I'll set up a massage station complete with privacy curtain in the back of the van for @tri-man 47,
Yeah, forget the NDA. Let's get some evidence and make a mint on the NILs.What did you think the GoPro was for?
and this is when cycling gets expensive. Thanks for confirming I should continue to pursue getting healthy enough to restart running ($$$) rather than consider taking up biking.and this is when cycling gets expensive.
took the bike to the shop due to a clicking noise in the crank. It’s had some other issues but it’s been a good bike. While there, the mechanic shows me the cracks, rust, and a few other issues. All of which I knew but had largely overlooked. He took it apart and we’ll need to replace just about all the parts that can wear out, including the front wheel. Everything he said matches my experience, and the shop has a good reputation. The bike was made in Italy with Campy parts, so that adds to the expense. All said, the fix will cost close to $2,000. And will take 3-4 weeksOf course a similar bike would cost over $7,000 if I went and bought another one. This was not in the budget but we’ll be fine. The only question is whether I do it, and whether I tell the wife. Keeping in mind that I bought this one used for $1200 in 2012, can’t really complain.
I hope the bolded is in jest and if not, then the answer to the first part of the sentence is "no", imo.and this is when cycling gets expensive.
took the bike to the shop due to a clicking noise in the crank. It’s had some other issues but it’s been a good bike. While there, the mechanic shows me the cracks, rust, and a few other issues. All of which I knew but had largely overlooked. He took it apart and we’ll need to replace just about all the parts that can wear out, including the front wheel. Everything he said matches my experience, and the shop has a good reputation. The bike was made in Italy with Campy parts, so that adds to the expense. All said, the fix will cost close to $2,000. And will take 3-4 weeksOf course a similar bike would cost over $7,000 if I went and bought another one. This was not in the budget but we’ll be fine. The only question is whether I do it, and whether I tell the wife. Keeping in mind that I bought this one used for $1200 in 2012, can’t really complain.
Yeah, between the $$$ and the crazy [read: unsafe] roads some of the local cyclists ride upon, I plan on staying running only unless and until the body forces the issue. I know plenty of folks have had to give up on running due to injury issues, but I'm really hoping to be able to continue to tri-man age and beyond. And on a related note, I did some strength training again last night, so I've been better about it the last few weeks.Thanks for confirming I should continue to pursue getting healthy enough to restart running ($$$) rather than consider taking up biking.
I'm cautiously optimistic I figured out the training exercise combination that caused this spring's problem, but I probably won't know if my modifications are successful for several weeks/months. There were a few concerning days I thought it may be sciatica, but my recovery timeline turned toward something much shorter than that. I don't know if it was low back, hip, glute, or something else but whatever it was resulted from overuse and/or technique flaws. Probably wouldn't have happened had I not been also trying to increase my mileage, but...c'est la'vie. Live and learn.Yeah, between the $$$ and the crazy [read: unsafe] roads some of the local cyclists ride upon, I plan on staying running only unless and until the body forces the issue. I know plenty of folks have had to give up on running due to injury issues, but I'm really hoping to be able to continue to tri-man age and beyond. And on a related note, I did some strength training again last night, so I've been better about it the last few weeks.
Don’t judge me!I hope the bolded is in jest and if not, then the answer to the first part of the sentence is "no", imo.
Update. She offered to sell a kidney. Or a kid’s knee.Don’t judge me!
It’s not a question of whether I’d spend the money and keep it secret. It’s either I give up cycling and don’t spend, and don’t tell her. Or ask for her thoughts first, or just tell her afterwards. The $ has zero impact on her life, or mine really.
For me, the $ are minor and roads are no problem with the bike. The most annoying aspect for me is travel. With running, just pack shoes and you're pretty much good to travel the globe. Cycling is a whole ordeal.Yeah, between the $$$ and the crazy [read: unsafe] roads some of the local cyclists ride upon, I plan on staying running only unless and until the body forces the issue. I know plenty of folks have had to give up on running due to injury issues, but I'm really hoping to be able to continue to tri-man age and beyond. And on a related note, I did some strength training again last night, so I've been better about it the last few weeks.
