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2021 Rookie Triathlon and Jack’s Generic Triathlon Canceled

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

High Five Events has canceled Rookie Triathlon and Jack’s Generic 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.

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Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate the Importance of Rest Days

Learn about the importance of rest days and why you shouldn’t skip them

A rest day is the most important tool in every triathlete’s recovery toolbox. If your training plan calls for a day of rest, take it! Other recovery methods include rehydrating, post-workout refueling, and foam rolling. Without effective recovery, your long-term success will be negatively affected and you could experience burnout or sustain an injury. This is why it’s vital to understand the importance of rest days. They allow your body to recover, rebuild, and help you get ready for the next set of workouts.

A breakdown

Rest days are vital on your journey to the finish line.

A rest day is just as it seems, a day of rest from training. They facilitate recovery and allow your body to repair itself. A rest day gives your body time to fill up its glycogen reserves – a necessary store for preventing mental burnout and overtraining.

How often you take a rest day will depend on factors like your current training, experience level, and schedule. If you’ve started training for your first triathlon, then you should have at least one rest day a week, maybe even two. Experienced triathletes can easily space these out. Typically, a rest day is recommended if you have an extended training block, have had several days of workouts in a row, or just knocked out a brick workout. They’re also necessary after a race. You still need rest days even if you’re in the offseason and have dialed back your training.

Indicators you need a break

Your heart rate will provide a hint. Take a rest day if it’s difficult to maintain a steady heartbeat across multiple workouts or your resting heartbeat is raised.

Other signs include:

–      Disrupted sleep pattern or difficulty sleeping

–      Increased appetite, elevated cravings for sugar

–      Low energy levels

–      Increased irritability

–      Injury or illness

It’s vital to understand the importance of rest days, don’t ignore them. Take them when your training calls for one. If needed, switch a rest day with a workout. This can help you if you have a busy schedule or your body feels extra tired.

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6 Swimming Tips Every Beginner Triathlete Should Know

Don’t jump in the water without knowing these 6 swimming tips

Most triathletes come from the running or cycling world. There are some who start as swimmers, but often, swimming is the last added specialty. However, this doesn’t make swimming any less important in your triathlon journey. Some say it is the most critical aspect because it’s the first event in a triathlon. Make sure you’re prepared to sail through the water toward a successful race day. Incorporate these 6 swimming tips that every beginner triathlete should know. They’ll help you through the beginning phase of your swimming so you can work towards your triathlon goals. It’s not a bad idea for veteran triathletes to brush up on these 6 swimming tips too! 

Pro tip: add these swimming tips to this additional beneficial advice when you start triathlon training.

Important swimming tips for beginner triathletes

  1. Practice breathing

Breathing may come naturally when running and cycling, but swimming requires you to practice the rhythm. You’re not above water the entire time! With a comfortable underwater breathing practice, you will ensure that you are not short of breath. The key is to ensure you get enough oxygen without disrupting your form.

  1. Fight the instinct

The more you practice swimming, the better.

Swimming is a counter-intuitive exercise. Remembering this will help you in fighting with your basal survival and panic instincts. This takes time as you need to override your natural thoughts such as kicking hard and fast, looking forward, and lifting up of the head to breathe. The more your practice, the better. Swimming in cold water can increase the chances you panic. Knowing about swimming in cold water’s benefits and these safety tips can decrease those chances.

  1. Break it down

Separate your initial learning into segments using milestones rather than distance. These segments could include getting water comfortable, understanding your gear, floating, and efficiently moving forward. Eventually, you will become comfortable with those and distance will become your milestones. The right pair of swim goggles can make a massive difference when you first start out.

  1. Be consistent

Distance isn’t the only aspect of swimming you should focus on as a beginner. Focus on keeping your swimming consistent and maintaining good quality. The more often you practice, the more likely you are to flush out bad habits and see improvement. Add swimming in open water to your routine so you become more comfortable. Pair consistency with this advice and you’ll get over any open-water fears.

