Question:

        Some of the blips I can explain as "poor contact" For instance I died the other night for a minute or so and then had very erratic readings for some time after. However other "trends" say for instance a continuing drop over a period of 6 hours

Could this be transitioning stages of sleep? is slightly more hard to explain as well as 5-10min of slightly elevated readings.

dreams or nightmares?  I know some of mine used to be really vivid. Just some additional thoughts. Dot — "Success is different things to different people" -Bernd Heinrich in Racing the Antelope

Response:

What do you know?  Nothing – obviously.  What does sexual orientation have to do with one’s intelligence as an expert on heart rate training?  Nothing.  Sally is a gifted athlete, great writer, and motivational speaker.  She gives a lot to the community – especially those of us involved in the Danskin triathlons.  Buzz off, loser. Stef

Relax, I have nothing against lesbians, I love lesbians, as many as possible. Bill R. OO                                    

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just got a new toy Polar S610. Although I have used HR monitors for quite some time I have never been able ot track and log the data as efficiently or as effectively as I can now. I was wondering if someone could point me to some good reading material on HR trends and effects etc. I’m looking for something a bit in depth for both training and recovery.    To give an example I slept with the monitor on and recorded the data after a particularly rough workout weekend. A couple of trends or "blipverts" appeared that I would be interested in being explained. At present I have no idea whether they mean anything or not. Any info appreciated.

Hi, Matt. If you find anything, I’d be interested. I’ve read the popular books about training with HRMs but they don’t have anything about analyzing trends or anomalies. I’ve run across a few articles but none relevent to us (from what I can tell). Thanks, Layne The rec.running report archives may be found at http://kinder.cis.unf.edu/rec.running

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just got a new toy Polar S610. Although I have used HR monitors for quite some time I have never been able ot track and log the data as efficiently or as effectively as I can now. I was wondering if someone could point me to some good reading material on HR trends and effects etc. I’m looking for something a bit in depth for both training and recovery. To give an example I slept with the monitor on and recorded the data after a particularly rough workout weekend. A couple of trends or "blipverts" appeared that I would be interested in being explained. At present I have no idea whether they mean anything or not. Any info appreciated. ~Matt I’ve looked at two different books on the subject and I can’t think of a place in either one of them that explains the strange fluctuations in the middle of the night.

        I’m not so concerned about the occasional small "blip" which I think I can plausible explain away as an error ro bad contact. I’m more interested in the trends and occasional longer blips lasting 5-10 minutes of slighty elevated HR. The first thing I though was, I must have been dreaming at that point. The way I figure it is, if your HRM only goes down to a certain number for a few readings, but can not stay there, I wouldn’t consider the lowest number your resting HR.  In other words, it has to be able to maintain a certain reading.

Since I don’t do any training based on resting HR I’ve been using Ave HR for the entire period as my resting HR. Although my true RHR is probably lower. The Ave is calculated for me and gives me a fairly decent comparison from night to night. BTW, every time you put the chest band on, you have a one in 30 chance of landing on a frequency that another polar could be using.

Did this the other day. Strange thing is teh otehr person didn’t pick up my HR it just wierded out his. The guy I was running with though he was having a stroke when his HR went to 220 BPM or so. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Roger

Response:

Just got a new toy Polar S610. Although I have used HR monitors for quite some time I have never been able ot track and log the data as efficiently or as effectively as I can now. I was wondering if someone could point me to some good reading material on HR trends and effects etc. I’m looking for something a bit in depth for both training and recovery.

Matt, I used Burke’s Precision Heart Rate Training when I started – background chapters then chapters for individual sports. Not sure if it has enough detail for your wants, but has sufficed for me so far.         To give an example I slept with the monitor on and recorded the data after a particularly rough workout weekend. A couple of trends or "blipverts" appeared that I would be interested in being explained. At present I have no idea whether they mean anything or not.

Could it be bad contact while sleeping? I could get decent readings while laying down when I first got mine, but then started having trouble getting a reading. I think it’s something with smaller woman’s body, the chest band wraps around partly in back, and is pushed forward when laying down, thus losing contact. You may not have the exact same problem, but perhaps something like this is causing blips. Just a shot in dark. I should note that when I took a bioengineering class in a former lifetime, they had problems getting an ekg reading on me – poor contacts Dot — "Success is different things to different people" -Bernd Heinrich in Racing the Antelope

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just got a new toy Polar S610. Although I have used HR monitors for quite some time I have never been able ot track and log the data as efficiently or as effectively as I can now. I was wondering if someone could point me to some good reading material on HR trends and effects etc. I’m looking for something a bit in depth for both training and recovery. To give an example I slept with the monitor on and recorded the data after a particularly rough workout weekend. A couple of trends or "blipverts" appeared that I would be interested in being explained. At present I have no idea whether they mean anything or not. Any info appreciated. ~Matt

I’ve looked at two different books on the subject and I can’t think of a place in either one of them that explains the strange fluctuations in the middle of the night. The way I figure it is, if your HRM only goes down to a certain number for a few readings, but can not stay there, I wouldn’t consider the lowest number your resting HR.  In other words, it has to be able to maintain a certain reading. BTW, every time you put the chest band on, you have a one in 30 chance of landing on a frequency that another polar could be using. Roger

Response:

by Sally Edwards

She’s a dork. Neat lady.

