Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge; Ends Sept 30

Calendar Retailers Stack & Reach Custom Geometry Calculator (beta) More To Come...
		MAIN INDEX	RULES & LEGEND	LOG IN

Search for (options)

Newsletter Signup

Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
100 day Commuter Training Challenge; Ends Sept 30

1 2 3 4 5 6

View All

Tri_yoda

Jun 7, 08 16:41

Post #1 of 133 (2290 views)

100 day Commuter Training Challenge; Ends Sept 30	Can't Post

Final scoring is updated, see changes in bold.

In recognition of of the various training challenges, I would like to throw out a commuter "training" challenge. When you really get down to it, commuting can serve as way to get some base or recovery riding in, while saving time and gas money. Why should you waste time driving when you could be riding instead.

Background:

I I have hemmed and hawed about riding to work for several years. I always talked myself out of it, saying the ride was just long enough to perturb my training plan, but too short to be a real workout. With gas prices rising, there is added incentive, but I have to be honest, I don't drive a gas guzzler (I get 29 mpg) and I make sufficient money that I really don't notice the pinch. However, that being said, in some ways I think my attitude needed an adjustment. There is no need to drive, I was wasting time in my car. If nobody make sacrifices, maybe they aren't even really sacrifices, just changing your lifestyle, we will never get any of these energy problems under control. If everyone could just commute even 1 day per week by bike or run instead of driving I really feel it would make a difference. Basically it came down to if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem mindset and I wanted to try to set a better example. I work at a facility with about 1500 people and there are typically 50 or more bike in the racks on a good day, so there are cetainly others already paving the way.

The Challenge:

I finally made myself ride to work and back (15.25 miles each way) back in May during bike to work week. I rode again last week and decided I really should do more of this. It actually only takes me about 10 - 15 minutes longer to ride than it does to drive because of traffic (the rides to and from work have been about 50 to 55 minutes each way) as opposed to 40 minutes of driving on most days. If you missed ride your bike to work week, here is another chance to turn over a new leaf.

There are 17 weeks until October 1, which is when it might be getting a little cold for early morning or evening riding. With July 4 and Labor Day, that is 103 potential work days to commute. Some people may take some vacation (hey it's the summer), so let's lets just call it 100 shots to commute. For this challenge, running, walking or biking counts.

Scoring

1. 2 points for each round trip (if you get a ride or drive one way, you get 1 point). I realize the overall goal is to drive less, so carpooling is cool, but this is tri-forum so you have to use your own power to get points.
2. 1 bonus point per every 10 miles commuted. This is cumulative, so if you round trip is only 4 miles, but you do it 5 times, you have 20 miles and 2 points.
3. 5 bonus points for any week in which you exclusively ride or run to work, every day (must be at least 3 rides per week, so you get points for a holiday week or if you work 9/80 or just don't go to work one day that week, or just have an odd schedule and only work 3 days a week).
4. 10 bonus points if you have never commuted by bike to work before this challenge.

So basically, the most points you could get, if you have a long commute (over 40 miles roundtrip) and rode every day, is about 385 points (100 commutes + 200 long ride bonus points + 85 ride all week points), but I think 150 points is more a more reasonable view of a real "gold standard" considering it is going to rain some days, you may have errands, etc. and not everyone has a long commute to get bonus points.

300 Points = The Al Gore "I invented bicycle commuting" club
225 Points = Commuter crusader
150 Points = "This is not the car you are looking for" better than triyoda Jedi rider
100 Points = Green party animal
50 Points = Exhaust sniffer

Maybe I am a dork, but this will help me get more motivated to ride to work instead of driving, so to that end I feel this has some value. My goal is to go for 150 points, 2 rides per week (30 miles roundtrip), plus one week exclusive; That would be 1000 miles, and save 35 gallons of gas, roughly one barrel of oil.

"Politicians and diapers both have one thing in common: they should be changed regularly and for the same reason."

-unknown

(This post was edited by Tri_yoda on Sep 28, 08 13:37)

devashish_paul

Jun 7, 08 17:18

Post #2 of 133 (2254 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in, but my participation will be sporadic due to business travel and vacation. When I am actually "going to the office", I usually hit 5 days per week short commutes. I believe there are only around 70 or so commute days that I can possibly hit.

Dev

Murphy'sLaw

Jun 7, 08 17:32

Post #3 of 133 (2236 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I was just talking to my wife about this sorta thing over dinner earlier.

While I doubt I could or would (or would even want to) hit one of the higher levels, but certainly the 50 pts would be doable.
(esp. since I'd start off w/ the 10 pt bonus for never having done it before).

My commute is about 12.5 miles, so I could bike it quite easily, or run it one way, then bike the other.
No showers at work, but my gym is only about .5m away, so I could ride or run there, clean up, then walk over to the office.

Doing an exclusive week would be tough, as 2 of 4 weeks each month have an evening event (meeting and my club race) which would prohibit that.

I'll hafta figger out how I'm going to get the 40 other pts..... great idea Yoda!!!
-M

float , hammer , and jog

On ST hiatus from 11/1/08 until Spring '09

triyourbest

Jun 7, 08 17:35

Post #4 of 133 (2232 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm game. I commuted on fixie all winter to work and really got to like it, but stopped when spring hit due to training plan. Funny thing is, I had just restarted today.

Rycase

Jun 7, 08 17:45

Post #5 of 133 (2218 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [triyourbest] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am in .

Are we planning on using a google docs shared spreadsheet for this?

Tri Shark 6.07.08 : Flatted (DNF)
Lake Evergreen 07.19.08
Steelhead 70.3 08.02.08
IM AZ 2008 11.23.08

LovePugs

Jun 7, 08 17:59

Post #6 of 133 (2206 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Rycase] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in too...

I've never participated in a challenge like this so I think it will be fun.

brandonecpt

Jun 7, 08 18:05

Post #7 of 133 (2200 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in. Most days I do split shifts where I go in for 3-4 hours in the AM, come back home, the go back in for another 3-4 hours. Does this count as 2 commutes? It's about 10 mi each way..

Dev: Could we get you, or someone else in the know, to set up a Google Doc for this? I could make it, but I'd butcher the formatting.

EDIT: to make it a bit tougher on myself, I'll do almost all of my commuting on a MTB...that should take significantly more energy since it's such a short commute.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Lemond is cycling's version of Rev Jessie Jackson." -johnnyperu 5/18/07
"Just because I suck doesn't mean my bike has to" -rickn 9/2/08

(This post was edited by brandonecpt on Jun 7, 08 18:06)

Tri_yoda

Jun 7, 08 18:09

Post #8 of 133 (2195 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Rycase] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I am in .

Are we planning on using a google docs shared spreadsheet for this?

That would be cool. Do you have a link to how to do it?

"Politicians and diapers both have one thing in common: they should be changed regularly and for the same reason."

-unknown

gbot

Jun 7, 08 18:23

Post #9 of 133 (2183 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in. I have to drive some days when I'm on-site at a client, but days I'm in the office I can (and should) ride a lot more than I currently do.

Hamner

Jun 7, 08 18:25

Post #10 of 133 (2181 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

What if you drive part of the way, park, and then ride in? It's a stupid question for me and kind of a joke for myself since I'm driving 7 miles and riding 1.
---------------------------------------------------

It's the consistancy, stupid.

goalie

Jun 7, 08 19:10

Post #11 of 133 (2161 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I bought a single-speed Bianchi San Jose and started biking my fat-ass (220 pounds) in to the hospital I work at (10-miles each way, all on a well-maintained bike-path) every day other than actual snowstorms (not flurries), or, more recently, actual thunderstorms (not just rain).

I have since canceled my parking contract at the hospital, and bike in on average 18 of the 20 days I work each month. Considering that my fat-ass is now 180 pounds and dropping (at 6-1), I don't think I'll be cutting back on the commute any time soon.

BRING IT ON!!!!

I love that there is finally a ST challenge that I have a shot at completing.

:)

(This post was edited by goalie on Jun 7, 08 19:14)

zipp

Jun 7, 08 22:17

Post #12 of 133 (2125 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

What if my "commute" is less then the 20 miles, round trip. Lets say my commute isn't more then 4 ft. I can go out my front door, so it is a commute, but, I then turn immediately to the right and open my office door. Total commute...............................2 feet. But that is ONE way. If I calculate correctly I'll commute everyday for 100 points + 5 points/week x 17 = 185!!

I'd love to participate but I guess its not fair! : )

Paul
---------------------------------------------------------
http://casasedona.com
"Don't do stupid shit people" - Tom Demerly

milkywaye

Jun 7, 08 23:08

Post #13 of 133 (2111 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

maybe i shouldn't play as i do this already (just over 22k each way)?

however.. if i do, what points do i get if i run in?
i tend to run into work 2-3 times a month and then get the train back. (i try to do it on days i have to stay behind for a work drink when i would have to take the train home anyway)

ACTN3

Jun 8, 08 5:03

Post #14 of 133 (2078 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am also in, since the spring I have actually either done this, or worked from home. My trip each way is 15miles.

"Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative." Oscar Wilde

waterdog

Jun 8, 08 5:32

Post #15 of 133 (2066 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Great timing! I've been debating biking to work but haven't been able to find the right motivation. This is it. I'm in. Routes may be an issue (any other STers commuting between Chapel Hill and Durham), but I think there are some longer options that have less traffic. So for me, roughly 20 to 30 miles roundtrip depending on the roads I chose. I've never done this before, so we'll see how it goes. Thankfully with this heat, by office has showers.
Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning in Africa a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve.
It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running. - Richard Hodgetts (quoted by Charles L. Becton)

Superman

Jun 8, 08 5:36

Post #16 of 133 (2064 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in. 10-15 (each way) miles depending if I ride road or gravel. Commuting is about the only training I am getting these days.

(This post was edited by Superman on Jun 8, 08 11:43)

swift

Jun 8, 08 6:18

Post #17 of 133 (2051 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in... I could probably make a google doc. the formatting wouldn't be pretty though.

-Jason

I believe cars are the new second hand smoke. -Dave Zabriske

nujeff

Jun 8, 08 9:09

Post #18 of 133 (2024 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Great idea, thanks for the challenge! I've got a relatively short commute, but I'm in for an attempt at 150.

One question, though. Does this apply only for commuting to and from work, or do other jaunts count as well?

- jeff

cartsman

Jun 8, 08 9:20

Post #19 of 133 (2018 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in. Already commuting most days by foot or bike (commute is 7 miles, 11 miles or 16 miles each way depending which of 3 ongoing projects I'm heading to), this should give me the extra motivation to make it every day.

jaminbrazil

Jun 8, 08 9:50

Post #20 of 133 (2010 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm all in! Thanks for putting this on.

tlo

Jun 8, 08 10:02

Post #21 of 133 (2003 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in, my total distance is very low, maybe 5km round trip. Thanks for the setting this challenge up.

Hid

Jun 8, 08 10:50

Post #22 of 133 (1988 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Shouldn't there be a bonus for elevation change? I've biked to work forever and my new house has more than a 2000' elevation change.

What about road qualities? I have the choice of making the last 3 miles on a dirt fire path or jumping on one of the most dangerous highways in the US. I have to sprint for 2 miles to keep up with the cars so that I don't die :-) Is there brownie points for that?

Anyway...I love the idea. Everyone should ride to work and back home as much as they can if it makes sense.

"it's like information without the facts." - Mr. Tibbs

"it's not posted to a triathlon forum, but to a lifestyle forum that happens to be inhabited by triathletes. all kinds of stuff gets posted here, and i'm grateful that it does. - Dan Empfield aka Slowman
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...0what%20to%20;#65849

Hid

Jun 8, 08 10:50

Post #23 of 133 (1987 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Oh, what if you ride home for lunch and ride back? Do you get extra brownie points? ;-)

Rycase

Jun 10, 08 10:28

Post #24 of 133 (1895 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Hid] [In reply to]	Can't Post

So I have made the sheet -

But to add you as collaborators, I need you guys to send me your email address - I will try to add others as they come in, but I dont want to have a full time job maintaining our commuting sheet.

The doc will have a week, please use the honor system, and post your total points for the week, based on Tri_yoda's guidelines!

http://spreadsheets.google.com/...6klQxd1QgwS6QlOZTgXg

Tri Shark 6.07.08 : Flatted (DNF)
Lake Evergreen 07.19.08
Steelhead 70.3 08.02.08
IM AZ 2008 11.23.08

(This post was edited by Rycase on Jun 10, 08 10:30)

Rycase

Jun 10, 08 10:29

Post #25 of 133 (1895 views)

Re: 100 day Commuter Training Challenge [Tri_yoda] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I am in .

Are we planning on using a google docs shared spreadsheet for this?

That would be cool. Do you have a link to how to do it?

http://spreadsheets.google.com/...6klQxd1QgwS6QlOZTgXg

Tri Shark 6.07.08 : Flatted (DNF)
Lake Evergreen 07.19.08
Steelhead 70.3 08.02.08
IM AZ 2008 11.23.08

1 2 3 4 5 6

View All