Question:

Mike – I subscribe to all of these news groups and others – if you read what Benson said you would see he’s a triathlete, I’ve followed them around and picked them up, why don’t you ask the other people that have contacted me direct with other legitimate questions as to whether or not I’ve answered them adequately? Rather than just immediately going on the attack. I thought that these would be a useful forum to discuss issues, some of which I have a professional interest in, others I have a passion about – all in all a number of people have seen this as being of use, others such as Aarron and Henry have taken it upon themselves to throw unwarranted abuse.

Rod, there was nothing in Benson’s postings that would indicate that he was a triathlete, unless you consider "I do a bit of…." in each respective group to mean someone participates in all of them. That’s quite a bit of speculation that he’s a triathlete.  Regarding any questions to your speciality, I didn’t have any reason to doubt you had the knowledge and experience you had stated. As far as I was concerned, that wasn’t the issue.  I didn’t immediately go on the attack, you were questioned right up front regarding what you were offering and whether your posting was genuine interest, or simply poor marketing.  The postings continued…. I applaud you for wanting to continue giving advice on subjects you are knowledgeable and experienced in, please don’t try and disguise it as thinly veiled spam. We all do what we can – I don’t know Greg Benson, have never laid eyes on him, but when I saw his posting at different locations I took it as an opportunity – excuse me for following the posted issues. Good night. Rod

The canned responses?  Come on, nobody believes it now once they’ve seen the other posts.  In rec.bicycle.racing, after Greg thanked you, you even said "Too easy Greg."  After a while, even you had second thoughts about what you started.  I don’t think it’s necessary to repost what was said. If it’s simply poor marketing, fine, but you’re not deceiving anyone now. I’m actually quite thankful that you are offering your services.  I feel in areas of training and medicine, there are always new discoveries and methods generating advances in both areas.  The more advanced training becomes, hopefully some of the rewards will be less injuries.  Everyone wins.  :-) Finally, I wish you no ill will.  Perhaps one day you’ll make a huge breakthrough in altitude research and athletic training, or even invent a better and lighter Gamow bag (http://spot.colorado.edu/~gamow/research/bag.html) that’s more affordable and you’ll make lots of money.  Who knows?  Keep up with your passions and enjoy life, it’s the only one you have! Regards, Mike

Response:

|When there is a vested interest while one is posting in a newsgroup, it |is best that the individual be as transparent as possible as to what |their intentions are. Right on, Oz.  Everyone has an agenda and not all agendas are necesarily evil.

But _hidden_ agendas are rightly subjected to suspicion once they become exposed.

Response:

| |I guess I don’t feel so bad now for being suspicious all along.  I |find these posting games to be quite insulting given what Mike has |brought to light (thanks Mike): | |http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&safe=off&th=3b… | |http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=rec.clim… | |You guys (Rod & Greg) really ought to be ashamed of yourselves.  Are |things really that bad in Australia?  If you guys got something sell, |just say so instead of denying it over and over again while playing |this "thanks for the wonderful advice" game between you and Greg |throughout all of the newsgroups.  All you, Rod, had to do was come |clean.  How hard is that?  Back to advice that was recycled to me by |Guido:  http://www.tradgirl.com/climbing_faq/rec_climbing.htm#culture | |Michelle | | | |thanks for the heads-up. Chang, you make Asians everywhere feel ill to their stomachs.

Response:

| |This group has always been against marketing of any sort being posted |here. So what?  You write the laws of Usenet? I bet you guys have an FAQ about this too?  Right?  Another worthless waste of time.

Response:

|But _hidden_ agendas are rightly subjected to suspicion once they become |exposed. Sure, sure……that’s the nature of Usenet.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | |I guess I don’t feel so bad now for being suspicious all along.  I |find these posting games to be quite insulting given what Mike has |brought to light (thanks Mike): | |http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&safe=off&th=3b… | |http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=rec.clim… | |You guys (Rod & Greg) really ought to be ashamed of yourselves.  Are |things really that bad in Australia?  If you guys got something sell, |just say so instead of denying it over and over again while playing |this "thanks for the wonderful advice" game between you and Greg |throughout all of the newsgroups.  All you, Rod, had to do was come |clean.  How hard is that?  Back to advice that was recycled to me by |Guido:  http://www.tradgirl.com/climbing_faq/rec_climbing.htm#culture | |Michelle | | | |thanks for the heads-up. Chang, you make Asians everywhere feel ill to their stomachs.

please expound. thanks, Henry

Response:

thanks for the heads-up. Yeah, and I know EXACTLY what your head is up.

Interesting how the only posts to rec.bicycles.racing ever by someone named "Roger Hunter" have been in this thread. Henry rbr anti-spam crusader

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – thanks for the heads-up. Yeah, and I know EXACTLY what your head is up. Interesting how the only posts to rec.bicycles.racing ever by someone named "Roger Hunter" have been in this thread. Henry rbr anti-spam crusader

Gee, I wonder why???

Response:

Interesting how the only posts to rec.bicycles.racing ever by someone named "Roger Hunter" have been in this thread.

Lordy, are you stupid.   I’m posting from rec.running.  Look at the ‘newsgroup to’ headers, these posts are bouncing round half of Usenet.

Response:

thanks for the heads-up.

Yeah, and I know EXACTLY what your head is up.

Response:

|When there is a vested interest while one is posting in a newsgroup, it |is best that the individual be as transparent as possible as to what |their intentions are. Right on, Oz.  Everyone has an agenda and not all agendas are necesarily evil.

This group has always been against marketing of any sort being posted here. Henry

Response:

And I am sure you saw if you read everything here that I mentioned that the hypoxic training posts were decent.  That is kind of much of my point here — post what you know about and don’t try to be the second coming to RBR just to troll for clients.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So, Rod, who else have you helped?  The only one that any of us have seen is this Greg Benson (aka Rod Cedaro) fellow.  That’s the beauty of your whole e-mail approach.  You don’t have to show to the whole group that you are ignorant. Were you able to follow his posts on hypoxic training? They sound significantly less ignorant than anything you have posted. … . . .  .  .  .    .    .    .     .     .     .      .      .      .    Tower of Tongues:Thursday PM:10:30-11:30 EDT:http://cfmu.mcmaster.ca     moon musick:ritual:IDM:experimental(electronica):minimalism:glitch .      .      .     .     .     .    .    .    .   .   .   .  .  . . …

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike – I subscribe to all of these news groups and others – if you read what Benson said you would see he’s a triathlete, I’ve followed them around and picked them up, why don’t you ask the other people that have contacted me direct with other legitimate questions as to whether or not I’ve answered them adequately? Rather than just immediately going on the attack. I thought that these would be a useful forum to discuss issues, some of which I have a professional interest in, others I have a passion about – all in all a number of people have seen this as being of use, others such as Aarron and Henry have taken it upon themselves to throw unwarranted abuse. We all do what we can – I don’t know Greg Benson, have never laid eyes on him, but when I saw his posting at different locations I took it as an opportunity – excuse me for following the posted issues. Good night. Rod

Can you explain why Greg felt the need to ask essentially the same question and evoke the same response from you in several newsgroups at the same time? -WG

Response:

|I’m going to leap to the defence of Roddy-boy here.   Not ’cause I think |he’s a fellow troll, and not ’cause he’s an Aussie (though god knows, the |poor wee kangas need all the help they can get), but just because he seems |like a fine guy. How do you know?  He could be a serial killer. |He gave an honest, tolerant and amusing defence of the Aussie sports system |on rec.running,  He appears to know what he’s talking about – which is more |than most (yes, me too) on rec.running and rec.sport.triathlon – and he does |it all with good grace. When he’s not killing serials. |Were I seeking advice, I’d be hoping to stumble into someone like Roddy. |So what if his business is a little quiet or he’s trying to raise his |profile within certain sports.   If the quality of advice is good then just |accept it and be grateful. Yeah, but that not’s the way it works on most of Usenet.  If you publically state your credentials, then back them with intelligent discussion, the morons, idiots and imbeciles will feel overwhelmed and make every effort to clip your heels.  I kicked the ever loving crap out of the folks on misc.fitness.weights, after stating exactly who I am and what my background was and they reacted like monkeys in a jaguar den.  It was fun, I have to admit, to shoot down a bunch of foul mouthed creeps, bodybuilding egomaniacs and pseudoscientists.

Response:

|Risking such —  Sparing the purchase of your training machine, what value |does your posts bring to this group? Why not give the guy a f…king chance to post for a while and find out?

Response:

|A spammer and a liar…..

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I guess I don’t feel so bad now for being suspicious all along.  I find these posting games to be quite insulting given what Mike has brought to light (thanks Mike): http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&safe=off&th=3b… http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=rec.clim… You guys (Rod & Greg) really ought to be ashamed of yourselves.  Are things really that bad in Australia?  If you guys got something sell, just say so instead of denying it over and over again while playing this "thanks for the wonderful advice" game between you and Greg throughout all of the newsgroups.  All you, Rod, had to do was come clean.  How hard is that?  Back to advice that was recycled to me by Guido:  http://www.tradgirl.com/climbing_faq/rec_climbing.htm#culture Michelle

thanks for the heads-up. Henry

Response:

|When there is a vested interest while one is posting in a newsgroup, it |is best that the individual be as transparent as possible as to what |their intentions are. Right on, Oz.  Everyone has an agenda and not all agendas are necesarily evil.

Response:

I guess I don’t feel so bad now for being suspicious all along.  I find these posting games to be quite insulting given what Mike has brought to light (thanks Mike): http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&safe=off&th=3b… http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=rec.clim… You guys (Rod & Greg) really ought to be ashamed of yourselves.  Are things really that bad in Australia?  If you guys got something sell, just say so instead of denying it over and over again while playing this "thanks for the wonderful advice" game between you and Greg throughout all of the newsgroups.  All you, Rod, had to do was come clean.  How hard is that?  Back to advice that was recycled to me by Guido:  http://www.tradgirl.com/climbing_faq/rec_climbing.htm#culture Michelle

Response:

So, Rod, who else have you helped?  The only one that any of us have seen is this Greg Benson (aka Rod Cedaro) fellow.  That’s the beauty of your whole e-mail approach.  You don’t have to show to the whole group that you are ignorant.

Were you able to follow his posts on hypoxic training? They sound significantly less ignorant than anything you have posted. … . . .  .  .  .    .    .    .     .     .     .      .      .      .    Tower of Tongues:Thursday PM:10:30-11:30 EDT:http://cfmu.mcmaster.ca     moon musick:ritual:IDM:experimental(electronica):minimalism:glitch .      .      .     .     .     .    .    .    .   .   .   .  .  . . …

Response:

<snipped, ’cause it was a reasonable, but not completely satisfactory, response to the beastly Mike Shutters I’m going to leap to the defence of Roddy-boy here.   Not ’cause I think he’s a fellow troll, and not ’cause he’s an Aussie (though god knows, the poor wee kangas need all the help they can get), but just because he seems like a fine guy. He gave an honest, tolerant and amusing defence of the Aussie sports system on rec.running,  He appears to know what he’s talking about – which is more than most (yes, me too) on rec.running and rec.sport.triathlon – and he does it all with good grace. Were I seeking advice, I’d be hoping to stumble into someone like Roddy. So what if his business is a little quiet or he’s trying to raise his profile within certain sports.   If the quality of advice is good then just accept it and be grateful. I don’t think you were wrong to point it out though Mike, it’s just a little sad that you felt you had to go public so quickly.   I’d have emailed him first and told him what I felt.   Then, had it continued, you’d have looked more like someone doing us all a favour and less like a schoolboy that’s discovered his teacher is human.

Response:

Rod: You know, this whole helpfulness act would shine more brightly if there weren’t a product attached to the end of the rainbow. And yes, wreck.climbing certainly has its cynics, and those who defend the space with self-righteous indignation.  I doubt you’ve met either group yet. Risking such —  Sparing the purchase of your training machine, what value does your posts bring to this group? Has your studies revealed valuable insights or a regimen which affords the tight-fisted climber a leg-up on high alt’ training?   Or is your kind offer a loss-leader in the marketing plan? Guido

Response:

Mike – I subscribe to all of these news groups and others – if you read what Benson said you would see he’s a triathlete, I’ve followed them around and picked them up, why don’t you ask the other people that have contacted me direct with other legitimate questions as to whether or not I’ve answered them adequately?

So, Rod, who else have you helped?  The only one that any of us have seen is this Greg Benson (aka Rod Cedaro) fellow.  That’s the beauty of your whole e-mail approach.  You don’t have to show to the whole group that you are ignorant.  Why haven’t any of these supposed people come forward on this group in your defense?  Maybe because you did not help them at all! A spammer and a liar…..

Response:

Rod, What’s so wrong with your business model that you feel the need to go around to various newsgroups and having (or working with) someone planting questions pertaining to your training and knowledge for you to answer?  In all four of these newsgroups (rec.bicycles.racing, rec.climbing, rec.running & rec.sport.triathlon), Greg Benson posed almost the exact same question in each group (it was tailored to each group) – Simulated high altitude training. You (obviously having already seen the question in the other groups) acted like it was a new question for each group, never pointing out to "Greg" that you already answered his question (with almost the exact same information) in another newsgroup.  Take a look (newsgroup members), you’ll see what I’m talking about. If business is so bad in your industry that you need this to drum up business in this manner, I feel sorry for you, but don’t try to deceive us.  Unfortunately stuff like this doesn’t look good when it comes out, even if it’s only appearances. If it was a mistake, come clean and cut your losses.  Bad business decisions are made all the time, it’s how you own up to them (and clean up) that make the difference. Stick around and dispense free advice.  If it’s good and accurate (and works), I’m sure *some* people will appreciate it and you still get to have that feeling that comes with helping others. Initially, when I saw what was going on, I was pretty ticked off.  But I also understand that successful people also face difficult financial times and do things they wouldn’t normally do.  I was really going to rip you a new one, but I’m tired, and I feel kinda’ sorry for you.  After all, you do appear to be pretty intelligent and after reading some of your other posts in the other newsgroups, not overly hostile.  :-)  Besides, I don’t normally flame people, not my style. Think about it. On the other hand, I could just be so tired that I have no idea what I just wrote.  I’m going to bed. Mike

Response:

Mike – I subscribe to all of these news groups and others – if you read what Benson said you would see he’s a triathlete, I’ve followed them around and picked them up, why don’t you ask the other people that have contacted me direct with other legitimate questions as to whether or not I’ve answered them adequately? Rather than just immediately going on the attack. I thought that these would be a useful forum to discuss issues, some of which I have a professional interest in, others I have a passion about – all in all a number of people have seen this as being of use, others such as Aarron and Henry have taken it upon themselves to throw unwarranted abuse. We all do what we can – I don’t know Greg Benson, have never laid eyes on him, but when I saw his posting at different locations I took it as an opportunity – excuse me for following the posted issues. Good night. Rod Rod, What’s so wrong with your business model that you feel the need to go

around to various newsgroups and having (or working with) someone planting questions pertaining to your

training and knowledge for you to answer?  In all four of these newsgroups (rec.bicycles.racing,

rec.climbing, rec.running & rec.sport.triathlon), Greg Benson posed almost the exact same question in each group (it was tailored to each group) – Simulated high altitude training. You (obviously having already seen the question in the other groups) acted like it was a new question for each group, never pointing out to "Greg" that you already

answered his question (with almost the exact same information) in another newsgroup.  Take a look

