Tag Archive for: sprint distance triathlon

Embarking on your first sprint triathlon is an exhilarating journey. The Kerrville Triathlon’s sprint distance, with a 500-meter swim, 14-mile bike ride, and 5K run, offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the thrill of multi-sport racing. To ensure a successful and enjoyable race day, we’ve put together a set of valuable tips to guide you through your first sprint triathlon adventure.

1. Start with the Right Gear

Prior to race day, ensure you have the appropriate gear for swimming, cycling, and running. Don’t forget essentials like a well-fitted wetsuit, swim goggles, a reliable bike in good condition, a helmet, cycling shoes, and comfortable running attire and shoes.

2. Train Smart

A structured training plan is essential. Incorporate regular swim, bike, and run workouts into your routine. Include brick sessions to get accustomed to transitioning between disciplines. Gradually increase your distance and intensity as you approach race day.

3. Master Transitions

Transitions are a crucial part of triathlon. Practice transitioning from swim to bike and from bike to run to minimize time and hassle on race day. Set up a transition area at home and simulate transitions during your training.

4. Know the Course

Familiarize yourself with the race course. Study the swim route, the bike course, and the run path. Understanding the terrain, turns, and any challenging sections will help you mentally prepare.

5. Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are key. Develop a nutrition plan that includes pre-race meals, energy gels or bars, and hydration during the event. Test your nutrition strategy during training to ensure it works for you.

6. Race Day Essentials

On the day of the race, arrive early to check in, set up your transition area, and collect your race packet. Ensure your gear is properly organized and that you have everything you need, including extra clothing and layers for various weather conditions.

7. Pacing is Key

Don’t start too fast; pacing is crucial. Begin the swim at a comfortable pace, and remember to draft off of other swimmers when possible. On the bike, maintain a steady effort, and save some energy for the run.

8. Enjoy the Experience

Remember, your first sprint triathlon is a celebration of your hard work and dedication. Embrace the experience, enjoy the scenic routes, and soak in the cheering crowds. The sense of accomplishment at the finish line is an incredible feeling.

9. Post-Race Recovery

After completing the race, don’t forget to cool down, stretch, and rehydrate. Reflect on your performance and set new goals for your next sprint triathlon or even longer-distance races.

The Kerrville Triathlon’s sprint distance is a fantastic introduction to the world of triathlon. With the right preparation and these valuable tips, you’ll be on your way to a successful and enjoyable first sprint triathlon. Welcome to the world of multi-sport racing – an exciting journey awaits!

Look your best in your Kerrville Tri race day photos with these great tips

Lights, camera, action! 📸 In the thrilling world of triathlons, every heartbeat, every pedal stroke, every determined stride is a moment worth capturing. Whether it’s your first race at the Kerrville Triathlon Festival or you’re a seasoned pro, nailing that perfect race photo becomes part of the victory. But how do you freeze those split seconds of glory into a frame? You’ve trained hard for the race; now it’s time to make sure the camera catches you at your best! Dive into our insider tips and tricks, and let’s make those race photos as epic as your performance. 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Swim

1. Think about your form

Looking good, heading into transition at Kerrville Tri

We have professional photographers out along the racecourse to capture your best moments throughout the triathlon. Since you know photographs are being taken, attempt to tighten up your form during the swim. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how awesome a mid-swim photo of yourself can be!

2. Be ready to Smile

As you are making your way out of the water into T1, you can count on one of our amazing photographers to be there to capture the moment. Pro tip: smile BIG! We love seeing our participants having a great time moving on to the next portion of the tri, and these are often some of the coolest photos we get from Kerrville Tri!

Bike

1. Check your positioning

Giving the camera a thumbs up and a smile on the bike

Flash a quick thumbs up to the camera when you see it along the bike portion!

Bike photos are an awesome chance to get a great close-up race picture. However, no photo is worth losing control of your bike. We know everyone has their favorite riding position to be in when in the saddle. Rather than changing the position you’re comfortable with, simply give the photographer a smile or a thumbs up when you cruise past them! You’ll be very impressed at how they turn out. Keep your eyes on the road and flash the photographer a smile when you pass them by!

Run

1. Position your bib in T2

To make sure your personalized bib can be seen in your race photos, place it in the front-center of your race tri suit or shirt.  This is also important for the automated photosystems to use this to tag your photos. This way you don’t have to sift through thousands of photos to try and find yourself, FinisherPix will do it for you!

2. Stand Tall

After the swim and bike portion, we know you’ll feel tired throughout the run course. This is when we tend to let our shoulders fall forward. But, when you see the photographers up ahead, stand up a little taller! No matter how you feel on the inside, this is a sure way to make you look effortless during the run portion.

3. Lengthen your stride

Running through the Kerrville Tri run course

Look at that stride!

Elongate the appearance of your legs by lengthening your stride for a couple of steps when you see a camera! You don’t want to do this for the entire run portion of Smokin’ Good Tri, but it won’t hurt for a couple of photos when you catch a glimpse of the camera (not to mention, you’ll love how long your legs will look in these photos)

4. Relax your face and think positive

We know, easier said than done, but start practicing now when you go out for your training runs. Make your cheeks soft and say the word “Money.” Give it a try in the mirror and see for yourself. Hopefully, you’ll already be smiling from all the fun you’re having during the triathlon, but when you see a photographer ahead of you relax your face and enjoy yourself! We can assure you, the pictures are bound to turn out fantastic! Giving the photographer a thumbs up, about to cross the finish line!

5. Have fun!

This is by far the most important thing to remember if you want some incredible race photos. If you’re having a good time, it’ll show in the pictures. The photographers are there to capture your accomplishments, so the most important thing to remember is to have fun! You’ll be able to look back at these photos forever, so it’s important to make the most out of your experience.

And there you have it! Your comprehensive guide to looking your best in every snap from start to finish at the Kerrville Triathlon Festival. 📸 Whether it’s a poised swim shot, a dynamic bike capture, or a triumphant run moment, these tips are your secret sauce to memorable race photos. Don’t forget, your biggest asset is the joy of the race itself – let it shine through, and the camera will do the rest. Ready to immortalize your incredible achievement? Pre-order your photos now with FinisherPix and lock in that great discounted price. See you at the finish line, smiling and ready for your close-up! 🏁 🎉

Follow these steps, and get ready to look your best in all your Kerrville Tri race day photos! Pre-order your photos now with FinisherPix to get a great discounted price!

Kerrville, Texas, boasts a delectable culinary landscape that caters to all tastes and cravings. Indulge in a cozy and charming meal at Bridget’s Basket or savor the fine dining experience at Pinnacle Grill. For a true taste of the region, Hill Country Cafe offers comfort food with a local twist.

This post was originally published on https://zone3.us/blogs/blog/what-to-eat-and-when-to-eat-during-a-triathlon

By Glen Gore, former pro triathlete and current coach.

 

If ever there was a hot topic of debate, it comes in the form of triathlon nutrition and more importantly, nutrition intake on race days.

What exactly do you need to eat and drink, and when?

To start this editorial piece, we need to agree that there is no magic formula that will work the same for everyone. Each of us differs in our body mechanics and the way we work with nutritional absorption that it’s almost impossible to pinpoint one clear plan that will work for everyone.

Having said that, you can still use sound advice and at least start on the right track. For us, nutrition is another important discipline in the sport of triathlon. The fastest and most finely tuned sports car in the world will go nowhere fast if there is no fuel in the tank. Similarly no matter how hard you have trained and prepared if you are going to race on zero nutrition, your body (engine) is going to slowly come to a complete stop and falter.

Rule no 1 – don’t neglect your nutritional intake on race days. It’s quite easy to “forget” to drink and eat when you are giving 100% during an all-out race effort. Just know that sooner or later, you will start to run out of energy stores and that is when racing becomes anything but fun.

Fuelling is different depending on the distance

A Sprint Distance triathlon race is completely different from an Olympic, Half, or full Ironman distance event. These distances require different amounts of training loads to be fully prepared to take on the challenge. The same rule applies to how you fuel the body during an event that takes less than 60 mins compared to an event that may take up to 17hrs.

Sprint

A sprint race normally lasts anywhere between 52 minutes for the PRO’s up to say 1.5-2hrs for the backmarkers. Most of the time – depending on weather conditions, you can get away with next to nothing in the form of intake over the sprint distance. Some hydration via a small sports bottle and perhaps 1-2 gels for the bike and run should sufficiently see you through the event.

I have often found that my best results over the sprint distance come when I go in “light” – not much food in the tank – that empty feeling but with just enough energy stores from the previous night’s meal or early morning small breakfast to see me through the event.

Hydration is always important – you never want to start any event “thirsty” so make sure the fluid levels are topped up in the form of small sips. A huge intake of fluids just before the start is not a suggested best practice for an optimum result over short distances. 

These should be taken as pure guidelines and not as hard-fast rules – these suggestions come from trial and error on the battlefield.

Olympic

When you compete in an event that spans longer than 2hrs, then you need to start looking at a more efficient fueling system.

The Olympic distance event can take anywhere from 2hrs to 3hrs plus – eating and drinking now becomes more important. If you are not fuelling adequately over the 40km cycle, you will feel the burn when you enter the hunt on the 10km run.

Some athletes require less nutritional intake than others while others may require more fluid intake. The best place to learn what your body requires is by trial and error. The more you race over this distance, the more you will learn as to what you require and when. 

Half-Distance

When the event time spans over 4hrs in duration right up to 8h30, then you will need a tried and tested method, worked on in training, to see you adequately fuelled in a race that covers a whopping 113km.

The many trained brick sessions will give you a firm indication of what will work for you on race day and what will not. It does become quite expensive when your training sessions have to mimic race days but as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. The more you practice eating and drinking over the longer distances in training, the easier the transition will be from training days to half-distance racing days.

Full IM Distance

So many athletes have “bonked” or “hit the wall” over the full IM distance simply because they ran out of fuel. The body was prepared, the mental side was in place but the “engine” for some reason was neglected.

Firstly consider that a normal day at work would require someone to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Now add in 3.8km of swimming, 180km of biking, and a 42.2km marathon to top it all off, covered in a time that may span at least 17hrs. Now it becomes apparent just how much food and drink is required to keep you moving along at an optimum level.

Best Fuelling Tactics during Training

  • Find a product that works and more importantly is cost-effective. Just because it’s expensive does not mean it’s better.
  • Trial and Error – the brick session will help you develop a suitable war plan for race days. If it works in training, more than likely it will work during the race.
  • Make sure you re-fuel within 15-30 minutes after a strenuous workout. As athletes, we often neglect the post-training refueling strategy. Remember you are not only eating for today but you are eating for tomorrow’s training session as well.

Best Fuelling Tactics during Racing

  • Eat small bits and drink small sips all the time – especially during the longer races – the reason being to keep the tank on full at all times and not deplete it before you think about replenishing. 
  • Cut up your energy bars into small bite-size pieces – this is much easier to eat and digest while on the move.
  • Get in some solid food sources quickly once you are done with the swim. The longer the duration of the event, the more advisable to start the cycle with something a little more substantial than just a gel.
  • Don’t overload your bike with too much nutrition and hydration. This makes that very expensive bike extremely heavy. The bigger races have more than an ample supply of nutrition along the way – make use of it even if you need to stop briefly and take some on-board.
  • Don’t start the run in a hurry. T2 over long distances is a time where you need to relax a little and consume some solid nutrition before you head out onto the run. Whatever time you lose in transition you will more than makeup, especially when the run distance is over a full standard marathon.

Common Fuelling Mistakes

  • Eating only when hungry – this means it’s already too late. It will take you a long time to get back those lost energy stores, time which you won’t have during the race days.
  • Drinking only when thirsty. Once again, this is too late – if you are feeling thirsty you are already on the way to partial dehydration. Keep on sipping water and juice so you never get to feel that thirst.
  • Trying new stuff on race day. Stick to what you know and what you have trained on.
  • Don’t alter the nutritional plan. What you practiced in training, do the same on race day. Don’t change the formula, there is a good chance it won’t work.
  • Drinking too much. This can be a problem worse than drinking too little so take the race weather conditions on the day into account and drink what is normal for you.

Nutrition is important, a successful race plan always has a well thought out nutritional plan that goes along with it, and remember, it takes trial and error to perfect – good luck!

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More than 1800 triathletes, the largest field in event history, registered for The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas

Nearly 5000 triathletes and their friends and family traveled to Kerrville, Texas, for the 10th annual Kerrville Triathlon Festival. More than 1800 triathletes from 20 states, the largest field in event history, registered for the Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas. Participants gave their all during a picture-perfect weekend on a course highlighted by swimming in Nimitz Lake, cycling through the Texas Hill Country, and running along the Guadalupe River.

