By Steve Morris

Recently, it seems, I have been asked the same two questions over and over again: "Are you training for the Chisago Lakes Triathlon this summer? and "When are you getting a new bike?" Last summer, I completed the Chisago Lakes Triathlon using a 10-year-old bike straight out of the dumpster.

First, I'll grapple with the bike issue. I went ahead and treated myself to a Trek 1500 road bike and it's the best purchase I have made this year.

Riding this bad boy is like taking a joyride in a BMW. The tires are so thin I cruise effortlessly down paved roads, while I pass struggling riders using the same type of bike I shamelessly once rode. The gears are smooth, the bike is light and best of all, I have an extra water bottle holder.

With the new bike, I shouldn't have the any problems beating the soccer moms who mercilessly stomped on my ego a year ago. The next step is making sure I put on enough miles before the big race.

As for the second question, yes, I am doing the Chisago Lakes Triathlon. Below is a truncated version of my training:

RUNNING

I am running Grandma's half marathon in Duluth this weekend with my wife Amy, which will give me a solid base for the running aspect of the triathlon. This will be the second year in a row I have run Grandma's and my third half marathon. My teammate, Amy, has been a terrific training partner, despite her runner's toe and stomach cramps at the end of long training runs. I suspect the two of us can finish in two hours and five minutes. I can't say we'll run as fast the North Branch 4x800 relay team, but we'll do our best.

BIKING

I am now starting to put some miles on my new bike. I have found the Gateway State Trail, which runs from Stillwater to downtown St. Paul, to be a excellent training path.

SWIMMING

If you count chilling in a whirlpool as good training for the swimming leg of the triathlon then I am in good shape. It's about the closest to swimming I have gotten since last summer. However, this doesn't have me worried because I still have plenty of time to get in swimming shape.

With a new bike, and a half marathon under my belt, it's hard to imagine what I could screw up at Paradise Park come July. Knowing myself, sometime quirky will arise ... stay tuned.

Comment from Jen, 6/22/07

Go Steve! You & your teammate will do wonderfully on Saturday. We'll be cheering for you!