Question:

Can anyone(Dan) give us an update on Jurgen Zack these days? Is he fit? Preparing for IM Europe – Austria – Kona or what? Thanks in advance. Terry

Response:

He raced at Wildflower but didn’t do so great.  His time was 4:32 and the winner was 4:02. Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone(Dan) give us an update on Jurgen Zack these days? Is he fit? Preparing for IM Europe – Austria – Kona or what? Thanks in advance. Terry

Response:

he must have returned to Germany for a while to prepare for IM Austria. I haven’t seen him at masters swimming in a couple of weeks. Maybe he’ll show up for the Saturday group ride tomorrow if he’s still in town? Mike Plumb

Response:

language) 10.06.01   Rheinland-Pfalz Meisterschaft

Question:

Hey all, A few of us are building up our own wetsuits for an upcoming 1/2IM (one of us happens to do it for a living so…)  A few questions about the rules on what we can/can’t do: As far as I found the max thickness (ITU rule) was 5mm.  Anything else we should be aware of? Is it different for any parts of the body (ie legs/arms/torso)? We have some material that is 3mil but has some grooves impressed into it – would it be ok to use? We are playing with the idea of making a suit that would have less drag than a regular suit (slick skin or otherwise) that we may eventually market.  I guess we’re the testers but I want to make sure we don’t show up the day of and find out we can’t use the suits we made. Any info on rules & regulations for suits would be appreciated. Thanks, Pete peter_cowan..insert at here..pml.com

Response:

Peter I can only answer for USA Triathlon sanctioned races, but here goes. There are no rules regarding the construction of the wetsuit. Although under rule 9.3 The Head Referee has the power to rule on anything not specifically covered in the   rules, and to examine any equipment to make a final and binding decision as to whether it is improper. One of the functions of my committee is to investigate such items. If you would like to submit a design in advance of marketing we can either approve of your design or lend some assistance as to changes that would need to made to get USAT approval. — Bruce Platt Chairman, USA Triathlon Safety & Rules Committee USA Triathlon Cat 1 Official

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey all, A few of us are building up our own wetsuits for an upcoming 1/2IM (one of us happens to do it for a living so…)  A few questions about the rules on what we can/can’t do: As far as I found the max thickness (ITU rule) was 5mm.  Anything else we should be aware of? Is it different for any parts of the body (ie legs/arms/torso)? We have some material that is 3mil but has some grooves impressed into it – would it be ok to use? We are playing with the idea of making a suit that would have less drag than a regular suit (slick skin or otherwise) that we may eventually market.  I guess we’re the testers but I want to make sure we don’t show up the day of and find out we can’t use the suits we made. Any info on rules & regulations for suits would be appreciated. Thanks, Pete peter_cowan..insert at here..pml.com

Response:

Question:

In an earlier post I gave some info about the St. Croix triathlon.  I found a web site which has places to stay on St. Croix.       http://www.where2stay.com/islands/islands/stcroix.html Also, there is another site for general information on the USVI       www.virginisles.com/ you can get to other links from both of these sites.  The race is really in a beautiful location and is an extremely well run race.  Also you asked about dive operations and where to dive.  There are several dive shops right in Christianstead and you can easily arrange something while you are there.  Also, while you are there, if you have an extra day (and I reccommend that you stay at least a few days after the race) there is a hydroplane which goes to St. Thomas.  It takes about 1 1/2 hour and costs about $40.  A day in St. Thomas may be worthwhile if you haven’t been to the Virgin Islands before.  Of course, St. John is the most beautiful of the three main islands, but harder to get to from St. Croix. (that’s a paid political anouncement since I live on St. John part time) Have a great race and since I am doing Wildflower on the same weekend as you will be in St. Croix this year, think about all  of us busting our butts on a tough, probably hot, course with no tropical breezes or beaches anywhere near. Be sure to put a post up here with your experiences when you get back John Hall – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have signed up for this race and I’m looking for advice from anyone who has done it before on what to expect, where to stay, and interesting things to do before and after. Also any recomendations on dive operations.

