Question:

Did any of the Ottawa-based readers of this newsgroup make it to last night’s meeting to discuss the construction of a new track in the city? I had a prior engagement at the very same time (7-9pm) so I couldn’t attend. I’ve heard about it on CBC radio this morning, but I can’t find anything on newspapers’ websites. They didn’t specify that it was an indoor one. The sense I got last week is that this what was going to be debated, not another outdoor facility. Speaking of our outdoor track, the French delegation at the Francophone Games had derogatory things to say about it. The track itself is fine; it’s the buildings, etc. around it that aren’t up to par with worlds or olympic standards… Thanks for any info, Daniel — Daniel Pierre-Antoine Dept. of Political Science Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON  K1L 5B6

Response:

It was more of a presentation. A consultant hired by the City has come up with a short-list of several possible sites one of which is at Carleton University. A draft report is to go the City tomorrow. We were told that this project is being fast-tracked by the Mayor’s office which seems like a good sign. There were around 60 people in attendance and some "spirited" discussion which will have no influence on the City’s direction. Ken – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Did any of the Ottawa-based readers of this newsgroup make it to last night’s meeting to discuss the construction of a new track in the city? I had a prior engagement at the very same time (7-9pm) so I couldn’t attend. I’ve heard about it on CBC radio this morning, but I can’t find anything on newspapers’ websites. They didn’t specify that it was an indoor one. The sense I got last week is that this what was going to be debated, not another outdoor facility. Speaking of our outdoor track, the French delegation at the Francophone Games had derogatory things to say about it. The track itself is fine; it’s the buildings, etc. around it that aren’t up to par with worlds or olympic standards… Thanks for any info, Daniel

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

Response:

Thanks, Ken. Will that report be made public in an accessible form (online)? What was the gist of the "spirited" interventions? Cheers, Daniel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It was more of a presentation. A consultant hired by the City has come up with a short-list of several possible sites one of which is at Carleton University. A draft report is to go the City tomorrow. We were told that this project is being fast-tracked by the Mayor’s office which seems like a good sign. There were around 60 people in attendance and some "spirited" discussion which will have no influence on the City’s direction. Ken Did any of the Ottawa-based readers of this newsgroup make it to last night’s meeting to discuss the construction of a new track in the city? I had a prior engagement at the very same time (7-9pm) so I couldn’t attend. I’ve heard about it on CBC radio this morning, but I can’t find anything on newspapers’ websites. They didn’t specify that it was an indoor one. The sense I got last week is that this what was going to be debated, not another outdoor facility. Speaking of our outdoor track, the French delegation at the Francophone Games had derogatory things to say about it. The track itself is fine; it’s the buildings, etc. around it that aren’t up to par with worlds or olympic standards… Thanks for any info, Daniel Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

– Daniel Pierre-Antoine Dept. of Political Science Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON  K1L 5B6

Response:

There were no plans to put the report on the internet. The City will Ext.24385. Two of the main "concerns" raised were: 1. The lack of attention to the fact that athletes need an interim facility starting this winter until the process produces a long term solution (assuming of course that it does). We have the Commonwealth Games next year and the Athens Olympics in 3 years. It is doubtful we will have a new permanent facility before then. We are coming off a year – 2000_ in which the outdoor facility was not available. 2. The concern that a "multi-use" facility, possibly using an existing building, was not of the options. The concern was that with only high end options being considered (at a high cost) it might be considered too pricey and result in yet another study which leads nowhere. Ken – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks, Ken. Will that report be made public in an accessible form (online)? What was the gist of the "spirited" interventions? Cheers, Daniel It was more of a presentation. A consultant hired by the City has come up with a short-list of several possible sites one of which is at Carleton University. A draft report is to go the City tomorrow. We were told that this project is being fast-tracked by the Mayor’s office which seems like a good sign. There were around 60 people in attendance and some "spirited" discussion which will have no influence on the City’s direction. Ken Did any of the Ottawa-based readers of this newsgroup make it to last night’s meeting to discuss the construction of a new track in the city? I had a prior engagement at the very same time (7-9pm) so I couldn’t attend. I’ve heard about it on CBC radio this morning, but I can’t find anything on newspapers’ websites. They didn’t specify that it was an indoor one. The sense I got last week is that this what was going to be debated, not another outdoor facility. Speaking of our outdoor track, the French delegation at the Francophone Games had derogatory things to say about it. The track itself is fine; it’s the buildings, etc. around it that aren’t up to par with worlds or olympic standards… Thanks for any info, Daniel Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

Ken Parker Runner’s Web <http://www.runnersweb.com A running and Triathlon Resource Portal

Response:

Question:

The New York Triathlon Club (www.nytc.org) as a 1/2 ironman in the Town of Ulster named the ‘Hudson Valley Triathlon’.  Although I haven’t done it I hear it is quite hilly.  It is held in early July.  They’ve held it for the last 4 years. Check there site in the next few months for the ‘01 calendar. Mario I plan on doing it as my 1st 1/2 ironman. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m trying to plan out my training for the coming year, and I’d like to do a half-ironman sometime in July (or early August). Unofrtunately, most races for next summer aren’t posted on the usual sites yet (e.g., active.com). Does anyone know of a good half ironman that fits the bill? I could go pretty much anywhere inNew Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania. Maybe even Delaware or Maryland, or–if I have to–New York or New England. Thanks! -Harold

Before you buy.