  1. Rock your hips

Work on your technique to become more efficient.

You have to rock your hips with every stroke. This roll of the body will help you in the smooth moving of your arms and provide more power. This, in turn, will make it easier for you to find air to breathe when you turn your head.

  1. Focus on technique

Beginner swimming sessions should mainly be about technique. A controlled and smooth swim will make you exert less energy and speed up your progress. Better swimming technique keeps your stroke continuous without any pauses or stops. This will help you maintain momentum and keep you high up in the water.

If you are a beginner triathlete, these basic swimming tips will make you more at ease in the water. They will also help you conserve energy so you can perform better on the bike and run. Even though swimming may not be your favorite portion of the triathlon, these tips will help you handle it like a pro.

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Swimming in Cold Water: A Beginner’s Introduction

Learn about the benefits and safety tips of swimming in cold water

Swimming in cold water is an exhilarating experience. It’s a fantastic way to get fit, unwind, and strengthen both your mind and body. Swimming laps in chilly water can wake you up and make you feel alive in a way that no warm swimming pool can. For triathletes, cold waters are a vital part of training. They can provide you with more space and fewer swimmers since everyone won’t flock to the cold swimming areas. Read about the importance of goal-setting and establish short- and long-term swimming goals. Learn why taking an icy dip can be good for you and how to accomplish it safely.

The benefits of swimming in cold water

  1. Increase stress tolerance

Swimming in cold water has many benefits.

Swimming in cold water is scientifically documented to improve psychological markers of stress tolerance. The shock and adaptation you experience make your body thrive under stress in the long run, not just tolerate it. Swimming in cold water increases the adaption even more. Just like any other physical activity, it’s an excellent method to relieve stress. If you’re still wary of open water swimming, utilize these 5 tips to help you overcome your fear of open water.

  1. Improved circulation

Coldwater imposes vasoconstriction on your blood vessels, followed by a period of compensatory vasodilation. This forces your body to warm your core when you enter the cold water. It then creates a dilation when blood rushes to your extremities to warm them up again. This process of alternation between constriction and dilation dramatically improves overall circulation.

  1. Superior calorie burn

Wearing a wetsuit can help you retain body heat.

Swimming against cold waters forces your body to thermoregulate more than usual while you focus your mind and body on the difficult task of swimming. It also improves fat metabolization which makes you leaner and healthier in the long run. Swimming is considered a complete workout because you’re using every part of your body.

Follow these safety tips

  1. Start small

Gradually immerse yourself in the chilly waters when swimming. Practice at home by slowly increasing the amount of cold water in your shower. It will be difficult to control your breathing initially, but continued training can halve the amount of time you need to adjust to the cold. When building workouts, begin with shorter distances. This allows your body to acclimate to the temperature and adjust your breathing technique.

  1. Make friends

Swimming might be a solo sport, but that shouldn’t stop you from doing it with your friends.

Find your local swimming groups and participate in group swims. Group swims can help you study your surroundings better and have fun. You could also have an extra pair of eyes in case something goes wrong. Don’t forget about the accountability factor. Knowing your friend or group is meeting you for a workout increases the likelihood that you show up too.

  1. Wear a wetsuit

A wetsuit retains body heat and allows you to focus on the mechanical aspects of swimming first. It also helps to minimize the impact of the cold water. You can then focus on your form, sighting, kicking, and breathing in the water. You could eventually graduate to wearing wetsuit shorts. Pro tip: extend the life of your wetsuit with these instructions.

What you need to get started

  • gym bag to carry all your gear
  • towel
  • wetsuit
  • swim goggles
  • extra clothes for after your swim

Swimming in cold water is possibly one of the most challenging feats a triathlete can face. It can be intimidating and difficult, but engaging in a gradually increasing training regimen with small increments can work wonders. Stay safe with our advice and practice often. Eventually swimming in cold water won’t even bother you. If you’re new to triathlon, explore these additional tips to start triathlon training.

