Sept. 12, 2010

Photo Gallery

Michelle Mehnert, currently a junior on the Fighting Illini swimming and diving team, will compete at the International Triathlon Union Age Group World Championships on Sept. 12 in Budapest, Hungary. Below is a recap of her second and third days overseas.

Day 2 --

I was able to get in my sightseeing this morning! It was a dreary day here, but still plenty to see. After my morning jog, I strolled down part of Vaci Utza this morning to check out a couple of the can't-miss sights here in Budapest -- St. Stephen's Basilica and the Dohány Street Synagogue.

I had some fun figuring out the Metro system, but it was very efficient after I got the hang of it. The Metro really gives off that post-communist vibe that you can see interspersed in some of the architecture here. I also made my way to the Great Market Hall, a buzzing network of vendors that is a Hungarian culinary dream and hotbed for culture.

After a short nap and our team meeting, I headed over to the swim area to for some "swim course familiarization." Triathlon is definitely not for the faint of heart; water temp was a cool 16C (~60F). I really can't complain about the temperature too much though; the other athletes in the water were from team Mexico and had done all their training in Monterey.

Feeling good today! Major rest day tomorrow before the big race, time to find one of those nice Hungarian cafes to do some homework!

Day 3 --

Today was a fairly low-key day -- walking, stretching and getting mentally prepared. I got up early (have to practice waking up early on Budapest time!), had a leisurely breakfast and took the metro down to watch the finish of the sprint race.  The course looks awesome!  I had only gotten to see the swim course set up before, but the bike and run courses go past some major landmarks through the heart of town. 

It was another rainy day here, but everywhere the triathletes go is buzzing with energy. After lunch and a rest, I headed out with the other Olympic distance athletes to rack my bike in the transition area. Everything's pretty wet here, so it looks like we'll have a sloppy transition zone and slick bike course for tomorrow's race. But come rain or shine, tomorrow, it's go time!

Check back for updates as Michelle continues her preparations for the upcoming triathlon.