On Average Age Groupers, Laura, Holly, Maggie, and Tarah recap Tarah’s Moab 240 experience in the historically chaotic year the race was canceled mid-event. Tarah describes travel delays, extensive drop-bag prep with help from crew chief Bob, and a confusing but friendly check-in. She details early singletrack congestion, extreme heat and dust, fueling shifts from gels to solid foods (Oreos, PB&J, instant noodles), night running, foot care, and brief sleep while hallucinating before Bridger Jack. Severe weather escalates into hail, flooding, and dangerous mud on the way to Shay Mountain, where Maggie meets and paces Tarah through cold, wind, falling trees, and exhaustion. After two hours of sleep in Monticello, Tess paces Tarah through “peanut butter” mud to Dry Valley at mile 144, where she’s told the race is canceled. Tarah reflects on feeling surprisingly strong, possible top-15 women placement, uncertainty about future races, concerns about drop-bag retrieval, and minimal post-race soreness.

00:00 Back With Tarah

00:46 Moab Race Chaos

01:37 Storm Forecast Talk

03:52 Travel To New Mexico

05:17 Altitude And Sleep

06:17 Drop Bag Prep

11:13 Check In Confusion

15:23 Race Morning Buzz

17:31 Early Miles Singletrack

22:18 Heat Dust And Water

23:58 Fuel Switch To Solids

27:25 Night Running Oasis

34:03 Indian Creek Pit Stop

37:30 Blister Scapel Mishap

39:21 Bridger Jack Sleep

42:49 Hailstorm Wash Trek

43:57 Storm Turns to Flooding

45:10 Slip and Slide Climb

46:59 Burn Scar Reality Check

47:48 Mud Road to Shay

49:53 Two Hours at Shay

54:27 Decision to Push On

59:18 Windy Summit and Treefall

01:00:47 Creepy Encounter Descent

01:08:35 Monticello Reset and Pacer Swap

01:10:11 Peanut Butter Mud Miles

01:12:06 Race Canceled at 144

01:17:01 Aftermath and Whats Next

01:21:41 Body Check and Wrap Up

Listen to the Pod here:

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Laura, Holly, and Maggie introduce Average Age Groupers as a human-side endurance sports podcast and discuss how “average” can still mean doing triathlons without being fast, sharing 5K times and zone-setting tests. The main topic is how goals evolve: starting endurance sports to stay active, shifting away from time goals after injury, and wrestling with fantasies like qualifying for Kona or 70.3 Worlds versus the life alignment and compliance required. They emphasize race-day mindset, controlling what you can (nutrition, execution, enjoyment), and how varying courses and conditions complicate time-based goals. They talk about savoring the experience, returning from injury, headwind stories, and prioritizing durability through strength work despite limited time. Laura decides not to race Ironman Wisconsin due to the short gap before Ironman California, while Holly considers flexibility, local races, and longer running challenges. They invite listeners to share goals, questions, and guest ideas, and close with a call to like, subscribe, and follow on major platforms.

00:00 Cold Open Banter

01:01 Human Side Triathlon

02:12 Average Runner Reality

04:05 5K Tests And Zones

07:11 Goals That Evolve

10:59 Worlds Dreams And Tradeoffs

12:48 Race Day Mindset

18:07 Process Goals Over Time

19:51 Enjoy The Suffering

22:50 Headwinds And Comebacks

27:21 What If We Were Normal

29:50 Why Endurance Matters

30:38 Zone Two Gains

32:07 Bike Zone Two Setup

33:18 Dropping Wisconsin Plan

35:48 Durable Athlete Goal

37:18 Fitting Training In

40:03 Race Prep Logistics

41:33 Goggles And Gear Hoarding

43:34 Fear After DNF

45:11 Flexible Goals And Ultras

48:57 Avoiding Burnout Long Term

51:45 Traveling For Races

52:59 Wrap Up And Listener Call

Listen to the Pod here:

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IRONMAN’s New Women’s Community… and Our Real Kona Podium Picks

Laura, Holly, and Maggie introduce their podcast Average Age Groupers and react to IRONMAN’s new women-focused community, “Woven,” describing its Strava/Instagram presence, member events, race meetups, and perks while questioning what concrete support it will provide beyond connection. They discuss how women-only racing (like IRONGIRL/Wisconsin Women’s Tri and separate-day 70.3 Worlds) can feel more positive and could boost women’s participation, and note Kona will be back to men and women racing the same day. The conversation shifts to favorite endurance athletes and why they’re fun to follow, including Heather Jackson, Paula Findlay and Eric Lagerstrom, Kat Matthews, Jenna & Logan, Justin R., India Lee, Jason West, Gustav Iden, Lionel Sanders, Nick Chase, Matthew Marquardt, Cam Wurf, and others across gravel, road cycling, and ultrarunning, plus playful, “emotional” Kona podium picks and a brief tangent on frequent collarbone breaks.

