Chicago Triathlon 2021 - Race Recap

I finished my first triathlon, the 2021 Chicago Triathlon. I went from zero swimming experience and no bike to completing an olympic distance triathlon in two months. Here is my full recap. Sorry this video is so long. If I had more time, it would be shorter. Check out the chapter markers to skip around to what interests you.

0:00 intro
1:04 thank you
1:36 transitions and setup
7:51 nutrition
11:58 swim
15:59 swim is the opposite of near death
17:46 bike
20:26 GPS issues
21:37 run
26:29 post race
29:26 wil I try again?
32:11 what would be your perfect triathlon?

Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

footage shot on:
GoPro Hero 9 Black (paid link)

GoPro Hero 8 Black
iPhone 7

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subscriber count at time of upload: 82,939

end card music:
Jim Yosef - Checkered

[frankpovedaubach]

I truly sympathize You pretty much described my first triathlon (especially the swim portion). I also said "I'll do another one".... and in the next 10 years I ended up completing 12 Ironman-distance events (Norseman included) and a bunch of other shorter distance ones... So careful what you wish for...

[joaquinnolasco]

Mike, I finished the 2024 Chicago Olympic Distance Triathlon yesterday. I wanted to say 'Thank you' for your recap of the entire day. I was so nervous and honestly scared about the day, but thanks to your recap, I was as prepared as I could be. The swim was great, the bike was fun, and the running...sucked! (Because of the heat). But I did it. I made it through the finish line and now I have a sense of accomplishment for a task that seemed impossible. Thank you so much for your video.

[julienbouillot]

For the swim I recommend the YouTube channel effortless swimming - You'll get comfortable very quickly with an environment that can feel overwhelming.

[stickonatree]

Watched that entire video. I must say Mike you have a very detailed memory remembering all those little details. Congratulations and hopefully see you at a future tri!!!

[danchansama]

Congratulations! You didn't drown. Sounds like a great success! (at least that's my definition of a successful triathlon)

[timbrennan]

Congrats! That CT bit was hilarious. You''re officially the pride of Chicago, CT!

[charliekeith]

Super awesome that you did this, dude! love to see people get out of their comfort zone to see what they're really made of!

If you want to get more comfortable in the water, the only thing is that you just have to spend more time in the water. May be beneficial to find a masters swimming program, they have coaches and will give you alot of time in the water. They should accept all skill levels!

Ive been wanting to do a half Ironman for a while now. I think I just gotta stop playing video games in my free time and develop a real training plan. Currently training for a half marathon in the fall, but that aint no 70.3!

[melneal]

Great job. I am also thinking about a tri after my next marathon, but am nervous about the swimming too. It was nice to hear from someone else who fears panicking in the water like I do!

[TommyHackett]

Very cool you went so far out of your comfort zone and had a great showing.

Hopefully you can do it closer to home in Connecticut, next time

[jamh]

Great job, Mike! I think my Olympic distance swim in the Chicago Tri a few years ago was similar, and I'll say I really love Sprint distance swimming! Some I've always wanted to try are in Wisconsin... Pleasant Prairie Triathlon and Bigfoot Triathlon. Also, I took some adult group swim lessons from Chicago Blue Dolphins, which could help boost your swimming skills too.

[jonor]

Advice. Do a little focus on the swimming for a while to build up some upper body strength. The physical training is great and it gives your running legs a bit rest to stay away from injury. within a couple of months you would easily be able to continuously swim 1500m. Invest in a swim coach who can take you through the basics in the beginning. Learning this from youtube videos is though because the video does not see what you do wrong. A swim coach can help you adjust to a relaxed swimming style that will get you to the goal.

[peterdao]

Great recap man. And good job on the race. Been thinking about taking the plunge and watching your videos have definitely motivated me to get out there

[TheVeganRunner]

I would love to learn how to swim with proper technique, it’s always been a weakness. Well done for stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new Ko 👍

[alpsbrown]

Great job for a first timer, really takes a lot of guts to plunge into a new sport... keep it up...

[TickleMeElmo]

Great job, Ko! For my first triathlon I'd just want to finish within the designated time frame no matter my placement, but then I'm a slow turtle.

For the transition bag, if you find yourself driving to the event, I heard that having a bright orange bucket (the kind that you can get from Home Depot) is a good, cheap option since it's bright, so you don't have trouble finding it amongst the greenery and darker bags that many have, and that it can serve as a stool for you to sit on when you put on your socks. And you'll know that if were to go missing or misplaced you'll know immediately since, well, it's bright and it's a bucket.

[Stevenc]

That was an excellent race recap! Well done! 🚀😄🏅

[Greg-mele]

My first Tri, I was looking for that blue lane swim lane line at the bottom of the lake and panicked when all I saw was dead black. Even though I had taught myself to swim a mile with relative ease in a pool, the open water swim and dawn in a lake was quite an eye opener. I later learned that you could look at the side shore when you turn your head to keep swimming straight without stopping and looking up. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[chrisw]

A great re-cap and very funny in places! I loved the State confusion and your description of the swim as a near death experience!

[cd]

Awesome video and recap Mike. I hope to see you do another triathlon soon. I've really been enjoying all of your videos whatever you're doing!

[DadBod]

Great video! Cant wait to try in 2022! Can you do a video on what gear you used during the day.