Chicago Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

Sighting was better this year but still veering right. Free for all in the beginning.

Need to swim faster. I relaxed on the swim this year but next year I'll really swim for speed. Speed drills should help. Also must concentrate on proper form. I got sloppy.

The late comer next to me had his bike knocked over right into mine. I had to extricate my handlebars which took extra time. Also, the swim exit is 1/4 mile from T1. And my spot was probably another 250 yds in since i wanted to be closer to bike out (I think being closer to bike out is the way to go for me).

Pick a better spot away from trees (it caused a bottleneck), more urgency, practice taking wetsuit off (especially ankles).

Felt good. Not much wind. Great pace (for me) of over 18 mph. Others also had an esay time since I got passsed by A LOT of people. Drank full bottle of water and half bottle of cytomax. Had some gel but it was hard to squeeze out of the flask. Maybe find a more liquidy one for next year. It seemed like enough but I was dying of thirst later on the run. Wish i had more hyddration/calories during the bike leg.

Drink more (esp if forecast says it's gonna hit 90), push harder, test other gels out (i used Gu).

Run faster with bike but there were lots of obstacles, more urgency.

Reports say it was 90 but it felt like 100. Glad I had a hat. Took me about 2.5 miles to get my legs back after the bike. Then I found a good rhythm for a solid mile. I told myself "I can keep this pace as long as i want". Then the heat started to get to me. First I slowed down and walked through the aid stations. There were TONS of people walking but I didn't want to succumb to the overwhelming desire to join them But it was just too much. I had to walk for a bit, maybe a 1/4 mile near mile 6. Then I finished with a slow jog. I kept telling myself to just keep going. The sooner I cross the finish line, the sooner I can collapses in the shade and drink all the gatorade I want.

Train harder for the run. Take note of the weather report and prepare accordingly (eg pre-hydration, maybe bring a hydration belt). I don't know what else. There was no way around having a brutal run.

No warm down. Downed untold amounts of water and gatorade, lied down on the grass and tried to regain my bearings. I was dizzy and felt like a furnace. Maybe should have gone to the med tent but it all worked out.


I needed to train more. With work and a new baby, this year's training regimen suffered a bit. Also need to work on speed. The ungodly heat slowed me down. I'll pre-hydrate better next time.


Just like last year, I'm amazed that the swim starts actually start at precisely the times they are scheduled for. My started at 8:08 exactly (wave 29). The volunteers were awesome!!! They knew we were suffering and helped any way they could. I loved the ice water towels at the end.