Response:

Does anyone know the website fot the ST Croix Tri ?

The webpage is out of date, but the address is shown below: http://www.ecani.com/vi/sc/triath/ If you need an application, it better to snail mail it than to rely on this form.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

I have signed up for this race and I’m looking for advice from anyone who has done it before on what to expect, where to stay, and interesting things to do before and after. Also any recomendations on dive operations.

Response:

Yeah, I’ve did the race last year and I live part time in St. John so I’m pretty familiar with St. Croix.  There are several good hotels in St. Croix in downtown Christrianstead to stay at.  Go to the Virgin Islands web site to find several.  The Buccaneer hotel is the sponsoring hotel, but it is out of town about 3 miles and is not close to the transition area, so I would suggest  one of the downtown hotels.  I stayed at the Caravelle Hotel and it was very clean and comfortable.  It is only two short blocks from the transition area at the fort.  As I remember, it was about $90 per night. As to the race, it generally is hot and windy and that can make things tough.  It is called the "Beauty and the Beast" for a reason.  The beauty is the island in general.  The people of St. Croix are really great and get behind the race 110%. The "Beast" is the 3/4 mile hill on the bike which is a constant 18% grade.  You will need at least a 42/28 low gear for that one, or you will be walking (unless you can stick with the pros–they use a 42/25). The rest of the bike is generally rolling hills.  The run is also very hot and hilly but the support of the spectators and the aid stations is really great.  The swim can be choppy (it was last year) but can also be very calm and pleasant.  Generally a fast swim since it is an open water, salt water course.  You will have a choice of several restaurants for a free pasta feed the night before the race.  I would suggest you go down several days before the race to get acclimated to the time zone change and the weather.  Also, you will want to ride some or all of the bike course to get familiar with the hills.  Try to do the "Beast" at least 3 days prior to the race. Running from town out to the Buccaneer and back would be advisable, too.  I would highly recommend that you be careful not to over do the training while before the race.  There are organized swims every morning for the week prior to the race and it is very easy to find people to ride or run with.  I fell into the trap last year of trying to do too much in the week prior to the race and didn’t perform very well in the event.  Even though this race is only 1.8 mile swim, 35 miles bike and 7.4 miles run, it races very much like a 1/2 ironman with the heat and the wind.  It is, however, one of the best races I have ever done in 15 years of doing triathlons and I had a great time.  I am still debating whether to do St. Croix again this year, or do Wildflower, which is on the same weekend. Email me directly if you have any other specific questions.  I know you will have a great time and I’m sure it will be a fantastic race for you. John Hall – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have signed up for this race and I’m looking for advice from anyone who has done it before on what to expect, where to stay, and interesting things to do before and after. Also any recomendations on dive operations.

Response:

Question:

I was talking to an employee at a local bike shop about the differences and he was telling me that the aero bars are the only difference.

Steve: First of all, look for another shop. Shops that think they can pull this kind of crap off really tick me off. Unfortunately it happens a lot in shops that are not really into triathlon, and therefore have no option but to sell you a road bike with aerobars as a tri bike. To me it is unforgivable to try to fool a customer into buying the wrong bike. For information on the real differences, you can check our website (http://www.cervelo.com, TECHNOLOGY section) or QR’s (www.rooworld.com). Or look for the many old discussions in this newsgroup using dejanews. Sincerely, Gerard Vroomen, Cervelo Cycles website: http://www.cervelo.com

Response:

