Jen Tetrick Going Pro - Chicago Triathlon Race Report

So, a week and a half ago, I rolled out of CycleLife with my bike in a box and ready for another racing adventure! But this one was different -- it was my first race as a professional triathlete!

I’ve definitely come a long way since doing my very first triathlon last year, but even still, I knew that Chicago was going to be a tough race, especially with a pretty stacked field of some very talented athletes. I must admit, that was a bit intimidating, but also really exciting. And not having any expectations was definitely part of the fun!

Right away, my newbie status felt apparent – I didn’t realize that the swim would be non-wetsuit legal, since the water temperature requirement is 10 degrees lower for pro’s. But I used it as a good excuse to get a new one-piece trisuit for race day. :)

Having a race start at noon meant some adjustments to my pre-race routine – things like when to wake up, what to eat, and what to do in the hours leading up to the race… It felt odd starting when it seemed everyone else was already finished and glowing with that “I just finished a race” look of accomplishment.

I rode to transition with Matt Reed and a few others, and as we were all setting up our transition areas, I was struck by how practical and casual everyone was – there was a really fun (yet certainly competitive) sense of camaraderie among the group.

For the first time, I warmed up in the water, vs. running or anything else. This was mostly because it was really hot (and getting hotter) and the walk/jog to the swim start from transition was over a mile! Some who had done this race before even brought shoes to wear from the swim finish back to transition…

The race itself was a really great experience. I came out of the water farther back than I wanted to and got on the bike expecting to make up some serious time. Unfortunately, I never really got on top of it after that swim, and my brake started rubbing after I hit a pothole, which was especially frustrating since this happened before and I had tried to fix it with the help of some mechanics the day before. But, even still, I dug deep and pushed through the bike segment and was off on the run.

It was a long, hot run course, but I cruised to the finish, passing a couple of people and feeling more elated than ever just to be finished!

All in all, I finished 13th. It definitely wasn’t my best race ever, but I was absolutely thrilled to now have this “first” race behind me! I also know that I’m constantly improving and putting in the hard work that will keep paying of. Also, this race demonstrated how mental toughness is a huge part of being a competitive athlete – it’s not just the countless hours of training and fitness – it’s that mental strength that doesn’t let pain, frustration or outside, uncontrollable things hinder one’s potential. And who knows what that potential might be!? I can't forget that part of my race preparation, along with my workouts! My goal for my next race is to swim my heart out, and then race “my race”, like there are no limits, thoroughly enjoying every step of this process that has taken me to becoming a professional athlete. :)

Next up: Pacific Grove Triathlon on Sept. 11, LA Triathlon on Oct. 3.

My "take-aways" from the Chicago Triathlon:

1. No matter what, don't let other people's performance affect yours, especially because things might not be as bad as they feel and probably aren't. (Even being of the back from the swim, my race was far from over).
2. Pack what you need, not what you don't. (No, you don't need 2 pairs of running shoes, in addition to flip flops, and a sweatshirt in 90+ degree weather and all sorts of other things -- that makes for an awkward, and heavy transition bag to deal with. What was I thinking?).
3. Bring sunscreen. (Luckily I was able to borrow some).
4. Know the course. (Yes, I missed the turnoff into transition from the bike course).
5. Practice a faster transition. (Transitioning doesn't need to be an awkward whirlwind...I don't think..)
6. Hydrate. Don't underestimate the importance of fluids in the days leading to the race. (Especially important for a hot race day).