Michael Lovato Training Clinic

Triathlon Training Clinic in Austin held by pro triathlete Michael Lovato

This clinic is on March 2 and 3 – Saturday and Sunday.

We’ll be hosting it at Jack and Adam’s Bicycles at 1210 Barton Springs Road. For directions click HERE.

This clinic is aimed at helping triathletes of all abilities, and will be geared toward preparation for races of all distance: from sprint and Olympic to half iron and full 140.6.  We will cater to first timers all the way up to seasoned veterans and even triathlon coaches.

On Saturday morning at 9:30, we’ll gather for introductions and a welcome talk. We’ll then break into groups for a run around Lady Bird Lake. The specifics of this run session will be determined by ability and upcoming races.  Following the run, we’ll have a lecture and Question & Answer session that will be centered around how to prepare properly for your upcoming races, how to run well off the bike, how to tackle pacing, and what workouts are key components of a training program.

We will have a short break after the Q&A session, so that athletes can get food and move to the swim locale. We will be swimming at Barton Springs pool, orPure Austin Quarry Lake.  Prior to the swim workout, we will host the lecture and Q&A.  Our goals here will be to discuss how and where to start your next triathlon, how to best prepare for an open water swim, and we’ll discuss a few key swim workouts that should be repeated in your build-up to the next full, half, olympic, or sprint triathlon.

After the swim session, we will break for the day. Suggestions and opportunities for group dining will be offered – as many of you know, the Austin restaurant scene has many great choices!

Sunday morning will begin with a 7:30 gathering at Jack and Adam’s for coffee and a pre-ride talk.  By 8:00 a.m. we’ll begin our group ride. As with the run, distances and ride specifics will be determined based on ability, training goals, and upcoming races.  There will be a plan for everyone.  Upon completion of the ride  - 90minutes to 3hrs – we will regroup at J&A’s to refuel. We will have First Endurance products on hand before, during and after each session.  And your recovery needs will be quickly addressed with Ultragen for each rider.  (We will also plan to offer some real food to complement your recovery… )

Following the ride, we will again offer a lecture and Q&A session.  This is your chance to learn some very effective approaches to properly training for your next triathlon, as well as to address any specific questions you may have.  Come prepared to ask, listen, and compare notes with your fellow athletes.  Any question is a good question!

To close out our clinic, we will be hosting an awards ceremony, at which point, Lovato Performance will be handing out giveaways and goodies to each deserving attendee.

Other opportunities:

• Demo CycleOps PowerTap Wheels
• Sample the entire First Endurance line of products
• Shop at Jack & Adam’s Bicycles
• Receive swag from RoadID and other Team Lovato sponsors

As mentioned before, this clinic is aimed at helping triathletes of all abilities, and will be geared toward preparation for races of all distance: from sprint and Olympic to half iron and full 140.6.  We will cater to first timers all the way up to seasoned veterans and even triathlon coaches.

To sign up, please email Michael here: vatolovato@gmail.com.  You will receive a confirmation email with a link to the PayPal payment option.

Rookie Tri 2012 Results

Rookie Triathlon results are posted here: http://www.mychiptime.com/searchevent.php?id=6497

Thanks to all the volunteers, athletes, and spectators for sticking it out through the early rain delay to make this another great H5E event!

Water Temp & Wetsuits

Preliminary water temperature at Lake Walter E. Long is 75 degrees. It is expected that the swim will be wetsuit legal. However, the water is certainly warm enough that a wetsuit is not required.

Rookie Triathlon Participant Guide

The 2012 Rookie Triathlon Participant Guide is now published at http://rookietri.com/event_guide.asp. All participants will receive a hard copy in their packet.

2011 Rookie Triathlon Participant Guide

The 2011 Rookie Triathlon Participant Guide is available for reading and download at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/52502401. A hard copy of the guide will be included in the race packet.

Rookie Water Temperature

Unofficial water temperature at Lake Walter E. Long this morning was 68 degrees Fahrenheit. We are pretty confident that the swim will be wetsuit legal. However, at 68 degrees and only 300m, this swim certainly does not require a wetsuit, so no worries if you don't have one. Many participants may opt to go without a wetsuit since the swim is so short.

We'll take the official water temperature on Friday before the event.

Austin Fit named presenting sponsor of The Rookie Triathlon

Austin, Texas (February 18, 2011) – High Five Events and Jack & Adam’s Bicycles are proud to announce Austin Fit Magazine, Austin’s first and only health and fitness magazine, as a presenting sponsor of The Rookie Triathlon, to be held in Austin, Texas on April 17, 2011.

