A week ago Sunday, August 26th (yes, it has been a week...I started a new job the day I got back, give me a break!) I competed in the Lifetime Tri in Chicago, IL. Taking a trip to Chicago was SUCH a treat; not only did I get to race but I got to visit with much of my extended family!! First of all, I say "much" and really only mean like 25% because I have a gigantic extended family! My dad comes from a family of six and my mom from a family of twelve; safe to say there is little time to spare when going back to the Midwest!
I want to start my race report out by thanking my wonderful cheer section!
Overall this was a great race for me...each race this summer has been an improvement in one way or another. I was aggressive at the beginning of each leg which is the opposite of what I usually do! I feel almost like I'm getting the hang of this racing thing!
The swim was warm, possibly a little too warm for a wetsuit but you never know what you're going to get in Lake Michigan. I think we were particularly lucky, however, because the swim goes right alongside the pier and if it were much windier of a day the waves would have been very tough to swim through with them crashing off of the walls of the pier!
The bike was very much like a draft legal style course it had a total of three 180 degree turns and you rode two laps of the same course. This had its advantages and disadvantages. The good thing about it is that you can see where you are in relation to the rest of your competitors, the unfortunate thing was the 180 degree turns! This stuck out as something I still absolutely need to work for future races! Also, the course was a little bit confusing when the last lap came around and it was time to head back to transition. I feel like I learned an important lesson from this because I was unsure of where to go but I stayed calm and it didn't end up affecting my overall performance.
Last but not least, the run! When it came time for the run I felt great the first couple of miles, but having pushed the bike a little harder than usual it was a struggle to the finish! I think running in humidity is by far the hardest condition to run in and props to every athlete that trains in crazy humidity, I don't know how you do it! The most important thing I took from this portion of the race was to take each mile at a time and not get ahead of yourself. I knew during the run I was going to be very close to my goal and instead of thinking of the finish line I thought of each mile marker and what I was going to do to get there...this has proven to be a great strategy for me when I find myself in struggle city :)
With the final results in, it was official, I was the second woman overall and qualified for my Elite License. So begins a new chapter in my racing career!
For those of you that haven't seen Charlie and the Chocolate Factory...this is what I'm referencing, but seriously watch the whole movie, it's cute :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29_uSlEEPSk
And for my Music Recommendations of the Month:
10 'til Midnight by Elephant in the Room
I'm in love with this song right now...it really speaks to anyone who is working for their dreams! AND at this link you can download the song for free**!!
**don't worry it's artist approved, you're not stealing so download away!!
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
This has nothing to do with good work out tunes or really anything inspirational...it just happens to be Lucas and my 6 year anniversary on Friday, September 7th and this was our first ever "song"
Until next time!!
