Photos by Ed Sparks & Tom Marek

It takes two to tri

Couples TriathlonEVENT GUIDE July 12, 2015

Get Advice on How to TRI with confidence page 12

Navigate like a pro with Course Maps page 16& 17

+Rules to followCheCk listwave staRts& MoRe!Red-Hot Events Calendar page 10

6 pieces of equipment to check before Race morning, page 8

Parking & Spectator Information page 15

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4 Welcome Letter6 Event Schedule6 Wave Starts6 Transition Info & Bike Check In7 USAT Rules8 Equipment Check10 Calendar of Events11 How to Wear a Timing Chip12 General Advice14 Directions & Spectator Info15 Course Maps19 Aid Station Info

It takes two to tri

Weather Contingency PlanIn the event of foul weather, the start time of this event may be delayed by up to 1 hour. Should the weather con-ditions be unsafe for the swim, this event will be changed to a bike-run with distances of a 11.2 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run. The duathlon will use a time trial start based upon the swim wave order. If the weather makes it too dangerous for cycling, the event will become a 5 Km run for all participants.

Dear Friends:Welcome to Couples Triathlon, the fourth event in the 2015 Bicycle World Texas Tri Series! Were happy to be back at this great venue - Walter E. Long Park in the Texas Hill Country.

Couples Triathlon is a long standing event at nearly two decades old. Still, many people think its just for couples and not the myriad of categories that make up the actual teams such as friends, relatives and almost strangers to highlight three of the eleven divisions. After all of these years, a lot of the tradition and history remains the same, but this time around we have some new, fun things in-store.

Besides the 500 meter swim, 11 mile bike and 5k run, participants will receive finisher medals, a reusable bike bottle, technical t-shirt, beer, photo booth pho-tos, massage, food, treats and give-aways. In addition to all of the awards categories, we have prizes for best team name and prizes for the fastest swim, bike and run for both males and females. There will also be prizes for fastest transition times, so watch the clock! Stick around for the party & awards ceremony to see if you win!

Thank you for participating and we hope you have a great time at this unique team triathlon!

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Scan the barcode above and get social with us! Dont have a scanner on your smart phone? Search the apps store for a free scanner like Mobiletag.

For more info, please visit:www.CouplesTri.comComments & suggestions:info@HighFiveEvents.com

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Couples Tri Staff

Announcer: Logan DelawareAthlete Services: Richelle CriswellBike Course: Tim Stansbury & John ChungChief Bike Mechanic: James BalentineDirector of Marketing: Stacy KeeseEvent Manager: Dan Carroll Head of Transition: Nick Siedel Medical Director: Dr. Martha PyronPhotographers: Liz Kreutz, Ed Sparks,Tom MarekRun Course: Adam LowellSecurity: Danny HinkleSite Director: Jack MurraySite and Supply Manager: Tim AcalaSite Team: Ray Porter & Seth Sponsorship/Community Outreach: Tina ThomasStaff Wellness: Cindy Keese & Kathy MurraySwim Course: Brad Miller & Ben PhillipsSwim Start and Finish: Tim StansburyTiming: Raul Najera, Meghan NajeraVolunteer Coordinator: Stacy Farrugia

Save $10 Register with Code :Couples

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Bike Check InBike Check In will only occur on the morning of the event. To enter the transition area each athlete must have (1) their race number affixed to their bike and helmet; (2) their athlete wrist-band on their wrist; (3) and they must be body marked. Body Marking will take place at the swim entrance side near transition. Bike Check OutBike Check Out occurs after the final cyclist has racked his/her bike and started the run. We expect this to be around 10:00AM. This rule is implemented to ensure safety and prevent theft. Enjoy the party with drinks, food, samples, massage, friends and fun while you wait.