Response:

its early June 3 but the only one I can think of in that area at all. blackwater eagleman -cambridge maryland http://www.tricolumbia.org/eagleman.htm good luck, check www.trifind.com during the winter, they will add all of the races… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m trying to plan out my training for the coming year, and I’d like to do a half-ironman sometime in July (or early August). Unofrtunately, most races for next summer aren’t posted on the usual sites yet (e.g., active.com). Does anyone know of a good half ironman that fits the bill? I could go pretty much anywhere inNew Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania. Maybe even Delaware or Maryland, or–if I have to–New York or New England. Thanks! -Harold

Before you buy.

Response:

Here are a couple, but you would have to go to NY. Hudson Valley Triathlon, this year it was July 9th. http://www.nytc.org Tupper Lake Tinman, this year it was July 2nd. http://www.tupperlakeinfo.com/tinman.html Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m trying to plan out my training for the coming year, and I’d like to do a half-ironman sometime in July (or early August). Unofrtunately, most races for next summer aren’t posted on the usual sites yet (e.g., active.com). Does anyone know of a good half ironman that fits the bill? I could go pretty much anywhere inNew Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania. Maybe even Delaware or Maryland, or–if I have to–New York or New England. Thanks! -Harold

Response:

I did the Hudson Valley Half this year and it is rather hilly, but pretty. The run is a particularly hilly out and back. The ride takes you at first along part of a highway and the veers off around a reservoir with the Catskill Mountains looming in the distance.  The swim, of course, is in the Hudson. This year the buoys drifted about 3/4 mile upstream during the race. This was a pb only for  those of us in the middle and towards the back of the pack …some of us were asked to climb into the rescue boat as we had swum to far. I hear next year the buoys are to be more securely fastened. There were under 400 in the race so it was a  relatively small crowd. If you are are interested in this race and have more questions, feel free to e-mail me directly. Johanna "forever young" Young

Response:

There was a 1/2 IM in southern MD this past September ("To the Point Triathlon" at Point Lookout State Park).  It was the first year, but I’d expect they’ll have it again next year.  Go to www.triath.com for more info. Rich – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m trying to plan out my training for the coming year, and I’d like to do a half-ironman sometime in July (or early August). Unofrtunately, most races for next summer aren’t posted on the usual sites yet (e.g., active.com). Does anyone know of a good half ironman that fits the bill? I could go pretty much anywhere inNew Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania. Maybe even Delaware or Maryland, or–if I have to–New York or New England. Thanks! -Harold

Response:

I’m trying to plan out my training for the coming year, and I’d like to do a half-ironman sometime in July (or early August). Unofrtunately, most races for next summer aren’t posted on the usual sites yet (e.g., active.com). Does anyone know of a good half ironman that fits the bill? I could go pretty much anywhere inNew Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania. Maybe even Delaware or Maryland, or–if I have to–New York or New England. Thanks! -Harold

Response:

Question:

…Also, Jim, I’d be interested in any info you have on the Chameleon club. TIA. Dale

uh, my name is Ted….and, um, I’m not a farmer… Kidding! my name’s John actually, and anyone interested in Team Chameleon New Haven, CT 06515.  Tell them you got the number from the Race Director of the Shamrock Duathlon.  They will give you a new Softride Powerwing FREE!…Kidding again! Good Luck, John

Response:

I am a member of the Wolfpack Triathlon club sponsored by the Cycle Fitness bike shop in Monroe/Stratford (1-800-240-bike).  We have members of all levels and welcome any new members.  Call the store for meeting times, swims, rides, etc.

