Average Age Groupers

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

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

In this episode of Average Age Groupers, hosts Holly, Maggie, and Laura debrief the Unbound 200 gravel race just days after finishing, comparing drastically different experiences shaped by relentless, shifting weather (multiple thunderstorms, hail, heavy rain), mud, wind, and technical terrain. Laura and Tarah SAG the riders and describe chaotic conditions at checkpoints, while Holly recounts riding the full 200 with Aaron, including creek bike-washes, night riding, chafing, crashes, cows on course, and navigating storms to the finish. Maggie details major setbacks from electrolyte issues and heat to running out of water, a broken computer mount, improvised duct-tape repairs, scrambling for lights at mile 160, and emotional lows despite completing the race. They discuss concerns about course safety, limited signage, and how the low-ceremony finish contrasted with triathlon, then close with gratitude to supporters and a look ahead to future races.

00:00 Tri Bike Gravel Fail

00:40 Unbound Recap Setup

01:36 Meet The Hosts

03:21 Race Morning Jitters

05:17 Expo And Briefing

10:01 Mass Start Magic

11:53 Early Miles And Hail

14:05 Crashes And Mud Spray

16:12 Back Of Pack Vibes

19:16 Creek Wash And Checkpoint

22:56 Pit Stop Nutrition Wins

25:06 Storms Tailwind Headwind

35:20 Headwind Time Warp

37:16 Mud Hills And Storms

39:16 Safety Concerns On Course

42:44 Aid Station Reset And Fuel

44:57 Chaotic Checkpoint Setup

48:02 Mechanical Fixes And Heat

51:53 Minimum Maintenance Mayhem

53:40 Water Crisis And Navigation

01:03:33 160 Mile Aid Station Repairs

01:09:18 Night Riding Final Miles

01:12:57 Lightning And Downpour

01:14:15 Technical Walk Sections

01:15:57 Shelter Warning Decision

01:18:13 Cows And Leapfrogging

01:21:16 Night Riding Reflections

01:22:54 Finish Line Storm Push

01:25:29 Crew Tarp Humor

01:26:39 Mud Crash Final Miles

01:31:13 Finish Feelings Growth

01:35:56 Post Race Disappointment

01:38:24 Lessons Expectations Ultra Vibe

01:43:23 Thank Yous And Wrap Up

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

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Holly, Maggie, and Laura record together in Emporia, Kansas ahead of the Unbound gravel race, reflecting on how the final weeks went and whether they feel ready. Maggie describes heavy work stress limiting her usual pre-race planning, while Holly shares an anxious “taper crazies” experience, hunger, HR work stress, and ongoing post-car-accident issues; Laura discusses the challenge of SAG support with wide timing windows between checkpoints. They compare bike prep choices, wide 54mm tires with minimal clearance, padded bars, and chain waxing versus new tubeless tires and failed CushCore inserts and worry about mud, flats, and self-sufficiency. They outline fueling (carb mixes, gels, maple syrup, rice sandwiches, cookies, electrolytes, Red Bull, sandwiches, salty snacks), pacing and checkpoint strategy under a 21-hour cutoff, gear and clothing plans, and a mindset shaped by Ironman experience and Courtney Dauwalter’s “pain cave” framing.

00:00 Emporia Water Tower Intro

00:47 Podcast Setup and Plan

02:33 Taper Stress Check In

06:42 SAG Logistics and Timing

07:44 Bike Comfort Upgrades

12:28 New Bike and Tire Setup

14:11 Flat Fears and Spares

16:29 Nutrition and Caffeine Plan

23:13 Race Day Timeline Strategy

23:39 Ideal Day and Aid Stations

28:24 Holly Pace Expectations

29:26 Pacing Without Power

31:05 Cutoff Math and Aid Stops

33:17 Course Elevation Confusion

35:14 Wind and Weather Factors

35:49 Expo Plans and 350 Start

39:17 Race Kit and Gear Choices

42:41 Tara Cameo and Moab 240

45:50 Endurance Mindset and Pain Cave

53:52 Race Day Wrap and Plugs

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Holly, Laura, and Maggie discuss the purpose of Average Age Groupers—sharing everyday endurance-sport stories and perspectives on training, rest, and balance—then dive into their Ironman Wisconsin build and race-day experiences. They describe winter base work indoors, a key 70.3 at Musselman, and how training escalated after mid-July, including nutrition struggles, bike discomfort, and the mental toll of long solo rides. They emphasize the expense of Ironman, the value of coaching for accountability, and especially the community that formed around their training, highlighted by a large supported “simulation” long ride where Laura hit a breaking point but kept going. On race day, Holly manages the windy bike and finishes with late-run support, while Laura battles headwinds, barely makes T2 cutoff, runs with Casey, and finishes in an emotional last-minute sprint amid news the run course was about a mile long.

00:00 Welcome Back Crew

00:55 Why Rest Matters

01:27 Ironman Wisconsin Tease

02:30 Bike Bag And California

03:19 Why Full Ironman Now

04:58 Winter Base Building

07:02 Musselman Tune Up Race

08:12 When Training Gets Real

09:42 Bike Struggles And Bonking

11:55 Coach Costs And Budget

14:44 Community Makes It Possible

18:33 Longest Ride Simulation Day

21:22 Cemetery Breakdown And Coke

26:58 Race Day Starts Swim Calm

30:55 Bike Headwind Reality Check

33:10 Chasing on the Bike

34:01 Mount Horeb Breakdown

35:17 Wind and Three Hills

36:48 Loop Two and Empty Crowds

38:54 Tailwind Back to Town

40:50 T2 Tales and Cutoffs

43:01 Illegal Pacer Run

44:36 Course Changes and Safety

47:49 Watch Dies and Bargaining

51:15 Finish Line Reflections

53:16 Cutoff Panic Sprint

58:45 Tears and Unfinished Business

01:01:27 Wrap Up Goodbye

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://waterfallracing.com

https://www.instagram.com/forwardenduranceclub/

Holly and Maggie open the Average Age Groupers podcast with guests Emir and Alyssa.They recap a 140-mile out-and-back ride on the flat C&O Canal path, and share lessons about needing solid food (not just carb drink mix), managing nonstop pedaling, rotating pulls, and recovering enough to ride again the next day. Emir explains his role in a corporate-owned Trek location, how he got into cycling through his brother-in-law coach after a soccer background, and what crits, road races, upgrade points, team tactics, and safety rules like holding your line and the yellow-line rule involve. He describes racing frequently, training mostly indoors on a trainer after work, and recent road-race experiences including a fast collegiate-combined field, a major crash, and a third-place finish. Emir also recounts Steamboat gravel race attempts, including under-fueling, a cracked wheel, and finishing 82nd, plus discussion of sleep, supplements, and future cyclocross and Colorado race ideas.

00:00 Podcast Setup Chaos

00:37 Welcome and Kansas Plans

02:41 140 Mile Gravel Recap

06:48 Second Day Suffering

08:29 Inside the Trek Shop

10:40 How Amir Started Racing

13:12 Crit Racing Explained

15:54 From Soccer to Bike Shops

16:57 Pandemic Bike Shop Carnage

21:28 Mallorca Trip Changed Everything

24:31 Team Racing and Masters

28:05 Sleep and Recovery Detour

30:19 Race Season Routine

30:42 Indoor Trainer Routine

31:06 Hains Point Loops

32:08 Weekly Training Plan

33:31 Jeff Cup Race Tactics

37:19 Sprint Finish Crash

39:46 Racing Logistics Prep

41:27 Upgrade Points Explained

46:40 Cyclocross Bucket List

48:10 Steamboat Gravel Stories

54:26 Fueling And Gels

56:27 Colorado Race Wishlist

58:31 Wrap Up Next Episodes

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://waterfallracing.com

https://www.instagram.com/forwardenduranceclub/