2011 will mark the 8^th edition of The Rookie Triathlon. This event, consisting of a 300m swim, 11-mile bike and 2-mile run, has become the annual rite of passage for central Texas triathletes to start their season. It’s also the ultimate event for first-timers, with a true Rookies division, super safe swim, and short distance.

2011 brings some big and exciting changes for the event. After seven great years at the Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels, the event is moving to Austin and will be held at Walter E. Long Park. The new venue will ease the congestion for the extremely popular event and allow for more participants. Also new in 2011 are the separate divisions for Rookies and Veterans. The Rookie division is restricted for true first- timers while the Veterans division is for the seasoned triathlete. Of course, there’s also the Open division in which many of the top professionals in the region will duke it out at the ultra sprint distance.

“The Rookie Triathlon has been looking for a partner who shares our goal of getting people into a healthy and fitness-based lifestyle. We are thrilled to be partnering with Austin Fit Magazine as their enthusiasm for health and fitness is a great influence in the community. Together we hope to expose even more people to the fantastic sport of triathlon and show them a path towards a healthy lifestyle,” says Dan Carroll of High Five Events.

“We’re extremely excited to be partnering with High Five Events and Jack & Adam’s Bicycles on The Rookie Triathlon this year, as it’s a unique opportunity to increase our presence in the Austin multi-sport community,” says Drex Earle, Ph.D. of Austin Fit Magazine. “This is among the most anticipated and well-executed events all season, and we feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”

The 2011 Rookie Triathlon will be held on April 17, 2011. Austin Fit Magazine joins Jack & Adam’s Bicycles as a presenting sponsor. Visit www.therookietri.com for more information.

About High Five Events

High Five Events is a multi-sport event production company and the official race director for Jack & Adam’s Bicycles events. High Five Events produces many of the largest triathlons in Texas and provides event management consulting and equipment leasing services to over 30 events per year. www.highfiveevents.com

About Jack and Adam’s Bicycles

Located in Austin, TX, Jack and Adam’s Bicycles is a complete triathlon and road cycling store. Founded in 2004, it has been voted Best Triathlon Store in Texas every year since its inception. The store is renowned for its friendly service, incredible product support, and community involvement. www.jackandadams.com

About Austin Fit Magazine

Founded in 1997, Austin Fit Magazine emerged as Austin's first and only health and fitness magazine, with bold ambition and a powerful mission — to improve the lives of its readers through entertaining and informative health and fitness content. Today, Austin Fit Magazine has grown into one of Austin’s premiere publications, as well as the exclusive resource for those looking to develop, achieve and maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle.

www.austinfitmagazine.com

ROOKIE BIKE JERSEYS

Have you signed up for the Rookie yet?

Be sure to check out the rad new jerseys for 2011!!

Available for a limited time only, purchase available when you register at www.myraceregistration.com.

Also available at the Jack and Adam's Online Store.

Orders placed with registration will be given first priority on inventory, and then a second order will be placed after the event. Jerseys will not be mailed out. They must be picked up at the event or at Jack & Adam's Bicycles.

Need a New Year's Resolution? Try the new Texas Tri Series

Looking to put some strong commitments behind your New Year's resolution to stay fit & healthy? The Texas Tri Series might be just what you are looking for. The original premise behind the creation of the series was to provide motivation for anyone to stay fit and active throughout the year. The idea was to tie together some of the regions best events into a series that would be fun and competitive, but achievable by anyone. We also wanted to put out a strong enough reward, the Texas Tri Series Finisher Party, so that it would help get you out of bed for that morning run or stop you from eating the 3rd slice of pie.

2011 looks to be the best Texas Tri Series yet. It's the 5th annual series, so the party will be sure to be good, plus there are some exciting changes and additions:

• The Rookie Triathlon -The signature kickoff to the triathlon season has been moved a few weeks earlier to April 17th, and to a new venue near Austin. The event was moved for 2 reasons. First, we wanted the Rookie to be the first event of the season for most everyone. Second, we needed a venue that could accommodate more people. The Rookie has become so popular that many first time triathletes were being shut out because all the triathlon "veterans" also wanted to do the event. The new venue allows us to host both a true "Rookies" event for first timers, and there is a "veterans" race for all the experienced triathletes.
• A sixth event has been added to the Texas Tri Series lineup, the Lake Pflugerville Triathlon on June 19th. We've had our eye on this event since it started, and we think it will make a great addition. The Pflugerville tri community puts on a well organized, safe, and fun event.
• Last, there will be a new anchor event to the series. It will now be the Kerrville Triathlon festival, on October 1-2. This new event will bring a new long course triathlon to Texas hill country on an outstanding course with a downtown finish. There's also a sprint event the day before. We'll have more info posted soon.

