23 Days to Go!

I have absolutely no idea how this happened, but it's less than a month until the Triathlon.  I don't know about you, but unless you count a 7mi, downhill bike-commute 2-3 days a week, I've done nothing to train for this year's event.

Well, we're set for 8/20 and one way or another, I'm going to jump in the water at 3:30 to start this thing and I really hope you'll join!

As always, the Vanport City Triathlon is a low-key event.  Last year we had three generations of participants and the course is specifically designed to be completed by those who stay busy but aren't in peak physical condition.  More than half of participants last year skipped the swim and just joined for the bike/run.  Relay teams are encouraged too.

The more the merrier and if you have a friend (or six) who'd like to join, bring 'em along!

If you haven't already I really encourage you to Join the Peloton by entering your e-mail address to get automatically updated as we get closer to race day.  There will be a couple of training events too, so if you're as far from being athletically ready for a triathlon as I am, I look forward to seeing you there.

As always, we'll finish the triathlon with a BBQ at my house.  Even if you've decided you're not going to take the Physical Challenge, I hope you'll join for some good food and re-telling of exaggerated conquests from 2011's Vanport City Triathlon.

See you soon!

Go By Bike!

Slate ran a story the other day about the recent "Carmageddon" on LA's 405. The basic idea was to measure the length of time various methods of transportation would take.

The results were:

• Bike: 1:34 
• Metro/Walk: 1:44 
• Rollerblades: 2:40 
• Plane/Lost Cabdriver: 2:54

While I've recently joined the ranks of those who bike commute, I gotta give props to whoever skated from Burbank to Long Beach.

Maybe a 4th event for the 2012 Vanport City Triathlon?

It's July. Wait, WHAT?!?

So I looked at the calendar the other day and realized it's July.  JULY.  That means we have just over a month until the triathlon on 8/20/11.

I injured my back a bit back in March.  It's totally healed now but the three weeks I set aside to take a break from training turned into a couple months.  Oops.

While the authorities are looking into what happened to spring in the Portland-metro area, it's time to start thinking about getting prepared for the triathlon.

I've been riding my bike to work at least three days a week but I am also going to add some specific training to get ready.  As many of these will be outdoor training events, I thought I'd let you know what's ahead on the calendar in case you wanted to participate.

July Events:

• 7/18 @ 6:15PM Vancouver Lake Park Ride
• This is a beautiful 25mi ride.  You can check it out here.
• 7/19 @ 6:15PM 3mi run
• If the ride goes well, I'll run outside along this course.  If it's inside, it'll be here.
• 7/25 @ 6:15PM Marine Drive Ride
• This is a beautiful 25mi ride.  You can check it out here.
• 7/26 @ 6:15PM 3mi run
• If the ride goes well, I'll run outside along this course.  If it's inside, it'll be here.

More to come in August.