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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!

 

Swimming Tips for Beginner Triathletes

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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

Swimming Tips For Beginner Triathletes. Jacks Generic Tri. Practice 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.

Swimming Tips For Beginner Triathletes. Jacks Generic Tri. Practice with others

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.

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.