MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2010

This not a full race report, just the facts on my Chicago Triathlon Triple raced Saturday and Sunday.

Bullet points on my race:

The two longer swims were just slightly slower than last year. The water was nice. I think I wandered off line a bit more this year than last.

Supersprint bike was interrupted by change of blown back tire (brake came loose and dug into it). Saturday afternoon was a bit of a panic finding more 750c tubulars, getting a new one stretched and glued, regluing my spare and adjusting the brake.

Sprint and International bikes were both faster, both over 20 mph. By the International race my quads and shoulder blades were getting sore from hitting it hard in the aerobars.

Supersprint and Sprint runs were great - 7:59 and 8:21 pace respectively: no sore achilles this year. It was really cool to be able to push it so hard.

International run was slower because of 90+ degree heat; many competitors walked significant parts of the run. I was battling cramps but only walked one water stop.

Transitions were faster, in part because wore no socks and used elastic laces in my racing flats.

Racing with the "Triples" is a lot of fun - we were self depricating, supportive and funny. A band of brothers and sisters.

Todd Busteed is a terrific race announcer - but Todd, I have not done "38 Ironman Canada races."

Kevin Kelly is a good man to hang with after a race, especially when one is feeling a bit woozy from the heat.

I qualified for the Toyota Cup national championship race in Dallas being in the top 10 of my International Age Group, but as that's Chicago Marathon day I'll take a pass.

Data:

Chicago Triathlon Triple, Saturday 8/28/09 at Foster Avenue Beach, Sunday 8/29/09 at Monroe Street Harbor

Supersprint 1:03.19/6 of 12 in age group (47:29/3 of 12 '09)

375m swim 9:38 (9:46 '09)

T1 + 10k bike 37.50/9.8 mph with flat tire change (21:29/17.3 '09)

T2 + 2.5k run 15:49/11:59 watch time for 2.5, 7:59 pace (16:13 '09)

Sprint 1:34.54/8 of 28 in age group (1:40.33/9 of 13 '09)

750m swim 19:28 (18:51 '09)

T1 5:23 (7:24 '09)

20k bike 40:27/20:03 mph (41:21 '09)

T2 3:41 (3:51 '09)

5k run 25:53/8:21 per mile (29:05 '09)

International 3:08.09/10 of 36 in age group (3:07.46/9 of 31 '09)

1500m swim 39:07 (38:52 '09)

T1 6:05 (8:52 '09)

40k bike 1:12.29/20:09 mph (1:14.44 '09)

T2 3:46 (4:00 '09)

10k run 1:06.42/10:45 per mile HOT! (1:01.16 '09)

Total Triple 5:46.16 (5:35.08 '09)