Siesta Beach II Triathlon - Sprint Course - Triathlon

It ended up being a good swim for me. I held my place and did freestyle the entire time. The later waves didn't catch up to me per usual. I haven't had much swim practice since the kids have been out of school

This course featured a pretty decent run to transition. It's a very wide beach and then you have to go through more 'back beach' area. It's not horrible, just different.

My standard slow transition. This was an unplanned race so I had no racebelt, pinning my number on took a few minutes as I swam in my Tritop.

I got passed by everyone. Looking at my training logs it is apparent why. My legs were strong throughout. I kept it 'slightly strong' so I could save them for the run.

I probably could be faster, but I want to make sure I don't forget anything - not that there is anything to forget...T2 always seems 'too easy'.

This is my strong suit as I consistently passed people on this...people that passed me on the bike. But it was tough. First mile was a little rough getting used to the sand. Second mile was strong. After the turnaround I started slowing down. The sun was getting up in the sky and it was incredibly hot. The trishirt couldn't wick enough sweat off of me to cool me. I think I slowed down the last mile, the heat was getting to me even though I have been training in this for awhile.

Running on sand, even packed sand just takes more out of you and I have only been training up to the 5k distance anyways.

Ditch the shirt for some natural cooling.

I had to keep walking and pouring cold water over my head...the finish was a little too far from the beach to cool down quick.


Training. I train for fitness and to mentally 'check out' for awhile. I don't train for speed and that is why I consistently place where I do.


The race started later due to them not being able to setup on the beach due to sea turtles. It was about 30 minutes late. No big deal though. My only other minor gripe was that upon standing in line waiting to get my packet, I was told I needed to step over here to fill out a 1 day USAT sheet and get back in line. A sign indicating this would have been nice as checkout/registration a few days before I thought I payed for it already since I had to 'check' it.

I was also a little dismayed of the post race food. There was a lot of it, many assortments of fruit, bagels and croissant sandwiches...but I do love a good grilled hamburg or hot dog after a race - even if still late morning. Maybe that is just me.

I gave it a '5' though as the venue was superb and the race was well-run with plenty of volunteers and police at all intersections. You couldn't get lost and it was safe.

I love the ocean, I love the beach and it had the most gigantic, white sandy beach for the kids to play/swim the entire time. Plus it was a flat course. Plus running along the beach, as hard as it is, listening to the waves is very soothing.

I would recommend this to anyone as a must-do race if you love the ocean.