Cooper Summer Sprint Triathlon at Craig Ranch - TriathlonSprint

Swim was good. In retrospect, I should have pushed a little harder, but I didn't want to bonk out later. Never got passed, and passed at least 5 people that I remember.

Really push it on the swim - I know this is my strongest area and need to make as much progress as I can here.

Other than not getting the HR monitor on like I expected, the transition was great. Don't know what happened, but the darn straps were crooked, then I couldn't hook it, and who knows what else. Contrary to popular guidance, I had my shoes rubber-banded to the bike for the flying mount without ever having practiced. Figured that I was going to either eat pavement or rack my jewels. I'm proud to report I did neither and it worked great - probably made up for the time I lost screwing with the HR monitor.

Practice putting on the HR monitor on in a hurry, or just wear it on the swim. Are they waterproof?

I felt good on the bike and got my heart rate down for the run. No major aches or pains other than my butt on that uncomfortable seat. Hopefully that will get better with time in the saddle and additional practice.

Work on my overall speed and biking techniques.

Unstrapped the shoes and got my feet on top without a hitch. Jump off went good and started running into transition with the bike. Somehow got behind one guy that walked all the way to my rack and couldn't get around him, so probably lost a few seconds there. Contemplated doing the run with a full bladder, but ultimately decided to peel off into the porta john on my way out of transition. I think that actually got rolled into the run, cause I swear that was the longest piss ever. It may have been 2 minutes on its own - WTH.

Go to the bathroom right before swimming and hope to last through the race with no pit stops.

Almost went the wrong way up some side street - thank goodness for the spectators and volunteers. Contemplated walking a couple of times, but didn't other than through the aid stations to drink. Some volunteer told me "One little hill and less than a mile" as I rounded the end of the running track portion. I wish I would have seen that chick again after the race - I would have poured some gatorade on her. It was definitely more than a mile after that and that "little" hill almost did me in. Felt good when I saw the wife and kids with some home made signs for Daddy.

Get faster...... somehow.

Just walked over to where the family was and used the iced towel and water that they gave us after crossing the finish line - very nice touch.


I will definitely do this race again - great location, people, and facilities. Very family friendly!