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How to Transition from the Pool to Open-Water Swimming

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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. 

Learn How to Find Swim Goggles That Fit You Best

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Everything you need to know about finding swim goggles that fit you best

A good pair of goggles is an essential item for swimming. They can make or break your swim at your big race or during your training. That’s why it’s important to find a pair of swim goggles that fit you and your needs. Durability, fit, comfort, clarity, and adjustability are qualities you should look for before purchasing a new pair of swim goggles. Different kinds of goggles provide better protection, benefits, and effectiveness depending on the type of swimming you’re doing. Find the swim goggles that fit you best with our recommendations and links below! Pro tip: if you’re just starting out keep these beginner swimming tips in mind.

Here are a few things to keep in mind

Size matters

Swimmer swimming towards the water exit at Jack's Generic Triathlon. It's important to ensure you have swim goggles that fit.

Swim goggles that fit will keep them from falling off during your swim. Credit – Ed Sparks

The most notable difference between pool goggles and tri or open water goggles is that tri goggles are bigger. They provide a wider range of vision. This feature is critical to maximize your field of vision and properly sight while looking for other athletes, buoys, and the almighty swim finish line. The same pair of goggles often come in different sizes. Make sure you get the pair that best fits you without compromising your sight. Correct fit is critical to how well the goggles will seal around your eyes and keep the water out.

Pay attention to tint

Style may be important, but you don’t want to compromise style for function. Tinted goggles may appeal to you more, but if you’re doing an open water race on an overcast day or if the water is muddy, heavily tinted goggles would hinder your vision during the swim. Plus, if you’re new to open water swimming, limiting your already hindered vision may be intimidating for most swimmers. Once you find the swim goggles that fit you best, it is a great idea to get a few pairs with different tint levels. Have it all in your swim bag so that you are ready for any situation.  

Polarized lens

These are a must for a sunny, open water swim. A polarized lens will reduce glare off the water from the sun and allow you to see more clearly. Many goggles come in both regular and polarized lenses. You should consider getting both. Use the regular lens for training and the polarized lens for races. 

UV protection

You protect your eyes during every other portion of triathlon. The swim is no exception. Typically most goggles have this feature, but make sure you look for a pair with UV protection to prevent any damage to your eyes. The sun’s rays reflect off the water and make it hard to see. Goggles with UV protection will shield your eyes from any damage. They will keep your vision manageable on sunny training or race days.

Train in the goggles you will race in

This is the best way to avoid any race-morning mishaps from keeping you from performing your best on race day. Adjust your goggles to the exact tightness you’re comfortable with to avoid your goggles from filling up with water or even falling off mid-race.

Top 5 triathlon goggle recommendations

Roka R1 Goggles

  • Patented design for greater field of view
  • UV, anti-scratch, and anti-fog coating
  • Flat silicone head strap with locking adjustment clip

Speedo Socket 2.0 Mirrored Goggles

New Wave Fusion 2.0 Swim Goggles

  • Low-profile design with streamlined shape
  • Soft, durable silicone double head straps
  • Four nosepiece options to fit all swimmers

Aqua Sphere Kayenne Polarized Lens Swim Goggles

  • Polarized lens reduces glare and increases contrast
  • Oversized lens for great visibility
  • Anti-fog and UV lens treatment for long-lasting clarity

AqtivAqua DX Wide View Swim Goggles

Now you have all the information you need to find the swim goggles that fit you best! Is a wetsuit next on your list? Make sure you know what to look for when choosing a wetsuit.

Dryland Exercises for When You Don’t Want to Swim

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Try these dryland exercises to build strength and improve your performance in the water

Training for the swim portion of your upcoming tri is always important. This workout won’t be identical to the benefits you get while actually in the water, like perfecting your form and practicing breathing. But it’s still valuable to enhancing your performance in the water. Think of these dryland exercises as a way to target the same muscle groups you would while swimming. If you’re unable to hit the pool, these exercises can keep you on track to achieving your goals. These dryland exercises focus on working your core muscles, quads, glutes, chest, arms, back, and shoulders. Just like you would in the pool or open water.

Pro tip: take these exercises to the next level when you incorporate strength training.

Burpees

A burpee essentially works all the muscles you would activate during a pool session. It’s especially beneficial to build your stamina. It’s a full body and functional exercise that works on your muscle endurance and aerobic capacity. To properly do this:

  1. Start standing with your feet shoulder-width apart
  2. Lower yourself into a squatting position and place your hands on the floor in front of you
  3. Jump your feet back, putting yourself into a pushup position
  4. Do a pushup
  5. Jump your feet back into their original position
  6. Stand yourself upright, jump into the air, and clap your hands over your head

Repeat this exercise in 3 sets of 15.