Response:

If your interested in sharing information, or want more info about the Connecticut newsgroup (not a real newsgroup, but it works just the same) I was thinking about starting just drop me a line at    Good luck with your training. –Mike Lasky

Hi, I recently moved to Shelton, Ct.  I would be interested if you started the CT newsgroup.   June, another source for tri’s in the area, (if you want to extend back to MA and RI) is the Firm racing series.   http://www.firm-racing.cnchost.com/  They have the 1/2 IM in September in RI. Also, Jim, I’d be interested in any info you have on the Chameleon club.  TIA. Dale

Response:

Hello all- I am moving in to New Haven, CT area and as I promised to myself long time ago I am going to train for an ironman. Next year I will be happy if I can do a half ironman. Is there a club for beginning triathlete in New Haven area. Any race info? Most of all anyone who want to train together when possible? I am just a novice in the field and will not be able to train professionally because of my work and my family but I will be a good company. Plus I am moving into a new area and need friend anyway. Thanks for reading this. J-S

Response:

Hey, I don’t know if it will help much, but there are some Tri’s in Mass.  I live in Bristol CT, and am training now for my first Triathlon.  I think the distance is a little too far to train together, but I would love to hear of any other information you find about triathlons in the CT area.  Here is the link to the Triathlons in Mass:  http://www.timeoutproductions.com/ .     I was actually thinking about starting a ‘mini’ newsgroup for triathletes in the area.  I know some people who own a few servers which could do it.  If your interested in sharing information, or want more info about the Connecticut newsgroup (not a real newsgroup, but it works just the same) I was thinking about starting just drop me a line at     Good luck with your training. –Mike Lasky – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all- I am moving in to New Haven, CT area and as I promised to myself long time ago I am going to train for an ironman. Next year I will be happy if I can do a half ironman. Is there a club for beginning triathlete in New Haven area. Any race info? Most of all anyone who want to train together when possible? I am just a novice in the field and will not be able to train professionally because of my work and my family but I will be a good company. Plus I am moving into a new area and need friend anyway. Thanks for reading this. J-S

Response:

Hello all- I am moving in to New Haven, CT area and as I promised to myself long time ago I am going to train for an ironman. Next year I will be happy if I can do a half ironman. Is there a club for beginning triathlete in New Haven area. Any race info? Most of all anyone who want to train together when possible? I am just a novice in the field and will not be able to train professionally because of my work and my family but I will be a good company. Plus I am moving into a new area and need friend anyway. Thanks for reading this. J-S

Welcome to CT June Seek! You’re in luck…sort of.  While New Haven, CT is hardly a triathlon hotbed, not like say…Redwood City, CA, it does have an active tri community. First, there is the CT Triathlon/Duathlon Series (http://www.ziplink.net/~brianj).  A series of about 7 or 8 Triathlons and Duathlons throughout the summer, most within an hour’s drive of New Haven. This includes the Johnny Mac’s Shamrock Duathlon, (http://www.erols.com/magoo34) on June 13, 1999, the world’s most exciting, spectacular, and just plain fun duathlon, going.  Sure, it’s not a tri, but who wants to swim in CT in the middle of June?  50F water temps, talk about shrinkage!  Yikes!  BTW, the 1999 Shamrock Du has been named the 1999 USAT New England Regional Duathlon Championships! Second, there is a tri club that is based out of the New Haven, Hamden area. It’s called the Chameleon Triathlon Club (or something of the sort) and Scott Roth, Dick Korby and a bunch of others organize it.  I can get more information if you need it, just let me know. Unfortunately, all the tri’s in the CT Series are sprint distances and may not give you the test your looking for to do a 1/2 IM event.  There is a 1/2 IM in Kingston, NY in mid-July and another in Narragansette, RI in early Sep. (or thereabouts) that may be what you’re looking for. Lastly, and most importantly, the CT Series does not allow former UMass students, faculty, staff, alumni, or fans into the STATE, much less the SERIES.  All allegiances MUST be converted to UCONN or risk SEVERE penalties!  (I’m kidding, of course!)

Response:

Question:

There is of course the compromise solution to this, that I’ve resorted to.  I flip turn at the deep end of the pool, but always chicken out at the shallow end because I have no idea how much depth I need to turn without hitting the bottom…. or maybe I should just admit I’m not confident about flip turns in less than 6 feet of water  : ) Liz

Liz:      Unless the length from your waist to the top of your head is 4 feet or more (which accounts for a vast majority of humans), you should easily clear the bottom of the pool. If you look at the flip turn, you flip from your waist which stays at the surface mostly throughout the entire turn. Even if you exceed that 4 feet margin, you still should be able to clear the bottom since you would tucking yourself in the beginning of the turn.      What you probably see in the shallow end is an illusion of sorts, making the shallow end look shallower, which can compound your fears.  The light that is received by the eyes has been refracted by the goggles (and the transition from water to air inside the goggles), giving you the illusion that the floor is *really* shallow. So, seeing isn’t really believing. If you don’t understand what I just said, don’t worry about it. Just remember the illusion exists.      Once you do your first flip turn in shallow water you should be able to set your fears aside and start doing them on a regular basis. Good luck.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   ‘98 IMC IS NEAR! IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

