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.

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.

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.

Just work on being smoother in T1. Get a waterproof watch and learn to jump on the bike.

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.

Could have pushed it harder on the bike. This was the easiest ride that I had all year long.

Nothing too eventful here, flying dismount, rack, shoes, visor, bib and water. Collected myself on way to T2 out and began the run.

Nothing... not sure why the transition time was so long.

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.

Run more and more and more.

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.


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.


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