DC Rainmaker: Almost end of summer Garmin Forerunner 610 Giveaway!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Almost end of summer Garmin Forerunner 610 Giveaway!

Today’s the last day of August, which in my mind means it’s regrettably the end of summer. I know that technically summer doesn’t end until later in September – but since everyone considers September as ‘Fall’, that means that today is more or less the end of summer. The good news is that the fall running season will shortly be in full swing! Which means my running times will hopefully get faster without the heat!

In order help you usher in your cooler weather running mojo I’m going to give away a brand Garmin Forerunner 610 GPS-enabled touch screen watch. It was either that or giving away a yard rake to clean up the leaves about to fall…and I’m pretty sure I know which one you’d prefer.

And the best thing is you’ve got nothing more to do than leave a single comment below (multiple comments don’t count around these parts!).

All you’ve gotta do is tell me your best summer training or racing memory. It can be anything from the awesome pizza at the finish line of a small-town race, to completing your first Ironman.

The entry period will run until Sunday September 4th, 2011 at 11:59PM Eastern Time, at which point I’ll close the entry period and randomly select a winner. Like the all my giveaways there are no restrictions on where the goods go to – so no matter where in the world you are, I’ll send to you. The winner will get a brand new Garmin Forerunner FR610 (with HR strap).

(Note: If you’re active duty military and deployed and are unable to complete the entry method above, simply shoot me an e-mail and I’ll get ya entered in. For those curious on how the giveaways work, here’s the deets. In short – I purchase and giveaway everything here, these are not sponsored by Garmin. Through careful planning I picked up a handful of them when they first came available…just so I could give them away to you. Thanks all!)

1319 comments:

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stefan August 31, 2011 12:06 AM: Running 2 hours in a rain storm at World's End near Boston and at the end tripping over a 3 year old kid and summersalting into a ditch/puddle. More fun than it sound like.

Otherwise I've not run for the last two weeks due to quad tendonitis, no no hurricane running. I'll give running a try again tomorrow.
JavyO August 31, 2011 12:06 AM: An Epic 200k ride with 3,000m of climbing with my best training buddies as our biggest training ride in prep for Ironman China, which was cancelled :P
Mark August 31, 2011 12:07 AM: Yoh Yoh... I'd be happy to look after this love Puppy for you.

Cheers

Sydney Mark
Ironmom (Julie) August 31, 2011 12:07 AM: Thanks for the giveaway, and for the easy entry requirements. I completed my first Ironman this summer (Coeur d'Alene), and it was the highlight of a lifetime.
Chris August 31, 2011 12:07 AM: Forgot to wear sunscreen when out for a long sat drive. Came back to red leg, nex and face. Perfect outline of my helmet and gloves. The marks lasted for weeks
Ms. Duffy August 31, 2011 12:08 AM: That's awesome! I just finished my first Olympic distance tri this past weekend, out of town, and I live in the Bronx. At the finish the announcer said that I must have been running from Hurricane Irene, so that's my new favorite. Prior to that it was setting a new half marathon PR in the midst of training for the NYC Marathon in 2009. Good luck to all!
Turi August 31, 2011 12:12 AM: I've been doing a trail race series this summer - most of the races have been pretty lackluster so far. Last weekend, though, the course was super fun - totally made up for all the rest of the courses.
don August 31, 2011 12:14 AM: Finishing Race Across America as part of the 4 man Team 4HIV Hope. Raising money and awareness for people living with HIV as cycled across the country.
Jeremy August 31, 2011 12:16 AM: I was on a training ride with some much stronger riders. I got dropped and chased to get back on for what seemed like hours but was probably only 15 minutes. When I finally caught them I realised the guy riding beside me was the current national road race champion. This did amazing things for my confidence and I've been able to draw on this experience whenever I've been feeling pressure in a race.
regards
Jezza
benidle@me.com August 31, 2011 12:18 AM: Hi Ray, I've just moved to Singapore, so endless summer, or no seasons, depending on your viewpoint. My summer racing season fizzled out, I was booked to do the NY Triathlon, the Escape from Alcatraz sharkfest swim and the Ireland 70.3, all fell by the wayside as I was transfered to the other side of the world. Entering a 10k this Sunday, in 90 degree heat and 100% humidity it might be tough
krystyna47 August 31, 2011 12:20 AM: Oh, my most favourite training session this summer has GOT to be my birthday ride! I was traveling in Colorado and decided I'd make an epically hilly ride, including riding over a mountain pass (Independence Pass). The views were beyond stunning.
Scott August 31, 2011 12:23 AM: Pulling myself up onto the beach after six and a half km of swimming, with the feeling of adrenalin mixed with the surge of blood sloshing from the horizontal to the vertical.
CRAB August 31, 2011 12:26 AM: Exiting the Hudson river in 95 degree heat covered in silt wearing a full wetsuit, jogging and gagging for the next 100 yards to transition.
Limegren August 31, 2011 12:31 AM: Seeing my average heart rate graph for the week go down and down and down to the point where I finally ran sub 7 minute pace at sub 150bpm!

I came over the final hill to my house and just put my arms in the air and screamed with joy.
Tim "Palantar" Jones August 31, 2011 12:33 AM: Easily 2 summers ago - the last time I was health in summer for a race :) Ran a horrible 50 minute 10k, but managed to beat my best friend, so it felt much faster :)
tom August 31, 2011 12:37 AM: I completed my first marathon this year in Paris. It was amazing to see the finish line.

