Chicago Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

Swim wave off shortly before 9:00 am. Wind was stronger by now in my opinion, making chop in harbor stronger. Watched more than a few people from earlier waves get pulled out of the water due to how much effort was needed to swim northerly into the wind and chop.

Dove into water, first headed south. Swam really fast due to wave action pushing us all, but that changed immediately upon rounding the buoy to head back north. Long slog back to swim exit.

By this time, a lot more people were on course. Much more bumper car action in the water at this time than earlier.

Swim time includes 450 yard run to transition.

Still struggling to get that frickin suit off!

Unlike the sprint distance, the bike course was now completely crowded. Chicago is unique in flipping the ride right pass left instructions in order to provide separation from the open car lanes. So, ride left pass right. Chicago always has many first-timers which is great, but far too many don't listen to the ride left instructions unless passing. With this many participants on course, all across the course, passing becomes a dicey affair.

Winds seemed stronger by this time of the day, so the slow slog north was not much fun particularly since it was a two lap effort this time.

Broken toe was throbbing the entire ride but not painful.

Full stop bike dismount this time around!

With this being the second race of the day, third race in the last two days, final race of the season, and after hammering the earlier Sprint I honestly just wanted to cruise in. Broken toe surprisingly didn't hurt at all while running, only when walking did it let me know it was there.

Felt good on the run till mile 4. At mile 4 for the first time ever I started getting lower intestinal issues. Ack, everything wanted to let loose while running, but was seemed okay while walking. Suffice to say there were no porto-potties around, so I dejectedly walked it in so I wouldn't be "that guy who crapped himself." Ah, good times in the day of a triathlete.

Can't explain the GI issues, appears to be a one-off.

Limped back to transition...after hitting the porto-potty. And enjoyed the food buffet put on for the participants. The hamburger and soda hit the spot.


Me.


The Triple Challenge was a hoot! Overall, the Chicago Triathlon is well run considering the sheer number of participants. But it is crowded on course later in the day. If you do the Sprint you don't have to wait long for your wave but you will have to wait till much later to get your gear out of transition. If you do the Olympic, you'll be waiting awhile for your wave start. Pick your poison.