Transition Area InformationTransition racks will be ordered by swim wave. Participants may rack anywhere on the racks assigned to their wave. Bikes will not be allowed out of Transition until the final cyclist has completed the bike course. Participants will be allowed back into Transition after they finish, but bikes may not be removed from the racks. Please be courteous to your fellow participants while in transition during the race. Only participants and transition volunteers are allowed in the transition area. No specatators or pets will be allowed in transition.

8:00AM: Friends - Male (Yellow swim caps)8:04AM: Friends - Female (Blue swim caps)8:08AM: Friends - Co-Ed (White swim caps)8:12AM: More than Friends (Gray swim caps)8:16AM: Married (Purple swim caps)8:20AM: Parent & Child, Siblings (Yellow swim caps)8:20AM: Aquabike, Pair Me Up (Yellow swim caps)8:24AM: 2 Person Relay (Red swim caps)8:28AM: Individual Male (White swim caps)8:32AM: Individual Female (Pink swim caps)8:36AM: Individual Aquabike (Green swim caps)

Please wear the swim cap provided in your participant bag.Wave Starts

It takes two to tri

Time Trial Swim StartCouples Triathlon utilizes a time trial swim start. The time trial start consists of starting one team (2 people) at a time at approximately 5 second intervals between each team. Teams will start with their assigned waves (eg. Friends - Male) and will line up within their wave on a first come basis. The time for each person will start when they cross the swim start timing mat at the water's edge.

This format has two main safety advantages: 1.) Less congested swim start. 2.) Decreases the likelihood of large groups of cyclists on the road.

Sunday, July 12th6:00AM: Parking Area Open (gates will be locked until then)6:00AM: Transition Area Open (J&A mechanics on duty for minor needs)6:00-7AM: Out of Town Packet Pickup6-7:15AM: Body Marking & Chip Pickup (if you have not yet received the chip)7:15AM: Pre-Race Warm Up 7:30AM: Transition area closes7:45AM: Pre-race meeting begins at swim start8:00AM: Couples Tri Start9:15AM: Finish Line Party Begins11:00AM: Awards Ceremony (tentative)

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+ COMMONLY VIOLATED RULES & PENALTIES1. Helmets: Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may be used in USAT sanctioned events. Hel-mets must be worn at all times while on your bike. This means before, during, and after the event. Penalty: Disqualification

2. Chin Straps: Chin straps must be buckled at all times when on a bicycle. DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless you are off your bicycle.Penalty: Disqualification on the course; Variable time penalty in transition area only.

3. Outside Assistance: No assistance other than that offered by race and medical officials may be used. Triathlons and duathlons are individual tests of fitness. Penalty: Variable time penalty

4. Transition Area: All equipment must be placed in the properly designated and indi-vidually assigned bike corral. The wheel of the bicycle must be down on the side of the assigned space. All participants must return their bi-cycles to an upright position in their designated bicycle corral. No person shall interfere with anoth-er participants equipment or impede the progress of another participant. All bar ends must be solidly plugged. No participant shall bring ANY glass containers into the transition area.Penalty: Variable time penalty

5. Drafting: Keep at least three bike lengths of clear space between you and the cyclist in front. If you move into the zone, you must pass within 15 seconds. Position--keep to the right hand side of the lane of travel unless passing. Blocking--riding on the left side of the lane without pass-ing anyone and interfering with other cyclists at-tempting to pass. Overtaken--once passed, you must immediately exit the draft zone from the rear, before attempting to pass again.Penalty: Variable time penalty

6. Course: All competitors are required to fol-low the prescribed course and to stay within all coned lanes. Cutting the course is an obvious violation and going outside the course is a safety issue. Cyclists shall not cross a solid yellow cen-ter line for ANY reason. Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times. Penalty: Ref-erees discretion

7. Unsportsmanlike-Like Conduct: Foul, harsh, argumentative or abusive language or other un-sportsmanlike conduct directed at race officials, USA Triathlon officials, volunteers, spectators or fellow athletes is forbidden.Penalty: Disqualification

8. Headphones: Headphones, headsets, walk-mans, iPods, mp3 players, or personal audio de-vices, etc. are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race. Penalty: Variable time penalty

9. Abandonment: All personal equipment and belongings taken out onto the course must stay on the athlete the entire time. No garbage, clothing, etc. shall be thrown on the course.Penalty: Variable time penalty

10. Race numbers: All athletes are required to wear race numbers at all times during the

bike and run. Numbers must face the front and be clearly visible at all times.

Numbers may not be cut or folded or altered in any way. DO NOT transfer your number to any other

athlete or take a number from an athlete that is not competing.Penalty: Variable time penalty for missing or altered number. Disquali-fication and one year suspension from

membership in USAT for transferring a number without race director per-

mission.

11. Wetsuits: Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 de-grees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided, how-ever that participants who wears a wetsuit within such temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited.

For a complete list of USAT rules, please refer to the most up to date version at: usatriathlon.org/events/rules.aspx

Participant Bag Items These items should be given to you at packet pickup.EQ

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1. Goggles: Make sure you have used them recently and that the eye seals have not per-ished and leak water. Check that the strap and nose piece arent brittle and are se-curely attached. Make sure the lenses arent scratched. If your goggles have any of these issues, consider replacing them and bring-ing them as back-ups to your new ones.

2. Wetsuit: Check for potential tears and frayed seams. Look for holes and cuts; these can be patched and glued to prevent water entering the suit. Jack & Adams can help you decide if the suit can be repaired. Wetsuits arent re-quired, so dont worry if you dont have one.

3. Bike: Make sure that the bike frame has no cracks, the wheels are not bent, and that all components are in working condition including brakes and shifters. If you do not know how to check for these things, dont worry - just call ahead to your local bike store and ask them to safety check it. This can also be a great opportunity to learn how to check the bike yourself. On race morn-ing, make sure tires are inflated properly.

4. Helmet: The plastic shell needs to be firmly affixed to the foam and the strap should not be frayed. There should be no cracks or dents as these will likely not pass inspection when checking into tran-sition. It should fit snugly around your head. The general rule for the chin strap is within two fingers spaces from the chin.

5. Cycling Shoes & Pedals: Make sure that the cleat is firmly attached to the bottom of the shoe. Replace cleat if it is worn down and may inhibit safe clipping in. Check and make sure pedals are firmly attached to the crank.

6: Running Shoes: Look to see that they are not worn out of alignment or that the midsole is crushed. Cut down or replace any long or frayed shoe laces. If using elastic laces make sure that have not lost elasticity and that any plastic is still in good working condition.

Have a system that you can use at all triathlons. It is recommended that you start with the equipment that you will use first and work through to the equipment that you will use last.

Get Live Athlete UpdatesYou can receive updates from athletes as they cross points on the course and have those updates sent to Facebook, Twitter or mobile phones.

How Does It Work?Set up or sign in to your ChronoTrack Live Account.Search for Athletes for whom you would like to receive updates.Select how you would like to receive those updates.

Find the link at CouplesTri.com

Latex Swim Cap Wear the cap provided; it corresponds to your swim wave and serves as part of the event safety plan.

Timing Chip & StrapChip is attached to velcro ankle strap & secured to your ankle at all times during the tri. A volunteer will remove it after you cross the line.

Wristbands Gets you into transition & is used to get food & beer at the after party. Yellow is for those over 21 Red is for under 21.

x x x xx x x xx x x xx x x xx x x xx x x xx x x xx x x x

x x x xx x x xx x x xx x x xx x x xx x x xx x x xx x x x

Place Helmet Number on front of helmet. >

Reusable Sports Bag

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Presenting Sponsors

Media Partners

Event Partner

Official Partners

LIVESTRONGPROUDLY B

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9.20.2015AUSTIN,TX

AUDITORIUM SHORES

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Jacks Generic Tri August 2

Since 2003, the award winning Jacks Generic Tri has been offering a no hype, no gimmicks, good old-fashioned triathlon. Featuring a Texas styleFnish-line cookout with food, beer, treats and thou-sands of dollars in free swag, this event has some-thing for everyone! This year Jacks Generic Tri offers a sprint distance, intermediate distance, aquabike and relay!

While you work your way towards the Finish line and the BOTTLE OPENER Finisher medal, let the kids play on the beach or the awesome Playscape! Its a fun time for everyone at JGT so be sure to join us on August 2nd.

www.JacksGenericTri.com

If you are looking for an exciting way to end your summer, then look no further than TriRock Austin.

Swim in Lady Bird Lake with thousands of people cheering you on, bike on the most historic street in Texas, Congress Ave, with views of the state capi-tol, and run through Austins most beloved parks. TriRock Austin has an Olympic distance event and a Sprint distance that is ideal for beginners. Live music at the Finish line with great food and beer to make for a fun after-party! Race amenities includea tech tee, water bottle and a custom Finisher med-al.

Come join one of Americas most active cities in an event youll never forget.

Trirock.competitor.com/austin

TriRock AustinSept 7

In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Kerrville is a true triathlon destination. At the Kerrville Triathlon Festival, presented by H-E-B, partici-pants get the choice of sprint, intermediate and half distance triathlons plus relays and aqua-bike. Dont miss the Health and Fitness Expo, the pre-race pasta dinner, the Happy Hour Meet & Greet and the awesome Finish line party! If you have any little athletes, bring them along for the free kids fun. Come to Kerrville on the last weekend in September and enjoy a small town atmosphere with big time fun.

www.KerrvilleTri.com

Kerrville Tri Festival Sept 26-27

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Marathon RelaysSeptember 20

Run as much as you choose; teams range from two to six people and run a total of six laps. Each lap is 4.37 miles, adding up 26.2 milesa full marathon!

Each runner is in the center of the action be-fore and after their leg, which makes for a fan-tastic team tailgate experience. And after the relay enjoy music, food and drink at the Finish Line Festival.

www.MarathonRelaycom

Pure Austin Splash & Dash Series

This 6 event swim-run series held April through September at Pure Austin Quarry Lake is the ultimate mid week workout. Held once a month on Tuesday nights (7/21, 8/18, 9/15), the event is a 750 meter open water swim followed by a 3 Km run. A no hassle race for $15 and dinner is included! Dont wait to sign up. Every Splash-n-Dash for the last 4 years has sold out in advance.

www.Splash-n-DashSeries.com

Presented by Jack & Adams

Pure Austin Gym

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It takes two to tri

Here is a logical progression that you may want to go through the night before and morning of Couples Tri:1) Arrive Early and get ready to have a lot of fun! Plan to be in transition 1hr before race start. Mental stress can make your first tri morning seem hectic. Take a minute to take it all in and realize that you are winning just by showing up!

2) Set up a mock transition area the night before at home. Put everything out as you plan to race morning. Practice putting on your shoes and helmet, and then switching to running shoes and running hat. Check off the equipment checklist on page 20 of the Event Guide.

3) Attach all the numbers to proper equip-ment including bike, helmet, and race belt. Proper placement can be seen on page 11 of this guide. The number must be worn for the entirety of the run and you must finish the race with the number on the front of your body.

4) Leave your house in the morning wearing what you are going to race in, INCLUDING your timing chip on your ankle. Didnt have a timing chip in your packet or realized you left it at home- dont worry you can pick up a replacement one on race morning.

5) Make sure that all your numbers are match-ing: timing chip, bike, helmet, race belt, and body marking. This is for your safety and so that you can easily find all your awesome race pictures after the event. Your USAT race age goes on the back of your right calf and is based on the year you were born not the exact date- so anyone born in 1975 is 40.

6) After body marking, head straight into transition and claim a nice spot since you are there extra early. Be kind to your other ath-letes and keep your transition area small and directly underneath where your bike is.

