Tag Archive for: first triathlon

10th Annual Kerrville Triathlon Offers Free, Personalized Finish Line Video

Free, personalized finish line video stems from expanded partnership with FinisherPix

The Kerrville Triathlon Festival will provide a free, personalized finish line video for all participants as part of its 10th anniversary on September 25-26. This video, valued at $19, will be added to a list of perks that are already in place for the event. Participants receive limited-edition 10th-anniversary swim floats, tri-blend shirts, reusable water bottles, belt buckle finisher medals, personalized race bibs, Zone 3 silicone swim caps, and a post-race meal. 

The popular destination triathlon, known for its scenic views and fun atmosphere, is expecting record numbers that could see the event sell out. Participants are encouraged to register before the next price increase on Wednesday, August 4th, at 11:59 p.m. CST. 

“Participants are ready to make new memories and we know they’ll love their free, personalized finish line video,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re so excited to celebrate 10 years of this event and watch it continue to grow as a bucket list triathlon for both beginners and experienced athletes!” 

10 years of swimming, biking, and running

The free, personalized finish line video will be produced by FinisherPix. It’ll include highlights of participants crossing the finish line and commemorative 10th-anniversary designs and footage. Additional FinisherPix photo packages can be purchased at a discounted rate during the registration process. 

“Crossing the Kerrville Tri finish line is a memorable experience and this is a great way for participants to share this moment with friends and family,” said Robbie Little, Vice President, Event Services at Outside.

Kerrville Tri offers distances and events for triathletes of all levels and abilities. The Rookie Sprint distance, aquabike, relay, and kids fun run take place on Saturday, September 25th. Quarter distance, quarter aquabike, half distance, half aquabike, and half relay will all happen on Sunday, September 26th. Participants can pick up their packet at the Kerrville Triathlon Expo, which is free and open to the public. It’ll take place on September 24-25 at Inn of the Hills Hotels.

Kerrville Tri, known as The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas, features a swim course in Nimitz Lake, bike course through the Texas Hill Country, and run course along the Guadalupe River. Participants can also enjoy floating in the Guadalupe river after the race as part of the post-race festival. Kerrville Tri is a USAT-sanction event, provides professional timing, and offers professional photography. A great volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an energetic finish line festival make race weekend memorable for everyone involved. 

Build Your Endurance with this Zone3 Swim Gear

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The Best Kerrville Lodging for Triathletes during Race Weekend

These 4 places provide some of the best Kerrville lodging for triathletes

The Texas Hill Country has an endless amount of spectacular views. That’s why Kerrville Tri is known as The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas! These 4 places provide amazing sights or they’re really close to places you’ll want to visit. They’re also the best Kerrville lodging for triathletes and their families during race weekend. Pro tip: don’t wait too long to book your race weekend stay because these spots fill up quickly. While you continue to focus on your training, we’ll break down the best Kerrville lodging for you. Check out this interactive Google Map to see where they’re located!

Inn of the Hills

Credit – Inn of the Hills

This historic hotel is Kerrville Tri’s host hotel once again. It’s home to the 2-day Packet Pick Up and Expo and located within walking distance of swim start (Nimitz Lake) and Transition One (T1). In addition to being the host hotel and the center of Kerrville Triathlon, Inn of the Hills is located near many Hill Country attractions.

It’s within driving distance of downtown Kerrville, Riverside Nature Center, Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, Museum of Western Art, and Stonehenge II. Pro tip: Inn of the Hills is completely available to Kerrville Tri participants and their families for $118/night using this specific link. On Friday, September 3rd, available rooms will open to everyone else.

***7/28 UPDATE – Inn of the Hill is sold out for Saturday night. They have 36 rooms left for Friday night ONLY.

YO Ranch Hotel

Credit – YO Ranch

Turn the luxury meter up when you book with the Kerrville Tri block at the YO Ranch Hotel. It’s located near I-10, just 3.5 miles from Inn of the Hills and Packet Pick Up. You can relax before or after your race at the massive pool. If you’re celebrating with friends after the race, the swim-up bar is the place to be!

