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

Elastolace

Elastolace’s provided me with a pair of their easy to use elastic shoe laces.  The shoe laces I typically wear in my running or triathlon shoes I have used my homemade version of this product. I was willing to try the Elastolaces and see what they were like. Inside the package you will find two elastic, no tie shoe laces are pre-measured.  They measure 42 inches in length. Also inside the package are the locking devices, a simple squeeze to release clip.  Lace your shoes like normal and attach the lock where you would normally tie the laces. Give the lace extra space before attaching the end clip to keep the end of the laces together.  They are comfortable in any type of shoe with laces. I like to use them, due to the tension on the elastic laces expand and contract with my foot as I am running, keeping the shoe tight on my foot. They are great for kids and those who have trouble tying shoes or kids who find their shoes coming untied all the time.  I like how they come with extra tips for the laces, if you should decide to switch shoes you are wearing them in. 

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. 

Starting up after a little time off

Back to the training.

Not that it was training at all, but I have been able to get the kids more involved by riding in the trailer for short 5 mile rides in last week. The both of them add an extra 65 pounds. Pretty good workout. The rides are fun, and making good use of the few cool evenings before the summer heat arrives.
How my training is going to change. My run has always been the low part of my racing. I am going to try and focus on improving my run off the bike with more brick workouts in the next few weeks. Looking forward to some great workouts in the next few weeks and longer ones over the weekends.