Steve, I was asking this question just like yourself a while back, and I’m very sympathetic from the point of view that there is so much conflicting information available on this issue.  Having said that, though, I can tell you that any bike store employee who thinks the only difference between a tri bike and a road bike  is the aero bars is not very well informed. Without getting into great detail, a tri bike is set up so that your hip to chest angle is optimized at or close to 90 degrees when in the aero position; that being with your chest more or less parallel to the ground. When you get into this position on a road bike, the handling can get a little skittish, although adjustments can be made by using forward seat positions and shortening the stem somewhat.  Most of the people I’ve asked who’ve spent hideous amounts of money on true tri bikes say that although there times didn’t drop much when they switched from a road to a tri bike, they were much more comfortable running after riding a tri bike than a road bike. Also, many riders with tri bikes train most of the time on road bikes as road bikes tend to be more comfortable for long distance riding than tri bikes. All things considered I’d recommend to the new triathlete picking up a good used road bike.  You can get a decent bike at low cost, try the sport, and see if you like it.  If you want to take the jump to a dedicated tri bike, you’ll have a good training bike as well, and if you decide you don’t like the sport, your costs are lowered greatly.  You should be able to pick up a nice used road bike (but be VERY careful here and get some expert advice) for around $600-$800 US; perhaps less.  I would look for a steel frame with Shimano 600 or 105 components – you might even get some older dura-ace for that kind of money. Just make absolutely sure that you get properly fitted on your road bike, as this is more important than anything else. One last point – there are some superb triathletes that STILL ride road bikes with aerobars, so if it’s good enough for them…

Response:

I was talking to an employee at a local bike shop about the differences and he was telling me that the aero bars are the only difference.  Not knowing better I couldn’t argue, but that seems a little strange to me.  I know that the seat post degree is different, but what else?  Also how much of a difference would a novice notice btwn road and tri?

Response:

Question:

Do you think that two workouts per sport per week, one long and one fast, is sufficient for the 1/2  IM distance as long as the distances are adequate in the workouts? To answer you question in one word: NO

To answer in one other word: YES More words.  It all depends on what you are trying to achieve.  You can certainly finish comfortably (well you know what I mean) on 2 workouts per sport.  If you want to be competitive "obviously" you will have to do more unless you are incredibly talented.  I’m a soon-to-be 50+ age grouper who, with no athletic background at all, did a half IM on maximum 11 hours training per week (actually, I only achieved 11 hours once), longest (one only) ride 75km (<50 miles), longest run 15km.  On the other hand it took me 6 hours+ and I felt totally stuffed for about three days!!!  On yet another hand, in my mind it is my greatest sporting achievement (so far!). Jeff

Response:

I wonder what the average number people do is? If someone does 4 of each per week, then has to take off a few weeks with sickness or  injury through overtraining, and then has to get back into it slowly, compared with someone who does 2 a week and never gets sick or injured. ARD Currently fit and healthy in Bermuda

Response:

Hey, Do you think that two workouts per sport per week, one long and one fast, is sufficient for the 1/2  IM distance as long as the distances are adequate in the workouts?  Going to 3 per week sure cuts into the lifestyle. Thoughts?

If your goal is to finish, I’d say a qualified yes. Just make sure the long workouts are longer than you might do for Olympic distance races. e.g. You might make your maximum distances:  - 80 miles on the bike  - 18 miles on the run  - 4K swim depending on your background. I’d be careful with the running if you don’t have much of a distance running background as it takes a while to get strong enough to do the long runs without getting injured. I’m only swimming twice per week at present (both 4-5K sets) and improving nicely. Bri

regards adrian

Response:

To answer you question in one word: NO

Why be that pessimistic? I finished my first marathon in 3:32 after having run only 3 times in the 6 months preceding the marathon. So I think YES should be the right answer…  (eventhough I haven’t done a 1/2IM yet)(but I do adventure races). My trick for this marathon? Just be optimistic. I wouldn’t advise to do what I did, but at least know that there is NO "absolutely needed" training. Train, train a lot, but don’t feel bad if you are not following the perfect training described in a book. YOU know if you need more training. If you feel you are not ready, then train more. But only YOU know. And above all: be OPTIMISTIC, believe you can and WILL do it, whatever your goal is. That’s the key. If you believe you’ll do it, then you WILL do it (except winning a race, wishing it is sometimes not enough ). If some of you disagree with what I’m saying, I’d just say that I won many running titles with very little training just by convincing myself I was a better runner than the others. By the way, sport is great, but don’t waste your family life for it. Sport has to be enjoyed. What’s the point in training like hell if it becomes a pain for your life? Wish you have fun, Francois Le Sellier

Response:

Do you think that two workouts per sport per week, one long and one fast, is sufficient for the 1/2  IM distance as long as the distances are adequate in the workouts?  Going to 3 per week sure cuts into the lifestyle. Thoughts?