7) There should be enough room for at least 6 bikes per rack. You can rack your bike by either hooking the seat over the railing or by hooking the handlebars over the railing. If

you have not inflated your tires already take your bike to the mechanics tent or use your own pump.

Now that you know where and how your bike is going to be - set up your area. It is nice to have a small towel to put down. Since you practiced the night before this should be a piece of cake!

1) Remember to make sure that your bike and running shoes are open with loose laces for easy on/off. Put your sunglasses in your helmet so that you grab them before put-ting on the helmet and dont accidentally try and leave transition without either. If you want some on the bike course make sure and have a water bottle filled on your bike.

2) As you leave transition count how many bike racks away from the entrance you are. When it is all filled with bikes it can some-times be like finding a needle in a haystack. Take your goggles and your swim cap with you if you are going to walk around.

3) Use the bathroom early if you can. The lines will get longer nearer to race start.

4) Familiarize yourself with the flow of the race site. Visit swim start and finish and make sure understand how to get from swim exit to transition. Do a warm up walk/ run of the run finish. Get an idea of a land-mark that lets you know you are near the finish line. This will be a great boost and make you more comfortable when you are in the home stretch. (Continued on pg. 13)

5) After the swim you will enter transition at one end and leave at the other. This pro-cess is reversed for the second transition when you return from the bike. That is, the bike starts and finishes at the same side and the run goes out where the swim came in.

6) If you do nothing else to familiarize with the race set up, get to the swim start early!! There will be an announcement of when the water is open for warm-up swim. Take advantage of this opportunity to get a feel for the water. If this is your first open water race take an extra moment to get comfortable with not being able to see the bottom; dont worry no one else can either.

7) If you dont like swimming in the group or are not a strong swimmer place yourself on the outside edge and towards the back of the swim group. Placing yourself ahead of faster swimmers will only mean that they will have to swim around you, which can be stressful when you are trying to fo-cus on other things like sighting. Not sure? Talk to others with the same swim cap color and ask, you will meet new friends and will have an idea of where to be.

8) What should you do if you have a mo-ment of panic in the water? Try switch-ing the style of swimming. Maybe back stroke or breast stroke until you have your bearings again. If you feel that you can-not continue the race there are lifeguards in kayaks that can pull you from the wa-ter. Check USAT rules for more info.

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Spectators

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Parking is available at Walter E. Long Park for everyone arriv-ing before 7:30 AM. Decker Lake Rd will close at 7:30 AM and there is no parking available onsite for any vehicles arriving after 7:30 AM. There is first come first serve parking along Blue Bluff Rd. south of the park if you arrive late. Spots are very limited.

Spectators are welcome to roam the site and cheer on their friends and family members. There are very few places that spectators will not be allowed. Please do not challenge volunteers or jump fences. The volunteers are there to help ensure the safety of the athletes. Spectators are not allowed into the transition area. Spectators are welcome to help themselves to water and from any of the coolers. Some of our partners will also be giving away free samples. Of-ficial race food and drink is for the athletes and volunteers only.

Directions & Parking

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It is a goal for each event that we leave the venue in a better condition than when we arrived. High Five Events has put in place the following programs to keep the venues we use clean:

Bottled water has been replaced with reusable bike bottles and easy water fill-ing stations. Recycling receptacles are located next to each trash receptacle. A waste crew is on duty for the full duration of the event to ensure the maxi-mum amount of recycling. The entire course is cleaned of trash af-ter the event, even if the trash was there before the event. Registration for participants and volun-teers is 100% online. Post event food and beverage options reduce waste and maximize recycling.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Aid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade Work-out drink. There will be an aid station at the entrance to the Transition Area that may be used before the swim, and be-fore and after the bike.

There will not be any aid sta-tions on the bike course. There will be at least 2 aid stations on the run course. It is against USA Triathlon rules to discard trash at any point on the course besides an aid station.

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