Photo: 57-mile ride, 70 degrees, 6 a.m., Johnson County, Iowa

Weekly activity log:

Swim: 0 yds. (ytd 138,500 yds.)

Bike: 104 miles (ytd 2,733 mi.)

Run: 19 miles (ytd 792 mi.)

When I was young, I roamed the neighborhood with a motley crew of boys (and one girl). Steve, Scott, Joy, Peter and the others rode bikes, climbed trees, built forts, swam and played kick-the-can far into the summer night, usually accompanied by that pesky girl. She chased us, we tolerated her. It didn't help that she was faster than us and a better tree climber. Fast-forward. We're now all spread far and wide, seeing each other rarely, talking occasionally. She now tolerates us and is often the glue of communication that holds us all together. Thanks for this morning, Amelia. The boys from the West Side still have your back.

Photo: The annual three-generation tradition continues. 70 degrees, 7 p.m., Minneapolis, Minnesota

Weekly activity log:

Swim: 5,000 yds. (ytd 138,500 yds.)

Bike: 106 miles (ytd 2,629 mi.)

Run: 20 miles (ytd 773 mi.)

Photo: 2,000-swim, 30-mile ride, 60 degrees, 6 a.m., Alburnett, Iowa

Weekly activity log:

Swim: 5,500 yds (ytd 138,500 yds.)

Bike: 112 miles (ytd 2,629 mi.)

Run: 15 miles (ytd 773 mi.)

Is it worth rising at 4:30 a.m.? Absolutely.

Photo: 37-mile ride, 2-mile run, 1,500-yd swim, 70 degrees, 11 a.m., Marion, Iowa

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 3,100 yds (ytd 133,000 yds.)å
Bike: 99 miles (ytd 2,517 mi.)
Run: 10 miles (ytd 758 mi.)

The only creature who likes my smelly running shoes more than me.