(NOTE: This is the first installment of a three-part recap of my experience at the 2026 SuperTri Chicago – Olympic race.)
As 2025 wound down, one goal I wanted to achieve in 2026 became very clear: become a triathlete. I would document the process for posterity and share all the good & challenging experiences as I learned two new sports.
This past weekend, the months of training all came together at the Supertri Chicago – Olympic distance triathlon. Here’s the first installment of how it all unfolded.
Setting Up My Transition Space
After a leisurely coffee walk from home, I arrived at the transition spot where I’d setup my bike the day before. This when it got real. As I looked at my setup, it hit me: I have all the gear of a real triathlete.
Having been on the spectator/sherpa/cheerleader side for so many races, it was finally MY turn to be the athlete.
WOW! Just wow.
Months of Training Lead to a Very Real Start – The Swim
My swim wave didn’t start for nearly two hours after transition closed so I had some time to see off Jaclyn on her swim and go hang out with the Chicago Tri Club. I’m happy to say that despite the down time, I felt ready more than nervous. I watched thousands of people get into the nearly glass-like water and start their race. Soon, my turn arrived.
As I got ready to enter the chute , my feelings hit the same way they do at every marathon.
“I’m actually about to do this. After all I’ve been through, my body is healthy and strong enough to get me to another start line. This is just so amazing 🥹”
Into the chute I walked and the nerves bubbled up.
“You’re just going for a swim,” I told myself.
You’re Just Going For A Swim
And that is precisely what I did. “One two breathe. One two breathe.” I repeated over and over in my head for the entire 1500 meters. Well, with one exception…
Towards the end two big guys tried to narrow me out of the field at which point my “I don’t want to be swum over so I’ll let people just go ahead of me if they get too aggressive” perspective went out the window in favor of:
“Oh hell no! I earned my spot here just like you so I’m taking up space.”
A few well-time strokes to alert them of my presence and I had my space back.
Before I knew it, I saw the swim exit arch.
“Omg I’m done already?!”
Y’all, I CRUSHED that swim. Exited the water nine minutes faster than anticipated, stripped off the wetsuit and jogged the 1/4 mile to transition.
Now, onto Part 2: The Bike..
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