Question:

Anthony,

Congrats on your run and your award! Running in conditions like that – hot and humid – will probably add some time (it would be interesting to work out how much…) to what you can run in ideal race weather…

Actually, after reading some of the other hot-as-hell race reports (including yours) from the weekend, I feel a bit like a baby for complaining about the heat.  Still, I can hardly wait until fall (which comes to us around the middle of November, if we’re lucky…) Thanks for the encouragement, Karen

Response:

Mike,

Hey,  it’s your second race. The ability to not leave anything on the course comes with experience.

You’re right.  I’m looking forward to the time when I know how hard I can push without dying on the spot  :-) Thanks, Karen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Race: Stouffer’s 5K, Tampa, FL Weather: bright and sunny, 77F, 86% humidity at the start of the race, a lot hotter and a little less humid by the end Number of runners: not sure, probably 150 – 200 Clock time: 25:35 Watch time (I remembered to turn off the watch this time!) 25:30 Hardware: 2nd AG … Despite the AG award I’m not really happy about this race.  In the month since my last race I have continued to increase my training miles and started with a little speedwork.  I can make a lot of excuses like: it was hot, it was early, I’m running on a not-quite-healed injury (Morton’s neuroma), I’m inexperienced, etc.  But a minute after I crossed the finish I had my breath back, and two minutes after that I felt like I could run the whole thing again.  This tells me I could have done a lot better.

Nice race! What was your goal for this race? Was it to go all out so that you left nothing on the course and possibly take a couple days for recovery? or was it to treat it as a training run and pace yourself so you could run more later in the day or go about training the next day with no special recovery considerations? The fact that you had your breath back that quickly suggests you paced yourself well. Since it is only your second race and you are recovering from an injury, this might be consistent with your goal but wasn’t sure. Good luck! Dot

Response:

Teresa,

Good job, Karen!! And congrats on the AG award! Well, this *was* only a second time at this distance, so it might take a few times to gauge how much effort to put out. Especially with the heat. But it was a good job!

Thanks.  In the last race (my first), I went out way too fast and spent the next 18 minutes or so slowing down and hating life, in that order.  This time the splits were about even, but overall the pace was only 6 seconds/mile slower.  I hope that with some more experience and a bunch more miles I’ll have a better idea of what’s possible during a race. Karen

Response:

and I’m thinking about adding a daytime run to get more used to running in the heat.

If you’re going to race in the heat, that’s a very good idea. "Make no mistake about it! Without humor, freedom would drive you insane." Bill               I am so cool, that sheep count ME before they go to sleep. http://hometown.aol.com/mrrobottow/

Response:

Layne,

Woof, very nice run. Congratulations of the AG 2nd – that’s great! It’s been my experience that heat, direct sun, and humidity sap strength at an amazing rate. You did an excellent job on the whole race but particularly on that last mile. Your quick recovery is, IMHO, a very good thing – your best is yet to come. A 25:35 for your second race – my, my. Ya done good. Please congratulate Mike for his run, too.

Just because of the sheer number of races you run (and sometimes twice a day, geez) you must be totally acclimated to running in FL sun/heat/humidity by now.  How do you do it?  Do you train during the day?  I’m thinking about forcing myself to run during the day (well, before 11 or after 4 anyway) once a week.  They don’t seem to hold a lot of evening races down here. I did congratulate Mike for you, and he thanks you, and I thank you too. Karen

Response:

Jonathan,

Well done.

Thanks. This heat business affects us more than maybe we realize/like to think. I thought it was only me, but we were out this afternoon for our club run in 25 degrees and lots of humidity and everyone was complaining. My HR was not very high (about 6 beats less than normal with the group) but I felt as if i was running in treacle – and so did everyone else, so they kept saying. We felt great when we got back to the club house, though, and even a little cheated (we got home in 1 hr 1 minute whereas we’re usually out for about 1.15 on Mondays). So if our experience equates with yours, you probably couldn’t have done much better. Not without a period of getting used to running in heat first. It makes your actual performance even more impressive.

Although I have lived in Florida a long while and don’t mind the heat, I’m fairly new to running and not used to *running* in the heat.  I was hoping that my (nighttime) training would push me through, but I’m starting to think that some daytime training will be necessary if I want to run daytime races. Thanks again, Karen

Response:

Just because of the sheer number of races you run (and sometimes twice a day, geez) you must be totally acclimated to running in FL sun/heat/humidity by now.  How do you do it?  Do you train during the day?  I’m thinking about forcing myself to run during the day (well, before 11 or after 4 anyway) once a week.  They don’t seem to hold a lot of evening races down here.

"If I ain’t sweatin’, I ain’t runnin’," Seriously, we’re in two different categories – you’re very talented. Your races are night and day different from mine. I’m not saying that I don’t feel like crap by the end of the race (and it takes me longer to get there <G) but you’re working at a whole different level. That’s wonderful! There was an evening (8:00 p.m.) race here recently and even the elites had times that were slower than their morning race times. Heat’ll do that. FWIW, I run when I can find the time. Most of my runs are late morning, any time in the afternoon (most runs), or at night. In my (limited) experience, it does take a little while to get used to running in the Florida afternoons. The heat is one thing but the direct sun also seems to do a number on me. However, it’s gotten so natural that I’ve had to focus on hydration to make sure I don’t do some damage. Lots of water up to 6 miles and some sports drink plus water after that (I’m still working on the tablets) seems to work well for me. You probably already have one but a cool (temp wise not fashion wise) hat really helps. I’ve also found that a hydration belt is wonderful. I tried carrying a bottle, hiding bottles on the routes, and stopping  by water fountains but the belt works out better than any other technique (for me). Lessee, I’d suggest some short runs just to get started (I know, too obvious). I’m afraid to say anything that might slow you down to my pace <G. I did congratulate Mike for you, and he thanks you, and I thank you too.

You’re welcome and thank you. You both did a very good job. Layne The rec.running report archives may be found at http://kinder.cis.unf.edu/rec.running

Response:

Dot, Nice race! What was your goal for this race? Was it to go all out so that you left nothing on the course and possibly take a couple days for recovery? or was it to treat it as a training run and pace yourself so you could run more later in the day or go about training the next day with no special recovery considerations?

Thanks.  I started out with a goal of doing as well as my first race but with less agony, but once I started an 8-week training schedule for a 10K in July, this race became more of "the 5K you’re supposed to do a few weeks before that 10K you’re training for."  But there’s a tendency to see anything that’s not an improvement as, well, not an improvement. Because this is still so new, though, I guess my goal should have been to see what my second 5K would be like. I think I’d like to change goals after the fact  :-) Karen

Response:

Tian,

I know it’s a bit disappointing that the race condition is not ideal. But the experience gained from it will make you perform better and cope with similar situation better the next time. Think it as a weekend speed workout rather than an all-out race run. We can always do better the next time, can’t we? Tian

Thanks for the encouragement.  You’re right about trying to learn from the race instead of dwelling on it.  24 hours later I am not quite as down about it as I was yesterday, and I’m thinking about adding a daytime run to get more used to running in the heat. Thanks Karen

Response:

David,

Congrats on the award!!

Thanks.  Sometimes it’s cool to be old  :-) You did great, Karen. The increased mileage will show up in race results soon. Keep it up, and patience will reward you.

And again, thanks.  I’m over yesterday’s funk and trying to think about what I can do differently next race, and what I can do differently to prepare for it.  I keep coming back to: miles, miles, miles. Thanks for the response.  You’ve done really well (quitting smoking as well as running), and your posts often inspire me. Karen

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Race: Stouffer’s 5K, Tampa, FL Weather: bright and sunny, 77F, 86% humidity at the start of the race, a lot hotter and a little less humid by the end Number of runners: not sure, probably 150 – 200 Clock time: 25:35 Watch time (I remembered to turn off the watch this time!) 25:30 Hardware: 2nd AG This was my 2nd race ever and first morning race, which is kind of a big deal because I hate getting up early and almost always run at night.  The race is associated with a local triathlon held this weekend; the tri itself and post-tri party all happened Saturday, so the 5K on Sunday seemed like it would be an afterthought, but a really good crowd showed up. Things ran late because there were more raceday registrations than anyone expected.  Mike was plagued with stomach problems, most likely from a combination of nerves and running at an unholy time of day.  Mike and I warmed up with a 3/4-mile jog but because of the delay this may not have been as helpful as we’d hoped.  The most important side-effect of the late start was the temperature.  It’s Florida, it’s June, and it’s HOT.  And HUMID.  And the sun is BRIGHT.  For a nighttime runner this takes some getting used to. On to the race: the course wound out-and-back through a very nice waterfront suburb of Tampa, so the scenery included mansions and Hillsborough Bay. First goal was to avoid going out too fast.  A man running with his 12-year old daughter said "we’re just going to crank out some 8s and have a good time" so I decided to run near them the first mile.  When we hit mile 1 at 8:17 I decided to ditch that plan and try to pick it up a little since I still felt good.  The 2nd mile was good: it was fairly shady and we saw some of the leaders coming back, which put me in a great mood (they’re pretty inspiring).  During the 3rd mile all the shade evaporated, along with my ability to breathe quietly.  I tried to concentrate on the runner in front of me and actually managed to pass her, but it was starting to feel like a death march.  Luckily I knew exactly where the finish was this time so I could save up for a tiny kick at the end.  The 25:35 clock time was not a PR but enough for a 2nd AG award.  Mike finished in 24:27, which was awesome in light of the heat and his stomach trouble.  Unfortunately for him, his age group was a lot more competitve than mine. Despite the AG award I’m not really happy about this race.  In the month since my last race I have continued to increase my training miles and started with a little speedwork.  I can make a lot of excuses like: it was hot, it was early, I’m running on a not-quite-healed injury (Morton’s neuroma), I’m inexperienced, etc.  But a minute after I crossed the finish I had my breath back, and two minutes after that I felt like I could run the whole thing again.  This tells me I could have done a lot better. Karen

I know it’s a bit disappointing that the race condition is not ideal. But the experience gained from it will make you perform better and cope with similar situation better the next time. Think it as a weekend speed workout rather than an all-out race run. We can always do better the next time, can’t we? Tian

Response:

Race: Stouffer’s 5K, Tampa, FL Weather: bright and sunny, 77F, 86% humidity at the start of the race, a lot hotter and a little less humid by the end Number of runners: not sure, probably 150 – 200 Clock time: 25:35 Watch time (I remembered to turn off the watch this time!) 25:30 Hardware: 2nd AG

Congrats on the award!! Despite the AG award I’m not really happy about this race.  In the month since my last race I have continued to increase my training miles and started with a little speedwork.  I can make a lot of excuses like: it was hot, it was early, I’m running on a not-quite-healed injury (Morton’s neuroma), I’m inexperienced, etc.  But a minute after I crossed the finish I had my breath back, and two minutes after that I felt like I could run the whole thing again.  This tells me I could have done a lot better.

You did great, Karen. The increased mileage will show up in race results soon. Keep it up, and patience will reward you. — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "It is necessary to run as many miles or kilometers as you possibly can at economic or aerobic speeds to lift your oxygen uptake to your highest possible level as the foundation upon which to base your anaerobic or speed training."                                                            Arthur Lydiard http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/home.html –

Response:

Congrats on your run and your award! Running in conditions like that – hot and humid – will probably add some time (it would be interesting to work out how much…) to what you can run in ideal race weather… Anthony.

Response:

 But a minute after I crossed the finish I had my breath back, and two minutes after that I felt like I could run the whole thing again.  This tells me I could have done a lot better. Karen

Hey,  it’s your second race. The ability to not leave anything on the course comes with experience. Good report, and good effort! Mike Tennent "IronPenguin"

Response:

Race: Stouffer’s 5K, Tampa, FL could save up for a tiny kick at the end.  The 25:35 clock time was not a PR but enough for a 2nd AG award.  Mike finished in 24:27, which was awesome in light of the heat and his stomach trouble.  Unfortunately for him, his age group was a lot more competitve than mine. Karen

Good job, Karen!! And congrats on the AG award! Well, this *was* only a second time at this distance, so it might take a few times to gauge how much effort to put out. Especially with the heat. But it was a good job! Teresa in AZ

Response:

Hi, Karen, Race: Stouffer’s 5K, Tampa, FL Weather: bright and sunny, 77F, 86% humidity at the start of the race, a lot hotter and a little less humid by the end Number of runners: not sure, probably 150 – 200 Clock time: 25:35 Watch time (I remembered to turn off the watch this time!) 25:30 Hardware: 2nd AG

[report snipped but appreciated] Woof, very nice run. Congratulations of the AG 2nd – that’s great! It’s been my experience that heat, direct sun, and humidity sap strength at an amazing rate. You did an excellent job on the whole race but particularly on that last mile. Your quick recovery is, IMHO, a very good thing – your best is yet to come. A 25:35 for your second race – my, my. Ya done good. Please congratulate Mike for his run, too. Thanks, Layne The rec.running report archives may be found at http://kinder.cis.unf.edu/rec.running

Response:

Well done. This heat business affects us more than maybe we realize/like to think. I thought it was only me, but we were out this afternoon for our club run in 25 degrees and lots of humidity and everyone was complaining. My HR was not very high (about 6 beats less than normal with the group) but I felt as if i was running in treacle – and so did everyone else, so they kept saying. We felt great when we got back to the club house, though, and even a little cheated (we got home in 1 hr 1 minute whereas we’re usually out for about 1.15 on Mondays). So if our experience equates with yours, you probably couldn’t have done much better. Not without a period of getting used to running in heat first. It makes your actual performance even more impressive. Well done aain Jonathan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Race: Stouffer’s 5K, Tampa, FL Weather: bright and sunny, 77F, 86% humidity at the start of the race, a lot hotter and a little less humid by the end Number of runners: not sure, probably 150 – 200 Clock time: 25:35 Watch time (I remembered to turn off the watch this time!) 25:30 Hardware: 2nd AG This was my 2nd race ever and first morning race, which is kind of a big deal because I hate getting up early and almost always run at night.  The race is associated with a local triathlon held this weekend; the tri itself and post-tri party all happened Saturday, so the 5K on Sunday seemed like it would be an afterthought, but a really good crowd showed up. Things ran late because there were more raceday registrations than anyone expected.  Mike was plagued with stomach problems, most likely from a combination of nerves and running at an unholy time of day.  Mike and I warmed up with a 3/4-mile jog but because of the delay this may not have been as helpful as we’d hoped.  The most important side-effect of the late start was the temperature.  It’s Florida, it’s June, and it’s HOT.  And HUMID.  And the sun is BRIGHT.  For a nighttime runner this takes some getting used to. On to the race: the course wound out-and-back through a very nice waterfront suburb of Tampa, so the scenery included mansions and Hillsborough Bay. First goal was to avoid going out too fast.  A man running with his 12-year old daughter said "we’re just going to crank out some 8s and have a good time" so I decided to run near them the first mile.  When we hit mile 1 at 8:17 I decided to ditch that plan and try to pick it up a little since I still felt good.  The 2nd mile was good: it was fairly shady and we saw some of the leaders coming back, which put me in a great mood (they’re pretty inspiring).  During the 3rd mile all the shade evaporated, along with my ability to breathe quietly.  I tried to concentrate on the runner in front of me and actually managed to pass her, but it was starting to feel like a death march.  Luckily I knew exactly where the finish was this time so I could save up for a tiny kick at the end.  The 25:35 clock time was not a PR but enough for a 2nd AG award.  Mike finished in 24:27, which was awesome in light of the heat and his stomach trouble.  Unfortunately for him, his age group was a lot more competitve than mine. Despite the AG award I’m not really happy about this race.  In the month since my last race I have continued to increase my training miles and started with a little speedwork.  I can make a lot of excuses like: it was hot, it was early, I’m running on a not-quite-healed injury (Morton’s neuroma), I’m inexperienced, etc.  But a minute after I crossed the finish I had my breath back, and two minutes after that I felt like I could run the whole thing again.  This tells me I could have done a lot better. Karen

Response:

Race: Stouffer’s 5K, Tampa, FL Weather: bright and sunny, 77F, 86% humidity at the start of the race, a lot hotter and a little less humid by the end Number of runners: not sure, probably 150 – 200 Clock time: 25:35 Watch time (I remembered to turn off the watch this time!) 25:30 Hardware: 2nd AG This was my 2nd race ever and first morning race, which is kind of a big deal because I hate getting up early and almost always run at night.  The race is associated with a local triathlon held this weekend; the tri itself and post-tri party all happened Saturday, so the 5K on Sunday seemed like it would be an afterthought, but a really good crowd showed up. Things ran late because there were more raceday registrations than anyone expected.  Mike was plagued with stomach problems, most likely from a combination of nerves and running at an unholy time of day.  Mike and I warmed up with a 3/4-mile jog but because of the delay this may not have been as helpful as we’d hoped.  The most important side-effect of the late start was the temperature.  It’s Florida, it’s June, and it’s HOT.  And HUMID.  And the sun is BRIGHT.  For a nighttime runner this takes some getting used to. On to the race: the course wound out-and-back through a very nice waterfront suburb of Tampa, so the scenery included mansions and Hillsborough Bay. First goal was to avoid going out too fast.  A man running with his 12-year old daughter said "we’re just going to crank out some 8s and have a good time" so I decided to run near them the first mile.  When we hit mile 1 at 8:17 I decided to ditch that plan and try to pick it up a little since I still felt good.  The 2nd mile was good: it was fairly shady and we saw some of the leaders coming back, which put me in a great mood (they’re pretty inspiring).  During the 3rd mile all the shade evaporated, along with my ability to breathe quietly.  I tried to concentrate on the runner in front of me and actually managed to pass her, but it was starting to feel like a death march.  Luckily I knew exactly where the finish was this time so I could save up for a tiny kick at the end.  The 25:35 clock time was not a PR but enough for a 2nd AG award.  Mike finished in 24:27, which was awesome in light of the heat and his stomach trouble.  Unfortunately for him, his age group was a lot more competitve than mine. Despite the AG award I’m not really happy about this race.  In the month since my last race I have continued to increase my training miles and started with a little speedwork.  I can make a lot of excuses like: it was hot, it was early, I’m running on a not-quite-healed injury (Morton’s neuroma), I’m inexperienced, etc.  But a minute after I crossed the finish I had my breath back, and two minutes after that I felt like I could run the whole thing again.  This tells me I could have done a lot better. Karen

Response:

Question:

Hi, I’m wondering if someone can direct me to a website that lists when upcoming running or triathlon events are being televised. Many thanks, Charlotte

Response:

I’m wondering if someone can direct me to a website that lists when upcoming running or triathlon events are being televised. Many thanks, Charlotte

Try www.tvgrid.com

Response:

Try www.BIKESonTV.com.  Usually lists tri.s as well as bike races and other bike stuff.

Response:

tvgrid.com is great .  You put in your preferences and they will email you reminders of when the sport is being televised…… Ally whose goals and aspirations lead her to stupidly train for too much stuff entirely!!!

Response:

Tri www.olntv.com

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Agreed. Especially the U-turn, it destroys your rhythm (sp?). Want to get applause at the next out and back U-turn ? Try this technique offered up over on the triathlon newsgroup – instead of the usual baby steps around the cone, you pirouette with your BACK to the cone.  This takes some visualization… Imagine approaching the turn around. The cone is on your left side as you approach. a) Time you steps so that your right foot lands even with the cone; b) Plant your left foot past the cone and begin to pivot CLOCKWISE on that (left) foot. Your back is to the cone during this pivot; c) As you pivot, keep the weight on the left foot, swinging the right foot around until you can plant it directly back down the direction of desired travel, then push off with the left leg. It’s best to practice this a few times before trying it on race day, but’s it guaranteed to impress.

Tres cool.  However be very careful practising this. I couldn’t visualise it, so I get up from my chair and use my sleeping dog as a pillion.  I do it three times slowly.  Hmmm, this just might work.  I backup to the kitchen and try it a little faster, once again using the dog as the pillion.  Right foot plant, left foot plant and rotate, right foot plant in opposite direction, trip over startled dog and fall on face. I bet you all saw this coming.  Shame I didn’t. <GRIN     Mark Life is the great experiment. Each of us is an experiment of one-observer and subject-making choices, living with them, recording the effects.  - Dr. George Sheehan

Response:

None that I know of. Track _should_ always be faster, but even that is a personal thing. I run short distances faster on a track, but by 5km I run faster times on road, because I find it harder to concentrate for 12.5 monotonous laps than for one long loop. After all that, I’m going to take a wild stab in the dark and suggest your mile would be 10s faster on a track than on your out and back course. Nathan

I always thought that running on a track is slower than running on a road if the road is flat (of course it depends on the course your running).  This makes sense since a track has a lot of turns (I’m sure you have noticed) while a road course has less turns than a track (quite a bit less).  It requires less energy to run straight than it does to run a curve. Of course if it is a rubber track and your wearing spikes over short distances you will definately be faster on the track. Running on a track is harder on the body since your always turning.  It puts strain on your hips and knees. Mike Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Road: slight uphill on first half and slight downhill on second half works out to a small net disadvantage. having to stop and do a 180 degree turn at the midpoint is also a disadvantage. Agreed. Especially the U-turn, it destroys your rhythm (sp?).

Want to get applause at the next out and back U-turn ? Try this technique offered up over on the triathlon newsgroup – instead of the usual baby steps around the cone, you pirouette with your BACK to the cone.  This takes some visualization… Imagine approaching the turn around. The cone is on your left side as you approach. a) Time you steps so that your right foot lands even with the cone; b) Plant your left foot past the cone and begin to pivot CLOCKWISE on that (left) foot. Your back is to the cone during this pivot; c) As you pivot, keep the weight on the left foot, swinging the right foot around until you can plant it directly back down the direction of desired travel, then push off with the left leg. It’s best to practice this a few times before trying it on race day, but’s it guaranteed to impress. Mike "Next up – water station follies" Tennent "IronPenguin" Ironman Canada ‘98 16:17:03 Great Floridian ‘99, 15:??:??

Response:

Do you wear different shoes on the track?  I’m a pronator, and have been wearing Etonic Stable Air Pro III’s for all my runs…would there be any reason not to wear them on a track?  Should I get some of the "studded" track shoes first?  I’m asking because I have never set foot on a track, but there is one available to me and I would like to try it out for a little speedwork.

I have started using a track recently for trying to match a certain subjective effort level to a pace. You don’t need any special shoes. I think that some runners wear spikes during races to improve their time, but unless you are competitive, your regular shoes will work just fine. Also, if it is a synthetic track, spikes are probably prohibited unless you are training with the track team (I’m assuming that the track is at a school). A friend told me that track running is really tough on a person.  Is there some reason why running a given pace on a track would be any harder on the body than running that same pace on an asphalt road?  How does a track surface compare to asphalt? concrete?  Is it easier to injure yourself running on a track?

Maybe your friend means that training for competitive track racing is really tough on a person? I have heard people suggest that you should change directions on a track from time to time, so that you aren’t always running the curves in the same direction, but you can only do that if it isn’t too crowded. BTW, one advantage to running a mile on a track is that you get to check your pace every couple hundred meters. So if you think that you can run a mile in, say, 6 minutes, just calculate your splits and hit each line at the right time, regardless of how you feel. — Harold

Response:

Road: slight uphill on first half and slight downhill on second half works out to a small net disadvantage. having to stop and do a 180 degree turn at the midpoint is also a disadvantage.

Agreed. Especially the U-turn, it destroys your rhythm (sp?). Track: lots of curves to negotiate…

True, but they are so broad that you should be able to go around them flat out. Are there really any good ways to guesstimate a track time from a road time?

None that I know of. Track _should_ always be faster, but even that is a personal thing. I run short distances faster on a track, but by 5km I run faster times on road, because I find it harder to concentrate for 12.5 monotonous laps than for one long loop. After all that, I’m going to take a wild stab in the dark and suggest your mile would be 10s faster on a track than on your out and back course. Nathan

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Road: slight uphill on first half and slight downhill on second half works out to a small net disadvantage. having to stop and do a 180 degree turn at the midpoint is also a disadvantage. Agreed. Especially the U-turn, it destroys your rhythm (sp?). Track: lots of curves to negotiate… True, but they are so broad that you should be able to go around them flat out. Are there really any good ways to guesstimate a track time from a road time? None that I know of. Track _should_ always be faster, but even that is a personal thing. I run short distances faster on a track, but by 5km I run faster times on road, because I find it harder to concentrate for 12.5 monotonous laps than for one long loop. After all that, I’m going to take a wild stab in the dark and suggest your mile would be 10s faster on a track than on your out and back course. Nathan

Do you wear different shoes on the track?  I’m a pronator, and have been wearing Etonic Stable Air Pro III’s for all my runs…would there be any reason not to wear them on a track?  Should I get some of the "studded" track shoes first?  I’m asking because I have never set foot on a track, but there is one available to me and I would like to try it out for a little speedwork. A friend told me that track running is really tough on a person.  Is there some reason why running a given pace on a track would be any harder on the body than running that same pace on an asphalt road?  How does a track surface compare to asphalt? concrete?  Is it easier to injure yourself running on a track? Thanks for any suggestions or advice. AD

Response:

I recently found an excellent stretch of road for doing a fast mile. It has a very slight but very constant grade from the start to the 1/2 mile mark, and is perfectly straight. I run to the 1/2 mile mark and back, thus giving me no net elevation change.  I was wondering how my time over this route would compare to my time doing a mile at a track. Both options have distinct disadvantages — Road: slight uphill on first half and slight downhill on second half works out to a small net disadvantage. having to stop and do a 180 degree turn at the midpoint is also a disadvantage. Track: lots of curves to negotiate… Are there really any good ways to guesstimate a track time from a road time? AD

Response:

Question:

May I ask a question?  You stated in your first message that you are a quadriplegic.  I believe the definition of that is that you cannot use any of your four extremities, similar to Christopher Reeves.  I am curious how you can do any of these events if you are a quadriplegic? I’m not doubting you or questioning your resolve and abilities, far from it, I applaud it.  I’m just wondering if maybe I don’t understand the term "quadriplegic". John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, thanks for your words of support and encouragement. After thinking it through and talking to other important people in my life. I have decided that of all my goals the only one truly out is IM California. The others provided I stay reasonably (I will be rolling wounded) healthy are still doable. So, after consulting with my calendar and my deepest innermost thoughts and desires, this is what I have decided. May        Gulf Coast Triathlon           (May 5) June       Golden Horseshoe Marathon (x5)  (June 5 – 9)            Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon (June 25) July       Peterborough Half-Ironman      (July 29) August     Ironman Canada                 (August 27) October    Ironman Hawaii (If I Qualify)  (October 14) Peterborough is optional — Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby PS To those who offered support, I will be thinking of you come January in the snows of Canada. When I will want to escape south.

Response:

John, Technically, a "quad" is anyone that has paralysis in all 4 limbs, or damages their spinal cord at the cervical (neck) level. Each injury is different and in my case I have most of my muscles from the chest up, except for my hands, they are non-functioning. Reeves damaged his cord at a higher level than I did. Swim is done pretty much the same as you, however, I always get to wear a wetsuit so that my legs float. The bike is completed on a handbike. And the run is done in a racing chair. — Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby OSN     : OBN     : 40k ORN     : Weights : In article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – May I ask a question?  You stated in your first message that you are a quadriplegic.  I believe the definition of that is that you cannot use any of your four extremities, similar to Christopher Reeves.  I am curious how you can do any of these events if you are a quadriplegic? I’m not doubting you or questioning your resolve and abilities, far from it, I applaud it.  I’m just wondering if maybe I don’t understand the term "quadriplegic". John Hi all, thanks for your words of support and encouragement. After thinking it through and talking to other important people in my life. I have decided that of all my goals the only one truly out is IM California. The others provided I stay reasonably (I will be rolling wounded) healthy are still doable. So, after consulting with my calendar and my deepest innermost thoughts and desires, this is what I have decided. May        Gulf Coast Triathlon           (May 5) June       Golden Horseshoe Marathon (x5)  (June 5 – 9)            Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon (June 25) July       Peterborough Half-Ironman      (July 29) August     Ironman Canada                 (August 27) October    Ironman Hawaii (If I Qualify)  (October 14) Peterborough is optional — Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby PS To those who offered support, I will be thinking of you come January in the snows of Canada. When I will want to escape south.

Response:

oh. I’m an idiot. Sorry. — TriathRon                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_ `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / (ASCII art blatantly plagiarized from TriBaby’s sig . . . ) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ummm…Ron….you might want to read David’s original post a little more carefully before warning him about ITB, piriformis, and worn-down stubs…. <:l While I echo the sentiments of the others in congratulating you on your chutzpah to consider this, I think you should really discuss this with a healthcare professional before you commit to it. I would think you’d be exposing yourself to all kinds of overuse injuries; ITB, piriformis, etc. One marathon beats up your body enough; 5 in 5 days brings visions of worn-down stubs for legs (at least to my mind). While you may have a great feat to tell the grandkids about, make sure that you’re not going to pay too high a price for the story. My $0.02 — TriathRon Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby — 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:

Dear David, Personally I’d like to find out where your motivation comes from. If there is ANYTHING I can offer in the way of support, pledges etc. just shoot me an e-mail. It’s all about attitude and yours shines through! Wendy "boy am I inspired" in St. Pete Beach

Response:

While I echo the sentiments of the others in congratulating you on your chutzpah to consider this, I think you should really discuss this with a healthcare professional before you commit to it. I would think you’d be exposing yourself to all kinds of overuse injuries; ITB, piriformis, etc. One marathon beats up your body enough; 5 in 5 days brings visions of worn-down stubs for legs (at least to my mind). While you may have a great feat to tell the grandkids about, make sure that you’re not going to pay too high a price for the story. My $0.02 — TriathRon                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_ `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / (ASCII art blatantly plagiarized from TriBaby’s sig . . . )

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

Response:

Ummm…Ron….you might want to read David’s original post a little more carefully before warning him about ITB, piriformis, and worn-down stubs…. <:l – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While I echo the sentiments of the others in congratulating you on your chutzpah to consider this, I think you should really discuss this with a healthcare professional before you commit to it. I would think you’d be exposing yourself to all kinds of overuse injuries; ITB, piriformis, etc. One marathon beats up your body enough; 5 in 5 days brings visions of worn-down stubs for legs (at least to my mind). While you may have a great feat to tell the grandkids about, make sure that you’re not going to pay too high a price for the story. My $0.02 — TriathRon Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

– 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    

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I second that emotion…. BTW, love your moniker! Allie "Tri-envy" Moreland – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear David, Personally I’d like to find out where your motivation comes from. If there is ANYTHING I can offer in the way of support, pledges etc. just shoot me an e-mail. It’s all about attitude and yours shines through! Wendy "boy am I inspired" in St. Pete Beach

Response:

Hi all, thanks for your words of support and encouragement. After thinking it through and talking to other important people in my life. I have decided that of all my goals the only one truly out is IM California. The others provided I stay reasonably (I will be rolling wounded) healthy are still doable. So, after consulting with my calendar and my deepest innermost thoughts and desires, this is what I have decided. May        Gulf Coast Triathlon           (May 5) June       Golden Horseshoe Marathon (x5)  (June 5 – 9)            Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon (June 25) July       Peterborough Half-Ironman      (July 29) August     Ironman Canada                 (August 27) October    Ironman Hawaii (If I Qualify)  (October 14) Peterborough is optional — Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby PS To those who offered support, I will be thinking of you come January in the snows of Canada. When I will want to escape south.

Response:

Yep,   You’re nuts!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

Response:

Not me, but I’m rootin’ for you! Ray Plotecia Male Amateur, 50-54 Ruxton, MD

…snippage… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

Response:

Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

Response:

Dave,  You’re more of a man than I am just for thinking about 5 in 5 days.I would think that for anyone that would be a bit much. I would highly recommend against it. Perry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

Response:

Question:

I am an avid cyclist and have recently thought about competing in a sprint triathlon. I started running and have been at it for about a week and a few days (about 5 runs). I started with 3 miles because I was in pretty good shape from cycling. My times have come down on every run and I am really enjoying it. My problem is that the day after I run I have extreme pain in the inside lower portion of my knee. I take a day off (cycle) and it feels a little better. I run again and the pain is back with a vengeance. I have done all the research and feel I have selected the right shoe. I don’t want to ease up because I feel I am making good progress. What is the cause of the pain? Am I doing to much to soon? Is there any thing I can do to remedy the problem? Will ice or heat help? Thanks

Response:

My problem is that the day after I run I have extreme pain in the inside lower portion of my knee. I take a day off (cycle) and it feels a little better. I run again and the pain is back with a vengeance. I have done all the research and feel I have selected the right shoe. I don’t want to ease up because I feel I am making good progress. What is the cause of the pain? Am I doing to much to soon? Is there any thing I can do to remedy the problem? Will ice or heat help? Thanks

  Ice after the run should help alleviate the pain.     You mentioned that your times have come down after every run.  One possibility is that you’re running too hard.  3 miles running, even if you’re aerobically fit from the biking, is a lot to start with more or less cold.  There are a lot of fussy little muscles and tendons around the knee that may not be taking kindly to the sudden requirement to work for a living.  It might be worthwhile to back off the distance (at least) and pace for the running.  (And to stay off the running for a few days to let the muscles recover if it is muscles.)     This is even more than usual a case of needing to see you to know what it up.  Even better, for you to have a doctor see you.  There could be something obviously wrong with your stride causing this. Or you may, in spite of your research, wound up with the wrong kind of shoe.  Or, … — Robert Grumbine http://www.radix.net/~bobg/ Science faqs and various amateur activities notes and links.

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Hi, I’m from Brazil, I need somebody residence in NYC/MANHATTAM, becouse in nex november I would like running NYCM, but I need talk and help about estada and more tips. Tanks. Eduardo Santos

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Question:

I am 29 years old, and have always wanted to run the escape from alcatraz triathalon.  I just started training for the August run but haven’t ran a triathalon since 1986.  I run my 10k in about 36 minutes and am a strong swimmer.  (nothing to brag about but I think I can finish) I have never ran a cold water type race either don’t have any idea how I would do in a wetsuit.  Can anyone give me any hints, suggestions, negative viewpoints or otherwise.   Sincerely, Scott Baldwin

Response:

I am 29 years old, and have always wanted to run the escape from alcatraz triathalon.  I just started training for the August run but haven’t ran a triathalon since 1986.  I run my 10k in about 36 minutes and am a strong swimmer.  (nothing to brag about but I think I can finish) I have never ran a cold water type race either don’t have any idea how I would do in a wetsuit.  Can anyone give me any hints, suggestions, negative viewpoints or otherwise.  

Well, as far as negative viewpoints….you’re doing the "wrong" Escape, but we won’t get into politics here.  Suffice to say, the event on June 9 is being put on by the folks who have been producing the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon for 15 years.  The August 18th event is being put on by some people who decided to swipe the idea out from under the originators. But I digress… Do you have web access?  You can check out my personal’95 Alcatraz race report at http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~brooksie/REPORTS.HTML This will tell you a lot about the course that will be run on June 9, but I have no idea what the August 18th bike and run courses will be like. The swim, however, is obviously the same.  You’d do well to invest in a good tri wetsuit.  If you can afford a fullsuit, you’ll be warmer (and probably a little faster).  The swim is cold and choppy, but an absolute blast. Good luck. Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft!" http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

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Question:

How do you use these, do they cover the spokes on the front and back. Is there a problem with stability in cross winds. Can they be taken on-off-on-… ? I don’t want to duplicate any gear I already have, so I dont want to buy tri-spokes, costing comparable to the rest of my bike. So I’m interested in this product. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anybody have any experience with aero disc wheel covers? I am considering them as an affordable alternative for improving wind flow.   Questions:  How much will this improve the aerodynamics, is it worth the money (about $50-75) and what do you recommend?? FMcC My experience resulted in at most a 30 second improvement in time over a flat 10 mile course.  (avg. 25-26mph)  

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Does anybody have any experience with aero disc wheel covers? I am considering them as an affordable alternative for improving wind flow.   Questions:  How much will this improve the aerodynamics, is it worth the money (about $50-75) and what do you recommend?? FMcC

Yes, it’s worth the money.  I estimate I ride up to 1 mph faster on the flats. Post a request on rec.bicycles.marketplace and you might pick one up cheap.  I got one from a poster here on rec.sport.tri who bought a few too many for his club. Keep in mind you have to buy a freewheel remover, either the normal kind or the Shimano hyperglide remover.  Best advice is to bring your rear wheel to a bike shop to get the tools, which will set you back about $8-$15, depending on your wheel.   joe jankovsky "Your mother sews license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?" -Val Kilmer in _Real Genius_         WWW:    http://minerva.cis.yale.edu/~jjankov/             New England Triathlon Page:           http://minerva.cis.yale.edu/~jjankov/ne.html

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Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon Organization: Washington State University Does anybody have any experience with aero disc wheel covers? I am considering them as an affordable alternative for improving wind flow.   Questions:  How much will this improve the aerodynamics, is it worth the money (about $50-75) and what do you recommend?? FMcC

My experience resulted in at most a 30 second improvement in time over a flat 10 mile course.  (avg. 25-26mph)  

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I agree with Mike’s assessment of CH Aero covers.  I lovee mine but do bee awaree of the weight issue.  Though there would be benefit  by putting it on  a training wheel, consider a good lightweight wheell to start with.  I put mine over a Mavic r rim and it has contributed to faster bike times.  Most of our courses here in OK are relatively flat so hill climbing weight is less of a problem..  

Response:

Does anybody have any experience with aero disc wheel covers? I am considering them as an affordable alternative for improving wind flow.   Questions:  How much will this improve the aerodynamics, is it worth the money (about $50-75) and what do you recommend?? FMcC

My experience resulted in at most a 30 second improvement in time over a flat 10 mile course.  (avg. 25-26mph)  

Response:

I have used a nashbar cover for both training and racing for well over 5 years and love it. It’s lighter than a "real" disc rides a lot better  and is just as aerodynamic.                                   Steve Fredericks

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I used disk covers years ago and was very pleased with the performance.  I do not remember the brand but they had Ti rim wires and were good looking.  They were somewhat a pain with maintenance.  Eventually, I went to J-Disk rear and J-Disk front.

Response:

Does anybody have any experience with aero disc wheel covers? I am considering them as an affordable alternative for improving wind flow.   Questions:  How much will this improve the aerodynamics, is it worth the money (about $50-75) and what do you recommend?? FMcC

Response:

Does anybody have any experience with aero disc wheel covers?

I have been using a CH-AERO wheel cover for the last 2 seasons.  They are lens shaped and made of light weight plastic so you don’t have to worry about ripping or tearing, plus dirt and crud cleans up easily. Installation is also quick and easy.  Seven plastic nuts hold both peices together. This allows you to put it on or take it off in minutes if wind conditions warrant such. Fit is perfect and looks are great if that is important.  On flat courses I have averaged 1 to 1.5 MPH faster bike splits than without.  The company has been great to work with as I lost several nuts and they gave me a bag of them along with replacement valve covers also. So what are the drawbacks?  Weight.  It weighs in at 1 pound.  This is not a cover to have for a hilly race.  But then who needs aero covers at 10 MPH.  I have a set of light weight race wheels with Sun aero rims, DT bladed spokes front and rear, and American Classic hubs. Together the wheels save me just under a pound over my training wheels. I use them alone for hilly courses and pop on the disk cover and fly when racing in the flats. Hope this helps, Mike Randow —

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Question:

This sort of thing is catchy. Whats a good condom for a triathlete? Whats a good deoderant for a triathlete? Whats a good pair of jeans for a triathlete? Whats a good day job for a triathlete? Whats a good song for a triathlete to sing on the way to work? Whats a good song for a triathlete to sing on the way to a race? Whats a good pocket knife for a triathlete? Whats a good size bed for a triathlete? Whats a good pen for a triathlete? Whats a good pencil for a triathlete? Whats a good petrol for a triathlete?  (To put in the car you guys recomended) Whats a good travel adgent for a triathlete? Whats a good bank card for a triathlete? Whats a good book for a triathlete? Whats a good place to sleep for a triathlete? Whats a good watch for a triathlete? Whats a good race for a triathlete? Whats a good LIFE for people that write stupid threads like this one?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This sort of thing is catchy. Whats a good condom for a triathlete? Whats a good deoderant for a triathlete? Whats a good pair of jeans for a triathlete? Whats a good day job for a triathlete? Whats a good song for a triathlete to sing on the way to work? Whats a good song for a triathlete to sing on the way to a race? Whats a good pocket knife for a triathlete? Whats a good size bed for a triathlete? Whats a good pen for a triathlete? Whats a good pencil for a triathlete? Whats a good petrol for a triathlete?  (To put in the car you guys recomended) Whats a good travel adgent for a triathlete? Whats a good bank card for a triathlete? Whats a good book for a triathlete? Whats a good place to sleep for a triathlete? Whats a good watch for a triathlete? Whats a good race for a triathlete? Whats a good LIFE for people that write stupid threads like this one?

You know, this was funny, but I for one think the original question "what is a good car" question was valid and was worthwhile reading.  Transporting our gear to various races is a much a part of our sport as brick workouts.  Many publications refer to triathlon as a lifestyle, and not just a sport.  Thus the wide variety of lifestyle related posts to this group.   kbb Kim B. Blair, Ph.D.                     Senior Staff Scientist 1033 Massachusetts Ave                  (617) 354-3124 Cambridge, MA  02138                    (617) 491-4522 (fax)

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: This sort of thing is catchy. : Whats a good condom for a triathlete?         Lifestyles come in the sort of flashy colors most triathletes love. : Whats a good deoderant for a triathlete?         Right Guard Pure Power has a little runner on the front. I vote         for it. : Whats a good pair of jeans for a triathlete?         Carerra..oops, those are for roadies. : Whats a good day job for a triathlete?         Teacher… off by 3pm during the week and weekends and summer off. : Whats a good song for a triathlete to sing on the way to work?         "Whistle while you work" from Snow White… just a catchy tune. : Whats a good song for a triathlete to sing on the way to a race?         Already done this thread a while back. : Whats a good pocket knife for a triathlete?         I’ve heard certain Swiss Army knives have tire levers. : Whats a good size bed for a triathlete?         Queen K. size (easy!). : Whats a good pen for a triathlete?         Big, black permanent markers. : Whats a good book for a triathlete?         Whatever is small enough to be attached to your aerobars, so you         can train and read at the same time. : Whats a good place to sleep for a triathlete?         In the backseat of your triathlete car, using triathlete condoms. : Whats a good watch for a triathlete?         So obvious… : Whats a good race for a triathlete?         The human race. : Whats a good LIFE for people that write stupid threads like this one?         To waste even more time by writing replies to stupid threads. — | Jonathan Acey Albert             | | University of Florida            | | http://nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu/~acey |

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This sort of thing is catchy. Whats a good deoderant for a triathlete? Whats a good travel adgent for a triathlete?

What’s a good spell checker for a triathlete?

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Question:

Title says it all.  Any recommendations on a good sewup for Ironman (especially puncture resistance, comfort, and price)? Thanks. Rolf Arands

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Title says it all.  Any recommendations on a good sewup for Ironman (especially puncture resistance, comfort, and price)?

Most of us in Los Alamos race with Continental Sprinter 250’s or GP’s… Out of the 4 (Hawaii) ironmans that have been done recently by local athletes, there have been no flats.  Personally, I have had a pair of Sprinter 250’s on my race wheels for the past 4 years with no flats. (Note: I change them out at least every other year due to tread wear.)  I have found them to be extremely comfortable and they corner better than anything else I’ve tried. — Pat Brug, Ph.D.   Los Alamos National Laboratory "Home of the TriATOMICS" compuserve:  72410, 3372        

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I have found them to be extremely comfortable and they corner better than anything else I’ve tried.

Now there’s an important consideration when buying tires for Kona!  ;-) —    LSC (aka Larry Chapman)    (303) 229-3117

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: I have : found them to be extremely comfortable and they corner better than anything : else I’ve tried. :Now there’s an important consideration when buying tires for Kona!  ;-)  Well, yes, don’t you see the enormous time gain they make at the turnaround :– :   LSC (aka Larry Chapman) :   (303) 229-3117 —                             Ulrich Porsch             Wer spricht vom Siegen, "Ubersteh’n ist alles  

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I have found them to be extremely comfortable and they corner better than anything else I’ve tried. Now there’s an important consideration when buying tires for Kona!  ;-)

OK Larry, I’ll admit I bonked on this one…  ;)   (OBTW when you see Doug Van Cleef in Fort Collins, say hello for me– he is another one I got started in multi-sports a couple of years ago.  I heard he had a great ride up Mount Evans this year ) On the other hand, I have heard from windtunnel *experts* that a wider tire, such as the 22mm Sprinter 250, actually will fair the rim and make for a more aerodynamic wheel.  Unfortunately, I do not have experimental (role down) test results for verification. I think there will be little argument that a wider tire is more comfortable though which is an important consideration for a long ride such as Kona. — Pat Brug, Ph.D.   Los Alamos National Laboratory "Home of the TriATOMICS" compuserve:  72410, 3372        

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I ridden on Vittoria CORSA CXs since I bought my Zipp wheels 2 years ago.  I usually ride the 19mm version but for Hawaii last year I moved up to 21mm.  I figured that the extra rubber would help against flats and it worked and I didn’t really notice the difference in the width.  I know many people swear by the Continental sewups but I think they are too expensive.  The Vittorias can be found in most of the mail order cataloges and I think I paid around $45 a piece for mine.  BTW, like I said I rode my 19mm for two full seasons (about 20 du/tri) and I did not have any probems, and I have nailed some rocks and ridden thru some glass without even a nick on the tire.  I really like these tires and highly recommend them. Best of Luck to you and remember to eat a lot on the bike. Todd. P.S. All of this reminissing about Hawaii is starting to make me wonder why I truned down my IQ slot this year.  Oh yea, new job, no vacation, thats the reason.

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<deleted : I’ve heard a "rule of thumb" that a tire should be about 2mm wider than : the rim.  This creates a nice teardrop out of the tire/rim combo. For the last three years I have completed the Great Floridian on a 21.5 mm Vittoria Formula 1 with no problems. These tires are mail order specials at < US10.00. Larry, do you know my brother Larry Rowland who works at HP. — |/ ____ |/  you can’t confuse him, he’s not paying attention.           /_( _ / )_  round up the usual disclaimers…..

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Title says it all.  Any recommendations on a good sewup for Ironman (especially puncture resistance, comfort, and price)? Thanks. Rolf Arands

Also, What about good clinchers and latex tubes?  First, what are better Conti GP, Conti SS Ultra, or Mich. Super Comp HDs. They all weigh about the same (w/in 10-15g). Are latex tubes risky? Thanks also, John K.

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Kruempelstaedter) writes:

I’m impressed with the UFO brand. It has a sealant that weighs only 10-15 grams that will seal most punctures. Plus they don’t bleed air as fast.

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On the other hand, I have heard from windtunnel *experts* that a wider tire, such as the 22mm Sprinter 250, actually will fair the rim and make for a more aerodynamic wheel.  Unfortunately, I do not have experimental (role down) test results for verification.

I’ve heard a "rule of thumb" that a tire should be about 2mm wider than the rim.  This creates a nice teardrop out of the tire/rim combo. —    LSC (aka Larry Chapman)    (303) 229-3117

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Question:

I sincerely apologize to this group for the inappropriate posting  yesterday. I was very excited about the shared information and errored in thinking all would welcome it. I do NOT sell the product.   rere is something I hope the group can use: .I am not an expert on these matters, but an old friend of mine has just sent me some very interesting information about what has been going on. He has been working down in Texas with a company that has just produced

I AM GETTING REALLY ANGRY WITH ALL THESE "NET POLICE"!!!!!! This posting was 100% ok! Would the people who feel it is their duty to flame any posting that just might have something to do with commercial ventures PLEASE STOP!?!?!? This posting never tried to sell anybody anything.  Even if it did the internet is open to this kind of thing.  Deal with it. If we, in rec.sport.triathlon, want to create a "bylaw" that discourages "posting for money" then we can do that.  Until then people are free to post what they want. —    LSC (aka Larry Chapman)    (303) 229-3117

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I sincerely apologize to this group for the inappropriate posting  yesterday. I was very excited about the shared information and errored in thinking all would welcome it. I do NOT sell the product.   rere is something I hope the group can use:

.I am not an expert on these matters, but an old friend of mine has just – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -sent me some very interesting information about what has been going on. He has been working down in Texas with a company that has just produced

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| | I AM GETTING REALLY ANGRY WITH ALL THESE "NET POLICE"!!!!!! | | This posting was 100% ok! | | Would the people who feel it is their duty to flame any posting that just | might have something to do with commercial ventures PLEASE STOP!?!?!? | | This posting never tried to sell anybody anything.  Even if it did the | internet is open to this kind of thing.  Deal with it. | | If we, in rec.sport.triathlon, want to create a "bylaw" that discourages | "posting for money" then we can do that.  Until then people are free to | post what they want. The original post, as well as the apology was posted to several groups. So it doesn’t necessarily follow that anyone who reads this group got on John’s case. — Ontario Telepresence Project, 2670 Queensview Dr., Ottawa, ON, K2B 8K1, CANADA

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