Lat pulldown

You need some weight for this upper body exercise. However, stay light and stretch your shoulders well to reduce the risk of injury. To properly do this:

  1. Sit down at a pulldown machine and place your hands wide apart on the bar, palms facing forward
  2. Bring the bar down straight down to your clavicle
  3. Keep your torso still as you pull your arms down
  4. Draw your shoulders back, pulling the bar down as you exhale
  5. When the bar touches your clavicle and your shoulder blades are completely contracted, count to 2
  6. Slowly bring your arms back up to starting position, as you inhale

Control is key during this exercise. Trying to go fast will not work your muscles efficiently and can injure you. If you keep the weight low, you can do 3 sets of 25 for this exercise. Pro tip: don’t perform the exercise too fast or too slow

Pull-ups

If you do not have access to a pull-down machine, pull-ups will also work. They’ll strengthen your back, shoulders, and arms, providing a great dryland workout. You can even use the monkey bars at a local playground for this one. To properly do this:

  1. Move your arms shoulder-width apart and grasp an overhead bar with a firm, overhand grip
  2. Hang so your arms and legs are straight
  3. Steady your core
  4. Keep your back straight and do not swing yourself
  5. Pull yourself up, so that your head is over the bar, leaving the bar at your chest
  6. Slowly lower your body back to hanging position

You should also do this same exercise with your hands gripped close together at different distances. Shoot for about 5 sets of as many proper pull-ups as your strength will allow.

Reaching lunges

This exercise works your quads and glutes. It will help you with changing direction and help you prevent injuries. To properly do this:

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
  2. Step far forward with your right leg and shift your weight so that your heel hits the floor
  3. Descend until your right shin is vertical and your right thigh is parallel to the floor
  4. Lightly tap your left knee to the floor
  5. Put your weight back onto your right heel to bring yourself back upright
  6. Repeat with your left leg

When doing these exercises, keep yourself balanced. Make sure your knee is bent at a 90º angle and does not stick out further than your toe. Do 3 sets of 15 for this exercise for each leg.

T-Rotational pushups

This spin on the traditional pushup offers you a more intense workout. It provides a better core workout, while still hitting the upper body and hip extensors. To properly do this:

  1. Begin with a rigid torso in a standing pushup position with your arms and feet shoulder-width apart
  2. Descend, bringing yourself chest to the floor
  3. Start ascending until your arms are straight
  4. Shift over into a side plank position keeping your arms straight
  5. Rotate back to push up positions
  6. Repeat on the other side

Do 10 reps total, alternating each side, for 3 sets.

Incorporate these dryland workouts so you can be a stronger, more confident swimmer when you hit the water. Once you get back to the open water you might be in the market for a wetsuit. If so, keep our advice in mind when choosing a wetsuit.

What to Know When Choosing a Wetsuit

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Keep this advice in mind when choosing a wetsuit

Triathletes normally wear a wetsuit during the swim portion of triathlon. They can be advantageous in the water by increasing your buoyancy. But with so many options, brands, and prices, how do you pick what’s best for you? We break down the basics and provide you with the information needed when you begin the process of choosing a wetsuit. Pro tip: once you find the perfect wetsuit use these excuse busters so you don’t skip those swim workouts!

Types of wetsuits 

A wetsuit is a neoprene insulation suit made for warmth and buoyancy during the swim portion of a triathlon. Triathlon wetsuits are different from other water sport wetsuits. They are regulated by governing bodies like USAT. Wetsuits for a triathlon cannot be more the 5mm thick. 

The two most common types of wetsuits are sleeved and sleeveless. Full sleeved wetsuits are better for colder temperatures and are the most efficient. Sleeveless wetsuits are good too, but can let in water. This can cause you to slow down. Short “jammer” wetsuits have gained popularity for short distance triathlons since they are easiest to take off. Pro tip: track your workouts with these mobile apps and see how much difference a wetsuit can make.

Fit and range-of-motion

You want your wetsuit to fit snug to your body but not restrict breathing or inhibit arm movement. Putting on and taking off your wetsuit shouldn’t be a battle. If it is, it’s too small. Additionally, it shouldn’t restrict or alter your swim motion. If it does and you continue to swim, you increase the chances of injury. When choosing a wetsuit, keep in mind that the sleeveless version can allow for better range-of-motion. Learn more about swim strokes and how they can impact your training.

Fabric

Nearly all wetsuits are made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber that contains thousands of tiny air pockets. The material is what increases your buoyancy and helps your body retain heat in cold water. Keep in mind that not all neoprene is the same. They also come in varying thicknesses. Check the wetsuit to see if it has extra fabric panels in areas near the butt or lower back. The location placement of the extra material can help you stay more horizontal and potentially increase your speed. Not sure where to start when choosing a wetsuit? Check out some of our recommendations.

