Did my first tri this morning, the Chicago Tri, international distance. Its a 0.93 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike and 6.2 mile run. The whole reason I did it was because back in December one of my best friends said he was going to do it, and after a few pops, I told him I could beat him. So we bet a nice bottle of whiskey. My training was really weak since I am on the road at least half the time for work so I couldnt swim at all on the road and could only ride a stationary bike which is much different. Training for running, which should have been my best part, was no existent because Ive been dealing with what I think is plantar faccisitis and havent been able to walk without a limp for 2 months (im going to doctor this week, wanted to wait til after race). Race went pretty well for my first attempt and all things considered.
0.93 mile swim - 27:14 (242 out of 3,039) - Ive never swam a race before in my life so really didnt know what to expect in terms of running into people. When we got into the water I was near the front, so figured I'd go out fast to get away from people. Seemed like a good idea for first 100 yards, then I couldnt breathe. I was going to fast and my breathing got messed up. I actually considered giving up there. But I took about 20 second, composed myself, and got in a good rhythm. Really happy with finish considering I bought my first wetsuit 3 months ago.
Transition 1 - 6:24 (1013 out of 3039) out of the water, 4-500 yard run while taking off wetsuit and then changing into biking stuff. I probably should have practiced this but never got around to it. top guys were out in like 3:20
24.8 mile bike - 1:14:18 (854 out of 3039) - This was the part going in I was most worried about. I was riding a 1983 Fuji bike with no clip ins that I bought on craigslist 5 years ago for like $150. Has a little rust, but its a great commuter bike. I didnt want to invest $2500+ into a bike not knowing if I would continue to do these and I also didnt want to learn to clip in unless I was going to get serious. I certainly got passed by people, but only people on $2500+ bikes and who were clipped in. Even got a few comments as people passed me "nice bike" with a smile and as I passed others "you just passed me on a bike older than me". That one made me feel good. Average speed was 20.03 mph. On that bike ill take that every day of the week
Transition 2 - 1:50 (155 out of 3039) - I already had my running shoes on, but I still wasted time packing up my bag and not knowing where to put everything.
6.2 mile run - 53:14 (1133 out of 3039) - what a disappointment this was. 8:34 a mile, I wanted to be under 7:30 but I just couldnt get my foot to loosen up. Each stride was painful, and on top of it my stomach wasnt feeling right, which was weird since at no time during training nor during any previous run ive done did it hurt. The only thing I could think of was at the race expo a guy recommended a powder to put in my water bottle on the bike. Guy was a big time iron man competition and swore by it. So I did it. My buddy also did and felt the same stomach cramps and never had them before either. Probably shouldn't have tried something for the first time on race day. Before training I said that running would be my best by far, but in this race it was by far my worst. Super frustrating. I ended up walking at least a mile between all the times I had to walk. This will bother me until I crush this time next year
overall 2:42:58 (581 out of 3039 overall. 519 out of 2,084 males. 66 out of 274 aged 35-39) - was really hoping for top 500, but whatever. Was a great expierence and Im likely to do it again next year. For now im laying in bed icing my ankle which is throbbing.
thanks. 
Heaven, particularly these two pictures.
