Active Living
Tips for a stress free and—can you believe it—fun Austin Triathlon
While most people are sleeping in Monday morning 2,000 athletes will be waking up at the crack of dawn (that's about 3 a.m.) to head downtown for the AVIA Austin Triathlon. Among them will be some of the most elite triathletes in the world including Jamie Cleveland, James Booney and Amy Marsh, all competing for $5,000 worth of prizes and the chance to take first place in one of the most popular triathlons in Texas.
I, on the other hand, will be competing for the free banana, ice cream and beer every athlete gets when they cross the finish line.
I am the furthest thing from a professional athlete. In fact, my pre-race meal once consisted of a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit from McDonald’s (bad idea).
Despite some horrific food choices I’ve managed to successfully knock out several triathlons over the past three years. My definition of success is finishing a race with a smile and the will and energy to live. For that reason, and that reason only, I feel qualified enough to offer a little advice for first time triathletes.
Disclaimer: The following advice will never earn you a first, second, or even 100th place prize. These tips will however ensure your first triathlon experience is fun and stress free.
- Get everything ready the night before your triathlon and throw it in your car. You will not be in the mood to search for safety pins, clean socks or swimming goggles at 3am.
- Resist the urge to buy new shoes, goggles, and fancy energy shots you’ve never tried before. Stick with what you know, after all, it’s gotten you this far.
- Prepare for traffic and plan accordingly. I would try to sucker a friend or loved one into dropping you off.
- Sucker that same friend or love one into staying and cheering for you. Those last few miles can be rough and a familiar face goes a long way. Plus, they can take you home when you’re done.
- Make sure your transition area is nice and tidy. Visualize how to get to and from your designated spot. The last thing you want is to be running up and down the isles looking for your bike. Trust me, it’s embarrassing.
- Don’t feel compelled to leave with the rest of the pack once the gun goes off. It’s perfectly okay to stay back a second or two and start swimming on your own terms. Doing so will minimize the number of times you get smacked by someone’s foot or arm.
- Don’t be afraid or ashamed to grab on to a lifeboat. Eight hundred meters is a long time to swim. The lifeguards are there to help. Don’t let your pride kill you.
- Completely dry your feet after the swim before throwing on your shoes. Riding a bike and running a race with dirty wet feet is gross and uncomfortable.
- I’ve been fortunate enough to have never had a flat tire. I have no idea what I’d do. Feel free to offer a tip for me down below.
- There are photographers taking pictures throughout the entire race. You don’t want to be caught with your tongue hanging out from dehydration. Suck it up and smile for the camera especially at the finish line. Throw those hands up in the air and earn yourself a new profile picture.
- Go easy on the free beer. You’re dehydrated. A little will go a long way.
- Ignore tip #11. Drink all you want. You deserve it, but make sure you have a ride home.
- Quickly sign up for your next race. There’s no better time to commit to doing it all over again then the days immediately following your triathlon when you’re feeling accomplished and strong.