Thanks
S. Wall August 31, 2011 12:38 AM: Knocking 45 minutes off my half-Ironman distance PR.
Bill D. August 31, 2011 12:40 AM: Completed my first IM at CdA....great experience!! Thanks for yet another great give-away!!
Hank August 31, 2011 12:45 AM: Our summer is just about to start downunder... lucky us ;-)
treadster August 31, 2011 12:46 AM: Riding the first 50 miles of a century ride with the peloton going super fast before I eventually had to stop for water. I hadn't ridden like that in twenty years. Sure was fun!
Cymon August 31, 2011 12:46 AM: Completing my first half after being sidelined with a strained calf for most of the training. Before that the longest distance I ran was 5 miles, so crossing that finish line I felt like I was on top of the world.
Matthew August 31, 2011 12:47 AM: My first open water swim in a race and being completely dry leaving T1due to the lack of humidity.
Matias August 31, 2011 12:50 AM: My best training memory has to be when I cycled 414 km across Finland with a friend.
Mathew Pottinger August 31, 2011 12:53 AM: Being able to go for a run or a cycle late at night because the sun doesn't set in my home town in New Zealand until 9:42 p.m in the peak of summer (early January).
Randle August 31, 2011 12:54 AM: Beating my boss in an Olympic Distance Tri by about 5 seconds. That was pretty awesome.
ctarda August 31, 2011 12:54 AM: My first run in the heat and humidity, feeling like a tea bag, after moving to Hong Kong from Europe. Will never forget that feeling.
Chris August 31, 2011 12:55 AM: Running in Punta Mita Mexico on vacation chasing down a beautiful girl running ahead of me to finally catch up and realize it was my wife and why I'm lucky doing what I love, run and my wife.
Nathan August 31, 2011 12:55 AM: I'm in my second year of being addicted to running, so I'm anticipating my best racing experiences this fall and winter. I hope a lot of PRs are on the horizon.
Grzesiek August 31, 2011 12:56 AM: Count me in :)

I'm doing lsd with my old polar, i got 67% of my max hr, after some time (10min) still 67%, so far so good, after another 10 minutes 67%, i guess it happens, half an hour gone 67%, hey somethings not right, it stuck, and i was going half an hour with pretty good pace, delighted with the form i'm in on this particular day, lol :)

Grzesiek
Giedrius August 31, 2011 12:57 AM: Finished my first triathlon race, and finaly found my marathon training coach. Hope to cut 1h in one year on my third marathon in September.
Greg G August 31, 2011 12:58 AM: My best memory was at cross country practice around this time last year. I don't remember why but practice was around 2PM on a Saturday and it was easily 105*+ because I live in te dessert. We were going through a new course and everyone was ready to pass out and get out of running our long run that day, but then suddenly a cloud rolls over the mountain and just poured rain down on usfor about an hour. It was amazing and we all just had a great time.
Adrian August 31, 2011 12:58 AM: Running in my first 'fun run' over 10km. It was awesome to run with so many like minded people, great atmosphere. Caught the running bug and have now signed up for my first half marathon.
Boro August 31, 2011 1:03 AM: Running at sunset along the waterfront near Gallipoli, (Italy): http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/workout/PaoloBorella/1h61k0mrof32ht3k
Erica August 31, 2011 1:07 AM: exciting! thanks so much for offering the giveaway! all of my favorite summer training memories share the same two elements: the rediscovered joy of road biking on every single ride, and setting PDRs ride after ride!
Jasper Boessenkool August 31, 2011 1:08 AM: Definately the beer after my 5th marathon!
bryspald August 31, 2011 1:08 AM: My finest memory would be winning the team competition in Trondheim - Oslo 550km. Did it in 13hrs 17mins 58sec.

All without getting off the bikes (with the exemption of one puncture 8mins into the race)
Aucun August 31, 2011 1:09 AM: Three months and a half in hospital now after a crash on a car... Going out in two weeks. I won't be able to walk on my own two feet, but still plan to start a triathlon again next year.
marswulf August 31, 2011 1:11 AM: Participated on a 10km-race first time in life. Usually, I don't like to compete while running. So, a friend and me agreed to do this together on our own pace.
A couple of 100m before finish he suddenly speeded up and tried to leave me behind. This awakened my will to win which was real fun!
Now, I am scheduled for more races; next on Sunday in Düsseldorf.
LukeB August 31, 2011 1:11 AM: Over in Oz during your summer (our winter) ran my first City2Surf 14km having had very little opportunity to train, and managed to run the full distance and even surprise myself with a half decent time :)
Luco August 31, 2011 1:12 AM: I went to Haiti this summer with my girlfriend, and we were pleasantly surprise to be able to do some training at altitude there.
Our main training route took us from 4000 ft to 6300ft in 10K. Needless to say, we walked quite a few sections.
When we got back to pancake flat Miami after a week in Haiti, we were running like kenyans.
lumpynose August 31, 2011 1:12 AM: Running on the Contra Costa canal trail on a beautiful summer day.
Mike August 31, 2011 1:12 AM: Finishing my first half ironman (my second ever triathlon).
Big Dummy Daddy August 31, 2011 1:15 AM: Riding up Mt. Evans in Colorado the day before I started my junior year in college.
ely August 31, 2011 1:21 AM: The best memory? Running 22k last summer on Hietasaari when I was traveling to Finland on business. I got out early in the morning and got my run in before meetings.
Caroline August 31, 2011 1:22 AM: For me it was racing in my hometown for the first time, with my dear friend and get a PR as a bonus! Oh and my parents saw me race for the first time also! I had my kids, husband and parents there. Pretty special'
Thank you for the chance to win !
coach dion August 31, 2011 1:24 AM: I like races where I can fit a swim in... Road races, Trail Races (my days of IRONMAN are over.
So a couple of Cape Town races I've swam in Grape Run, Joenkershoek half old route. (I also swim in winter races!!!)
Brett August 31, 2011 1:26 AM: Running the Tough Mudder with some friends was the highlight of my summer.
Marc August 31, 2011 1:27 AM: Best summer training memory would be a 170km ride through Southwest Tasmania - mostly deserted roads, fantastic vistas, but... it was supposedly in summer, but temperatures down to below 5 Celsius, driving rain, wind, and continual gear changes (with down-tube levers). Fantastic day, 3500m climbing, certainly qualified for 'epic' status for me! http://app.strava.com/rides/gordon-dam-doddle-302097
Manuel August 31, 2011 1:28 AM: My best summer training or racing memory?

One month ago I woke-up from a 20 year routine of office/home/office that didn't allow me time/energy for nothing else. Bought a pair of running shoes and went for a 2k run, my first in twenty years.
It was the slowest and most difficult 2k I ever did in my life, but it was the most fulfilling and stimulating.

One month passed... I'm now training for next years' triathlons:-)
Kenianischer Dalai Lama August 31, 2011 1:32 AM: Best racing memory this summer: improving my olympic distance PB by over 6 Minutes in a stellar race that included a sub-60-minute bike-split on a course that if anything was a bit too long.
Mr. A August 31, 2011 1:38 AM: This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown August 31, 2011 1:40 AM: My favorite memory was completing the Inaugural Summit Plummet from the top of Crystal Mountain, WA to Nolte State Park in Enumclaw. I had only done a sprint race before and the 44 bike miles (mostly downhill) taught me that I've got a lot to learn about multi-sport nutrition.

And the lack of summer in WA taught me that bundling for a snowy 3000' descent is good, until you realize you're overdressed!

The tag line of the race is, "It’s about 50 miles long...
It’s about 7000 feet down...
And it’s Backwards"

...and I completed it!
Mr. A August 31, 2011 1:40 AM: Actually trying to concentrate on training. Sweating like no tomorrow and obviously running after the Earthquake that shook the east.
KWoo August 31, 2011 1:42 AM: This comment has been removed by the author.
KWoo August 31, 2011 1:43 AM: Taking my first hard pull up a hill during a time trial. Blew up but I got congratulated on the good pull at least.
chdragonfly August 31, 2011 1:43 AM: I completed my first half marathon this summer at the Seattle Rock n' Roll. Finished 20 minutes under my goal :-)
pierre August 31, 2011 1:45 AM: On June the 26th, starting the marathon before the winner finished it during the Nice Ironman.
Everything went fine and nicely until midway when the legs didnt want to run anymore.
Still made it.
1:03 6:54 5:15 with 7minute-transition
Tim August 31, 2011 1:50 AM: Running along the Thames in London during holiday. Sightseeing and training at the same time!
RetroOldBoy August 31, 2011 1:56 AM: Doing trail running every weekend and enjoying the greenary
Francesco Nicolai August 31, 2011 1:56 AM: This comment has been removed by the author.
T-Bar August 31, 2011 1:57 AM: 20km run in Linear Park, Adelaide, South Australia (my local park)

Was about to turn around after 6km but saw a Koala really close in a tree, which really lifted my spirits and I kept going with a big smile on my face.

btw - have only recently found your site and I'm loving it. Planning on first Ironman next year so will be a regular visitor for sure
Francesco Nicolai August 31, 2011 1:57 AM: The best memory of the summer of '11 was an epic 170km bike ride in 40°C. In the end I was exhausted!
Jason August 31, 2011 1:58 AM: I am looking forward to my first race in October - the Auckland marathon, which I'm sure will be my best memory. If only my pulled calf comes right...
sjoobn August 31, 2011 2:03 AM: I live in Bangkok so its pretty much Summer all year round here. My best memory of running this past year was a supposed 10k event that the organizers mis-measured the distance. We ended up running 16 kilometers and I trotted in dead last over 2 hours later as they were rolling up the carpets and re-opening the roads.
Roberto Nicolai August 31, 2011 2:04 AM: The greatest memory of this summer was a bike training with my son in the heat of Tuscany. In the last hill I had cramps and my son helps me coming back home.
Ankush August 31, 2011 2:06 AM: Getting back in the saddle after a two month long hiatus due to knee injury is a sweet feeling.
Donatella Manetti August 31, 2011 2:06 AM: I never train, but I always follow my son and my husband during training. Sometimes, especially when it's hot, it is very tough!
Advid August 31, 2011 2:14 AM: My best experience this summer was two day ultramarathon (64+39km) through Lužické mountains (in Czech rep.). Not only it was my first ultramarathon, but there were fantastic people around and the route was wonderful. And although I went it from half IM training, almost no problems occured and I was 4th (of 9). For 3th place I would need 9 minutes off. :) Anyway - I was happy that I even finished strong and with no big pain.
Clive Chapman August 31, 2011 2:17 AM: Riding in Snowdonia, through hail training for a Polaris MTB competition back in the 90s, I couldn't have been more wet if I'd have swam!
Afison August 31, 2011 2:20 AM: Returning to Spain for the summer vacation and running a 10km race with my father. I am 33 years old, he is 63 and I have never beaten him (yet). He does around 38min, this time we run together and help me to do 46min. I am quite happy with the time.

