Kids Mountain Bike Riding at Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa, AZ

"Living in the Big Ring" question answered

I've had some readers of my blog ask about its name and why I have been calling it "Living in the Big Ring" for the past nine years.  As a cyclist, it refers to the big chain ring which is the hardest to pedal in, yet maximum speed is achieved while using it.  It also refers to me as a three-ring circus if you will. Trying to balance the triathlon lifestyle along with having a family and a full time job.  They all

work together for accomplishing a goal. The three-ring circus also then refers to triathlon, with the swimming, the cycling and the running.

A little more family time, while recovering

I was able to get out with my son mountain biking this past Sunday, second week in a row.  I was just going to go out for a few hours by myself when he asked if he could go again, so really how could I tell him no.  He told me he had fun the last time but he said it was too easy.  So I started thinking I would take him out on a little harder trail.  Loaded up the bikes and we were out the door.  Like before, I lead the way to our destination ( a playground ), with him leading the way back.  He did really well and is getting the hang of it.  There are a few tight corners where cacti come really close to the trail, so I just told him to slow down.  I didn't want to see him get stuck or fall into a cactus.  What a great ride.

I was glad for the slower ride, as my allergies have zapped my energy this week. So many things in bloom here along with the pollen and the wind only makes it worse.

Check out the video below and this will explain the fun out on the trails.   

Great times with the family

While I have been working on my cardio at home, I had a blast Sunday taking my seven-year-old son out on his first mountain bike trail ride. He was so excited when I told him both of us were going to go on a ride near the mountains.  So excited that he started bringing my shoes to me to help us get out the door.  First, a pair of loafers, to which I told him not those, then my running shoes, to which I also told him not those.  He got my flip flops and we were out to the garage to load the bikes on the car.  I knew where we were going, Usery Park, there is a playground.  I made this our destination.  Parked the car and we were off.  I told him on the way there to stay on the trails and keep control of your bike.  I knew of a route that would be a good starter ride for him, some small hills, some rocky parts and some corners.  All this he was able to handle no problem.  I lead the way there, a roughly 2 mile route.  Made it to the playground and spent a little time there and took time to hydrate.  He was excited to get back riding and this time I let him lead.  Took the same route back to the car.  We came upon a bunch of others either hiking, riding horseback and mountain biking, and he followed the rules of the trail perfect.  Such a positive experience for him that I bet it won't be long and we will be out again, maybe choosing another challenging route and going even a longer distance. 

On another note, Saturday, the training wheels came off my four-year-old daughters bike.  I am not sure if it was the balance type of bike or riding a scooter that helped her achieve getting the hang of riding.  She took off on her first try.  We had to work with her on starting out by herself, but she picked that up too really fast. She rode around the grass for nearly 30 minutes, stopping and starting and loving every minute. 

Photos Photos Photos from the past month

 Finishing SOMA Half Iron holding my 4-year-old son.

 Feeling the effects of over hydration.  I learned a lot that day.

 SOMA swim exit after taking the wet suit off.

 2011 Ironman Arizona Tempe Mayor's Charity Challenge.

  2011 Ironman Arizona Tempe Mayor's Charity Challenge.

 2011 Ironman Arizona Tempe Mayor's Charity Challenge.

All about the Family

 After a hard day in the sun, Sunday during the SOMA half-iron race, running across the finish line with my son made the finish line much sweeter.  My son was not yet awake when I left the house to get to the race site, however he knew I was racing.  He helped me the day before pick up my packet and drop off my bike at the transition. A little over three hours into the race I seen my wife with our daughter and son on the bike course.  I reached out and gave my son a "high-five".  I was excited to see them out there. I started to think how excited my son was but then thought its going to be awhile until I get around the course again to see them.  My son has been there when I got home after early morning workouts where he would ask me, "Dad did you go riding on the mountain?" or "Dad did you go running?".  During my training he also came along with my brother and paddled along in a kayak while I did an open water swim.  After the run course I knew my wife with our kids would be waiting near the finish line.  About 100 yards out from the line, I spotted them and like in previous years, I picked up my son and ran carrying him across the finish with me.  He was all smiles and super excited.  When it comes down to it, it is my family that allows me to go out and training and compete.  Longer races mean more  time out training.  I hope one day my son will want to give doing a triathlon a try, who knows maybe he can carry me across the finish line to share the excitement with him.