Austin Danskin Sprint Triathlon Review

(Guest post by Emily Rhodes)

Today I did the Danskin Women's Triathlon in Austin, TX after not having done a tri in almost 2 1/2 years. My nursing bud, Gwen, talked me into doing it. She did this race 10 years ago for her 40th b-day and wanted to celebrate her 50th by doing it all over again. I was all for it. So, for the past few months, our friendship was strengthened as we trained together for this race.

Being that we are both hospice nurses and that the race benefited breast cancer research made it an even cooler experience. During packet pick-up at the Austin Convention Center, they had "Team Survivor", which consisted of 65 breast cancer survivors who participated in the race with us come up to the stage where they received a standing ovation. It was so moving to see this amazing group of women. It was especially moving for Gwen and I as we see daily the devastating effects that breast cancer has on so many women. I did the race in honor of my preceptor in nursing school, Kathleen Mynar, who is a 5 year breast cancer survivor as well as the many special patients that Gwen and I have had the privilege and honor of caring for as hospice nurses.

The race was a sprint that consisted of a 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike and 5k run at Walter E. Long Park (Decker Lake) in Austin, TX. There were 1573 participants with 15 waves in the swim and the overcast day made the heat a little more bearable. The water was perfect - maybe mid to upper 70's with a small amount of seaweed at the end. The bike was a little hilly, kind of like the Marble Falls triathlon course. The run was mostly off-road and unfortunately wasn't very scenic. It was laid out in such a way though that allowed friends and family to see their loved one multiple times throughout the run, which was nice. Finally, I was able to run across the finish line with my amazing 5 year old son, Kai, which was an incredible ending to a great day.

Overall, the venue was okay, but I didn't feel like it really captured the beauty of Austin. All-in-all though, it was for a great cause and we had a blast. Gwen and I can't wait to do it again next year! :-)

Comments

[Drew]

Who is the hotty Brett?

[ZenTri]

That is just some random hotness floating around the place. :)

[Drew]

Its like the HAC thread just moved websites......