That’s how I eased myself into it also, but eventually you come to realise that you can do it in the shallow end no worries. Good confidence booster that I used — grab onto the lane rope at the shallow end, and practice flipping over it. You’ll come to realise you have heaps of room under you. — MB. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There is of course the compromise solution to this, that I’ve resorted to.  I flip turn at the deep end of the pool, but always chicken out at the shallow end because I have no idea how much depth I need to turn without hitting the bottom…. or maybe I should just admit I’m not confident about flip turns in less than 6 feet of water  : ) Liz

Response:

Thanks for the suggestions – I’ll find a nice quiet time and practice. unfortunately we’ve just lost our swimming coach for a couple of weeks – he’s off to Canada – some place called Penticton ; ) – to do *the* race. …. to all those going to IMC ‘have a good one’! That’s how I eased myself into it also, but eventually you come to realise that you can do it in the shallow end no worries. Good confidence booster that I used — grab onto the lane rope at the shallow end, and practice flipping over it. You’ll come to realise you have heaps of room under you.

Response:

There is of course the compromise solution to this, that I’ve resorted to.  I flip turn at the deep end of the pool, but always chicken out at the shallow end because I have no idea how much depth I need to turn without hitting the bottom…. or maybe I should just admit I’m not confident about flip turns in less than 6 feet of water  : ) Liz

Response:

(From Todd, not Lauren…) I was an adamant open turn fan because everytime I did a flip turn I received a blast of chlorine up my sinuses.  I figured since I was a triathlete, I didn’t need to flip my turns. Well, after getting my butt kicked in a few triathlons with pool swims, my wife talked me into learning a proper turn.  Now I feel wierd when I do an open turn.  Heck, I even flip my backstroke turns and have a hard time not doing flips for breaststroke and fly (but the importanct of doing other strokes besides freestyle can be argued in another thread). What am I trying to say here?  Well, my 100 times dropped immediately and I was able to move up a lane at Master’s.  And the fact that you get one less breath at the turns in practice helps in the open water (imagine a wave in your face just as you turn to breathe). But most important, it looks cool. 8^) There are drills you can do to learn.  Ask an age-group swim coach – they are teaching kids everyday how to do flips. Todd Jensen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Respectfully disagree.  There are no flip turns in triathlons.  You’re better off expending your energy, concentration, and AIR on your strokes between the walls.  Being a master flip turn expert will not save you a single second in a triathlon race.  However, swimming a longer workout because you didn’t waste time and effort practicing something you will never use WILL improve your times! — Mark (competitive swimmer for 25 years) Well, the points here are always arguable to a degree, and I guess everyone will ultimately go by what they’re comfortable with. As for expending energy, IMHO, I think doing the flip turn requires a lot less energy than an open turn, especially when the distances get long i.e. 800-1000 meters. Again, it’s arguable, but I tend to disagree with the above post.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   ‘98 IMC IS NEAR! IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

I have to agree with Pete. I didn’t do triathlons until two years ago, even when the coach told me too. Now I do them all the time. At first you might find that you spend more energy doing them than open turns. But that is until you get the proper breathing rythm, just like for straight swimming. Since I am used to doing them I am wondering why I ever did these open turns. That is just my personal experience. — Achim Wilfried Heinle

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Response:

Pete’s right, (again IMHO).  The less time you spend on the wall, the better. Our coach has got us doing two related things to this – making us do flip turns in the kick sets – that’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done, i reckon, and doing swims with no bottom, no sides, ie turning without the aid of walls, or feet touching the bottom of the pool.  500 metres of this is a real killer. One final thing I noticed when i first started doing flip turns (about 3months after i started swimming – only 2.5 years ago), is that they simulate going round the buoys in a race quite well.  There’s just that few seconds without air that you get when you charge round a swim marker. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Respectfully disagree.  There are no flip turns in triathlons.  You’re better off expending your energy, concentration, and AIR on your strokes between the walls.  Being a master flip turn expert will not save you a single second in a triathlon race.  However, swimming a longer workout because you didn’t waste time and effort practicing something you will never use WILL improve your times! — Mark (competitive swimmer for 25 years) Well, the points here are always arguable to a degree, and I guess everyone will ultimately go by what they’re comfortable with. As for expending energy, IMHO, I think doing the flip turn requires a lot less energy than an open turn, especially when the distances get long i.e. 800-1000 meters. Again, it’s arguable, but I tend to disagree with the above post.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   ‘98 IMC IS NEAR! IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

Respectfully disagree.  There are no flip turns in triathlons.  You’re better off expending your energy, concentration, and AIR on your strokes between the walls.  Being a master flip turn expert will not save you a single second in a triathlon race.  However, swimming a longer workout because you didn’t waste time and effort practicing something you will never use WILL improve your times! — Mark (competitive swimmer for 25 years)

