Moraga Treeline Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

Wasn't feeling "it" this morning, or at yesterday's last minute maintenance swim. Started out too fast trying to stay "within my seed", and ended up having to take a breather at the 400m mark.

Take it easier in the first 200m, pace myself.

It was a bit chillier in the morning, at around 7:10am when I entered T1. Couldn't quite decide what to wear--as my sister-in-law had said it was "chilly" in the mornings a few days earlier. But, the weather was substantially warmer yesterday and this morning. Indecision cost me about 20 seconds. Decided to go with just arm warmer and gloves.

Don't dicker about deciding what to wear. Decide beforehand, and just stick with it.

Hammered the bike...with abandon. Had such a crappy swim, that I decided to just have "fun" on the ride and went for it. Figured I'd just hang on for the run (and barely did).

Lots of traffic monitors with flags at all the intersections, but I was almost taken out by a black Toyota RAV all the same. Idiot driver, who MUST'VE seen all the riders in the bike lane decided to turn right into a stripmall and almost took me out in the process. All I had time for was an "Oh sh*t!". A traffic monitor at the next intersection witnessed the whole thing, and stood there with jaw dropped at how close I was to being roadkill.

Was out of the saddle on all the climbs, and hammered the downhills. I knew I was sacrificing the run, but it was too late to change anything about that.

Probably should've paced myself better, but was just having too much fun passing people on the bike. Wasn't passed myself. But, then again, I was at suicide pace. Also, should've hydrated more. I wasn't thirsty "on the bike", but I know better and I should've drank before getting any hint of thirst.

Came in too T2, Bike In, way too fast. First race of the season...just too excitable I guess. Coming up to the Dismount Line, I braked hard, got my feet down, but the momentum of my bike almost caused me to endo. Yikes! Ran to my T/A, off with helmet, gloves, arm warmer, cleats...on with shoes and visor. Go!

Taken in more water, as I was severely dehydrated after the bike--where I sipped perhaps only 3 or 4 times.

Well...paid I did for hammering on the bike. Felt like my feet were made of lead. But, plugged along. "Form under duress" was my mantra. Didn't stop. Didn't walk. Running HURT--but this is triathlon...and its supposed to hurt. The last segment of the run was an assisted-downhill portion where I was able to open up a bit. I was passed by only 2 runners, which was good I suppose.

Show some restraint on the bike, and pace myself to save something for the run.

Hung out at the finish line with the family, waiting for my sister-in-law to finish her race. Grabbed my camera with telephoto lens and took some pics.


Poor race strategy, lack of hydration discipline.


If you're looking for a great first-timer's Sprint, or just an early season tune-up, this is a great little race.

But don't expect any timing chip or mats, everything was old-fashioned manual/analog. Record your own splits, because you'll only get an Overall Time.

Great atmosphere and very supportive crowd.