Below are some images and videos of the Chicago Triathlon that I found online. I’ve listed notes under each one to help “deconstruct” the swim part of the event.
Steve
8/14/14 UPDATE – Below is the PDF document referenced in my email today:
Chicago Triathlon Swim Checklist (click on this link to review and download!)
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Swim start and water entry point
The above photo shows how you will enter the water for both the Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon. Things to note:
– You will step into the lake from this platform and join the group waiting in the water.
– The lake is 8 – 10 feet deep here and you cannot touch the bottom.
– Depending upon how big the group is and when you get in, you may end up waiting in the water for several minutes!
– This is a swim wave of Olympic distance triathletes. They are in the water facing SOUTH getting ready for the start signal.
– The earlier Sprint waves will enter the lake the same way, but from a point further south of here. They will swim NORTH the entire time.
– Swimmers tend to gather closer to the front and to the west edge at the start. These are “choke points” where there is usually a lot of swimmer congestion!
– You can see previous waves of swimmers heading north on the other side of the orange buoys.
Swim route looking south
The above photo and videos show the swim route for the Sprint distance. Things to note:
– This is a point-to-point NORTHBOUND swim that begins south of the area where the Olympic swimmers will enter the water.
– In the photo, notice that there are swimmers from several waves together at this spot.
– In the photo, you can see distressed and fatigued swimmers clinging to the wall or to the rowboats on the other side of the swim area. These are “choke points” – AVOID THESE AREAS!
– In the videos, you can see the next wave of Sprint swimmers entering the water to the south.
Swim route looking north
The above photo and video shows the swim route for the Olympic distance. Things to note:
– Swimmers first start heading SOUTH and then turn north at the orange buoys.
– Olympic distance swimmers will NOT be near the wall during the northbound part of the swim.
– The turn buoy is another major “choke point” to navigate.
– In the video, you can see the previous waves of swimmers going north.
Swim exit point
The above photo shows how you will exit the water. Things to note:
– This is basically a partially submerged set of bleacher stairs that you swim up to and climb out.
– There will be volunteers here to help you out of the water.
– This is another “choke point” so watch your step getting out and don’t “bark” your shin on any of the steps!
Bonus Section – Drafting other swimmers!
The above video clip shows one swimmer drafting another one in the water. Things to note:
– The “drafter” is NOT directly behind the “draftee.” He is just off to the left side and slightly behind the swimmer. Ideally, he would be a bit further behind to catch the full strength of the “bow wave” that the front swimmer is creating.
– The swimmer behind and to the right is also benefiting from the front swimmer’s swim wake – but to a lesser degree.