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How Proper Foam Rolling Can Help You Recover Faster

Foam rolling: explanation, techniques, and benefits

A foam roller can be your best friend. Is yours stashed in a closet or sitting somewhere gathering dust? Get it out! If you don’t have one, visit our friends and partners at Fleet Feet Austin. They’ll get you set up with what you need! Whether you’re training for an upcoming triathlon or exercising to stay in shape, proper foam rolling has many benefits. It can help you relax, prevent injury, and speed up your recovery. We’ll explain what foam rolling is, breakdown effective techniques, and highlight various benefits. 

What is foam rolling?

It is an SMR (self-myofascial release) technique that is designed to help you relieve muscle pain. Foam rolling is an excellent form of warming-up or cooling-down after swimming, cycling, or running. You should schedule a massage as needed and let a professional work out the kinks. But for all the in-between time, you should foam roll at home. It’s easy and can take less than 10 minutes.

Techniques

Foam rolling is an excellent way for athletes to recover after low- or high-intensity workouts. The best part? It’s very easy to do too! Here are a few foam rolling technique explanations to get you started. For more, refer to our handy downloadable PDF.

  • Lay down on the foam roller and gently put your leg on it; gradually use your bodyweight to regulate the pressure.
  • When you find a painful spot, hold the foam roll right there for a few seconds; gradually apply pressure for 10-20 seconds; continue moving up & down slowly.
  • Repeat the same process with all muscle groups, especially those most involved with the workout

Benefits

  1. Helps with muscle repair recovery

An easy way to speed up your recovery process.

Provides sore muscles with relief by breaking up lactic acid and increasing the flow of fresh blood to the muscles. It also helps reduce muscle inflammation. According to this study, 20 men foam rolled after a high-intensity workout. These participants reported a decrease in delayed onset muscle soreness. Not only that, but later on they performed better during an exercise than those who didn’t foam roll. Pro tip: proper hydration can also help with blood circulation. Learn about the different ways to carry hydration during your run.

  1. Promotes relaxation

Visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin for all your foam rolling and recovery needs.

This is the most prominent benefit of foam rolling. A majority of athletes find it to be helpful in relaxing. How? It breaks down the tightness of the muscles, reduces inflammation, and even reduces stress. When your body feels good and your muscles aren’t sore you can concentrate better during the day and sleep better at night. Taking the time to foam will is even more beneficial after a brick workout, when you’re asking more of your body.

  1. Additional benefits

  • Relieves back pain
  • Improves flexibility
  • Increases range of motion
  • Reduces cellulite appearance

Foam rolling is the simplest choice to recover from sore muscles or to even relieve back pain. The best part?! It doesn’t take long and can help you recover faster before your next workout. However, we advise that you always be careful while performing this action. Don’t continue to roll an area if you experience sharp or prolonged pain. Consult with your doctor if needed.

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Helpful Tips to Go From Walking To Running

Graduate from walking to running with this simple advice

Is one of your goals to get active? Are you looking for a way to intensify your exercise? Give running a try. It can burn more calories than walking alone, can strengthen your heart, and lower your cholesterol levels. Running can also reduce stress levels and lead to developing a healthier lifestyle. Most importantly, running can help you clear your mind and find peace within yourself. But how do you even begin to transition from walking to running?

The right running shoes can make all the difference.

Our advice below will get you on the right path! This is a journey that will take time. Just remember, you’re not alone on your journey! We’re here to help you transition from walking to running.

Running gear

First, the transition from walking to running may not be as difficult as you think, but you will need some gear. 