I will catch you old man... sooner or later!
slecluyse August 31, 2011 2:20 AM: Running 8.5km in less than 50 mins. Given my track record, a huge accomplishment. :)
bastischmitz August 31, 2011 2:24 AM: Running on the beach of Zanzibar, at dawn of course.
That was awesome.
Isa August 31, 2011 2:26 AM: Trying part of the ironman course during a conference in the big island!
ActiveFather August 31, 2011 2:27 AM: running a PB at high altitude (6000ft+) on a 10km race! My heartrate was through the roof and I still could feel it after few days.
lisaappelson August 31, 2011 2:30 AM: Coming off of a bad mental race and on a whim signing up for another the following week, giving it my all!
Luke Grindal August 31, 2011 2:31 AM: A race highlight was running alongside Björn Andersson for around 10km during my last half ironman here in Sweden. He was 5km ahead of me at the time!
Salty August 31, 2011 2:38 AM: Completing my first marathon in under 4 hours.
StefanW August 31, 2011 2:38 AM: BEst summer memory is a new one. Yesterday I finally made it under 40 mins on a 10k race. Exhausted :)
Lin August 31, 2011 2:39 AM: Daily runs along the Singpore River for about 3 weeks straight.
hyn August 31, 2011 2:41 AM: Hi Ray. My best (or worst, I'm not sure) training this summer was a bike ride when suddenly I catched a summer storm. Around 10 minutes end-of-the-world style, and then came the best weather I have biked into. Perfect temperature, perfect smell, perfect sun :)
Cannastar August 31, 2011 2:44 AM: Best summer training memory is a recurrence. The time when outdoor pools open/are warm enough for use!! I can get a really good tan without looking weird being in speedos. HIT!!
droffen August 31, 2011 2:52 AM: want to have to come back to shape after my meniscus surgery.
JoshPNW August 31, 2011 2:52 AM: My first time running in the Ragnar Relay race (Pacific NW) with 11 other team mates, 2 vans, 190 miles, completed in 31.5 hours. Running at 1:30 in the morning to the light of a headlamp was cool.
wormscoffer August 31, 2011 2:59 AM: Hello Ray

My best training/racing memory of this summer was completing the Paris Marathon after working up to it for the past two years. It may have been slightly too early for summer but the weather was certainly summer!

Cheers

Andrew
A De Guzman August 31, 2011 2:59 AM: I've been faithfully training all summer for my first marathon. However, the rains came and I got a little lazy. My training went down the drain, got injured and I was not able to join the race :(
Adam Marcinik August 31, 2011 2:59 AM: I recalled my first race. 10km distance just under 1 hour and I was dead at the end. Anything I could think of were tons of ice cream, peanutchips and nutella. Ice cream shop was right next to the finish line (it was in center of Prague), peanutchips found at nearby shop and nutella at home. It was awesome dinner :-)
Edu August 31, 2011 3:04 AM: Finished my first triatlon training with good feelings...
Rew August 31, 2011 3:07 AM: So far the best experience of the summer is running my first half-marathon - by accident! I only planned to run 15k, but I felt so good, the weather was so perfect, I just kept on going, my time was under 2hours, so I was quite pleased with myself :-)
Gabriel Proulx August 31, 2011 3:07 AM: Running a beer mile at my best friend`s bachelor party. Being the best runner in the gang, I had a big target on my back... but I discovered I can`t drink and run ;-)
JaG August 31, 2011 3:08 AM: Finally managing to go sub-40min in a local uphill race
ash August 31, 2011 3:09 AM: Training for my third 10K race.

Thanks for the great giveaways.
Michelangelo Perin August 31, 2011 3:10 AM: I'll start preparing a half marathon soon! Time to concentrate on running!!
Julian August 31, 2011 3:12 AM: Running my first marathon and sprinting to the line for a 2:59:39!!
_108 August 31, 2011 3:15 AM: I swam over the biggest lake in our country right in the middle of a summer storm. Windy with big waves. I finished it. :)
Great blog and tnx for all the giveaways.
TedLouie August 31, 2011 3:15 AM: I live by the ocean in San Francisco, and the temperature often doesn't rise above 65 or so the entire summer. I always look forward to August, when I travel to Tucson for my mother-in-law's birthday and can train in around in 110+ degree heat!
elteo August 31, 2011 3:18 AM: Hi, this summer i bike in the Sellaronda bike day (Italy): http://www.sellarondabikeday.com/index_ita.html
Ubi August 31, 2011 3:19 AM: Definitely the Spitsbergen marathon: running with about 50 other runners in a beautiful artic scenery.
Erik August 31, 2011 3:24 AM: The best memory is renting a bike outside of Nice / France during a business trip and trying out some proper mountains. Trying out some looong climbs on the years first outside run led to some serious bonking, but it was well worth it.
20100 August 31, 2011 3:27 AM: Thanks for this giveaway.
Riding everyday 54km to go to work and return.
Georg August 31, 2011 3:32 AM: I would love to win this beauty! My longest ride in my life: 619 km straight - sleepless in the saddle:

