Photo: post-race, ol' Highway 52, 5:00 p.m., 95 degrees, Winneshiek County, Iowa

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 1,100 yds (ytd 156,325 yds.)
Bike: 146 miles (ytd 3,364 mi.)
Run: 21 miles (ytd 980 mi.)

What's better than a podium finish? Driving home in MAX A/C

Photo: 70-mile ride, 9:00 a.m., 70 degrees, Linn County, Iowa

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 9,000 yds (ytd 155,225 yds.)
Bike: 140 miles (ytd 3,218 mi.)
Run: 41 miles (ytd 959 mi.)

The perfect place for a photo break, food break & bladder break...

Photo: 65-mile ride, 8:00 a.m., 80 degrees, near Stone City, Iowa

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 9,700 yds (ytd 146,225 yds.)
Bike: 125 miles (ytd 3,078 mi.)
Run: 33 miles (ytd 918 mi.)

Into the foggy abyss...

Photo: Post-17-mile run, 10:00 a.m., 85 degrees, 1 billion percent humidity, Marion, Iowa

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 5,200 yds (ytd 136,525 yds.)
Bike: 150 miles (ytd 2,953 mi.)
Run: 36 miles (ytd 885 mi.)

Happy kids use them for summer fun. Gassed, overheated, middle-aged "athletes" use them as a lifesaver.

Photo: 3-hour single-speed ride, 8:00 a.m.; 45 degrees; alt. 10,000 feet; on the way to Leadville, Colorado

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 4,600 yds (ytd 131,325 yds.)
Bike: 131 miles (ytd 2,803 mi.)
Run: 32 miles (ytd 849 mi.)

The fastest way isn't always the bestest way.