Chicago Triathlon - Sprint Distance - TriathlonSprint

Race #2 of the Triple Challenge. Was in first swim wave of the day in order to finish in time to start the Olympic. Sun was just coming up as we dove into the harbor. Strong wind from northeast made a very choppy swim, with waves moving north to south. Like many others, swallowed water the first few minutes trying to get the timing of the waves down with breathing pattern. Slow swim times for everyone moving into the chop.

Swim time includes a 450 yard run to transition.

Suit is still a pain to get off, even with Suit Juice sprayed liberally!

Lakeshore Drive has a reputation as a mediocre course due to road condition. While some portions had been freshly paved (smooth like butta!) the rest was simply terrible. It's a rough course.

With the early swim start the course was wide open. No issues with overcrowding and dodging other bikers as there simply wasn't many people on course yet.

Strong winds from northeast made slow going for the north bound out portion. But the south bound back portion was nice and fast with the tailwind. I had a hoot overall despite the rough conditions.

At bike dismount I attempted a flying dismount without ever practicing it. As I pivoted my right leg around the seat the left shoe I was still standing on pivoted itself right off the Speedplay cleat sending me in a near sprawl. I didn't completely fall, and managed to save the bike from crashing but did manage to break the middle toe of my right foot. At the time I didn't realize it was broken, just thought it was scraped.

Practice the flying dismount before attempting in a race setting. Dumb!

Good solid run, legs felt great and the broken toe didn't bother me at all. Still thought it was only scraped up though.

Walked the mile or so back to transition to gather gear for the following Olympic race. It was at this time it became apparent I had done something more severe to my toe than simply scraping it. At transition I took my shoe off and the toe was black and blue top and bottom. Ah, crud.


Despite the crummy bike course condition, the sprint race is a lot of fun at Chicago. It's not that crowded yet as the Olympic waves haven't gone off and the heat of the day is later.