http://blog.kunstgriff.net/?p=5036
Roger August 31, 2011 3:36 AM: Taking part in the amateur cycle race Husiesvangen in Malmo this year. Really well organized and a scenic route.
Miguel Andrade August 31, 2011 3:38 AM: Going up Alpe D'Huez by bike in a hot day of summer.
Roger K August 31, 2011 3:39 AM: Taking part in the amateur cycle race Husiesvangen in Malmo this year. Really well organized and a scenic route.
McBadger August 31, 2011 3:42 AM: Last 3 miles of a long run, coming back down the river getting on for dusk. Beautiful, and feeling good enough that I knew the long runs were starting to pay off & getting to the end of the marathon I was training for would be OK.
Joyce August 31, 2011 3:43 AM: I'm STILL in love with the cold watermelon after the Baltimore 10 Miler...that just summed up summer to me! Or, possibly, the run I went on through a beautiful section of Buffalo, NY, to clear my head the night before the bar exam.
Michael August 31, 2011 3:49 AM: Having ran my best pace in the Edinburgh I finished the race and had the best ice cold Innis&Gunn beer after properly hydrating of course! Oh man that felt good!
RichCB August 31, 2011 3:52 AM: UTMB 2011 - Col de la Seigne on Saturday morning watching the top 4 runners descend as the sun came out onto Mont Blanc...injured at the moment but this will fuel my training sessions for some time to come and I will be there one day to make it round Mont Blanc.
Dawit August 31, 2011 3:56 AM: My far best training memory happened last week, while I was doing a tempo run on a route witch crossed a park here in my hometown Krakow.
I've noticed a group of older runners (as I was informed later they where starting in a Masters race) and tagged along with them through the park. As we came out of a park I've noticed a "Finish" sign and then I knew I've won a race I didn't start in (it was local race with 30 competitors)!
I don't know who was more socked, me or organizers but after we had a good laugh I've still got the lovely apple-pie meant for winners.
This experience thought me to love the activity not just the outcome.
Riku Rekkamies August 31, 2011 4:01 AM: Mate, it's midwinter in this side of the globe, so a run with no rain is one remarkable memory.
Iris August 31, 2011 4:03 AM: Did my first run race ever, last summer, while on holiday in San Francisco. I'm from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, so that was special on it's own.
The race started at 9am, and I finished at about 9:45am, I crossed the line and immediately someone put a free beer in my hand. I'm guessing that's USA style??

Here in Holland we get a free sportsdrink and a banana when we cross the finishline.
Ivo August 31, 2011 4:03 AM: Running in Canada near Banff. Going uphill on Tunnel Mountain. Very hot but stunning views. Best way to end our holiday.
Dalibor August 31, 2011 4:08 AM: Hi, the best training this summer was a day after the Sella Ronda Bike Day in Canazei, Italy. I rode three hours over three iconic Dolomiti passes. Sun was shining, blue sky, no wind, car drivers were polite, legs were good. Beautiful day.
Thanks for the giveaways.
Cheers
Dalibor
Torgeir Ulvedal Nes August 31, 2011 4:09 AM: Unfortunatly I have no race memories yet, as I have just started trainig for my first 10K. Which is next weekend.

I just bought a used Forerunner 305, so a 610 would be an awesome upgrade.
Michael B. Lauritzen August 31, 2011 4:10 AM: Summer MTB team high intensity lap training on the local route named "The Heimlich Manouvre" best training day of the season:-)
Diego August 31, 2011 4:10 AM: My best trainig memory was my first 1.500m of climbing in a MTB!
Aleis August 31, 2011 4:15 AM: Crossing the finish line of a 4.5km OWS race here in Japan. It was the longest distance I had ever swum and a personal achievement. Also was for a great cause, raising funds for the Red Cross for the Japan disaster relief appeal.
Benjamin August 31, 2011 4:16 AM: My favourite memories are from participating in Gigathlon with a team of five, where I did the mountain running segments on both days - in the Alps, with gorgeous weather on both days, great views and running against Matterhorn as the backdrop on the second day.
Sonny Winston August 31, 2011 4:19 AM: Finishing my first 40 mile run a week ago on Sunday, and doing it in under 7 hours :-)

Great blog squire, I always appreciate a proper geeky blog, and yours never disappoints!
thehut August 31, 2011 4:19 AM: Hot chocolate pit stops, on the boardwalk, during early morning cycles, watching the sun rise with waves lapping the shore...
pdais97 August 31, 2011 4:19 AM: The best memory this summer has been completing the goal of the year, an IM. Sorry to say that I didn´t follow my race plan but it was a great fealing to enter the finish line.
Melhuish August 31, 2011 4:23 AM: Counting down the 1k buzzes coming from the Forerunner 310XT strapped to my head in the 19km Fiji to Beachcomber Island swim. BULLA!!!
Kamil August 31, 2011 4:23 AM: My first olympic triathlon :)
Ollers August 31, 2011 4:24 AM: Finally running 10 k sub 50 minutes, just 5 months after I started running at all :)
juge August 31, 2011 4:24 AM: New gadgets increase motivation :)
Thorsten August 31, 2011 4:25 AM: This summer, my best memory is still "Vätternrundan", a single day, 300k bike tour around the Vättern lake in Sweden. They claim it's the biggest amateur bike event worldwide with more than 25.000 starters. They start at 6pm on a Friday night and send off 60 bikers every 3 minutes until the early hours next morning. Awesome!
Peter De Decker August 31, 2011 4:25 AM: The Garmin Forerunner 610 is probably the most wanted gadget nowadays, if it were waterproof it would be the perfect watch.

