Apologies for the gap. Really going to try and keep on top of this! Mr. and Mrs. TheyTri traveled to Austin for the fab Austin Marathon and half marathon. Mr. TheyTri decided that an early-season race would be a good idea this year and we decided that a, we've always wanted to go to Austin and b, we have a bunch of fun Tweeps we'd like to meet who live in Texas who were game to do the race, too. So, off we went. Mr. TheyTri did the full marathon, our Tweeps did the half and Mrs. TheyTri got in on the action by doing the Break-a-leg 5k.

Traveling for races can be a chore. In fact, that's what prompted the creation of this site in the first place...making the chore less chore-y.

Traveling for a marathon is infinitely less hassle than traveling for a Tri. No bike boxes, helmets, wetsuits etc...just shoes. Airlines don't rake you over the coals for checking a bag containing sneakers. But, traveling to a race is also exciting, especially if it's to a place you've never been before. Embrace the experience. Give yourself at least a day (not counting the day you have to go for packet pickup or pre-race training ride or whatever) on either side of the actual event to enjoy and explore the city. Traveling for an early season race gives you the luxury of not taking it so seriously: It's not the A race. It's not a make-or-break event so go find a great restaurant or fun bar or cool museum or beautiful park or beach. Triathlon takes up so much of life, why not stop to smell the roses that racing affords you?

Spending half a day with the non-athlete exploring a new place makes it an adventure for them, too. Makes it a trip that isn't only about the race. Makes it a memory you can share.

 

Deets on Austin tips to be found on the Texas page under Races by State.