Mark, Respectfully disagree.  You say that you’re loosing energy, concentration and air. That’s what are saying people that are learning to do flip turn. Train yourself and you will change you’re mind. Why flip turns ? Because: 1) they are easier (less energy) 2) they are faster 3) and last but not least, they don’t break you’re stroke rythm. 4) … Olivier (competitive swimmer for less than that) (sorry for my english) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You definitly want to do flip turns while swimming. T

Response:

You definitly want to do flip turns while swimming. While it increases the continuality of your swim, it also makes you look like a real swimmer, which is sometimes a big thing to us triathletes (i.e. shaved legs). T — Anthony Edward Berwald Georgia Institute of Technology

Response:

Respectfully disagree.  There are no flip turns in triathlons.  You’re better off expending your energy, concentration, and AIR on your strokes between the walls.  Being a master flip turn expert will not save you a single second in a triathlon race.  However, swimming a longer workout because you didn’t waste time and effort practicing something you will never use WILL improve your times! — Mark (competitive swimmer for 25 years) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You definitly want to do flip turns while swimming. T

Response:

Respectfully disagree.  There are no flip turns in triathlons.  You’re better off expending your energy, concentration, and AIR on your strokes between the walls.  Being a master flip turn expert will not save you a single second in a triathlon race.  However, swimming a longer workout because you didn’t waste time and effort practicing something you will never use WILL improve your times! — Mark (competitive swimmer for 25 years)

Well, the points here are always arguable to a degree, and I guess everyone will ultimately go by what they’re comfortable with. As for expending energy, IMHO, I think doing the flip turn requires a lot less energy than an open turn, especially when the distances get long i.e. 800-1000 meters. Again, it’s arguable, but I tend to disagree with the above post.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   ‘98 IMC IS NEAR! IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

Question:

The so-called after post-exercise metabolism elevation merely means you aren’t completely physically fit for that level of training.  If you train at a lighter level, then your metabolism recovers to normal very quickly.  Not that this is bad- I try to run beyond my fitness level several times a week to become stronger.

Response:

  I’m not arguing for a zone, but I’m interested in responses to Maffetone’s theory (in Triathlete Magazine, around last January), in which he argues that if ou go above the "zone", yes, you burn more calories, but you also depend more upon glycogen and get your body into a vicious cycle where it depends more and more upon carbs and less and less upon fat, so that you have to eat carbs to get energy because your body isn’t using fat hardly at all at high intensity.  I’m no physiologist, and I realize Maffetone has an energy bar to sell, but that reasoning makes some sense to me. Ken

Actually, rather the opposite will happen.  In the short term you’ll rely more on carbohydrate stores, but as the body adapts to training at these intensities it will adapt over time to burn more fat at higher intensities (since in the long term fat is the more available resource and sparing carbohydrate can allow endurance activities to continue for longer). As you said, he’s got an energy bar to sell, and that may influence his telling of the facts.                                         larry… —          that they also laughed at Bozo the Clown."                         — NCAHF Newsletter

Response:

Runners Worlds stumbles through this very same question, pointing out in one paragraph that there is NO FAT BURNING ZONE.  Then in the next paragraph they refer to working out in "THE ZONE"…very confusing.

        I noticed the same thing and cringed.   You do not "burn" fat, you consume calories (actually kilocalories technically speaking). Thom Trimble East Bay Striders

Thom, you are splitting hairs here to some extent.  The calories consumed come from fat stores (at least some of the calories). BTW, if you really want to get technical, you consume potential energy and kilocalories (or calories) is just a way fo measuring energy.

Response:

because it increases your metabolism for the rest of the day when you ARE NOT Runners Worlds stumbles through this very same question, pointing out in one paragraph that there is NO FAT BURNING ZONE.  Then in the next paragraph they refer to working out in "THE ZONE"…very confusing.

In the latter usage they’re referring to your "TRAINING ZONE" or "TARGET HEART RATE ZONE" or "TARGET HEART RATE RANGE".  While there’s no "FAT-BURNING ZONE", there is an optimal zone of training for aerobic benefits. ACSM lists this as 60-90% of your HRmax, or 50-85% of your HRreserve. As is regards to post-workout elevated energy consumption, the harder you work out the longer the ramping period.  This does not last through the day but for maybe 2-3 hours at most.

It is true that the metabolism can remain elevated for hours after the workout, but the elevation itself is small, and will only result in an additional 5-10 Calories of expenditure after a typical workout.                                         larry… —          that they also laughed at Bozo the Clown."                         — NCAHF Newsletter

Response:

   I’m not arguing for a zone, but I’m interested in responses to Maffetone’s theory (in Triathlete Magazine, around last January), in which he argues that if ou go above the "zone", yes, you burn more calories, but you also depend more upon glycogen and get your body into a vicious cycle where it depends more and more upon carbs and less and less upon fat, so that you have to eat carbs to get energy because your body isn’t using fat hardly at all at high intensity.  I’m no physiologist, and I realize Maffetone has an energy bar to sell, but that reasoning makes some sense to me. Ken

Response:

:I heard it was good to work out in "the zone" not because it burns fat but :because it increases your metabolism for the rest of the day when you ARE NOT :working out. Therefore, if you want an increased energy level throughout the :day and you want to burn more calories throught the day, your metabolism needs a :boost. I always try to make sure my workouts are in the zone (70-80% of your :maximum heart rate) in order to do this. I thought this was right. Working out in the "zone" does have these benefits, but I think it’s more designed so you can work out for a long time without reaching exhaustion, b/c you have a large supply of fuel (fat) to draw upon. However, there is nothing wrong with exercising above the "zone" if you can handle it. Your metabolism post workout will be even higher, and you will get fit very quickly. Yes, you do use up your glycogen stores a lot quicker, and this will dictate the length of time you can go at this intensity. However, when you start to slow down, you can always go back to the "zone" and cruise for a bit. You get much more out of your time by doing this. It comes down to how much time you’ve got to exercise. If you are limited to less than an hour (or 30 mins), then try and up the intensity from week to week. You will really notice the benefits in terms of fat loss. Of course, the key is steady progression – don’t go too hard if you are totally out of condition, but if you’ve been exercising in the "zone" for a while, you should be ok. It relieves the boredom as well . Jeff —   *                                          *         __o        *   * Dr Jones (not)                           *       _’<,_/      *   * http://nutrition.miningco.com            *                    *   * "Go hard, early and often. Just win!" – H.G. Nelson           *

Response:

because it increases your metabolism for the rest of the day when you ARE NOT working out. Therefore, if you want an increased energy level throughout the day and you want to burn more calories throught the day, your metabolism needs a boost. I always try to make sure my workouts are in the zone (70-80% of your maximum heart rate) in order to do this. I thought this was right. — -Angelique Skiman graduate student, Dept. of Anthropology San Francisco State University

Runners Worlds stumbles through this very same question, pointing out in one paragraph that there is NO FAT BURNING ZONE.  Then in the next paragraph they refer to working out in "THE ZONE"…very confusing. As is regards to post-workout elevated energy consumption, the harder you work out the longer the ramping period.  This does not last through the day but for maybe 2-3 hours at most. RW (Lose 10 lbs in one Month – June?) has a chart showing how many calories you burn per 10 mins of exercise at various training paces. The article also briefly covers the post-workout benefits. You do not "burn" fat, you consume calories (actually kilocalories technically speaking). Thom Trimble East Bay Striders

Response:

Is there any validity in this idea of the fat burning zone?

One of the best ways I’ve ever heard to explain to my members the "fat burning myth" is this:  Which activity burns the highest percentage of fat?  Answer:  Sleeping!  The key word that somehow got left out when people wrote about exercise intensity and fat burning is "percentage". Sleeping burns very few calories.  Even though the percentage of those few calories from fat is relatively high, the total number of fat calories burned is very low.  If you want to burn the most fat, exercise as often as you can, for as long as you can, and as intense as you can. Good luck! Alison

Response:

Is there any validity in this idea of the fat burning zone?

Absolutely none whatsoever.   We should put this in the FAQ – it comes up twice a week.                                         larry… —          that they also laughed at Bozo the Clown."                         — NCAHF Newsletter

Response:

It is a fallacy.  Keep up the good work.  You might want to lower the intensity on some days and walk longer or just lower the intensity on some days as easy days. The slower you go, the longer you must go to burn the same number of calories. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi. I am trying to lose 25-30 pounds. I have a treadmill I am walking on every day for 40-60 minutes. I have been exercising with my heartrate around 75% – 85% of MHR, but I read that it is better for fat and weight loss to stay at 60% – 70%. If I am going to exercise for the same number of minutes each day and same number of sessions per week, how could it be better to exercise at a lighter intensity??? Is there any validity in this idea of the fat burning zone? Please respond by email – I will be happy to summarize if there is interest. Thanks, Elizabeth Gene — | John and Elizabeth Gene                 | | http://www2.cybernex.net/~gene   |

Response:

I am trying to lose 25-30 pounds. I have a treadmill I am walking on every day for 40-60 minutes. I have been exercising with my heartrate around 75% – 85% of MHR, but I read that it is better for fat and weight loss to stay at 60% – 70%. If I am going to exercise for the same number of minutes each day and same number of sessions per week, how could it be better to exercise at a lighter intensity???

