Chicago Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

I had a rough time getting to the pool the last few weeks, but it was a tough day with the chop and wind for most of the course north. I felt strong and passed many, even my wife said I looked good but my time was bit slower than last year, I am happy based on conditions and water temp. It did not feel as cold as 63 deg, but it was chilly for sure.

Nothing

I goobered this transition, I missed my rack, not by much but it cost me about 30 sec. Suit was a bit stuck, got out ok and off I went. Also, my helmet got stuck on the bars of the guy next to me, when I went to grab my bike and helmet it was stuck too. When he racked he caught the helmet with his brakes, grrrr. Cost me a few more seconds.

If it were not for the rack miss I am ok with it

Bike went according to plan. I hoped for a bit faster but with the wind I was driving harder than I planned. Traffic in the bike lanes was just stupid this year, everyone was cutting each other off all over, ask Andy Potts what he thinks. I fully support the fact so many come out to participate, but its a race and you're not the only one out there and some had zero reason to be in the lanes they were in - it was dangerous at times, much worse than last few years. Also, thanks to the lady in the Lexus SUV who was texting while driving next to the bike lanes and came over the cones, hitting a few and almost hit me. I shared my thoughts on her driving very loudly.

Get a squeeky horn for my bike.

OK transition, tough time getting belt on for some reason, silly really. I had to stop to reattach my belt. I ususally put my belt on while running, I had it all twisted.

Nothing.

First 3 miles felt good, 6:46/6:52/6:55 then turning into the wind took me a bit back 7:08/7:07/7:15, found a guy running about my pace who passed me slowly so I drafted him to the finish. At the end, he thanks me for pace-pushing him! I thanked him for the draft. Win-win deal.

Nothing. Just didn't have the juice to kick the last few miles home. Still happy with the finish considering the wind.

Food, drinks, and hanging out with family. I have a great family who cheered me throughout, thanks guys. Also thanks to the thousands who cheered us on, I love the cowbells.


Can't complain, I did great and had a blast. I did a bit better last year but each race is a new adventure, considering I had my knee scoped last winter I can not be happier.


Still one of my favorite races. Expo is excellent, won a transition bag at the Toyota booth, lucky me! If you don't get a chance next time stop and speak with the pros at the Toyota booth. I got a chance to talk with Andy Potts, ironic now after his accident but he's a top-class family guy and a competitor, had some funny things to talk about - best wishes getting healthy again Andy. Also great to hang out in Chicago, got to meet UFC fighter Chuck Liddel (long story), then met another pro at dinner that night. It was a great weekend to be a triathlete in Chiago.