00:00 Ironman Woven Email

01:55 Skepticism and Real Support

03:35 Meet the Hosts

04:29 Women Only Racing Vibes

07:44 What Woven Should Do

10:37 Kona Format Changes

13:59 Pros We Love Following

14:17 Heather Jackson Spotlight

17:29 Triathlon Life and Kat

22:59 More Favorites and Norwegians

28:49 Lionel Sanders and RTS

30:27 Pro Favorites Rundown

31:47 Sam Long Spotlight

32:27 Racing With The Pros

34:17 Collarbone Season Talk

35:18 Cam Wurf Fan Moment

37:13 Dream Kona Podiums

40:37 Gravel Riders To Follow

44:26 Road Worlds And Cycling Crushes

46:54 Ultra Legends And Mindset

51:41 More Tri Names And Injury Wave

55:00 Wrap Up And Next Episodes

Listen to the Pod here:

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Laura, Holly, and Maggie welcome returning guest Tarah to discuss her upcoming Moab 240 ultramarathon in Moab, Utah, including how she’s training, fueling, and planning logistics with her crew. After a light intro about keeping too many browser tabs and saving Instagram posts, Tarahh shares that her Leadville Silver Rush 50 was canceled due to fires and low ferritin, but she’s stayed healthy by stacking 2–3 long run days on weekends, relying on her strength-training base, and listening to her body. She details race fueling goals (up to 90g carbs/hour), homemade gels, aid-station foods, and her UltrAspire 14L pack for mandatory gear and up to 3–5L water. They cover mandatory kit, pacing plans (90/100/112+ hours), sleep strategy, fears (feet, gut, darkness), excitement about the community, travel timeline, live tracking, and plans to recap post-race.

00:00 Tabs and Screenshots Chaos

02:00 Saved Reels and Organization

02:52 Meet the Guest Tarah

04:17 Moab 240 Mindset

05:21 Training After Cancellations

08:25 Staying Healthy and Strong

11:00 Fueling Big Mileage

12:56 Race Nutrition Strategy

16:14 Gear and Water Carrying

22:05 Crew Rules and Pacer Plan

24:48 Altitude Fears and Unknowns

28:09 Sleep Strategy and Minivan Crew

33:24 Pacing Calculator and Cutoffs

36:01 Foot Care and Aid Station Routine

36:52 Mouth Care And Hygiene

38:14 Coke Pickles And Fuel

38:39 Dust Throat And Bandanas

39:49 What Excites Her Most

41:47 Will She Be Alone

43:38 Music Or Silence At Night

47:02 Midnight Calls And Games

50:18 Braids For Moab

53:48 Travel Plan And Race Timeline

55:42 Live Tracker And Updates

56:56 Wrap Up Wishes And Next Races

01:03:02 Final Sign Off

Connect with Tarah: https://www.instagram.com/tarahinturquoise?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Listen to the Pod here:

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Hosts Laura, Holly, and Maggie reintroduce themselves as the Average Age Groupers and catch up on Maggie’s two recent bike races. Maggie describes trying a Tuesday-night Minneapolis cyclocross race after winning a free entry, riding her gravel bike with 50mm tires on a grassy, switchback-heavy course, finishing mid-pack, and noting the high-intensity effort, timing chips, and playful “hand ups.” She then recaps the point-to-point Chequamegon mountain bike race weekend in Hayward, including logistics, a hummingbird in a bike shop, a neutral rollout, constant short climbs, and how a poorly fitting saddle caused significant pain and affected performance. Maggie highlights key course features like the Fire Tower climb, a man revving a chainsaw, the “Seven Sisters” hills, and a fast, more technical final section, praising the race’s marking, volunteers, aid stations, and finish-line food compared to Unbound. Laura shares she signed up for the Madison Half Marathon, Holly mentions recovery and returning to swimming, and Maggie discusses upcoming Moab pacing and off-season plans.

00:00 Riffing and Introductions

01:09 Voices Versus Faces

02:21 Maggie Tries Cyclocross

04:32 Cyclocross Course and Chaos

08:13 Cyclocross Vibes and Snacks

08:46 Fat Bike Race Shenanigans

15:32 Chequamegon Grand Prix Setup

18:44 Race Weekend and Logistics

23:08 Start Line and Early Miles

26:24 Relentless Climbs and Saddle Pain

32:28 Gravel vs MTB Debate

33:24 Ideal Bike Setup

34:45 Fire Tower Climb Chaos

37:38 Seven Sisters Sendfest

39:12 Final Miles Favorite

40:26 Bike Buying Banter

42:13 Race Organization Praise

44:10 Lifetime Series Talk

46:45 SoCal Hurricane Surf

47:42 Half Marathon Plans

50:06 Moab Pacing Nerves

53:58 Offseason and Yoga

56:42 Wrap Up and Plugs

Listen to the Pod here:

