July 28, 2014 | Tim Hauserman

While many folks who come to Tahoe for the summer have plans that involve lounging on the beach or sipping a cocktail on the Sunnyside deck, those who have signed up to race the Lake Tahoe Ironman have different plans. They come here to train for what has been called the toughest Ironman in the country. Their fateful day begins with a dip into Tahoe’s chilly early morning waters for a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and then they get to run a marathon (26.2 miles). They’ve got some training to do.

The future Ironmen come to Tahoe to learn what it is like to swim long distances in our beautiful patch of blue. They bring out the awesome and expensive Tri bikes and ride the Triangle: The Tahoe City to Truckee to Kings Beach to Tahoe City route which they will have the pleasure of conquering twice during the race. They run along the bike trail between Tahoe City and Squaw Valley, because that will be where their very long day finally comes to an end.

Are you a future Lake Tahoe Ironmen and women? Sure, train hard, but don’t forget, Tahoe is a beautiful place, be sure and relax and have some fun. Here are a few suggestions:

First, you are worked, from all that Triangle stuff, so perhaps a massage or a yoga class is in order to loosen up those tired muscles. We have a great group of massage therapists and yoga instructors in the area that specialize in dealing with sore athletes.

Then, don’t just run the bike trail. Run along the shore of Lake Tahoe on the Rubicon Trail from Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for osprey, and take a luscious dip into Emerald Bay. Then, find a nice warm piece of granite along the shoreline to lie on, and gaze across the blue waters of the bay to the stark visage of Mt. Tallac.

I know you have to ride the Triangle at least once, but after that, sample some of our other great rides. Tackle the Donner Lake to Cisco Grove ride. It gives you lots of climbing and jaw dropping views of Donner Lake. Or better yet, ride to the top of Blackwood Canyon, and then roll back to Sunnyside where you can settle in on the deck. Smell that fine Sierra air. Enjoy a thirst quenching beverage. Eat something delicious. And watch the Alpenglow arrive.  You’ve earned it.