Question:

Can you provide Specific References to back up your Claims? I think I’ve read a Number of the Studies you seem to be Referring to, and wouldn’t Draw the same Conclusions. Andrew Coggan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Glutamine (5 – 10 grams per day) helps to prevent Bacterial & Viral Diseases (especially in persons who experience Glutamine depletion as a result of excessive Exercise or Endurance Exercise) [scientific research - humans]: Glutamine counteracts the Acidosis (Lactic Acidosis resulting from Lactic Acid production) that often occurs as a result of strenuous Exercise. Glutamine can prevent the breakdown of Proteins within the Muscles (i.e. it can prevent catabolism) during and after intensive Exercise. Glutamine counteracts the loss of Muscle mass that often occurs after strenuous Exercise. When excessive quantities of Lactic Acid are produced as a result of strenuous Exercise (resulting in Lactic Acidosis), Glutamine is catabolized from the Muscles and transferred to the bloodstream where it is utilized in the detoxification of Lactic Acid – supplemental Glutamine therefore "spares" the body’s existing Glutamine reserves in the Muscles [scientific research]. Intensive Exercise causes the depletion of Glutamine from the Muscles, Liver and Blood Plasma [scientific research - rats:  after being forced to run to exhaustion on a treadmill, Muscle Glutamine levels declined by 19% and Liver Glutamine levels declined by 43%] [scientific research - humans:  elite soldiers who participated in intensive twice-daily workouts for 10 days exhibited a 50% reduction in plasma Glutamine levels accompanied by significant decreases in performance;  plasma Glutamine levels did not return to normal until the soldiers received 6 days of rest]. Glutamine counteracts the suppression of the Immune System that occurs in people who undertake Endurance Exercise [scientific research]. Glutamine stimulates the synthesis of endogenous Proteins within the Muscles, thereby facilitating Muscle Growth (i.e. it is anabolic) [scientific research - Intracellular Glutamine concentration within the Muscles has been found to correlate with Skeletal Muscle endogenous Protein synthesis].  Glutamine concentrates in the Muscles (it comprises 10.4 mg per 100 grams of total Muscle weight and comprises 50% of the total free Amino Acid content of Muscles) [scientific research]. Exercise causes depletion of the body’s Glutamine reserves (a single bout of non- intensive Exercise can cause a 45% reduction in plasma Glutamine compared to pre-Exercise plasma Glutamine levels) [scientific research - humans]: Endurance Exercise causes severe depletion of the body’s Glutamine reserves (a single bout of Endurance Exercise can cause a 50% reduction in plasma Glutamine for up to 6 days compared to pre-Exercise plasma Glutamine levels) [scientific research - humans].  Dosage Recommendations Exercise: 2,000 mg This dosage increases plasma Glutamine levels by 19% in people who undertake intensive Exercise, thereby restoring Glutamine levels to normal ranges. Endurance Exercise: 5,000 – 10,000 mg This is the dosage required to prevent suppression of the Immune System in people who participate in Endurance Exercise. Hi I will keep this brief everyone but I would like it if you c ould reply to this msg.  I am a young triathlete and was wondering about your experiences with either glutamine or creatine, do they work?  Is it worth the risk?  etc.. thanks for your time Alex

Response:

 Glutamine (5 – 10 grams per day) helps to prevent Bacterial & Viral Diseases (especially in persons who experience Glutamine depletion as a result of excessive Exercise or Endurance Exercise) [scientific research - humans]: Glutamine counteracts the Acidosis (Lactic Acidosis resulting from Lactic Acid production) that often occurs as a result of strenuous Exercise. Glutamine can prevent the breakdown of Proteins within the Muscles (i.e. it can prevent catabolism) during and after intensive Exercise. Glutamine counteracts the loss of Muscle mass that often occurs after strenuous Exercise. When excessive quantities of Lactic Acid are produced as a result of strenuous Exercise (resulting in Lactic Acidosis), Glutamine is catabolized from the Muscles and transferred to the bloodstream where it is utilized in the detoxification of Lactic Acid – supplemental Glutamine therefore "spares" the body’s existing Glutamine reserves in the Muscles [scientific research]. Intensive Exercise causes the depletion of Glutamine from the Muscles, Liver and Blood Plasma [scientific research - rats:  after being forced to run to exhaustion on a treadmill, Muscle Glutamine levels declined by 19% and Liver Glutamine levels declined by 43%] [scientific research - humans:  elite soldiers who participated in intensive twice-daily workouts for 10 days exhibited a 50% reduction in plasma Glutamine levels accompanied by significant decreases in performance;  plasma Glutamine levels did not return to normal until the soldiers received 6 days of rest]. Glutamine counteracts the suppression of the Immune System that occurs in people who undertake Endurance Exercise [scientific research]. Glutamine stimulates the synthesis of endogenous Proteins within the Muscles, thereby facilitating Muscle Growth (i.e. it is anabolic) [scientific research - Intracellular Glutamine concentration within the Muscles has been found to correlate with Skeletal Muscle endogenous Protein synthesis].  Glutamine concentrates in the Muscles (it comprises 10.4 mg per 100 grams of total Muscle weight and comprises 50% of the total free Amino Acid content of Muscles) [scientific research]. Exercise causes depletion of the body’s Glutamine reserves (a single bout of non- intensive Exercise can cause a 45% reduction in plasma Glutamine compared to pre-Exercise plasma Glutamine levels) [scientific research - humans]: Endurance Exercise causes severe depletion of the body’s Glutamine reserves (a single bout of Endurance Exercise can cause a 50% reduction in plasma Glutamine for up to 6 days compared to pre-Exercise plasma Glutamine levels) [scientific research - humans].  Dosage Recommendations Exercise: 2,000 mg This dosage increases plasma Glutamine levels by 19% in people who undertake intensive Exercise, thereby restoring Glutamine levels to normal ranges. Endurance Exercise: 5,000 – 10,000 mg This is the dosage required to prevent suppression of the Immune System in people who participate in Endurance Exercise.

Hi I will keep this brief everyone but I would like it if you c ould reply to this msg.  I am a young triathlete and was wondering about your experiences with either glutamine or creatine, do they work?  Is it worth the risk?  etc.. thanks for your time Alex

Response:

Question:

Hi all! I just did my second Danskin Tri last weekend and decided I would definately get a wetsuit for next year (and possibly other tris and lake swimminng as the temps cool down). Can anyone recommend where I can rent some to see what fits best before I invest? Also, I was thinking the sleeveless types would be the way to go since I’m trying to keep my torso warm and my legs bouyant. Any thoughts on that? Thanks in advance! Laura

Response:

Not only do we sell Quintana Roo and Ironman Wetsuits but we also have a rental program for a limited number of Ironman Elite Longjohns and Elite Fullsuits. We do this through mail order. You pay a rental fee plus shipping. If you decide to purchase a new suit, you can apply the rental fee to the cost of a new suit. Complete information on our website at http://Tri-Specialties.com Thanks, Diane Tarver 318-625-4214 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all! I just did my second Danskin Tri last weekend and decided I would definately get a wetsuit for next year (and possibly other tris and lake swimminng as the temps cool down). Can anyone recommend where I can rent some to see what fits best before I invest? Also, I was thinking the sleeveless types would be the way to go since I’m trying to keep my torso warm and my legs bouyant. Any thoughts on that? Thanks in advance! Laura

Response:

Hi all! I just did my second Danskin Tri last weekend and decided I would definately get a wetsuit for next year (and possibly other tris and lake swimminng as the temps cool down). Can anyone recommend where I can rent some to see what fits best before I invest? Also, I was thinking the sleeveless types would be the way to go since I’m trying to keep my torso warm and my legs bouyant. Any thoughts on that? Thanks in advance! Laura There are only a few places in the area that sell triathlon wetsuits,

and I don’t know if any rent them.  You could try Super Jock and Jill by Green Lake and Montlake Bicycle Shop in Kirkland.  Sammamish Valley Cycle used to do alot of tri stuff, but I think they got out of it and no longer have any wetsuits; but, you could give them a try (tri?), too. Richard Ling Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Hi Laura: I just did my 2nd race at Danskin too, and this year I did have a wetsuit.  It made a tremendous difference to me.  I know that R&E Cycles sells Ironman suits (no rentals).  I ended up buying a Promotion suit from Hoodriver, OR.  I am very happy with it.  No chafing anywhere and easy to get in and out of.  It was a little less $ than the QR or Ironman suits.  If you buy one of theirs, they will let you exchange as many times as you need to get the size right, however no money back if it’s been worn (tags off).  It was kind of a risk, but one that I am satisfied with.  Their website is "www.wetsuit.com" I think.  Good luck! Kasia Wilson Bothell, WA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all! I just did my second Danskin Tri last weekend and decided I would definately get a wetsuit for next year (and possibly other tris and lake swimminng as the temps cool down). Can anyone recommend where I can rent some to see what fits best before I invest? Also, I was thinking the sleeveless types would be the way to go since I’m trying to keep my torso warm and my legs bouyant. Any thoughts on that? Thanks in advance! Laura There are only a few places in the area that sell triathlon wetsuits, and I don’t know if any rent them.  You could try Super Jock and Jill by Green Lake and Montlake Bicycle Shop in Kirkland.  Sammamish Valley Cycle used to do alot of tri stuff, but I think they got out of it and no longer have any wetsuits; but, you could give them a try (tri?), too. Richard Ling Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Question:

I am coming back from a long layoff – /SNIP/ Is it realistic to shoot for a November marathon?  It would be my second. My only question would be why the rush? /SNIP/

Possible answers: 1) Why not? 2) Because it’s there. 3) Maybe it is because I want to be a runner not a jogger —  ;^)  – in which case I will want to hurry back and pick up the pace too — and hurl a lot while training. 4) Maybe it’s because I feel fat, lazy, and out of shape after so much time off the road… but I think it is really because … 5) … this Sunday I will not be doing the triathlon I usually do in August and I am really unhappy about missing that.  Mike, you at least can appreciate that for a reason! Your background suggests that you can probably finish it in 4:00 IF you stay injury free in training. Big IF. The temptation will be to push it and that can lead to re-injury.

Yup. Sam.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My only question would be why the rush? /SNIP/ Possible answers: 1) Why not? 2) Because it’s there. 3) Maybe it is because I want to be a runner not a jogger —  ;^)  – in which case I will want to hurry back and pick up the pace too — and hurl a lot while training. 4) Maybe it’s because I feel fat, lazy, and out of shape after so much time off the road… but I think it is really because … 5) … this Sunday I will not be doing the triathlon I usually do in August and I am really unhappy about missing that.  Mike, you at least can appreciate that for a reason!

That’s for sure. I asked the question deliberately, hoping that it’d make you think a minute about why you picked that goal. It’s always good to have it clear in our minds why we want to do something difficult. One of the best pieces of advice I got last year was to sit down and really think about the reason I was doing an Ironman. The *REAL* reason, not the one I was telling friends and acquaintances. The inner, personal, only-I-really-know reason.  My friend said that was important, because there comes a time in an IM when you want to quit. If your reason is shallow or not important to you personally, you probably won’t go on. It was good advice for the IM and is good advice for a marathon. Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" Ironman Canada ‘98 16:17:03 Great Floridian ‘99, 15:??:??

Response:

I am coming back from a long layoff — about six weeks of virtually no running.  I started back a week ago, logged twenty this past week but longest was only about 4.5 miles. Is it realistic to shoot for a November marathon?  It would be my second.

My only question would be why the rush? It’s nice to have goals when coming back, but that’s a pretty big step in a relatively short time. Your background suggests that you can probably finish it in 4:00 IF you stay injury free in training. Big IF.  The temptation will be to push it and that can lead to re-injury. I’d urge caution and be completely open to backing out at any time. There are always other races. Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" Ironman Canada ‘98 16:17:03 Great Floridian ‘99, 15:??:??

Response:

Depends on a couple of things including your prior conditioning – if you were logging some decent mileage prior to the layoff, it will be easier to get back there than if its been a long time since you’ve run mileage.  I’m no expert but I like my training program (going for my 4th marathon in Nov also) and have found getting the weekly long runs to be most important.  I ran 10 miles yesterday for my long run and over the next several weeks will build to 12, 14, 16, 14, 18, 20, etc.  I’d say the question would be could you see yourself getting back to 12 to 16 miles for a long run within a month or so and then building from there.  Given a long run of 4.5 miles now, I’d say a personal best probably isn’t realistic but finishing might be. Doug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am coming back from a long layoff — about six weeks of virtually no running.  I started back a week ago, logged twenty this past week but longest was only about 4.5 miles. Is it realistic to shoot for a November marathon?  It would be my second. I’m familiar with Galloway, etc and understand the need to build the long run back quickly, but I want to avoid injury.  Marathon time is less critical than training injury free and finishing — I would be happy with a four hour finish. Key stats:  age 38, male, runner for five years, pre-layoff mileage 20-30 miles per week, average pre-layoff race pace in the seven plus minute range over distances from 10k to half marathon. Suggestions appreciated. Sam.

Response:

I am coming back from a long layoff — about six weeks of virtually no running.  I started back a week ago, logged twenty this past week but longest was only about 4.5 miles. Is it realistic to shoot for a November marathon?  It would be my second. I’m familiar with Galloway, etc and understand the need to build the long run back quickly, but I want to avoid injury.  Marathon time is less critical than training injury free and finishing — I would be happy with a four hour finish. Key stats:  age 38, male, runner for five years, pre-layoff mileage 20-30 miles per week, average pre-layoff race pace in the seven plus minute range over distances from 10k to half marathon. Suggestions appreciated. Sam.

Response:

SNIP Key stats:  age 38, male, runner for five years, pre-layoff mileage 20-30 miles per week, average pre-layoff race pace in the seven plus minute range over distances from 10k to half marathon.

        You sound much like myself (Im just a bit older tho ). My weekly mileage was         also a little more buour race pace is in the same range.         I am also coming back from a layoff and ad a scheduled 1/2 marathon end of October.         I still plan on running it, only my goals have changed. I do want to just finish         and am wondering about what my long runs will look/feel like prior to the race.         I am most likely going to subscribe to the run/ walk (gasp) methodology.

Response:

Question:

    Its a little easier running first then cycling…a fellow I used to train and compete with in duathlons  always hated the final run, saying after you get off of your bike everything seems in slow motion… Not to mention the "squirrelly" or "lead" foot analogy made in other posts.            Give it a try though…I was a cyclist only until challenged by my friend mentioned above..and I  learned to really love the transition.

Response:

should I jump off my bike and go running or am I gonna end up killing myself?

I doubt you will die . If you are going from a easy ride to a run you should be fine. If you have been hammering on the bike you may find that your legs don’t cooperate, you may get cramps, your legs might feel like lead (or bricks). Just keep running the feeling will go away in a little bit. YMMV. Cheers, Sanjay

Response:

You’ll find out soon enough . . — Ivo

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,  I have just started cycling to work (16 miles a day) I normally go for my run when I get infrom work (2 – 5 miles) should I jump off my bike and go running or am I gonna end up killing myself? Im not super fit but I want to be (hence the cycling to work) and hope to do my first marathon next year

Response:

Triathletes do this kind of training regulary to prepare themselves for the bike run transition. Your legs might feel squirrely in the beginning of the run, but then you should be okay. If you add swimming to the routine you would be prepared to do your first triathlon. Johanna "forever young" Young

Response:

Jsoul, I liked your analogy about "feel squirrelly" because it reminded me of when I first started motorcycle riding.  It was really weird to get back into a car and try to drive right afterwards. I tried to train for the Bix 7 by riding a bicycle but I should have run more.  My mistake.  Someone looked up my numbers for the Bix 7 and said I was in the upper 70%.  Good grief that means I was in the lower 30%.  Ugh. I hope I do better next year. Roger – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Triathletes do this kind of training regulary to prepare themselves for the bike run transition. Your legs might feel squirrely in the beginning of the run, but then you should be okay. If you add swimming to the routine you would be prepared to do your first triathlon. Johanna "forever young" Young

Response:

Hi,  I have just started cycling to work (16 miles a day) I normally go for my run when I get infrom work (2 – 5 miles) should I jump off my bike and go running or am I gonna end up killing myself? Im not super fit but I want to be (hence the cycling to work) and hope to do my first marathon next year

Response:

Question:

Hi, I’ve decided to compete in the Great Floridian ‘99 while the only biking I do is on a mountain bike. I need to buy a road or tri bike.

Are we to understand from this that you’ve never done a triathlon before? I need advices for: 1) what type I should buy (roadie modified for tri, or tri) 2) what… brand?… type?… would be a good guess for a really affordable price. I’d rather get a second-hand one, in particular because I need this bike only to prepare and run this race; besides that I would go off-road. And I don’t care about doing the best time I could do, I just want "ok" equipment. 3) What are the main specificities I should concentrate on when purchasing a bike.

I don’t want to sound "elitist" (god knows that’s a dirty word around here!), but, are you sure you want to tackle the Great Floridian with as little experience as you apparently have?  Don’t get me wrong, I admire your courage, but it just doesn’t seem wise when you have such basic equipment questions (nothing wrong with that) that you’re looking to tackle the Ultra distance off the bat.  But it sounds like you’re looking at this as a one-time shot, your primary interest being mountain biking, so OK, here goes: Go to your local bike shop and ask lots of questions.  If you’re an avid mountain biker, you must have a pretty decent shop that you use.  They should be able to advise you on sizing.  The key thing is fit.  For your purposes, a basic solid road bike will be fine; just make sure it fits. You don’t need to be too picky about brand names, just about size.  A road frame is gonna be cheaper than a pure tri rig.  And as a mountain biker, you already know that Shimano equipment is good stuff, so look for that. In road componentry you probably want at least Shimano 105 gruppo stuff. Then go to rec.bicycles.marketplace and see what’s for sale.  You can get good deals there. Good luck— — Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

Response:

for: 1) what type I should buy (roadie modified for tri, or tri) 2) what… brand?… type?… would be a good guess for a really affordable price. I’d rather get a second-hand one, in particular because I need this bike only to prepare and run this race; besides that I would go off-road. And I don’t care about doing the best time I could do, I just want "ok" equipment. 3) What are the main specificities I should concentrate on when purchasing a bike.

OK, since you said ‘affordable’ I guess as the biggest cheapskate here I suppose I should weigh in.  What are your goals here?  To finish, or to be competitive, and do your training times, compared to the results from the same race last year, indicate those goals are realistic.  What you hope to accomplish will determint how much to spend.  The previous suggestions of newsgroups and the local bike shop, as well as the local classifieds are a good idea.  If you want to build up your own bike REALLY cheap, there are two additional sources, depending on how much time you have.   Check out local police departments for auctions of recovered stolen property.  Often stolen bikes get damaged before they’re recovered, andthey will go for a song.  Three $20 wrecked road bikes (not the Huffys from KMart) from a police auction will usually yield all the parts for one complete one.  The key, as mentioned before, is to get a sound frame that fits you.  Also check out garage sales and estate sales.  Some local bike shops will have a basement with huge bins of discarded parts they will let you rummage through and get components, or missing parts of components, for a few bucks.  Hint: the messier the shop, the more likely the basement is a treasure trove. How good a bike you end up with this way is a function of the time and effort you expend.  If you do well and decide to continue in triathlon, then this newsgroup is an excellent source for upgrades.  I’ve done quite well here in that regard.  You should also, in asking this question, mention your gepographic region – it helps people point out opportunities.  For instance, if you live anywhere near the OH-PA border, Nashbar has an outlet store where everything that gets returned for any reason and discontinued stuff is sold very cheap.  I imagine people in other regions know of similar regional money saving opportunities.

Response:

Hi, I’ve decided to compete in the Great Floridian ‘99 while the only biking I do is on a mountain bike. I need to buy a road or tri bike. I need advices for: 1) what type I should buy (roadie modified for tri, or tri) 2) what… brand?… type?… would be a good guess for a really affordable price. I’d rather get a second-hand one, in particular because I need this bike only to prepare and run this race; besides that I would go off-road. And I don’t care about doing the best time I could do, I just want "ok" equipment. 3) What are the main specificities I should concentrate on when purchasing a bike. Thank you very much, — Francois (Washington DC)

Response:

Hi, I’ve decided to compete in the Great Floridian ‘99 while the only biking I do is on a mountain bike. I need to buy a road or tri bike. I need advices for: 1) what type I should buy (roadie modified for tri, or tri) 2) what… brand?… type?… would be a good guess for a really affordable price. I’d rather get a second-hand one, in particular because I need this bike only to prepare and run this race; besides that I would go off-road. And I don’t care about doing the best time I could do, I just want "ok" equipment. 3) What are the main specificities I should concentrate on when purchasing a bike. Thank you very much, — Francois (Washington DC)

The best advice that I can give is to make sure the bike fits you.  Go used if you can.  See if the LBS has any postings of customer’s used bikes that you could get a good deal on.  There are a lot of considerations when purchasing a used bike such as cracks on the frame, worn tires, etc.  So, it’s off to the LBS to get sized, see what they have new, and then possibly on consignment.  Work with the LBS, and they’ll generally be loyal in return.  Good luck. Paul Mulvey

Response:

Question:

Are there any coaches specializing in Tri training in Long Island.  Any Tri clubs anyone  knows about ?

Response:

You can give Steve Tarpinian a shot – Based on Long Island, Steve provides excellent triathlon and swimming personal training and personal coaching either in person, via email or in most cases both.  Steve authored the The Essential Swimmer book and the Swim Power videos.  He runs multisport clinics with cyclist John Howard and others. check out his web site at www.swimpower.com Disclaimer – I swim with Steve and have taken his clinic.  He was one of the founders of the Masters team that I now swim competitively with (Long Island Aquatics Club Masters). This past June I created an extensive website that is pretty much the only on-line triathlon (and Masters Swimming) resource on Long Island, though it is really focused on swimming now that tri season is over.  I have a lot of race reports and results from the 98 season and I also have a spitload of pictures posted and more to come from many of these events.   In addition to a weekly newsletter, I think that I have the most comprehensive Multisport race calendar for the duration of the summer season, though I haven’t been up on the local running events this fall. Check it out at: http://pages.prodigy.net/3rplus1/LIACMasters.html and drop me a line through the website if you want to know more. Rich Barkan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any coaches specializing in Tri training in Long Island.  Any Tri clubs anyone  knows about ?

Response:

Question:

Tricia, Great post. I have no problem with TRAINING in foul weather. If you live in Canada, it goes with the territory. Builds chararcter, they say. And a bit of fitness too Witness the recent results of Canadians Heather Fuhr(OK she lives in So Cal now but lived for years in Edmonton), Lori Bowden, Melissa Spooner, Mark Bates and Peter Reid. Racing though is a completely different game, particularly for a triathlon. Duathlon is not so bad because you don’t have to bother with triple whammy of being wet, cold and naked. As for the conditions at IMC last year, Ironically, those would have to termed almost ideal conditions – 15C to 17C, overcast, on and off rain. Times were fast, particularly on the run and I was informed by someone working in the medical tent that they had the lowest number of people admitted into the tent in recent years after the race, despite the record number of entries. Believe it ot not the medical team is praying for similar conditions this year. Don’t bet on it. Typical IMC conditions are sunny, and warm(25C to 35C). Steve Fleck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Amen to that, Brother!  And again I say AMEN! This is something I’ve really been struggling with this year.  Old Man Winter, courtesy of El Nino, is STILL hanging around these parts—California, early June, and it’s STILL raining.  Worse than the rain is the omnipresent and impenetrable cloud cover.  It seems that Seattle has moved south and set up housekeeping here. So what does that have to do with racing and getting cold?  I’m getting to that! Wildflower was just plain ugly.  My mental state was, to say the least, abysmal, due 100% to the weather.  I have come to the conclusion that I HATE HATE HATE racing in dark, cold, wet conditions, and that is exactly what we got at Wildflower.  Then, two weeks later at South Bay, the weather was still ridiculously cold and the sun barely made it out in time to warm us all up for the run and the post-race party.   It seems that we will never see the sun again, never get to race in pleasant conditions where you can set up a transition spot without having to fret over how much warm clothing to struggle into for the bike. I gotta tell you, this weather thing has had a scary effect on my attitude.  I never before realized how closely my love of this sport is linked to the fact that it’s something I usually do under sunny blue skies.  When the weather’s bad, it just leeches the enjoyment right out of it for me. I had to race at Canada under dark, gloomy, wet skies.  Had to race at Wildflower under dark, gloomy, wet skies.  Had to race at South Bay under chilly conditions and clouds that finally did break up later in the morning.  I’ve had ENOUGH! Sun, please come back!  El Nino, get the hell outta here! Aaaaigighghghgh! (in case you did not recognize it, that was a cry of despair) *sigh* Next race is in 3 weeks at San Jose.  If the sun is not out that day I swear I will do something desperate, like, like…. oh, I don’t know what, but it’ll be desperate! This REALLY sucks. Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It seems that we will never see the sun again, never get to race in pleasant conditions where you can set up a transition spot without having to fret over how much warm clothing to struggle into for the bike. I gotta tell you, this weather thing has had a scary effect on my attitude.  I never before realized how closely my love of this sport is linked to the fact that it’s something I usually do under sunny blue skies.  When the weather’s bad, it just leeches the enjoyment right out of it for me. I had to race at Canada under dark, gloomy, wet skies.  Had to race at Wildflower under dark, gloomy, wet skies.  Had to race at South Bay under chilly conditions and clouds that finally did break up later in the morning.  I’ve had ENOUGH!

I have raced 6 times this year and it rained on me twice and threatened at 3 others.  The water has been freezing at every race and my feet have stayed numb until the 2nd mile of the run.  This is not the weather I am paying for.  I can only hope that things will be back to normal by Vineman. Gary McMurtrey Inland Inferno Triathlon Club http://members.aol.com/infernotri/home.htm

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Tomorrow morning it’s supposed to be 41 degrees F at the start of my race in Mt. Sterling, Ohio.  Thank god there was a choice between doing a tri or duathlon and that I wisely chose the latter unlike the 200 unfortunate souls that will be doing the swim tomorrow. Question:  What is the coldest air temperature any of you have done a tri swim in?  I know you can wear a wet suit but is that enough in sub 40 F temps?

I have come to the conclusion, that there is someting truely barbaric amount swimming and then jumping on a bike, practically naked, soaking wet with the air temperature in the low forties and trying to race. I say this after competeing in this wonderful sport for 16 years.To further put this in context, I am not adverse to cold air temperatures, I have regularly competed in cross-country ski races down to -25C(appropriately clothed) and I can ride/run for hours in cool to cold weather(again with the appropriate clothing). However, there is something about being almost naked AND wet AND cold in foul weather triathlons that seems truely absurd. This is a sport that is best performed in moderate to warm temperatures. To answer your question directly – you may want to consider just keeping the wetsuit on for the bike!! Steve Fleck

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I have come to the conclusion, that there is someting truely barbaric amount swimming and then jumping on a bike, practically naked, soaking wet … *snip* …there is something about being almost naked AND wet AND cold in foul weather triathlons that seems truely absurd. This is a sport that is best performed in moderate to warm temperatures.

Amen to that, Brother!  And again I say AMEN! This is something I’ve really been struggling with this year.  Old Man Winter, courtesy of El Nino, is STILL hanging around these parts—California, early June, and it’s STILL raining.  Worse than the rain is the omnipresent and impenetrable cloud cover.  It seems that Seattle has moved south and set up housekeeping here. So what does that have to do with racing and getting cold?  I’m getting to that! Wildflower was just plain ugly.  My mental state was, to say the least, abysmal, due 100% to the weather.  I have come to the conclusion that I HATE HATE HATE racing in dark, cold, wet conditions, and that is exactly what we got at Wildflower.  Then, two weeks later at South Bay, the weather was still ridiculously cold and the sun barely made it out in time to warm us all up for the run and the post-race party.   It seems that we will never see the sun again, never get to race in pleasant conditions where you can set up a transition spot without having to fret over how much warm clothing to struggle into for the bike. I gotta tell you, this weather thing has had a scary effect on my attitude.  I never before realized how closely my love of this sport is linked to the fact that it’s something I usually do under sunny blue skies.  When the weather’s bad, it just leeches the enjoyment right out of it for me. I had to race at Canada under dark, gloomy, wet skies.  Had to race at Wildflower under dark, gloomy, wet skies.  Had to race at South Bay under chilly conditions and clouds that finally did break up later in the morning.  I’ve had ENOUGH! Sun, please come back!  El Nino, get the hell outta here! Aaaaigighghghgh! (in case you did not recognize it, that was a cry of despair) *sigh* Next race is in 3 weeks at San Jose.  If the sun is not out that day I swear I will do something desperate, like, like…. oh, I don’t know what, but it’ll be desperate! This REALLY sucks. Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

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Mike, This was a truely miserable day and in terms of how-bad-can-it-get, the water at Lake Hubble was the warmest place to be . I remember sitting in the hot tub( mercifully, they had set these up at the T2/finish line site)after the race,  Marc and Roch and Joel Wilkenson and myself(1st – 4th places) and chatting away, trying to warm up when some guy jumps in after he had just finished the bike. he sat in there talking with us for about ten minutes tryiong to warm up and then he headed out for the run. Now that guy had the right idea. Steve Fleck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My coldest experience was the "Great White North Half Ironman" (Stony Plain, Alberta) in 1994. It was about 8 degrees Celsius with pouring rain and a head wind that seemed to reverse just as I made the turn around. There were people on the verge of hypothermia getting out of Hubbles Lake. I can remember getting off of my bike and not being able to tie my laces because my fingers were frozen. The most bizarre site had to be watching Roch Frey and I think it was Marc Becker coming back side by side duking it out for the bike lead. The thing was they only had tank tops and bathing suits on. I don’t know how they managed it but the race went in 4:10 or something. Now that I have done IMC and have nothing to prove distance wise I can honestly say that if another day dawned like in 1994 I would volunteer as road support for all of the brave sould who were going to finish no matter what. I would keep the vehicle warm just in case they needed a place to recover. <gggg

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My coldest experience was the "Great White North Half Ironman" (Stony Plain, Alberta) in 1994. It was about 8 degrees Celsius with pouring rain and a head wind that seemed to reverse just as I made the turn around. There were people on the verge of hypothermia getting out of Hubbles Lake. I can remember getting off of my bike and not being able to tie my laces because my fingers were frozen. The most bizarre site had to be watching Roch Frey and I think it was Marc Becker coming back side by side duking it out for the bike lead. The thing was they only had tank tops and bathing suits on. I don’t know how they managed it but the race went in 4:10 or something. Now that I have done IMC and have nothing to prove distance wise I can honestly say that if another day dawned like in 1994 I would volunteer as road support for all of the brave sould who were going to finish no matter what. I would keep the vehicle warm just in case they needed a place to recover. <gggg Mike Smith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tomorrow morning it’s supposed to be 41 degrees F at the start of my race in Mt. Sterling, Ohio.  Thank god there was a choice between doing a tri or duathlon and that I wisely chose the latter unlike the 200 unfortunate souls that will be doing the swim tomorrow. Question:  What is the coldest air temperature any of you have done a tri swim in?  I know you can wear a wet suit but is that enough in sub 40 F temps?

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Tomorrow morning it’s supposed to be 41 degrees F at the start of my race in Mt. Sterling, Ohio.  Thank god there was a choice between doing a tri or duathlon and that I wisely chose the latter unlike the 200 unfortunate souls that will be doing the swim tomorrow. Question:  What is the coldest air temperature any of you have done a tri swim in?  I know you can wear a wet suit but is that enough in sub 40 F temps?

Just did a tri this morning in Blue Springs, Missouri (just outside of Kansas City).  The temp when I arrived was upper 40’s/lower 50’s.  The sun coming up did manage to bring the ambient temp up a little by the starting gun, but still a cold bike ride.  With the mild "El Nino" winter in these parts, the swim was fine (even without a wetsuit, which I refuse to wear for a 600 yard sprint tri swim).  Once the competition heats up though, you quickly forget about cold fingers, and worry more about that guy coming up on your tail on the bike.  Good luck tomorrow, and tell yourself during the race "I am NOT cold, I am NOT cold, …." Rance

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Tomorrow morning it’s supposed to be 41 degrees F at the start of my race in Mt. Sterling, Ohio.  Thank god there was a choice between doing a tri or duathlon and that I wisely chose the latter unlike the 200 unfortunate souls that will be doing the swim tomorrow. Question:  What is the coldest air temperature any of you have done a tri swim in?  I know you can wear a wet suit but is that enough in sub 40 F temps?

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Hello, I just wanted to see if there was anyone else out there who is going to do the Firecracker Triathlon on July 6 in Tucson, AZ.  I am hoping to finish it, as it will be my first experience with a triathlon.  If there is anyone out there going, I would love to correspond, so I can get some tips and just find out things about tris here in Arizona. Thanks, Tim Murphy

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This is a fun race- part 2 of the Tucson Triathlon Series.  The swim is in the pool at Univ of Az, followed by 3 loops of a 4 mile square course- mostly flat, but gradual ups and downs along each leg.  The run goes thru the campus (the course varies slightly due to the construction going on the campus).   the race is very well organized, they have food and refreshments afterwards, and massages too!!  I highly recommend this race to anyone who wants to do a fast 1/2 Olympic distance race… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I just wanted to see if there was anyone else out there who is going to do the Firecracker Triathlon on July 6 in Tucson, AZ.  I am hoping to finish it, as it will be my first experience with a triathlon.  If there is anyone out there going, I would love to correspond, so I can get some tips and just find out things about tris here in Arizona. Thanks, Tim Murphy

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     Former professional triathlete and race promoter Patrick Gilbert, 38, of Santa Cruz, CA, died Friday, Jan. 10, of an apparent suicide. He was found dead in the Santa Cruz County Jail just hours before he was expected to be sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for a series of burglaries directly related to his struggles with cocaine and alcohol addiction.      "It’s really a sad, sad case about what drugs to to people," Gilbert’s attorney, Don Kelly, told the Santa Cruz Sentinel in a story that appeared today. "He was on top of the world until a couple of years ago when his world came crashing down."      I’ve known Pat for close to 15 years and can honestly say that he was easily the most natural talent of any athlete I have ever known. He was born to race triathlons, winning the Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon three times and dozens of other races. One year he finished second in the Sentinel race against a top pro field on just two weeks of training. It would also be safe to say that he never came close to realizing his athletic potential.      Gilbert also made his mark in Northern California racing as a race promoter. Hundreds, if not thousands, of triathletes participated in his races. He also helped create the highly successful Capitola Junior Lifeguard program in 1984, and coached swimming and water polo at local schools.      In recent years, however, Pat’s personal demons began taking their toll. He stopped racing, then stopped promoting, as he bounced from job to job and between jail and halfway houses. Pat realized he had a problem, but no matter how many times he tried to pull out of his downward spiral, he never succeeded.      "It’s something that I have to take a serious look at if I’m to continue to be a person," Gilbert told the Sentinel in a 1993 interview. "If I’m going to continue to function, I need to operate differently."      Memorial services are pending. — Mercury News 408.920.5273 (w) **** Standard disclaimer: Neither I nor the Mercury News speak for the other ****

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –      Former professional triathlete and race promoter Patrick Gilbert, 38, of Santa Cruz, CA, died Friday, Jan. 10, of an apparent suicide. He was found dead in the Santa Cruz County Jail just hours before he was expected to be sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for a series of burglaries directly related to his struggles with cocaine and alcohol addiction.      "It’s really a sad, sad case about what drugs to to people," Gilbert’s attorney, Don Kelly, told the Santa Cruz Sentinel in a story that appeared today. "He was on top of the world until a couple of years ago when his world came crashing down."      I’ve known Pat for close to 15 years and can honestly say that he was easily the most natural talent of any athlete I have ever known. He was born to race triathlons, winning the Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon three times and dozens of other races. One year he finished second in the Sentinel race against a top pro field on just two weeks of training. It would also be safe to say that he never came close to realizing his athletic potential.      Gilbert also made his mark in Northern California racing as a race promoter. Hundreds, if not thousands, of triathletes participated in his races. He also helped create the highly successful Capitola Junior Lifeguard program in 1984, and coached swimming and water polo at local schools.      In recent years, however, Pat’s personal demons began taking their toll. He stopped racing, then stopped promoting, as he bounced from job to job and between jail and halfway houses. Pat realized he had a problem, but no matter how many times he tried to pull out of his downward spiral, he never succeeded.      "It’s something that I have to take a serious look at if I’m to continue to be a person," Gilbert told the Sentinel in a 1993 interview. "If I’m going to continue to function, I need to operate differently."      Memorial services are pending. — Mercury News 408.920.5273 (w) **** Standard disclaimer: Neither I nor the Mercury News speak for the other ****

Although I did not know Pat Gilbert personally, I had only experienced a man with a great sense of humor, and a passion for our sport.  I had heard vague rumors of his problems, and he once said to me a couple of years ago that he wanted to get his act together, and get back to what he loved doing….organizing and racing triathlons.  After he won the Sandman a few years ago, beating me by about 10 yards, he said to me "I’m going to comp. your entry next year, and give you a 10 second handicap"…a perfect example of the sense of humor, respect, and generousity I recieved from Patrick Gilbert. Gregg Trent

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Funeral services for Pat Gilbert, former professional triathlete and race promoter (Northwind Productions) have been set for 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at Chapel of the Four Seasons, 1050 Cayuga St. Santa Cruz, CA. Contributions are preferred to the American Red Cross or a favorite charity. http://www.cruzio.com/~woodward …… (500) 447-7910 (home) …… (408) 920-5200 (work)

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I will be traveling to the Houston area ( Baylor Medical Center) during the month of February.  I would appreciate any info from any of the locals about triathlete groups, clubs, masters swimming groups etc. to train with during my tour in Houston. Appreciate responses by E-mail. Thanks,   Rob Chance –

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I will be traveling to the Houston area ( Baylor Medical Center) during the month of February.  I would appreciate any info from any of the locals about triathlete groups, clubs, masters swimming groups etc. to train with during my tour in Houston. Appreciate responses by E-mail. Thanks,   Rob Chance

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