My best training memory is just a few days old: not well prepared I managed to run 32K each day in the "Vierdaagse van de Ijzer". Now I'm still enjoying my sore legs, but I met a lot of cool new people on the event and enjoyed every minute of it.
krazi August 31, 2011 4:25 AM: My first half marathon!
Andrew August 31, 2011 4:28 AM: Even though it's winter down here in South Africa, my best run has to be the 22km run in the Franschhoek mountains I had a few weeks ago.
plodski August 31, 2011 4:32 AM: From being 100kg 18 months ago, to being 85kg this summer and completing my first 100miles on the road:

http://www.tourride.co.uk/wales-pro-ride.asp
Sebastian August 31, 2011 4:33 AM: The moment I went into T1 in my first triathlon when I realized that I left nearly the whole field behind during the swimming ;)
Adrian August 31, 2011 4:34 AM: Getting lost in the New Forest whilst recce'ing race route - Rivers, Bogs, Marshland, heat, hail, wind, rain we had it all! Followed our noses and eventually got back on track!
Robert August 31, 2011 4:41 AM: My daughter was born a week before my second IM, after days without sleep and not much to eat, race day came, and turned out to be the coldest day in July with 10° and rain. My Polar got hit hard and was broken at the swim start. So without any feeling on how fast or slow I was going I've finished IM Frankfurt just below 10h in 9:59h.
Jojo Gonzales August 31, 2011 4:43 AM: My first full mary conduraskywaymarathon. Truly a life changing experience.
Jonas August 31, 2011 4:44 AM: Although I beat my PR a few times this year, my best experience this summer was the Midnight Run (10k) in the central part of Stockholm. 24 000 runners in the same fluorescent shirt, at night and with lots of entertainment along the course.
Nick August 31, 2011 4:45 AM: Tuesday running club. Normally I'm somewhere "middle of the pack". One Tuesday in the middle of summer, we went to some beautiful fields at the top of town. Long circuits ensued, and the pack got pretty fragmented quite quickly. I end up going up the hills with one particular chap (who I didn't know) tracking close behind me, I couldn't lose him. We didn't speak but no matter how hard I pushed, I couldn't get well ahead but nor did he overtake me. At the end of the session and jogging back, we did talk and I found out he used to be a performance athlete - lots of track-based distances (400m etc) as well as longer outside of the stadium. He was outside of his competition period but as a new runner myself, I enjoyed that I could hold my own with someone who had real running experience.
BobD August 31, 2011 4:47 AM: Finishing my first half marathon this year. I bike a lot, but never considered myself a runner....until now!

BobD
Kalomir August 31, 2011 4:47 AM: My best summer memory is from this week-end in Frankfurt: went running two days in a row for the first time in months, felt like I could finally train again.
Because quitting smoking isn't enough, you just feel unable to resume training, have no valid sensations whatsoever, suffer from a high and fluctuating HR, etc. After a month of struggle and some depressing attempts, I finally found again this basic endurance pace. Felt like some big victory.
Tim Carpenter August 31, 2011 4:51 AM: First Ironman Busselton 2009 - Early December in southern Western Australia and suddenly the temperature jumps to 35 degrees from norm of about 26. That was a tough, tough day. But loved it!
Yafube August 31, 2011 4:51 AM: 28th August 7am on a slight incline in the middle of the grapevines. It was the first time I had hit 5K on my training run. I raised my arms and started hooting on the spot :)

I started running in July to get fitter and have been having a blast since I picked it up
Tony August 31, 2011 4:51 AM: We're just coming out of Winter in Brisbane Australia, but I ran my first 1/2 Marathon in July.

Tony, Brisbane
Henrik August 31, 2011 4:53 AM: Watching my girlfriend complete her first 10k race one month after having completed chemotherapy for breast cancer was totally amazing.
Kroniu August 31, 2011 4:56 AM: Finishing my first marathon :)

Cheers
Bart
dragos August 31, 2011 4:56 AM: i finish my first half this year and preparing for my 1st marathon this autumn
Alexander Kainz August 31, 2011 5:00 AM: On km 20 of my first Half-Marathon, I suddenly see my sister and my little baby nephew on the side of the road, cheering. Was totally taken by surprise as she had not told me she would come. So awesome I almost fell.
Lexel August 31, 2011 5:01 AM: It was this summer, running 4h30 with 1800m of climbing to the col du Tricot just under the Mont Blanc.
Vaclav August 31, 2011 5:01 AM: Mountain race 13 k's uphill and then running back down again. Very nice!
Dimitri BE August 31, 2011 5:07 AM: Thanks for another generous giveaway.

Best training memory came in August. After 4 months of rehabilitation from knee surgery, I finally made it back outside for a short run in the woods. Pure heaven, after months and months of indoor sweating.
Miguel August 31, 2011 5:08 AM: My best training memory is from last Sunday. I started running this June, and i'm loving doing some sport again after five years of inactivity. Last Sunday was the first time i run over 10 Km, and under 58 minutes, a big accomplishment for me.
Daniel August 31, 2011 5:09 AM: Running along the beaches of Waikiki and Maui during our vacation. And improving my 10K PB to under 50 minutes!
Hidde August 31, 2011 5:10 AM: Really enjoyed the morning runs through the French country side. Sun shining, deer running away, nice hills. The hours just pass by...
David Power August 31, 2011 5:14 AM: does the 610 tell the time?
Pip August 31, 2011 5:19 AM: Oh I so need this - my trusty old 305 is on its last legs! My best training run? Probably when I was training for my first marathon. We were on holiday in Central Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand. I ran trails and roads, past vineyards and old relics from the goldrush days. Very zen!
Cousin Dave August 31, 2011 5:21 AM: Best memory so far actually was a 1/2 Marathon in Ashland VA this past weekend in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Turned out to be a PR in the wind and rain.

