Life Time Tri Chicago - Sprint Course - TriathlonSprint


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Chicago, Illinois
United States
Life Time Chicago Triathlon
80F / 27C
Sunny
Total Time = 1h 24m 53s
Overall Rank = 134/2272
Age Group = M35-39
Age Group Rank = 102/181
Pre-race routine:

Stayed at the Hilton downtown (even though I live 10 miles away) due to the convenience and ease of getting to transition in the morning, am happy with that choice. Woke up at 3:30am, pumped up the tires on the bikes and headed to transition. Got to transition around 4:20am. Initially setup in the wrong rack as the wave assignments were goofy this year, but promptly moved to my correct location and got a good spot at the end of the rack. Got setup without much problem and helped the fiance get her spot finalized as well, then slowly headed to swim start.
Event warmup:

Two waffle stingers about an hour before race start and some light stretching while in line. Took in a cup of water before the start and was ready to go.
Swim
  • 16m 31s
  • 820 yards
  • 02m 01s / 100 yards
Comments:

I learned my lesson from last years race and got a starting spot in the front row. My swim has improved throughout the year and I felt comfortable starting in the front. As expected, there was some fighting for position at the start, nothing that concerned me.

The swim itself went pretty well, navigated straight, passed well and without interference and maintained a calm, smooth stroke for the entire swim. Best race swim that I have had to date.
What would you do differently?:

Not much... I feel like I left some more time out in the water, but I just wanted to stick to my plan and not get myself into trouble early in the race.
Transition 1
  • 02m 25s
Comments:

Wetsuit got stuck in the heels, fumbled putting on the Garmin and had trouble getting the bike off the rack since my seatpost is so much higher than the rack. Stayed calm and collected.

I still have not tried to learn how to jump onto the bike with the shoes already clipped... put that on the to do list for next year.
What would you do differently?:

Just work on being smoother in T1. Get a waterproof watch and learn to jump on the bike.
Bike
  • 36m 26s
  • 13.67 miles
  • 22.51 mile/hr
Comments:

I like this bike ride alot and is part of the reason why I really enjoy the Chicago Triathlon. By the time my age group got to the bike, there were already alot of people on the course, so getting through traffic without issue was going to be key. I started the bike at a higher cadence to get the legs under me, then built up to a comfortable effort.

My only gripe about the bike segment is common... people all over the course riding three abreast, on the right side, swerving... Just have to pay attention and look ahead on this course. I did do a good job yelling my intention to pass so that helped.

One close call on the course though. I got swerved into my left side when I was passing on the right, and got push over to the edge of the course and almost side swiped by a passing car that was no further that a foot from me... scared the hell out of me! Had some choice words for the other biker as a result.
What would you do differently?:

Could have pushed it harder on the bike. This was the easiest ride that I had all year long.
Transition 2
  • 02m 33s
Comments:

Nothing too eventful here, flying dismount, rack, shoes, visor, bib and water. Collected myself on way to T2 out and began the run.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing... not sure why the transition time was so long.
Run
  • 26m 56s
  • 3.11 miles
  • 08m 40s  min/mile
Comments:

My run is improving, but still slower than I ultimately would like. I walked through two of the water stations, but ran the rest of the course, increasing my pace throughout the run.

One of these days I hope to do a 22 minute 5k, in the meantime will keep on digging.
What would you do differently?:

Run more and more and more.
Post race
Warm down:

Met up with the fiance and found my parents that came to town for the race, followed by light stretching and some gatorade.

Destroyed breakfast a little later.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Was too conservative in my race plan for how my body felt. Did I do the right thing by sticking to the plan? I don't know, but I will try again in a few weeks.

Event comments:

I love this race... and can't wait for 2013.




Last updated: 2012-08-28 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:16:31 | 820 yards | 02m 01s / 100yards
Age Group: 14/181
Overall: 188/2272
Performance: Good
Suit: Sleeveless Orca S3
Course: Straight swim in Monroe Harbor followed by a 435 yard run to the Swim In timing mat.
Start type: Deep Water Plus: Waves
Water temp: 75F / 24C Current: Low
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Below average
Waves: Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 02:25
Performance: Below average
Cap removal: Average Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? Yes Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed:
Biking
00:36:26 | 13.67 miles | 22.51 mile/hr
Age Group: 4/181
Overall: 42/2272
Performance: Good
Wind: Some
Course: Out and back along Lake Shore Drive
Road:  Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Average
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 02:33
Overall: Average
Riding w/ feet on shoes Good
Jumping off bike Average
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Average
Shoe and helmet removal Average
Running
00:26:56 | 03.11 miles | 08m 40s  min/mile
Age Group: 73/181
Overall: 644/2272
Performance: Average
Course:
Keeping cool Average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 3
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5