14 to 20 September 2015

I arrived in Chicago on Sunday, 14 September, and made my way to my friend’s Jon’s apartment downtown. A lady had given me a ticket for a free ride on the metro at the airport, another example of the friendliness and generosity of the Americans.

I had worked with Jon in London a few years ago. He has been seconded to Chicago for a couple of years now. I can see why he loves being in Chicago:

• the weather is hot and sunny in the summer (at least that was my impression, the good weather is continuing to follow me!)
• there are nice beaches, parks and cycling trails all along the lakefront, all kept public by the efforts of a gentleman whose name escaped my memory
• The lake looks like a sea, but with the advantage of fresh water
• the skyline with all the skyscrapers, some of the oldest in the world, looks amazing.
• the centre is easily accessible by a good public transport system
• Lots of nice bars, clubs, restaurant, cafes, etc.

I was busy with race preparations during the following weekdays and Jon was working. One evening we watched the Republican TV debate on CNN together. I had not read much about the nominations for the Repulican presidential candidate so far, so it was good to get an overview. Trump didn’t speak much in the two hours I watched it, maybe because the debate required a bit more substance and facts at this point. When asked which woman should replace President Jackson on the $20 bill, some candidates answered it should be their mother. Seriously guys?! For that answer alone they should never be elected. Other suggestions included Margaret Thatcher and Mother Theresa…

Now to the main event: 17th September. ITU age group sprint world championships. Everyone knows just how hard I have trained over the past two months and how much effort has gone into extensive beer doping!

I had miraculously qualified for Team GB in a race in Eton Dorney in May this year. Luckily I had become British just a few weeks earlier. That said I met quite a few Germans who were competing for Britain, I think more than for Germany!

On Wednesday evening there had been a parade with all countries. The UK, Mexico and the U.S. had the biggest athlete contingents. I felt proud to be British 🙂

My wave, female 30-34, was at 10:55am. I was sweating under my wetsuit in the blazing sun and was happy to get into the 17 degrees Celsius water. It was a deep water start and I kept in second row. Contrary to most of my races, I liked the swim in the fresh water Chicago harbour. The water was clear and calm. Only the breakfast was heavy in my stomach. I need to work on my nutrition when I get back!

I exited the swim after 14:43min and ran the 360m to transition (hence the long transition time). I was already exhausted!

The bike was fun as always. We cycled 3 laps on a closed to traffic highway, it was flat, but a bit windy. Chicago is called the Windy City for a reason, although it was nothing compared to some Lanzarote days. Even Eton Dorney can be a lot worse. I did about 43kmh with the wind and 28kmh against it. I loved the TT bike I had hired. Makes a difference. I think it might be a must-have next season 🙂

I then died on the run. I think that is where my lack of training really became apparent. I had tried to run regularly over the past weeks, but was not in good running shape, struggling to complete a 5k training run in less than 23min. At 11:55 am the running course was in full sun and hot hot hot! There was great support for Team GB from the spectators though. The run took me 25min and I was glad to cross the finish line. I drank about 3 litres straight after! Refreshed and happy I spent the next two hours cheering on everyone else regardless of nationality loving the sun at this point!

Overall, I finished in 1:21:13 in 63rd place out of 87 in my age. I can therefore safely say I am the 63rd best non professional triathlete in my age group!

This is of course far from true: at least one person is better than me: my Hampstead Triathlon Club mate Sam who had qualified ahead of me. Shame you weren’t there, Sam.

The rest of my days in Chicago were spent with Jon and Ivy. Friday night, we went out for a few drinks in downtown. Saturday morning, we had a lazy brunch in the sun before enjoying margaritas and beer at the beach bar with Chicago’s skyline in the background in the afternoon. In the evening, I finally had the famous Chicago deep dish pizza. I only managed two slices and one more the following day for breakfast. After that, Ivy took me out to her friend’s birthday party and we danced till 5am. A perfect Saturday!

Thanks Jon and Ivy. I loved Chicago and spending time with you!

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