Average Age Groupers

Growing Curious
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Average Age Groupers, the podcast for the athlete who has a goal and a grocery list. Hosted by Holly, Maggie, and Laura, we’re diving into the world of cycling, running, triathlon, and everything in between. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or your tenth IRONMAN, we talk about how to crush your goals without losing your job, your friends, or your mind. From fueling on a budget to navigating the mental highs and lows of the "middle of the pack," we’re here to prove that you don't have to be a pro to have a powerful story.

  1. 4d ago

    Ep 17: Ironman Lake Placid Debrief: The Pro-Series Start, a Broken Collarbone Pivot, and the “Fun Day” That Got Tested on the Run

    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 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYFKP1OYAMiMR1Ve36fOAw https://www.instagram.com/averageagegroupers/ https://averageagegroupers.substack.com/

    Ep 17: Ironman Lake Placid Debrief: The Pro-Series Start, a Broken Collarbone Pivot, and the “Fun Day” That Got Tested on the Run

  2. Jul 17

    Ep. 16: Three Ironman Lake Placid Builds, One Couch, and a Tech Meltdown: What Happens Two Weeks Out?

    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/

    Ep. 16: Three Ironman Lake Placid Builds, One Couch, and a Tech Meltdown: What Happens Two Weeks Out?

  3. Jul 10

    Ep. 15: Running Beyond Limits: An Ordinary Age Grouper's Ultra Quest

    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

    Ep. 15: Running Beyond Limits: An Ordinary Age Grouper's Ultra Quest

  4. Jul 3

    Ep 14: She Got Hit by a Car… and Still Finished Ironman Wisconsin: Claire’s Wild Training Year

    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 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYFKP1OYAMiMR1Ve36fOAw https://www.instagram.com/averageagegroupers/ https://www.tiktok.com/@average.age.groupers?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    Ep 14: She Got Hit by a Car… and Still Finished Ironman Wisconsin: Claire’s Wild Training Year

  5. Jun 26

    Ep. 13: In Pursuit of Endurance: Tarah's Story

    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/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYFKP1OYAMiMR1Ve36fOAw https://www.instagram.com/averageagegroupers/ https://substack.com/@averageagegroupers https://www.tiktok.com/@average.age.groupers?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    Ep. 13: In Pursuit of Endurance: Tarah's Story

  6. Jun 19

    Ep. 12: From Farm Work to Ironman: Aaron’s Endurance Origin Story (and a Surprise Worlds Slot)

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

    Ep. 12: From Farm Work to Ironman: Aaron’s Endurance Origin Story (and a Surprise Worlds Slot)

  7. Jun 12

    Ep. 11: They Rode Unbound 200… But What Happened Between the Thunderstorms, Mud, and the Broken Bike Light?

    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 https://open.spotify.com/show/2LJ6G7l1oIRZUIa3lo7NFp https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYFKP1OYAMiMR1Ve36fOAw https://www.instagram.com/averageagegroupers/

    Ep. 11: They Rode Unbound 200… But What Happened Between the Thunderstorms, Mud, and the Broken Bike Light?

  8. Jun 5

    Ep. 10: Unbound Eve in Emporia: Mud, Taper Crazies, and the 207-Mile Plan

    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 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYFKP1OYAMiMR1Ve36fOAw https://www.instagram.com/averageagegroupers/ https://averageagegroupers.substack.com/

    Ep. 10: Unbound Eve in Emporia: Mud, Taper Crazies, and the 207-Mile Plan
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About

Welcome to Average Age Groupers, the podcast for the athlete who has a goal and a grocery list. Hosted by Holly, Maggie, and Laura, we’re diving into the world of cycling, running, triathlon, and everything in between. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or your tenth IRONMAN, we talk about how to crush your goals without losing your job, your friends, or your mind. From fueling on a budget to navigating the mental highs and lows of the "middle of the pack," we’re here to prove that you don't have to be a pro to have a powerful story.

Information

  • Creator
    Growing Curious
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Average Age Groupers

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