Shawn Cheatham

I think it’s been about 8 or 9 months since I signed up to do the Chicago Triathlon. Unfortunately, I didn’t get as much training in as I would have liked but over the past 2 months I feel like I’ve come a long way and while I wont be “racing” to the finish, I will be plugging away at it on Sunday morning. Against better judgment and the advice of my triathlon club coach, I’ve simply tried to log as many hours in the lake, on the bike and running as possible without over training. Not much of a training plan but with the 8wks I had I think I did enough to make it to the end without bonking. I’ll be doing the Olympic distance which will be cake on the bike and run but the swim…that’s where I’m going to struggle. Honestly, I’m pretty impressed with my progress seeing as how last month I could barely swim 2 laps without taking a 2-3min break. As is typical with new swimmers, I found that I was trying to inhale and exhale while I turned my head. Additionally, I finally figured out that I was over-kicking and under-pulling which contributed to my exhausted state. Luckily I sorted all that out in the lake and found a good rhythm (sssslllloooowwww) but with a little determination and minimal heel’s to the head, I’m confident I’ll finish the course and pull out of the water under my own power.

Tomorrow we’re meeting friends for brunch near the registration spot which is a multi-sport expo, so I’m really getting excited about the weekend….not to mention that after nearly 2wks of crap weather it’s supposed to be sunny and 80 on Sunday!