Cousin Dave
Dmitri August 31, 2011 5:22 AM: Sadly the weather was so cold and rainy you could hardly call it "summer". Still didn't stop me from going out on my mountain bike a lot. I wish I still had my road bike though... I broke both legs in a crash last year so things are still a little bit worse than they were before but the plan is to slowly start running in a couple of months.
roots-n-rocks August 31, 2011 5:23 AM: finishing 105mile mountain race UTMB in France
Edwin L August 31, 2011 5:24 AM: The most memorable training was just a few days ago with three friends. Cycling in France, 80 miles and 4000m of climbing in very hot weather. The cycling took only 6 hours, but repairing all our technical problems on the road took another 3 hours: busted rim of one wheel, broken spoke in another wheel, blowout on another wheel. But I've never had so much fun with my friends on the road.
Alexander Sacha August 31, 2011 5:25 AM: Almost run down by a cow.
Alexander
Richard Elliot August 31, 2011 5:28 AM: There was too much pain in setting a new marathon PB for it to be my favourite memory.

My most enjoyable event was doing the Sutherland Half Marathon here in Australia two weeks ago. My first half marathon (even though I've done three marathons) wasn't easy as it was on a muddy cross country track, but I went in totally relaxed and had a fabulous time.
Iain August 31, 2011 5:29 AM: One of the most unexpected was the hail storm at Ironman Canada 2010 - ouch!
Corredor da Treta August 31, 2011 5:42 AM: best racing memory? ... finishing my first marathon - ING NY city 2009!
vandalarchitect August 31, 2011 5:46 AM: Riding my first organized century (Tour de Lentil) after cheering for my wife as she finished her first 5k. (Psst, if I win the Forerunner will be for her)
Lloyd Prindle August 31, 2011 5:47 AM: On vacation with the family in June. Told them I was going for a run be back in 1 hour. I was running in the Sequoia National Forest. OMG.. I was overtaken by the beauty and tranquility of the forest. The raging rivers, the smell and the breath taking views. My family almost called the police... I was gone for 2.5 hours.
Justin August 31, 2011 5:49 AM: Discovering the beautiful region of Piemonte, Italy for my first training camp of the season. Of course tasting the local produce was a must!
Paul August 31, 2011 5:50 AM: My favourite summer running memory was completing the 2010 Edinburgh Marathon (my first marathon).

I had bought some full length running tights and a fairly thick, Saucony, long sleeved running top to train in since I started training around the start of December. Add to that the fact that it doesn't get much warmer in Scotland until...forever - the thermal gear was ideal.

Since I had used it for virtually all of my training program, the day of the race (May 22nd, still pretty cold here, usually) I dutifully packed it up, headed to Edinburgh early and then changed into my stuff.

So imagine my surprise when the Sun finally came out and we had a freak weather day where during the race the high was 30 degrees (celsius - Europeans FTW).

Plenty of more experienced runners than me had collapsed at the side of the road with IV drips in them. My time in that heat? 5:08.

People were coming out of their houses to spray passing runners with garden hoses, I have never been so greatful for the charity of stangers! Still makes me smile.
Paolo August 31, 2011 5:55 AM: best summer training memory: finishing my first 10KM run in more than 20 years!!! and in under 1 hour no less, after I was told that because of a Peroneus Brevis tendon problem I won't be able to run long distances in my life. Gave me the boost to believe that I'm capable of finishing a Marathon, which I'll attempt in the next Rome marathon on 03/18/2012 (My birthday no less!!!)
Mike Smith August 31, 2011 5:56 AM: Did my first road race this summer - it was fun!
Christian August 31, 2011 5:56 AM: Fav. memory was running near the coast last summer - after a long run, nothing beats diving straight into ~20C water :-)
Papuass August 31, 2011 5:57 AM: This summer I did a bit of mountain bike (XC) racing. We do not actually have mountains in Latvia, but there are some places where you can have dynamic elevation changes, so it is not about pure downhill or 5 kms uphill, but more of a up-and-down races.

The entire summer was hot and dry enough, to have "easy" dry races, sometimes even with lots of dust. One race was an exception - it was raining all week before and it started raining 2 hours before the race. And it rained as we were warming up. Rain stopped as soon as the race started, but the damage was done. Race was 40 kilometres of mud, wet pine roots lots of large puddles. The only upside of it was, that it was easy to ride through sand.

I finished with my best place finish in race series. I had to take my bike in parts, to clean and lube it and it took 2 weeks to get it done (I was being lazy and riding my ropad bike meanwhile).
Seb August 31, 2011 5:58 AM: It was when I trained for my first half marathon. I try different trainnig like mountain running.
Dave August 31, 2011 6:00 AM: Riding completely across the state of Iowa in a touring event called RAGBRAI
Garts August 31, 2011 6:02 AM: Got to love shirts off summer!
Flying Pig August 31, 2011 6:08 AM: Running home after running with my girlfriend. It had been raining the entire morning (Belgian summer!), but it was one of the best runs I ever had. I kept adding detours on my way home and had the feeling I could run all day!

Flying Pig
Karina August 31, 2011 6:18 AM: The 5k I ran at the end of July, my first time racing since coming up injured while marathon training last fall. I ran purely by effort, and realizing that I still knew how and when to push, when to pass others by listening to their breathing, how to control my own effort, and how to measure out my own energy for the miles required at 101 degrees, felt like an enormous victory, though my time wasn't a personal best.
DoubleHH August 31, 2011 6:22 AM: Running all summer without injury! About this time last year I had a serious hip flexor strain. Who knew that almost no stretching before a run would be the cure?
Jen August 31, 2011 6:24 AM: My favorite summer memory was completing the PHYTRI, my first Olympic Tri. I was so nervous going into it. I had done Rumpus (sprint) and two DC practice Tris, but never an olympic.