        Whaddya mean "cuts into the lifestyle"?  Training IS the lifestyle!         Also:  agree that twice a week isn’t really enough, especially for longer distance events.         DT

Response:

Do you think that two workouts per sport per week, one long and one fast, is sufficient for the 1/2  IM distance as long as the distances are adequate in the workouts? To answer you question in one word: NO

 I don’t quite agree with the last statement. The answer to the question depends upon many factors such as the number of years that you have been competing in triathlons. I can attest from personal experience that, with an appropriate base, two workouts per discipline may be sufficient for competing at the 1/2 IM distance. In fact, you can be even quite competetive… Stefan Judex

Response:

Response:

        Yes. Easily. At this point in time, I could easily get by if I did one distance and one speed workout a week. I wouldn’t improve very much, but if I took it easy and slowly increased my distance and speed work intensity, then I think some improvement is very possible. Instead of viewing it as "only two workouts", remember the benefits of cross-training in the various disciplines. This newsgroup is full of many hard working family types who could give much longer disertations on time management, and perhaps a couple might step in here. Your social life doesn’t have to be destroyed by your triathlon goals. Just a thought David Barclay IMC 1997: 11:55:59 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

Response:

Hey, Do you think that two workouts per sport per week, one long and one fast, is sufficient for the 1/2  IM distance as long as the distances are adequate in the workouts?  Going to 3 per week sure cuts into the lifestyle. Thoughts? Bri

Response:

Do you think that two workouts per sport per week, one long and one fast, is sufficient for the 1/2  IM distance as long as the distances are adequate in the workouts?

To answer you question in one word: NO

Response:

Do you think that two workouts per sport per week, one long and one fast, is sufficient for the 1/2  IM distance as long as the distances are adequate in the workouts?  Going to 3 per week sure cuts into the lifestyle.

To *finish* a 1/2 IM, sure.  I did IMC on 2 rides per week and 2.5 runs average. But a third workout, even if its only ‘active rest’ or technique/drill work can pay big benefits with little additional time IMHO.  In my experience, two workouts a week in the pool is not adequate to maintain that all-important ‘feel’ for the water. – Art Hutchinson IMC 92, 96, 98

Response:

Question:

I tried the tri rags, the biking mags and nowhere did I find a comprehensive calendar for tri’s in Calif. Calif cycle had a good listing of local, small races, and Triathlon had only the BIG races… Is there a site that carries them all?? This is my first season, and aside from still learning how to train, my biggest frustration has been scheduling events.  I’ve enjoyed both the  Int’l distance San Jose Tri  with over 800 entries ( 2:34:00 for 32 of 47 in age 45-49), and the recent sprint distance tri at Bear Valley with about 100 entries (1:18:42 missed 3rd in age 40-49 by less than 2 min).   I want to continue doing both these distances next season because I feel the sprints will help my speed in the longer races.   Great North (Sacramento) and Pacific Grove are next in line.  Any good ones after that? I realize I’ll need to tailor my training for the specific distance of the event…. but how critical is this?  especially at my level….  I anticipate staying at about 5hrs/wk of actual exercise time,  and I want to remain injury free.  Is it realistic to shoot for a 1/2 IM next year?  suggestions for a good "first timer"? History: Started logging work-outs on 7/1. I usually do a brick once or twice a week (17 mi. bike and 7 mi. run).  Since then my averages have improved from bike(MB): 14.9 mph to 16.6 and run from 8.0 min/mi. to 7.1  I’m very happy with this level of improvement, but realize I have to get more ’structured’ if I expect it to continue. I’ve just increased my typical bike loop to 24 miles, and my run to 10 miles, plus I’ve added steep hill to both (about a 13 min climb either on bike or foot).  The brick stays the same. My question is: what will be a bigger factor? Increasing the distance covered per workout, or spreading the (same total weekly) miles over frequent workouts? I’ll be getting into a masters swim program, and figure that will take care of itself.  right now I cover 800yds in just under 13 min. BTW, Swim, Bike, Run by Town and Kearney was quite a find !! Trying to digest it all….. thanks for suggestions! Ricardo