It isn’t.  The harder you work, the more glycogen AND fat you burn.   Higher intensities burn a higher PERCENTAGE of glycogen as fuel, but that does not preclude the fact that you also burn more fat quantitatively. A recent edition of Runnning Research News had an article on how to properly lose weight.  These is no magic formula.  Simply using more energy than you consume.  It takes a long time to lose that much weight and anyone who states you can lose it overnight is lying to you. RRN states basically, that for every 3 mile/week increase in your mileage (or equivalent exertion), assuming your caloric intake remains constant, you can expect to lose about 4 lbs of fat PER YEAR.  Sooo..add 10 miles per week to your regiment and you can lose 25-30 lbs in two years. Thom Trimble Is there any validity in this idea of the fat burning zone?

There is NO fat burning zone….except in those silly weight loss ads on TV – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please respond by email – I will be happy to summarize if there is interest. Thanks, Elizabeth Gene — | John and Elizabeth Gene                 | | http://www2.cybernex.net/~gene   |

Response:

Hello, I am not sure, but I think it’s because in a higher intensity exercise your body will use carbohydrates as a primary source of fuel instead of fats, to get it’s glycogen from. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi. I am trying to lose 25-30 pounds. I have a treadmill I am walking on every day for 40-60 minutes. I have been exercising with my heartrate around 75% – 85% of MHR, but I read that it is better for fat and weight loss to stay at 60% – 70%. If I am going to exercise for the same number of minutes each day and same number of sessions per week, how could it be better to exercise at a lighter intensity??? Is there any validity in this idea of the fat burning zone? Please respond by email – I will be happy to summarize if there is interest. Thanks, Elizabeth Gene — | John and Elizabeth Gene                 | | http://www2.cybernex.net/~gene   |

Response:

Hi. I am trying to lose 25-30 pounds. I have a treadmill I am walking on every day for 40-60 minutes. I have been exercising with my heartrate around 75% – 85% of MHR, but I read that it is better for fat and weight loss to stay at 60% – 70%. If I am going to exercise for the same number of minutes each day and same number of sessions per week, how could it be better to exercise at a lighter intensity??? Is there any validity in this idea of the fat burning zone? Please respond by email – I will be happy to summarize if there is interest. Thanks, Elizabeth Gene — | John and Elizabeth Gene                 | | http://www2.cybernex.net/~gene   |

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Question:

Anybody here participate in tris with canoeing instead of swimming? Have paddled in several, am interested in high end events (e.g. Great Race in upstate NY) Others?  Other paddlers in triathalons?   Consider this a "real" triathalon (there’s a rank piece of bait!) Tom

Response:

Anybody here participate in tris with canoeing instead of swimming? Have paddled in several, am interested in high end events (e.g. Great Race in upstate NY) Others?  Other paddlers in triathalons?   Consider this a "real" triathalon (there’s a rank piece of bait!) Tom

I’m not sure of where any might be around here. I hear of them from time to time, usually after they are done. An ex-co worker did one recently, here in Ontario Canada. I know in New Zealand they’re fairly popular too. with divisions for kayaks, single or double canoes etc. Sort of a race what you brung deal. To answer your other question…..YES THEY’RE REAL TRIATHLONS. TriDork

Response:

There’s a canoe/bike/run tri here in Ottawa, the Colonel By Triathlon.   It’s been running since 1979 (the organizers call it "North America’s Oldest Triathlon").  Anyways, it’s a big event, with various different vessel categories (single canoe, double canoe, kayak, etc.).  It’s usually held in late spring. I’ve never done it ’cause I only float when I’m swimming! Rob

Response:

Anybody here participate in tris with canoeing instead of swimming? Have paddled in several, am interested in high end events (e.g. Great Race in upstate NY) Others?  Other paddlers in triathalons?   Consider this a "real" triathalon (there’s a rank piece of bait!) Tom

There’s one in Sacramento, CA, called Eppie’s Great Race that has a kayak leg down the American River (a relatively tame portion), held sometime in mid-summer. I haven’t done it, but know a few who have. Apparently, it draws a lot of spectators, who hang out on the bridges and banks. It’s been going on for several years, and from what I gather, it’s well run and a lot of fun.