Yep. The $$ has definitely been worth it. But I’ve never done a tri i couldn’t drive to. I’m putting a destination 140.6 on my list for turning 50. Or 55. Or full retirementFor me, the $ are minor and roads are no problem with the bike. The most annoying aspect for me is travel. With running, just pack shoes and you're pretty much good to travel the globe. Cycling is a whole ordeal.
So awesome. Have fun boys!Alright, here goes (blows out).....
Can't believe we are 3 days away. Unfortunately, the forecast is taking a turn for the worse and a few of our runners might end up melting. What was looking like a glorious day with a high of 72 degrees is now looking like a hot and muggy day with a high of 83. That said, it could be worse (that's 3 days later).
Preparations being made. 12 passenger van rented and will be picked up on Friday. Runners from all over arriving at various times of the day on competing airlines and even in cars. Only thing missing is someone coming by train. We'll be having a crazy early dinner on Friday due to the age of some of our participants but at least can hopefully take advantage of senior early bird special prices as a result.
Race start on Saturday is 7am (heading out the door probably around 5:45). Some teams are starting as early as 4:30am in order to get done in time. We have the 2nd to last start time (last being 7:15am), so anticipate finishing in the top 10 assuming nothing major happens. That said, we'll be running with all sorts of speeds by the middle of the day as we catch up to them. That's the beauty of this race. With our handy dandy spreadsheet created by @gruecd, we're looking at an overall pace of 7:48 and roughly an 11 hour total run time, so finishing ~6pm CST. Then an hour+ drive back to STL. No early dinners this day so fingers crossed.
Everyone runs 3 legs, remaining in order throughout the day. Our leg order is @gruecd, @gianmarco, @SteelCurtain, @tri-man 47, @Zasada, and finishing with @bushdocda who will bring it home at the end. As we don't have a dedicated driver, @Zasada will split duties with me since we are on the #2 and #5 spot. The trick is navigating to each checkpoint via the designated routes since they divert the direct routes with runners going near those spots a lot. It's going to be pretty close on a couple of these shorter legs and fast runners. I'm 99% sure at least one person will be waiting at a checkpoint before we arrive at some point throughout the day.
Service is spotty in certain spots, but I know we'll try and log stuff real time throughout the day. Might even see about bringing a GoPro or something to get some footage.
As far as the legs, all the distances for each leg are listed here on this page. The three technical trails are legs 5, 6, and 7. The rest is either on pavement for a couple or the vast majority of which will be on flat crushed limestone.
The hardest part of the race for everyone will be the humidity, the need to recover and run again after sitting in a van, and having to listen to @gruecdcomplain for most of the 11 hours, not in any particular order. We've packed extra TP for @Zasada, I'll set up a massage station complete with privacy curtain in the back of the van for @tri-man 47, and I've already had requests from locals here to see if @SteelCurtain will pace them during the relay. I think the only guy taking it seriously is @bushdocdaas he plans to bring multiple pairs of magic shooz, beet shots, headbands, and "other".
I'm excited.
First world problems. T&P.and this is when cycling gets expensive.
took the bike to the shop due to a clicking noise in the crank. It’s had some other issues but it’s been a good bike. While there, the mechanic shows me the cracks, rust, and a few other issues. All of which I knew but had largely overlooked. He took it apart and we’ll need to replace just about all the parts that can wear out, including the front wheel. Everything he said matches my experience, and the shop has a good reputation. The bike was made in Italy with Campy parts, so that adds to the expense. All said, the fix will cost close to $2,000. And will take 3-4 weeksOf course a similar bike would cost over $7,000 if I went and bought another one. This was not in the budget but we’ll be fine. The only question is whether I do it, and whether I tell the wife. Keeping in mind that I bought this one used for $1200 in 2012, can’t really complain.
For sure!Yeah, between the $$$ and the crazy [read: unsafe] roads some of the local cyclists ride upon, I plan on staying running only unless and until the body forces the issue. I know plenty of folks have had to give up on running due to injury issues, but I'm really hoping to be able to continue to tri-man age and beyond. And on a related note, I did some strength training again last night, so I've been better about it the last few weeks.
#Rf;Dbap #MurderDeathKill #Gian'ing #Vomit #Repeat x22 days away....
I'm not in running shape whatsoever. It's embarrassing but I'm still going to give the best effort I can.