Response:

Good Morning Ricardo, I’ll make a recommendation on your first inquiry, California race schedules, look up Lee Rudin’s outstanding site (http://www.slip.net/~leeway/ ) – it is as good as they come. Having relocated back to CA, Lee’s site, race schedule and training run/ride/swim recommendations made for a wonderful summer of training (still grateful, Lee, see you at IMC’98!). Joseph C. Foster Stanley Government Systems Corporate Accounts 1140 Danville Blvd., Alamo CA 94507 Main: (800) 345-3087 Direct: (510) 552-9647, Voice Mail: (800) 523-2449 Ext. 38506

Response:

Question:

Hi Sdiver365, I’m not sure if it was a Freudian slip, misspelling or an inate sense of humor but I am glad you decided to become aerobically fit after rolling off your "coach." If you are walking, I’d begin to walk/run for the entire time you were walking previously. If you walked an hour, I’d break up your hour as follows: 4 to 6 times/week Swim or bike the days you don’t run/walk and take one day off a week Starting point for walk / run program: 10 minute walk warm up. 5 minutes slow run 5 minutes walk 5 minutes slow run 5 minutes slow walk Stop stretch and massage out leg muscles 3 to 5 minutes 5 minutes walk 5 minutes slow run 5 minutes walk 5 minutes slow run 5-10 minutes walk warm down Every 3rd day of running add a minute to the slow run and reduce the walk by a minute: 6 minute run   4 minute walk     3 day of exercise 7 minutes run  3 minute walk     next 3 days of exercise 8 minutes run  2 minutes walk    next 3 days of exercise 10 minute run  5 minute  walk    next 3 days 11 minute run  4 minute  walk    next 3 days 12 minute run  3 minute  walk    next 3 days 13 minute run  2 minute  walk  4 times                         next 3 days 15 minute run  5 minute  walk  3 times                         next 3 days 20 minute run  5 minute walk   2 time then 10 minute walk      next 3 days 25 minute run  5 minute walk  20 minute run 10 minute walk     next 3 days 30 minute run  5 minute walk  15 minute run 10 minute walk     next 3 days 35 minute run  5 minute walk  15 minute run  5 minute walk     next 3 days – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, all. I’m a 40 year old female who has decided to roll off her coach and become aerobically fit. I’m about 5′8" and my weight is about 145.  For the past couple of months I’ve been walking (although I intend to progress to running as I become more fit), swimming and riding my bike.  My goal is to run in an olympic distance triathlon next season. I am discouraged about my poor heart rate recovery as I have read this is an indicator of fitness. After a 30 minute walk at a HR of 70-75% of max (after a 15 min. warmup) my heart rate stays high through a 20 minute "cool down" of very slow walking, somtimes only dropping 5-10 beats per minute off my exercise pace. If I sit down my HR plummets to pre-exercise levels, but as long as I remain standing it stays high. Also, if I throw in a quick jog, it takes about 15 seconds for my heart to react by inceasing its heart rate, and  _after_  I  _stop_  jogging, my heart rate spikes up another 5 or 10 beats. Is this normal, or is it cause for concernl?

– In health and on the run, Ozzie Gontang Maintainer-rec.running FAQ Director, San Diego Marathon Clinic,  est. 1975

Response:

I’m a 40 year old female who has decided to roll off her coach and become aerobically fit…

Oops – hope your husband didn’t see that post!   Alan Gore         |  is like giving whiskey and car keys   Software For PC’s |  to teenaged boys" – P. J. O’Rourke http://www.primenet.com/~agore

Response:

Hi, all. I’m a 40 year old female who has decided to roll off her coach and become aerobically fit. I’m about 5′8" and my weight is about 145.  For the past couple of months I’ve been walking (although I intend to progress to running as I become more fit), swimming and riding my bike.  My goal is to run in an olympic distance triathlon next season. I am discouraged about my poor heart rate recovery as I have read this is an indicator of fitness. After a 30 minute walk at a HR of 70-75% of max (after a 15 min. warmup) my heart rate stays high through a 20 minute "cool down" of very slow walking, somtimes only dropping 5-10 beats per minute off my exercise pace. If I sit down my HR plummets to pre-exercise levels, but as long as I remain standing it stays high. Also, if I throw in a quick jog, it takes about 15 seconds for my heart to react by inceasing its heart rate, and  _after_  I  _stop_  jogging, my heart rate spikes up another 5 or 10 beats. Is this normal, or is it cause for concernl?

Response:

Something sounds funny to me.  You must be walking really fast if you are able to keep your HR between 70-75%.  Are you sure that you are measuring your heart rate correctly?  I would think that it would be VERY hard to keep your heart rate at that level just from walking no matter what your fitness level. Maybe you should attempt a Max. HR test, with supervision, to see if your MHR is what you think it is.  I would bet that your Max. HR is going to be higher than you expected. Stay on a structured training plan.  Buy some book, read them closely and trust what they have to say.  If you stay on a stuctured plan that starts off slowly and progresses at about 10% per week (with one week tapering after three hard weeks) there is no reason you should not be able to compete in a tri next season.  If fact, if you have the dedication to stick with the training until next year I think you will really surprise yourself. Best of luck and I hope to race against you one day, Brandon

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stuff relevant to teh subject, deleted. Timothy Carlson PS; The same goes for all of you RSTers who think they have to put quotation marks around some strong word or what they think is slang or some cute phrase. Quotation marks — unless used for quoting things human beings actually said — are lame! If you feel you have to put quotation marks around some phrase because you won’t own up to using it yourself — then DO NOT USE IT. Now wait just a gosh darn minute!  I "LIKE" quotes or ohter punctuation, or whatever, to place emphasis in the posts we see on the ‘net. It helps a bit, along with the beloved smilies, to get back some of the "feeling" we lose in this typed forum. Many times the punctuation is used incorrectly technically speaking, but is that REALLY important. The important thing is to get the intended message across. Punctuation, even wrong punctuaion, helps in that regard. I’m as bad as anyone for being a weenie about semantics, spelling, punctuation and all the rest. However, I look past that much of the time, because I don’t have time to flame EVERYONE! Since I don’t know the english language skills of everyone on the net, and the fact that I realize that the ‘net is wonderfully international in flavour, I look past the errors. I try to look at what the person is trying to say, not how they said it. Jump on the person for being sexist, racist, stupid, a drafter, etc, but hassling the punctuation is even beyond the arrogant TriDork — Marcus Perry "TriDork" always have a plan "B"……

"DITTO!" — Tod Meinke All comments and opinions expressed are those of my employer and not my own.  Please sue them and leave me out of it.

Response:

Mark: Thanks for sharing your goals publicly — I’d say RST is quite a large audience! I’m always curious why the human race decided to give so much importance to keeping track of time.  There’s definitely a primal sense of accomplishment and reawakening that comes with hitting milestones, like 40 trips around the sun. Make it your year, and keep r.s.t. up-to-date on your experience! Mike Llerandi

Response:

Excellent! Brave! Hurrah! But remember this: It walks like a quest. Talks like a quest. Quacks like a quest. It IS a quest. No quotation marks to downgrade it. Quest is part of the language, a fine word, it fits. You used it. Not somebody else. So don’t apologize for using it. Don’t disown it by putting lame quotation marks around it. Live it. Shout it. Do it. It is not a "quest." It is a quest. Your quest. Timothy Carlson PS; The same goes for all of you RSTers who think they have to put quotation marks around some strong word or what they think is slang or some cute phrase. Quotation marks — unless used for quoting things human beings actually said — are lame! If you feel you have to put quotation marks around some phrase because you won’t own up to using it yourself — then DO NOT USE IT.  

