Accenture Chicago Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

Lined up in middle- once in water, tried to stay to left and middle; had about 4 guys in front of me so I had to wait a few seconds after the gun until I could go horizontal. Thought first buoy was turnaround bouy, so I surprised competitor next to me when I turned on top of them! Was in wave with 55+ men; very croweded throughout the course. Several times had to change/switch up rthyme

Upon exit, had plenty of energy. Perhaps pull a bit more; form was ok; still need to work on "patient arm" while breathing

Long slow pee delayed exit:):) Rack was near bike in/out so that was easy. Had to run another 100-200 meters after timing mat to get to rack.

Nada

Pretty good maintaining cadence; shifted more than I would have liked; got stuck in little chain...spun out a few rounds

Left groin muscle was majorly pulling for first 5 miles; considered dropping off so that I would not injure myself for HIM in October. Then quads were tight/fatigued. (Which all caused lots of shifting). Groin caused by awkward kick in cold water during swim? (No issues up to now)

In aero bars most of ride; coasted down hills during last 1/3 of race to save legs for run

Ride more 25+ rides prior to race

No pee!!!! Had problems with hat clip. Took water bottle.....finished half by 1/2 mile run (consumed aerobottle w/electrolytes and 1/2 water bottle on bike ride).

Have hat thing set....or different hat.

Drank at every water station; poured one cup on chest, one on head, one in mouth. Did gatorade and water at miles 1, 2, 4.
Bathroom stop at mile 5; and post race....that's a first!

Legs were fatigues throughout; really did not kick in until mile 2. Very hot, dry run- felt arms burning. Annoying guy chanting "stretch the fingers, chest out, stomach in. Stretch the fingers, chest out, stomach in, stretch toes (repeat)." at mile 4-5. At 5 I walked way too long to make sure I would not catch him again! At mile 4. knew I had to finish in les than 20 miles to beat last years time. At mile 5, knew that wasn't going to happen. So I relaxed and tried to enjoy the last mile. Did not feel that I could run further without walking more.


This was my only disappointing part of race. Two reasons (1) I rocked it last year (2) I knew I was so close to beating last years time since I had beat swim, bike, and trans times!

More bike-run bricks; reconsider black hat?

No Gu at mile 1- make sure I carry my own---also need caffiene gels- did a carb boom gel on bike--no effect

10 minute massage courtsey of CTC; rode bike home


Doubt I ate enough on Saturday; did not due enough bike-run bricks; leg muscles (specifically hamstring) probably not strong enough. BUT VERY HAPPY THAT I MAINTAINED POSITIVE ATTITUDE THROUGHOUT


Fun race- still concerned that swim was not cancelled given all beaches had swim ban and sewage was released on Thur/Fri in Wilmette into Lake Michigan (15 miles north); Saturday's swim was cancelled; Monday's swim sign was caution