Chicago Triathlon

What are competitors, coaches and spectators saying about Sunday’s race? Here’s a sampling of bloggers’ and tweeters’ thoughts, concerns and last-minute advice.

You mean I need my own bike? “Chicago Triathlon this weekend. Broke down & bought a wetsuit yesterday.” _mldb from Twitter

“Anybody have a good road bike I can borrow for the Chiicago tri this Sunday??”JParakeet from Twitter

“For many of you, the Chicago Triathlon will be your first triathlon, which is usually accompanied by anxiety and nervousness. That being said, we have created a pre-race checklist that covers just about everything you will need for your first triathlon …” Ryan Riell, Breakthrough Multisport coach for Pace of Chicago

It’s too c-c-c-c-c-old! “Water temperature in Lake Michigan: 66F” BizMarquee from Twitter “The water in Lake Michigan is going to be warmer than the air tomorrow. Yikes.” dankoss from Twitter Arm and leg warmers will help you stay warm. You can buy them at a store or to save a few bucks, take a pair of long tube socks, cut off the toe and Shazam! – Elizabeth Hurley from Together We Tri, Cold Weather Tips for the Chicago Triathlon

From the pros

“We have arrived in Chicago. Peyton still isn’t a great traveler. Very grey in Chicago, cold race perhaps? Can’t wait to get off this plane!” boomboomreed (USA Olympic Triathlete Matt Reed) from Twitter “trying to stay focused on Chicago tomorrow, but really excited about getting the start at Gold Coast!” camdyetri (Cameron Dye) from Twitter “First up is Chicago this weekend. It will be race #5 in 6 weeks and #3 in a row for me, so it will be interesting to see how I hold up mentally and physically!!!” Jenna Shoemaker, http://www.jennashoemaker.blogspot.com/

“Forgot to mention ystrday that I won’t be racing Chi tri tomorrow. Still working hard on getting healthy. Thx for the well wishes though.” hunterkemper (Olympian Hunter Kemper) from Twitter

Thanks for the support! “Thanks so much if you were even considering coming out and encouraging the athletes. I’m just a sweaty middle-aged guy who’s pushing himself a little bit, but there are going to be plenty of people out on the course for whom the race is going to be a major life marker and your cheers will really help them complete the triathlon.” Fuzzy Gerdes, FuzzyCo “Off to Chicago for the bride’s triathlon. I’m the most important leg – cheering on the side.” wackybasilisk from Twitter

“I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone that donated to my fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. … Everyone that donated was able to vote on the color of my hair for race day. The winner was … green with a purple Mohawk. Watch the YouTube video to see the process.” Bobby Dobroski, Run Run Bobby Run