(newsgroup members), you’ll see what I’m talking about. If business is so bad in your industry that you need this to drum up

business in this manner, I feel sorry for you, but don’t try to deceive us.  Unfortunately stuff like this

doesn’t look good when it comes out, even if it’s only appearances. If it was a mistake, come clean and cut your losses.  Bad business

decisions are made all the time, it’s how you own up to them (and clean up) that make the difference. Stick around and dispense free advice.  If it’s good and accurate (and

works), I’m sure *some* people will appreciate it and you still get to have that feeling that comes

with helping others. Initially, when I saw what was going on, I was pretty ticked off.  But I

also understand that successful people also face difficult financial times and do things they

wouldn’t normally do.  I was really going to rip you a new one, but I’m tired, and I feel kinda’

sorry for you.  After all, you do appear to be pretty intelligent and after reading some of your other posts in the other newsgroups, not overly hostile.  :-)  Besides, I don’t normally flame

people, not my style. Think about it. On the other hand, I could just be so tired that I have no idea what I just

wrote.  I’m going to – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -bed. Mike

Response:

Question:

Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh) The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind of signs I’ve got a nasty bug. Yesterday, I started feeling a little bit better, so I tried for my first run in two weeks. My legs felt awfully weak, but that was not the worst. After about ten minutes or one km, my bronchi cramped like crazy. I could barely breathe, coughed all the time, and my breath sounded more like I had a whistle in the throat. Of course I take my medicine. I won’t try to run until Sunday, but then there is the big question: should I try to participate? What would happen if I don’t? I would ever ask myself if I could have done it, blame me for being a chicken. I would not find out how it is to participate in a race. What would happen if I do? I get cough cramps again and have to walk four of the five km and get a time of about one hour and scare my fellow runners and scare myself and make some really bad experience with a race? Or maybe I feel better on Sunday and have a wonderful race (much over 35 min though)? Is there an exercise to relax the bronchi? If I run, I will carry my inhalation device with me, just to be on the safe side. What would you do? Would you race? Elisabeth

Response:

I’d wait- there will be other races.  And your memory of your first race should be much better than what you’d have if you ran right now.  You don’t have enough of a base yet to keep fit over a week + of not running. BTW- I received the same advice about my first half-marathon and ignored it. I ran with the flu, shin splints and new shoes.  Needless to say, even though I finished (2:30 or so), it sucked big time and has made me shy away from further half+ distances. You’ve got nothing to lose by waiting and everything to lose by racing. Just my 2 cents, though. Best of Luck on a Speedy Recovery, Brian

: Hello group, : : here is a newbie with a question. : I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first : race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run : under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh) : : The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind : of signs I’ve got a nasty bug. : : Yesterday, I started feeling a little bit better, so I tried for my : first run in two weeks. My legs felt awfully weak, but that was not : the worst. After about ten minutes or one km, my bronchi cramped like : crazy. I could barely breathe, coughed all the time, and my breath : sounded more like I had a whistle in the throat. : : Of course I take my medicine. : : I won’t try to run until Sunday, but then there is the big question: : should I try to participate? : : What would happen if I don’t? I would ever ask myself if I could have : done it, blame me for being a chicken. I would not find out how it is : to participate in a race. : : What would happen if I do? I get cough cramps again and have to walk : four of the five km and get a time of about one hour and scare my : fellow runners and scare myself and make some really bad experience : with a race? : : Or maybe I feel better on Sunday and have a wonderful race (much over : 35 min though)? : : Is there an exercise to relax the bronchi? If I run, I will carry my : inhalation device with me, just to be on the safe side. : : What would you do? Would you race? : : Elisabeth

Response:

I agree with Brian… I think skipping this 5K is not really as big a tragedy as you think it might be… Road races are pretty plentiful and 5Ks in particular seem common… I’m not sure where you live, but surely you can register for another one in the very near term… You’ve only been running since March… Sounds like you are putting for more pressure on yourself than you need to.  Just relax and enjoy it. -Chazzer

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh) The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind of signs I’ve got a nasty bug. Yesterday, I started feeling a little bit better, so I tried for my first run in two weeks. My legs felt awfully weak, but that was not the worst. After about ten minutes or one km, my bronchi cramped like crazy. I could barely breathe, coughed all the time, and my breath sounded more like I had a whistle in the throat. Of course I take my medicine. I won’t try to run until Sunday, but then there is the big question: should I try to participate? What would happen if I don’t? I would ever ask myself if I could have done it, blame me for being a chicken. I would not find out how it is to participate in a race. What would happen if I do? I get cough cramps again and have to walk four of the five km and get a time of about one hour and scare my fellow runners and scare myself and make some really bad experience with a race? Or maybe I feel better on Sunday and have a wonderful race (much over 35 min though)? Is there an exercise to relax the bronchi? If I run, I will carry my inhalation device with me, just to be on the safe side. What would you do? Would you race? Elisabeth

Response:

Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh)

Not laughing at all. I’m damm sure I couldn’t have run sub 35 less than 2 months after beginning to run.     <snip What would you do? Would you race?

My newbie answer would be no. If I have a lay-off – especially for illness – then my first day back is always hard and slow so if I was in your shoes I know I wouldn’t do myself justice. Of course, you may be different  so if you feel great on Sunday then run for pleasure and if you’re in ‘greyhound’ mode you’ll know that a layoff doesn’t affect you too much – which will be something to note for when it happens again.

Response:

Good morning Elisabeth,        I’m in exactly the same position you are right now.  I have both tonsilitis and mononucleosis, as well as three races in a four week span.  I decided to run the first one, and was not pleased at all.  I ended up finishing 15 minutes slower than my expected time, and I felt like crap afterwards.  I’ve been debating whether I should run this next race a week Sunday, but if I’m not feeling any better than I am right now, I’d only disappoint myself more.  I know it’s disappointing to miss a race, but it’s even more disappointing to finish a lot worse than you expected, fell horrible throughout and after your race, and probably increase the time you’ll be sick for.  My advice, through experience, would be to hold off and wait for the next race.  Who knows?  By waiting, you may break 32 minutes in your first race!                                        Sean Chester – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh) The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind of signs I’ve got a nasty bug. Yesterday, I started feeling a little bit better, so I tried for my first run in two weeks. My legs felt awfully weak, but that was not the worst. After about ten minutes or one km, my bronchi cramped like crazy. I could barely breathe, coughed all the time, and my breath sounded more like I had a whistle in the throat. Of course I take my medicine. I won’t try to run until Sunday, but then there is the big question: should I try to participate? What would happen if I don’t? I would ever ask myself if I could have done it, blame me for being a chicken. I would not find out how it is to participate in a race. What would happen if I do? I get cough cramps again and have to walk four of the five km and get a time of about one hour and scare my fellow runners and scare myself and make some really bad experience with a race? Or maybe I feel better on Sunday and have a wonderful race (much over 35 min though)? Is there an exercise to relax the bronchi? If I run, I will carry my inhalation device with me, just to be on the safe side. What would you do? Would you race? Elisabeth

Response:

Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh)

We don’t laugh at newbies because we know they’ll be faster than us by this time next year The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind of signs I’ve got a nasty bug. Yesterday, I started feeling a little bit better, so I tried for my first run in two weeks. My legs felt awfully weak, but that was not the worst. After about ten minutes or one km, my bronchi cramped like crazy. I could barely breathe, coughed all the time, and my breath sounded more like I had a whistle in the throat.

Sounds like you’re not fully better yet – more rest days are called for… Of course I take my medicine. I won’t try to run until Sunday, but then there is the big question: should I try to participate?

If you feel completely better by race day I’d go for it – missing a week to 10 days won’t have too much of a negative effect on your fitness level – training while still sick might. What would happen if I don’t? I would ever ask myself if I could have done it, blame me for being a chicken. I would not find out how it is to participate in a race.

Yes you will, you’ll just do the next 5k instead. I normally expect to miss at least one race I’ve entered each year due to injury or illness (this year I already had to pull out of the Twintig van Alphen 20k – *sob*). What would happen if I do? I get cough cramps again and have to walk four of the five km and get a time of about one hour and scare my fellow runners and scare myself and make some really bad experience with a race? Or maybe I feel better on Sunday and have a wonderful race (much over 35 min though)? Is there an exercise to relax the bronchi? If I run, I will carry my inhalation device with me, just to be on the safe side. What would you do? Would you race?

Only if I really felt better… Elisabeth

– Regards, Barry Running & Stuff: http://homepages.go.com/~barry841

Response:

Elisabeth,   Take the race off.  Don’t run a race until you feel comfortable that on that day you can give it your best.  Just keep a good additude about your running, and keep training.  By skipping this race I believe you will be doing yourself a big favor.  There is no need to risk cramping and having to walk the final few k’s, that would be bad for your morale. Skip the race, keep training, and you will have a great race, when you race. Scott Having a postive attitude leads to postive results!!!!!!

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Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh) The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind of signs I’ve got a nasty bug.

snip I think you have a very legitimate reason to skip this event. I know where you are coming from though.  It isn’t the fact that there are plenty of 5K’s to enter, it’s the fact that this was a goal, and now you feel like you are slipping?   You went out and tried running before you were 100%, which should tell you that you are motivated, the time just isn’t the best for you.  I bet there are very few runners who have been able to run every single race that they planned to. Set your sights on another, and good luck! Karen

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NO, you should not run with a fever, ever. Ken – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh) The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind of signs I’ve got a nasty bug. snip I think you have a very legitimate reason to skip this event. I know where you are coming from though.  It isn’t the fact that there are plenty of 5K’s to enter, it’s the fact that this was a goal, and now you feel like you are slipping?   You went out and tried running before you were 100%, which should tell you that you are motivated, the time just isn’t the best for you.  I bet there are very few runners who have been able to run every single race that they planned to. Set your sights on another, and good luck! Karen

Ken Parker Runner’s Web A running & triathlon resource site. http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh) The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind of signs I’ve got a nasty bug. snip I think you have a very legitimate reason to skip this event. I know where you are coming from though.  It isn’t the fact that there are plenty of 5K’s to enter, it’s the fact that this was a goal, and now you feel like you are slipping?   You went out and tried running before you were 100%, which should tell you that you are motivated, the time just isn’t the best for you.  I bet there are very few runners who have been able to run every single race that they planned to. Set your sights on another, and good luck! Karen

Thank you Karen, and thanks to all the others out there. You helped me here, and I will not race. I will, however, go there and watch what’s happening, just to get aquainted and that I don’t get the feeling I miss too much. Thank you for caring and sharing your experience. Elisabeth

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May be they could use another volunteer?? A good way to meet people and runners. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh) The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind of signs I’ve got a nasty bug. snip I think you have a very legitimate reason to skip this event. I know where you are coming from though.  It isn’t the fact that there are plenty of 5K’s to enter, it’s the fact that this was a goal, and now you feel like you are slipping? You went out and tried running before you were 100%, which should tell you that you are motivated, the time just isn’t the best for you.  I bet there are very few runners who have been able to run every single race that they planned to. Set your sights on another, and good luck! Karen Thank you Karen, and thanks to all the others out there. You helped me here, and I will not race. I will, however, go there and watch what’s happening, just to get aquainted and that I don’t get the feeling I miss too much. Thank you for caring and sharing your experience. Elisabeth

– Regards, Dave I’d love to think that there’s an end just waiting right around the bend, but every turn’s a tunnel.        I descend I’m the running man… Edward Ka Spell and kEvin Key, The Last Man to Fly, 1991

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you should not race ,,,, i did once all it did was aggregate my condition ,,, that is not to say that i would not ,,, some where i think we believe we r super people immune to the laws of this world ,,, every body get your run on clodzilla – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello group, here is a newbie with a question. I started running at the begin of March, and I wanted to run my first race this Sunday, April 22nd, a 5k race. I had the intention to run under 35 minutes, which would be pretty fast for me. (Don’t laugh) The last week though I had the flue and fever and coughs and all kind of signs I’ve got a nasty bug. Yesterday, I started feeling a little bit better, so I tried for my first run in two weeks. My legs felt awfully weak, but that was not the worst. After about ten minutes or one km, my bronchi cramped like crazy. I could barely breathe, coughed all the time, and my breath sounded more like I had a whistle in the throat. Of course I take my medicine. I won’t try to run until Sunday, but then there is the big question: should I try to participate? What would happen if I don’t? I would ever ask myself if I could have done it, blame me for being a chicken. I would not find out how it is to participate in a race. What would happen if I do? I get cough cramps again and have to walk four of the five km and get a time of about one hour and scare my fellow runners and scare myself and make some really bad experience with a race? Or maybe I feel better on Sunday and have a wonderful race (much over 35 min though)? Is there an exercise to relax the bronchi? If I run, I will carry my inhalation device with me, just to be on the safe side. What would you do? Would you race? Elisabeth

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Hi Yes. win or lose www.trailmarathon.com so far, this last week. drop a ladder on toe. twisted ankle, blisters everwhere,loss gel at laundry. da shoes are too tight. black and blue. sore back. heard the race elevation to 1100 feet at the end of loop. like maybe 6 hills. rolling the rest. may be the start and finish too. aid station only 1.7 miles. only been hill training 3 weeks.   and I can’t wait for next sunday.:) Godspeed,+47,0,Nlat42.20,Wlong83.3

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Question:

Anyone have a tape of the edition of Triathlon Magazine that featured the Gulf Coast Triathlon ? i heard a rumor that a friend of mine is shown in the broadcast and i would really love to see it. i’ll happily pay shipping and additional costs on a tape of the show if anyone out there has it. thanks dan

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I’ll second that motion. If anyone has one I’d like a copy also.

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me three! i’ll shell out some bucks for a copy. someone stands to make some green here!

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I will take one as well. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have a tape of the edition of Triathlon Magazine that featured the Gulf Coast Triathlon ? i heard a rumor that a friend of mine is shown in the broadcast and i would really love to see it. i’ll happily pay shipping and additional costs on a tape of the show if anyone out there has it. thanks dan

Response:

I’ll third the motion (if there’s such a thing). Johanna "forever young" Young

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Question:

Could anyone help me to find any triathlon shops in New York City or around it(I live just outside the city).  I am lookind to buy a bike for not more than $1000, whether it be good new or a good used one.  I have no idea what to get so I could use all your help. Thanks Matt(Please email me, thanks)

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Could anyone help me to find any triathlon shops in New York City or around it(I live just outside the city).  I am lookind to buy a bike for not more than $1000, whether it be good new or a good used one.  I have no idea what to get so I could use all your help. Thanks Matt(Please email me, thanks)

You could try R & A Cycles in South Brooklyn. I’ve gone there a couple of times to make some big purchases (wheels mainly) and  had no complaints. Their website is http://www.racycles.com . Good luck.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -You could try R & A Cycles in South Brooklyn. I’ve gone there a couple of times to make some big purchases (wheels mainly) and  had no complaints. Their website is http://www.racycles.com . Good luck.                          |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                 "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Yes R&A is great.  Phil is a little grumpy, but smiles a little when you give him cash.   I have bought 2 bikes from them and lots of other goodies.  Best prices for high quality.  Good luck

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You could try R & A Cycles in South Brooklyn. I’ve gone there a couple of times to make some big purchases (wheels mainly) and  had no complaints. Their website is http://www.racycles.com . Good luck. Yes R&A is great.  Phil is a little grumpy, but smiles a little when you give him cash.   I have bought 2 bikes from them and lots of other goodies.  Best prices for high quality.  Good luck

I won’t deny that that shop has good prices, but I had two bad experiences there.  One was when I asked about compatibility between a shoe and pedal they carried and they gave me the wrong information — I ended up with a pair of pedals that didn’t work properly with my shoes. The second was in trying to buy a pair of shoes when the salesman insisted the shoe I wanted didn’t come in a certain color (but I had seen it in that color on a friends foot). He was either lying to get me to buy the color they had in stock or ignorant.  Nothing wrong with not knowing everything, but his firmness on what existed and did not exist was disturbing, especially considering he was wrong. I don’t know about tri-specific stuff but Gotham Bikes in lower Manhattan is a very good shop.  The various Metro Bikes are good too. JT Visit http://www.jt10000.com/ Cycling, Food and Stories

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Try Toga on West 60th and 11th Avenue. I bought my Landshark there, and they have an assortment of tri-specific bikes, including QR, Softride, Merlin, Calfee and Cervelo. Great shop; if you go there, definitely ask for Shane. -howard sol

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Question:

I have watched all three episode of Triathlete Magazine TV and have enjoyed each.  I’m in the Boston area and each show has aired when scheduled on OLN. As triathletes, we should understand that introducing tv coverage of triathlon in January doesn’t leave the producers with a lot of fresh race results to cover.   Last weeks episode however did have timely coverage of Barb Lindquist’s amazing win in an Australian F1 race which occured less than 1 month ago.  I have also enjoyed the "up close and personal" pieces with Siri Lindly, Nick R., and Barb L….as well as Tinley’s usual antics.  Each show has constitently improved over the last.  I’m confident that once the racing season gets underway, triathletes will be able to enjoy coverage of races in as timely a fashion as the print magazines provide.   Steve Kelley  

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Mather,     Triathlete TV is on the OLN (at least I’ve seen it once before) on the last Sunday of every month, at 10.30pm.  Your description of the races is right on though, in that it is usually some old world cup event, or footage clipped from NBC IMH (at least it looks like it was).  I didn’t catch the show last Sunday though, as 10.30pm is pushing the limit of how late I stay up.  I should qualify all this by saying I’m watching from Rhode Island, and don’t know if the programming is any different up north (read: Canada). scott "not much better at this ‘t.v.’ thing" kreitz — reply to sfk at brown dot edu – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hey folks – i know that lately OLN (outdoor life network) has been talking about putting all sorts of races on t.v. and even "triathlete t.v." which is advertised all over.  it seems, though, that if the triathlon even is on t.v., it isn’t the one advertised — just a rerun of a year-old world cup or something. as for triathlete t.v., i have yet to see it televised — snowboarding and all sorts of other crazy things seem to show up in its place. perhaps this happens because i’m in canada and the programming works differently, or perhaps i’m just not getting the times right.  anyone? mather "not too good at this ‘t.v.’ thing" callaghan

Response:

hey folks – i know that lately OLN (outdoor life network) has been talking about putting all sorts of races on t.v. and even "triathlete t.v." which is advertised all over.  it seems, though, that if the triathlon even is on t.v., it isn’t the one advertised — just a rerun of a year-old world cup or something.  as for triathlete t.v., i have yet to see it televised — snowboarding and all sorts of other crazy things seem to show up in its place. perhaps this happens because i’m in canada and the programming works differently, or perhaps i’m just not getting the times right.  anyone? mather "not too good at this ‘t.v.’ thing" callaghan

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Question:

Are there any?

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Check out Belmont Wheelworks in Belmont, MA and Marathon Sports in Cambridge or Wellesley.  Unfortunately, we don’t have any true "Tri Stores" Steve Kelley USA Triathlon-New England www.usat-ne.org

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If you’re in MetroWest, you can also find Landry’s and Frank’s Spoke’n'Wheel. Landry’s used to sponsor a tri team and Frank’s still does sponsor a tri team. Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any?

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Belmont wheelworks. We carry Fuji, Quintana Roo, Merlin, Cervelo, Carbonframes, Cannondale,Kestrel,  and Seven. And those are just the tri bikes. Wheels we carry include Specialized/dupont wheels, Zipp, Mavic, Spinergy, Campagnolo, and anything custom. We also have FuelBelts, Body Glide, xlab bottle carriers, CO2 cartridges, wetsuits, race laces, and a tri geek on staff! (that’s me!!) -Fabio

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Question:

Blocking:  Failing to stay as far to the right as possible/safe.                …<further elaboration snipped…

As I said in a post on this yesterday, that too has always been my understanding of the term (and used as such for the reasons Tricia explained in part of what I snipped). However, as I also noted yesterday, that isn’t exactly how the term "blocking" is used in the Competative Rules. Blocking is defined in section 5.10f as follows:   Blocking. Cyclists who have established the right-of-way must not block or obstruct the progress of another participant.    Department of Biology,  University of Alabama at Birmingham             http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/amsler.htm

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SORRY FOR THE TRUNCATED PREVIOUS MESSAGE! It also had at least one mistake in it. This, hopefully, will be the whole and correct thing (I didn’t know that that key combination would do THAT…) — Chuck Blocking:  Failing to stay as far to the right as possible/safe.                …<further elaboration snipped…

As I said in a post on this yesterday, that too has always been my understanding of the term (and used as such for the reasons Tricia explained in part of what I snipped). However, as I also noted yesterday, that isn’t exactly how the term "blocking" is used in the Competitive Rules. Blocking is defined in section 5.10d as follows:         Blocking. Cyclists who have established the right-of-way must         not block or obstruct the progress of another participant. Not staying to the right is described in a separate section, 5.10f, which reads:         Position and Passing. Except for reasons of safety and when no         advantage is gained, all cyclists shall keep to the right of the         prescribed course unless passing. … So when someone is cited for for 5.10f, is this always listed as a "Position Foul" or is it ever called "Blocking" on the penalty sheet?  If the latter, it would make it easy to understand a cited athlete’s confusion such as "Bud" described from the Dannon nationals and as Tony Schiller described at USAT Nationals if in fact that athlete didn’t have the same "working definition" of drafting as I’ve learned and Tricia stated above.   — Chuck    Department of Biology,  University of Alabama at Birmingham             http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/amsler.htm

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The original post on this I believe was inspired by the DQ of Tony Schiller at the National Championships. Schiller had one of the fastest bike splits in the race.As a Master, he had the misfortune of starting in a late wave and thus probably had to spend the entire 40K passing people on the on the left. Perhaps he did run afoul of the absolute definition of blocking. However, I doubt that Schiller was "blocking" any one. He was merely doing what he had to do to get around/through all of the other cyclists on the road.

I don’t think so, Steve. Mark mentioned that the competitor was in the 35-39 age group, and received a 2:00 penalty for "blocking." Not the same facts as with Tony Schiller. The error seems not to be the call, but use of the term "blocking," when it should have been stated as "position foul" for persistent riding on the left. Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

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Rick Denney writes: I don’t think so, Steve. Mark mentioned that the competitor was in the 35-39 age group, and received a 2:00 penalty for "blocking." Not the same facts as with Tony Schiller.

Rick, Now I’m confused.  I thought that the Schiller penalty in Tirathlon Nationals and the penalty in Duathlon Nationals for the 35-39 guy were essentially for the same reason, namely "blocking".  Could you clarify why the facts differ? Thanks. Jim Turner

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rick Denney writes: I don’t think so, Steve. Mark mentioned that the competitor was in the 35-39 age group, and received a 2:00 penalty for "blocking." Not the same facts as with Tony Schiller. Rick, Now I’m confused.  I thought that the Schiller penalty in Tirathlon Nationals and the penalty in Duathlon Nationals for the 35-39 guy were essentially for the same reason, namely "blocking".  Could you clarify why the facts differ? Thanks. Jim Turner

Yes, it would be nice to have some clarification as to what happned and why it happened. I still find it hard to believe that an athlete who had one of the fastest bike splits on the day can be nailed for "blocking". Blocking who? As a slow swimmer myself, I find that in the early stages of the bike ride in bigger races I am riding to the left side of the road quite a bit passing many people. When the road is clear I get over to the right. However, this is darn near impossible in a big Ironman race(IMC, IMH) during the first hour or so, such is the volume of cyclists on the road. I must say that some of these bigger races are getting more and more confusing and frustrating and in some aspects unsafe to compete in. At the B.C. Triathlon Championships last weekend I was nearly run off the road by an official’s motorcycle! What’s the penalty for that? With cyclists, cars and official vehicles bobbing and weaving all over the road it can get a little chaotic out there. Steve Fleck

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Tricia, Agreed that staying right is indeed the common sense and safest thing to do. The original post on this I believe was inspired by the DQ of Tony Schiller at the National Championships. Schiller had one of the fastest bike splits in the race.As a Master, he had the misfortune of starting in a late wave and thus probably had to spend the entire 40K passing people on the on the left. Perhaps he did run afoul of the absolute definition of blocking. However, I doubt that Schiller was "blocking" any one. He was merely doing what he had to do to get around/through all of the other cyclists on the road. Unfortunately, his fine performance and master’s title win was all for not. Sad. Steve Fleck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is ‘blocking’ – is that finding your own space on the road so as to avoid drafting? It would, as you suggest, seem difficult to block if you are the fastest. Confused… Blocking:  Failing to stay as far to the right as possible/safe. It is illegal to pass another cyclist on the right; therefore, if you are riding on the left side of the lane, you are effectively making it impossible for another cyclist to safely/legally pass you, and you are blocking.  You are "blocking" even if there is no other cyclist near you if you fail to keep to the right. From my usual perspective coming up from the rear of the pack on the bike (I’m almost always in one of the last waves at most races, and am a relatively strong cyclist), blocking is a much bigger problem than is drafting in the back/middle of the pack.  Back there, a lot of the participants are first-timers or some-timers who don’t race regularly and are utterly clueless about the need to keep to the right.  This always just amazes me; aside from the tri-legality of the matter, common sense would seem to inform a person that it’s safer to stay as far right as possible to keep out of the way of any traffic on the road.  Then again, I always did think that "common sense" was a misnomer. Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

Response:

What is ‘blocking’ – is that finding your own space on the road so as to avoid drafting? It would, as you suggest, seem difficult to block if you are the fastest. Confused…

Blocking is a position foul. Whether you are faster or slowest or somewhere in between doesn’t matter. Much like an offside call in (American) football, it is where you are that matters, not what you’re doing there. —                   __o       o                 _ <_      <      __/o_    (_)/(_)     /      "Train hard, Race often"

Response:

What is ‘blocking’ – is that finding your own space on the road so as to avoid drafting? It would, as you suggest, seem difficult to block if you are the fastest. Confused…

Blocking:  Failing to stay as far to the right as possible/safe. It is illegal to pass another cyclist on the right; therefore, if you are riding on the left side of the lane, you are effectively making it impossible for another cyclist to safely/legally pass you, and you are blocking.  You are "blocking" even if there is no other cyclist near you if you fail to keep to the right. From my usual perspective coming up from the rear of the pack on the bike (I’m almost always in one of the last waves at most races, and am a relatively strong cyclist), blocking is a much bigger problem than is drafting in the back/middle of the pack.  Back there, a lot of the participants are first-timers or some-timers who don’t race regularly and are utterly clueless about the need to keep to the right.  This always just amazes me; aside from the tri-legality of the matter, common sense would seem to inform a person that it’s safer to stay as far right as possible to keep out of the way of any traffic on the road.  Then again, I always did think that "common sense" was a misnomer. Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

Response:

What is ‘blocking’ – is that finding your own space on the road so as to avoid drafting? It would, as you suggest, seem difficult to block if you are the fastest. Confused… — Tim Grose Please remove xxx if replying – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for all the good advice.  I passed the info along. As it turned out the rider did have the fastest bike split among all of the amateurs, and one of the top ten pro bike splits.  He started in the 3 or 4th wave so he was obviously passing a lot of people the entire race.  He came of the bike 1st in his age group and ended up sprinting for a national championship.  Crossing the line first, the celebration began immediately only to find out minutes before the award ceremony that the penalty had been assessed. The penalty was simply described to him as "blocking".   Oh well live and learn. — Bud Bonzai web site      www.erols.com/bonzaisports

Response:

I remember Charlie Crawford saying at a race meeting that blocking is not situational, but more like a "state of mind". You always have to obey it every minute on the bike, whether you’re passed or not. Even though the guy wound up to be the fastest on the bike course, he can *never* assume that. Unless he has eyes on the back of his head, he can’t always know what is happening behind him. If he properly stays to the right, he doesn’t have to know if he is blocking anyone from behind, thereby ensuring a smooth pass if it happens. Conversely, if he stays toward the center, a faster rider might come up upon him without the front rider noticing. Then what? Even though the rear cyclist can yell and shout at the person in the front to move right, the interruption in smooth passing would be absent. I don’t wish this unfortunate incident  on anybody, but I do understand what position the officials have to take on this. I hope I explained this without any confusion. If not, well, I won’t try again.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

I’m sure your experience was frustrating. There is no appeal for Position Fouls, as stated in your USAT Rules Manual, in Article 10.1, on page 30. It states that "No person may file a protest which requires a ‘judgement call’.  The term "judgement call" shall include but shall not be limited to a resolution of:     (a)  any puported violation of the cycling position foul Rules (including alleged drafting violations)     (b)  allegations of blocking, obstruction, or interference     (c)  allegations of unsportsmanlike conduct You may protest Equipment or Eligibility rulings

Response:

: In this case the racer was told there is no appeals process and no review, : I’m not trying to flame the officials but it sounds a little odd. No position violation which was ruled upon by an official may be appealed or protested under USAT Rules.  Protests are for questions of eligibility or equipment, only. : Is it possible to block when your the fastest biker? Possibly, since constant velocity is almost never maintained.  It is certainly possible that your friend was riding on the left side of his lane, in violation of the Position and Passing rule (5.10f), and not moving over to the right after completing his pass. If so, it’s the same penalty as blocking, or drafting, or illegal pass (2:00). As most of this newsgroup seems to know, USAT position rules require that athletes ride on the right, pass on the left, keep at least three bike lengths between themselves and the cyclist in front, or pass within 15 seconds, and move back over to the right.  Anyone in the left lane is going to be watched by the marshals to make sure he completes his pass within 15 seconds.  If not, then there are consequences.  The left side of the lane is the passing lane and cannot be used for riding without passing.  We have to keep that area open for faster cyclists who wish to pass through. Hope that helps. -Charlie Crawford

Response:

Thanks for all the good advice.  I passed the info along. As it turned out the rider did have the fastest bike split among all of the amateurs, and one of the top ten pro bike splits.  He started in the 3 or 4th wave so he was obviously passing a lot of people the entire race.  He came of the bike 1st in his age group and ended up sprinting for a national championship.  Crossing the line first, the celebration began immediately only to find out minutes before the award ceremony that the penalty had been assessed. The penalty was simply described to him as "blocking".   Oh well live and learn. — Bud Bonzai web site      www.erols.com/bonzaisports

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    …snip… Is it possible to block when your the fastest biker?

Maybe it is because I live in the southeast and so have heard Charlie Crawford’s pre-race discussion/demonstration of the rules quite a few times now. Maybe I don’t really understand as well as I think I do. But, my understanding of this rule makes it a very simple answer. In a nutshell, the rules tell you to ride on the right and pass on the left. If you are not riding on the right, you are in an illegal position regardless of whether you happen to be impeding someone else at that point in time (or ever). In my understanding of how the term is applied, you are blocking. From the pre-race talks I’ve heard, you need to be in the right-most 1/3 of the lane. I went to the Competitive Rules at http://www.usat-se.w1.com/usatcr.htm to check this out and found a possible source of confusion. What I described above is discussed in rule 5.10(f) Position and Passing which reads "Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all cyclists shall keep to the right of the prescribed course unless passing." The term "Blocking" is used in section 5.10(d) and refers to impeding the progress of another but not with respect to rund 5.10(f). So, my understanding of what is called blocking includes what is defined in both sections. Am I confused about what, in practice, "blocking" is or is there a terminology difference between practice and the formal, written rules? (Either way, not riding on the right is a position foul.) Charlie…?   — Chuck    Department of Biology,  University of Alabama at Birmingham             http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/amsler.htm

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We did have 2 lanes on the entire course. I noticed quite a few riders riding just to the right of the center line. I was wondering what the officials would do in that case. There was no pre-race meeting. Rules were passed out in the packet pick-up. Nothing was said about using the two lanes. I guess they assumed USA Triathlon rules of blocking that state you must stay to the right except when passing. The potholes made the far right more of an adventure than nearer the center. I can sympathize with the person who received the blocking penalty. As I recall, Tony Schiller won the 40-44 age group at Tri Nationals a couple of weeks back but was penalized 2:00 for blocking. The guys that really haul are actually being safer by staying left and passing.

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I have not heard all of the details yet so I have not verified all of the facts. If I am incorrect please post the actual details.   I heard a frustrating story at the National Championships in New Orleans. Apparently a competitor in the men’s age 35 – 39 finished first across the finish line, but later found out he was penalized 2:00 for blocking.  I was not there but heard that two traffic lanes were closed for the race allowing the competitors to spread out to avoid drafting.  The competitor thinks he had the fastest bike split of the day which makes the "blocking" penalty obviously very frustrating because it cost him a national championship.   I have always been very sympathetic with the effort of race officials, they have an almost impossible job of monitoring thousands of athletes over an entire race course.  If they are not strict everyone complains of the drafting, if they are too strict everyone complains about being heavy handed.  We would all like to work together, athletes and officials to make the race as safe and fair as possible. In this case the racer was told there is no appeals process and no review, I’m not trying to flame the officials but it sounds a little odd. Is it possible to block when your the fastest biker? I’m curious if anyone else had similar experiences. — Bud Bonzai web site      www.erols.com/bonzaisports

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Question:

Dear Chuck Rucker In November I subscrived Triathlete ONLINE. I was very surprised when I received the bank notice saying that subscribing Triathlete had cost me $95.95. Why is that ? You say that it should cost $36.95 PLUS $29 (outside North America). Outside North America doesn’t include Europe ? This is my third email to you, hope you can answer this one Paulo Ferreira de Sousa

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Dear Chuck Rucker In November I subscrived Triathlete ONLINE. I was very surprised when I received the bank notice saying that   subscribing Triathlete had cost me $95.95. Why is that ?   You say that it should cost $36.95 PLUS $29 (outside North America).   Outside North America doesn’t include Europe ? This is my third email to you, hope you can answer this one Paulo Ferreira de Sousa

Even if you subtract the extra $30 from the $96, the price you are paying still looks a little high if you are purchasing the US edition.  My subscription renewal for the US edition is $27.95 for one year. (I don’t pay $29 for overseas mailing, of course.)  Is your edition a European edition?  Does it cost more? In the January 1996 edition, there is a subscription card offering one year at $24.95 plus $27 extra for foreign subscriptions.  Something doesn’t add up here in this case.   If you’re paying by credit card, don’t pay for this charge if you don’t agree.  If you pay for the shipping, I’ll just send you my old copies. Might be a little delayed, though!   But that would be one less subscriber on the Simmons Report to show advertisers.

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Dear Chuck Rucker In November I subscrived Triathlete ONLINE. I was very surprised when I received the bank notice saying that subscribing Triathlete had cost me $95.95. Why is that ? You say that it should cost $36.95 PLUS $29 (outside North America). Outside North America doesn’t include Europe ? This is my third email to you, hope you can answer this one Paulo Ferreira de Sousa

Paulo, The math works out for a two-year subscription, which is what the ONLINE offer is for.  However, if you don’t really want a two-year subscription, then you shouldn’t have to pay for it. Good luck! Cameron

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Here’s a great event for boaters, bikers, runners, and just plain duffers: Mill City Triathlon Sponsered by a small Oregon town attempting to revive economically after the downturn in the timber industry. A interesting and challenging course. 10.7 mile bike course over trails and logging roads,      past stands of tall firs, creeks and a small      waterfall. Includes several steep uphill grinds. 5 mile kayak run through class I-II+ whitewater on   the scenic North Santiam river. Includes drops through   Mill City Falls, Spencers Hole, Little Spencers rapids,   and Carnivore. 10 mile run if you have any energy left from the first two events. Classes for men/women/teams and hardshell/softshell. For more info write:   North Santiam Chamber of Commerce   P.O. Box 222   Mill City, OR   97360

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(Rob Raymond) writes:

If you actually want some advice on training please give Tri-Maryland a call at 410-882-6103.  There is usually someone here and if we don’t have the info on hand, we’ll track it down and phone you back.

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Nagle) writes:

     Can anyone explain why the race reports in the Tri mags don’t give split times ?  OK – sometimes the body of the accompanying article will mention XX was first out of the water in aa:bb but that’s usually it. Adding the splits doesn’t add much data but sure does add information. Jeffrey (others ?) – can you do something about it ?<< To summarize and edit Katy Williams  very wordy epistle (Katy worked at Triathlete for less than a  year): Sometimes the magazines don’t get the splits, many, many times they are inaccurate, many times there is not enough room in the format. In a format such as Triathlete, the focus (for race reports) is on photography, analysis of the race, the sport and the athletes. It’s not really a race results booklet. I think the newsprint news-type magazines like Inside Triathlon are more set up for that format. That’s why you have a choice. JJ JJ

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: To summarize and edit Katy Williams  very wordy epistle (Katy worked at : Triathlete for less than a  year): She sure explained the situation well, though.  But that’s a reporter’s gift, isn’t it?  Being a quick study so you can explain things to other people.

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Folks Can anyone explain why the race reports in the Tri mags don’t give split times ?  OK – sometimes the body of the accompanying article will mention XX was first out of the water in aa:bb but that’s usually it. Adding the splits doesn’t add much data but sure does add information. Jeffrey (others ?) – can you do something about it ? RNman

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As a longtime reader and advertiser, here’s my two cents.  Publisher Jean-Claude Garot has an "empire" in Belgium where several magazines of his are published, 8 or 10 I think.  He also has cross-promotional arrangements with other magazines, deals that I am not privy to and don’t understand.  He never met a deal he didn’t like, and has terrific enthusiasm for every one of them.  It is easy to get mesmerized while listening to his latest pitch.   Maybe the most engaging pitchman I’ve ever met. He falls victim, in my view, to forgetfulness.  He forgets what really makes him money.   Triathlete Magazine certainly, probably the German version of Triathlete, and possibly the French version, make very good money.  This is my opinion.  Some other publications, like Winning, lose as much as Triathlete makes.  Again my view. This drives the staff of Triathlete crazy.  I’ve been advertiser through the administrations of Terry Mulgannon, Gary Newkirk, Tim Downs, C.J. Olivares, Rich Graham, and Jeffrey Justice, that I can remember.  That’s six editors, not counting the present one, Bill Kutovsky, and they’ll all tell you the same thing, that if Triathlete was treated as a separate profit center it would be a wildly successful magazine. The point of this post is to tell you that it is okay to be mad at the publisher for not swallowing his ego and allowing the market to swallow his less successful magazines.  But the editorial and art staff has generally been pretty good there, and is not to blame for the occasional foibles. I won’t be able to defend myself against vicious flames for ten days, as I’ll be suff’rin for Jesus in Kona, as of tomorrow.   If JJ and I can find a way to post from over there we’ll report, on the day of or day after, which QR rider won the race.   QRman

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writes:     This drives the staff of Triathlete crazy.  I’ve been advertiser through the administrations of Terry Mulgannon, Gary Newkirk, Tim Downs, C.J. Olivares, Rich Graham, and Jeffrey Justice, that I can remember.  That’s six editors, not counting the present one, Bill Kutovsky, and they’ll all tell you the same thing, that if Triathlete was treated as a separate profit center it would be a wildly successful magazine.<<< Folks, truer words were never spoken! And for those who are truly looking for Triathlete magazine, for whatever reason, call 1-415-777-6939. JJ

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writes: I have not recieved the october issue, the last one I got was

september, and I have not even seen oct. issue the last time I was at the newsstand. Does anyone (JJ ?) know if there is an oct issue or have they recieved it.?<<< Yes, the October issue of Triathlete is finally making the rounds. Jeffrey Justice

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(Rob Raymond) writes: After calls to both Tri-fed and Triathlete magazine, I

found out I will be receiving the magazines in November. Other publications (profit and non-profit) I subscribe to have taken two months tops to be processed. Are tri-fed and Triathlete just incredibly inefficient organizations or is there some other explanation?<<< That’s a for real question and a justifiable flame. The Tri-Fed/Triathlete Magazine deal was full of good intentions but was never fully carried out. If your story is true, and I believe it is, the service you received from Triathlete’s parent company Winning International is pathetic and inexcusable. However, please don’t judge the magazine and its contents on this fouled business/promo plan. The editors, writers, photographers had nothing to do with this, have made numerous complaints about it and are embarrassed about it. I was a victim of this plan, too. I’m sure that next season, Tri-Fed won’t be involved with Triathlete in this ill-fated venture. Triathlete, Inside Triathlon and all other tri mags should have its own voice in the sport and Tri-Fed its own newsletter and promotion plans. Jeffrey Justice editor in exile * I haven’t been on the staff of Triathlete since April 1994, I’m a freelance writer. Therefore, my views are my own do not reflect the views of Triathlete Magazine.

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(Rob Raymond) writes:

A real question? I don’t know, but this is a real issue. <flame After spending ~$35 to join tri-fed and subscribe to Triathlete magazine at a race on June 4, I have yet to receive anything except the TriFed rules book. (Interesting reading, but as a newcomer I am more in need of training info) After calls to both Tri-fed and Triathlete magazine, I found out I will be receiving the magazines in November. Other publications (profit and non-profit) I subscribe to have taken two months tops to be processed. Are tri-fed and Triathlete just incredibly inefficient organizations or is there some other explanation? <!flame Rob  I have not recieved the october issue, the last one I got was september, and I have not even seen oct. issue the last time I was at the newsstand. Does anyone (JJ ?) know if there is an oct issue or have they recieved it.? bruce platt

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   writes:

      At the risk of asking a dumb question, does Triathlete magazine    still    exist?  I tried to reach them this morning to complain about my magazine    not showing up, and I got a recording saying that the line had been    disconnected.  Sometimes I’m not sure why they exist, but as long as I’ve    paid for a subscription, I’d at least like to be able to contact them!<<<    My, my.  Do I detect a dissatisfied customer out there? I don’t know.    Since you’ve never before responded to my surveys on how to improve the    tri magazines and have no AOL user profile available, I’m not for certain    this is a for real question. A real question? I don’t know, but this is a real issue. <flame After spending ~$35 to join tri-fed and subscribe to Triathlete magazine at a race on June 4, I have yet to receive anything except the TriFed rules book. (Interesting reading, but as a newcomer I am more in need of training info) After calls to both Tri-fed and Triathlete magazine, I found out I will be receiving the magazines in November. Other publications (profit and non-profit) I subscribe to have taken two months tops to be processed. Are tri-fed and Triathlete just incredibly inefficient organizations or is there some other explanation? <!flame Rob Raymond    jeffrey justice    former senior editor, now living as a self-exiled troublemaker in    Oceanside, CA —  HP 1L-A2  Network and Systems Management Division  3404 E. Harmony Road              Fax:      (303) 229-4292  Fort Collins, CO 80525-9599       Phone:    (303) 229-3426

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At the risk of asking a dumb question, does Triathlete magazine still exist?  I tried to reach them this morning to complain about my magazine not showing up, and I got a recording saying that the line had been disconnected.  Sometimes I’m not sure why they exist, but as long as I’ve paid for a subscription, I’d at least like to be able to contact them!

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writes:    At the risk of asking a dumb question, does Triathlete magazine still exist?  I tried to reach them this morning to complain about my magazine not showing up, and I got a recording saying that the line had been disconnected.  Sometimes I’m not sure why they exist, but as long as I’ve paid for a subscription, I’d at least like to be able to contact them!<<< My, my.  Do I detect a dissatisfied customer out there? I don’t know. Since you’ve never before responded to my surveys on how to improve the tri magazines and have no AOL user profile available, I’m not for certain this is a for real question. So at the risk of falling for a subtle flame or some intended cyberspace trickery, here goes: The Allentown, PA number is indeed disconnected. The owner (or, hmmmm is he the former owner?) Jean Claude Garot (a Belgian) is obviously unaware that doing such a thing, without posting a forward number,  in America is not good business. In fact, IMHO, it’s damn rude. So, if you want to talk to a live body call 1-415-777-6939 or fax Until further notice, I can forward all gripes etc… jeffrey justice former senior editor, now living as a self-exiled troublemaker in Oceanside, CA

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