What do you get when you host a 20 + year race with the addition of Toyota Cup collaboration, 3000 triathlete’s, an incredible venue complete with clean water, clear roads, a view of the Texas Capitol, and well-staffed water stations? The right mix for a really good race!
Both my 15 year old son and 13 year old daughter wanted to race, so we made it a family affair. Plus, 4 members from our race team decided to do the race, so it was “road trip” time!! We had a blast. You really cannot beat Austin for a destination trip with so much to see and do—especially as an outdoor enthusiast.
From a participant’s point of view, the routes for the swim, bike and run were excellent. The volunteer organization was one of the best I’ve witnessed– from the number of volunteers to their placement, it was near perfect.
The race itself took place Memorial Day. The fact it benefitted the Wounded Warrior Project made the timing impeccable. There was a Military Division, as well as some of our amazing wounded warriors, racing alongside of us. It was moving, motivating and humbling—all at the same time. Energy and excitement was in the air. Camaraderie was at an all-time high.
Beginning with the swim…can I say again how lovely Town Lake was to swim in? Wetsuits were not really needed. My daughter and I wore ours, but my son saved a few minutes in transition by opting out. It was so nice it was to see more than usual during an outdoor swim. The icing on the cake was that my daughter and I were in the same heat, so we got to start the race together. It was her first time to do an adult triathlon, so it was nice to be at her side before we kicked off. I wasn’t worried about my son as he did his first adult tri at 9 and has always had amazing stamina (race ready or not!). I did get a little nervous on the bike as some of the wind shears blew sideways …so I was relieved to see both of my kids later on the run.
Austin’s CapTex Triathlon on May 30, 2011 was the right mix of “everything” for a wonderful experience. At the end of the day, it gets down to personal satisfaction and achievement.
Four-time Olympic Gold medalist Jesse Owens summed it up best: “I always loved running (racing)…it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.”
Austin’s CapTex Triathlon definitely gets a “thumbs up” from all of us on our race team. How nice is it that we have the opportunity and freedom to choose to race? A big hats off to our Military men, women, and their families. We thank you for your dedication and commitment to keeping this great nation great.
Be strong, be happy.
Written by Lisa of the Aesthetic Elegance Race team. The team has a mission to empower women and their families to set goals, develop strategies for health & fitness improvement, and facilitate change in their everyday lives.
Great race with the team and my husband and I loved meeting the HoneyMilk team at the expo before the race. All of their samples were great…especially the Strawberrry Banana!!!! We love HoneyMilk!