Escape From Fort Desoto - Triathlon

My swimming has been really weak. I also had very little practice open water (one or two swims just prior to the race). The goal was to do the swim in 18 minutes or under so I was very pleased with my time. I was very fortunate that the water was very calm. It was also my first time not hanging all the way back in the pack. I tried to draft but couldn't find anyone who was near me and not all over the place.

Start my watch correctly. I was so worried about hitting the lap button for transistions that I accidently hit lap instead of start/stop. I realized after the next start (at least 4 minutes into my swim) that I had not started my watch when the Powersave mode beeped.

It was a long run from the water to the transition area. Part of it was through sand. I ran most of it but did slow down for the deeper sand part. They had mats over the rough spots and wading pools to rinse your feet.

Nothing

I hadn't been on my bike for over 1 1/2 year outdoors until I arrived 2 weeks before this race. It was hard to judge where my pace would be. My goal was 15 mph/around 40 minutes which was a bit faster than my paces during rides before the race. I was very pleased with my ride.


Nothing

Forgot a small hand towel

My first mile was 9:32 which I was really surprised to see. I expected to run around an 11m/m. I had a chest cold for the week before the race and still had some breathing problems. The sand was difficult and I walked a lot the second half.

Run harder.

My swimming is weak and I am still working on form. Between that and not having the ability to swim outdoors to prepare. Same with the biking. Plus being sick the week before hurt.


I really enjoyed this race. I have no complaints about organization. The area was gorgeous and the course was flat and fast. The run was a bit of a challenge for me. If I am ever in the area again for the race I would definitely do it again.