Ahh, two lesbians pass in the night… Bill R. OO                                    

Response:

What do you know?  Nothing – obviously.  What does sexual orientation have to do with one’s intelligence as an expert on heart rate training?  Nothing.  Sally is a gifted athlete, great writer, and motivational speaker.  She gives a lot to the community – especially those of us involved in the Danskin triathlons.  Buzz off, loser. Stef – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – by Sally Edwards She’s a dork. Neat lady. Ahh, two lesbians pass in the night… Bill R. OO

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just got a new toy Polar S610. Although I have used HR monitors for quite some time I have never been able ot track and log the data as efficiently or as effectively as I can now. I was wondering if someone could point me to some good reading material on HR trends and effects etc. I’m looking for something a bit in depth for both training and recovery. Matt, I used Burke’s Precision Heart Rate Training when I started – background chapters then chapters for individual sports. Not sure if it has enough detail for your wants, but has sufficed for me so far.         To give an example I slept with the monitor on and recorded the data after a particularly rough workout weekend. A couple of trends or "blipverts" appeared that I would be interested in being explained. At present I have no idea whether they mean anything or not. Could it be bad contact while sleeping? I could get decent readings while laying down when I first got mine, but then started having trouble getting a reading. I think it’s something with smaller woman’s body, the chest band wraps around partly in back, and is pushed forward when laying down, thus losing contact. You may not have the exact same problem, but perhaps something like this is causing blips. Just a shot in dark. I should note that when I took a bioengineering class in a former lifetime, they had problems getting an ekg reading on me – poor contacts Dot

        Some of the blips I can explain as "poor contact" For instance I died the other night for a minute or so and then had very erratic readings for some time after. However other "trends" say for instance a continuing drop over a period of 6 hours is slightly more hard to explain as well as 5-10min of slightly elevated readings. Several "Spikes" apear as well. These I assumed to be either errors or points were I may be rolling over or some other movement.         I would like to get into this a little deeper so I could be more aware of my recovery process. I’m assuming that alot or at least some of these "trends" and activities may indicate some level of recovery and may even indicate non recovery or overtraining. I’m guessing if I can identify and define the normal trends now, If something pops up later I can react to it.         OTOH I could be completely off my rocker and thus the reason for more research. ~Matt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text — "Success is different things to different people" -Bernd Heinrich in Racing the Antelope

Response:

Just got a new toy Polar S610. Although I have used HR monitors for quite some time I have never been able ot track and log the data as efficiently or as effectively as I can now. I was wondering if someone could point me to some good reading material on HR trends and effects etc. I’m looking for something a bit in depth for both training and recovery.         To give an example I slept with the monitor on and recorded the data after a particularly rough workout weekend. A couple of trends or "blipverts" appeared that I would be interested in being explained. At present I have no idea whether they mean anything or not. Any info appreciated. ~Matt

Response:

The Heart Rate Guidebook to Heart Zones Training by Sally Edwards is the best book about heart rate training.  You’ll probably find some worthwhile information there.  I got to meet Sally at a Danskin triathlon once.  Neat lady. Stef – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just got a new toy Polar S610. Although I have used HR monitors for quite some time I have never been able ot track and log the data as efficiently or as effectively as I can now. I was wondering if someone could point me to some good reading material on HR trends and effects etc. I’m looking for something a bit in depth for both training and recovery.    To give an example I slept with the monitor on and recorded the data after a particularly rough workout weekend. A couple of trends or "blipverts" appeared that I would be interested in being explained. At present I have no idea whether they mean anything or not. Any info appreciated. ~Matt

Response:

Question:

Thanks for all the input…but more specifically the Timex Ironman Triathlon 100 lap Speed and Distance System which utilizes a GPS.

Got this for christmas too. Very nice toy and actually very useful for off-track speed work, running in unfamiliar areas, trails etc. Some first impressions: – Instantaneous pace/speed is slightly unstable, particularly at higher speeds (even with smoothing on) but it gives a pretty good idea even so. – Average pace and distance seem to work very well indeed unless you’re zig-zagging in heavy trees or under bridges, high buildings and such. In this case it slightly underestimates distance (hence speed also). – It does miles and kilometers. The conversion is done at display time, so you can actually record your runs in either unit and then display them in the other (useful for those rare idiots who post both kms and miles in the weekly training report – Mine occasionally loses the radio link between the GPS pod and the watch when doing fast interval training on the track. This may be something to do with static between clothing layers (causes problems for my HRM too) or environmental problems at the track I use. But I don’t need the speed distance stuff for intervals on the track sooooo – I’ve never encountered loss of satellite signal except when indoors but there are no high-rise buildings around here. – You need to buy some rechargeable batteries. You only get about 12 hours out of a set of high quality alkalines. – Unfortunately, they haven’t used the same run/lap storage organisation as the Timex Ironman "ordinary" watches so you can’t save multiple sessions. This is a bit of a pain in the arse and is probably the only real weak point I’ve found. – It doesn’t have the "flix" function, where just shaking your wrist activates the night light. Pity but not a major drawback. – It doesn’t record altitude changes even though it probably could. Pity but not really critical.

Response:

I don’t own one, but I borrowed my dad’s one day last fall (He’s 69 and ran away from me at the end of a 10K last summer… I’ll get him this year!).  I liked the GPS functions a lot.  It confirmed my suspicion that one bit of my usual route was short — I nearly always had a better-than-expected split for that half-mile.  The S+D says it’s only 0.482 miles.  I also used it to measure the unmarked bits, which I had previously estimated by time. I’m guessing the watch would be worth it to a runner who1) likes to have a lot of numbers to analyze; 2) runs unmarked routes; and 3) doesn’t run heavily forrested trails.  Now that I’ve measured my main route, I can’t justify the cost.  I would like to try the pace alarms, though — I understand you can put in a pace range and have it beep at you if you’re too slow or fast.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for all the input…but more specifically the Timex Ironman Triathlon 100 lap Speed and Distance System which utilizes a GPS. Again thanks in advance. Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

I received one for Christmas and can’t imagine running again without it.  I have the 100 lap and have it set up to beep every 1/2 mile.  I find the distance and avg speed displays most useful.  I have never had a lost signal living in northwest Missouri.  Since it was a gift, I didn’t pay a dime for it but I do think it is worth the $150. Nate

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for all the input…but more specifically the Timex Ironman Triathlon 100 lap Speed and Distance System which utilizes a GPS. Again thanks in advance. Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

go get him .,,, best wishes plodzilla – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t own one, but I borrowed my dad’s one day last fall (He’s 69 and ran away from me at the end of a 10K last summer… I’ll get him this year!).  I liked the GPS functions a lot.  It confirmed my suspicion that one bit of my usual route was short — I nearly always had a better-than-expected split for that half-mile.  The S+D says it’s only 0.482 miles.  I also used it to measure the unmarked bits, which I had previously estimated by time. I’m guessing the watch would be worth it to a runner who1) likes to have a lot of numbers to analyze; 2) runs unmarked routes; and 3) doesn’t run heavily forrested trails.  Now that I’ve measured my main route, I can’t justify the cost.  I would like to try the pace alarms, though — I understand you can put in a pace range and have it beep at you if you’re too slow or fast. Thanks for all the input…but more specifically the Timex Ironman Triathlon 100 lap Speed and Distance System which utilizes a GPS. Again thanks in advance. Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

I have the 100-lap Timex watch and cannot figure out how to switch the main display to show the split time instead of total elapsed time. I’ve checked the instructions that came with the watch to no avail. Can you quickly tell me how to do it?

Same problem here and mine doesn’t have any stems to pull on I guess it’s a Timex Ironman Triathlon 100 Laps? I don’t believe there’s any way to get the blasted thing to put the lap times elsewhere than up top in 4 point font while wasting the bigger display area at the bottom to tell me the day of the week or some such tripe

Response:

Clive, not sure if my 50-lap technique will be the same for your model, but I simply put the watch into Chrono (stopwatch) mode and pull out the stem on the right side of the watch to second position (first pull out lets you review recorded laps). The second position lets you toggle between display types. Hope this works for you. chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Chris, I have the 100-lap Timex watch and cannot figure out how to switch the main display to show the split time instead of total elapsed time. I’ve checked the instructions that came with the watch to no avail. Can you quickly tell me how to do it? Thanks in advance. Cheers, -Clive http://www.ironclive.com I’ve had the 50 lap version for about 1.5 years.  Very happy with it.  I run a lot at night and use the 3 second "light-up" option.  I time all my km splits and record them in my log.  Also record splits during races.  Had to replace the battery after a year or so.  Like someone else said it’s good to be able to see current split and overall time.  On my watch you have the option of setting the interval or the overall time as the larger display. Yes, and this toggle feature has been helpful with my eyesight–when I am wearing contact lenses, my up-close vision isn’t that great without reading glasses (aren’t we old people cute)–so I’m able to make the SPLIT time the larger display if I want to easily see my mile or km pace. If I decide not to wear contacts during a marathon, which is becoming more common to avoid eye strain and stress, I’m better off leaving the total elapsed time as the larger display since I can also see the smaller split time display.

Response:

I own the mans’ 100 lapper, been very happy with it. I use it for splits, chronometer, pace times, etc. My concern was reading on here that it doesn’t last a long time. I paid about $55 for it, it should last a long while. Victoria – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

I have the 100 Lap Memory Ironman watch.  It worked great for about 4 months.  After 4 months it stopped computing the average lap, fastest lap, and total time correctly, but it still records the lap times correctly.  You get your total time from the last lap.  Paying shipping charges both ways to repair a $60 watch and wait for 6 – 8 weeks doesn’t make much sense, as it’s my only wristwatch. Reading the lap time while running is difficult to impossible because my eyes can’t read small print very well any more, so all I can read is the accumulated time until I stop and squint.

Response:

Thanks for all the input…but more specifically the Timex Ironman Triathlon 100 lap Speed and Distance System which utilizes a GPS. Again thanks in advance.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

Hi Chris, I have the 100-lap Timex watch and cannot figure out how to switch the main display to show the split time instead of total elapsed time. I’ve checked the instructions that came with the watch to no avail. Can you quickly tell me how to do it? Thanks in advance. Cheers, -Clive http://www.ironclive.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve had the 50 lap version for about 1.5 years.  Very happy with it.  I run a lot at night and use the 3 second "light-up" option.  I time all my km splits and record them in my log.  Also record splits during races.  Had to replace the battery after a year or so.  Like someone else said it’s good to be able to see current split and overall time.  On my watch you have the option of setting the interval or the overall time as the larger display. Yes, and this toggle feature has been helpful with my eyesight–when I am wearing contact lenses, my up-close vision isn’t that great without reading glasses (aren’t we old people cute)–so I’m able to make the SPLIT time the larger display if I want to easily see my mile or km pace. If I decide not to wear contacts during a marathon, which is becoming more common to avoid eye strain and stress, I’m better off leaving the total elapsed time as the larger display since I can also see the smaller split time display.

Response:

They don’t seem to last more than 2 years. The readout is a bit small Nevertheless I am on my 3rd one – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance. I’ve had the 50 lap version for about 1.5 years.  Very happy with it.  I run a lot at night and use the 3 second "light-up" option.  I time all my km splits and record them in my log.  Also record splits during races.  Had to replace the battery after a year or so.  Like someone else said it’s good to be able to see current split and overall time.  On my watch you have the option of setting the interval or the overall time as the larger display. Anthony.

Response:

I’ve had the 50 lap version for about 1.5 years.  Very happy with it.  I run a lot at night and use the 3 second "light-up" option.  I time all my km splits and record them in my log.  Also record splits during races.  Had to replace the battery after a year or so.  Like someone else said it’s good to be able to see current split and overall time.  On my watch you have the option of setting the interval or the overall time as the larger display.

Yes, and this toggle feature has been helpful with my eyesight–when I am wearing contact lenses, my up-close vision isn’t that great without reading glasses (aren’t we old people cute)–so I’m able to make the SPLIT time the larger display if I want to easily see my mile or km pace. If I decide not to wear contacts during a marathon, which is becoming more common to avoid eye strain and stress, I’m better off leaving the total elapsed time as the larger display since I can also see the smaller split time display.

Response:

my watch did the same thing ,,,, i got my watch at wal-mart and thet took it back no questions this one seemd to be working all right!! plodzilla – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i own a 30 lap and like it a lot ,,,, my bro and three other runners also like theirs and plan on getting another one plodzilla I also own a 30 lap one.  Too bad the indiglo feature went out a month ago, though.  It’s probably still under warranty, but I don’t think I still have the instructions and I don’t think it’s worth sending in a $30 watch for repair.  It works fine otherwise. Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

i own a 30 lap and like it a lot ,,,, my bro and three other runners also like theirs and plan on getting another one plodzilla

I also own a 30 lap one.  Too bad the indiglo feature went out a month ago, though.  It’s probably still under warranty, but I don’t think I still have the instructions and I don’t think it’s worth sending in a $30 watch for repair.  It works fine otherwise. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

I’m delighted with mine.  I’ve used it in training, and through two marathons.  Generally, when I run outdoors, I take lap times at each mile (along trails where I have a pretty good idea where mile landmarks are).  If I go off of familiar routes, I use it to estimate my distance based upon how I feel. I like the fact that you can see your lap time as well as your total time in one display. During races, naturally I take a time hack at each mile marker.  It’s especially useful to recall your mile splits (laps) afterward. I often use the timer function to time my pizza cooking in the oven.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

I’m on my second one and like it a lot.  My daughter liked my first one and I wound up giving it to her, it didn’t break.  I only use the basic features when running, start when I start and stop when I finish.  I don’t worry about splits and all that fancy stuff.  It does come in handy for timing the spaghetti I cook after a lot of my runs.  

Response:

Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

I’ve had the 50 lap version for about 1.5 years.  Very happy with it.  I run a lot at night and use the 3 second "light-up" option.  I time all my km splits and record them in my log.  Also record splits during races.  Had to replace the battery after a year or so.  Like someone else said it’s good to be able to see current split and overall time.  On my watch you have the option of setting the interval or the overall time as the larger display. Anthony.

Response:

Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

i own a 30 lap and like it a lot ,,,, my bro and three other runners also like theirs and plan on getting another one plodzilla – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

Response:

Can anyone who owns this watch (100 lap) give me some pointers on how they use theirs and overall you happy with it. Thanks in advance.

I used to use it for storing races, and I think I still have some on it. You could save the splits for multiple races, but every time you saved another race or time, it would cost one lap of data.  In other words if I saved 5 different races they could only total 95 laps instead of 100. Great watch.  I have the one where you can set it so if you move your wrist real quick it lights up.  The only problem with that is it doesn’t light up bright enough.  Oh well. But then again, the new models might be different. Roger

Response:

Question:

You need to see a Dr. right away. This is not something to be guessing about. At last, the voice of reason. BTW, why the hell are so many folk starting running without having a check up first?  A fair percentage of the issues discussed on rec.running recently could have been avoided by a simple visit to your doctor.   What’s wrong with you people?

I guess we are just the next victims of It-can’t-happen-to-me syndrome. Perhaps it’s the fear of not wanting to hear that we are in les than perfect shape.  At any rate a visit to the Doctor  is not such a bad idea. Art

Response:

After periods of over-training or a hard race I find that I get this sore feeling in the center of my chest.  Is this a common thing? Is this perhaps due to the stress put on the diaphragm during a race?  It usually lasts for a few days.  Or should I have my heart (or head) examined? With utmost respect and trust, Art

Response:

It usually lasts for a few days.  Or should I have my heart (or head) examined?

Doesn’t matter since the end result will be the same, you’ll be dead in a year. Go out drinking tonight. Bill R.

Response:

I had a similar soreness after completing a my first sprint triathlon in July.  During the bike, I noticed I was breathing much harder than normal, and I continued to breathe hard through the run. By evening, my chest hurt with every breath, and it continued to be sore for several days.  I think the soreness was just from breathing hard for 2 hours. Susie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After periods of over-training or a hard race I find that I get this sore feeling in the center of my chest.  Is this a common thing? Is this perhaps due to the stress put on the diaphragm during a race?  It usually lasts for a few days.  Or should I have my heart (or head) examined? With utmost respect and trust, Art

Response:

After periods of over-training or a hard race I find that I get this sore feeling in the center of my chest.  Is this a common thing? Is this perhaps due to the stress put on the diaphragm during a race?  It usually lasts for a few days.  Or should I have my heart (or head) examined? With utmost respect and trust, Art

You need to see a Dr. right away. This is not something to be guessing about. db

Response:

You need to see a Dr. right away. This is not something to be guessing about.

At last, the voice of reason. BTW, why the hell are so many folk starting running without having a check up first?  A fair percentage of the issues discussed on rec.running recently could have been avoided by a simple visit to your doctor.   What’s wrong with you people?

Response:

  If this guy doesn’t know that chest pain is bad, then he’s pushing his luck.  Let the paramedics explain it to his widow, in the ambulance. "OK, next?"

Response:

I had a similar soreness after completing a my first sprint triathlon in July.  During the bike, I noticed I was breathing much harder than normal, and I continued to breathe hard through the run. By evening, my chest hurt with every breath, and it continued to be sore for several days.  I think the soreness was just from breathing hard for 2 hours. Susie

Sounds very similar, however I don’t feel it when running, usually just the next two days, and only after an extended all-out effort.   Thanks Susie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After periods of over-training or a hard race I find that I get this sore feeling in the center of my chest.  Is this a common thing? Is this perhaps due to the stress put on the diaphragm during a race?  It usually lasts for a few days.  Or should I have my heart (or head) examined? With utmost respect and trust, Art

Response:

Question:

Jsoul, I have to respectfully disagree with the previous poster on this one.   I did this race last year and it was, without a doubt, the worst organized and poorest run race I’ve ever done!   the swim was a joke, due to the fact that it was a low tide.  Swimming through thick seaweed the whole time.  The bike course is hilly, but worse is the fact that there are very few aid stations and those that are there didn’t have anything except water.   the thing that sticks out in my mind transition area about 2 hrs before race start time, and he was no where to be found.   there wern’t any bike racks set up yet, and the athletes that were there didn’t know what to do with there bikes.  Finally, about an hour before the start, the racks finally start to go up, and the race director makes everyone who had set up their "transition area", move their stuff to a new location.  What a jerk!  There were a lot of very perturbed people, I’ll tell ya.   I would never do this race again, no matter what.   I wouldn’t support this race director for anything.  He has no respect or concern for the Al Lyman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know the race course for the Hudson Valley 1/2 ironman in July? A couple of us who are doing the race would like to ride/run part of the course this month as part of our training. How are the currents typically in the Hudson? how clean is the water? thx! Johanna "forever young" Young

Response:

Does anyone know the race course for the Hudson Valley 1/2 ironman in July? A couple of us who are doing the race would like to ride/run part of the course this month as part of our training. How are the currents typically in the Hudson? how clean is the water? thx! Johanna "forever young" Young

Great race!  Raced it in 97 and 98, best race I’ve ever had was the one in 98. Course is mainly flat and very fast, also very scenic and nice roads.  Swim is tough!  You swim into the current on the way out and with the current on the way back.  In 98 my time to the far buoy was 30 minutes, total time 45!  I’m a poor swimmer but the fastest of the day was about 30.  Water was fine otherwise, clean ect…  NYTC puts on a lot of great races, always well run. The bike is on lightly traveled roads and highways and goes around a large resevior.  The run spends some time on nice dirt road.  Not much shade expect much heat tim(dogspot1) buaidh no bas

Response:

Does anyone know the race course for the Hudson Valley 1/2 ironman in July? A couple of us who are doing the race would like to ride/run part of the course this month as part of our training. How are the currents typically in the Hudson? how clean is the water? thx! Johanna "forever young" Young

Response:

Hi, Can’t really help you much, but The Hudson in the Albany area does have some pretty good currents.  The water certainly isn’t like a mountain lake, but it has cleaned itself up recently. You won’t be bumping into dead fish or barrells of PCB’s But you still can’t eat the fish you catch in the Hudson. If I were you I would call the New York Triathlon Club at 914-247-0271 with your questions. Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know the race course for the Hudson Valley 1/2 ironman in July? A couple of us who are doing the race would like to ride/run part of the course this month as part of our training. How are the currents typically in the Hudson? how clean is the water? thx! Johanna "forever young" Young

Response:

Question:

Hi all, I just moved to Allston, Mass from Springfield.  I am looking for   1) good pool/gym in my area,  2)  weekly rides/runs   3)  The best bike routes for distance, (I heard Boston was just awful for bike training)  If anyone has any info, especially SEMTC’ers, drop me a line.  Thanks. Oliver

Response:

Hi Oliver, Boston is teeming with triathletes this time of year…so you’re in luck.  The best way to hook up with a club is to look at the list on the USA Triathlon – New Regional Region’s website….www.usat-ne.org.  It has links to all the teams/clubs.  Also, pick up a copy of Metro Sports and Boston Sports Journal for pool listings.   SEMTC is growing like crazy.  We have about 65 members and have been quite visible in our De Soto gear this spring.  You can visit us at:  www.semtc.org   Good luck, Steve Kelley SEMTC Program Director President, USAT-NE

Response:

Question:

In a discussion on Dead Runners Society listserv there’s been a discussion about Marketing and Privacy.  Anyway as I looked through the DM News, the weekly newspaper of Record for Direct Marketers, I came across this under the weekly Lists and Databases section. TRIATHLETE, WINNING MAGAZINE APPOINT RMI DIRECT MARKETING RMI Direct Marketing INc. is not managing the Triathlete and Winning Magazine files, which contain 31,384 active subscribers who are affluent and sophisticated sports and fitness enthusiasts with a passion for cross-training and competition. Both publications feature articles and information on upcoming events, training tips, new product analysis and the latest on health and fitness. Eighty percent of these subscribers have taken action in the last 12 months as a result of seeing ads in these publications.  More than 56 percent purchased a product or service; 74 percent are homeowners and 68 percent are managerial/professionals. The average income is $88,000 and the average age is 37. Selection include SCF, ZIP state, publication and multipulbication. Contact your list broker or RMI Dirrect Marketing Inc., 42 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT  06810.  The telephone number is 203-798-0448.  The fax number is 203-778-6130. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CIRCLE NO. 169 DM News, September 29, 1997   p. 80 — In health and on the run, Ozzie Gontang Maintainer-rec.running FAQ Director, San Diego Marathon Clinic,  est. 1975

Response:

Correction: First sentence should read: RMI Direct Marketing Inc. is now…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – TRIATHLETE, WINNING MAGAZINE APPOINT RMI DIRECT MARKETING RMI Direct Marketing Inc. is now managing the Triathlete and Winning Magazine files, which contain 31,384 active subscribers who are affluent and sophisticated sports and fitness enthusiasts with a passion for cross-training and competition. Both publications feature articles and information on upcoming events, training tips, new product analysis and the latest on health and fitness. Eighty percent of these subscribers have taken action in the last 12 months as a result of seeing ads in these publications.  More than 56 percent purchased a product or service; 74 percent are homeowners and 68 percent are managerial/professionals. The average income is $88,000 and the average age is 37. Selection include SCF, ZIP state, publication and multipulbication. Contact your list broker or RMI Dirrect Marketing Inc., 42 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT  06810.  The telephone number is 203-798-0448.  The fax number is 203-778-6130. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CIRCLE NO. 169 DM News, September 29, 1997   p. 80 — In health and on the run, Ozzie Gontang Maintainer-rec.running FAQ Director, San Diego Marathon Clinic,  est. 1975

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

Response:

Question:

Does anyone know of a website or dates for Colorado and Virginia tri’s? Thanks!

Response:

Does anyone know of a website or dates for Colorado and Virginia tri’s? Thanks!

Close to VA (MD): Columbia (MD)   USAT            5/18 Fairfax (VA)    Triathlantic    5/25 Cambridge (MD)  USAT (IMQ)      6/1 Indian Head (MD)Triathlantic    6/29 Roanoke (VA)    Triathlantic    7/20 NorthEast (MD)  Triathlantic    7/27 Contact Brad Jaeger of Triathlantic 410-882-6103 and look for a site at: http://www.triath.com sometime soon.

Response:

Does anyone know of a website or dates for Colorado and Virginia tri’s? Thanks!

Karla: Try the websites for Triathlete and Inside Triathlon at: http://www.triathletemag.com/clndr or http://www.insidetri.com/itcal/calendar.html (more complete) Not mentioned are VA triathlons at VA Beach, Norfolk in Spring and Summer. Tucker Newberry

Response:

Question:

: : The only other suggestion I would add would be to redesign the transition : : area.  It is far to elongated and those at the far end are really : : disadvantaged.  Plus, you had to run barefoot on the rocky pavement! : They rotate the transition area position of each age group every year. : Although you were at the far end this year, next year you will probably : be closer.  In addition, they group your age group in the same transition : area position, so that there is no advantage for the competitors that : you are racing against. This works as long as all of the folks in your age group are in approximately the same place.  With the elite/age-group distinction, this does not work. I had an off-day (for me) at Wildflower, expecting to race about 30 minutes faster.  Even so, if I had done a 5:05, I am not presumptious enough to sign up for the elite section just to shave the 1-2 minutes off from being in an advantageous transition spot. If they are going to have an elite category, it should be like other races where you have to show consistent top "n" placements in your age groups in long course races in order to be placed in the category. Joe Sventek

Response:

1. Try to widden the swim start (for example, make us start a little    further in the water). The start was a real struggle.

Though it was crowded, the swim strt didn’t bother me to much.  Once you got out toward the boat it thinned out nicely. 3. Where is the food at the finish line!!!! I’m not talking about    gourmet food, just a few bananas or muffins.

Yea, I was surprised that there wasn’t more food either.  I had to really fight my way to those precious few bananas!!! 4. Mix the women and men waves. I did the whole race without seing    any women. When you’re hurting on the run, it’s always nice to    have female companionship around to distract you from the pain.

Would be nice to race so fast …. I had plenty of women passing me.   The only other suggestion I would add would be to redesign the transition area.  It is far to elongated and those at the far end are really disadvantaged.  Plus, you had to run barefoot on the rocky pavement! Overall, its a great race. Eric

Response:

: The only other suggestion I would add would be to redesign the transition : area.  It is far to elongated and those at the far end are really : disadvantaged.  Plus, you had to run barefoot on the rocky pavement! They rotate the transition area position of each age group every year. Although you were at the far end this year, next year you will probably be closer.  In addition, they group your age group in the same transition area position, so that there is no advantage for the competitors that you are racing against. The rocky pavement is a bummer, that is why many participants leave an old junker pair of shoes at the swim exit.  I sliced the heal of mine open so that they are very easy to slip on.  It takes little time and protects your feet, as well as allowing you to blast by others who are enduring the foot torture.  Pros don’t use this technique because they are always at the very front of the transition area. *   |       *   *     *                                                      * /|  *    *     *        Eric Roseme                                     *  /|   *     *       *    Hewlett-Packard, Networked Computer Division      *//|\     /   /    *                                                      ///|\ *      \                                                   |       *  // *                                                                         \                                                                            \                                                        

Response:

They rotate the transition area position of each age group every year. Although you were at the far end this year, next year you will probably be closer.  In addition, they group your age group in the same transition area position, so that there is no advantage for the competitors that you are racing against.

Not sure I can buy this, Eric. I’ve done the Long Course three years in a row (and the Short Course before that) and every year I’ve been in almost the identical position, a few rows short of the bathroom. So I haven’t seen any evidence of "age group rotation".  Which doesn’t bother me much. As long as the others in my age group are near me (which I’m pretty sure they are), it surely doesn’t make that big a difference. — Steve Patt  Stevens Creek Software  The Athlete’s Diary & Bookstore  WWW: http://www.stevenscreek.com  FTP: ftp.stevenscreek.com  1-800-TA-DIARY

Response:

: They rotate the transition area position of each age group every year. : Although you were at the far end this year, next year you will probably : be closer.  In addition, they group your age group in the same transition : area position, so that there is no advantage for the competitors that : you are racing against. : Not sure I can buy this, Eric. I’ve done the Long Course three years in : a row (and the Short Course before that) and every year I’ve been in : almost the identical position, a few rows short of the bathroom. So : I haven’t seen any evidence of "age group rotation".  Which doesn’t : bother me much. As long as the others in my age group are near me : (which I’m pretty sure they are), it surely doesn’t make that big : a difference. Well, I don’t have an answer for that.  I’ve done the "short" course for 9 years in a row.  I’ve been as high as #300 – which is way up front, and low as in the 1000’s – which is back by the bathroom.  I started when I was 31, now I’m 39, so it’s not an age group thing. My sister who is 42, was in the 300s either last year or the year before, but has also been back by the bathrooms.  Another post here suspected that it’s done alphabetically, but I’ve always been Roseme, yet I’ve been everywhere in the transition area.  My only idea for why you’ve been in the same spot is that maybe you changed age groups and got screwed. In any case, your rack should be populated with the guys from your age group.  I’ve gotten to know some of the guys on my rack over the years, but next year it’s on to new horizons – 40-44. *   |       *   *     *                                                      * /|  *    *     *        Eric Roseme                                     *  /|   *     *       *    Hewlett-Packard, Networked Computer Division      *//|\     /   /    *                                                      ///|\ *      \                                                   |       *  // *                                                                         \                                                                            \                                                        

Response:

Congratulations to everybody for completing the Wildflower triathlon! The weather, the course and the volunteers were great! There’s a few things however that could be improved next year. 1. Try to widden the swim start (for example, make us start a little    further in the water). The start was a real struggle. 2. Be tougher on drafting. I saw 2 HUGE packs of drafters, and I mean huge.    They reminded me of some saturday morning rides. However, the official    on motor bikes were there on both occasions and gave warnings. It took    them 5 minutes to break the first pack! If you want to draft, go    participate in some bike races, at least you’ll have to do your share    of work. 3. Where is the food at the finish line!!!! I’m not talking about    gourmet food, just a few bananas or muffins. 4. Mix the women and men waves. I did the whole race without seing    any women. When you’re hurting on the run, it’s always nice to    have female companionship around to distract you from the pain. 5. Have the local police be more leniant with "athlete-tourist"    spending the weekend in the Lake San Antonio area. I got    pulled over by the cops on friday night for speeding on G14 in    the middle of nowhere : $200 ticket!!!! At least the race marshalls    give you a warning the first time for drafting; why didn’t I get    a warning for speeding????? Life is unfair. Anyway, that was a cool race. Every year I learn a different kind of pain on this course, and I’m so happy when I cross the finish line. See you at the South bay tri! — +   Jean-Didier Allegrucci  - (ISD VLSI Engineering)    + +                                                       +

Response:

Some thoughts from a Former Wildflower Virgin: 1)  Thanks for answering my e-mail about the gearing needed for the bike course.  I used a 39-23 and had no problems – it was not as tough as i expected BUT it was tough.  I would likt to hear how THE BEAST (St Croix) compares to that one toughest hill.  I personally dont think it is as tough as Richters (Ironman Canada) and i know it doesnt quite measure up to Richters statistically.  In all honesty i still think the toughest bike course is Cornerbrook, Newfoundland (42 Km – 2 laps of a 21 km course). If any of you want to do a really tough bike course go to Newfoundland for the Canadian national championships in ‘97.  ( I think Molina has the course record at 2:07!!!!! – for a 1.2k – 42k – 10k!!!). 2)  What the heck is up with this elite wave?  Why do they go in a smaller pack than the rest of us?  The women’s elite wave had 4 people.  What is the difference between elite and pro?   3)  THE VOLUNTEERS – those volunteers (mostly Cal Poly students) rival Penticton’s for the best there is  (in fact i think they win).  They were amazing, very professional, enthusiastic, encouraging, JUST AWESOME!!   Thank You very much!!! 4)  The race itself was great – it is a great course, beautiful scenary, challenging, competitive, great aid stations, good atmosphere, …… I was a little disappointed that there was no food at the finish line!  We were out there busting our butts for 4-7 hours and we cross the finish line and there is no food!?!?!?!   5)  Why dont American races adhere to ITU rules??  As a certified official I noticed at least a dozen rules broken –  i am not a real stickler for conformity but safety should be a priority.  Cars and bikes and runners at the bottom of a hill presented a dangerous situation, large swim waves in a narrow start with a turn close to the start made for a rough swim, riding down that narrow shoot in transition is just dumb, having the first two miles of the run covered with people in your way is also silly, etc… etc….     6)  WHy do people litter the course with there used containers of GU (leppins etc)?  If you can carry it onto the course you can carry it off the course when you have used it.  One guy threw his used package right in front of me on the bike course.  You are littering one of the most beautiful parts of a state that knows a lot about pollution!  Triathletes ‘use’ the outdoors more than most other people – we have a duty to try and keep it clean! In summary: THE GOOD:  Great race course, awesome volunteers, and not too much drafting (way to go!!). THE BAD:  Hungry finishers, litterers, minor wacky race rules   THE UGLY:  taking off on my bike while a guy next to me in the transition rushes to get on his bike only to find that his front wheel has been stolen while he was swimming!!!   The Wildflower race committee must take full responsibility for transition security (it was pretty slack). John Valentine

Response:

Question:

writes: Although I can’t add any details, I, too, heard about a Karen

Smyers-Les McDonald match of wits in Wellington …<<< If this legendary match of wits did indeed take place, it wouldn’t be much of a battle. I’d bet big money on Smyers.

Response:

The ITU is run by democratic process with a structure where each of

the108 countries involved in triathlon has an equal vote. Most of the decisions that are made between Congresses are made by the Executive Board, again each member with an equal vote on drafting, World Cup sites, equality in prize money, doping control, etc…. The ITU Executive Board is comprised of; Phil Briars (NZ), Sarah Springman (GBR), Phil Coles (IOC member from Australia), Chiharu Igaya (IOC member from Japan), Brian Hinton (AUS), Didier Lehenaff (FRA), Mark Sisson (USA), Les McDonald (CAN) and I probably missed someone.<< Here we go again folks, more smoke blowing from the ITU’s resident rst propaganda minister. Mr. Coles, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) member from

Australia spoke strongly on behalf of the draft-legal format for the Olympic Games. It is my understanding that Mr. McDonald did not speak on the issue at all. She [Karen Smyers] "heard" about it? This "meeting" was the ITU Congress which is the annual meeting for representatives from every country to come together and debate and vote on the direction the sport will take from the International perspective in the coming year. Again 108 countries, 108 votes. Indeed she did. She was invited to speak before the Congress, and she did so most eloquently with a well prepared, well written speech. However, there were a lot of pros there from other countries (and the US) who Karen has never met (a lot of them in the top 10) who did not agree with her views and seriously resented her speaking "for" them. OK SZAG,  name them…. one by one. How about your Mr. Briars (Kiwi) telling everyone that his fellow country woman Jenny Rose  supported the ITU draft plan when in fact she stated to other athletes afterward that she does not.  All credit to Karen though. She used her right to speak, attended the Congress and gave her views.<< Yes she did and according to Karen’s husband, Mc Donald walked out of the room when Karen got up to speak. So much for free speech, democracy and comrade Les. There has been a Congress in conjunction with every World

Championshipsince 1989. Tri Fed elected its delegates over 4 months before the Congress. Every triathlon NGB is notified two years in advance and constantly reminded about the deadlines for submission of resolutions. Again, hardly a "secret" meeting with 108 countries officially invited. In fact, 1/2 day of Tri Feds last board meeting was taken up by debate on the resolutions to Congress. Tri Fed USA was one of the few countries whose leadership voted against the continuation of the drafting experiment at the 11 ITU World Cup races for elite athletes only. Athlete representatives to the ITU are nominated by their countries at the Congress and elected from the floor by all 108 countries.<< Who elected Mark Sisson to represent the USA?  And how can you SZAG claim to represent the USA at Tri-Fed? Sisson and yourself represent the elite and that of the ITU. What voice do the people have in this democratic process?

Response:

 [..Of Karen Smyers' objections to drafting at the ITU Congress ..]     Indeed she did. She was invited to speak before the Congress, and she did   so most eloquently with a well prepared, well written speech. However,   there were a lot of pros there from other countries (and the US) who Karen   has never met (a lot of them in the top 10) who did not agree with her   views and seriously resented her speaking "for" them. This is the first I’ve heard of this.  As there can only be a maximum of 20 top ten athletes (19 if we omit Karen) – of those that I’ve heard, all of them oppose draft legal races.  Welchy at one point supported draft legal races, but I’m not sure whether that was a PR thing for the Tooheys Blue series in Oz (some will say anything for a buck), and whether his comment covered the ITU series or even the Olympics.  So, please Scott, enlighten us about the top ten who opposed Karen’s view on drafting .  Explicitly, who (what kind) were they?  Do they have an office in Hong Kong (sorry, an Amex joke)? This is news to me. —   Paul Menon,   Dept of Computer Science,   Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology,   124 Latrobe Street,   Melbourne 3001,   Victoria, Australia. ph:     +61 3 660 3209/2348 ICBM:   lat 37^ 50′ long 145^ 0′E fax:    +61 3 662 1617 WWW:    http://www.cs.rmit.edu.au/people/TSG/pnm.html

Response:

I heard a rumor that Les MacDonald is adamant about having drafting-legal races in the Olympics.  Supposedly Karen Smyers heard about a meeting concerning the Olympics, showed up and gave an impromptu speech stating that most of the pros were against drafting-legal races.  Reportedly, Mr. MacDonald was upset about this, as he had not publicized the meeting to the athlete representatives, and collaborated with Tri-Fed to find new athlete representatives that support his views. Again – I caught wind of this through the grapevine and I don’t know how much of this is actually true, though it sounds likely to me.  SZAG, any comments? Todd Jensen                                   o AT&T Bell Labs              ___^o_    __o    <| Naperville, IL                      _ <_    _

Response:

Todd Jensen writes:   I caught wind of this through the grapevine and

I don’t know how much of this is actually true, though it sounds likely to me. Although I can’t add any details, I, too, heard about a Karen Smyers-Les McDonald match of wits in Wellington … Katy Williams (Baringo)

Response:

Todd Jensen writes:<<< I heard a rumor<<

How refreshing, a rumor about the ITU. that Les MacDonald is adamant about having drafting-legal

races in the Olympics.<< The ITU is run by democratic process with a structure where each of the 108 countries involved in triathlon has an equal vote. Most of the decisions that are made between Congresses are made by the Executive Board, again each member with an equal vote on drafting, World Cup sites, equality in prize money, doping control, etc…. The ITU Executive Board is comprised of; Phil Briars (NZ), Sarah Springman (GBR), Phil Coles (IOC member from Australia), Chiharu Igaya (IOC member from Japan), Brian Hinton (AUS), Didier Lehenaff (FRA), Mark Sisson (USA), Les McDonald (CAN) and I probably missed someone. Mr. Coles, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) member from Australia spoke strongly on behalf of the draft-legal format for the Olympic Games. It is my understanding that Mr. McDonald did not speak on the issue at all. Supposedly Karen Smyers heard about a meeting

concerning the Olympics<< She "heard" about it? This "meeting" was the ITU Congress which is the annual meeting for representatives from every country to come together and debate and vote on the direction the sport will take from the International perspective in the coming year. Again 108 countries, 108 votes. showed up and gave an impromptu speech stating

that most of the pros were against drafting-legal races.<< Indeed she did. She was invited to speak before the Congress, and she did so most eloquently with a well prepared, well written speech. However, there were a lot of pros there from other countries (and the US) who Karen has never met (a lot of them in the top 10) who did not agree with her views and seriously resented her speaking "for" them. All credit to Karen though. She used her right to speak, attended the Congress and gave her views. Reportedly, Mr. McDonald was upset about this, as he had not publicized

the meeting to the athlete representatives<< There has been a Congress in conjunction with every World Championship since 1989. Tri Fed elected its delegates over 4 months before the Congress. Every triathlon NGB is notified two years in advance and constantly reminded about the deadlines for submission of resolutions. Again, hardly a "secret" meeting with 108 countries officially invited. In fact, 1/2 day of Tri Feds last board meeting was taken up by debate on the resolutions to Congress. and collaborated with Tri-Fed to find new

athlete representatives that support his views<<. Tri Fed USA was one of the few countries whose leadership voted against the continuation of the drafting experiment at the 11 ITU World Cup races for elite athletes only. Athlete representatives to the ITU are nominated by their countries at the Congress and elected from the floor by all 108 countries. Scott Zagarino

Response:

Question:

Great interview in Triathlete this month with Mark Allen, Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, and Dave Scott.  They’re all together in Boulder. Read it. They do a fair amount of complaining about ITU, TriFEd/USA, and the Pro organization. My Reaction:  Ok men, what are *you* doing to fix things.  Stating               opinions in an interview don’t cut it.  Are any of you               taking leadership roles in any of these organzations?               Wouldn’t it be nice to see some of these guys on the               TriFed board? — LSC (aka Larry Chapman)    (303) 229-3117

Response:

[stuff on Tinley, Molina, etc. interview deleted] Unfortunately that seems a common tendency.  Complain with the expectation that someone else will do the work of making the change. Sigh. Rolf Arands

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Great interview in Triathlete this month with Mark Allen, Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, and Dave Scott.  They’re all together in Boulder. Read it. They do a fair amount of complaining about ITU, TriFEd/USA, and the Pro organization. My Reaction:  Ok men, what are *you* doing to fix things.  Stating          opinions in an interview don’t cut it.  Are any of you          taking leadership roles in any of these organzations?          Wouldn’t it be nice to see some of these guys on the          TriFed board? — LSC (aka Larry Chapman)   (303) 229-3117

I agree – they seem to have a lot to say about what’s wrong with the sport, but nothing really worthwhile was reported about how to fix things or what they were doing to help the sport improve.  Of course, these things may have been editted from the article.   BTW, the pros at U.S Swim & Fitness were not leaving early, as Mark Allen implies.  I watched the start and the timer held back each person until it was their time to swim (individual pros started 15 seconds apart). Todd Jensen                                  o AT&T Bell Labs             ___^o_    __o    <| (708) 979-1254                     _ <_    

Response: