Stonebridge Ranch Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Left goggle leaked shortly after the start, so I ended up swimming the first half with only one eye. The return was directly into the sun, so I was blind then, too. I took advantage of the course shape, and cut the first corner a little bit. I was also pleased with being able o grab some feet occasionally (not literally) and draft some. With the visibility problems, I was surprised how well I could tell just by feel when I was behind someone. I think I managed to swim somewhat straight for a change, too.

My swimming has really taken a back seat recently, but I was pleased with my time. Having a wetsuit when many others didn't helped, I'm sure.

Long T1 -- down the levee, around the back of T1 area, and then chicane through the fencing in a effort to ensure everyone goes the same difference. I was 20th in my age group. Not great, but not unexpected, since I had a wetsuit and put my shoes on before getting on the bike.

Continue practice getting out of wetsuit.

I felt pretty good on the bike. A little slow getting started, but I think the uphills leaving T1 and after the first corner were deceptively hard. The downwind leg was just fun. It was a little discouragng not passing anyone in my age group, but overall I was happy with the bike. I was careful not to drink too much this time.

Fast T2 again -- 3rd in age group!

Encountered Haley (Comet) returning as I left. Nearing the turnaround, I saw Shannon (swatson) struggling a little and tried to offer encouragement; I also saw William headed back towards me. Shortly after the turn, I saw Andy (apw0397) and Sebastian (sebjamesm) catching up, which gave me some incentive to keep pushing. Lots of cheering from BTers near the finish chute, which was great!

I wsas prety happy with this run. I picked a good pace that I held until the turnaround, then started speeding up a little. I think I timed my final increase well, and even managed to catch up and pass someone in my age group just before the end. It turned out to be my friend William!(Though I didn't realize it at the time. It also turns out he was racing Clydesdale, so I don't think I passed anyone actually racing my age group on the run.)

My run time ended up a minute slower than the standalone 5K I ran the day before, but was still better than I had expected, given my limited recent training.

Not much. Could possibly have started the final bump another 100 yrds earlier or so.

Grabbed some water and a bagel. I wasn't interested in the pizza, orzo salad, or other options. There were plenty of vendors, so I grabbes some Accelerade samples, Vitamin Water, etc.

Said hello to Aaron, Haley, Derek, Laurie, Andy, Shannon, and several others. It was fantastic seeing so many familiar faces, including all the BTers there. It's like having extra family there.


Limited training (new baby) in the preceeding month, although I still had managed more than I expected. All-in-all, I was happy with this as the finish to the season.


Fun race at a nice venue in my part of town. The bike and run courses have some minor hills to make it interesting. Spectator friendly, including a playground for kids. Nice expo, with plenty of vendors at the race, too. Post race is decent, with some variety of food Organized event, although the transition area still need some improvement. Swag includes a nice technical shirt. Hopefully next year they will bring back the Olympic-distance event, too.