Well, the swim was interesting. I have never panicked in the water before, but I almost did today because I couldn't catch my breath for the first few minutes. It was very crowded in parts and very open in other spots. This race has a run from the swim exit to transition that is at least 1/4 mile long. Laura said it took her 3 minutes to get to the transition timing pad, so even if I took 3 minutes off this time, it's still 2 minutes slower than my St. Anthony's time. So I didn't meet my goal here, that's for sure.

Well, I am not sure what is causing my swim to get slower and slower. I just need to get a coach and/or join a masters team.

Since there were 7500 athletes here today, you can imagine the transition area was very large. So everything just takes longer.

Well, I thought my average was higher than this, but I'll take it! I am so happy that I met my goal of 20mph. I had a lot of doubt about whether it was possible given my poor racing lately and not knowing the course. Someone had told me not to expect a great bike split because the course is so crowded.But I had a great bike and it was so much fun! When I hopped off my bike I checked my computer and it said my average was 21. I guess it's wrong. I had a huge grin on my face for most of the bike. Loved it.I beat my St. Anthony's time by 6 mintues! Woohoo!!

Push it a bit harder on the first lap.

The run was good. My goal was to do it at under 9:00 pace. The first 2 miles were great, then I started feeling bad in the legs. I tired to remind myself that the pain comes and goes, and sure enough, I got a second wind around 4 miles in. I had a gel on the bike and one at mile 1 on the run, since I had only had a granola bar for breakfast.
I ran with a girl for most of the second half that paced me really well. That's one thing I love about big races. In small ones, I often find myself in a no-man's land with no-one around me.
I beat my St. Anthony's time by only 30 seconds, but that was enough to reach my goal today.

I saw Laura right away and we walked to the swim start so I could get my gear from gear check, then we walked a good mile or so back to transition. My feet were covered in blisters.


My swim.


I think this is the best race I have been to. I would definetly do it again. I loved St. Anthony's but I have to say I think I like this race more, even with the crazy long run to transition. The course is so great, the weather was good, I met so many interesting people. I even had a grin on my face during the run because I was just so happy to be here in Chicago having a great race and loving every minute of it!!The pictures are of me and Laura (Whizzer) before the race and after.