Capital of Texas Triathlon Course

Last year I had the benefit of training for the most part on the race course that the NYC triathlon takes part on. While I didn't ride my bike up the west side highway in advance (not the most bike friendly road when the cars are on it), I was able to swim in the Hudson and run countless (and I mean countless) laps in central park.

This time I will be heading into Austin without the benefit of having trained on the race course. With the benefit of the official course map and a trip down to Austin for the annual SXSW festival, I have been able to remedy the situation. First the swim, and no I didn't jump into the lake and start swimming, although with the number of free parties and alcohol being consumed this week, some others may have. I nice smooth lake, no rough water and chop, but also no current assist as in the Hudson river. Apparently a bag of cheetos was able to finish the swim portion of the NYC triathlon faster than I did. Perhaps a new training plan base on a diet of Cheetos, or a new wetsuit design based on a colorful foil design?

Next up the bike ride. Across the River and up north into the downtown area. This appears to be a mostly flat ride. While I didn't have a bike to ride the actual route, I did spend a bit of time walking north into downtown. Although I usually didn't make it much past 6th street. 6th Street is well known for its selection of bars and live music venues which make up the little known 4th (or maybe 5th) leg of the triathlon. Depending upon whether you are counting transition as the 4th event in the triathlon, post race refueling is just as important an event. Being the team player that I am, I made sure to take some time and explore proper places for post race refueling. For example, this evening I visited the Chuggin Monkey. The Chuggin Monkey is obviously a friend to endurance athletes. Also there are a number of factors that are important to look into for a post race refueling location.

First, hydration is very important. Luckily there seems to be a good selection of beverages for re-hydration. Next availability of protein and carbohydrate past race meal. Once again 6th street seems to provide with a wurst stand and a taco stand on each side of the street and ready for consumption. Finally, whats the best thing for post-race recovery with sore muscles? A massage could be just the ticket. Luckily, 6th Street in Austin doesn't disappoint.

Located on the way to the Chuggin Monkey on 6th Street is the Midnight Cowboy "Modeling" Oriental Massage. Before you ask, no I didn't partake. Some things are best left to the imagination. I will say that when the doorbell was rung in the evening, the women who came to the door was neither Asian nor very happy to have people ringing her doorbell. Although, seeing an executive in the digital media/publishing industry performing the ring and run ( and I mean run) was worth the trip. Names and other identifying information have purposely been left out to protect the guilty.

Finally, the run portion. Got a little distracted by the post-race refueling. I was able run most of the race course and I will say that there seem to be no major hills and a very scenic crossing of the Congress Ave bridge.

All in all, I am confident that myself and the rest of the NYC TNT team will successfully complete our race in Austin as well as any required post-race refueling. For any Austin teammates reading this, I leave you with one final thought, "What happens in Austin, Stays in Austin."

Band at the Chuggin Monkey in Austin, TX