Response:

Sentiments expressed by TriDork and Tod Meinke deleted but agreed with. PS; The same goes for all of you RSTers who think they have to put quotation marks around some strong word or what they think is slang or some cute phrase. Quotation marks — unless used for quoting things human beings actually said — are lame!

Chicago Manual of Style, 13th Edition: "SLANG "6.69 "Words classed as slang or argot may be enclosed in quotation marks if they are foreign to the normal vocabulary of the speaker." It is worth noting that "Chicago" discourages–but does not forbid–the use of quotation marks to indicate irony. David Schoonmaker

Response:

Sentiments expressed by TriDork and Tod Meinke deleted but agreed with.

How could TGCarlson have been so misunderstood?  He wasn’t criticizing anyone’s punctuation.  He simply noted that the poster was selling himself short by putting "quest" in quotations, seeming to lessen the importance of his intention.  Tim was saying that the quest deserved to stand as is and the poster should give himself credit for a worthy effort  not requiring the belittling effect of quotation marks. Ruth Kazez

Response:

"Gads…I wish I had the original post!  I don’t think I put any quotes around anything!" said Mark.

Response:

Stuff relevant to teh subject, deleted. Timothy Carlson PS; The same goes for all of you RSTers who think they have to put quotation marks around some strong word or what they think is slang or some cute phrase. Quotation marks — unless used for quoting things human beings actually said — are lame! If you feel you have to put quotation marks around some phrase because you won’t own up to using it yourself — then DO NOT USE IT.

Now wait just a gosh darn minute!  I "LIKE" quotes or ohter punctuation, or whatever, to place emphasis in the posts we see on the ‘net. It helps a bit, along with the beloved smilies, to get back some of the "feeling" we lose in this typed forum. Many times the punctuation is used incorrectly technically speaking, but is that REALLY important. The important thing is to get the intended message across. Punctuation, even wrong punctuaion, helps in that regard. I’m as bad as anyone for being a weenie about semantics, spelling, punctuation and all the rest. However, I look past that much of the time, because I don’t have time to flame EVERYONE! Since I don’t know the english language skills of everyone on the net, and the fact that I realize that the ‘net is wonderfully international in flavour, I look past the errors. I try to look at what the person is trying to say, not how they said it. Jump on the person for being sexist, racist, stupid, a drafter, etc, but hassling the punctuation is even beyond the arrogant TriDork — Marcus Perry "TriDork" always have a plan "B"……

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I tell my students that if you have a goal, it’s a good thing to make it public.  If it’s out there, you are more likely to do what it takes to make it happen.  So, practicing what I preach…. I want to race in Hawaii next fall and I’m going to do whatever I can, while keeping whole my personal and professional life, to make that happen.  I’m going to enter the lottery, do the training, find the races, take this 6′1" 187lb., 40 year old body and try to qualify, buy the equipment, ask for advice, watch my diet, save some cash, and thank my much better half and alot of good friends for their support. (I hope that includes some of you!) Why next year? 1.)The race falls around our school-scheduled Columbus Day holiday and if I could make it happen, I could take a combination of personal and scheduled vacation days so as not to take too many days away from the kids. 2.) When I ran Boston 100 this year, we had a community based "See Mr. Mannebach Run" pledge drive for the Sycamore Education Foundation and raised a couple thousand dollars.  When I went to the Foundation meeting to turn in the pledges, one of the Board members asked…."Now what about that triathlon in Hawaii….is that next?" No pressure huh? Actually, I thought it was pretty cool that a 50-something banker knew of the race….kind of makes you understand how strong the Ironman is in the general-public consciousness. 4.) I want to get out there just once with my great and good friend Kara Hughes, who had an awesome 1996 race (10:02…second amatuer woman, 17th overall!), and sit on the beach and laugh with her when it’s finished. 3.) Maybe it’s a "40" thing!!!:)   Anyway, I will keep you posted, probably ad nauseum, on how the "quest" is going. The sport has kept me healthy and adventurous for a long time and I’d like to take one last crack at a finish in Kona. Thanks for indulging me the forum!     Best, as always, Mark

