Question:

Hope that helps a bit!

Bob, That helps a lot.  I’ve been considering rollers but was wavering a bit on brand and configuration.  I think I’ll pay a visit to the local Performance store. BTW, I notice that the Performance roller/ resistance unit in your link isn’t a sale item.  It only showed the regular price of $219.99.  Further perusing the site reveals that he resistance unit is on sale for $69.99 and the rollers for $129.99  which adds up to $199.98 or $20 less when purchased separately.  I wonder why they did that? Larry

Response:

Someone mentioned to me last weekend during a group ride that they ride rollers one-legged as a drill to smooth out any one-sided power discrepancies in the legs.  Is that a common drill?

Response:

Someone mentioned to me last weekend during a group ride that they ride rollers one-legged as a drill to smooth out any one-sided power discrepancies in the legs.  Is that a common drill?

My training partners make me do this on club runs – up hills, never mind rollers!  Evil trolls. It does seem to make my leg stroke smoother and stronger, but I don’t hate them any the less for that. Bark Eb

Response:

I have tried to do single-leg drills on my rollers, but I haven’t got that down yet.  When I started I found I needed to lean on a chair (or doorway) and that totally threw my pedaling and body mechanics out the window. I think riding rollers is enough of a ’smoothing’ drill in their own right – single leg is better suited for stationary trainers where you don’t get the pedaling feedback that rollers always give. Just my $.02, however.  :) B.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Someone mentioned to me last weekend during a group ride that they ride rollers one-legged as a drill to smooth out any one-sided power discrepancies in the legs.  Is that a common drill?

Response:

I regularly do one legged drill on the rollers. Only just mastered it this season. Guess i never really tried it before. Typical set is 5x 1min rt leg /1min lft leg total of 10 minutes. haven’t fallen yet on the one leggeds. Takes good balance, upper body strength, and concentration. John

Response:

I regularly do one legged drill on the rollers. Only just mastered it this season. Guess i never really tried it before. Typical set is 5x 1min rt leg /1min lft leg total of 10 minutes. haven’t fallen yet on the one leggeds. Takes good balance, upper body strength, and concentration. John

ok, so I read this line this morning and figured I had to go home and try it.  so I did at lunch time.  Quite a challenge.  are you able to switch feet without stopping?  and if so, is there a trick? or just lots of practice? Bob

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have both a mag trainer and a set of rollers.  I wouldn’t use the trainer if you paid me.  With the trainer you get: 1.  Nasty creaking sounds from your bike that can’t possible be good. 2.  A very stiff feel. i.e. very uncomfortable. 3.  Worn down tires. 4.  Easy to slack off. With rollers: 1.  Nice smooth ride. 2.  Realistic road feel. 3.  A much better workout. 4.  A couple of bruises on you elbows the first time you use it. Resistance is not an issue.  With either you control the resistance with your gears.  If you really want more resistance however Kreitler does have a set of rollers with a smaller diameter that is supposed to really kick it up.  You’ll get a much better workout with the rollers because a) you are working a lot of stabilizer muscles that you don’t use on the trainer and b) with a trainer it is easy to slack off and just move your legs as opposed to really concentrating on your ride.  Other benefits are the improvements in your "line" when riding.  You’ll learn to ride much straighter on the rollers.  Add to that the frame stress and the tire chewing and I can’t understand why anyone uses trainers. The one big fear people have with rollers is falling off.  You can’t actually ride off the end of rollers.  The only thing you can do is ride the front wheel off the side  You start out your first couple of rides in a doorway and use you elbows to keep that from happening or keep you from falling if it does.  After a couple of rides you’ll be confident enough to move out of the doorway. I am currently looking for an indoor solution for cycling (i.e.. a trainer). I have never used a wind trainer except for fittings, etc. at a bike shop. Can someone give me the scoop (and their opinion) on trainers vs. rollers. I am basically looking to get more "saddle time" and but I would like to have at least the same amount of resistance (if not more) than I have on the road.  I like the idea of rollers for balance. Secondly, brands.  Any experience with the Nashbar trainers?  The price seems to be right but that makes me a little leery without actual experience. Thanks for all the help.

OK, after all this info I went and bought a set of Kreitlers, 4,5 in aluminum rollers, 1.5 years old, $150, used very little. Any advice on using these things for the 1st time before I kill my self trying? Tom Henderson

Response:

Avoid the one-legged stuff for a while, I guess! Seriously- If you’ve never done it before, have something next to you that you can steady yourself with at tht height (I think I used the back of a chair that was turned around set next to the rollers).  You need something mainly to help you get started (doorways probably work the best).  It’s not as hard as a lot of people sometimes make it sound as long as you get the wheels turning.  The faster the wheels turn, the more stable you’ll be (conservation of momentum).  The only time I’ve fallen off was when I simply did not pay attention.  You need to be looking forward and a little ahead of the front roller (not fixing your gaze on it).  Don’t do this next to your car- a friend of mine put a pretty good ding in mine one morning warming up for a race in Phoenix.. all I heard was a loud "whump!" while he was spinning- went over to see what the heck happened, and he was laying on the ground between my car and the rollers, with one leg still clipped in- and laughing! Have fun! Ray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, after all this info I went and bought a set of Kreitlers, 4,5 in aluminum rollers, 1.5 years old, $150, used very little. Any advice on using these things for the 1st time before I kill my self trying? Tom Henderson

Response:

Don’t do this next to your car- a friend of mine put a pretty good ding in mine one morning warming up for a race in Phoenix.. all I heard was a loud "whump!" while he was spinning- went over to see what the heck happened, and he was laying on the ground between my car and the rollers, with one leg still clipped in- and laughing!

Did you help him up, or run the car over him?  I know what I would have done.

Response:

(conservation of momentum).  The only time I’ve fallen off was when I simply did not pay attention.  You need to be looking forward and a little ahead of the front roller (not fixing your gaze on it).  Don’t do this next to your

Can you watch TV? — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

Response:

Thanks for all the advice.  I ordered the rollers (with the fluid resistance) and got them in Friday.  It is now Sunday and I have already become very comfortable on them.  It was hard going the first few times but once I got the feel, it was great.  The only problem I may have now is riding too much.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently looking for an indoor solution for cycling (i.e.. a trainer). I have never used a wind trainer except for fittings, etc. at a bike shop. Can someone give me the scoop (and their opinion) on trainers vs. rollers. I am basically looking to get more "saddle time" and but I would like to have at least the same amount of resistance (if not more) than I have on the road.  I like the idea of rollers for balance. Secondly, brands.  Any experience with the Nashbar trainers?  The price seems to be right but that makes me a little leery without actual experience. Thanks for all the help.

Response:

Thanks for all the advice.  I ordered the rollers (with the fluid resistance) and got them in Friday.  It is now Sunday and I have already become very comfortable on them.  It was hard going the first few times but once I got the feel, it was great.  The only problem I may have now is riding too much.

This is encouraging. Mine arrive Wednesday!

Response:

Yes, i do switch feet without stopping. i have the foot that is off the pedal waiting about the 10-12/12-2 o’clock positon. As the empty pedal comes up the foot goes down and clicks in, usally one or two pedal strokes and the opposite foot comes off the pedal. Have fun! john

Response:

Thanks for all the advice.  I ordered the rollers (with the fluid resistance) and got them in Friday.  It is now Sunday and I have already become very comfortable on them.  It was hard going the first few times but once I got the feel, it was great.  The only problem I may have now is riding too much. This is encouraging. Mine arrive Wednesday!

Hi Tom,   You will have fun learning to ride rollers!   As earlier suggested, I learned with two chairs (a doorway would be great), and it only took a few days to become pretty comfortable.  I found that nervousness and "trying not to fall" are what made it hard.  Once you overcome this and relax, you will find it is pretty easy.   I  suggest learning without the clipless pedals.  Concentrate on looking at an object around 10 or 15 feet in front of you, and using your instincts to stay centered on the rollers.  Try to just take quick glances down to see where you are on them.  You will want to look down constantly, and I can assure you doing this will make you ride off the rollers!   You cannot coast on rollers.  If you stop pedalling, you only have a second to start again.   Start on the bullhorns or brake hoods.  After you get comfortable with these you can get down on the aerobars.  Remember, look ahead!   It will be a little harder to learn to start without the assistance of a chair.  Once you can do this, you’ve got it!  You will be riding and watching TV in no time.  Next, you learn to ride no hands, and to take your jersey on and off.  Now I’m getting carried away, I haven’t tried the no hands and jersey thing yet!! They say it can be done though!   Hope this helps.  Have fun, Rich DaVico

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for all the advice.  I ordered the rollers (with the fluid resistance) and got them in Friday.  It is now Sunday and I have already become very comfortable on them.  It was hard going the first few times but once I got the feel, it was great.  The only problem I may have now is riding too much. This is encouraging. Mine arrive Wednesday! Hi Tom,   You will have fun learning to ride rollers!   As earlier suggested, I learned with two chairs (a doorway would be great), and it only took a few days to become pretty comfortable.  I found that nervousness and "trying not to fall" are what made it hard.  Once you overcome this and relax, you will find it is pretty easy.   I  suggest learning without the clipless pedals.  Concentrate on looking at an object around 10 or 15 feet in front of you, and using your instincts to stay centered on the rollers.  Try to just take quick glances down to see where you are on them.  You will want to look down constantly, and I can assure you doing this will make you ride off the rollers!   You cannot coast on rollers.  If you stop pedalling, you only have a second to start again.   Start on the bullhorns or brake hoods.  After you get comfortable with these you can get down on the aerobars.  Remember, look ahead!   It will be a little harder to learn to start without the assistance of a chair.  Once you can do this, you’ve got it!  You will be riding and watching TV in no time.  Next, you learn to ride no hands, and to take your jersey on and off.  Now I’m getting carried away, I haven’t tried the no hands and jersey thing yet!! They say it can be done though!   Hope this helps.  Have fun, Rich DaVico

Thanks Rich! Should be here in a couple of days, I’ll let you know how it’s going. I’m hoping this will let me get in a few extra miles at times I can’t normally go out for a ride. Tom

Response:

I am currently looking for an indoor solution for cycling (i.e.. a trainer). I have never used a wind trainer except for fittings, etc. at a bike shop. Can someone give me the scoop (and their opinion) on trainers vs. rollers. I am basically looking to get more "saddle time" and but I would like to have at least the same amount of resistance (if not more) than I have on the road.  I like the idea of rollers for balance. Secondly, brands.  Any experience with the Nashbar trainers?  The price seems to be right but that makes me a little leery without actual experience. Thanks for all the help.

Response:

Bill: I’ve been riding rollers since 1988 when I started Road Racing (yes, I spent some time on the ‘Dark Side’ but I’ll steer clear of the traditional winter war between RST and RBR about 20 threads up…) and they are the cornerstone of my winter cycling program. Rollers force you to pedal smoothly, or else you won’t spend very much time on them (as in, off one side you’ll go after a few very exciting S-Curves and expletives).  If you’re new to rollers and patient enough to spend about 2-3 weeks learning to balance on them, getting used to actually ‘riding’ without going anywhere, the benefits will be all yours come June.  I wrote an article on learning how to ride them in Xtri last winter – give it a read:  http://www.xtri.com/article.asp?id=6 As far as resistance – get rollers with a Fluid Unit!  I’ve been using a set from Performance that really give me an excellent workout (When I’m in 53×12, I can’t get over 35mph anymore…) and they’re on sale: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/cboProfile.html?SKU=4250&Store=Bike You can learn the rollers for a bit without the resistance unit, then install it when you’re ready later on.  Come the summer you’ll be pedaling in smooth circles, riding no handed, and doing all sorts of other neat handling tricks…built on the smoothness of roller-ing.  :) Good Luck! Hurricane Bob http://www.bobmina.com – The Race Report Archive.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently looking for an indoor solution for cycling (i.e.. a trainer). I have never used a wind trainer except for fittings, etc. at a bike shop. Can someone give me the scoop (and their opinion) on trainers vs. rollers. I am basically looking to get more "saddle time" and but I would like to have at least the same amount of resistance (if not more) than I have on the road.  I like the idea of rollers for balance. Secondly, brands.  Any experience with the Nashbar trainers?  The price seems to be right but that makes me a little leery without actual experience. Thanks for all the help.

Response:

Bill:  I wrote an article on learning how to ride them in Xtri last winter – give it a read:  http://www.xtri.com/article.asp?id=6

That’s a good article, Bob.  I’ve got 2 questions regarding it. In the article you recommend a fan and in this post you recommend fluid resistance.  What are the advantages of one over the other? I didn’t see where you discussed using smaller drums.  The upgrade is quite expensive.  Is it a worthwhile modification and what is the benefit? Thanx, Larry

Response:

I have both a mag trainer and a set of rollers.  I wouldn’t use the trainer if you paid me.  With the trainer you get: 1.  Nasty creaking sounds from your bike that can’t possible be good. 2.  A very stiff feel. i.e. very uncomfortable. 3.  Worn down tires. 4.  Easy to slack off. With rollers: 1.  Nice smooth ride. 2.  Realistic road feel. 3.  A much better workout. 4.  A couple of bruises on you elbows the first time you use it. Resistance is not an issue.  With either you control the resistance with your gears.  If you really want more resistance however Kreitler does have a set of rollers with a smaller diameter that is supposed to really kick it up.  You’ll get a much better workout with the rollers because a) you are working a lot of stabilizer muscles that you don’t use on the trainer and b) with a trainer it is easy to slack off and just move your legs as opposed to really concentrating on your ride.  Other benefits are the improvements in your "line" when riding.  You’ll learn to ride much straighter on the rollers.  Add to that the frame stress and the tire chewing and I can’t understand why anyone uses trainers. The one big fear people have with rollers is falling off.  You can’t actually ride off the end of rollers.  The only thing you can do is ride the front wheel off the side  You start out your first couple of rides in a doorway and use you elbows to keep that from happening or keep you from falling if it does.  After a couple of rides you’ll be confident enough to move out of the doorway.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am currently looking for an indoor solution for cycling (i.e.. a trainer). I have never used a wind trainer except for fittings, etc. at a bike shop. Can someone give me the scoop (and their opinion) on trainers vs. rollers. I am basically looking to get more "saddle time" and but I would like to have at least the same amount of resistance (if not more) than I have on the road.  I like the idea of rollers for balance. Secondly, brands.  Any experience with the Nashbar trainers?  The price seems to be right but that makes me a little leery without actual experience. Thanks for all the help.

Response:

What about out of the saddle work on rollers… are you able to do that as well? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Organization: Verio Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon I have both a mag trainer and a set of rollers.  I wouldn’t use the trainer if you paid me.  With the trainer you get: 1.  Nasty creaking sounds from your bike that can’t possible be good. 2.  A very stiff feel. i.e. very uncomfortable. 3.  Worn down tires. 4.  Easy to slack off. With rollers: 1.  Nice smooth ride. 2.  Realistic road feel. 3.  A much better workout. 4.  A couple of bruises on you elbows the first time you use it.

[snip]

Response:

That would depend on your coordination/comfort level.  I certainly wouldn’t get out of the saddle on a wind trainer, unless you don’t really care about the bike you are using.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What about out of the saddle work on rollers… are you able to do that as well? Organization: Verio Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon I have both a mag trainer and a set of rollers.  I wouldn’t use the trainer if you paid me.  With the trainer you get: 1.  Nasty creaking sounds from your bike that can’t possible be good. 2.  A very stiff feel. i.e. very uncomfortable. 3.  Worn down tires. 4.  Easy to slack off. With rollers: 1.  Nice smooth ride. 2.  Realistic road feel. 3.  A much better workout. 4.  A couple of bruises on you elbows the first time you use it. [snip]

Response:

Hey Larry: 1. I recommended a fan in the article because it’s what I was using at the time.  Now that I’ve switched over to a fluid unit, I can say that it’s both quieter (good for apartments and domestic tranquility) and better for resistance in terms of wattage.  I’ve learned – I’ve grown!  In hindsight, I probably should have ridden a fluid before blithely suggesting that a fan was all that…although since one of my reasons was "keeping your dog cool…" I tried to be semi-serious about it, but not entirely.  :) 2. Smaller drums are much harder to control at first so I’d only recommend those to the most advanced of riders, those who are completely comfortable on larger drums.  They provide substantially more resistance, while reducing what little momentum you might have had.  I’ve only tried a set of American Classic Rollers like that once, and they were just MEAN:  I felt like I was climbing the entire 5 minutes I was spinning.    I reckon if I got to the point where the fluid unit was getting easy, that’s where I’d go next.  For someone starting out I would definitely suggest going with the larger drums. Hope that helps a bit! B.

 I wrote an article on learning how to ride them in Xtri last winter –

give it a read:  http://www.xtri.com/article.asp?id=6 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s a good article, Bob.  I’ve got 2 questions regarding it. In the article you recommend a fan and in this post you recommend fluid resistance.  What are the advantages of one over the other? I didn’t see where you discussed using smaller drums.  The upgrade is quite expensive.  Is it a worthwhile modification and what is the benefit? Thanx, Larry

Response:

Gord: You sure can, but like getting to the start line at Boston or Carnegie Hall…it just takes practice, practice, practice. When I learned to stand up, I used the following drill: 1. Shift up to 53×12 or equivalent large gear. 2. Hold the handlebars by the drops, or cowhorn ends – whatever you have. 3. Slow your pedaling RPM to about 60-65 (if the larger gear hasn’t done that automatically). 4. Think and be like a cat, and SLOWLY rise from the saddle, focusing on pedaling all the way around the circle – nice and evenly while you do.  You don’t stop pedaling – don’t even hesitate – just keep the pressure nice and steady.  You don’t need to rise much – just an inch at first to get used to the feeling. 5. Keep your head up – don’t look straight down.  I find I relax when I look at the front wheel and keep my shoulders loose.  Pedal smoothly while you take the saddle break – remember to keep your upper body relaxed – don’t be tense!  Cat-like:  Smooth.  Quiet. 6. Once your ’standing’ break is over, while still focusing on smooth circles…lower yourself back onto the saddle.  The trick is to keep pedaling through the entire break – not a second of freewheeling!  You’ll find that your HR will actually INCREASE during this drill – that’s normal. With enough practice you’ll soon be comfortable on the hoods, standing up all the way, even rocking the bike a little more so it feels like it does on the road.   Learning to accomplish this feat, drinking, and even riding no-handed:  All of them will improve your bike handling skills like nothing else. Good Luck! B.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What about out of the saddle work on rollers… are you able to do that as well? Organization: Verio Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon I have both a mag trainer and a set of rollers.  I wouldn’t use the trainer if you paid me.  With the trainer you get: 1.  Nasty creaking sounds from your bike that can’t possible be good. 2.  A very stiff feel. i.e. very uncomfortable. 3.  Worn down tires. 4.  Easy to slack off. With rollers: 1.  Nice smooth ride. 2.  Realistic road feel. 3.  A much better workout. 4.  A couple of bruises on you elbows the first time you use it. [snip]

Response:

Question:

What does a Coach do! Going to a party!!! Not that I am a party animal but sometimes you have to and you want too! This past weekend  were the national championship races cyclocross. Unfortunately I could no go and watch, work was pilling up and to stay fit I had to workout too. Saturday afternoon I got a phone call from one of my athletes "cheering in my ear" he won. He won the junior Belgian National title, and if I could come over to party!!!!! That same evening they had a big party to celebrate his championship. A party with lots of soda, healthy food and no smokers! A real party for athletes that is what I like. I have great admiration for the cyclocross sport. Actually as I come to think about it they are the first duathletes ever. Or the first x-terra athletes? They ride hard on their bikes, jump over hurdles, ride in loose sand and run up steps etc etc. Cycling is hard but training for cyclocross is even harder. Just imagine going 1 hour plus anaerobic; ride, run jump climbing up stairs. Just for all of you who want to tri this fun sport! There is a real cyclocross workout in this newsletter (you can use your mountain bike instead of a cyclocross bike).   Have fun!!!!  BIKE WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: FCS 6: This is a specific cyclocross workout: Ride to a nice trail/piece of forest with some hills and loose sand! Look for a hill that is not too long and not too steep, this is your hill! Ride up this hill moderate speed and back down (twice) Ride up this hill in a somewhat harder pace (twice) Ride up this hill in your biggest gear at 50 rpm (twice) go down hard in small gear! – Do this total set twice but start second set when HR is under 130 bpm Ride easy for 10 to 15 minutes after second set. And go back to the same hill for more hard work! Ride to the beginning of the hill, get off the bike (carry your bike) and run up the hill. On top get on bike and ride down fast. Repeat 6 to 8 times! Ride easy for 30 to 60 minutes after second set. Have fun with this workout Workout for the Stationary trainer: FRK 1) Tacx training warm up 120 watt (10′) on 90 rpm). 1′ Left leg  +  1′ Right leg  push  on 80 rpm (140 watt) 1′ Left leg  +  1′ Right leg  pull on 80 rpm (160 watt) 10′  Big gear (220 watt) 50 rpm. 1′ Left leg  +  1′ Right leg  push  on 90 rpm (160 watt) 1′ Left leg  +  1′ Right leg  pull on 90 rpm (140 watt) 10′  Big gear (240 watt) 60 rpm. 10′ cool down easy. More free workouts and much more about training on our website www.stapsport.com

Response:

What does a Coach do! Teach and learn! Yes I learn, everyday I learn. I think that is the most important thing about a coach. Learn from your athletes, hear what they have to say and fit it in. Fit it in the daily routine. A lot of my time as a coach I spend with talking with my athletes. On the phone and true email, talking about training and talking about life. Both should be in balance, total balance. When one is out of balance you can’t perform in either. And that is not what we want. Why did we start out to do this?? We like to be athletes, like the look, like to be strong!! Like to be fit and like to race and go fast. Have a personal victory. I know I like that, the personal victory. I think that is the most beautiful thing about triathlon, we all are winners. We are winners b/c we compeed. We are winners b/c we finish the race and we are winners just to be a triathlete. We have to work hard to be a triathlete. And when you are in balance everything goes even better. You perform well during training, you perform well working and can handle problems better in personal life! This week we will talk about running and running speed. RUNNING FASTER.. AND FASTER The session requires the athlete to run progressively faster as he/she gets progressively more tired. It goes something like this….. [the example times are based on a runner capable of 18.45 for 5000 metres, adjust times accordingly for faster and slower athletes] Warm up, then: run 400 metres at 3 seconds faster than your 5k racing pace; an 18 minute 45 second 5k runner (this speed for 5k probably equates to about 38.30 to 40 minutes for 10k pace depending on endurance fitness) is covering each 400 metres in around 90 seconds, so this 400 metres is aimed at 87 seconds… so far so good…… 400 metres recovery at about one minute per mile slower than race pace for 5k, this gives just 15 seconds slower than the effort 400 metres for your recovery, -just slightly faster than one and three quarter minutes for the 400 metres…..(all the recovery phases are done at this pace, this is important). Click here to read the article and see the workout ITU POWERMAN RACES (PLANNING) ITU POWERMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Question:

Hey Everyone! I will apologize for the dumb question right of the start, but I am stumped. I got a Timex Ironman Triathlon 50 Lap heart rate monitor for Christmas, and have just recently determine my max rates and my zones, with the help of a friend. On the watch I can set up the zones, however, I can’t seem to be able to save the zones.  When I go back to access a zone that I had set earlier, it goes back to the formula of 220-age and the percentage that zone should be in.  Unfortunately, this does not corresponde with my zones. I am lost on how to save the zone settings.  Please help! —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Everyone! I will apologize for the dumb question right of the start, but I am stumped. I got a Timex Ironman Triathlon 50 Lap heart rate monitor for Christmas, and have just recently determine my max rates and my zones, with the help of a friend. On the watch I can set up the zones, however, I can’t seem to be able to save the zones.  When I go back to access a zone that I had set earlier, it goes back to the formula of 220-age and the percentage that zone should be in.  Unfortunately, this does not corresponde with my zones. I am lost on how to save the zone settings.  Please help!

Did you RTFM?

Response:

Hold Down your "Split/Reset" button until it goes into setup.  Now, you can either scroll through the various preset zones using the "Start/Stop" button. Perhaps at the heart of your query is that if none of the zones that are calculated off of your input work for you – - YES you do need to re- key the zone setup each time.  I just manipluated the inputs (Age, Sex, Max, Min) so that the preset zones would be what I needed them to be. You didn’t say this, but are you manually starting the HR feature along with Chrono?  You don’t need to toggle over to the HRM to do that – - thought I’d mention it. rsquared P.S. – BRIAN – - I am in the software development business, so I feel very qualified in saying that the user manual is pretty lame!  : )  If you are accustomed to a Polar, you need to navigate with a different directory "tree" in mind.  Once you are familiar with it, you get through it without even looking at the watch. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes I have "Read the f***ing manual" (that is what I am assuming RTFM means… If I had not, I would not have been able to set the zone originally… Thanks for your help. Hey Everyone! I will apologize for the dumb question right of the start, but I am stumped. I got a Timex Ironman Triathlon 50 Lap heart rate monitor for Christmas, and have just recently determine my max rates and my zones, with the help of a friend. On the watch I can set up the zones, however, I can’t seem to be able to save the zones.  When I go back to access a zone that I had set earlier, it goes back to the formula of 220-age and the percentage that zone should be in.  Unfortunately, this does not corresponde with my zones. I am lost on how to save the zone settings.  Please help! Did you RTFM? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Yes I have "Read the f***ing manual" (that is what I am assuming RTFM means… If I had not, I would not have been able to set the zone originally… Thanks for your help.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Everyone! I will apologize for the dumb question right of the start, but I am stumped. I got a Timex Ironman Triathlon 50 Lap heart rate monitor for Christmas, and have just recently determine my max rates and my zones, with the help of a friend. On the watch I can set up the zones, however, I can’t seem to be able to save the zones.  When I go back to access a zone that I had set earlier, it goes back to the formula of 220-age and the percentage that zone should be in.  Unfortunately, this does not corresponde with my zones. I am lost on how to save the zone settings.  Please help! Did you RTFM?

—–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Question:

Robb, I have had numerous reports back from people that have used the Power Skinsuit without a wetsuit in races with warm water. You can swim in it!  I tested the suit myself in the water during the design process and the finished product is made to fit so that you can swim in it.  I have even made the back pocket out of mesh so that the water flows through and eliminates drag. As a guy, you will need to get used to having material around your torso, but you get use to this pretty quickly. Though I cannot mention names (contractual B.S.), but a handful of pros used this suit for the entire race (including the swim) at Ironman Hawaii the past two years, and more recently in St. Croix.  All were very happy with Power Skinsuit. Lastly, buy our Power Skinsuit, test it all you want, and if you are not satisfied, return it and I will refund your money. Call me at 619-453-6672 if you want me to help you choose a size or if you have any additional questions. Stay fit! Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

Has anyone in the group used a tri-suit in the swim of a triathlon (without a wetsuit over it)?  How do they compare to a regular swimsuit?  I expect to be in a couple of races this summer that will be above the water temp cutoff for wetsuits (eg-USTS Atlanta) and really like the idea of not having to mess around with putting a singlet on after the swim.  I’m just worried that with soooo much more material than a swimsuit or tri-brief that they create a lot of drag.  I’m really considering the Desoto suit because I’m so happy with my Desoto tri brief – any comment? Robb Rocket

Response:

Question:

Just to give the other side of the argument, my experience was not so good.

–snip– John: Geez, what a horror story.  What’s your prognosis for the future? I was fortunate to have an experienced surgeon who had been performing all types of ocular corrective procedures for many years, not to mention that he was using the latest generation excimer laser, which has since been FDA approved following the study I participated in.  FWIW, the last time I looked it up there wasn’t a single case on record of anyone losing sight due to the LASIK method; it seems to enjoy much better results, with far fewer side effects, than the other procedures. Best of luck, sure hope everything works out. David Windhorst

Response:

I am going to begin training for triathlons soon and have some questions concerning eyesight: Has anyone had a bad experience at altitude? I’ve heard of problems with climbers, hikers, etc. because of the exertion. I’m contemplating the surgery, but wonder if riding/exercising at altitude has caused any problems. Also, for those who have bad eyesight: have you ever used corrective swimming goggles? What are the difficulties of racing with glasses? I ride and run and have had few problems, but I’ve never been in a race situation. Thanks! (I haven’t seen the original posts (I just joined the group), so I hope this isn’t redundant.)

Response:

…<snip… have you ever used corrective swimming goggles?

All the time. (Well, all the time I’m swimming that is. 8^) What are the difficulties of racing with glasses?

From the time you leave the transition area until you start the swim, you are reliant on the goggles for your corrected vision. Not ideal and may look funny to people who don’t realize what you’re doing when you have them on, but not usually a big deal. I alternate on and off as I care or do not care if the world is in focus at the time. This was more of a hassle when I did Mrs. T’s a couple seasons ago and had an hour and a half between the closing of the transition area and my wave start. That time, walking around alternating between being "blind" and wearing swim goggles got old. You can get around this if you have a friend there watching who you can give a pair of glasses to right before you start. However, make sure that it is a pair you don’t need back until the end of the race. Once you start the race, taking them back would be outside assistance (a DQ, at least under USAT rules). Many (if not most?) people wear glasses on the bike, particularly on a sunny day. The difference is that you won’t have the option of taking them off (e.g., if it rains). Not necessarily a "problem," but you have to choose between sunglasses and regular ones before you begin. I use crokies (sp??) straps on mine and always have one pair for the glasses I expect to use (and have positioned for a quick put-on in T1) and another on the other pair, with that pair in a case for protection but out and available if I decide to change my mind at either T1 or T2. I don’t think I ever have done that, but I find it "comforting" to know that I can. All in all, not really any big problems, even with all that said. Also, there are no worries about losing a contact from a flooded goggle, etc. However, both systems work. If I wore contacts normally, I probably would in a race too. But, I see no reason (no pun intended) to start just because of races.   — Chuck    Department of Biology,  University of Alabama at Birmingham             http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/amsler.htm

Response:

For me it was coke-bottles or even worse as well, before i got some hard lenses.     Are there any experiences with soft/hard lenses and triathlon races? Like some dont

Question:

Remember the woman who had to drop out with a very bad leg injury – I think she is the one who got the injury the first day and continued several more days? Anyway, in the emotional scene where she finally tells her crew members she has to drop out, isn’t that an Ironman Canada hat she is wearing?  Anyone know anything – like what year, does she still do it, and what was her name? sue

Response:

Ken, I supected that I might get a response from you on this one as my RST powers of recall tell me that you have done Eco Challenge or a similar event. You are right, it is a completely an individuals perspective on what is "long", what is a "race" etc . . I recall back in highschool stepping up to the 3,000 m distance for the first time from my more traditional 1500 distance. My coach figured I could run in the 9:10 range based on my 1500m times. I thought to myself," Nine minutes! That’s crazy. That’s such a LONG time". 20 years later my favourite and best event is the Ironman distance triathlon a race that takes me a nine HOURS and change. Obviously, my perspectives and my horizons have changed. However, I must confess that nine hours is about my absolute limit. After that I am really looking forward to a hug from my wife and my son, a warm shower, a beer , a great meal and a good nights sleep. These multi-day affairs are not for me. Steve Fleck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – but mentioned that I had done a few Ironman races. His response: "Just Ironman!!" Apparently, for this fellow, an Ironman is clearly not enough. Steve, I do not like elitism any more than you. I am sure though that you see yourself as different for having done the Ironman just as he saw the difference between the Ironman and the Eco. For some people an olympic distance tri is "clearly not enough." Ken

Response:

Having noted my arm-chair interest in Adventure Racing over the last year or two, my wife Cindy has begun to worry: "Honey, I think I’m happy with you doing those Ironman things . . . you wouldn’t want to do *that* . . . uhhh . . . would you???" "BAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!" ~;^V Joseph C. Foster The Stanley Works "The idea is to create your own future, and not have it shaped by circumstance." – Peter Thomas

Response:

I have to admit, I saw the hat in a single second.  I said to my girlfriend "Hon, look!  That’s an IMC hat!  That’s so cool!"  All I got was this stare that said "IMC-yes.  Eco-Challenge ist verboten, da?" I smiled.  It was still cool. Hurricane Bob

Response:

but mentioned that I had done a few Ironman races. His response: "Just Ironman!!" Apparently, for this fellow, an Ironman is clearly not enough.

Steve, I do not like elitism any more than you. I am sure though that you see yourself as different for having done the Ironman just as he saw the difference between the Ironman and the Eco. For some people an olympic distance tri is "clearly not enough." Ken

Response:

Remember the woman who had to drop out with a very bad leg injury – I think she is the one who got the injury the first day and continued several more   days? Anyway, in the emotional scene where she finally tells her crew members she has to drop out, isn’t that an Ironman Canada hat she is wearing?  Anyone know anything – like what year, does she still do it, and what was her name?

I noticed the hat too!  The only thing I remember about her from the broadcast was that she was a champion ultramarathoner.  Have to say, though, that I *do* remember thinking, "This is crazy!  If she keeps going, this injury she’s sustained may permanently end her running career."  Ugh, sent shivers up my spine.  I kept thinking, "It just ain’t worth that." Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

Response:

Question:

My wife and I are planning a few day in Napa (Calif) area and are wondering if anybody on the NG can recommend some running areas.  We’re 10k fitness runners.   Thanks Joe A.

Response:

My wife and I are planning a few day in Napa (Calif) area and are wondering if anybody on the NG can recommend some running areas.  We’re 10k fitness runners.

Run part of the Napa Marathon course, the Silverado Trail. This does have traffic, so best to do early in the morning. I have the link to the marathon site on: http://www.slip.net/~leeway/marathons.html Also, in St. Helena, for a good hill workout, you can climb Mt. ST Helena 8M NE of Calistoga-/where HWY 29 crosses. 10M RT, over 4300 ft. spectacular views. Lee

  vcard.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

My wife and I are planning a few day in Napa (Calif) area and are wondering if anybody on the NG can recommend some running areas.  We’re 10k fitness runners.

The last time I was there was 1992 but at the time there was a nice park on Dry Creek Road with several miles of dirt trails.  I remember running there early one morning and having a great view of the ballons flying right over our heads while we ran.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Run part of the Napa Marathon course, the Silverado Trail. This does have traffic, so best to do early in the morning. I have the link to the marathon site on: http://www.slip.net/~leeway/marathons.html Also, in St. Helena, for a good hill workout, you can climb Mt. ST Helena 8M NE of Calistoga-/where HWY 29 crosses. 10M RT, over 4300 ft. spectacular views. Lee Content-Type: text/x-vcard; charset=us-ascii; name="vcard.vcf" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Description: Card for Lee  Rudin Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="vcard.vcf" begin:          vcard fn:             Lee  Rudin n:              Rudin;Lee org:            San Francisco Bay Area Triathlon Training Sites title:          http://www.slip.net/~leeway/ x-mozilla-cpt:  ;0 x-mozilla-html: FALSE version:        2.1 end:            vcard

– NOTE: Remove the ‘x’ from the above address for replies and in the REPLY TO: address in the header "Omit needless words and such." — William Strunk from the rough draft of _The Elements of Style_ Give me ambiguity or give me something else. Copyright 1998. All rights reserved.

Response:

Question:

There has been a birth.   The details must wait until I get back from a weekend trip.  Suffice to say the child is doing well. If anyone is going to be in Bethany Beach, DE for the Make-A-Wish Triathlon, look me up, and I will explain it all. Eric Weiss

Response:

I was there.  Bummer I haven’t been checking RST that often lately. By the way, congratulations. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There has been a birth.   The details must wait until I get back from a weekend trip.  Suffice to say the child is doing well. If anyone is going to be in Bethany Beach, DE for the Make-A-Wish Triathlon, look me up, and I will explain it all. Eric Weiss

Response:

Question:

Who’s going to keep the list?  Add me, I’ll be there (Male 35-39)!!! -rjh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Chaz here again. I know a buncha RST’ers at who were at Memphis & St. A’s are planning on doing Ironhorse. So come out of the wood work and let’s get a list going! Dat race be right around the corner! Chaz

Response:

Chaz,, You can add me to the list again… I am still tring to get my last minute training in.. No time to taper for Ironhorse.. that may be my downfall.. Mark Columbia, Missouri – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Who’s going to keep the list?  Add me, I’ll be there (Male 35-39)!!! -rjh Chaz here again. I know a buncha RST’ers at who were at Memphis & St. A’s are planning on doing Ironhorse. So come out of the wood work and let’s get a list going! Dat race be right around the corner! Chaz

Response:

Chaz,, You can add me to the list again… I am still tring to get my last minute training in.. No time to taper for Ironhorse.. that may be my downfall.. Mark Columbia, Missouri

I knew you were there, Markster. I’m trying to get in 15,000 yds swimming & 500 miles of biking by the time I leave next Friday.  My running knees are still buggin’ me…and I just did a brutal (Phoenix) triathlon. Yikes.   Chaz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Who’s going to keep the list?  Add me, I’ll be there (Male 35-39)!!! -rjh Chaz here again. I know a buncha RST’ers at who were at Memphis & St. A’s are planning on doing Ironhorse. So come out of the wood work and let’s get a list going! Dat race be right around the corner! Chaz

Response:

I already responded to Ray, so now I’ll respond to the group.  I’ll be there with my butt ugly yellow, green and black Trek 2300.  Look for me at the back of the 35-39 pack, hoping that there will be some beer left when I limp over the finish line. John/Park Ridge

Response:

Maybe we should get those dreaded little "HELLO… my name is…"  tags for our screen names huh? See ya all there! Mark

Response:

Going there, Doing that, getting the t-shirt. Tri-On The only legal draft should come from hops and barley. WEB (Robert Webster) Great Lakes, IL http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Track/2891/index.html

Response:

I’ll be there. Ruth Lansing, MI

Response:

Question:

NBC’s coverage of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship will air Saturday, December 14, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern.  Please spread the word! The show typically has cleared 97 percent of all local markets.  Please check you local listings or call the NBC station in your area to confirm that your NBC affiliate is planning to air Ironman.   If they are not planning to air the show, complain vigorously to them. Your input does make a difference to the programming managers of theses stations.   Also please e-mail WTC at this address if you determine your local affiliate is not planning to air the show.  We will work with NBC’s affiliate service’s department to attempt to change the decision. Rob Perry

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – NBC’s coverage of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship will air Saturday, December 14, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern.  Please spread the word! The show typically has cleared 97 percent of all local markets.  Please check you local listings or call the NBC station in your area to confirm that your NBC affiliate is planning to air Ironman. If they are not planning to air the show, complain vigorously to them. Your input does make a difference to the programming managers of theses stations. Also please e-mail WTC at this address if you determine your local affiliate is not planning to air the show.  We will work with NBC’s affiliate service’s department to attempt to change the decision. Rob Perry

Hey Rob, What’s the scoop on the "pre-empting" policy?  Did the Networks learn their lesson last year when the cut up the Ironman for some of the markets?   Have any of them made any promises that the program will be shown in its complete format. John (Did you get a shot me K.

Response: