Follow @susanniebergallfitness on Instagram

Move over kids, let Susan Niebergall show you how it’s done! Susan is a personal trainer and strength coach in her mid-fifties that says she’s “living proof that anything is possible at any age.” She’s also very passionate about the importance of a healthy well-balanced diet. If one of your goals this year is to shed a few pounds and develop healthier eating habits, this is the account for you. With over 101 thousand followers, it’s safe to say Susan has helped so many people accomplish their fitness goals and continues to inspire others to make the change to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

 

With access to endless amounts of online training workouts, tips for living a healthier lifestyle, and so much more, it can be overwhelming to find one that’s right you. Hopefully, this list of our top fitness Instagrams will point you in the right direction.