Chicago Triathlon - Sprint Distance - TriathlonSprint

With the cold air & water temps, I was nervous about doing the swim without a wetsuit but it ended up not being much of an issue. This being my fourth Chicago Triathlon, I finally had a decent swim. My time wasn't that much better than my previous ones but I was much more comfortable & relaxed and I wasn't exhausted when I was done.

I probably could have pushed it a bit more and, obviously, a wetsuit would help.

After the long run from the swim exit to my bike, I was pretty cold. I decided to wear a long sleeve shirt over my short sleeve shirt and that took some extra time to get on since my arms were still wet. Overall, it went as planned.

Nothing

With strong winds in the forecast, I was dreading the bike. My training rides hadn't been great this year and I was doubting I'd be able to match last year's average (18.1) even if there was no wind.

Heading north, into the wind, on the outbound leg of the course, I hammered it knowing that my legs would get a bit of break with the tailwind on the return. When I got to the turnaround and I was pumped that I had averaged close to 17mph and any thoughts of taking it easy on the way back vanished. My poor old mountain bike was shuddering as speeds frequently topped 24mph and I watched in awe as the elites went flying by me like I was standing still.

Pulling into T2, my goal to finish under 1:33 was now back on the radar.

Nothing

Found my spot easily, dropped my helmet & sunglasses and took off the long sleeve shirt.

nothing

Transition to run was pretty good but my legs felt a bit tired. I was concerned I might have smoked them on the bike. Did the first mile in 7:43, which was right on target but, unfortunately, there was no mile marker for mile 2 (or 3) so I couldn't tell if & how much my pace differed from my plan. 2nd mile felt pretty comfortable and upped the pace with about a 1/2 mile to go. I was shooting for under 23:30 so I'm a little disappointed with my 24:00 run.

Pushed harder after 1st mile.

Hung out at the finish line with my wife & daughter while waiting for some friends to finish. Gorged at the breakfast buffet.


A crappy old mountain bike that's on it's last legs and not using a wetsuit.


I have only done 4 triathlons over the last 6 years and they have all been Chicago sprints (2 age group & 2 mtb divisions) and they've always been a blast. It's especially nice to start & end early and be able to spectate & enjoy the festivities. Although I plan to finally upgrade to a road/tri bike and do some long course races next season, I'll definitely come back and do the sprint at Chicago once again.