  1. Running shoes – Make sure you have a pair of comfortable shoes that are specifically for running. If you have an older pair, be sure to read through this article to make sure they don’t need to be replaced. Proper fitting running shoes can also help prevent painful shin splints and injuries that could sidetrack you from your goal. Once you have your pair, use them only for your upcoming walk/run workouts, wearing your running shoes for other activities can cause bad wear patterns, and wear them our faster.
  2. Clothes – Wear workout gear that allows you to move freely, is lightweight, and wicks sweat. You will want to stay away from cotton.
  3. Water Bottle – Keep a water bottle nearby to stay hydrated and replenish lost fluids. If carrying a water bottle is uncomfortable, check out these different ways of carrying water with you while you run. 
  4. Extras – hat, sunglasses, headphones if you like to listen to music, and lights and reflective gear if you are going out in the dark.

Begin your journey from walking to running

Slow your jog back to a walk if you feel exhausted.

Let’s assume you walk four or five days every week and want to begin running. That’s a great start! The helpful steps below will help you during your transition from walking to running. You can always take breaks in between if you are out of breath or feel exhausted.

This is just the beginning, but when you’re ready to train for your first triathlon add in these 7 tips.

Have a plan and set goals

  1. Develop an exercise schedule if you don’t currently have one. The goal is to become more comfortable being on your feet for extended periods of time.
    • Week 1 – walk 30 minutes/day for four days
    • Week 2 – walk 40 minutes/day for four days
    • Week 3 – walk 50 minutes/day for four days 

Take the next steps

  1. Now it’s time to crank it up a bit! But don’t get too excited just yet. You want to slowly incorporate jogging into your schedule. You will want to complete these 4 days a week. On your off days, you can include recovery workouts like yoga, cycling, or even just short walks like we did in week 1 & 2.
    • Week 4 – 10-minute warm-up walk, alternate 30-second light jog/4-minute walk for 15 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk
    • Week 5 – 10-minute warm-up walk, alternate 60-second light jog/4-minute walk for 20 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk
    • Week 6 – 10-minute warm-up walk, alternate 2-minute light jog/3-minute walk for 25 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk

As you get more comfortable, increase your time spent jogging.

Start to increase your jogging

  1. Next, increase your jogging intervals, and decrease your walking intervals as you see fit. Set a goal for yourself before you begin. Feel free to pick up the pace during your jog if it feels good. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, cut back the time in small increments. Try and stay above what you accomplished the week before even if it just 20-30 seconds longer. 
    • Week 7 – 5-minute warm-up walk, alternate 3-minute jog/2-minute walk for 25 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk

Pick up the pace

  1. After that, as you continue to feel comfortable, extend the duration of your intervals as you see fit. Alternate your jog and walking like previous routines. Continue to set small goals to reach. Feel free to pick up the pace during your jog if it feels good. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, cut back the time. If you want to continue to increase your speed during your jog, these 6 tips will get you started.
    • Week 8 – 5-minute warm-up walk, alternate 5-minute jog/1-minute walk for 30 minutes, 5-minute cool down walk

By now, jogging for longer periods of time should become more and more comfortable. Congratulations, you’ve made the transition from walking to running! Continue to extend your jogging time. Maybe even quicken your stride and break into slow runs. In the end, you’ll eventually eliminate the walking portion of your intervals. Ready for your next challenge? tThis helpful advice will get you started on cycling! 

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Get Over Your Fear of Open Water

5 tips on how to get over your fear of open water

The fear of the unknown and uncertainty of open water can create anxiety in beginner swimmers. Beginner triathletes have to overcome this before race day to have a successful swim. Swimming pools are nothing like a lake, but they are still beneficial for training. What you learn in the pool can be easily transferred to open waters, just without the clear water and straight black line. You can overcome your fear of open water if you have a successful strategy and the willingness to execute it. Prepare for the swim with these five tips to get over your fear of open water.

It’s important to swim in open water before race day. Credit – Tom Marek.

Pro tip: wetsuits can help with your buoyancy in the water. If you invest in one, take proper care of it so you get the most out of it.

  1. Practice makes perfect

The best swimming abilities in the world won’t mean a thing if you can’t remain calm when things don’t go as planned. Staying relaxed and maintaining your form is critical during a triathlon. You might pass people. People might pass you. You could veer off course. You might get accidentally kicked or hit by another swimmer’s stroke. While none of this is intentional, it can still throw you out of rhythm.

