Escape From Fort Desoto - TriathlonSprint

I started with a much larger wave than last year and was not expecting so many feet in my face. It took me way to long to get settled in a rhythm. I did not get settled until about 20 yards from the last buoy. Once I found my rhythm, I grabbed a jellyfish, no sting, but startling enough to throw me off. I replaced my goggles the day before the race since they had just begun leaking, the new goggles leaked worse than my old ones. I spent too much time weaving to pass.

Get a wetsuit, I believe I was at a competitive disadvantage since I was one of very few in my age group without one.

Have two pairs of goggles ready a week before the race.

Start at the front of the wave. I spent a lot of time passing. If I had started up front, I could have avoided some hits.

T1 was a run from the water, then 0.4mi up the beach, through 20 yards of more water, then up the bank and onto the pavement to the transition area.

Learn how to pre-clip in my tri-shoes so I can grab the bike, throw on the helmet, clip it on, and run with the bike, then jump on.

Overall happy with the bike. I made sure that no other roadies passed me. I felt that I could have pushed harder, but was afraid of burning out. Had a little trouble finding the right gear on the way back due to the wind changes.

Ride in the drops. Ride harder.

I fully intended to jump off the bike and run it into T2, but as I pulled into the dismount area, I was instructed to Stop, then dismount, then run. Oh well. I stupidly used T2 as a brief rest, instead of getting an active rest on the run.

Learn to get out of shoes on the bike. Don't take any more time than is needed!

The run was much better than last year. Practicing bricks helped immensely. I was able to keep cool better due to cooler weather and using a try top that held water against the skin to keep me cooler. I took water at every station if I felt I needed it or not, usually took a sip then dumped it over my head. I had some left in the tank at the end of the run.

Pick up the pace after mile 1 on the run. I could have cut a minute or two.

Walk around the finish area and talk to friends. Enjoyed the food and drinks. Cheered in the other finishers.


1. Starting position on the swim
2. Equipment:
a. Swim Goggles
b. No Aero Bike or Aero bars
c. No Wetsuit
3. Mental:
a. Did not have the right attitude in transition
b. Did not push hard enough on the run


One of the best races in the area, IMO. This year there were less sponsor tents than last year. Very well organized.