The AVIA Austin Triathlon - Sprint Course - TriathlonSprint

I was very relaxed. I started out slow and smooth and just never really got faster. Only bumped into a few people and only a few bumped into me. Didn't notice the wind at all. Could see all of the many kayaks very well. Lost sight of the buoys coming back into the sun. There are advantages to not being in the front. Swam all the way to the ramp until they pulled me out.

Swim faster, pull harder. Keep training.

This was a long way from the swim and a long way to the bike out. I had stashed a pair of flip flops at the swim out and ran with them on. This helped me to not have too much debris on my feet. Could probably have taken 30 sec off but not much more. Had a GU gel. Race belt on because required for bike. Wore my cleat covers to the bike mount line to keep stuff out of my speedplay cleats. They worked great.

Just practice more.

Got to try all the gears on my new bike. I didn't think the hills were really noteworthy. Guess my training is paying off. Interesting riding with the gusts when the buildings went away on the cross streets. It felt like the wind was moving me over about 6". Played catch and pass and then be passed with a 25 yr old female on another Specialized bike. We had a lot of fun. Had two songs going around in my head. One time I noticed I was going 31+ MPH. All I could think of was "Fly Like an Eagle" by Steve Miller. I was having a ball and really felt like I was flying. Another time I rounded a curve and got hit smack in the face with a bunch of wind. I had some good momentum and was singing "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar. Wore the Camelbak rather than try my new hydration system on race day. It worked great, although I was so into the bike course that I didn't remember to drink as much as I should have.

Just keep training and working on getting faster.

This felt like a pretty good transition. Bike stuff off and running shoes and hat on. Already had race belt on from bike.

Just keep practicing.

Great to see lots of spectators. I wore the camelbak and didn't stop at any of the water stops. My goal was to run a pace that I could maintain and not have to walk. Success. I also managed to sprint the last 1/4 mile pretty strong, so I think I may have saved a little too much gas in my tank. I'm just too afraid of running out.

Keep practicing.

Walked around the tent area. Had some water and a chicken walnut wrap.


Being concerned about running out of steam. Need more practice.


This was a very well-run race and great courses for all three events. Hats off to the race director and all of the wonderful volunteers. I can't wait to do this one again next year.

The only thing I would change is the position of the volunteers telling cyclists whether to turn to the finish or continue straight. It was hard to react if you were already in the wrong lane. And, of course, I would eliminate the 25 MPH wind gusts :-)