|
|
June 2010
Dear Subscriber: 
Summer vacation is in full swing. It's a chance to relax, recharge, and try new things. How about trying something a little different when it comes to triathlons?
Event #2 in the Texas Tri Series is on tap for July 11th. Couples Triathlon presents a unique format in the sport triathlon, and an opportunity to get a friend or family member involved. Here's how it works:
-
2 people sign up as a team. They don't need to be a "couple". In fact, most teams are friends or family members.
-
1 person may also sign up as an individual if they prefer.
-
The team is put into one of the event divisions. There are divisions for just about any combination.
-
Each person completes the event as an individual. The wave starts will be based on the event divisions.
-
After the event is completed, the awards will be determined based on the division
-
Awards will also be given to individual competitors based on age groups.
|
Upcoming Events
JGT, Splash-n-Dash, AVIA Austin Tri
We know it's hot outside, but these events are are too hot to miss:
July 20th, Aug 17th: Splash-n-Dash at Pure Austin Quarry lake. July has less than 10 spots left and August is filing fast. You must register online.
 Aug 1st: Jack's Generic Triathlon - The event that started it all. JGT was the first event produced by Jack & Adam's and High Five, and it's still our favorite. No gimmicks, just good wholesome triathlon. Remember, you're more than just a number, you're a barcode!
 Sept 6th: AVIA Austin Triathlon This world class event is expected to fill up quickly, as it did last year. Don't miss out on participating in an olympic or sprint distance event in downtown Austin.
|
Featured Volunteer
Eric Hollins
High Five Events LOVES their volunteers! It would be impossible for us to put on our events the way we do without the support of the energetic and enthusiastic people who come out to help with packet pick-up, race set-up, and race day events.
Being a volunteer at High Five Events' races counts towards qualification in the Texas Tri Series and qualifies you for special volunteer and Tri Series prizes! Visit http://www.TexasTriSeries.com for further details.
Year after year, we continue to be amazed at how much our volunteers give to support the races and the athletes. To give you a more detailed glimpse into our wonderful volunteers, we’ll be highlighting an individual every month in our e-newsletter.
Up this month, the always dependable and whitty: Eric Hollins!
 How many years have you volunteered with High Five Events? First volunteer experience was Dilloman in 2004. I volunteered to see what this triathlon thing was about before I started doing them.
What is your favorite part of volunteering at High Five Event races? HFE really appreciates their volunteers and it shows in how they treat them and what they provide for them.
Why do you volunteer? I can't do every race and for the ones that I enjoy doing, I know a lot of work goes into making it a success. I really want to give back to the triathlon community and help put on great races for others.
What's the craziest thing you've witnessed while volunteering? It's Austin so not much surprises me anymore. I saw some guy in a blue speedo take a corner on the bike and crashed. I found him after the race and he said that he had a flat tire. He also had almost no road rash either. Also, I've seen way too many worn out and see-through swim suits.
What's your favorite part of the course to work? Parking!
Favorite sport besides triathlon? I played ultimate frisbee for years before I got into triathlons so I'm nostalgic about that. I'm wanting to try stand up paddleboarding though.
What is the earliest you've woken up to volunteer? 3:30 AM.
Favorite volunteer perk? The volunteer parties after the race.
Best/Worst volunteer t-shirt color? Best: Bright Orange. Worst: White.
Thanks Eric!
Sign-up to volunteer at the upcoming Couples Triathlon!
|
Triathlon 101
Tips for a better transition area
Setting up your transition area can be tricky. With bikes set-up inches apart on the rack, you are left with very little space to put all your race-day essentials. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the space you have as well as keep your “bike-rack neighbors” happy!
- Rule #1: Less is better! Only keep out the items you will use during the race. Put everything else in your bag and place aside from the transition area. Be considerate of those athletes around you; everyone is looking for space – work together.
- Have a towel or transition mat to help designate an area for your gear. If you decide to go with a towel, you will have to fold it over a couple times to keep it more compact. Going with a bright, unique colored towel/mat will help you spot your area when running into transition.
- Place your towel/mat right up next to your bike wheel. Take a look around and try to coordinate with those athletes racked next to you. You can create more space for yourself if you alternate/stagger positions with your neighbors.
- Position your gear in the order that you will need it. At the very top of the towel/mat place your running shoes and other run gear (ie: hat, gels, etc). Below your running gear, position your cycling gear. Start with your bike shoes and then position everything else on-top of your bike shoes, including: socks (if you wear them), nutrition, sunglasses, race belt, helmet, etc. The “stacking” method will help ensure that you don’t forget anything! Lastly, keep the very front of your towel/mat empty to give you a little space to wipe your feet off after the swim.
Having a plan for your transition area will not only help to make race-morning less stressful, but it will also help you have faster transitions!
Here's a great photo of a transition setup from learntriathlon.com: 
|
Officials Corner
Sections 3.4: Outside Assistance
For many of us, triathlon is the athletic achievement of our lifetime, especially when it comes to long distances. Triathlon is known as the ultimate test of individual endurance. We make personal sacrifies to train, and race day is often a test of physical strength and mental fortitude. Reaching the finish line on our own brings a deep sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Of course, when there is something to be gained, there is always someone who will be willing to take a short cut. Therefore it's no surprise that the rules regarding Outside Assistance are often tested. Here we explain the essentials:
USAT Rule - Section 3.4d Unauthorized Assistance. No participant shall accept from any person (other than a race official) physical assistance in any form, including food, drink, equipment, support, pacing, a replacement bicycle or bicycle parts, unless an express exception has been granted and approved, in writing, by USA Triathlon. The receipt of information regarding the progress, split times, or location of other competitors on the race course shall not be considered the acceptance of unauthorized assistance. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.
Discussion: Essentially, this rule states that no outside assistance other than that offered by race and medical officials may be used. Triathlons are meant to be individual test of fitness. This is a very important rule in helping to create a “fair” environment. One of the most common violations of this rule is when a competitor either takes food/drink from an outside person or hands-off “unwanted” gear or food/drink. Remember, you have to be prepared with your own support or use only the support offered on the course and at the water stops.
|
|
Featured Partner
Advanced Rehabilitation
At High Five Events, we try to create the best post race athlete expreriences possible. An essential part of our finish line carnival is the post race athlete care tent. Advanced Rehabilitation has been with us for over seven years to help you take care of your body. Here's a little info from them on what's available:
 As a multidisciplinary clinic we offer a variety of services including Chiropractic Care, Active Release Technique, Physical Therapy, and Massage Therapy. When you are active injuries are bound to happen and being told to take it easy can be frustrating for many athletes. At Advanced Rehabilitation we take on the philosophy of treating our patients while still keeping them in motion so you can get back to doing what you love most! One of the main ways we treat athletes is with ART, Active Release Technique. This is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/ movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART.
Our providers will be available to you before and after each of the High Five Events at the finish line. Come stop by for a free injury evaluation by one of our ART certified Chiropractors or Physical Therapists or for a post race massage and stretch by one of our Licensed Massage Therapists! If you can’t stick around after the race we offer new patients free injury evaluations every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm at all of our locations, no appointment needed. You can also call 512-467-1100 or visit http://www.atxrehab.com to book an appointment!
Advanced Rehab is a locally owned Austin based business with three convenient locations in Austin and one in Cedar Park! | |