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On Average Age Groupers, hosts Laura, Maggie, and Holly welcome guest Nick, previously referenced for mishaps that inspired lessons like leaving a cellphone in transition, to share his endurance sports journey. Nick describes not playing organized sports as a kid, being inspired at 12 by watching Kona on TV, serving eight years in the Army, then impulsively training five weeks for his first half marathon in 2009, learning hard lessons about hydration, shoes, and nutrition. He starts triathlon with Devil’s Lake in 2012 on borrowed gear, progresses through local races, wins novice and age-group finishes, and learns in-race nutrition after bonking at an Olympic before completing Racine 70.3 and Ironman Wisconsin (2015) and Lake Placid (2016). He recounts a 2018 Ironman derailed by poor pre-race fueling and a dead watch, a 2019 My Team Triumph relay raising about $25,000, a 2023 Boulder swim DNF from back spasms that panicked his wife due to tracking confusion, and a hot 2024 Waco 70.3 (about 6:02) via an Invictus Games Foundation program, while balancing CrossFit, future racing goals, and family.

00:00 Meet Nick Again

01:45 Early Life No Sports

02:26 Kona Dream Sparked

03:24 Army Years Fitness Base

04:03 First Half Marathon Chaos

07:12 Runner Gear And Solo Grind

08:17 Devils Lake Signup Surprise

09:51 Borrowed Bike Trailer Epic

12:15 First Sprint Tri Lessons

13:46 Why Triathlon Matters

15:21 Fat Bike Devils Lake Detour

17:39 2013 Breakthrough Races

19:38 Olympic Bonk Nutrition Wakeup

21:52 Racine 70.3 And Going Full

25:07 Coaching Team And 2015 Full

26:51 Craigslist Bike Hunt

28:33 Tri Bike Upgrade

30:04 Lake Placid Highs And Lows

34:50 Spectating Sparks Comeback

35:24 Milk Man Course Rant

36:55 Ironman 2018 Taper Troubles

37:59 Carb Loading Chaos

38:34 Kaizen Training Gains

39:42 Race Day Breakfast Fail

41:02 Watch Dies Mid Bike

43:55 Run Crash And Coke

45:46 My Team Triumph Relay

50:16 Invictus To Waco Heat

55:39 Boulder DNF And Panic

01:06:57 CrossFit Balance Plans

01:14:11 Choosing Races Wisely

01:17:20 Wrap Up And Plugs

Listen to the Pod here:

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In this episode of Average Age Groupers, Holly, Maggie and Laura open with winter fat-tire biking gear talk (ski helmet/goggles, bar mitts, socks/boots, flat pedals, and the “N+1” bike problem) before debriefing Ironman Wisconsin weekend. They recap Saturday’s Madison 70.3 (cool and windy, choppy swim, a reported athlete death believed to be a cardiac event, a faster new bike course with less technical climbing, and a modified run), plus concerns about blatant drafting and frustration with the 70.3 Worlds performance pool system after a teammate’s 5:43 debut placed seventh in her Age group yet dropped to 72nd overall when adjusted. Sunday’s full Ironman spectating focused on teammate Paul, tracking him across multiple bike and run viewing spots; they note Emily received a three-minute drafting penalty while passing. They praise the improved athlete experience under Ironman’s new CEO (start buildup, upgraded finish line, first-timer bell) and share how Wisconsin reignited motivation to race again while they stress about Oregon 70.3 selling out and begin sketching expensive, shifting 2027 plans including potential Worlds qualification, Steamboat, California, and community/podcast growth.

00:00 Cold Weather Bike Gear

01:04 N Plus One Bike Talk

02:53 Podcast Intro and Ironman Plans

03:11 Oregon Registration Panic

04:34 Ironman Wisconsin Setup

06:05 70.3 Saturday Recap

06:36 Swim Tragedy Discussion

08:14 New 70.3 Course and Drafting

13:22 Performance Pool Confusion

15:57 Ironman Sunday Spectator Plan

17:45 Chasing Paul on the Bike

22:12 Old Sauk and Timber Loop

25:55 Cheering on the Climbs

27:35 Downtown Run Course Changes

30:22 Dead Shifting Battery

31:25 State Street Noise

33:00 Chasing the Finish

34:06 Spectating Reflections

35:23 New Ironman Experience

39:06 Madison Magic Returns

43:55 Planning 2027 Season

44:43 Local Winners Shoutout

46:05 Next Year Race Puzzle

50:12 Budgeting and Sponsors

53:35 Upcoming Races Updates

56:02 Cyclocross Tomorrow

57:40 Guests and Support

58:53 Wrap Up and Follow

Listen to the Pod here:

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On Average Age Groupers, hosts Holly, Maggie, and Laura welcome Waterfall Racing teammate Hector to share his endurance story, from always having bikes as a kid in Mexico City to moving to Michigan at age nine and later riding and commuting by bike in Chicago. He describes how his mom’s breast cancer shaped his early exposure to charity endurance events, then progressing from 5Ks to the Chicago Marathon, where personal loss and an empty finish-line experience contributed to stepping away from running for years. After moving to Florida, Hector returns to sport through triathlon, teaching himself swimming via observation and YouTube, and completing a challenging first 70.3 at Clash Daytona while learning fueling and pacing through trial and error. He then enters the gravel scene, completes Unbound 50 on a modified cruiser, upgrades to a gravel bike, prepares for Unbound 200, later supports teammates at Unbound, and discusses future goals including returning to Unbound and possibly tackling Georgia’s Six Gap.