Find an open body of water before race day. Practice so you understand what it feels like to not have the benefits of a pool. Focus on maintaining your form and breathing evenly. Know what it feels like for the waves to splash over you. Be specific in your open-water practice and familiarize yourself with what the pool can’t provide. Practice sighting and become familiar with these tips so you understand how it’ll keep you on course.

  1. Anticipate and plan ahead

Create “if-then” plans before you enter the water. Credit – Tom Marek.

Be proactive and create “if-then” plans for your swim. If you begin to feel nervous, then resort to slower strokes and calm your breathing. If you feel lost, adjust your stroke and focus on sighting. This will help you get back on track. Implement anxiety-reducing tactics that can help you during the swim. For example, some swimmers count their strokes. This allows them to focus on a short-term goal, regain control of their breathing, and focus on what they can control.

Have a physical checklist of items you’ll need. Plan ahead and make sure you have what you need for all practice swims and race day. It’s important to make sure everything fits, like your swim goggles. Make sure you have a backup pair just in case! Create a mental checklist of things to focus on and you’ll have a productive fallback when things turn bad. If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

  1. Go with the flow

Most swimmers exhaust themselves fighting waves or veering way off course. Learn how to not swallow water and maintain sighting when you swim in open waters. Create a plan that accounts for the circumstances around you, but be prepared to adjust. Focus on what you can control, like your breathing and your sighting. Alternate between sighting, stroke speed, and relaxing when the opportunity presents itself. There is a time and place for everything. Don’t forget, humor helps. These triathlons memes can give you a good laugh and remind you of what you’re capable of accomplishing.

  1. Talk to other triathletes

Talk to veteran triathletes. Their information will be valuable. Credit – Tom Marek.

Veteran triathletes can help you improve your technique, reduce any anxiety, and catch any and all errors you might make during an open-water swim. Another pair of eyes can spot things you can’t. They can also share stories, advise on certain practice techniques, and give race-day tips. You can learn more from others. This is more of the mental component to swimming, but any helpful information is beneficial. Read about William’s first-ever triathlon. High Five Events’ Communication Manager breaks down his race-day experience, including the good and bad of the swim. 

  1. Practice one skill at a time

Fall back on your training. Next thing you know you’ll be done. Credit – Tom Marek

Practice and skill-development are reliable confidence boosters. Isolate your swimming skills such as sighting, stroke, breathing, and form. Practice them individually to zero-in on becoming better at them. All of these can be worked on in the pool, where you might feel more comfortable. Those skills can then be transferred to your practice swims in open water. Then practice putting them all together in action holistically. The simple act of refining each of your skills and working on them can produce positive results and boost your confidence. Pro tip: incorporate these 7 tips when you begin training. They’ll help with your journey, including overcoming your fear of open water.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. A beginner triathlete has to face the open water someday. A great plan, the right amount of practice, and the patience to tolerate fear and failure until you succeed are all you need to become a successful swimmer. Keep in mind, getting over your fear of open water will not happen overnight. It’ll take several swims and consistency. With hard work and dedication, you’ll overcome your fear of open water in no time!

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What is a Bento Box?

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How to Save Money on Triathlon

This advice will help you save money on triathlon

Are triathlons expensive? This is what most athletes that start triathlon training wonder. However, this is one of many misconceptions about triathlon. Triathlons can be inexpensive when you smartly plan things. Most triathlon essentials can be found used and purchased at a discount. Best of all, you can start triathlon training if you have a pair of good shoes, a swimsuit, goggles, and any bike in good condition. Follow the advice below to save money on triathlon.

Here are tips to help you save

Don’t buy more than you need

Buy only what you really need. For instance, you don’t need to buy a bike! That’s right, you can rent a bike race weekend from a local bike shop. Or you could borrow one from a friend who isn’t racing that day. Pro tip: this triathlon equipment checklist will get you started.

