For my 63rd birthday at the end of February, I am inviting my grandkids to join me for parts of my own private “Grandpa Triathlon.”
What is a Grandpa Triathlon?
A “Grandpa Triathlon” is a term I coined to entice my grandkids to join me in swimming, running, and cycling. I want them to learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle early.
To be clear, this is not a formal event. All of my past triathlons have been done solo – just me out swimming, cycling and running for a day. Usually I like do do a half-Ironman distance triathlon – 1.1 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and finally a 13.1 mile half marathon run. This is a good day-long workout for me that I really enjoy. If I am short of time I will do a shorter version.
I figured the grandkids or their parents won’t have the attention span to do an all-day triathlon, so I plan to do a shortened version. For this effort I plan a 1,000 yard swim in the morning at the YMCA, followed by a 20 mile bicycle ride around Lake Hefner, then a 3-4 mile run around Hefner Lake. I figured this would be a good distance the kids could participate in without taking all day long for me to complete. I know the kids can’t complete any one section, but I am hoping they can take turns and maybe one will swim a few laps with me, while the others ride their bicycles around Hefner for 10 miles and others will run a mile or so with me.
My goal is to inspire my grandkids to live active, healthy lifestyles as they grow older, and to encourage their kids to do the same thing.
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