Extend your stay and take advantage of their connections to local wineries, golf courses, and places to ride horses. Pro tip: reserve your room for $118/night using this specific link before the August 24th cutoff date. Hurry because rooms are limited and going quickly.

Kerrville-Schreiner Park

Credit – Kerrville CVB

Want some more space and a little more nature? Kerrville’s largest municipal park has 517 acres and is nestled right next to Kerrville Lake. It’s also 4.8 miles from Inn of the Hills. No matter your lodging preference, Kerrville-Schreiner Park has you covered.

They have tent camping, 30- and 50-amp RV sites, cabins, and a ranch house. There’s so much to do when you’re not swimming, biking, and running. Take your pick of hike and bike trails, sand volleyball courts, kayak or canoe rentals, fishing, and more.

By the River RV Park and Campground

Credit – By the River RV Park and Campground

This 65-acre spot is family-owned and operated, next to the Guadalupe River, and 4 miles to the west of Inn of the Hills. By the River RV Park and Campground is also ideal for triathletes who want to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

They have 30- and 50-amp RV sites or you can pitch your tent on their 22-acre island. With 2000 feet of shoreline, there’s plenty of space for swimming, kayaking, fishing, or floating. Bring your camera and capture some amazing sunsets!

Don’t wait any longer! Make your reservation at the best Kerrville lodging for triathletes before spots fill up. These 4 spots have something for everyone, whether you want the comfort of a hotel or the spaciousness of the great outdoors. And the best part? Everything is located within less than 5 miles from all the Kerrville Tri action.

Don’t Let Others Say You Can’t Complete a Triathlon

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Anyone who says “you can’t” complete a triathlon is wrong

No one should tell you that you can’t do something. Ever. This blog post will inspire people who want to train for a triathlon, but have been told in some way they shouldn’t. Triathlons are tough and require training, but don’t let anyone stop you from doing what your heart desires! Remember, anyone who says “you can’t” complete a triathlon is wrong; YOU CAN! These 11 steps will guide future triathletes through the process of preparing for their first race. For an extra boost, print out the PDF below and place it where you’ll see it every day!

11 beneficial steps for future triathletes

Find your heart’s desire

Why do you want to do this? Are you looking for structure that’ll lead to a healthy and active lifestyle? Let’s say you want to do it because you think you might like to be part of an active community. You’ve discovered that you really enjoy training with other people. You enjoy the challenge of pushing yourself and getting out of your comfort zone. As a social person, you like to be around other people more often than not. There are lots of reasons, find yours. That’s your starting point! 

Create a plan to reach that goal

Do you want to do an Olympic triathlon? A sprint or half distance? Your training time frame is dependent upon the distance you want to complete. You’ll need at least 3 months to prepare for a sprint triathlon. If you’re thinking about your first half-distance triathlon, you’ll probably need a year. Once you determine your goal distance and training time frame, you should decide if you have a set finishing goal time or if your goal is to finish and have fun. Once you have your goal, there are tons of free online training plans or you can hire a professional coach.

Join a club or training group

There are plenty of groups around the world who will help you. Check your local community too. Chances are there’s a group that meets up for swims, rides, runs, and brick workouts. If there isn’t one in your area, start a group. It’s a great way to connect with other people who share your interest.

Register for a distance you’re comfortable with

If you’re just starting out, Kerrville Tri’s Rookie sprint distance is perfect. The Rookie distance includes a 300m swim, 14-mile bike ride, and 2-mile run. It’s an introductory distance that’s an ideal starting point and doesn’t require a longer training time frame. The shorter distance will give you the confidence to try a longer distance later. Check with your club or group, they might have discounts or a code that you may not know about. 

Get the right gear for your triathlon

Join a triathlon group to meet other triathletes. Credit – Tom Marek

You’ll need a good bike and the right gear for training and competing. Train in the type of gear you’ll wear on race day. It’ll help you get comfortable with items like goggles, a wetsuit, or elastic laces in your running shoes. Make sure you buy a bike that fits you and your needs. Chances are there’s a bike shop near you that can help you find the perfect ride. Don’t start shopping until you read these bike buying dos and don’ts.

Set smaller, attainable goals 

An example of a small goal when first starting out might be “Run my first mile without stopping.” Another example might be “Complete 2 swim workouts every week.” You could also “Work on bike skills” during a ride. Once these short-term goals become habits, set new ones that are slightly bigger so you can progressively work towards completing your future race! Remember: you have the power to change your body through exercise

Eat healthier and take care of your body

A well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and protein is an excellent starting point for a healthier diet. You can’t out-train bad eating habits and you’ll need the energy for training. Don’t skip meals or count calories while training. Stay active during your non-training time. Take walks, foam roll, or ride bikes with friends if you want to stay active on rest days. These are excellent habits to establish before, during, and after training. Don’t underestimate the importance of rest days!

Engage online

Find inspiration when you engage on social media with the event you’re training for and the different triathlon communities. If you’re not sure where to start, join the Kerrville Triathlon Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram. Comment on posts with questions or request blog topics that you think would be helpful in your journey.

Make a video or photo diary of your first triathlon

Enjoy race day and your triathlon journey. Credit – Tom Marek

This is a great way to document your progress and inspire others who have been following your journey.  Share it on Instagram, Facebook, or any other social media account that would be helpful in reaching people who are looking for inspiration. This is also a great way to look back on your experience in its entirety. Plus, it’s a nice little reminder for the people who said you can’t complete a triathlon!

Build on your success

Don’t let bad days get you down, they happen. Miss a training day – no problem. Just pick up where you left off and keep going. Feeling under the weather? Take a day off. It’s important to keep the momentum going. Building on your success extends beyond training to the finish line. Once you achieve your main goal, don’t stop there. Find your next event and keep the training train rolling!

Enjoy the journey and create a life you’ll love

You never know what you’re capable of until you do it. Training for a triathlon can lead to a life that is full of amazing and supportive people, healthy habits, and a consistent confidence booster. Keep in mind that your smaller goals will lead to your main goal. Think of them as building blocks. Enjoy the journey because you’ll never train for your first triathlon after you cross the finish line. 

Don’t let people tell you “you can’t.” Get inspired and train for a triathlon! You have the power to change your life through exercise. Training for a triathlon isn’t easy. Plan well, avoid these 6 mistakes, and be strategic so  you can get your body ready to crush it. And if all of these things sound too hard? Let us know. Our team would love to share our expertise and help get you to the start line!

Common Foot Problems Triathletes Experience

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Keep your training on track when you avoid these common foot problems

Triathlon is one of the most demanding sports. You push your body to the limit in training and on race day in pursuit of your goals. Regardless of the demands and whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, you love the sport and its community to keep coming back for more. Swimming, cycling, running, and even changing in transition can put tremendous pressure on every muscle and bone in the body. One of the most impacted areas can be your feet and ankles. They’re primarily involved in everything you do. As a result, common foot problems can arise. These can range from a minor annoyance during training to an issue that sidelines you for weeks. The following 3 common foot problems often arise from excessive pressure due to rigorous training. These 4 exercises can help with balance training and strengthening your feet and ankles.

Achilles tendonitis

Avoid common foot problems and you’ll smile all the way to the finish line.

Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscles and bones. There are tendons all over our body and continuous wear and tear can lead to inflammation. This is also known as tendonitis. This is one of the more common foot problems since all three triathlon activities put a strain on the tendons. Running puts the most strain on your feet because of its repetitive nature. Swimming and cycling don’t create as much pressure, but your feet are instrumental for each discipline. Swimming and cycling are great ways to strengthen your feet, which is beneficial for running.

Shin splints

This is one of the more common and unwanted foot problems. It can range from muscle soreness to a stress fracture. Although there are several causes for this condition, two of the most common are old, worn-out running shoes and excessive training. Shin splints are most commonly associated with running. They can make things quite painful. If you experience shin splints, you can probably still ride your bike and swim, but you should probably skip a run or two. Reduce your chances of experiencing shin splints with this advice. 

Blisters

Blisters are painful, but they shouldn’t keep you from cross the finish line.

This is arguably the most common foot problem that triathletes experience. Blisters are a result of excessive friction between the feet and your shoes. They’ll mainly appear on your toes or the bottoms of your feet. Excessive moisture is typically the culprit, whether that be from sweat or water from the swim. But excessive rubbing of skin over a long period of time can also cause blisters to form. While blisters may not derail your training, they can be an inconvenience and cause pain.

Training for a triathlon is challenging and demanding. Every swim, ride, and run is important to achieving your goals. Your training should include enough time for your body to relax and recover, especially your feet and ankles. This is key to avoiding common foot problems. When your training plan calls for a rest day take it! They’re just as vital as any brick workout or long bike ride.

6 Mistakes to Avoid at Your First Triathlon

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Learn about the 6 mistakes to avoid on your journey to the start line

Triathlon is an exciting sport that will test your limits, push your boundaries, and make you a better athlete. It consists of completing three activities – swimming, biking, and running – in a row. As with any new endeavor, there will be several unknowns and some mistakes along the way. It’s only natural! For those training for their first triathlon, one of your training and race day goals should be to keep the mistakes to a minimum. Learn about the 6 mistakes to avoid below. Doing so can make training that much easier and help you be even more successful on race day.

Make sure you avoid these 6 mistakes

Set unrealistic goals

Choose a short-distance tri, like the Kerrville Tri Rookie Sprint, for your first triathlon.

View your first triathlon as an opportunity to explore the sport, meet new people, and learn something new. Setting unrealistic goals when you first start can cause stress and lead to disappointment and frustration. These goals could include finishing in a super-fast time or taking on a long-distance triathlon.

Instead, choose a short-distance triathlon, like the Kerrville Tri Rookie Sprint, for your first one. It consists of a 300m swim, 14-mile bike ride, and 2-mile run. This will allow you to learn about the nuances of triathlon while incorporating short-distance training. Set smaller, weekly goals that lead up to your main goal. This will keep you motivated.

Overlook nutrition and hydration

Don’t forget about what your body needs to propel you during your first triathlon: fuel. This includes nutrition and hydration. And we’re not just talking about training and race day. This includes all the meals you eat and what you drink. If you’re not a healthy eater, now’s the time to make the switch. Include more lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. Drink more water and electrolyte-enhanced drinks. 

A well-rounded training plan will better prepare you for race day.

You need to know what your body will need on race day before race day. Test out what nutrition and hydration work best for you during training. Find your favorites and stick with them! This helpful nutrition guide will get you started.

Ignore a weakness during training

Focusing on your strengths will improve your performance for those specific activities. But focusing on your weakness is crucial to becoming a well-rounded triathlete.

For example, you might’ve grown up swimming, but aren’t that good at cycling. If this is the case, your training should focus more on getting better at cycling. This could include building your endurance, practicing bike skills, or learning the rules of the road. Don’t completely ignore swimming, just substitute a few swim workouts for bike rides.

Exclude triathlon gear

Remember: nothing new on race day!

Whether swimming, cycling, or running, triathlon gear is designed to improve performance and make you comfortable. You don’t need expensive equipment for your first triathlon, but you need gear that’s reliable and trustworthy. For example, a tri suit isn’t mandatory, but it’s something you can wear throughout your first triathlon. However, you will want swim goggles and a bike. If you’re in the market, read these bike buying dos and don’ts and learn how to find swim goggles that are right for you.

Try something new on the race day

Race day is not the time for experimentation. This includes gear, nutrition, hydration, and form/technique. Nothing new on race day! Trying something new on race day can result in issues that can affect your performance or worse, cause injury. What you use on race day should be tested multiple times during training. You should be completely comfortable with everything before race day rolls around.

Arrive late

Another reason to arrive early: a group photo.

With so much to do in transition, you want to arrive early. You should be parked and headed to transition at least an hour before it closes, if not earlier. Give yourself enough time to set up in transition and become familiar with all the entrances and exits. When leaving your place, plan for traffic, rookie stress, and parking. Pro tip: practice setting up transition the night before and double-check everything when packing!

Learning about these 6 mistakes to avoid will save you time, reduce stress, and help you be successful during your first triathlon. This advice will stay with you during your entire triathlon journey.