Also, don’t buy a swim cap if you don’t have one. You will get one when you pick up the packet from your triathlon. As far as the other swimming gear is concerned, you don’t need to purchase fins or a kickboard. You can borrow them from your friends or at your gym’s pool. Read about what Jack Murry, co-owner of High Five Events, used for his first triathlon!

Find a free workout plan online

You don’t need to spend a fortune on hiring a trainer. Save money by opting for a free online workout plan instead. There are many triathlon training plan options available. They are designed by experts and give you the confidence and training needed to help reach the finish line. You can also tailor the workout plans to suit your needs and schedule. Start today with this free triathlon training plan. 

Register early

Triathlons have price increases as they get closer to the event date. We suggest you register and start triathlon training early. This will save you money and gives you time to prepare and increase your endurance. If you are lucky enough, you can also grab good deals by registering before a certain date. For instance, we offer a combo deal where you save $10 when you register for both the Rookie Tri and CapTex Tri. Just select Combo Deal during checkout when registering for either event.

Participate in local triathlons

Find local triathlons that fit your budget. You’ll avoid spending heavily on travel and other travel-related expenses. Some excellent Austin triathlons are CapTex Tri and Jack’s Generic Tri. They offer the same amount of fun at a far lesser price.

Join a club

Become a member of a gym or a group to take advantage of their discounts and deals. Some are entirely free, while you need to pay a nominal fee for several others. Austin Triathlon Club is a great, local nonprofit group. Their members include triathletes of all levels and they have programs to introduce beginners to the sport.

Register for Rookie Tri, select the CapTex Tri Combo Deal, and start training for two of Austin’s favorite triathlons today!

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Wetsuit Care Instructions You Need to Know

Follow these wetsuit care instructions to extend its life

Wetsuits are a big investment. But they’re worth it because they’re helpful in the water. Proper wetsuit care is important so you can extend its life and get the most out of your investment. Whether you have a full suit, sleeveless, or compression shorts proper wetsuit care can make a big difference. Whether you’re swimming in a pool or open water, follow the wetsuit care instructions below and take proper care of your wetsuit. Pro tip: read about William’s first triathlon (2018 Rookie Tri) and see the difference a wetsuit can make.

Steps to follow

  • Wetsuits can be used in all open water conditions. No matter the water, you should always rinse your suit in clean, cool water after each use. Pro tip: if possible, don’t use your wetsuit in a chlorinated swimming pool. Over time the chlorine can damage the seams and degrade the fabric of the suit.
  • To preserve the life of the wetsuit, always store your wetsuit laying flat or hanging in a dry place on a thick plastic hanger. Wetsuits can be heavy so make sure the hanger is sturdy. You don’t want to find your wetsuit crumpled up at the bottom of a closet.
  • Make sure your wetsuit is completely dry before you put it away or it will mildew and STINK! Turn your wetsuit inside out to help it dry faster. Never leave your wetsuit out in the sun to dry. Pro tip: incorporating a swim-to-bike brick workout is a great way to practice taking off your wetsuit after exiting the water.
  • Periodically wash your wetsuit with wetsuit shampoo. This will keep the integrity of the fabric as well as keep it from becoming mildewy and stinky. Try Jaws Slosh Wetsuit Shampoo the next time you wash your wetsuit.
  • Only use approved lubricates when putting on your wetsuit. Like chlorine, unapproved lubricants can degrade the fabric and have your wetsuit falling apart at the seams. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or any other petroleum-based product will literally eat holes in your suit lining. Try TRISLIDE Spray the next time you put on your wetsuit.
  • If you have to travel with your wetsuit, fold as stated below. Folded seams and a crumpled suit can lead to more tearing when you are putting the suit on.
    • Fold the legs halfway up.
    • Make an X when you fold the arms.
    • Fold the remaining legs over the arms and torso.
    • Unfold when you arrive.
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