00:00 Last Minute Guest Intro

02:05 Meet Hector via Waterfall

03:07 Early Bikes and Family Roots

06:30 Moving to Michigan

09:14 College Crash and First 50

11:48 City Riding and Close Calls

14:11 Cancer and Charity Endurance

17:20 Chicago Marathon Heartbreak

19:37 Disney Marathon and Hiatus

22:25 Florida Reset and First Tri

26:52 Self Coached Training Approach

28:45 Clash Daytona Chaos

31:47 Cramp To Finish Line

33:08 Joining Waterfall Racing

33:49 Unbound Signup And DIY Bike

36:18 Racing The Unbound 50

38:57 Pikes Peak Climb Lessons

41:36 Training For Unbound 200

43:38 Crash And Concussion

47:30 Haines City 70.3 Recap

50:16 Six Gap Mountain Challenge

53:37 Future Plans And Wrap Up

Follow Hector: https://www.instagram.com/hector.hmx23?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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Laura, Maggie, and Holly reunite in person on Average Age Groupers, first joking about Maggie’s nonstop travel and their strong opinions on socks, then shifting to open-water swimming tips ahead of Ironman Wisconsin. They discuss why wetsuits can feel safer, how a wetsuit should fit (tight, worked up around shoulders), sleeved vs sleeveless options, buoyancy shorts, caring for gear, and using Body Glide or TriSlide to prevent chafing and help with donning. They share sighting strategies like “crocodile eyes,” handling chop, drafting, avoiding traffic when stopping, staying wide for space, and using swim buoys for visibility and flotation. They briefly cover Ironman Wisconsin’s two-loop swim and strong water support, note current-assisted swims like Oregon 70.3, and update that Aaron is out of Ironman Wisconsin after re-breaking his collarbone and seeking a deferral.

00:00 Reunited In Person

00:12 Maggie Travel Chaos

01:31 The Great Sock Debate

03:34 Podcast Intro Updates

04:49 Open Water Swim Basics

07:47 Wetsuit Safety And Fit

10:57 Sleeves Brands And Care

14:51 Buoyancy Shorts Option

15:38 Sighting Like A Crocodile

19:50 Race Navigation And Drafting

24:24 Swim Buoys And Visibility

25:32 Chafing Lube And Comfort

29:28 Fear Creatures And Confidence

32:04 Swim Fears and Motivation

33:16 Ironman Wisconsin Swim Breakdown

36:57 Ocean and Choppy Swim Tips

40:22 Current Assisted Swim Hype

42:20 Oregon 70.3 Beginner Friendly

44:39 Aaron Injury Wisconsin Update

47:06 Spectating Plans and Games

50:16 Chequamegon MTB Prep Talk

54:03 Guests Team Updates and Wrap

Listen to the Pod here:

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#triathlon #unboundgravel #podcast #gravelbiking #gravelride

On Average Age Groupers, hosts Laura, Holly, Maggie, and Alyssa (returning guest) talk with Alyssa about how she became an endurance athlete, starting with swimming in Kansas, dabbling in college swimming and ultimate Frisbee, then discovering cycling during her LDS mission in California. She recounts buying her first road bike in 2015, doing an early sprint triathlon and multiple century rides, and learning race basics the hard way, including bonking, cramping, and her now-signature mustard packets. After moving to the DC area in 2017, she completed Ironman 70.3 Eagleman in 2018 and later shifted away from triathlon toward cycling. She shares how riding supports her mental health, how her friend Brian’s death shaped her motivation, and why she rode Unbound in his honor, including a stormy 200-mile experience. Alyssa also discusses run-club community, marathons, favorite places to ride, and possible future races like Steamboat.

