Proposal for a new mileage challenge

[Rosebud]

I think you may be on to somethign here. It is exactly 4.5 miles from my house to this really nice italian delicatessen, homemade ravioli, you know the type, and about 4 more miles from there to a couple of very nice resturants with reasonably priced lunch menus. SO, ride to the deli, have a snack, ride to a restaurant, have a meal and then ride home. Total mileage? 16 miles. Total time? 3.5 hours! weight loss? AS IF!

You're accusing people of cheating before they even get started.

[pelagius]

Also, for consistency I would like prefer it be an endurance event only and not allow weightlifting time to be included. Not that anyone has actually proposed that yet, but I'm just looking ahead here.

Notice how none of the lifters have proposed anything like this ... Oh no, the distance elitist launch a pre-emptive strike.

[Rosebud]

I dont think they actually are as physically difficult; on the road is much more demanding on the body IMO, but psyxchologically they are harder for me.

I solve this by putting my computer in the book holder. It's so relaxing... not too much of a workout though.

[Rosebud]

Notice how none of the lifters have proposed anything like this ... Oh no, the distance elitist launch a pre-emptive strike.

Exactly!!!! Are the distance people just trying to take over? What does everybody else think... or has everyone else stopped reading the thread because they already know they'll lose? You distance people are powerful.

[Babs]

That makes complete sense and no sense at all.

What I meant was that it takes a lot more mental effort to force myself through what is physically an easier workout. Basically what the monkey said.

[Pheidippides]

Exactly!!!! Are the distance people just trying to take over? What does everybody else think... or has everyone else stopped reading the thread because they already know they'll lose? You distance people are powerful.

It's because they know I lift two days a week as well, and they are scared.

[Babs]

Not that anyone has proposed that...

Notice how none of the lifters have proposed anything like this ... Oh no, the distance elitist launch a pre-emptive strike.

The funny thing is that I'm pretty sure it was, in fact, suggested that lifting should be incorporated into the next challenge (though granted I don't think it was suggested by a true "lifter," per se).

[beelzebabette]

FWIW, I think this is a fantabulous idea. Take the basic challenge (I'd like to the CUF committee, cowboy for cosponsoring... probably a good thing I'll never win an Oscar) and make it infinitely more meaningful and worthwhile. Just a few opinions:

My office does a time challenge every spring on walking, biking, hiking, etc. After the first year, all the regular exercisers in the office dropped out. (I'm being literal when I say all.) It's still great motivation for those that otherwise would not get out and walk on their lunch hour, and I would never suggest they change it for the right reason--HR is hitting their target. There were some hard feelings that teams got the same credit for a marathon training run of 10 miles as an evening stroll through the park for two. That's why I vetoed the time option in the current challenge.

A point system works fine for conversion. Everybody list their activity requests ahead of time like TD? suggested. I think our anonymous benefactor should have veto power on any activity. Come up with a mostly consensus answer via poll question (like the bike miles conversion), and ask for his opinion for the final rules.

Most important question: who are the team captains?

[pelagius]

The funny thing is that I'm pretty sure it was, in fact, suggested that lifting should be incorporated into the next challenge (though granted I don't think it was suggested by a true "lifter," per se).

Right, I meant by those of us who self-identify as "lifters" (although, to be clear, it doesn't strike me as a good idea to incorporate lifting into the challenge).

[Babs]

Right, I meant by those who self-identify as "lifters" (although, to be clear, it doesn't strike me as a good idea to incorporate lifting into the challenge).

It would certainly be trickier to accommodate.

[SteelBlue]

When fall rolls around my schedule is going to be roaring and I'll be happy just to find 1/2 a day.

Cool. Even if you're slow you can log 18 miles a week running with a day off for the Shabbat.

[RC Vikings]

What I was referring to is my old spinning class instructor who would spin along at a cadence in excess of 120 rpm, all the while ripping on the class members for not being able to keep up. One day after class I checked how much resistance he had on that thing and I doubt he even had the resistance module hooked up on the thing. He was totally free-wheeling. His 60 stationary bike minutes were NOT equivalent to most normal people's road minutes/miles.

They need to hook those wheels up to a temperature gage so everyone can see how hard others are working.

[Jeff Lebowski]

First, we need to determine who is in charge of the challenge, so we have a final decision maker. I nominate the anonymous member of the board who stepped up and got this idea rolling. If he/she wishes to remain unknown, all decisions can be related through Lebowski, if he's ok with that.

(I am addressing this to everyone, not just TDB. I am quoting his suggestion for context.)

Yes we need someone to be in charge so that things can move along. I have discussed this with the donor and he and I thought it would be good to include Teenage Dirtbag with the two of us in a three-person committee to manage this thing and make final decisions. TDB has agreed to serve on the committee.

Keep the ideas coming. This is shaping up nicely.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Cool. Even if you're slow you can log 18 miles a week running with a day off for the Shabbat.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I am in. The only thing that I would input is that teams be made for the competition. It pushes me to run another 200 yds or ride another lap around the block for the cool down etc.