Luckily, over my last few runs, I feel confident I can at least run a little under 9 min/mile. My debate is how hard I want to go in the early leg. Knowing I'm going to be tired and it's going to be much hotter anyway, do I go out pretty hard and then hold on for legs #2 and #3? Or do I run smart, hold back, and try to keep it pretty even throughout.
Will see how I feel out there, but I'm thinking I'm going to start around 9 and try to get it down to 8:45ish.
I thought about it and even in ideal shape and trained, I'm probably not going any faster than 8:00/mile anyway, so 8:30-8:45 will have to do.
It's not going to be pretty.
It's not going to be pretty.
I said "I HOPE I AM STILL RUNNING WHEN I AM OLD." It's the kind of guff (see, I used an old timey word!) you have to put up with for being the elder statesman around here.For sure!
Wait, what?
Did you see the forecast?The shark move would be for gian to secretly get SteveC to pace grue.
I'm also a big fan of the Adrenaline.Brooks Ghost 13 for $90 at REI. Limited colours/sizes.
I'd jump on it, but prefer the Adrenaline myself.
Gian on Saturday:Did you see the forecast?
I can pace Grue myself.
Me and my 25 excess pounds would run the first leg that ends at Lakehouse Bar & Grill and then you guys would have to fill in the additional legs that I’d be missing. Good luck fellas! Can’t wait to follow along.Here is the plan for Saturday. I'm guessing we will update this throughout the day as well.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HkZf9NzTXzHns9ilGGfWXBHvb1bLgkwwOmlXjVZuGbg/edit?usp=sharing
Yes! ChiefD’s annual Minnesota week! Welcome, my friend. Swing by the Twin Cities if you need to borrow from my limited selection of shovels for the betterment of your stay.Awesome. Good luck to you guys. I'll be sitting by a lake in Minnesota tipping some cold ones in your honor.
Get you some!!![]()
Here is the plan for Saturday. I'm guessing we will update this throughout the day as well.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HkZf9NzTXzHns9ilGGfWXBHvb1bLgkwwOmlXjVZuGbg/edit?usp=sharing
Smart move by @tri-man 47 with his leg selection, get the hard run out of the way first.SteelCurtain said:Here is the plan for Saturday. I'm guessing we will update this throughout the day as well.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HkZf9NzTXzHns9ilGGfWXBHvb1bLgkwwOmlXjVZuGbg/edit?usp=sharing
The old man still has a trick or two up his sleeve. Although those following short legs will be at a hard pace …looking forward to see what kind of pace I can hold.Smart move by @tri-man 47 with his leg selection, get the hard run out of the way first.
15 hours with no update…unacceptable.Relay drama.... Details forthcoming
Obligatory Seinfeld clipUpdate:
Call yesterday to see about getting the van a couple hours earlier than scheduled. Avis guy goes, "yeah, so, Ford just issued a recall on these transit vans so, we won't have a vehicle for you".
Long story short, 6 of us scrambling to try and find SOMETHING. Limo, party bus, hired driver... Anything. I was out at the time so couldn't do much either.
Eventually found a place here and somehow managed to get one at some truck/van rental place here. Heading over now to pick it up.
Fingers crossed.....
Earlier today … @gruecd arrived early this morning, giving him some “me” time with host @gianmarco before the rest of the team arrived. @SteelCurtain was due midday, but he had a long and weird travel day and arrived a few hours late. I drove down from Chicago and picked up @bushdocda on my way thru St Louis …easy to find him - just look for the hippie-dude chillin’ at the end of the arrivals section. @Zasada followed up an hour later and the team was complete. We dropped gear in our respective rooms, admiring the soft towels, scented soaps, and pre-printed fan instructions courtesy of mrs. Gian. After relaxing a bit, we headed out for the aforementioned dinner.How was dinner? (I assume you all are back by now.)
Leg 2 complete, @gianmarcooutperformed the pace sheet.Leg 1 is complete! We will be updating the Google sheet throughout the day.
it is humid and warm. Grue is melting after stage 1.
Well just grab a cool one at the lakehouse bar. Duh.Leg 1 is complete! We will be updating the Google sheet throughout the day.
it is humid and warm. Grue is melting after stage 1.
Just start calling him Steph (Curry) for the rest of the trip. He’ll enjoy that.MVP so far