Wauconda Sprint Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I had a great swim. I felt great and had a really good time going for myself. I only ran into two problems, both resulting from the same person. I picked a wake to follow and trusted that persons spotting to guide me. When I looked up we were headed slightly off course and I had to do a quick correction. I pulled back on course easily and pulled alongside the person I had followed. When he realized he was off course he corrected and wound up swimming right into me. For about 200 yards he was right on top of me and wouldn't straighten his line out. Really annoying but it did get me angry and motivated.

I wouldn't trust somebody else with my spotting.

The first transition took a little longer than I would have liked. I decided to put a shirt on which got caught on my wet back and it took a few seconds to free. I also decided to use bike gloves which added a few seconds but made a difference during the bike itself.

Next time I will try and either get a shirt that I can swim in or not where one at all. This should save some time.

The bike was very tough but also very doable. It is my weakest event and I was really happy with my time. I had been training in Chicago which is much flatter than the hills in Wauconda. I drank about a full bottle of water on the bike and took a gel right at the end which helped get me over the hump. The beginning of the bike was a lot of uphill which was hard but good in the end because the final stretch was downhill through town and you were able to really pick up the pace.

Train harder.

Transition went well. I was a little hurried and choked on some gatorade which took a second to gather myself.

The run went well. In the only other triathlon I've done I cramped really bad for the first 1/3 of the run. This time I started off at a slower pace and let my legs loosen up. After the first mile I turned up the intensity and pace. After the 2nd mile I did it again and by the end I was running fast with enough energy to sprint into the finish. I had chosen to wear my own watch to time myself and it helped my motivation at the end to see that I was well below my goal.

Nothing, I thought it went well.

The people putting on the event had plenty of water and gatorade there to get rehydrated. I walked around and stretched, trying to keep my legs as loose as possible.


Next time I would do more on the bike and do a few more brick workouts.


This race was very well done, especially since it was their 2nd annual. The only thing it was lacking was a party afterwards and I'm sure next year it will be even better. Everyone there was very friendly and willing to help. Also, everyone who was participating from the Wauconda area that I talked to before the race had friendly advice and encouragement. There were a lot of 1st and 2nd timers and I'd describe the atmosphere as high in competitive camaraderie. Great race!