00:00 Mic Stand Banter

00:19 Meet Alyssa

01:15 Swim Roots

03:16 Mission Bike Life

07:03 First Real Road Bike

08:43 First Tri And Century

13:02 Mustard Cramp Hack

16:24 Solo Riding Era

20:05 Move To DC Eagleman

25:25 Half Ironman Lessons

26:53 Cycling Focus And Loss

29:21 Unbound For Brian

32:41 Racing Mindset Wins

35:04 Racing With Friends

36:32 Cyclist Not Triathlete

37:42 Run Club Origins

39:20 Marathon Misery Lessons

43:38 Run And Raft Plans

45:55 Favorite Places To Ride

50:45 Kansas Gravel And Storms

54:01 Cold Weather Training Hacks

57:56 Next Season Race Calendar

01:00:58 Unbound Short Course Dreams

01:02:12 Wrap Up And Farewell

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The Average Age Groupers share a race recap from Ironman 70.3 Northern California in Redding, California, noting early recording technical issues. Laura describes her first-ever DNF, exiting the non-wetsuit-legal swim (78.1°F) after repeated stops, chaotic contact, difficulty sighting into the sun, and limited visible water support; she’s extracted by paddleboard/boat, returns barefoot to spectators, and later spectates with help from Casey’s VIP access. Holly, Laura and Claire recount a disorienting swim with left turns and a “gate” between red buoys, sun glare, heavy contact, and a possibly long course. Holly details a scenic but hard bike with steep descents, wind, crashes, poor etiquette, false flats, and hot conditions, then a hilly, hot run with walk-run strategies, ibuprofen, and a hamstring cramp near mile 10 before finishing. Claire finishes strong, meets the mayor mid-run, chases a sub-six, but gets severe chafing from peeing while running; Casey medals her. They criticize the new 70.3 Worlds slot “performance pool” math after Claire’s rankings drop despite a small age-adjustment, and they discuss upcoming plans including Maggie’s Chequamegon mountain bike race and recovery goals.

00:00 Welcome and Audio Disclaimer

01:08 Race Recap Setup

02:09 Laura DNF Swim Story

09:16 Tech Fix and Pre Swim Vibes

10:31 Swim Course Chaos and Sun Glare

18:11 Swim Contact and Wetsuit Traffic

21:22 DNF Logistics and VIP Help

24:02 T1 Moments and Heading Out

26:21 Bike Course Beauty and Early Descent

31:44 Bike Etiquette and Course Difficulty

35:10 False Flats Steep Turns and Taking Souls

37:43 Women Finishers and Awards Questions

39:04 Bike Course Highlights

40:12 Urban Roads and Underpass

41:09 T2 Troubles and Blisters

45:49 Run Start and Survival Mode

49:48 Claire Run Strategy and Mayor

54:42 Cramping and Aid Stations

58:21 Finish Line and VIP Medal

01:00:47 Chafing Confession and Sub Six Push

01:04:44 Would We Race Again

01:05:17 Slot Allocation Controversy

01:11:24 Next Races and Wrap Up

Laura, Maggie, and Holly celebrate the podcast’s 20th episode, an above-average milestone, by sharing “20 tips” they’ve learned as non-elite triathletes balancing jobs, training, and life. They open with updates about helping a friend move and a warm open-water swim at Fireman’s Park with fewer weeds than expected, then move into practical race and training advice: find a community or team, keep a learning/beginner mindset, fuel with enough carbs and protein (including whole-food options), plan post-race meetups and phone access, and pack items like trash bags, extra water for the swim chute, safety pins for timing chips, and a small pharmacy kit. They also cover bike and race-day tactics (downshifting, tire pressure, helmet replacement, photochromic lenses), heat management with ice, transition practice, finish-chute photo plans, buying meaningful race memorabilia, and the overarching reminder to keep the sport fun.

00:00 Couchside Catchup

00:54 Open Water Weed Talk

03:38 Episode 20 Milestone

05:01 20 Tips Kickoff

06:05 Find Your Training Crew

08:59 Learning Beginner Mindset

11:50 Fueling And Carbs

16:40 Post Race Meetups

19:05 Race Day Bag Hacks

20:34 Swim Chute Hydration

22:06 Timing Chip Safety

23:00 Bike Gear Stop Signs

24:54 Beat The Heat With Ice

27:47 DIY Arm Sleeves

28:52 Stay Warm in the Chute

29:50 Race Day Pharmacy Kit

30:57 Bodily Functions Reality

33:06 Helmet Replacement Rules

34:29 Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings

35:18 Photochromic Bike Glasses

36:28 Energy Comes Back

38:20 Know When to Stop

39:24 Deflate Tires in Heat

40:44 Chamois Cream and Fit

43:50 Practice Your Transition

45:18 Finish Chute Photo Plan

47:24 Buy the Race Memento

48:32 Have Fun Not Pressure

51:36 Training for Life Sidebar

53:05 Wrap Up and Where to Find Us

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Maggie, Laura, and Holly open by describing nonstop summer travel and feeling perpetually packed, then shift to their upcoming inaugural Ironman 70.3 in Redding, California. They explain how their original North Carolina 70.3 plan pivoted after scheduling conflicts and Holly’s April 2 car accident, which later revealed whiplash and a concussion that derailed running and swimming for weeks. Holly describes struggling through a demanding brick-heavy build, fear riding on roads and a breakdown during a cold, rainy Lake Placid ride, and worries about finishing due to run limitations. Laura shares self-coaching with an 80/20 approach, prioritizing not burning out on biking, higher run volume, and calmer swimming confidence. The episode also focuses on mental health: winter depression, dark intrusive thoughts after a February crash, identity and grief around racing setbacks (including Aaron’s accident and missed Lake Placid), and the challenge of balancing training with full-time work, ending with plans for a post-race recap and future guests.

00:00 Travel Life Catchup

02:01 Podcast Setup And Topics

02:58 Why Redding 703

03:19 Race Switch Backstory

07:04 Course And Logistics

08:44 Redding Build Reality Check

10:23 Training After Accident

13:37 Laura Self Coaching Plan

17:12 Weather And Course Hype

21:37 Mental Health Pivot

22:55 Winter Blues And First Crash

27:16 Car Accident And Invisible Injury

30:03 Unbound Mindset And Support

31:43 Racing With Support

32:43 Unbound Aftershocks

35:06 Whiplash Recovery Timeline

36:05 Road Riding Anxiety

39:56 Lake Placid Breakdown

41:48 Pulling The Plug

45:21 Back To Familiar Routes

46:58 Running Feels Impossible

49:39 Grief And Uncertainty

53:35 Mental Health In Sport

58:27 Identity And Balance

01:02:53 What Comes Next

01:05:45 Wrap Up And Thanks

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Holly, Laura, Maggie, and Logan open Average Age Groupers by restating the show’s mission to share non-elite endurance athlete stories, then dig into why Logan chose endurance sports: after college he quit hockey (which he’d played since age 3), got into road biking, and chased the longest bike race he could, landing in Ironman despite barely being able to swim. Logan recounts racing Milkman 70.3 and Ironman Wisconsin 2023, where he stopped eating on the run and finished with over 2,000 calories unused, followed by cramping and a post-race recovery led by Holly and Aaron. In 2024 he improved fueling, raced Wisconsin and then California six weeks later, struggled with wind, under-fueled again, and finished with severe blisters. He qualified for 70.3 Worlds in Spain, then in 2025 moved to Denver, had knee surgery, raced 70.3 Boise, and at Worlds dealt with lost gear, panic, crashes, and zero-carb riding. Logan closes by describing joining a Colorado cycling team, time trials, a crash, a podium, a bloody marathon, and plans to take a year off triathlon to focus on cycling.

00:00 Meet the Hosts

00:45 Why This Podcast Exists

01:28 Logan’s Endurance Origin

02:59 Minnesota Hockey Childhood

04:52 Deep End Into Ironman

06:52 First 70.3 Reality Check

09:31 First Ironman Nutrition Fail

13:40 Post Ironman Marathon Jump

14:47 Two Ironmans in 2024

16:13 Musselman Podium and Worlds Slot

17:54 Ironman Wisconsin Breakthrough

21:09 California Struggle and Blisters

28:53 California to Colorado

29:26 Knee Surgery Comeback

31:43 Worlds Travel Chaos

35:29 Race Morning Anxiety

36:28 Swim Panic Survival

37:23 Bike Crash Nutrition Loss

38:59 Run Wipeout and Grind

42:56 Cycling Team Switch

46:39 Time Trial Fitness Boom

48:28 Gravel Crash Lesson

51:42 Marathon Bloody Blisters

56:24 Going All In Cycling

58:48 Final Wrap and Plugs

Listen to the Pod here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/average-age-groupers/id1889949099

https://open.spotify.com/show/2LJ6G7l1oIRZUIa3lo7NFp

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYFKP1OYAMiMR1Ve36fOAw

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https://averageagegroupers.substack.com/

In Lake Placid at 9:34 p.m., the Average Age Groupers crew (Laura, Holly, Claire, Logan, Maggie, and Aaron) records an immediate post–Ironman Lake Placid recap after Logan and Maggie finish, while Aaron spectates due to a collarbone fracture and surgery (plate and 10 screws) from a bike crash, transferring to Ironman Wisconsin. They describe race-morning logistics, congestion at the swim start, the Pro Series hype, and the Aussie exit pause that affected swim traffic. Maggie reports an aggressive first-lap swim and a calmer second lap; Logan describes early chaos, a brief panic, and settling in. On the bike they highlight fast descents, crosswinds, drafting frustrations, a dropped bottle into a river, the Bear Hills crowd energy, and overall course beauty. On the run, both battle hills and stomach issues, find support from a fellow runner, and finishes celebratorily. They note friendly finish-line volunteers, difficult meet-up logistics, spectating challenges, Lake Placid’s strong town culture, and end with community-building calls to subscribe and connect.

00:00 Couch Intro Chaos

00:12 Meet the Crew

01:35 Aaron’s Crash Update

03:42 Race Morning Routine

04:29 Transition Drop-Off Drama

07:34 Swim Start Hype

11:52 Swim Stories and Chaos

17:00 Long Run to T1

20:00 Early Bike Highlights

26:19 Course Features and Climbs

28:34 Drafting and Bike Mishaps

34:06 Late-Course Scenery and Hills

35:04 Bear Hill Crowd Rush

36:45 Second Loop Aid Station Chaos

37:39 Mile 60 Chitchat and Headwinds

38:40 Run Starts and Stomach Turns

41:25 Transition Antics and Early Run Pain

44:55 Zofran and Survival Nutrition

48:28 Run-Walk Strategy and Midrace Hugs

52:02 Ankles Socks and Finish Line Push

56:29 Postrace Ground Time and Regrouping

01:01:11 Spectating Tips and Final Wrap

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Holly opens an “Average Age Groupers” episode from Colorado amid headphone and recording issues, then steps aside so Laura hosts Maggie, Aaron, and Boulder-based Logan to discuss training for Ironman Lake Placid in two weeks. They recap deciding on Placid about a year ago after racing Ironman Wisconsin, discuss recent training—including a self-made swim-bike-run day—and compare build challenges after Unbound, limited TT-bike time, heat concerns in DC, and inconsistent swim and run volume. Each shares race goals: Logan aims to finish the swim, ride strong, fuel well, and enjoy the run; Aaron wants a fun, steady race with confidence from bike/run volume but lighter swimming; Maggie is excited for Mirror Lake, the hilly course, and hopes for a Kona slot while prioritizing enjoying the day. They talk community support, gear changes (Maggie’s larger cassette and going tubeless), nutrition choices, upcoming plans after Placid, and announce a Sunday-night post-race recap with the group.

00:00 Audio Chaos Intro

00:18 Colorado Couch Setup

01:23 Tech Troubles Explained

02:59 Meet The Guests

03:44 Why Lake Placid

07:21 Mini Tri Day

09:08 Maggie Build Update

13:09 Aaron Build Update

18:29 Logan Marathon Story

22:25 Training With Friends

23:41 Why Community Matters

26:08 Setting Placid Goals

28:52 Mindset Over Metrics

31:44 Kona Dreams and Vibes

35:45 Bike Setup for Hills

38:09 What’s Next After Placid

42:47 Nutrition Plans and Fueling

47:07 Race Weekend Hype

49:44 Post Race Recap Plans

51:07 Wrap Up and Shoutouts

Listen to the Pod here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/average-age-groupers/id1889949099

https://open.spotify.com/show/2LJ6G7l1oIRZUIa3lo7NFp

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYFKP1OYAMiMR1Ve36fOAw

https://www.instagram.com/averageagegroupers/

https://averageagegroupers.substack.com/

He Signed Up for a Half Marathon in 4 Weeks—Then Guided a Blind Athlete Through an Ironman (and Now He’s Training for 100 Miles)

Laura, Maggie, Holly, with special guest endurance athlete Kelly' reunite in person on Average Age Groupers to discuss Kelly’s path from saying yes to a half marathon in 2008 with only four weeks to train—despite never running more than two miles—to completing multiple Ironmans, 70.3s, and ultras. Kelly shares how working at Fleet Feet led to guiding with Achilles International, including guiding Rod, a blind athlete, through Ironman Wisconsin 2012 using a swim tether, tandem bike, and elbow hold on the run. He describes a solo Ironman DNF in 2013 driven by mental and emotional factors, and how continuing to guide, volunteer, and fundraise kept him in the sport. Now in 2026, he’s training for the Badger 100, running 70+ miles per week, practicing run-walk pacing, fundraising for FOP through “Moving to Keep Eli Moving,” and seeking pacers for night segments.

00:00 Back Together Intro

00:37 Meet Kelly Guest

01:17 First Half Marathon Leap

03:56 Solo Racing Lessons

06:05 Fleet Feet and Discounts

06:53 Guiding Epiphany

09:12 Blind Ironman Breakdown

13:18 Tandem Chaos and Speed

15:55 Solo Ironman and DNF

22:03 Staying in the Sport

24:55 Race Vibes and Community

29:49 Ultras and Slowing Down

31:12 Ultra mindset training

32:37 Badger 100 course

33:18 Pacers and night running

34:28 Big training runs

36:43 Weekly mileage routine

38:25 Run walk race plan

41:11 Aid stations and fueling

42:45 Overnight expectations

44:09 Back to back Ironman

46:43 Fundraising for FOP

50:01 Future goals and guiding

51:56 Wrap up and links

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYFKP1OYAMiMR1Ve36fOAw

https://www.instagram.com/averageagegroupers/

https://averageagegroupers.substack.com/

Follow Kelly: https://www.instagram.com/kfgriego?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Support Moving to keep Eli Moving: https://ifopa.salsalabs.org/MovingtoKeepEliMoving2026/index.html

On the Average Age Groupers podcast, hosts Holly, Laura, Maggie, and Claire share training updates two weeks after Unbound (including TT bike-focused tri training, big rides, and heat rash) before diving into Claire’s endurance journey. Claire recounts growing up playing soccer, switching to cross country and track, working at a run/tri store, and later running multiple half marathons and teaching herself to swim via YouTube and pool practice while working nursing night shifts. She describes racing a hot, non-wetsuit-legal 70.3 Rockford with a difficult run, then building toward Ironman Wisconsin 2025 amid chaos: being hit by a car on the Madison Lake Loop, replacing bikes, long solo rides, a Maine trip with a “shark” encounter, and learning her mom’s breast cancer diagnosis. On race day she battles bike mechanical issues, runs with new friends, and finishes with strong family support; the group teases future races and ends with a like/subscribe CTA.

