Encinitas Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Swim had me a bit nervous as I watched the previous 9 groups before me get carried by the current to find themselves out of position. First ocean swim for me and it was harder to see than I thought it would be. Every time I looked up to find the bouy, there was a swell, so I didn't know if I was going in the right direction. I just kept following those in front of me and hoped for the best.

Work on breathing and keeping my head down. I was so worried that I would drift off course that I didn't keep my head in the water very much. Get clear goggles instead of tinted.

T1 time was a bit long as it included a big run up a hill to the transition area. I was a bit tired after the swim, so the run up the hill was tough.

Forgot to mount my bike computer before the race so would want to do that next time.

Terrible bike time. I found out quickly that the bike is where I need to work. Passed only about 9 people (4 of them had flats!) Guys and girls were passing me so fast it felt like I was joy riding. Should have mounted that motor on my bike the night before.

Train hard and then some. Bike leg really needs work. Maybe get some aerobars and get used to them to cut down on the headwind.

Not a bad T2 time for my first tri. I wasted a few seconds trying to put the race belt on. I also don't need to leave my bike gear so organized when I leave for the run. Just throw it down and GO!

Run was pretty good. Though I was going to cramp for the first 1/2 mile. Got through that and ran an easy pace for the first lap. I actually forgot that it was a 2 lap run and I almost turned it on halfway through lap 1. Glad I didn't. Picked up the pace on the last 1/2 mile and ran side by side with a guy breathing pretty heavily. I think he was playing with my head because as we got about 1000 yards from the finish line he turned it on a full sprint and left me shaking my head as I crossed.

I probably could have picked up the pace earlier during the run. Maybe next time I will try to pick it up at the beginning of lap 2 instead of waiting until the last 1/2 mile.

Crossed the finish and went straight for a banana, some oranges, and gatorade. Stretched a bit and then went looking for my wife.


I think the uncertainty of all that is involved in a triathlon hindered me a bit. As it was my first, I didn't really know what to expect and probably could have gone harder on the bike and run.


This is a great race and one I will look to do in the years to come. The volunteers were great, the transition area very organized and well laid out and there were some great fans cheering along the way. There was even a group along the side of the road doing the wave which brought a chuckle as I rode. The roads had no traffic which was one less thing to worry about. Competitors were friendly before and after the race.