I bought a wet suit two days before only have it not legal the day of (was legal the day before for the Sprint). I decided to just settle in... any time was a PR.

And it ROCKED. I got hooked. It was an AWESOME experience because it was a great course, raced with a great friend, and made me believe that I can do more, I am looking for a 70.3 (Kinetic, maybe) to do Spring 2012.

And TY for these awesome giveaways!
ratherbeswimming August 31, 2011 6:24 AM: I can't decide...

Either running the Northwest Passage Ragnar Relay with friends...

or RUNNING the entire 10k at St. Anthony's Tri as my first race back after being diagnosed with IT Bang Syndrome...

-Elaine
Tim K August 31, 2011 6:25 AM: It wasn't a race, but I'll never forget crossing the finish line in my first MS150 bike ride. I went from zero biking to 165ish miles in two days in about 6 months. It was very emotional for me, as my wife was diagnosed with MS about 9 months prior.
wth August 31, 2011 6:27 AM: Keep up the great blog, really enjoy the reviews. I initially followed for running kit advice but you have helped enspire me to enter a tri next year.
Brizzy Andrew August 31, 2011 6:30 AM: Coming up the chute after the swim in my first sprint triathlon feeling exhausted and out of my depth but then seeing my 3 kids (8, 6 & 3) and giving them a high 5. Suddenly I felt like I was conquering the world!
Now I'm addicted!

Andrew, Brisbane
Deanna August 31, 2011 6:32 AM: Completed my very first race this summer. An all women's half marathon. What an experience! I'm addicted now and have already signed up for 3 more :)
Shelly August 31, 2011 6:33 AM: I love running in the summer (I know I'm an oddball) so any day that was hot was a wonderful day, especially compared to the miserable cold of winter!

Thanks for the contest.

Shelly
Brad Williams August 31, 2011 6:36 AM: First IM, IM Korea and qualified for Kona......Come on I need a good running watch for Kona and I plan on getting a Garmin 800, so this would make it easy to sell my FR305 ;)
Robert August 31, 2011 6:39 AM: My best summer memory definitively is Timberman. I scored a nice 8 min PR on that race, and when I crossed the finish line Chrissie Wellington was there to give me my medal :)

Thanks for the giveaway Ray!
Shellyrm ~ just a country runner August 31, 2011 6:42 AM: I ran my first trail 50 mlier. My husband was there for several of the early aid stations and then dissappeared. I figured he had to go deal with the kids. So as I crossed the finsh line full of emotion I was surprised I ouldnt see them or hear their cheers. I wouldn't see them for another 20 minutes, hubbs had locked his keys in hs car! Now ts just a funny story and it didn't take away from the joy of that first 50 miler at all!
Alejo August 31, 2011 6:51 AM: I am going to win this... and will take care of it!!
Austin August 31, 2011 6:55 AM: finishing!
kiwi August 31, 2011 6:56 AM: First 3k run since april. I hope my knee problems are gone :)
Satisfaction August 31, 2011 6:57 AM: EdwinB

This is what I need to get going again
G August 31, 2011 6:58 AM: My best memory hasn't happened yet. It's been waiting for Ironman Wales on September 11th.
Lisa August 31, 2011 6:59 AM: Finishing every race is a good memory in itself (I haven't been in too many). :)
Shamrock Stamps August 31, 2011 7:00 AM: Gotta be finishing my 1st ever road race back in june a 10k, sweltering heat (very unusual for ireland) have since gone on to finish 7 other races this summer with improving times gone from 6min K's to 4.40min k's
*~*~* Tracy August 31, 2011 7:02 AM: August 13th..my first race all year because of injuries. It was a fun, non competitive biathlon. I thought I was going to die I was so out of shape, but I did it and had a darn good time.
Kate August 31, 2011 7:11 AM: My favorite moment was jumping off a cliff half way through a 22+ mile trail run. The day was HOT and the water was cold. There was a waterfall to swim around. So fun! I've never jumped off anything with my shoes on :)
yucko@alum.mit.edu August 31, 2011 7:11 AM: The start of the season was my first-ever attempt at the half-iron distance. Also for the first time ever, I managed to draft in the swim off of someone. He swam almost a perfect line the entire 1.2 miles, and I felt like I was just floating along--less effort than I put into a warm down.

I had no business getting out of the water with the time I got. I can't say "the time I achieved" because most of it was definitely somebody else's work! I ended up with the 3rd best swim split for my age group; just in front of me by two seconds was my "puller".

Awesome feeling to be dragged through the water!
Alex August 31, 2011 7:13 AM: Running the North Face Challenge marathon relay with my best friends!
Keith S (Glatt) August 31, 2011 7:14 AM: running 10 miles by the canal du midi in south france ,on hols,happy days
Dr. D August 31, 2011 7:16 AM: A summer training for marathons this fall, running along a new toll road (not open to traffic yet); managing to ride 50miles @ 19mph (after a long break from serious cycling), and Timex pushing out the firmware update for the TGT! Roll on October and Marine Corps Marathon, November and the Raleigh Marathon...then Outer Banks Marathon. Enjoy the fall racing season everyone.
Tami August 31, 2011 7:16 AM: Doing part of RAGBRAI!
dbosler August 31, 2011 7:17 AM: A Brick workout with local Tri group at Stone Mountain park in Georgia.

Thanks Ray!!
Tami August 31, 2011 7:18 AM: Finishing my first half ironman!!!