Biking

Looking for a new way to torch calories? Find out why cycling is a great option, and what you need to get started.

Over at Brain Pickings — a very cool site, by the way — Maria Popova brings attention to a new book by Robert Penn, It's All About the Bike: The Pursuit of Happiness on Two Wheels. In addition to delving into his personal relationship with the bicycle, Penn also explores bike history and culture.

Nine months ago, I decided I would like to train and compete in a triathlon. And in a couple weeks, I will stand trembling at the start of my first triathlon: ready to swim 1500 metres, cycle forty kilometres, and end with a ten kilometre run to the finish line. If you've been following my journey so far, you'll know that I am a) an amateur b) the mother of four young children and c) have never attempted anything like this in my entire life. So maybe you're wondering: Why a triathlon?

I've been writing about training for a triathlon in fairly broad terms, but today, let's get down to the nitty-gritty details. How much swimming, cycling, and running must one do before signing up to complete a triathlon? Realistically, how much is enough?

Training for a triathlon has been a long-term project. And anything undertaken long-term (think: parenting; or, marriage), has its ups and downs. Under the circumstances, an everyday reminder, or mantra, can be truly helpful and inspiring. Here's mine: worth the effort.