A couple weeks ago one of my friends at work asked me about the triathlon. Knowing my wife had just completed her first, she asked whether I'd gotten the bug and wanted to do one myself. My colleague, Michelle Gallardo, is in training for a half ironman. Well, the truth is, I have gotten the bug. I think triathlons are amazing, and the amount of athletic ability and training required is really impressive. As a spectator, it's really exciting to watch. But no. I don't really have the desire to do one myself.
I'm not sure why. I have done the running leg of the triathlon as part of a team a couple times. But, running is what I enjoy. I cycle occasionally for fun. I am a decent swimmer. But I have never raced at those events competitively, and I guess I don't really feel the desire to do that.
It's interesting. I must be from the old school. One of the best young running talents in the country right now is from right here in the Chicago area. Lukas Verzbicas is likely to break the Craig Virgin's longstanding state Cross Country record this year. But he considers himself a triathlete rather than just a runner. And he is a great triathlete, but I and many others of my generation look at his running talent and tend to think he should focus on that. I've always just considered myself just a runner. Lukas is a really nice guy, who I've interviewed for a story. But I wouldn't blame him if he just thinks I'm old!
Anyway, those thoughts come to mind as I consider the upcoming Chicago Triathlon. It's traditionally a huge event for the city. For some reason, the Olympic distance seems to draw a lot of interest. Perhaps that's because it seems much more manageable than the ironman or half ironman. But my hat is off to anyone who attempts a triathlon of any distance.
Normally the race sells out shortly after they begin accepting entries. For some reason, however, this year, they still have a couple hundred spots available. The news release is below. If you are in shape and have any inclination to give it a tri, go for it. Also, for some last minute tips on gear and transition strategy, check out my friend Dave Zimmer's (from Fleet Feet Sports) appearance on the ABC7 News Sunday morning program. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=7611123 And good luck!
Join hundreds of thousands of spectators on Sunday, August 29 from 6 am until 3pm to cheer on 8,700 athletes from around the world as they compete in the “World’s Largest Triathlon.”* The Life Time Fitness Chicago Triathlon features Olympians, professional triathletes, physically challenged athletes and amateur athletes.
Spectators along Chicago’s lakefront and Lake Shore Drive can cheer on athletes as they swim almost a mile (starting from Monroe Harbor), bike nearly 25 miles (looping up to Foster Ave.) and run over 6 miles along the lakefront and through Chicago’s Museum Campus. The finish line area is packed with activity and people on
The Chicago Triathlon weekend kicks off with a MultiSport & Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, August 27/28 at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, featuring more than 150 athletic and nutrition exhibitors. The races begin on Saturday, August 28 with the Fleet Feet SuperSprint Triathlon at 7:30 a.m. and the Chicago Kids Triathlon at 9 a.m., both at
The popular, scenic Chicago Triathlon is part of the 2010 Life Time Fitness Series Race to the Toyota Cup, linking some of the most prominent international distance triathlons in the
For information, www.chicagotriathlon.com.
See you on the roads.....
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