Thanks, all. Abasket- I didn’t really want to run 4 miles on Sunday, but that was the distance around the beautiful lake, so…
My daughter says she defines “middle of the pack”. She was 9/16 age group and 55/113 women. I think it is great, especially for someone who never thought she could do anything athletic. Meanwhile, WildChild ran 15 miles on Sunday at a 6:22 pace. I’m not asking, but I fear the “K” word (Kona) is in his sights. He would have to earn a slot at Mont Tremblanc in 2 weeks.
If you define my age group as my specific age (meaning those people born on exactly my birthday), I can win my age group every time 
Congrats MOWC.
Your D is not “middle of the pack” she is at the top. She is beating all of the folks her age who never do anything fitness related. Tell her I said so!
^^^ Absolutely! She’s happy with what she has accomplished. She IS competitive at heart, and I know she wishes she could be great, but she’s operating without a high-end bike and she has a “day job”. The bikes you see at these things… As she said, “If you are a dude with a $10000 bike with disc wheels, I shouldn’t be passing you!”
4 miles around a beautiful lake. That’s a privilege not a task, right?!
MOWC it sounds like your S is DRIVEN by his competitions. He must have amazing dedication and drive.
Yes, but it would have been OK if it had been 3 miles around!
Wonder what the increase in mph would be with a 10k bike?
This will be a day off. Probably over trained yesterday. 1 1/2 hour kayak and 6 mile run. Gimpy knee today.
Mr. B routinely passes bunches of $10k bike riders on his crappy mountain bike that no one wants to steal out of his truck, LOL. The local tech industry is doing great, I guess. But that is OK - if their purchases keep the fancy bike makers in business and available for those who truly need these wheels.
It reminded me of the times when Speedo just came out with the sharkskin suit (not the one that was banned, the very first version). The suits for girls cost $200 and lasted for only a couple of meets… Picture a 10 yr. old summer league swimmer in a $200 racing suit…
I’m still here, more lurking than posting lately. I’ve traveled a lot this year, and finding keeping up with life to be really difficult when I’m home. This week, for example, I’m both recovering from my last trip (which left me with a really nasty cold) and preparing for our next one – going to Europe for 2 weeks starting on Sunday.
Still running, swimming, walking and biking regularly. Haven’t done weights in a while.
Here’s a link to a really comprehensive look at how to start running, with links to lots of articles: http://www.nytimes.com/well/guides/how-to-start-running
Lurking is ok, fireandrain!
Those $10,000 bikes are where the manufacturers test out the new technology, some of which really is worth it. Things like carbon fiber, disk brakes, electronic shifting… (Since we sell bikes and DH has a fondness for bells and whistles, I learn about these things.) I love having electronic shifting on my bike! I’ve dropped the chain ONCE in the two-and-a-half years I’ve been riding my “new” bike. (The one in my picture.)
My adventure for the weekend was a practice swim in the Columbia River. I’m doing a sprint triathlon (women only) in two weeks and we start with a half-mile down-current swim in the Columbia. I wasn’t worried about open water–I’ve swum lots in the ocean and also in most of the major rivers in the east, as well as a lot of lakes–but I did want to find out how I felt about 68 degree (F) water these days. Turns out that was fine, but I really don’t enjoy swimming freestyle in murky water. I was okay when I could see my friend’s feet through the water, but I really preferred a good strong side stroke with an overhand half. (Yes, it is weird, but it worked for me.) My speed was about the same as my relaxed crawl, so I may use that in my tri. It will depend on how competitive I’m feeling that day, I guess.
Yeah- there are some very expensive bikes in my family, and my son has all the latest and greatest (in multiples…), but there is a middle ground that works fine for most average triathletes.
@MomofWildChild – I absolutely don’t think most triathletes need a $10,000 bike (although we love to sell them!).
(I certainly don’t have one, and don’t want one. I don’t even ride with clipless pedals. That’s because I’ve fallen off my bike even when I wasn’t moving!)
@fireandrain - I’ve been a lurker as well lately. Summer is very hard on my “routine”, with DH and both DD’s home all day making messes, and lots of juggling with the cars & the girls’ activities. I’ve gained a few pounds as well, which is depressing. Ah well, we’re pretty much back to “normal” next week when D2 goes back to school. D1 has already flown back to college & DH is back to teaching.
We are really enjoying the Olympics here - especially the gymnastics!
The electronic shifting is something worth exploring in addition to a tri specific bike. I think I broke my thumb last year mountain biking in Vegas and I have a hard time shifting. Or I’m getting old. My wife says my hands look like a 90 year old.
I’m not very good at lurking but will also share that my summer routine really changes too. D2 is the only one “home” now and she has been home all summer - will head off to sophomore year in 10ish days. Have to say we really enjoy each other and we really do a lot together. So, while I have kept up pretty well with cardio - running, walking, some bike riding, my strength/core work went down the tubes all summer. No gym, no classes. But, you know, I am not sounding sappy but totally truthful when I say I would not and will not give up time with her for this short period of time. I’ll pick it back up when she leaves - I will have time to fill! - and a new routine will begin.
3 mile run just completed - while D2 is at work!
Hi to everyone from Bethany Beach Delaware. Weather is magnificent and I’ve only had the time to take a quick glance at the posts I’ve missed. Sounds like everyone and their kids have been very busy running, racing, winning :). I’ve been busy cycling, lifting, working out with my kids, sleeping on the beach - yes, I’m making good on that promise! Early last evening I was treated to the sight of my daughter and son partnering up for a session of working out with sparring gloves and hand pads for boxing speed drills. I didn’t know whether to be awed by their form, speed and power or to cringe at the sound of my kids wailing away. They each did 4 X 4 minute rounds; quite a work out for both the puncher and punchee!
Love the discussion about the $10k bikes. I am an admitted high end bike junkie. my current stable of road bikes consists of a Tom Kellogg custom Spectrum Ti bike with Campy Record 11 speed components and a PowerTap rear hub and hand laced wheels (my primary training bike and for multi day tours, weighing 17 lbs), a Kellogg custom lugged steel frame bike with Campy Record 11 speed (my fun ride bike weighing 18 lbs) and a Cannondale EVO carbon fiber race bike with Dura Ace 11 speed components (for when speed is paramount, weighing 14.8 lbs). At the end of the day though, notwithstanding all my fancy bikes, it’s the engine that counts. All the technology in the world doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t have the engine!
Glad you are having a great time, Michael! As far as kids wailing away at each other- heck, my kids did that for years!
4 miserable miles done- heat and humidity back in full force.
Hmmm…I guess no one here has a Schwinn! I fondly recall my first bike with the sparkly purple seat and a white basket on the handlebars embellished with yellow roses.
I am tired and ready for a vacation. I am not ready for a very quick vacation that includes a half. While I’m in far better condition, I’m moving about as quickly as one of those turtles from the Galapagos. It is what it is.
Michael, glad you’re enjoying your vacation and abasket, enjoy those last few days with your D at home - you too, Gertrude!
4 and change yesterday, 5 and change today. Still very humid and in the sixties.
Sabaray- you will be surprised!