Accenture Chicago Triathlon - Olympic - TriathlonOlympic

first 1/4 was terrible. once I rounded the bouy the last 3/4 I got into a breathing pattern. I could deal with the people (more spread out now). There was a current coming from the north which did speed up the first part and slowed down the last 3/4 of the swim. I took about 2 big gulps of water when trying to breathe; I got caught sucking in a wave. the wall helped navigation. I spotted a lot and then didn't spot for a while. I did zig-zag a bit. I saw Rose and Charlie walking along the wall so I stopped to wave one time. Good distraction. A mile is a long time to swim straight.

More open water practice. Position myself in the very front line. I don't know how else to avoid the crowd.

Stopped short to look for my bike. Kimberly was right behind me and reminded me to go down further. easy transition. no wetsuit to take off. paused briefly to clip into pedals once I got outside of the transition. I jogged in and out of the transition. Other people ran but I was working on slowing my breathing and remembering the details. Jogging worked just fine.

nothing.

good ride. not as scary as I thought it would be. I was able to navigate around water bottles and pot holes just fine. No flats - THANK GOD! I drank about 3/4 of my water and had 2 gu's (at approx. 10 min and 1 hour). I could have pushed harder but I was pushing it much more than normal. I tried to keep the speed well over 15 mph and the cadence above 90. I feel I did well with that. the speed did drop to 12 or 13 at the over passes. My butt got sore. I stretched a number of times. I pedaled 98% of the time. right foot did fall asleep.

Train harder. Get cleats adjusted.

easy, change shoes, put on belt, dump empty gu packs.

almost forgot to leave my helmet.

I *kinda* needed to pee but held off. stomach was bothered by (potentally) too much gatorade. did get a water cramp for a few minutes. I started the run slow and then kept it steady the entire time. only stopped to sip water. I dumped water on my head at almost every stop. my face felt very red and hot unless the wind was blowing. left knee and ball of right foot were bothered (near the end) but was able to deal. I was totally inspired by the people with 1 or no legs. How could I stop when these people are overcoming some incredible odds? Sprinted like mad at the end! Heard my name announced at the finish - very cool touch!

more training. faster 10k pace. push myself harder. continue with pt at home and investigate the ball of foot issue.

walk, banana, water, water, water. Talked to folks. They brought roses :) . Then stretched, water, 1.5 beers (mic ultra - yuck). It became sunny, chilled and listened to a band with Kimberly. Walked to transition and biked home, very slowly.


Need to train better on the run and bike. Need to learn to swim in a crowd.


Very fun! Great cheering section. I mentally stayed positive and held my joking tone. "Dear Lord baby Jesus, please don't let me get a flat!" I am proud of myself for accomplishing this. I am convinced I would like to do another. It was worth the hard work!