Real world update...I have the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon in Ft. Oglethorpe this Saturday.  That will mark number 10 for me and officially able to enter the 50 state club.  20% of the way there!

After a couple years, I've hit lots of states and now 3  countries. I wonder how long this would take if I were actually riding....

After a dismal long run last Monday I realized that it helps to vent when you have a terrible workout. Most importantly it can help you zero in on what went wrong. Be it lack of water, nutrition, training, or motivation when you put it down to words things become a lot more clearly defined. Otherwise you just say, " I had a bad workout." And that is that. So if you feel like venting after a bad workout this is the place. And remember, this is for posterity so be honest.

Just noticed I held the lead last week, and so far am doing the same. With my puny training calendar, I realized something must be going on. So, how's everyone doing? Anyone sick? Out of town? Other?

Just checking in to make sure everyone is alright!

Awesome.

Now, I just need to turn around and keep on traveling!

Thanks for the challenge and motivation folks. Now it's time to see just how far I can go before the year ends!

It's a blog written by Eldon Nelson. He and his family have been fighting the battle with cancer quite a bit, and he's spearheading a HUGE effort to help support Lance Armstrong and the LIVESTRONG foundation.

He informed the public last night that his wife, lost her fight. She had been fighting with metasticized breast cancer, and it finally took all she had :(

For those that haven't been following, I just thought I'd inform you...

 Thanks again,

Anyway this challenge is a fun way to compare to professional riders and see how you stack up (or don't in my case)!

Which one do you have?

What do you like about it?

What don't you like about it?

What would you change about yours if you could?

I didn't figure runners would use one, but if you do, please chime in. 

Thanks everyone,

Eric

So, WELCOME TO THE VIRTUAL TOUR GROUP.

Hope you stay around and check in on us. We're not too competitive, but we do like to push each other and try to chase down the leader each week (Steve or Ehirning). We have a good mix of triathletes, multisporters, cyclists, marathoners and runners from just about everywhere.

Feel free to chime in, make a route and start sharing. Glad you came to join us!

I am going to head north up the coast of California to Washington and possibly into Canada and then head back East to AC. 

Just wanted to share...

Any thoughts?

So, complete a century? Run an awesome race? Crush an existing time? Sprint it out and beat someone at the finish? Finish a triathlon? Win an event? Participate in a grueling challenge?

Tell us. Share your race story. Tell us about it. How you did. And if you have a photo, share it with us. This is where you boast, brag, share, and cheer others on. So, lets hear it!

3/28/09 RUMPSHAKER 5K (link)

My wife and I ran our first race of the 2009 season last weekend; a simple 5k. My first race back since the shin splints & stress fractures and her first in many years. It was my welcome back race and her "I can do this race". We both had fun. I felt great throughout the whole run, which was a huge confidence booster. And it helps me realize the race schedule I have for the season, just may be doable.

I finished, then went back to meet the wife and crossed w/ her. It was good to run with her. We both finished w/ decent times (in my opinion), but there's always room for improvement. Me - 29:28, her - 33:14.

1. Shoes

Does anybody run in a pair of Brooks Beasts? Does anybody know where I could read some reviews or info on them, besides the Brooks website? Apparently, those are the shoes I'm supposed to be in (instead of Nike Structure) and would like some info on them. The going rate I'm seeing is $110-$130 and I'd like to check those numbers.

2. Bikes

This one is more down Steve's alley I think, but anybody can feel free to answer. I talked of bikes a while back, and just didn't buy one. Didn't feel right. Now, I've gone to a local bike shops, found some that I like and need a little help covering the mechanics on them. This is where I'm hoping I getting the most for my money.

Bike 1 - Giant TCR http://bobs-bikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=37770

Bike 2 - Giant Defy 2  http://bobs-bikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=48428

Bike 3 - Specialized Allez http://bobs-bikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=48653

Opinions? Comments?

For those days when it just seems hard to get out the door. Post a motivational link that inspires you. Or just check out the thread and be inspired. The link below should open in it's own window. Enjoy!!

If you would like to add your own clips to this thread you can use this html if you like:

<a href="YOUTUBE URL" target="_blank"><img src="PHOTOBUCKET URL" border="0" width="474" height="305" alt="QUOTATION HERE"/></a>

In this Virtual Tour Group it's important to recognize our real acheivements too so I've started this thread so that we could all have a common place to come and "toot our horns." Whether it is a 5k or an Ironman. Share it here. You never know it could end up in your next signature. 

This idea was spawned from Jairadballerinas thread about the Hatfield and McCoy Marathon. So thanks for the idea JB!

I'm running in a 5K this weekend called Run for the Pies. I've been training really hard to get a pie when I finish but I don't think that I will get the sub-20 minute requirement this year. I'm shooting for 25 or 26 minutes.

Here's to a successful and safe race.

So, no need in having two leaderboards saying the same thing, I deleted the one I created. That would be why it doesn't exist.

Sorry folks. Just tinkering around only to find out it wasn't working as planned...

I'm wondering how many of you are planning to do the same, and who among us are continuing on with their current route.

So, what are your plans? 

Steve 

I did the VT 2008, and have updated my route for VT 2009 and thought I'd remove the old one to cut down on the clutter, but it seems that I can't.

Any ideas?

But, does anybody know the precise way to measure max heart rate through biking and running? I seem to have found about 50 different ways to measure it and some seem reliable and some don't.

For those that have done it, what did you do?

The best I found was this http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=53 which has a generic 33min test for both disciplines.

I'd like to get some testing in so I know what zones I should be working in.

Thanks.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/frontenac/231914657463

Here we go!

Steve