Chicago Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic


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Chicago, Illinois
United States
Capri Events
63F / 17C
Sunny
Total Time = 2h 24m 39s
Overall Rank = 130/4243
Age Group = M35-39
Age Group Rank = 19/488
Pre-race routine:

Got to transition at 4:45 - setup in 15 minutes, got some Starbucks oatmeal from a grouchy lady and boogied back to the hotel I shared with my wife's cousin (thanks Kev). Slept for about and hour and got back for a 9:00 horn.
Event warmup:

Took it easy, I knew the water would be cold so I dunked myself many times in the chute with bottled water before getting in, helped get my goggles ready and the air temp was cool enough to acclimate quickly.
Swim
  • 28m 32s
  • 1640 yards
  • 01m 44s / 100 yards
Comments:

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.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing
Transition 1
  • 02m 47s
Comments:

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.
What would you do differently?:

If it were not for the rack miss I am ok with it
Bike
  • 1h 08m 3s
  • 25.3 miles
  • 22.31 mile/hr
Comments:

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.
What would you do differently?:

Get a squeeky horn for my bike.
Transition 2
  • 01m 55s
Comments:

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.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing.
Run
  • 43m 20s
  • 6.21 miles
  • 06m 59s  min/mile
Comments:

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.
What would you do differently?:

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

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.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

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.

Event comments:

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.




Last updated: 2008-11-30 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:28:32 | 1640 yards | 01m 44s / 100yards
Age Group: 0/488
Overall: 495/4243
Performance: Good
Suit: Orca Sleeveless
Course: Start floating heading south, round buoy 1/4 mi down, then the rest north along seawall in Monroe Harbor to scaffolding where the volunteers drag you out - thanks guys for standing in cold water to give us a lift.
Start type: Deep Water Plus: Waves
Water temp: 63F / 17C Current: High
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Average Drafting: Good
Waves: Navigation: Average
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 02:47
Performance: Below average
Cap removal: Average Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Yes Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed: Average
Biking
01:08:03 | 25.3 miles | 22.31 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/488
Overall: 189/4243
Performance: Good
Wind: Strong
Course: Up Randolph St. exit onto Lakeshore Dr. North for a ways and then a complete loop again. Once back on the bridge, down exit ramp to transition.
Road: Rough Dry Cadence:
Turns: Average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 01:55
Overall: Average
Riding w/ feet on shoes Good
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Average
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:43:20 | 06.21 miles | 06m 59s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/488
Overall: 173/4243
Performance: Average
Course: South out to transition on lake path, then to Shedd around the back, then continue south on pathway past convention center to turn around mile 3.5, then back around Shedd under Lakeshore to the finish in the park.
Keeping cool Average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
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