Had a lot of trouble at first getting a rhythm and breathing. Couldn't catch breath and seemed to be inhaling water on every breath. I actually had to breaststroke for a 20 or so meters to settle down (for the first time this year). That seemed to help. Finally settled in about 300m into race. 2nd half went very well, was able to pass a lot of people in my wave and a couple waves in front of me.

So strange to be such a struggle in first part and feel kick-a$$ on 2nd half.

No idea. It may have been the cold water and perhaps going to fast at first causing initial issue. Unfortunately there was nowhere to warm-up in the water before-hand. I think this would have helped a lot.

Really good transition. No problems with wetsuit. Clipped in very quickly with both pedals on 1st try. The T-area was huge and VERY muddy.

Actually 96th of 521 in AG! A huge improvement for me.

Maybe focus just a little more and knock some seconds off.

Goal was to ride a little harder than first Oly in June and average 21 mph. Mission accomplished. I was a little worried as I was feeling some fatigue in my glutes, but HR settled down nicely after first 4 miles and kept in check throughout.

Course was full of pot-holes and bumps. Saw a lot of water bottles, etc.. across the course. I knew this going in and just focused to stay out of trouble.

There was tons of bike traffic (8000+ Sprint and Oly racers sharing course). Again, had to be on full alert the whole time.

Nothing.

A little disapointed with time. Overall it went well. 234th out out 521.

Just keep working on more focus.

I executed my HR plan well for first half of race aiming for 155-160. I was a little hesitant on 2nd half to drop the hammer.

I forgot my Endurolytes so had to use course Gatorade which funked with my stomach a bit, but kept washing it down with water. Felt just OK on the run physically. I was getting some slight cramping during the last mile, but was operating right at about LT at that point.

I can't really complain since I met my bike goal and still managed to PR the 10k run (open 10 PR WAS 48:24).

mile split AHR split pace cuml time cuml pace
1 7:32 155 7:32 7:32 7:32
2 8:10 158 8:10 15:42 7:51
3 7:52 158 7:52 23:34 7:51
4 8:01 160 8:01 31:35 7:54
5 7:49 161 7:49 39:24 7:53
6.2 8:38 164 7:12 48:02 7:45


Remember Endurolytes and keep with nutrition plan. Also mile 4 I was waffling between keeping HR under 160, or begin to push. I seemed to have lost a little focus here. I probably could have hit it a little harder, a little sooner, until waiting until last 1.5 miles. I think a this comes from race experience and knowing what I can handle. I need to develop "race confidence" to put the hammer down.

Ate banana, gatorade, water, two hamburgers, more gatorade. Walked a ton (probably 4-5 miles) enjoying the city. Took son to LEGO store and daughter to American Girl. Their reward for hanging with Mom and Grandpa all day to see their Dad for a few seconds of racing.


Had a bit of a flu during the week and didn't get a chance to work some kinks out. Also a pretty stressful work-week didn't help.


Kick-A$$ race! It's tough logistics (huge venue, 8000+ racers, 50 or so waves, lots of waiting). The bike course is littered with potholes. But it is all SO WORTH IT.

Highlights:
1. Watching the pre-race sun rise on Lake Michigan.
2. Riding South on Lake Shore Drive looking toward the Chicago skyline.
3. Running through the museum campus and along Lake Michigan.
4. The energy of such a large race with massive spectator support.
5. Thinking about how much goes into pulling an event like this off.