00:00 Cold Open and Setup

00:30 Podcast Intro and Updates

01:25 Training Talk and Heat Rash

04:21 Meet Claire and Soccer Roots

06:43 Cross Country to Tri Curiosity

11:06 Self Taught Swim and First 70.3

20:57 Marathons Weddings and Setbacks

23:02 Ironman Build and Bike Crash

35:40 Maine Shark Story and Big Miles

44:35 110 Mile Weekend and Mom Diagnosis

01:03:44 Ironman Wisconsin Race Day

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Hosts Maggie, Holly, and Laura welcome guest Tarah on Average Age Groupers to discuss recent endurance events and Tarah’s athletic journey. They recap spectating Lake Mills sprint triathlon in Wisconsin and note an inequity in age-group categories—men had six or seven divisions while women had three decade-spanning groups, affecting results like Claire’s sixth-place finish. Tarah shares starting in competitive horseback riding, transitioning through soccer to track and cross-country, and being shaped by Coach Evans’ early strength training. After stress fractures misdiagnosed as shin splints, she learned medical self-advocacy, later teaching spin and Les Mills BODYPUMP in college, then focusing on CrossFit and Olympic lifting. She got into cycling and triathlon, completing Eagleman 70.3 and qualifying for 70.3 Worlds at Wilmington before injuries and COVID disrupted plans. Tarah then excelled in gravel, winning her age group at Unbound 200, and is now training for Moab 240 after completing a 100K and planning Silver Rush 50. She also outlines her Arlington-based strength and nutrition coaching business and where to find her on Instagram (@TarahInTurquoise).

00:00 Chaotic Show Intro

01:50 Unbound Recap Plug

02:45 Lake Mills Sprint Talk

04:27 Women’s Age Groups Gap

06:56 Tarah’s Athletic Origins

07:51 Horses To Running

11:13 Coach Evans Strength Base

13:42 Track Laps And Pool Zen

17:40 College Injury And Advocacy

20:21 Group Fitness And CrossFit

24:04 Cycling Spark In DC

25:44 First Tri Eagleman Stories

27:47 Peeing In Endurance Racing

30:17 No Place To Pee

30:56 Eagleman Highlights

31:23 Halfs And Worlds

32:41 Unbound 200 Breakthrough

36:13 Mud Crash And Bruno

37:21 Why Short Races Drag

39:27 Training Intensity Approach

39:55 Moab 240 Origin Story

44:31 Trail Running With Dogs

47:26 Moab Training Reality Check

50:20 Concert Talk Detour

53:18 Coaching And Nutrition Business

56:38 Where To Find Tarah

58:12 Sleep And Pacing Fears

59:09 Final Wrap And Plugs

Connect with Tarah: https://www.instagram.com/tarahinturquoise/

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Holly and Laura record outdoors without Maggie and interview Holly’s husband Aaron about his endurance journey, from farm work and high school cross country, track, and wrestling to a 20-year sports break, then returning via 5Ks and 10Ks sparked by a friend’s challenge. Aaron shares learning to swim from scratch, early sprint triathlons including a rainy Sugar River debut with a 17-minute 400-yard swim, transition mishaps, and open-water fear, plus a brutal cold, rainy duathlon. He recounts COVID-era cancellations, a self-directed 70.3 simulation and a 2.4-mile swim, then 2021 races including chaotic Des Moines and a strong Door County 70.3 before completing his first Ironman Wisconsin in under 12.5 hours after swim panic and nutrition mistakes. The episode culminates with Blue Ridge logistics, a punishing climb, and an extended rolldown that ultimately earns Aaron a 70.3 Worlds slot.

00:00 Outdoor Intro and Guest

01:17 Farm Life and Early Sports

03:13 Back to Running and Racing

06:10 Triathlon Spark and Swim Struggles

08:07 First Tri Chaos at Sugar River

11:28 More Races and Rough Conditions

16:34 Cold Duathlon Survival Story

19:17 Marathons and Chicago Highlights

21:31 Joining a Tri Team and Open Water Breakthroughs

26:41 Ironman Plans Meet COVID

28:38 Lost Tri Series 70.3 Simulation

30:07 Solo Big Swell Swim

31:37 Des Moines Chaos

34:22 Door County Breakthrough

35:49 Wetsuit Party Wave

36:44 Ironman Wisconsin Swim Panic

39:57 Bike Nutrition Reality Check

41:13 Worlds Dream Sparks

43:07 Blue Ridge Prep Surprises

45:09 Blue Ridge Brutal Bike

54:03 Roll Down Slot Drama

01:00:13 Wrap Up Next Races

Listen to the Pod here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/average-age-groupers/id1889949099

https://open.spotify.com/show/2LJ6G7l1oIRZUIa3lo7NFp

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYFKP1OYAMiMR1Ve36fOAw

https://www.instagram.com/averageagegroupers/

https://averageagegroupers.substack.com/?r=79664q&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist