Question:

Hi all, Does anyone have a desoto transition bag?  I need something to carry wet towel, swimsuit, etc. in so I need something that lets clothing & shoes air out.  Also, I carry the bag around at work, so a full-mesh bag won’t do…some parts of my clothing I don’t want my co-workers to view:).  Any other alternatives to this one? Thanks, Keith

Response:

I think Speedo makes a workout back pack that is partially mesh.  You can also find a lot of gym bags with mesh pockets to store your wet stuff.  A few months ago I found a Nike duffle that had a rubber bottom with mesh sides.  Looked like it was specifically made for a swimmer or someone that did water sports.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, Does anyone have a desoto transition bag?  I need something to carry wet towel, swimsuit, etc. in so I need something that lets clothing & shoes air out.  Also, I carry the bag around at work, so a full-mesh bag won’t do…some parts of my clothing I don’t want my co-workers to view:).  Any other alternatives to this one? Thanks, Keith

Response:

Does anyone have a desoto transition bag?  I need something to carry wet towel, swimsuit, etc. in so I need something that lets clothing & shoes air out.  Also, I carry the bag around at work, so a full-mesh bag won’t do…some parts of my clothing I don’t want my co-workers to view:).  Any

Keith, I have tried many different bags over the years and the DeSoto Transition bag is by far the best, for exactly what you describe. Try one, you won’t be disapointed.                Steve Fredericks                Oceanside, CA

Response:

Hey Keith, Emilio De Soto here.  I designed this backpack specifically for everything you need for a race.  I even made the top so that your pump can stick out of it. Give me a call and I will talk you through all the little details of the Transition Pack. I also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee so if you are not completely stoked with it, send it back, no questions asked. To order call me at 858 453 6672 Emilio De Soto II www.desotosport.com     "The triathlon clothing company" www.tribuy.com               "Triathlon’s internet auction site " www.t1wetsuits.com       "Triathlon’s most innovative wetsuit" Email me for a De Soto Sport free catalog

Response:

Question:

Thanks Andy and Tim for you reply.  I have forwarded your message to my wife as she stays with her sister during this early stage of her recovery.  I’m sure it will make her feel better knowing the sucessful out come of each of you from an accident so similar to hers. Good luck.  Anthony Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While training for a triathlon about three weeks ago my wife had a terrible bike crash.  She ran off the edge of the pavement and fell over while attempting to return.  The force of the fall was concentrated on her hip and resulted in the head of her femur breaking through the hip socket (acetabulum).  The repair took 4 1/2 hours, two plates, 15 screws and 81 stitches.  She was clipped in and going about 15 mph.  We’ve only been into cycling and triathlons for about a year. Doctors expect her to walk in 3 – 6 months with full recovery in 9 to 12, but with long term increased chance of arthritis in the affected hip joint.  Too early to know how this will affect her interest in tri’s as she had just had her best event the week prior. Was wondering if any others know of similar accidents or was this a one in a zillion thing?  Comments and thoughts will be appreciated. Anthony Phillips

My injury is very different but probobly about equal in seriousness.  I had a compound fracture of the femur about halfway down the bone (and a few other assorted breaks).  I had a rod installed inside the femur from the hip to the knee with bolts at the hip and knee.  It’s been 14 months since the break. After 6 months the break was 95% healed and I got rid of the crutches.  My interest in triathlon wavered some at times but am now back in full.  I’m about 85% what I was before the accident as far as speed.  My endurance is 100%.  I get some unusual pains in my knee and hip some times and the leg aches can be bad at night.  I am confident that with continued proper training I will back to 100% and then some within the next year.  I would guess that if she returns to Triathlon running will be the toughest to regain ( it has been for me). Cycling was a great way for me to recover, I was using a stationary bike a full month before I was rid of the crutches.  I have known and known of people with much worse injurys than myself and your wife who have come back and done great things (Lance, Greg ect…).  Good luck in a speedy recovery hope I was of some help.   Feel free to e-mail. tim(dogspot1) buaidh no bas

Response:

Did you return to the same level of participation? Before you buy.

Response:

Did you return to the same level of participation?

As I mentioned, the only discernable permanent effect is a slight reduction in leg strength, undoubtly due to all the muscle damage and resulting scar formation (quite visible on MRI) that accompanied the two surgeries (one to put the hardware in, one a year later to take the hardware out). Even this is small, though – basically, I went from always being able to eke out one or two more knee extensions with a heavy weight with my dominant right leg before the injury, to being able to do one or two more with my left leg after the injury (+ recovery/rehabilitation). There was absolutely no measurable change in any other physiogical characteristic: VO2max, lactate threshold, steady-state cycling power, maximal power. Being strictly a cyclist, I don’t put a lot of stress on my joints, but after recovering from the injury I did dabble in duathlons and running for a couple of years, and was able to work my way up to running 60-70 miles/week and raced a 30k w/o any significant problems. That was probably about my limit, though, and I do occasionally suffer from toothache-like pain in that hip, esp. if I *haven’t* been exercising as much as I normally do. Your wife’s injury is not the same as mine, and everyone’s experience in terms of recovery is likely to be different. Nonetheless, based on what I know/heard/have read/experienced, I suspect that chronic joint pain/arthritis-like symptoms are more likely to be a limiting factor in the long run than any deficits in strength or muscle function. — Andy Coggan Before you buy.

Response:

Unfortunately, bicycle accidents do occasionally lead to broken hips…not nearly as common as broken collarbones, but I know of at least 6 people (including myself) who have suffered such an injury. In all of these cases, though, it was the femoral neck that fractured, not the acetabulum. From the sounds of it, her injury was more severe – for example, I was able to walk w/o crutches w/in a few weeks, and was back to cycling (indoors) in an even shorter period of time. OTOH, my understanding is that the most serious complication of a broken femoral neck is avascular necrosis (death of bone due to disrupted blood suppy), which occurs in a fairly small percentage of cases but requires total hip replacement. Since you didn’t mention this, I assume (but do not know) that this is not something associated with your wife’s injury. FWIW, the only long-term reminders I have of my accident (which happened 11 years ago, when I was 30) are a nice scar down the side of my thigh, and a very slight (<5%) strength deficit. I hope your wife’s recovery is just as uneventful. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While training for a triathlon about three weeks ago my wife had a terrible bike crash.  She ran off the edge of the pavement and fell over while attempting to return.  The force of the fall was concentrated on her hip and resulted in the head of her femur breaking through the hip socket (acetabulum).  The repair took 4 1/2 hours, two plates, 15 screws and 81 stitches.  She was clipped in and going about 15 mph.  We’ve only been into cycling and triathlons for about a year. Doctors expect her to walk in 3 – 6 months with full recovery in 9 to 12, but with long term increased chance of arthritis in the affected hip joint.  Too early to know how this will affect her interest in tri’s as she had just had her best event the week prior. Was wondering if any others know of similar accidents or was this a one in a zillion thing?  Comments and thoughts will be appreciated. Anthony Phillips Before you buy.

– Andy Coggan Before you buy.

Response:

While training for a triathlon about three weeks ago my wife had a terrible bike crash.  She ran off the edge of the pavement and fell over while attempting to return.  The force of the fall was concentrated on her hip and resulted in the head of her femur breaking through the hip socket (acetabulum).  The repair took 4 1/2 hours, two plates, 15 screws and 81 stitches.  She was clipped in and going about 15 mph.  We’ve only been into cycling and triathlons for about a year. Doctors expect her to walk in 3 – 6 months with full recovery in 9 to 12, but with long term increased chance of arthritis in the affected hip joint.  Too early to know how this will affect her interest in tri’s as she had just had her best event the week prior. Was wondering if any others know of similar accidents or was this a one in a zillion thing?  Comments and thoughts will be appreciated. Anthony Phillips Before you buy.

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Question:

So far every one has been right on. The whole event was GREAT! This was my first age group championship, and I had a fantastic time. Even though my time sucked. I sucked at nationals, so it was okay. We would be remiss if we didn’t also say thanks to the people of Saint Joseph. By closing their streets, we inconvienienced them and still they were out there cheering us on and volunteering to help. Volunteers can make or break a race, in this case they helped to make it a very pleasent experience. They blocked off the streets for us! And not with a bunch of college students in orange vests. They used BIG orange dump trucks to block the intersections! I even met Emilio De Soto while getting my race packet!  Congratulations on qualifying, Emilio!  Maybe one day, I will too. I have a few pictures and a race report on my web page.  The URL is http://members.home.net/kueffner/triathlon1.htm.  The web page has links to the race report and pictures (big, high-resolution pictures that take hours to download at 28.8). I only have one question: Whose idea was it to put aid station number two on the bike route in the middle of Highland Street hill?  8-) Jim Kueffner Master Engineer Applied Communications, Inc.

Response:

Good to meet you too Jim. The aid station on the uphill makes more sence that on flat ground or on the down hill.  Usually impossible to get a water bottle from a person standing still when going over 25 MPH! Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

Question:

Is anyone else having problems with the Results search on the Bolder Boulder site. I was able to access the top 2000 men and women and elite earlier today but now I get an error when trying to search. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web A running & triathlon resource site. http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html

Response:

They are getting hit very hard so there may be some delays in gettuing a connection.  They also appear to be having troubles getting the results on line.  They keep changing the time the searchable results should be available back by two hours.  Last year they took two to three weeks to get the results on line os at least they are making an effort to improve. Tom

: Is anyone else having problems with the Results search on the Bolder : Boulder site. : I was able to access the top 2000 men and women and elite earlier : today but now I get an error when trying to search. : Ken : Ken Parker : Runner’s Web : A running & triathlon resource site. : http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html

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Question:

USAT OFFICIALS CLINIC Anyone interested in becoming an official for the USA Triathlon federation please note: June 20     Springfield Ironhorse   USAT Officials Clinic This clinic will be held on Saturday June 20, in the mid afternoon. The clinic lasts about 3 hours, then you will work the race the next day as the clinic practicum.  This will allow you to gain some experience immediately after learning techniques etc.  After the clinic and race day practicum, you will be considered a CAT 4 official and will be ready to work 2 volunteer events to be on your way to being a certified CAT 3. As a CAT 3 official, you will be assigned and receive compensation for your efforts. If you are interested in attending this clinic, please let me know. You will receive materials from USAT for the clinic, but your lodging and travel are on your own. We hope to hear from you soon… the next clinics scheduled will be in July and August. Joyce Payne Regional Coordinator USAT Officials Progam Mideast Region Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan,Ohio

Response:

It’s that time of year again.  I enjoy reading about the wildlife you have encountered while riding. Yesterday I saw a Great Blue Heron, two Little Green Herons, a Bluebird, several red-shouldered hawks, miscellaneous black flying objects, one Was-Raccoon and a few groundhogs. Plus the usual wall-to-wall Holsteins to be expected in central Pennsylvania. Pretty good for just 26 miles. Ruth Kazez

Response:

It’s that time of year again.  I enjoy reading about the wildlife you have encountered while riding. Yesterday I saw a Great Blue Heron, two Little Green Herons, a Bluebird, several red-shouldered hawks, miscellaneous black flying objects, one Was-Raccoon and a few groundhogs. Plus the usual wall-to-wall Holsteins to be expected in central Pennsylvania. Pretty good for just 26 miles. Ruth Kazez

Last week, there was a pretty good sized rattlesnake slithering slowly across the bike path.  I was very careful to quietly and quickly pass behind it:).  I also normally see quite a few foxes and prairie dogs along with the occasional coyote.  My most frightening encounter was when I startled a bunch of geese who were just out of site behind a slight rise.  I thought I was about to get hit by a helicopter when they took off en mass. Chuck Berghoefer

Response:

Thought I would pass on an experience I had the other morning.  I usually do all my running in the early am, like between 4:30 and 6:00 am so it is pitch black when I start out.  After running about 4 miles in the darkness, feeling great, feeling light, there was this loud snort from the woods on my left, which are only 10 or so yards away from the road.  I about jumped out of my skin at the sound.  The heart monitor started beeping from the increase in my pulse from being so startled. Flight or fight I guess.  Saw the tail of the white tail deer bounding back into the blackness. On my bike rides I see lots of turkeys, the occasional deer (depending on the time of day), a few snakes here and there, and once even saw a small black wild pig when I was biking on St. Simons Island (Georgia coast) last year. It was right up on the shoulder of the road.  And of course the ever present vultures picking at the remains of the current road kill.   gil gilliland

Response:

It was November and I was working in Vermont. Went out at 6am in the darkness for a five mile run. Now when I say dark, I mean Vermont dark, meaning no street lights and not even any moon light. I was huffing along in a catatonic early morning trance when I nearly stepped on a skunk. I was barely able to make out it’s white stripe in the darkness. By the time I saw it, it was already stamping its feet and making menacing noises and gestures. I screamed and bolted through the nearest yard to get out of the way. At the time I saw it, I am guessing I was less than eight feet away from having a bath of skunk perfume. Sure woke me up. Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -It’s that time of year again.  I enjoy reading about the wildlife you have encountered while riding. Yesterday I saw a Great Blue Heron, two Little Green Herons, a Bluebird, several red-shouldered hawks, miscellaneous black flying objects, one Was-Raccoon and a few groundhogs. Plus the usual wall-to-wall Holsteins to be expected in central Pennsylvania. Pretty good for just 26 miles. Ruth Kazez

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Question:

Peter Reid wins two Ironman races goes like a rockjet at hawaii and still can’t make Canada’s Top spot. How can this be? Who outside the America’s has heard of the winners – How did they fair at ‘their’ worlds? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Triathlon Canada has announced their 1997 "Triathletes of the Year". Sharon Donnelly of Ottawa and Simon Whitfield of Kingston  were named "World Cup’" Triathletes of the Year.

Response:

Triathlon Canada has announced their 1997 "Triathletes of the Year". Sharon Donnelly of Ottawa and Simon Whitfield of Kingston  were named "World Cup’" Triathletes of the Year. The TRICAN site is at www.trican.org. Check under their "News" icon. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html

Response:

Peter Reid wins two Ironman races goes like a rockjet at hawaii and still can’t make Canada’s Top spot. How can this be?

SNIP Simon and Sharon were "world cup" triathletes of the year. Simon finished 9th in Perth, won Bakersfield and a stage in the France IronTour (not a World Cup event, but also short course). More info on Simon can be found on his homepage: http://www.teamchampion.com/athletes/simon/index.html   It is a pretty funny homepage as well (don’t forget to check ALL his photos), as is the man himself. Peter Reid and Heather Fuhr were triathletes of the year AND long course triathletes of the year. I don’t think anybody can or would like to dispute that. Sincerely, Gerard Vroomen, Cervelo Cycles website: http://www.cervelo.com

Response:

Peter Reid wins two Ironman races goes like a rockjet at hawaii and still can’t make Canada’s Top spot. How can this be? Who outside the America’s has heard of the winners – How did they fair at ‘their’ worlds? Triathlon Canada has announced their 1997 "Triathletes of the Year". Sharon Donnelly of Ottawa and Simon Whitfield of Kingston  were named "World Cup’" Triathletes of the Year.

Nick, Rest assured, Peter Reid is indeed, Canada’s outright triathlete of the Year and Heather Fuhr was named Canada’s top female triathlete. The World Cup Triathletes of the year were, as the post stated Sharon Donnelly and Simon Whitfield, for their achievements on the ITU world cup circut and at the ITU World Championships. Steve Fleck

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Question:

IP=Anyone   =interested in organizing an RST table or two at the Friday night carbo   =load banquet? IP=Sorry I didn’t see that second question sooner Don. IP=Yeah, that’d be a great idea. It’s a great banquet, with a whole variety   =of foods (not just the perogies that we see with most other races). Since   =most people are coming in on Tuesday, I think that a first meeting of   =R.S.T. either then or Wednesday will be key also. I was thinking maybe a   =certain time near the Giant Peach  for a bike ride or a run together. IP="Iron" Pete Priolo IP=Sub 10 hour IMC’97   =—Countdown: 33 days until D-Day!!! Pete,        I’m already on Rolf’s list.  I’ll send a note to the IMC people        inquiring about the feasibility of "reserving" some tables at the        carbo load party for the RST people and post the results.  I        think an R.S.T. meeting at the Giant Peach is a great idea also –        I’d like to do a group rideswimrun.  Keep us posted on this.                                                  Don Devenney —  * SLMR 2.1a * Of all the things I’ve lost…I miss my mind the most.

Response:

This serves as official notification to all RST’ers racing IMC that the 9:59 finishing time for me being circulated on the IMC mailing list was posted by an imposter.  Rumor has it was some guy who had a few too many beers one night several months back and halucinated that he might actually get back in top race shape!  My real goal/suggested finishing time is sometime on August 24th (i.e., before midnight). If I do somehow finish, we are still planning on having a "party" of some sorts on Monday prior to the Awards Banquet (assuming they have released me from the hospital by then). — The Noodle Marty Miller The Triathlete’s Web http://w3.one.net/~triweb/triweb.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just a thought for those in RST land who are going to IMC. Anyone interested in organizing an RST table or two at the Friday night carbo load banquet? I don’t know if its possible, but if there is interest I’d be game to look into it.                                         Don Devenney —  * SLMR 2.1a * I pressed on, taking fresh trouble for granted

Response:

: This serves as official notification to all RST’ers racing IMC that the : 9:59 finishing time for me being circulated on the IMC mailing list was : posted by an imposter.  Rumor has it was some guy who had a few too many : beers one night several months back and halucinated that he might actually : get back in top race shape!  My real goal/suggested finishing time is : sometime on August 24th (i.e., before midnight). Must be the same imposter who thought I could go under 12:30…   Well, considering my avg bike miles/week graph has sloped down all summer more than the back side of Richter…  ;-)  I now honestly will finish between 11:59 and 17:00….I really have no idea what to expect… : If I do somehow finish, we are still planning on having a "party" of some : sorts on Monday prior to the Awards Banquet (assuming they have released me : from the hospital by then). Ok…who else called their insurance to make sure it’s valid in Canada?  ;-) — Jason Mayfield, Arlington VA Persist, Persevere, Deny, Pursue, Pain, Survive, Ignore, Endure, Strive, Laugh, Cry, Live, Prevail, Scream, Sweat, Bleed, Sustain, Learn, Ascend, Give, Get, GO!   30 Days Until Ironman Canada ‘97

Response:

Don quoted: Just a thought for those in RST land who are going to IMC. Anyone interested in organizing an RST table or two at the Friday night carbo load banquet? I don’t know if its possible, but if there is interest I’d be game to look into it.                                        Don Devenney

Don:      IronMac Rolf has a comprehensive list of people who are going to the IMC this year, complete with the hotels they are staying and the goals they are trying to accomplish. Although he is not available at this moment be placed on the list. I’m sure he’ll be happy to accomodate you. The soonest he can reply to you is next Sunday though. "Iron" Pete Priolo Sub 10 hour IMC’97 —Countdown: 33 days until D-Day!!!

Response:

Just a thought for those in RST land who are going to IMC. Anyone interested in organizing an RST table or two at the Friday night carbo load banquet? I don’t know if its possible, but if there is interest I’d be game to look into it.                                         Don Devenney —  * SLMR 2.1a * I pressed on, taking fresh trouble for granted

Response:

Anyone interested in organizing an RST table or two at the Friday night carbo load banquet?

Sorry I didn’t see that second question sooner Don. Yeah, that’d be a great idea. It’s a great banquet, with a whole variety of foods (not just the perogies that we see with most other races). Since most people are coming in on Tuesday, I think that a first meeting of R.S.T. either then or Wednesday will be key also. I was thinking maybe a certain time near the Giant Peach  for a bike ride or a run together. "Iron" Pete Priolo Sub 10 hour IMC’97 —Countdown: 33 days until D-Day!!!

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Question:

Hi there,   I live in Alberta and planning on having a competing summer vacation.   So to speak.  And I was wondering if anyone out there knows of any triathlons this summer between say last week of June and first couple of weeks of July.  Or even say last week of Auguest.  Heck I would be most appreciated of a schedule for BC or even in Washington(state), Montana or Oregon.  I would appreciate any help.  Thanks Daniel

Response:

DA=Hi there,   =  I live in Alberta and planning on having a competing summer vacation.   =So to speak.  And I was wondering if anyone out there knows of any   =triathlons this summer between say last week of June and first couple of   =weeks of July.  Or even say last week of Auguest.  Heck I would be most   =appreciated of a schedule for BC or even in Washington(state), Montana or   =Oregon.  I would appreciate any help.  Thanks Daniel Don’t miss the Sri Chinmoy Triathlon in Victoria on the August long weekend.  Its Canada’s oldest triathlon, and has a 1.6k lake swim, 35k ride over rolling hills and a great 10k trail run.  Plus, the volunteers and organization are excellent. My favourite race.                                                         Don Devenney —  * SLMR 2.1a * I’m in shape … round’s a shape isn’t it?

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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

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: 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      *//|\     /   /    *                                                      ///|\ *      \                                                   |       *  // *                                                                         \                                                                            \                                                        

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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)    + +                                                       +

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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

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Question:

Please help, I went out for a long bike and short run on sunday and since monday the pain in my left calf has continued to get worse. It seems to be fine after I walk around and while I haven’t been running on it, I did swim and biked some yesterday. This morning it’s painful to walk on and so the questions are: can I continue to swim and how about the bike? why don’t I feel any localized spot of pain? (the whole calf seems to be stiff and sore) what’s the recovery time? I guess I’ll just use the ol RICE method of treatment? I wanted so much to do the New England Endurance Triathlon which is in 17 days. Can I get it healed by then? Is there anything like a perpetual cramp or did I just blow out the whole muscle? Thanks for whatever advise you can give. chris Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to die. —            EVERYONE DIES, BUT NOT EVERYONE LIVES

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Good luck with the sore calf. I have had problems with both legs during the past two years. Best advise I can give is to take it very easy on the run. Use your swimming and biking to stay in shape. You may be able to race. Two potential problems that I have experienced. Strained calf muscle took a six week layoff to heal. Periostitis in left calf has not responded to similar treatment. When rest fails, go see a good sport Dr. Good luck – Hope you feel better. Calves can be a pain!

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