Question:

so could someone help me i want to train athletics and specially track & field im 16 is it too late?????? i ve been training basketball for 5 years… please answer

Response:

Its never too late! I didn’t start until well into my 20’s, however, like you I had participated in other sports. Good luck   B.Oliver http://members.aol.com/triathltb/index.html

Response:

so could someone help me i want to train athletics and specially track & field im 16 is it too late?????? i ve been training basketball for 5 years… please answer

16 is young. Most people here did not start until they were older (some of them much older). You have many many years of athletics to look forward to. Good luck! Vanessa

Response:

Ivana, I was 31 when I started running, and 45 when I started triathlon.  It is never too late!  Let us know how you do, and good luck! John John Faith Ft. Washington, MD, USA "Hell, kid – I’m too old to grow up! – Huey Walker

Response:

Question:

I know I saw a posting here for jerseys at the IRONMAN ultras.  What about jerseys for half IRONMAN’s?  One for the Gulf Coast triathlon perhaps?  I’d buy one if its not too expensive.  Thanks

Response:

Hate to just post "me too", but…me too! <grin I’m always looking for a nice new jersey (preferably one that isn’t south of New York) to add to my collection. Aloha, — -Ben- http://home.hawaii.rr.com/schorr – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know I saw a posting here for jerseys at the IRONMAN ultras.  What about jerseys for half IRONMAN’s?  One for the Gulf Coast triathlon perhaps?  I’d buy one if its not too expensive.  Thanks

Response:

"me too"

Response:

We will be at the Gulf Coast Triathlon and be set up at the expo. If you are interested in having jerseys/singlets/shirts or whatever, I am willing to take care of having them made but this would be on a pre-paid order (after the details are settled). If you will email and let me know what you want, and perhaps some creative RSTer can come up with a logo/design. Give me some input. We have about one month to put this together. If we get a design and I get the costs together, I will post them on our website and take orders. If not enough orders come in, then we drop the whole thing. Let me know, I will check it out. For now, just email with the interest, the ideas and what you would like to see. This is not an "ad" or a business venture. I am just will to do this and since we will be set up at the expo and I have to be there all the time, this could work out. I am just willing to do this for those that are interested. thanks, Diane Tarver http://Tri-Specialties.com I know I saw a posting here for jerseys at the IRONMAN ultras.  What about jerseys for half IRONMAN’s?  One for the Gulf Coast triathlon perhaps?  I’d buy one if its not too expensive.  Thanks

Response:

I have had several email responses, some with ideas. We are setting up at the expo with our tri-business. We sell Ironman Wetsuits, Quintana Roo, Softrides, and whatever tri-related accessories will fit in the trailer. We try to have reasonable prices. I have been adding the items that we sell to our online shopping cart. So, since I will be set up anyways, it will be a good way to distribute the shirts. thanks, Diane Tarver http://Tri-Specialties.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That is very nice of you to be willing to do so.  I only saw 2 postings thus far. Mine and one other.   One month is not very long to get enough responses. Idea would be with Rec.Sport.Triathlon on the Jersey with RST’rs somewhere else. Acknowledgement of the race or flashy graphics on a coolmax jersey or zip bike jersey.  Bright colors using purple hues, mandarins,  black, white, slate blues, Sea greens perhaps.  Just an idea. What will you be selling at the expo?  Will your prices be reasonable? We will be at the Gulf Coast Triathlon and be set up at the expo. If you are interested in having jerseys/singlets/shirts or whatever, I am willing to take care of having them made but this would be on a pre-paid order (after the details are settled). If you will email and let me know what you want, and perhaps some creative RSTer can come up with a logo/design. Give me some input. We have about one month to put this together. If we get a design and I get the costs together, I will post them on our website and take orders. If not enough orders come in, then we drop the whole thing. Let me know, I will check it out. For now, just email with the interest, the ideas and what you would like to see. This is not an "ad" or a business venture. I am just will to do this and since we will be set up at the expo and I have to be there all the time, this could work out. I am just willing to do this for those that are interested. thanks, Diane Tarver http://Tri-Specialties.com I know I saw a posting here for jerseys at the IRONMAN ultras.  What about jerseys for half IRONMAN’s?  One for the Gulf Coast triathlon perhaps?  I’d buy one if its not too expensive.  Thanks

Response:

That is very nice of you to be willing to do so.  I only saw 2 postings thus far. Mine and one other.   One month is not very long to get enough responses.  Idea would be with Rec.Sport.Triathlon on the Jersey with RST’rs somewhere else. Acknowledgement of the race or flashy graphics on a coolmax jersey or zip bike jersey.  Bright colors using purple hues, mandarins,  black, white, slate blues, Sea greens perhaps.  Just an idea. What will you be selling at the expo?  Will your prices be reasonable? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We will be at the Gulf Coast Triathlon and be set up at the expo. If you are interested in having jerseys/singlets/shirts or whatever, I am willing to take care of having them made but this would be on a pre-paid order (after the details are settled). If you will email and let me know what you want, and perhaps some creative RSTer can come up with a logo/design. Give me some input. We have about one month to put this together. If we get a design and I get the costs together, I will post them on our website and take orders. If not enough orders come in, then we drop the whole thing. Let me know, I will check it out. For now, just email with the interest, the ideas and what you would like to see. This is not an "ad" or a business venture. I am just will to do this and since we will be set up at the expo and I have to be there all the time, this could work out. I am just willing to do this for those that are interested. thanks, Diane Tarver http://Tri-Specialties.com I know I saw a posting here for jerseys at the IRONMAN ultras.  What about jerseys for half IRONMAN’s?  One for the Gulf Coast triathlon perhaps?  I’d buy one if its not too expensive.  Thanks

Response:

Question:

Any comments about the Litespeed Tachyon bike?  Some aluminum framesets are in the same price range.  Are there any huge advantages for one or the other, or just personal preferences? Thanks, Kevin Van Cott Blacksburg, VA

Response:

I have had mine since 93 and was by far the best tri investment I ever made. Unfortunately, frames sizes and other things about the bike have changed so much, it probably isn’t comparable anymore to the new ones. Fred

Response:

Any comments about the Litespeed Tachyon bike?

I just built up an Tachyon frame this fall, and so far, I love it.   Right now there are some pretty good deals on closeouts of 98 frames, that as you say are competitive with many aluminum frames.  The Tachyon  does an excellent job of soaking up road vibrations and tracks like a dream compared to my Cannondale.  The one disadvantage of the Tachyon is its relatively long top tube compared to other tri frames.  If you’re long torsoed like me, then this geometry works well.  The other features I like are the bulletproof nature of titanium (no  corrosion, very high fatigue life), very good workmanship (flawless welds), and the lifetime warranty.  Besides all this, its made in America by a family owned company, so I don’t feel like I’m supporting some offshore sweatshop or some Megacorporation that will get out of the business as soon as its quarterly profits start to sag.  In a nutshell, the Tachyon is a solid, light, bulletproof no gimmicks tri frame that is especially good for those with long torsos.  Also, it will probably last long enough for you to pass it along to your grandkids . Marty Carson

Response:

Any comments about the Litespeed Tachyon bike?  Some aluminum framesets are in the same price range.  Are there any huge advantages for one or the other, or just personal preferences?

Allow me to pile on with my praise for the Tachyon.  I’ve had mine for 3 years now and love it just as much as when it was new.  Despite what some people have posted about Litespeed not knowing how to build a tri bike, I think they’ve done a great job.  I’m 5′5 5" and my 51cm frame fits me great. Gary McMurtrey Inland Inferno Triathlon Club http://members.aol.com/infernotri/home.htm

Response:

input as to frame flex? I tend to push bigger gears than spin, gravitating towards the low 80 rpm range.. Does the Tachyon flex much? I had a Catalyst ( another LItespeed bike) and though extremely comfortable and light, it flexed like over cooked spaghetti..

Response:

Question:

Blocking:  Failing to stay as far to the right as possible/safe.                …<further elaboration snipped…

As I said in a post on this yesterday, that too has always been my understanding of the term (and used as such for the reasons Tricia explained in part of what I snipped). However, as I also noted yesterday, that isn’t exactly how the term "blocking" is used in the Competative Rules. Blocking is defined in section 5.10f as follows:   Blocking. Cyclists who have established the right-of-way must not block or obstruct the progress of another participant.    Department of Biology,  University of Alabama at Birmingham             http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/amsler.htm

Response:

SORRY FOR THE TRUNCATED PREVIOUS MESSAGE! It also had at least one mistake in it. This, hopefully, will be the whole and correct thing (I didn’t know that that key combination would do THAT…) — Chuck Blocking:  Failing to stay as far to the right as possible/safe.                …<further elaboration snipped…

As I said in a post on this yesterday, that too has always been my understanding of the term (and used as such for the reasons Tricia explained in part of what I snipped). However, as I also noted yesterday, that isn’t exactly how the term "blocking" is used in the Competitive Rules. Blocking is defined in section 5.10d as follows:         Blocking. Cyclists who have established the right-of-way must         not block or obstruct the progress of another participant. Not staying to the right is described in a separate section, 5.10f, which reads:         Position and Passing. Except for reasons of safety and when no         advantage is gained, all cyclists shall keep to the right of the         prescribed course unless passing. … So when someone is cited for for 5.10f, is this always listed as a "Position Foul" or is it ever called "Blocking" on the penalty sheet?  If the latter, it would make it easy to understand a cited athlete’s confusion such as "Bud" described from the Dannon nationals and as Tony Schiller described at USAT Nationals if in fact that athlete didn’t have the same "working definition" of drafting as I’ve learned and Tricia stated above.   — Chuck    Department of Biology,  University of Alabama at Birmingham             http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/amsler.htm

Response:

The original post on this I believe was inspired by the DQ of Tony Schiller at the National Championships. Schiller had one of the fastest bike splits in the race.As a Master, he had the misfortune of starting in a late wave and thus probably had to spend the entire 40K passing people on the on the left. Perhaps he did run afoul of the absolute definition of blocking. However, I doubt that Schiller was "blocking" any one. He was merely doing what he had to do to get around/through all of the other cyclists on the road.

I don’t think so, Steve. Mark mentioned that the competitor was in the 35-39 age group, and received a 2:00 penalty for "blocking." Not the same facts as with Tony Schiller. The error seems not to be the call, but use of the term "blocking," when it should have been stated as "position foul" for persistent riding on the left. Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

Response:

Rick Denney writes: I don’t think so, Steve. Mark mentioned that the competitor was in the 35-39 age group, and received a 2:00 penalty for "blocking." Not the same facts as with Tony Schiller.

Rick, Now I’m confused.  I thought that the Schiller penalty in Tirathlon Nationals and the penalty in Duathlon Nationals for the 35-39 guy were essentially for the same reason, namely "blocking".  Could you clarify why the facts differ? Thanks. Jim Turner

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rick Denney writes: I don’t think so, Steve. Mark mentioned that the competitor was in the 35-39 age group, and received a 2:00 penalty for "blocking." Not the same facts as with Tony Schiller. Rick, Now I’m confused.  I thought that the Schiller penalty in Tirathlon Nationals and the penalty in Duathlon Nationals for the 35-39 guy were essentially for the same reason, namely "blocking".  Could you clarify why the facts differ? Thanks. Jim Turner

Yes, it would be nice to have some clarification as to what happned and why it happened. I still find it hard to believe that an athlete who had one of the fastest bike splits on the day can be nailed for "blocking". Blocking who? As a slow swimmer myself, I find that in the early stages of the bike ride in bigger races I am riding to the left side of the road quite a bit passing many people. When the road is clear I get over to the right. However, this is darn near impossible in a big Ironman race(IMC, IMH) during the first hour or so, such is the volume of cyclists on the road. I must say that some of these bigger races are getting more and more confusing and frustrating and in some aspects unsafe to compete in. At the B.C. Triathlon Championships last weekend I was nearly run off the road by an official’s motorcycle! What’s the penalty for that? With cyclists, cars and official vehicles bobbing and weaving all over the road it can get a little chaotic out there. Steve Fleck

Response:

Tricia, Agreed that staying right is indeed the common sense and safest thing to do. The original post on this I believe was inspired by the DQ of Tony Schiller at the National Championships. Schiller had one of the fastest bike splits in the race.As a Master, he had the misfortune of starting in a late wave and thus probably had to spend the entire 40K passing people on the on the left. Perhaps he did run afoul of the absolute definition of blocking. However, I doubt that Schiller was "blocking" any one. He was merely doing what he had to do to get around/through all of the other cyclists on the road. Unfortunately, his fine performance and master’s title win was all for not. Sad. Steve Fleck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is ‘blocking’ – is that finding your own space on the road so as to avoid drafting? It would, as you suggest, seem difficult to block if you are the fastest. Confused… Blocking:  Failing to stay as far to the right as possible/safe. It is illegal to pass another cyclist on the right; therefore, if you are riding on the left side of the lane, you are effectively making it impossible for another cyclist to safely/legally pass you, and you are blocking.  You are "blocking" even if there is no other cyclist near you if you fail to keep to the right. From my usual perspective coming up from the rear of the pack on the bike (I’m almost always in one of the last waves at most races, and am a relatively strong cyclist), blocking is a much bigger problem than is drafting in the back/middle of the pack.  Back there, a lot of the participants are first-timers or some-timers who don’t race regularly and are utterly clueless about the need to keep to the right.  This always just amazes me; aside from the tri-legality of the matter, common sense would seem to inform a person that it’s safer to stay as far right as possible to keep out of the way of any traffic on the road.  Then again, I always did think that "common sense" was a misnomer. Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

Response:

What is ‘blocking’ – is that finding your own space on the road so as to avoid drafting? It would, as you suggest, seem difficult to block if you are the fastest. Confused…

Blocking is a position foul. Whether you are faster or slowest or somewhere in between doesn’t matter. Much like an offside call in (American) football, it is where you are that matters, not what you’re doing there. —                   __o       o                 _ <_      <      __/o_    (_)/(_)     /      "Train hard, Race often"

Response:

What is ‘blocking’ – is that finding your own space on the road so as to avoid drafting? It would, as you suggest, seem difficult to block if you are the fastest. Confused…

Blocking:  Failing to stay as far to the right as possible/safe. It is illegal to pass another cyclist on the right; therefore, if you are riding on the left side of the lane, you are effectively making it impossible for another cyclist to safely/legally pass you, and you are blocking.  You are "blocking" even if there is no other cyclist near you if you fail to keep to the right. From my usual perspective coming up from the rear of the pack on the bike (I’m almost always in one of the last waves at most races, and am a relatively strong cyclist), blocking is a much bigger problem than is drafting in the back/middle of the pack.  Back there, a lot of the participants are first-timers or some-timers who don’t race regularly and are utterly clueless about the need to keep to the right.  This always just amazes me; aside from the tri-legality of the matter, common sense would seem to inform a person that it’s safer to stay as far right as possible to keep out of the way of any traffic on the road.  Then again, I always did think that "common sense" was a misnomer. Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

Response:

What is ‘blocking’ – is that finding your own space on the road so as to avoid drafting? It would, as you suggest, seem difficult to block if you are the fastest. Confused… — Tim Grose Please remove xxx if replying – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for all the good advice.  I passed the info along. As it turned out the rider did have the fastest bike split among all of the amateurs, and one of the top ten pro bike splits.  He started in the 3 or 4th wave so he was obviously passing a lot of people the entire race.  He came of the bike 1st in his age group and ended up sprinting for a national championship.  Crossing the line first, the celebration began immediately only to find out minutes before the award ceremony that the penalty had been assessed. The penalty was simply described to him as "blocking".   Oh well live and learn. — Bud Bonzai web site      www.erols.com/bonzaisports

Response:

I remember Charlie Crawford saying at a race meeting that blocking is not situational, but more like a "state of mind". You always have to obey it every minute on the bike, whether you’re passed or not. Even though the guy wound up to be the fastest on the bike course, he can *never* assume that. Unless he has eyes on the back of his head, he can’t always know what is happening behind him. If he properly stays to the right, he doesn’t have to know if he is blocking anyone from behind, thereby ensuring a smooth pass if it happens. Conversely, if he stays toward the center, a faster rider might come up upon him without the front rider noticing. Then what? Even though the rear cyclist can yell and shout at the person in the front to move right, the interruption in smooth passing would be absent. I don’t wish this unfortunate incident  on anybody, but I do understand what position the officials have to take on this. I hope I explained this without any confusion. If not, well, I won’t try again.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

I’m sure your experience was frustrating. There is no appeal for Position Fouls, as stated in your USAT Rules Manual, in Article 10.1, on page 30. It states that "No person may file a protest which requires a ‘judgement call’.  The term "judgement call" shall include but shall not be limited to a resolution of:     (a)  any puported violation of the cycling position foul Rules (including alleged drafting violations)     (b)  allegations of blocking, obstruction, or interference     (c)  allegations of unsportsmanlike conduct You may protest Equipment or Eligibility rulings

Response:

: In this case the racer was told there is no appeals process and no review, : I’m not trying to flame the officials but it sounds a little odd. No position violation which was ruled upon by an official may be appealed or protested under USAT Rules.  Protests are for questions of eligibility or equipment, only. : Is it possible to block when your the fastest biker? Possibly, since constant velocity is almost never maintained.  It is certainly possible that your friend was riding on the left side of his lane, in violation of the Position and Passing rule (5.10f), and not moving over to the right after completing his pass. If so, it’s the same penalty as blocking, or drafting, or illegal pass (2:00). As most of this newsgroup seems to know, USAT position rules require that athletes ride on the right, pass on the left, keep at least three bike lengths between themselves and the cyclist in front, or pass within 15 seconds, and move back over to the right.  Anyone in the left lane is going to be watched by the marshals to make sure he completes his pass within 15 seconds.  If not, then there are consequences.  The left side of the lane is the passing lane and cannot be used for riding without passing.  We have to keep that area open for faster cyclists who wish to pass through. Hope that helps. -Charlie Crawford

Response:

Thanks for all the good advice.  I passed the info along. As it turned out the rider did have the fastest bike split among all of the amateurs, and one of the top ten pro bike splits.  He started in the 3 or 4th wave so he was obviously passing a lot of people the entire race.  He came of the bike 1st in his age group and ended up sprinting for a national championship.  Crossing the line first, the celebration began immediately only to find out minutes before the award ceremony that the penalty had been assessed. The penalty was simply described to him as "blocking".   Oh well live and learn. — Bud Bonzai web site      www.erols.com/bonzaisports

Response:

    …snip… Is it possible to block when your the fastest biker?

Maybe it is because I live in the southeast and so have heard Charlie Crawford’s pre-race discussion/demonstration of the rules quite a few times now. Maybe I don’t really understand as well as I think I do. But, my understanding of this rule makes it a very simple answer. In a nutshell, the rules tell you to ride on the right and pass on the left. If you are not riding on the right, you are in an illegal position regardless of whether you happen to be impeding someone else at that point in time (or ever). In my understanding of how the term is applied, you are blocking. From the pre-race talks I’ve heard, you need to be in the right-most 1/3 of the lane. I went to the Competitive Rules at http://www.usat-se.w1.com/usatcr.htm to check this out and found a possible source of confusion. What I described above is discussed in rule 5.10(f) Position and Passing which reads "Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all cyclists shall keep to the right of the prescribed course unless passing." The term "Blocking" is used in section 5.10(d) and refers to impeding the progress of another but not with respect to rund 5.10(f). So, my understanding of what is called blocking includes what is defined in both sections. Am I confused about what, in practice, "blocking" is or is there a terminology difference between practice and the formal, written rules? (Either way, not riding on the right is a position foul.) Charlie…?   — Chuck    Department of Biology,  University of Alabama at Birmingham             http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/amsler.htm

Response:

We did have 2 lanes on the entire course. I noticed quite a few riders riding just to the right of the center line. I was wondering what the officials would do in that case. There was no pre-race meeting. Rules were passed out in the packet pick-up. Nothing was said about using the two lanes. I guess they assumed USA Triathlon rules of blocking that state you must stay to the right except when passing. The potholes made the far right more of an adventure than nearer the center. I can sympathize with the person who received the blocking penalty. As I recall, Tony Schiller won the 40-44 age group at Tri Nationals a couple of weeks back but was penalized 2:00 for blocking. The guys that really haul are actually being safer by staying left and passing.

Response:

I have not heard all of the details yet so I have not verified all of the facts. If I am incorrect please post the actual details.   I heard a frustrating story at the National Championships in New Orleans. Apparently a competitor in the men’s age 35 – 39 finished first across the finish line, but later found out he was penalized 2:00 for blocking.  I was not there but heard that two traffic lanes were closed for the race allowing the competitors to spread out to avoid drafting.  The competitor thinks he had the fastest bike split of the day which makes the "blocking" penalty obviously very frustrating because it cost him a national championship.   I have always been very sympathetic with the effort of race officials, they have an almost impossible job of monitoring thousands of athletes over an entire race course.  If they are not strict everyone complains of the drafting, if they are too strict everyone complains about being heavy handed.  We would all like to work together, athletes and officials to make the race as safe and fair as possible. In this case the racer was told there is no appeals process and no review, I’m not trying to flame the officials but it sounds a little odd. Is it possible to block when your the fastest biker? I’m curious if anyone else had similar experiences. — Bud Bonzai web site      www.erols.com/bonzaisports

Response:

Question:

There is one in Phuket end of October. The email address was in the TRIATHLETE recently. Hans. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Does anyone have any info, or know where I can find it, about the Ironman Qualifier being held in Thailand this fall ? Jon

Response:

Hi, Does anyone have any info, or know where I can find it, about the Ironman Qualifier being held in Thailand this fall ? Jon

Response:

Jon Stuart wrote Does anyone have any info, or know where I can find it, about the Ironman Qualifier being held in Thailand this fall ?

THAILAND – TASTE TRIATHLON IN THE FAR EAST The Thai Airways Laguna Phuket Triathlon, presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, has long set the standard for triathlon competition in the Asia Pacific region and organisers have released news that the 1998 event is set down for October 24th 1998. For athletes worldwide this event represents the ideal way to either end or enter the triathlon season at a price most can afford and in the luxury surrounds of a resort paradise. What a great way to compete in your first international event, perhaps? Travel to the Far East has never been so affordable and with US$30,000 prize money and 25 guaranteed Hawaii Ironman slots for 1999 on offer, this event continues to grow from strength to strength. A change in dates from December to October will bring the triathlon into the shoulder period and with it lower airfares and occupation levels in the luxury hotels in the Laguna Phuket resort, which in turn equates to even further savings for competitors. The 1997 race was an all-Australian benefit with Greg Welch and Jackie Gallagher taking victory. However this Thai event, the premier triathlon in the Asia Pacific Region, gives all competitors a chance to rub shoulders with triathlon

Question:

[SNIP]  The great story of the day was a third place age-group finisher who lost his saddle at mile 25, improvised a new one with his water bottle and actually straddled the thing for the remaining 87 miles.

Sounds to me like a great candidate for the next "Buns of Steel" video! Sorry to hear you had such a ragged time, but glad to hear you survived with no real damage. — Rick Teichler StorageTek Software Engineering (Louisville, Colorado)

Response:

answer to ITU.  There was zero drafting at IMH.

Right on eh? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got a much better than I wanted view of the whole race with only 58 riders behind me at the turn-around (I counted).  I was still confident of doing alright and was contemplating what I would wear for my majestic appearance on the podium when, seven miles down from Hawi, the fun stopped and I remembered why I promised not to do this anymore. The winds which were non-existent when they would have been at our back turned around as the day progressed and finally became much more daunting than last year. My only consolation was that many better riders were behind me plus a few celebrities like Darryl Haley.  Small consolation however.  When I was told I missed the cut-off I said good! because I could not possibly have even crawled the marathon. It took several minutes before I could walk away from the bike without feeling vertically challenged. At about mile 70 I could not swallow anything that I did not  want to see again, so I stopped eating and drinking.  That was followed by my first experience with whatever it is you get when you do that.  I should have stopped then and if that ever happens to me again I will certainly stop.  The number behind me dwindled to 35 very quickly and it was no longer any fun.  I will have more and better things to say when I get unpacked.   Ruth Kazez

Sad to hear of your problems in Kona. I was sending all my good thoughts for a great race. I’ve seen mention that Exceed was the fluid replacement drink in Hawaii this year. Could that have been a contributing factor to your stomach problems or had you simply pushed beyound your limits? Stomach problems is a double edged sword, what with the faact you feel like crap so slow down, then push harder to try and keep the pace. This leaves you drained for the run. Also, the lack of being able to take on food and fluids is a demon that comes back to haunt you. It also increases the liklihood of bonking on the run, completely destroying any chance of having fun on the most anticipated day of the year. I feel for you and the disappointment you must be feeling and not making the bike cutoff. Are you gonna try again next year? Is your promise to not do another, merely this years disappointment coming through, and all will be forgotten by next seasons first qualifying race? Your loving son…. "TriDork" ** Give whenever you CAN…..Take only when you HAVE to. ** ** M. Perry     circa 1980 **

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stuff deleted There are quite a few similarities between the Ironman and child-bearing, not least of which is the vow during the second stage of labor never to repeat the experience.  I did go on to have three children, and if I could have been guaranteed a second daughter I would have gone for four.

Stuff deleted again The enormous difference for me, however, is that it takes me less than an hour total (including transitions) to have a baby, but more than fifteen hours to get through an Ironman. How much more easily I got my adopted dear son Tri-Dork. All I had to do was tell him about my having presented a bike to my 70 year old training partner (so to speak). I think I’ve babbled a bit off the subject. Ruth Kazez

Since it appears you are giving up competing in Ironman races, does this mean you’re going back to having more kids?  :-) If more people hear about the bike give away, I may be just the FIRST son in the second group, not the ONLY son in the second group. — Marcus Perry/Kazez "TriDork" ** Give whenever you CAN…..Take only when you HAVE to. ** ** M. Perry     circa 1980 **

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Is your promise to not do another, merely this years disappointment coming through, and all will be forgotten by next seasons first qualifying race?

There are quite a few similarities between the Ironman and child-bearing, not least of which is the vow during the second stage of labor never to repeat the experience.  I did go on to have three children, and if I could have been guaranteed a second daughter I would have gone for four.  I’ve also done 4 ironmans, two of them successfully, one a mess for a variety of reasons, and this year I simply failed to do well enough.  Another feeling I share about the race and labor is that I, like many of us, greet the cannon blast as the very welcome beginning of the end, not unlike the enthusiasm for the first labor pain which spells the finish of many months of preparation, and rather mindless of the ordeal that separates start and finish. The enormous difference for me, however, is that it takes me less than an hour total (including transitions) to have a baby, but more than fifteen hours to get through an Ironman. How much more easily I got my adopted dear son Tri-Dork. All I had to do was tell him about my having presented a bike to my 70 year old training partner (so to speak). I think I’ve babbled a bit off the subject.   Ruth Kazez

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<big owie story snipped…. Sorry Ruth! The great story of the day was a third place age-group finisher who lost his saddle at mile 25, improvised a new one with his water bottle and actually straddled the thing for the remaining 87 miles.

You ARE kidding, right?? Where did that thread on cycling and impact on fertility go… <LOL! Tom    Tom Ruta                     "Nunc hoc in marmore                                            on est incision" Need a  helmet argument laugh?   http://www.cadvision.com/Home_Pages/accounts/rutat/averybs.htm

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answer to ITU.  There was zero drafting at IMH.   I got a much better than I wanted view of the whole race with only 58 riders behind me at the turn-around (I counted).  I was still confident of doing alright and was contemplating what I would wear for my majestic appearance on the podium when, seven miles down from Hawi, the fun stopped and I remembered why I promised not to do this anymore. The winds which were non-existent when they would have been at our back turned around as the day progressed and finally became much more daunting than last year. My only consolation was that many better riders were behind me plus a few celebrities like Darryl Haley.  Small consolation however.  When I was told I missed the cut-off I said good! because I could not possibly have even crawled the marathon. It took several minutes before I could walk away from the bike without feeling vertically challenged. At about mile 70 I could not swallow anything that I did not  want to see again, so I stopped eating and drinking.  That was followed by my first experience with whatever it is you get when you do that.  I should have stopped then and if that ever happens to me again I will certainly stop.  The number behind me dwindled to 35 very quickly and it was no longer any fun.  I will have more and better things to say when I get unpacked.  The great story of the day was a third place age-group finisher who lost his saddle at mile 25, improvised a new one with his water bottle and actually straddled the thing for the remaining 87 miles. Ruth Kazez

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Question:

Have a friend who is having a great deal of trouble with post cycling cramping. Seems that at random episodes, he will have extreme cramping in his legs (I believe it is mostly calves) to the point that he is unable to walk after cycling at times, much less run. He does have some fit adjustment to do, and is working on that with a local shop. It is very frustrating to him since he never knows in an event if he will be able to run after the cycling leg. He believes that his fluid intake, COH intake, and electrolytes are fine. He has been doing some adjustment with the aero postition. Any ideas or suggestions greatly appreciated. I am stumped. Reply via E-mail prefered. TIA Wes

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training ie. long rides and runs with weight training……  worked for me! Sam Km40….cheers!  

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Sam and I have the same experience. My first two races were a frustrating battle against leg cramps. It wasn’t the food. I had eaten properly. It wasn’t the fluids. I had hydrated properly. It wasn’t the bike fit. Everything was correct. It WAS the legs. They just weren’t fit enough. Miles on the bike, and frequent slow one-mile jogs after cycling (not furiously paced bricks – too damaging) pulled me through. No more cramps. Give it time. Brian Sullivan

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ….  Was considering purchasing a supply of performance supplement products.  The product I am considering is called E-Caps(all natural).  The cardio. performance enhancer contains cytochrome C, tri-methylglycine, and calcium gluconate.  The muscular performance enhancer contains Vitamin E, inosine, ATP-Pure and glycerol phosphate.   …. I’d love to see some physiologist’s comments on this stuff, my personal bias is that its a lot BS. Although my background is in physics, I did take some biochem in undergrad…, and its true that ATP is the compound synthesized with the cell to release energy (ATP – ADP + phosphate group + energy), but that’s all going on inside the mitochondria within the cells. I seriously doubt ATP in a pill is going to survive the digestive system and then get to the cells without getting broken down. Anyone have any references on some real research on this sort of stuff… (and not the crap that E-caps calls research). David Sing

David, No offense, but take a closer look at the product line.  The ATP part of it is very small.  Actually, it’s a minor part of the program.  Acutally, it’s more of a "if you want to spend some more $$, try this too" kind of thing.  I have nothing to do with the company or the product. I just don’t like something getting way out of hand.  I’ve read a lot of the materials and tried the stuff (no ATP products) and they didn’t really do much for me.  However, I have friends that they work very well for. If you look closely, all off the "chemicals" with the fancy names are just vitamins.  Some a little more advanced then others but still basically vitamins.  I still don’t know why people keep focusing on the ATP part of this (though, I agree, that part is basically BS). John (just a multivitamin and C kinda guy) K. PS.  Are you going to join us at MVM again soon?

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The products that I benefit from the most are the Race CAPS and Enduro CAPS.  The arguments about ATP holding up during digestion are irrelvant with these two products, as they contain primarily Cytochrome-C (Enduro) and Co-Q10 (Race CAPS).  ATP is the primary ingredient in their Training CAPS product, which was introduced as an economical alternative to Race CAPS (Co-Q10 is expensive stuff).

Colgan, Michael, M.D., _Optimum Sports Nutrition_, p235         "… the notion that giving this chemical [cytochrome C] by mouth         can increase cytochrome C oxidase activity in muscles, is pure         hokum.  Not a shred of scientific evidence." He goes on to say re: CoQ10 on p236 …         "Dr. Karl Folkers and colleagues at the University of Texas have         shown that oral supplements of CoQ can easily increase muscle         levels [of CoQ]. [...] You even get a bonus because CoQ10 is also a         powerful antioxidant, and neutralizes some free radicals as well as         increasing the efficiency of the energy cycle." In other words, there’s no evidence that oral cytochrome C helps you, but there’s good evidence that oral CoQ10 does. – Tim Iverson

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….but take a closer look at the product line.  The ATP part of it is very small.  Actually, it’s a minor part of the program.  Acutally, it’s more of a "if you want to spend some more $$, try this too" kind of thing…If you look closely, all off the "chemicals" with the fancy names are just vitamins.  Some a little more advanced then others but still basically vitamins.  I still don’t know why people keep focusing on the ATP part of this (though, I agree, that part is basically BS).

I have no complaints about taking vitamin supplements, but if E-caps actually admitted what they are selling at such an outrageous price I seriously doubt anyone would shell out the kind of bucks they ask for their stuff. It would be like paying $100 for plastic sunglasses that cost $5 to make …oops, I already do that! PS.  Are you going to join us at MVM again soon?

PS. Next time I’m at Varian I’ll try to hit the pool. David Sing

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: …… I still don’t know why people keep focusing on the ATP : part of this (though, I agree, that part is basically BS). For me, the issue is credibility.  The use of orally administered ATP is clearly BS.  I don’t have the background to judge some of the other supplements.  However, if they BS me about one of their products, why should I accept their statements about the others? Dave LaPorte U. of Minn.

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For more medical info on E-caps: Check Dr Jenkin’s WWW (http://riceinfo.rice.edu:80/~jenkins/) page out for a summary on a double-blind study on testing E-CAPS on some triathletes. Also some interesting comments on the potential effects of orally injested ATP. David Sing Fusion Research Center The University of Texas at Austin 512 471 9067

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I’ve been using (and paying for, so this is not an endorsement of a sponsor’s product) E-CAPS since 1988.  I know they work for me, and there are countless high-end performers who will concur.  Judy Flannery (probably the best multi-sport woman over the age of 50 ever) has also been using the product for years, and summed it up best when she said, "Hey, I don’t know how they work, or even if they work–but I’m not going to stop taking them to find out!"  Bill Reilly and Ned Overend are also sponsored by them, along with my brother Nate.  And again, I don’t lean on him to give me free product–it’s worth what I pay for it. My experience has been reiterated by the following practice:  Every winter I eliminate E-CAPS from my daily regimen.  I build base miles and keep the intensity low.  Once I start building training intensities in the early spring and begin to feel broken down, I reintroduce E-CAPS before workouts.  My recovery times are reduced and I’m able to continue progressing without fatigue-related set-backs. The products that I benefit from the most are the Race CAPS and Enduro CAPS.  The arguments about ATP holding up during digestion are irrelvant with these two products, as they contain primarily Cytochrome-C (Enduro) and Co-Q10 (Race CAPS).  ATP is the primary ingredient in their Training CAPS product, which was introduced as an economical alternative to Race CAPS (Co-Q10 is expensive stuff). 30-day money-back guaranteed supply, so find out for yourself if they work, at no risk.  Their number is 800-336-1977.

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I have competed in one duathlon and two triathlons thusfar(still new to the multi-sport arena).  Was considering purchasing a supply of performance supplement products.  The product I am considering is called E-Caps(all natural).  The cardio. performance enhancer contains cytochrome C, tri-methylglycine, and calcium gluconate.  The muscular performance enhancer contains Vitamin E, inosine, ATP-Pure and glycerol phosphate.   I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these or similar products. Any comments would be helpful.  Thanks. RNRyan

Response:

….  Was considering purchasing a supply of performance supplement products.  The product I am considering is called E-Caps(all natural).  The cardio. performance enhancer contains cytochrome C, tri-methylglycine, and calcium gluconate.  The muscular performance enhancer contains Vitamin E, inosine, ATP-Pure and glycerol phosphate.   ….

I’d love to see some physiologist’s comments on this stuff, my personal bias is that its a lot BS. Although my background is in physics, I did take some biochem in undergrad…, and its true that ATP is the compound synthesized with the cell to release energy (ATP – ADP + phosphate group + energy), but that’s all going on inside the mitochondria within the cells. I seriously doubt ATP in a pill is going to survive the digestive system and then get to the cells without getting broken down. Anyone have any references on some real research on this sort of stuff… (and not the crap that E-caps calls research). As for beginning triathlete/duathlete Par4ryan, have fun and train hard, but smart. Eat a decent diet, but don’t be a slave to it. In general I think that athletes, and especially endurance athletes, fall prey to too many gimmicks, be it diet, vitamins, trick equipment, or nutritional supplements. Just some good hard work will take you a long way. David Sing TEXT-U Tokamak Group/ RF Heating Fusion Research Center The University of Texas at Austin 512 471-9067

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Question:

Triathletes should soar as Eagles not flock like a bunch of Turkey’s. Drafting sucks!

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I’d have to agree with the second point of view. I’ve never understood how making drafting legal would open the sport to greater TV coverage and greater spectator crowds. As I’ve also said before, if you want to see the "success" of draft legal races, look at the "success" of USCF road races. TV coverage of pro, or age group cycling races is next to non-existant in the US and there’s been a long thread over in rec.bicycles.racing about the failure of the USCF to increase membership in the "junior" age bracket. Point is, drafting is not going to increase participation, coverage, or spectators at triathlons or duathlons and will in all likely hood reduce participation by that large group of competitors that want to maintain the time trial aspect of the bike leg.

|   | First of all,  I think the drafting rule becoming legal is great.   | … this will only help the sport in the long run.   | This is the future of our sport.   |   | hmmmm….. should i wear a short or a full-length flame suit… i think | I’ll go with the full… |   | pure drafting may be one possible future for the sport, but don’t call it | "our" when you propose it as inevitable/enlightened.  what should be | acknowledged is that this is not a minor, cosmetic change.  it makes the | sport something different altogether.  I’ll reserve judgment as to whether | I’d like that ‘other’ or not, but don’t automatically assume that | drafting-legal races will be a golden highway to respect and growth.  They | may lead to dramatic atrophy/attrition in other areas of the sport at the | same time. |   | something to ponder: would they still call it football if in order to make | the game "interesting" and media friendly, all time-outs and pauses between | plays were eliminated a la European ‘football’?  or similarly, would they | still call it soccer if you could tackle and hit? |   | now where’s that silicone spray to get this flame suit off?   |   | Art Hutchinson | Newton, MA

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Time trial = The race of truth. I think that sums it up. Dr. Todd N. Kenyon Key Biscayne, FL

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First of all,  I think the drafting rule becoming legal is great.   … this will only help the sport in the long run.   This is the future of our sport.  

hmmmm….. should i wear a short or a full-length flame suit… i think I’ll go with the full… pure drafting may be one possible future for the sport, but don’t call it "our" when you propose it as inevitable/enlightened.  what should be acknowledged is that this is not a minor, cosmetic change.  it makes the sport something different altogether.  I’ll reserve judgment as to whether I’d like that ‘other’ or not, but don’t automatically assume that drafting-legal races will be a golden highway to respect and growth.  They may lead to dramatic atrophy/attrition in other areas of the sport at the same time. something to ponder: would they still call it football if in order to make the game "interesting" and media friendly, all time-outs and pauses between plays were eliminated a la European ‘football’?  or similarly, would they still call it soccer if you could tackle and hit? now where’s that silicone spray to get this flame suit off?   Art Hutchinson Newton, MA

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First of all,  I think the drafting rule becoming legal is great.  Sure it will favor the strong swimmer/runner, but is riding in a paceline that easy? I think the ITU’s experimentation with this will only help the sport in the long run.  We still have quite a long while until the Olympics in ‘2000.  Why don’t we all keep an open mind for the sport, and see if we can’t get the beurocratic jargon worked out.. Lastly, why don’t we all stop crying over all the new rules.  All the bad attitudes that have been generated over the past few years on Tri-Fed and the ITU, will only hamper the progress of our beloved sport.  What we need to be doing is increasing the media coverage on our sport to let the general public know what triathlon really is.  I mean, how many people really know what our sport is about?  Most people still think a triathlon is something they do in Hawaii each year, that really hurts!  Come on people, lets get out there and provide some good media coverage. This is the future of our sport.  Lets keep the crying to a minimum….Please!!                                ……Ron Williams                                      student/triathlete  

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first, I would like to ask how drafting helps triathlon get more exposure.  In cycling the time trial (no drafting) is considered the one of the hardest points of the sport. The hour record is acheived only by one man, ie no drafting.  It is true that riding in a paceline isn’t easy, but learning to ride it is easier than speeding up on your own.  What would happen to triathlon if drafting was allowed would be that there would be some hierarchy of elite athletes who would dominate the sport by blocking out the new pros.  The sport cannot live through a period in which no one new has a chance to win.  You would also eliminate the Mike Pigg’s from the race.  How or why would he solo away to victory if everyone else is sitting on his wheel?  He insn’t a good enough runner to win.  The only people who would have a chance are those who swim well, are respected by the other pros, and who can run away from a pack.                                    0                                           /                                    /         Why Not?

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Dear Ron: I hope you are planning on racing as a Pro. Because that is the only place where I could see drafting being allowed. I do not like it and I am sure you have heard all the resons. Tactics and so on. At the Age group level it would be a nightmare with all the different levels of strength on the course at one time. More people will get hurt (crashes) in our sport than in boxing. I would probably boycott this races if not quit the sport if all where drafting legal. Let me guess Ron you are a cycling road racer . To your credit I agree with you on media coverage and attitudes comments. However, for your info Ron endurance sports are just not big in the US and I think its going to take a miracle to change that. I have an idea. How about a top notch triathlon with just 20 of the very best and send them off in 3 minute intervals just like in a time trial. Then have splits troughout to keep track of the best time at different points (cameras too) . They do this in   skying and is exciting as hell. I sure see lots of skying on TV. Luis Vargas

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Question:

What I’d like to do is to develop a more formal intercollegiate "league," if you will. I know there are other college tri- clubs out there (Auburn, where are you?), many of which receive funding from their respective student governments. The problem so far has been locating and making contact with them. I’m hoping the net can help resolve this. If you are a member of one of these clubs, please contact me.

What a fantastic idea.  As the official representative for Auburn (BTW, you wouldn’t stand a chance againt us – just to disabuse you of any notions that there is a better tri-team out there…)  we would definitely be interested.  We have discussed this idea in the past for our clubs annual race – Wet n Wild.  We talked about it with Georgia, Clemson amd Mississippi but nothing ever became of it. There would be lots of planning needed and general rules to be made but we are enthusiastic about the idea.     intercollegiate "league," if you will. I know there are other college tri- clubs out there (Auburn, where are you?), many of which receive funding from their respective student governments.

Funding from student government?  Are you serious?. We couldn’t even get a decent write-up in our newspaper for an event that brought over 300 triathletes from the South.  Maybe we need to talk about how to get student funding instead of this race idea… Actually, this could start a new type of triathlon, much along the lines of many other Olympic sports, such as gymnastics and cycling. There could, in fact, be an individual triathlon, and on another day, a team triathlon (similar to team time trials in cycling, where it is the performance of the everyone on the team that counts). Hell, even permit drafting in the team event (there’s a potential solution to those racers who insist on drafting). After all, it is a team event.

It’s possible, but not very likely.  I can only speak for our club, but the majority of people wouldn’t be interested in a race where there was drafting.   It is way too dangerous.  Most of us at one point or another participated in a CAT III race with the cycling club, crashed in a heap with ten other cyclists and vowed to never be stupid enough to enter a cycling race again.  These details could all be hammered out by a representative of each team via e-mail, though.   As a matter of fact, Acey, I nominate you president of the newly formed (as of right now) Body of University Triathalon Teams (BUTT).  I’ll help get in touch with other schools and we can have an informal e-mail conference call in, say, the beginning of October. As for any netters from other schools…  where are you? To reiterate Acey’s point, if there are any ideas from ANYONE out there, PLEASE, LET US KNOW. Jeff Holmes Founder of BUTT  (just kidding) Oh yeah, I still haven’t seen an answer to the "pee during an ironman" question…    

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As for any netters from other schools…  where are you?

Out here at U of M throwing tests onto the net…

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As for any netters from other schools…  where are you? Out here at U of M throwing tests onto the net…

Here at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada hanging out with the Eskimos just wishing that the weather were still warm enough to have a tri … I’m expecting the snow to fly any day now.  

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