Cost

Wetsuits can be a big investment, costing anywhere from $100 to $1000. In terms of cost, sleeveless is usually less expensive. Less expensive wetsuits will also usually have uniform neoprene. High-end suits will vary across the body and incorporate more technology into the fabric. Become familiar with the range of options and designs for all brands and price levels. Just like most things, options that were once available in higher-priced wetsuits have made their way to less expensive options. Don’t want to buy one brand new? Check with local stores to see if they rent suits. You can also find second-hand wetsuits through Facebook groups like Tri ‘n Sell It.

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!

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.

 

Swim Stroke Styles: What They Are and Why They Matter

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Benefits of Incorporating Different Swim Stroke Styles into your tri training

Triathlon swimming is different from competitive swimming. You’re in open water with a bunch of triathletes on the same mission: to reach the end of the swim as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible. The distance of the swim will help you determine which swim stroke style you should work on during training to do your best on race day. Your current skill level in the water is also important to factor in. Keep reading to see the benefits of learning multiple swim strokes during your training for your upcoming tri. 

Why Different Swim Strokes Matter

In open water racing, you’ll find yourself having to swerve around other athletes. You may also have to stop quickly to avoid getting kicked and make tight turns around buoy markers. Adding in new strokes for just one of your workouts per week will make a difference in being able to react to these circumstances in an efficient way. Not only that, using different strokes will cause you to use different ranges of motion resulting in less strain to particular muscles and more of a complete shoulder and chest workout.

Freestyle Stroke

Freestyle is the best-known swim style stroke, and the most common stroke we see out at Jack’s Generic Tri, because it’s the most efficient swim stroke you can learn. It takes you farther than other strokes without expending more energy. Freestyle also gives you a full-body workout. It works the muscles in your arms, legs, core, and back. If you are looking for a particular swimming stroke to strengthen your back muscles, freestyle is definitely the way to go. Although the most efficient stroke, it can also be difficult to master. One of the most important things to focus on during training is your breathing. You can practice this by using the flutter kick while holding a kickboard out in front of you and practice rotating your face in and out of the water to breathe until you’ve established a rhythm you can replicate in the open water.

Benefits of the Freestyle Stroke

Click here to learn more about the freestyle stroke

Backstroke

Backstroke is rarely used during a triathlon, but it is a great stroke to incorporate into your training because it helps your shoulders unwind after sticking with one specific stroke for a while. This stroke is great for improving hip rotation. It also works your shoulder flexibility in the opposite way from freestyle. Depending on the length of your swim, mastering backstroke is always a great alternative to have up your sleeve. Your face stays out of the water, so you can breathe whenever you want. Backstroke is extremely useful when you need a bit of a rest period or if the water is choppy on race day.

Benefits of Backstroke

Click here to learn more about the backstroke

Breaststroke

Breastroke is the perfect swim stroke style for building strength in your hands by using them as paddles. This will translate into a stronger pull in freestyle. It’s a great way to switch things up and focus on different muscle groups. If you’re hesitant to hold your breath, breaststroke is great because you breathe every stroke. You can also complete this stroke without having to put your face in the water. Some argue breaststroke is the slowest swimming stroke, which may be a con for people who prefer speed. This stroke can be done for longer periods of time, so it can serve as an endurance workout. It’s a good alternative to your regular stroke as a way to mix in some cardio and burn a lot of calories in a session.

Benefits of Breaststroke

Click here to learn more about the breaststroke

Butterfly Stroke

If you’re looking to challenge yourself in the water, the butterfly is the way to go. This stroke was named after the movement in which you move your arms and is great for strengthening your core. This is important to triathlon because a strong core aids in swimming, cycling, and running. Butterfly requires a great deal of strength and coordination that takes time to develop. Not only does is this stroke a great workout to build abdominal strength, but it also strengthens your shoulders and chest. Each stroke requires that your core muscles have enough power to pull your arms over the water. Just a few laps of butterfly leaves you feeling its effects and burns the most calories of any swimming stroke. If this stroke is something you’re interested in perfecting, consider joining a Masters Swimming Program to get to proper coaching and guidance you’d need.

Benefits of Butterfly Stroke

Click here to learn more about the butterfly stroke

Keep in Mind:

Although your goal may be to complete the distance as fast as possible, you have to pace yourself. Triathlon requires you to be as efficient as you can in order to save energy for the bike and run later on. Incorporating different swim strokes into your training builds strength in other muscle groups, reduces the risk of injury, and breaks the repetitiveness in your swim sets. In the meantime, try these ways to stay motivated to keep up with your tri training and we’ll see you at JGT in no time!

5 Ridiculously Relatable Triathlon Memes That Will Make You Laugh

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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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17th Annual Jack’s Generic Triathlon Sees Sizzling Times

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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.

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

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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.