Don't forget that you must register for the Texas Tri Series before June 1, 2011. It's free! Second, you must register for each of the events individually. Some of the events are sure to sell out so register early. There are early bird registration discounts too. Why wait?

All New Rookie Triathlon

2011 will bring a re-vamped Rookie Triathlon, with a new date, new venue, new course, and improved format! The event will now be held at Walter E. Long Park, just minutes outside downtown Austin, and earlier in the year, on April 17th.

The triathlon will still be the same super sprint distance of 300 meter swim, 11.2 mile bike, and 2 mile run. Although, the bike course will have few more hills. The swim and run courses will be brand new for the venue.

The most significant improvement is the addition of a true "Rookies" division. This division will be open to only those participants who are doing their first or second triathlon. There will be separate swim waves and award categories.

Stay tuned for more info as we work out the finer details. It's sure to be a nice improvement to an already great event!

Water Temp & Wetsuits

The current water temperature at the Texas Ski Ranch is 77 degrees.  The official temperature will be taken race morning.  It's about a 50% chance that the swim will be wet suit legal.  78 degrees is the highest allowable temperature for wet suits.

Dublin Dr Pepper

High Five Events is pleased to announce our partnership with Dublin Dr Pepper.  Dublin Dr Pepper will be supplying ice cold refreshments at the finish line carnivals, including Dublin Dr Pepper, Big Red, A&W Root Beer, and many other classics.


Dublin, Texas is home to the oldest Dr Pepper bottling plant which opened in 1861.  Today, Dublin Dr Pepper still makes Dr Pepper with the original formula, using Imperial Pure Cane Sugar, and not high fructose corn syrup, like most soft drinks.  Find out more about Dublin Dr Pepper here:  http://dublindrpepper.com/

2010 Rookie Participant Guide

The 2010 Rookie Triathlon Participant Guide may be downloaded here:  www.therookietri.com/ParticipantGuide.pdf.


A hard copy of the guide will be available in the race packet.

The Rookie is Sold Out

The Rookie Triathlon is completely sold out.  There is not a waiting list and no additional spots will be made available.  Sorry.


Please look into our other events (www.highfiveevents.com/events.asp) if you have missed out on The Rookie.  They are all great for beginners and experienced athletes alike, and they offer many of the same benefits.  Ladies who missed out on The Rookie should definitely check out The Skeese Greets Women's Tri (www.skeesegreetstri.com).  It's the same exact venue and course as The Rookie.


You can still be part of The Rookie as a volunteer.  Volunteering can be a ton of fun and a rewarding experience.  Plus you get invited to the volunteer party!  Sign up at:  www.therookietri.com/volunteer.asp

100 More Spots added to Rookie Tri

The Rookie is just about full.  Don't panic if you have not signed up yet.  We have been able to make an agreement with the Texas Ski Ranch that, when coupled with the course improvements, will allow the venue to hold 100 more participants.  So, if you forgot to sign up there is still time.  However, we don't expect these 100 extra spots to hang around for long.


Other Rookie Updates

• We just order 1100 water bottles.  Each finisher will receive a souvenir bottle filled with ice cold water at the finish line.
• We've got a new tech tee provider this year, and we just received the Rookie test print and the shirt is great:  Check out the design below:
• The awards will be license plates just like the t-shirt. 

Team LIVESTRONG at The AVIA Austin Triathlon

We don’t live in the same city or compete in the same events, but we’re one team. What unite us are hope, courage and determination. We are more than one. We ride. Run. Walk. Swim. We fight. We are the cyclist facing a long uphill climb in honor of his mother. We are the runner finishing a first marathon in memory of her brother. We are the cancer survivor crossing a 5k finish line after completing treatment. Whatever your strengths, whatever your goal, whatever your personal battle, you can make a difference. We are more than one. Join us in the unfinished fight at TeamLIVESTRONG.org.

Sign up for the Austin Tri, participate with Team LIVESTRONG, and raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and the fight against cancer. The LAF is an official partner of The Austin Triathlon. Reserved spots are available at the early registration rate for Team LIVESTRONG. Team members will race in LAF gear and have access to their own personal webpage as well fundraising tools and sample materials online, all of which will help make meeting the fundraising goal easy so they can concentrate on the real challenge - training for the tri. Click here for more info.