Stunning view of Nimitz Lake during the swim. Credit: Scott Flathouse

After crossing the finish line, participants were treated to fajitas and cold beer from Pint and Plow, snacks. May took advantage of an opportunity to recover in the refreshing waters of the Guadalupe River. Kerrville Tri also launched best pricing for 2022, which ends on Monday, October 4th.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience at my first quarter-distance triathlon,” said Kellie Dewveall, who became the first blind triathlete to complete the Quarter distance (4:17:47). “High Five Events was super accommodating which allowed me to feel more comfortable. And the participants and spectators overwhelmed me with their never-ending support!” 

Something for everyone

Kerrville Tri offered distances and events for triathletes of all levels and abilities. The Rookie Sprint distance, aquabike, relay, and kids fun run took place on Saturday, September 25th. Quarter distance, quarter aquabike, half distance, half aquabike, and half relay took place on Sunday, September 26th. Participants picked up their packet at the Kerrville Triathlon Expo, which was free and open to the public. It took place on September 24-25 at the host hotel, Inn of the Hills Hotel. The national anthem was sung by Master Sergeant Brandon Addison on both days, including before he competed in the Rookie Sprint. Before each distance began, members of the Austin Tri Club led the pre-race warm-up, pumping up participants before their swim.

Cyclists cruise through the Texas Hill Country. Credit: Scott Flathouse

“This was my first Kerrville Tri and it was so well put together and by far the most seamless race I’ve ever done,” said Karina Wilson, who traveled from College Station and placed 2nd in the female 25-29 age group in the Rookie Sprint on Saturday (1:15:12) and volunteered with her fiance on Sunday. “We made a weekend out of this and really enjoyed the city of Kerrville. I love that Kerrville Tri offers different distances and events to make it inclusive for triathletes of all levels!”

Unforgettable race weekend

Ben Rawson (56:03), of Austin, Texas, won Saturday’s Rookie Sprint while Fernanda Bau (58:50), of Pflugerville, Texas, won the female division. Sunday’s winners and their times follow: Quarter – female winner, Allison Koch (2:24:28), male winner, Adrian Cameron (2:07:57); Half – female winner, Brandi Swicegood (4:54:29), male winner, Alex Sharp (4:28:12). Results for Saturday and Sunday are available. 

“This was such an amazing day to enjoy this beautiful course aptly named The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas,” said Swicegood, who’s coached by former professional triathlete Paul “Barny” Matthews under Julie Dibens Coaching. “The event was so well-organized with amazing views of the Texas Hill Country and spectator support seemingly everywhere!”

Swicegood (right) poses after becoming the female Half distance champ. Credit: Scott Flathouse

Participants received limited-edition 10th-anniversary swim floats, tri-blend shirts, reusable water bottles, belt buckle finisher medals, personalized race bibs, and Zone 3 silicone swim caps. A post-race meal of HEB fajitas, prepared by Jack and Adam’s Fredericksburg’s employees, awaited participants at the finish line festival. They’ll also get a free, personalized finish line video from FinisherPix to commemorate the 10th anniversary. Kerrville Tri is a USAT-sanctioned event. It provided professional timing and offered professional photography. A great volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an energetic finish line festival made race weekend memorable for everyone. 

Big thank you

The Kerrville Triathlon would like to thank the City of Kerrville, Kerrville Fire Department, Kerrville Police Department, Kerr County Sheriff’s Department, Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and sponsors H-E-B, Peterson Health, Jack and Adam’s Fredericksburg, Pint and Plow Brewing Company, Grape Juice, Zone3, Peak Fitness, MO-RANCH, Hill Country Bicycle Works, Mamacita’s, and Gatorade.

Triathletes from 20 states are ready for the 10th-anniversary celebration

The Kerrville Triathlon Festival is ready to welcome the largest field in its 10-year history for triathlon’s return to the Texas Hill Country. Close to 1800 registrants from 20 states are bringing friends and families to the 10th -anniversary celebration. Kerrville Tri’s growth continues to showcase why it’s a true destination event. Race weekend features a two-day expo and eight different events, plus a free Kids Fun Run.  Kerrville Triathlon is owned and produced by High Five Events. It’s scheduled to take place on September 25-26, in Kerrville, Texas. The final price increase occurs Tuesday, September 21st, at 11:59 p.m.

Image of triathletes and their friends and family floating in the Guadalupe River at the finish line festival. Floating is back for the 10th-anniversary celebration.

You can swim, bike, run, and float at Kerrville Tri!

“Kerrville Triathlon Festival is one of our family’s favorite weekends because there are two days worth of events for triathletes of all ability levels,” said Andrea Fisher, mother of four, Austin Triathlon Club President, and Ironman World Champion qualifier. “My girls, husband, and other Austin Tri Club members are racing on Saturday and supporting me and other triathletes during Sunday’s events. I’m excited to get out on the racecourse with all of my friends and my family, it’s been too long!”

10th-anniversary perks

10 years of being The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas.

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. Kerrville Tri will also provide a free, personalized finish line video for all participants as part of its 10th anniversary. This video, valued at $19, was added to a list of perks already in place for the event. The popular destination triathlon is known for its scenic views and fun atmosphere. 

“Kerrville Triathlon’s 10th anniversary is going to be special and we’re ready to celebrate with triathletes, family, and friends from 20 states,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “The event’s increased growth and popularity further highlight that it’s one of the top destination triathlons in the country.”

Something for everyone

The free Kids Fun Run takes place on Saturday after the sprint distance.

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 Hotel.

Kerrville Tri is known as The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas. It features a swim course in Nimitz Lake, bike course showcasing downtown Kerrville and the surrounding countryside, and run course along the Guadalupe River. Participants can also float in the Guadalupe river in their 10th-anniversary floats as part of the post-race festival. Kerrville Tri is a USAT-sanctioned 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.

Save time during your race with these transition tips

Transition is where all of your gear is set up for switching between sports. This can be a really chaotic place, but an organized transition area can save you time and help you achieve your goals. There are two transition areas (T1 and T2) at Kerrville Triathlon. There are also different gear bags for T1 and T2. This gear bag guide will help you get everything you need in the right spot!  Review the weekend schedule to ensure you know when transition opens and closes for your race. Shoutout to Michelle Bonathan, Kerrville Tri Ambassador, for putting together these transition tips.

Setting up T1 for cycling

Properly set up T1 to save time and crush the bike ride! Credit Michelle Bonathan

This is where you will drop off your swim gear after the swim and get ready to bike. Your cycling essentials are your bike (packed with the water/nutrition), shoes, and helmet. Laying a small, bright-colored towel down can make it easier to spot your setup in transition after the swim. On the towel, have an area to stand on to dry/wipe your feet. Place your helmet and shoes close by and make sure they’re ready to slip on. Arrive early for bike check at T1 to increase the chances you get a good spot. USAT rules are that bikes should be racked by the saddle and the front wheel goes down on the side with your stuff.

The first of your three gear bags will be the Green “Morning Clothes Bag.” Place anything you’ve worn to the race site that you will not use during your race in this bag. Drop it off at the assigned box truck at T1.

Your “Bike Gear Bag” is red. You’ll put your swim gear (goggles, swim cap, wetsuit, towel) in the bag when you get out of the water. This bag will be delivered to T2 by awesome volunteers. Thank them as you head out with your bike! 

Packing T2 for the run

These transition tips will help you achieve your Kerrville Tri goals. Credit Michelle Bonathan

Your last bag is the Blue “Run Gear Bag.” This is for all your run gear when you get to T2. This bag will hang from a designated spot corresponding to your bib number. It must be dropped off before race day! The absolute essentials for this bag are your run shoes (if you don’t ride with them) and your race bib. You might also want some nutrition, a second bottle, or a hat.

Speed tips

  • consider riding sockless, but don’t do this for the first time on race day
  • have shoes open and ready to pull on with socks open and stuffed in each shoe
  • consider getting a race belt to hold your bib and avoid safety pins (they can also hold your gels)

These transition tips will make your race weekend that much easier. Follow the weekend schedule and use the gear bag guide to make sure you’re doing everything correctly. Now you just need to be at the start line and swim! All your gear will be waiting for you when you need it once you properly set up your transition area on race day.

Ensure your new running shoes are broken in and race-day-ready

You have an upcoming triathlon and all your running shoes need to be retired or are on the verge. So of course you’re ready for a new pair. Or two! There’s plenty of advice that can help you find what’s right for you if you don’t know exactly what you want. They’ll take care of you. Don’t start running in them right away. You’ll need to break in your new running shoes, even if they’re the same version as your old pair. This is a vital step that can make your future runs more comfortable and reduce the chance of injury. Utilize the 3 tips below to properly break in your new running shoes. They’ll get you race-day-ready and you’ll be more comfortable on the run.

#1 – Take the walk, then run approach

Give yourself plenty of time to break in your new shoes.

Don’t rush the breaking-in process. Your feet need time to adjust to your new running shoes and vice versa, your shoes have to adjust to your feet. Lace your shoes how you want them. Walk or lightly jog in them for a few days. If you’ve switched brands or tried a different style, add another day or two to ensure they’re the right fit. This gives your new running shoes and feet a chance to adjust to each other. During this time period, feel free to increase the amount of time spent walking or lightly jogging. If everything checks out then you’re good to increase your mileage! Ideally, you’ll break in your new running shoes within 4-7 days. 

#2 – Wear running socks

Wear running socks during the break-in process so you get a precise idea of how everything feels. When walking or lightly jogging, make sure everything fits and nothing on the shoe rubs uncomfortably. Nobody wants to get blisters or have a part of the shoe rub your skin raw during a run. If your old shoes are wearing out, chances are some of your socks are too. Look for signs like the material getting thinner or holes in the toes. 

#3 – Keep your old pair

Increase your mileage once your shoes are broken in.

You know it’s time for new running shoes when you reach a certain mileage, experience lower-body pain, or the shoe doesn’t respond like it once did. But don’t get rid of your older shoes just yet, they might have some mileage left on them. Keep running in your current pair while you break in your new kicks. Once the new pair is ready to go, alternate what you wear during your runs if your older pair isn’t quite ready for retirement. If they have some more life they can extend the life of your new pair. Once the older shoes have hit their mileage give them a new life as yard work shoes and what you wear when walking your dog.

Once you get used to your new running shoes you’ll notice the difference! Your run will feel more comfortable, the shoe’s responsiveness will be evident, and the new cushioning will reduce the impact on your joints, muscles, and bones. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to break in your new running shoes before race day. After all, you bought them for the event and you’ll want to show them off!

Follow the 5 Fs of relay and start building your triathlon relay team

Triathlon is often a sport people become involved in as part of a life milestone or a personal goal. The discipline, training, and gear can be intimidating and overwhelming. But, there’s a less daunting entry point to triathlon for rookies. Build a triathlon relay team! The same applies to veterans who want to try longer distances or participate with friends and family. Building a triathlon relay team offers all of the race-day benefits with less training. Lindsey, CapTex Tri Ambassador, shared the following advice and explains why relay is the way to go. So read about the 5 Fs, share with your friends and family, and start building your triathlon relay team today. 

The 5 Fs of creating a triathlon relay team

  • Fun

Create a relay team and you’ll have more time to cheer for everyone else.

Triathlon is one of the most grueling, yet most fulfilling athletic accomplishments. Sometimes the “fun” is in the “done.” However, having raced the full distance and 6 relays as the bike leg, I love to relay. Race day feels more relaxed to me and I really love participating with friends or family. I have the ability to compete without having to hold back and extra time to cheer for everyone else! 

  • (F)Physical

The training required for three disciplines can be difficult and time-consuming. There might be bumps in the road due to physical limitations and/or injuries like these common foot problems triathletes experience. Perhaps you’re only comfortable with one or two disciplines due to your current skill level. Building a triathlon relay team is a great way to still race if instances like these occur. 

  • Family/friends

Make new triathlon memories with your relay team.

I’ve raced with both of my kids since they were 8 and 10 years old. A triathlon relay team is a great way to be directly involved in sports with them. Over the years, the experiences and friendships I’ve had in the triathlon community are unique to being a part of relay teams. It’s even better when you sign up to relay with friends at the last minute or introduce a family member to triathlon by having them complete the leg their most comfortable with. Pro tip: if you’re the swim leg, learn how to find swim goggles that are right for you.

  • Fitness

Those new to triathlon often go for long-distance races as their goal. Relay provides a low-risk opportunity to find out what distance is the best fit for you. When your first race is a long-distance tri, a bad day or a DNF (did not finish) can leave you with a bad experience after investing so much. Fitting in the time to properly train can be challenging, but specializing in one leg is less time-consuming. 

  • Finance

Save some cash when your team splits the event costs.

Triathlon is an investment of your time and finances. Joining a triathlon relay team is a great way to spend less time training and fewer dollars on gear, equipment, and coaching. Registration and travel can cost less when everything is split between the team. Gear costs could be cheaper when focusing on one discipline since you’re not purchasing items for swimming, cycling, and running. Additionally, joining a relay team can help first-timers learn about their new gear and become more comfortable with their discipline. Pro tip: if you’re the bike leg of your relay team, check out these bike buying dos and don’ts before you shop!

Triathlon has been a fun part of my life for eight years. Being on many triathlon relay teams has contributed to many of my great memories. I’ve seen it be a great opportunity for beginners to learn the sport or for veterans to introduce themselves to a new distance. As more people start swimming, cycling, and running to improve their health, creating a relay team is the best introduction to triathlon. 

Maximiliano gives some insight into training for his first half distance triathlon

Everyone’s triathlon journey is different. Some want a new challenge. Others like the steadiness of training and the thrill of competition. There are triathletes who want to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves. Sometimes people are overwhelmed and never start. Maximiliano is a Kerrville Tri Ambassador sharing his triathlon journey about what led him to register and train for his first half distance triathlon. It hasn’t been a smooth road for the new father, but he has the support of his family and the triathlon community. His journey is unique, but similar to many other triathletes. Learn about his start, the ups and downs, and what he’s learned along the way. It will all culminate in his first half distance triathlon at Kerrville Tri’s 10th anniversary! Whether it’s your first Rookie Sprint Tri or your 10th half distance, join Maximiliano at The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas.

A crazy idea

Maximiliano has gone from 255 lbs. (left) to 215 lbs. (right) since his first triathlon.

My name is Maximiliano Ramirez and my first son was born in February 2019. At that time I was in the worst physical shape of my life. I weighed 255 pounds and could not run more than two miles without getting exhausted. Seeing my son for the first time made me realize I had to make some changes to my life. That is when I got the crazy idea of participating in triathlons. With zero experience I bought my first used road bike online and registered for my first triathlon, Rookie Tri. 

As you can imagine, I didn’t have much time to train (less than three months!). I was getting used to life as a father, but still managed to finish the race. But all I needed was that race to get hooked on triathlon. You can say I got the bug! I signed up for two more races that year, Lake Pflugerville Tri (Olympic distance) and Jack’s Genetic Tri. I was really pumped for the 2020 season, but as we all know Covid derailed events and training plans alike. During that time I was happy that I got an extra year to do more research. I learned more about training plans, different equipment, and how to take better care of myself. That gave me the courage to sign up for my first half distance triathlon at the 10th annual Kerrville Tri. 

Continued support

When I made the decision to register for my first half distance triathlon, my wife, without hesitation, gave me her full support. Having her by my side throughout the training process has been incredible. I have researched many training plans and asked many of my friends for tips. I think asking for help is important to do. You never know what you’ll learn! Also, don’t be embarrassed to go out there and try something new, whether it’s new swim equipment or your longest bike ride. 

Maximiliano typically starts his long bike rides at 4:00 a.m.

My current training plan consists of two swimming days (Monday and Friday). That gives my legs time to recover before and after long weekend rides/runs. During the week I alternate between short runs and rides during my lunch break. Depending on how hectic my days are, there might be a day or two where I work out at night. 

Tips to make training work

Like many other triathletes with families, work, and a busy life, finding time to train can be difficult. But really all you have to do is adjust your routine and schedule. For example, on my long rides, I typically go to sleep early so I can wake up around 4:00 a.m. This allows me to be out the door no later than 5:00 a.m. Making minor adjustments helps me balance training for my first half distance triathlon and everything else in my life.

In addition to the actual training plan, nutrition and hydration are just as important. Make sure to hydrate, especially with electrolytes, when training is demanding. I still consider myself a new triathlete and I’ve tried many products. Nothing has worked like I want just yet and I’ll continue to research and experiment until I find what works best for me. But just like training and certain workouts, you have to experiment with nutrition and hydration to discover what’s best for you.

I hope my experiences help others who want to register for a triathlon, but are nervous about jumping into something new. Just remember that anything is possible. You have to put in the work, but you should also be confident that you can achieve it. It will take time to get in a rhythm, but once you do it becomes second nature. Then you’ll graduate from sprint triathlons to your first half distance triathlon! I encourage everyone to join me at the 10th annual Kerrville Triathlon Festival. They have distances for triathletes of all abilities.