If you aren't exercising, you should be.

Summer training has officially begun, and I’m in a better mood because of it. This year's goals:
- MS150 up in Duluth, MN
- Square Lake Triathlon, Stillwater, MN (short course)

I competed at Square Lake last year and after a lifetime of “straight” running, I realized that triathlons are my real event. I thought this would be harder than normal training, but as long as you're not doing Ironman lengths, these are actually really enjoyable. Seriously. You will enjoy them, if you take it easy. The cross training kept me from injuring myself—it was the first long race I ever competed in where I finished without shin splints (in fact, I only ran two days a week to get ready). I bought a used Cannondale 1999 R500 for $350, which was a great deal. I also bought Sidi bike shoes from the previous bike's owner for $50. All told, the package was worth about $1,200. Don't spend a lot of money on equipment, unless you're rich or an Olympian. Don't even think you have to spend as much as I did. I actually upgraded my equipment after doing two smaller triathlons. It's about training, not style. You could buy my old bike, which I got two races out of, for $70, easy.

However, make sure your bike fits. Unfortunately, my frame’s too big for me (I’m forced to put too much weight on my hands, which hurts my wrists), and while I got by last year, I’m going to sell this bike and buy another similar to it. I think I can get about $450 for mine, especially at the start of the season. If I’m lucky, I might make a profit.

I’ve never done a long bike like the MS150. This is a two-day, 150 mile trek around Duluth, MN. I definitely have to get my bike in perfect condition to put that many miles on, or I’ll pay for it in medical bills! Anyone can do a race like this with a little training. You have 12 hours each day to go 75 miles, which isn't difficult if you have a couple of months of casual biking (3-5 days/week, .5-2 hours of riding).

I do events like this to keep my head straight, and ultimately they have a net-positive impact on my finances. I eat better food, and therefore I don’t eat out as much. I often go for long bike rides with friends on the weekend, which is about the cheapest form of entertainment you can get. We are all, frankly, smarter when we work out. Our concentration improves, which makes us more efficient at work, which ultimately impacts our salary. Also, I happen to train for these races with my management, which never never hurts.

Exercise = Money. That’s my lesson for today.