Rookie Course Improvements

The 2010 edition of The Rookie Triathlon will feature some course improvements that should create a better experience for all on race day. First, we have order several cubic yards of sand that will be placed at the swim exit. The sand will make a much nicer exit from the water and it should really help to keep the bottom mud from getting stirred up by all the swimmers. This will keep everyone looking good for their race photos. Second, the finish line will be moved to the south side of the cable lake. This creates many advantages, the most significant being the elimination of the pre & post race "people jams" around the finish line. The run finish will now cirlce the cable lake before entering the finish chute. Detailed maps of the course improvements can be found on the course section of the website.

USAT licenses explained

Have you ever signed up for a triathlon and then been forced to pay $10 extra at packet pickup? Maybe you are doing your first triathlon this year and you've been told that you need a USAT license, but you don't really know what that is or how to get one? Here's all you need to know:

What is a USAT licnese?

USA Triathlon (USAT) is the governing body of the sport of triathlon in the United States. (www.usatriathlon.org). It's overseen by the the United States Olympic Committe. It provides many services to athletes, coaches, and race directors. One of the key services it provides to race directors is event sanctioning, through which it provides event insurance. The insurance covers the athletes, volunteers, and the property that is part of a triathlon. This insurance is usually so expensive that most race directors would not be able to afford it without the assistance of USAT. Without the insurance, many races wouldn't exist. One of the requirements of sanctioning an event is that all participants must be USAT members. Therefore, anyone who signs up for a USAT sanctioned event must show proof of USAT membership. This proof is commonly referred to as having a USAT license.


How do I get a USAT membership?

USAT memberships may be purchased several ways:

• USAT provides registration services online at http://usatriathlon.org/pages/58
• Many USAT sanctioned events have USAT memberships available for purchase as part of their online registration.
• All USAT sanctioned events have USAT memberships available for purchase at packet pickup.

Should I buy an Annual Membership or just pay the One Day fee?

The annual membership costs $39. The one day license costs $10 and may only be used at the event at which it is purchased. It's a no-brainer to purchase the annual membership if you do at least 4 events per year. It typically makes sense to have an annual membership even if you will do less than 4 events per year, as there are many other benefits to having a USAT license, as described on the USAT membership benefits page:http://usatriathlon.org/pages/659. The One Day membership is good option if you are likely to do less than one event per year.


When should I buy my membership?

I don't recommend waiting until packet pickup to purchase a license as you'll have to wait in a second line and make a payment. Buy the one-day membership online with your event registration if you can. Buy the annual membership online directly from USAT anytime before your first event. Make sure you bring proof of you online purchase with you to packet pickup, as well as a photo ID.


USAT will give you credit for $10 towards an annual membership if you show receipt from a one day membership purchase.

Brandon & Amy Marsh take top spots at 2010 Rookie Triathlon

The 6th annual Rookie Triathlon, held May 10th in New Braunfels, Texas, saw professional triathlete husband and wife team Brandon and Amy Marsh take first place overall for the men and women, respectively. Brandon Marsh fought off a hard charging field of pro and athletes while Amy Marsh cruised to victory with a comfortable margin. Both athletes use PureSport during their training and racing. Roughly 800 participants filled the venue at the Texas Ski Ranch for fun-filled day of swimming, cycling, and running.


The gun went off at 8 AM sharp on what would turn into a very hot and humid day. As usual, the open wave included virtually all of central Texas’s male elite athletes, including Brandon Marsh, James Bonney, Jamie Cleveland, James Bales, Jason McMillian, Derrick Williamson, Patrick Evoe, Todd Gerlach, and Paul Terranova. Amy Marsh had less company in the women’s field, with Desiree Ficker and Andrea Fisher on volunteer duty for the day. The pros and age groupers laid down some speed at the super sprint distance of a 300 meter open-water swim, an 11 mile ride through the beautiful Texas countryside, and a quick 2 mile run.


Participants, volunteers, and spectators were welcomed into finish line carnival with an iced towel and recovery drink from PureSport. The goodies continued with hamburgers, fresh fruit provided by Texas Iron, Kook Kones ice cream, New Belgium Beer, free massage from Advanced Rehab, and a souvenir bike bottle from T3, and gifts from TYR, Trigger Point, Clif, Skeese Greets, and Jack & Adam’s Bicycles.


High Five Events and Jack & Adam’s Bicycles, the producers of the event, received many compliments on the successful event, including the following from a long time participant and volunteer: “I've been coming to these events for many years. After each event I think that you have pulled off the perfect race. Then, I come again next year and the event is even more perfect. I don't know how you guys do it!"


The 2010 event is tentatively scheduled for Mother Day, May 9th.