USA Triathlon 2022 National Championship Races

Gavin and Brody competed in their first USA Triathlon National Championship races in Irving, TX, on April 29-May 1, 2022.  Our concentration rested on the boys enjoying this experience and learning methods to improve their performance.  Gavin competed in the super sprint triathlon and Olympic distance duathlon; Brody competed in the draft-legal sprint distance duathlon.  After each race, we evaluated which areas the boys exhibited strength and which areas the boys need to adjust.  Although Gavin feels strongest on the bike and confident with the run, we realized that open-water swim training is essential for him.  This is a little tricky since New England has a really short open water swim season.  However, we know we have some options to pursue!  In the duathlon, Gavin raced with ease and confidence in the first 10K averaging a 6:55 mile.  Following a great transition, his biking was strong.  After about ten miles, he experienced extreme cramping in his calves.  He pushed hard to finish, but the cramping impacted his cycling and his last 5K.  This was a lesson in the importance of hydration and nutrition!  Post race, we spotted a Koru vendor.    After applying the Koru recovery lotion to one of his legs, Gavin noticed improvement in his muscles.  We look forward to adding Korus’s endurance lotion and recovery lotion to the boys’ race regimen.  The last race was Brody’s duathlon which had a 2:00pm start time.  Temperatures rested just shy of 90!  Being New Englanders, our bodies are not used to these temperatures this early in the year.  The goal all morning was to keep Brody well hydrated.  He raced steady and strong despite the high temps!  Throughout the race, he connected with some fantastic well-seasoned racers that advised him to draft and encouraged him during the last run.  Brody thoroughly enjoys engaging with other competitors while racing!  The completion of these races earned both Gavin and Brody placement on Team USA with USA Triathlon.  We are excited to continue to train, to compete, to learn, and prepare for World Championship races in Ibiza, Spain in 2023.  Irving gave all of us great memories, great experiences, and sun-kissed skin!

Some special acknowledgements….

In closing this post, I must bestow a shout-out to Dad!  As our family team manager, he schedules races, secures travel arrangements, packs race gear (the boys help with that too!), and drives countless miles.  Gavin, Brody, and Chase’s racing hinges on Dad’s organization!  Our journey started in New England followed by a stop in TN for a joint family vacation.  From Gatlinburg, Dad trekked across the country to Texas with the bikes in tow.  Following the races, he spent the next couple days driving back to the Northeast.  Dad deserves a HUGE pat on the back!

Gavin and Brody also appreciate Chase’s support!  He was too young to compete in Nationals this year, but he provided great support!  Not only did he cheer for his brothers, but he was also a great sherpa!  A family is a team, and family creates the BEST memories!  We hope to have Chase compete in the 2023 Nationals in Irving.