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Hi All: Well, I can substantiate that the recently reported bird attacks have moved to the St.Simons Island, GA area. I went on a 8-miler across the causeway at 5 p.m. Sunday (heat index at 95+, no shade, 2 high bridges  - my punishment for not having a very good triathlon on Saturday). As I was passing some bushes, I felt a hard slap on the back of my head. My first thought was that some runner I knew had just caught me and was playing around, but of course there was no-one there…… It was THE BIRD. A red-winged black bird, specifically. The same kind that has attacked other runners further north! Coincidence? I think not!!

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Well, I can substantiate that the recently reported bird attacks have moved to the St.Simons Island, GA area. I went on a 8-miler across the causeway at 5 p.m. Sunday (heat index at 95+, no shade, 2 high bridges  - my punishment for not having a very good triathlon on Saturday). As I was passing some bushes, I felt a hard slap on the back of my head. My first thought was that some runner I knew had just caught me and was playing around, but of course there was no-one there…… It was THE BIRD. A red-winged black bird, specifically. The same kind that has attacked other runners further north! Coincidence? I think not!!

Jeez. Now I have another reason to fear running in Madison’s Arboretum. The red-winged black birds are thick as flies in there (and the flies aren’t much fun either…honking ones that dive bomb runners and bite them). Although I must admit I feel more threatened by the huge glossy crows. They perch in groups up in the trees and start cawing (that a word?) as runners go by…it’s like they’re looking for fresh meat. doomed, Julia

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Hi All: Well, I can substantiate that the recently reported bird attacks have moved to the St.Simons Island, GA area. . . . It was THE BIRD. A red-winged black bird, specifically. The same kind that has attacked other runners further north! Coincidence? I think not!!

Nesting red wings are also much more numerous and seem to be more aggressive than usual in my part of rural Southwestern Ontario. The back road where I usually get attacked by one red wing now is patrolled by at least four dive-bombing males. The two "scientific" explanations the deep thinkers give for natural aberrations around here are "global warming" and "stress." Dunno if that explains the blackbirds but I’m sure both are excellent excuses for my inability to run any faster.

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<<Anyone now a good riding group in the Dearborn, MI riding area? One of the best Tri shops in the Great Lakes area is Bikesport, which is in Dearborn.  Ask the owner, Tom Demerly, your question.  You’ll get the answers you need. QRman

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The Ann Arbor Triathlon club has weekly timetrials and brick workouts on Thursday nights. We also do an occational open water swim. Members also often get together at odd time for impromtue rides and runs. People come from as far away as Grosse Ile to our workouts. If your interested send me some email. – Doug Douglas P. Drob                        !  ’Your weaknesses will pull you Space Physics Research Laboratory      !   down more than your strengths The University of Michigan             !   will pull you up’ 2455 Hayward Ave                       ! Ann Arbor, MI 48109                    !  - The Weakest Link Principle Phone 313-747-3450

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The riding group in  Dearborn, Mich. is on Wednesday evenings.  We start at 6:30  and ride for a little over an hour.  The ride is fast! and a tremendouse training session.  The ride includes cyclists and triathletes. I am trying to remeber the name of the park we start at and for the life of me the name has slipped my mind.  I will post it if anyone is interested when I get the name. Jay

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Anyone now a good riding group in the Dearborn, MI riding area?

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