SCOTT AND KAT'S NOTES FROM THE FIELD:

OK, we won't actually be in the field until Wednesday, but here's some important info on the race:

First, Awesome Weather: Sunny, low of 67 and high of 88 on race day. SO bring a camelback AND a water bottle for your bike.

Since this first race of the Texas Championship Series is also the Sprint & Collegiate National Championships and can qualify you for the 24hour National Championships, we've made the format a little more adventurous, requiring some strategic thinking as to how you'll plan for each discipline.

You'll start with a short RUN, transition to BIKES, then PADDLE across the lake to the RUN loop for a killer run, then find your same or a different boat to PADDLE back to the BIKES for some more riding before you ever get back to the original Transition Area at Camp Longhorn Indian Springs.

NOTICE THAT ONCE YOU LEAVE THE TRANSITION AREA ON THE BIKE, YOU DON'T COME BACK UNTIL NEAR THE END OF THE RACE!!!

You'll need to be able to carry your running shoes on your bike down to the paddle so you'll have them for the run on the other side of the lake (Unless you ride in your running shoes)

You'll need to be able to carry all your hydration and any energy bars etc.. also. BUT WATER IS AVAILABLE at the State Park and the Boat Landing across the Lake where the run starts.

If you want to use a seat for the paddle, you'll have to bike with it to the boat put in. Life Jackets and Paddles will be with the boats

You are NOT allowed to take your seats down to the boats prior to race start.

You are NOT allowed to carry your seats on your arms or hands while on the bike. They may be attached to your back or a pack so they don't interfere with riding or carrying/pushing your bike.

You may leave your seats after the end of the paddle, shoes too, but all at your own risk, plus keep in mind whether you'll want your running shoes for the remainder of the race.

YES you will have special tests, nothing silly in our book.

We've not made this race any harder than last year, as it was hard enough, although each leg should be a little longer since too many people had 1:30 to 1:45 finish times. If you did the race last year, note we are starting at Camp Longhorn Indian Springs instead of Inks Lake, and we're sure you'll like the course even better. For many people, this was their favorite race!

RELAY RACERS: Your runner can do the short run and then drive to the paddle put-in before your biker gets there. He may take only his boat seat by car, if using one, but not your seat. Your biker should be prepared to be off his bike for any special tests, but we would not put in a "significant" run without allowing you an alternate test. Hopefully we both have the same definition of "significant". After the 2nd paddle the runner will drive back to the finish line/TA and wait for you to come in, as that may or may not be the finish of the race.

Remember, the top 3 Coed teams in the Sprint AND Collegiate categories qualify for USARA 24hr Nationals with FREE ENTRIES TO THE WINNING TEAMS!!!

Feel free to forward this to anyone you know who may be racing but has not registered yet. Or, if they are your closest competitor, maybe you should keep it a secret!

See our website for lodging and camping info:

Scott & Kathy Hudson

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972.966.1300