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2021 Jack’s Generic Triathlon Opens Registration

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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.

Get Faster on Your Run with these Tips

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Follow these tips to see improvement and get faster on your run

Whether you’re new to triathlon or a seasoned veteran, you will eventually want to get faster on the run. Improving the run is one way to shave minutes off your overall time! You’ll have to put in the work though. It takes hard work and dedication to increase your speed. Below are 6 different ways to help you get faster and chase those PRs. The more of these tips you integrate, the better. 

Interval training

Keep track of your time during interval workouts to maximize your workout.

This type of training includes periods of high and low intensity running. High-intensity interval involves running faster than your everyday pace. Interval training revamps the efficiency of the oxygen delivered to your body. This will help increase your speed and efficiency. The goal is to make small, incremental increases in speed over time. Try the workout below and adjust as needed.

  • Jog for three minutes at regular pace
  • Sprint for one minute
  • Repeat this cycle four more times

Pro tip: don’t skip your workouts when you use these 4 excuse busters.

Run hill repeats

These might be difficult at first, but they’re worth it. Running hills is a form of resistance training.  Look for a hill that takes you about two minutes to ascend. Run at a steady but hard effort on the way up and easy jog back down to recover. Your body will work harder, but this is a chance to work on controlling your breathing. Focus on your recovery on the downhill. Engage your core and regain control of your breathing on the way down. With hill training, you’ll increase your muscle strength, especially your glutes and calves. Those are the muscles needed to sprint across the finish line! Avoid knee pain when you run when you incorporate these tips.

Add strength training

Pushups are a great workout if you don’t have weights at home.

How you increase your speed is not just about running. You need to keep yourself active and functioning. Strength training involves exercises that improve strength and endurance. It typically involves the use of weights, but can take a variety of different forms such as bodyweight workout. Start with lighter weights gradually work your way up. If you don’t have weights at home you can still complete a workout. Incorporate pushups, dips, situps, lunges, squats, and any other exercise that uses your body’s weight.

Be steady and focused

Things take time, so don’t get off track. You won’t achieve your big goal overnight. Set up smaller, weekly goals along the way. Take it easy on yourself. Slow and steady may win the race, but fast and steady builds speed! Take challenges and try running faster than the day before. Be just as focused on your recovery as you are about getting faster on your run. Learn about the benefits of an ice bath and how it can help with your recovery process.

Try yoga

Yoga can improve your breathing, flexibility, and core strength.

Yoga has extensive benefits beyond our imagination. Add yoga to your daily or weekly training plan and you won’t be disappointed. A study showed that twice-weekly yoga sessions increase flexibility in the joints and improve the balance of your body. Deep breathing associated with yoga will also help you consume oxygen more efficiently when completing more strenuous workouts. Get started with these 5 yoga poses for triathletes.

Eat right

Eating right is crucial. Optimal fueling gives your body what it needs to improve. Plus, by eating healthier you could lose some weight and develop lean muscle. Don’t forget to hydrate!

These are some of the most tried and valued running techniques. Everyone has their unique ways to get faster on the run, so make sure you do what’s best for you. Listen to your body and don’t get too harsh on yourself. Just like training for the finish line, getting faster on your run takes time.