This month I have been trying my luck at single-sport competition. For one, it is a great break from the norm of multisport triathlon and second, it is a great way to squeeze in some short, fast practices disguised as competitions.

I’m mostly doing cycling and running events including the Pure Austin Driveway Series and two running road races (5k and 10k distances) in central and downtown Austin. I have already raced twice at the Driveway Series and I really enjoyed it. The cat 4/5 race is 30 minutes: short enough to not kill you but just long enough to hurt. The Series is unique because they change up the course from week to week. I have not won any of the races, but I did win a $20 cash prime. These races have been a good chance to practice some handling skills and get more comfortable on my new Scott Foil Bike.

Speaking of the Foil, it is awesome!! I’m finally on a bike that fits my body. Although the biggest help in making that happen was a technical bike fit at Jack and Adam’s Bikes. It took less than an hour at the shop and now I feel really powerful and comfortable in the saddle. No more back and neck pain, which is a chronic issue for me. I really recommend investing in a good bike fit. You can buy a really expensive bike, but it’s worthless if you cannot translate your power properly and stay injury free.

This past week I jumped back into the multisport spotlight but only for a day. The Pure Austin Splash n’ Dash Series presented by High Five Events started up on the 15th. No Driveway series this week, but Heather and I did hop into the ASH Dash 5k Bunny Run. I had a great race, running 15:50 for 3.2, plus winning a $100 prize purse. Biggest winnings I have ever taken home. This week, I’ll pick up the driveway series again and finish off the month with the Silicon Labs Sunshine 10k road race. Then in May, I start up again with triathlons, doing the Olympic distance at Wildflower in Paso Robles, California.

I am fortunate and honored to represent the US Army and race for the US Military Elite Triathlon Team, part of US Military Endurance Sports. Racing and training is effortless and made possible by the following USMES sponsors: Boeing, Snapple,Scott, SRAM, Primal, American Classic, Osmo Nutrition, Honey Stinger, Headsweats, Rudy Projects, Xterra Wetsuits and Schwalbe. I’m thankful to be serviced by and involved with my local bike shop, Jack and Adams Bikes. Team Sterghos also includes Vasa, Sable Water Optics, and Total Immersion. I’m coached and trained by Tim Crowley of TC2 coaching. Finally and most importantly, at the end of the day my heart belongs to Heather.