Dallas US Open 100K: A Tune-Up For Ironman Waco
Sometimes the races you don't plan very far in advance end up being the most memorable.
I didn't even know the PTO Dallas US Open was coming to Dallas until a couple of months before race day. By that point, I was already deep into training for Ironman Waco, which had been on my calendar since January. When I saw the timing of the event, it felt like a perfect opportunity to test fitness, experience a different race format, and break up the normal training routine.
I'll also admit I'm a sucker for race swag. Never mind the $250 entry fee to get the "free" gear.
The original race distance was scheduled to be approximately half the total distance of a full Ironman, making it an ideal tune-up before Waco without requiring a significant recovery period afterward.
The Reality of Ironman Training
Training for an Ironman is rarely about any single workout. It's about consistency.
Early mornings. Long rides. Long runs. Swimming before work. Finding time to train while balancing family, work responsibilities, and everything else life throws at you.
Like many endurance athletes, I've learned that success often comes from showing up repeatedly when nobody is watching.
The same principle applies whether you're preparing for a race, building a business, or working toward long-term financial goals. In our article on long-term investing, we explore a similar idea — that successful investors are rarely the ones who make the perfect call at the perfect moment. They're the ones who stay consistent through changing conditions.
Big accomplishments are usually the result of hundreds of small decisions made consistently over time.
Race Day In Irving
Race morning started at Lake Carolyn in Irving, which provided a great setting for the event and showcased another part of the growing endurance sports community throughout Dallas-Fort Worth.
One of the things I was most curious about was experiencing a PTO event firsthand.
The Professional Triathletes Organization (PTO) is a relatively new organization that has brought a different approach to professional and amateur triathlon events. While the pros may compete for large purses and rankings, the rest of us are simply trying to survive long enough to enjoy the post-race meal.
I often joke that my age group should be called the "mid-life crisis division."
When we arrived on race morning, organizers announced they would shorten the race from 100K to 60K because of the afternoon heat advisory. I guess if you don't live in Texas, a 95-degree day sounds concerning. For those of us who train here regularly, that's pretty much standard operating procedure.
The venue was extremely well organized, the swim in Lake Carolyn went smoothly, and perhaps most importantly according to my wife, GeeGee, parking was easy. That alone deserves recognition.
A Good Reminder
While the distance changed, the purpose of the race did not. This event was never the goal. Ironman Waco was.
The PTO Dallas US Open simply provided an opportunity to test fitness, practice race execution, and gain confidence before the bigger challenge ahead.
In many ways, endurance racing reminds me of financial planning. Success rarely comes from one perfect workout, one perfect investment, or one perfect decision. Instead, it comes from consistency over long periods of time.
The athletes who succeed are usually the ones who keep showing up. The same can often be said for retirement planning, investing, and building long-term financial security. Our planning process is built around exactly that kind of long-term discipline — showing up consistently, making thoughtful decisions, and staying aligned through changing conditions.
Looking Ahead To Waco
The shortened course made recovery easier and allowed me to quickly return to training for Ironman Waco.
While crossing the finish line in Irving was rewarding, the real objective remained the same. Get back to work. Keep training. Stay consistent. And prepare for race day in Waco.
The post-race beer simply arrived a little earlier than expected.
About Scott Hammel
Scott Hammel, CFP®, CRPC® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Apeiron Planning Partners, a Dallas-based financial planning firm. He works with individuals, families, and retirees throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, helping clients navigate retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, and long-term financial decision-making.
Outside of helping clients pursue their financial goals, Scott enjoys endurance sports, triathlon training, and staying active throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth community.
Learn more about Scott Hammel →
About Apeiron Planning Partners
Apeiron Planning Partners is a Dallas-based financial planning firm helping individuals, families, professionals, and retirees coordinate retirement planning, tax planning, investment management, and estate planning.