Response:

There are two races here in Cincinnati.  One in the Spring and one in the Fall, and they bill themselves as the second oldest triathlon in existence.   I’ve never done either, but they get alot of entrants while staying low key. There’s a canoe/bike/run tri here in Ottawa, the Colonel By Triathlon.   It’s been running since 1979 (the organizers call it "North America’s Oldest Triathlon").  Anyways, it’s a big event, with various different vessel categories (single canoe, double canoe, kayak, etc.).  It’s usually held in late spring. I’ve never done it ’cause I only float when I’m swimming! Rob

– Marty Miller Proprietor of The Triathlete’s Web http://w3.one.net/~triweb

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anybody here participate in tris with canoeing instead of swimming? Have paddled in several, am interested in high end events (e.g. Great Race in upstate NY) Others?  Other paddlers in triathalons? Consider this a "real" triathalon (there’s a rank piece of bait!) Tom I’m not sure of where any might be around here. I hear of them from time to time, usually after they are done. An ex-co worker did one recently, here in Ontario Canada. I know in New Zealand they’re fairly popular too. with divisions for kayaks, single or double canoes etc. Sort of a race what you brung deal. To answer your other question…..YES THEY’RE REAL TRIATHLONS. TriDork

Also here in the UK. I’ve just completed the Scottish Coast to Coast, which was a ‘real’ kayak triathlon held over three days. We also have shorter races, and quadrathlons with swimming and kayaking. In fact a quick advert – I’m running a race in Worcester, England on 6th October, which will be 4 miles kayak, 14 miles cycle and 3 miles run. E-mail me for further details. Chris McSweeny, Quadrathlete

Response:

I did this god awful event back in May in Maumee, Ohio near Toledo.   It was supposed to be a 9 mile canoe down the Maumee River followed by a 9 mile run carrying 30% of your body weight followed by a 25 mile bike. It had been raining so much that the race director moved the race to a state park almost 1 hour away from the original race site and seemed to tell everyone except my group of 4 people.  Imagine showing up at the race site and no one is there!  Youza! We found a park ranger who let us know the race was moved. I paddled the three 3 miles loops myself in a shorter canoe. This turned out to be quite a challenge because it was very windy that day.  My canoe did circles in the water at certain spots on the course.  Rather frustrating to be spinning around in a lake losing time. The hike was managable, but I had the wrong kind of backpack. I didn’t have the kind with a metal frame.  Try carrying 30lbs. around with you for 2 hours.  The 9 mile run turned out to be a 9 mile hike/fast walk.  My wife walked a loop with me so it wasn’t all that boring. The last part of the race was the 25 mile bike (which turned out to be 28.5 miles).  Again, the wind was brutal.  I think miles 4 thru 16 were directly into a nasty headwind.  I don’t think my speed went above 15 mph.  Of course, the last part of the bike had a tail wind and I was flyin’!   The whole stinkin’ event took me 5hrs45min to complete.  The official timer was a joke.  It was this old guy sitting on a bench trying to keep track of all the racers.  I had to walk up to him and tell him I was done.   Overall, this race was very unorganized and not too much fun. Snarky this morning, Scott — =         __o       Scott J. Erdman        Allen-Bradley Company      = =     (_)/_(_)/ o                         Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 = =  _        / <| "I M TRI N"            voice (216)646-3698        = =___o_    /  _                         fax   (216)646-3076        =

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anybody here participate in tris with canoeing instead of swimming? Have paddled in several, am interested in high end events (e.g. Great Race in upstate NY) Others?  Other paddlers in triathalons? Consider this a "real" triathalon (there’s a rank piece of bait!) Tom I’m not sure of where any might be around here. I hear of them from time to time, usually after they are done. An ex-co worker did one recently, here in Ontario Canada. I know in New Zealand they’re fairly popular too. with divisions for kayaks, single or double canoes etc. Sort of a race what you brung deal. To answer your other question…..YES THEY’RE REAL TRIATHLONS. TriDork Also here in the UK. I’ve just completed the Scottish Coast to Coast, which was a ‘real’ kayak triathlon held over three days. We also have shorter races, and quadrathlons with swimming and kayaking. In fact a quick advert – I’m running a race in Worcester, England on 6th October, which will be 4 miles kayak, 14 miles cycle and 3 miles run. E-mail me for further details. Chris McSweeny, Quadrathlete

In Western Australia too. We have some relay events which can also be done as an individual. Moodiarrup Marathon Relay 12 km run 12 km canoe 1 km swim 25 km horse ride ( optional ) 26 km bike Blackwood Marathon Relay 12 km run 7 km canoe 1.2 km swim 16 km horse ride 26 km bike Donnybrook Marathon Relay 40 km bike 4 km walk 1.5 km swim 7 km canoe 24 km mountain bike     12 km run

Response:

Peaks to Prairie in Montana is a great one.  8.8 mile run to Red Lodge (near Billings), 40 mile fairly flat bike to the Yellowstone River, then a 20 mile paddle from Laurel to Billings.  It’s held the last week in April.  The down side is that it has a tendency to get cancelled for the same reason that skiing is so great at Red Lodge — winter can last too long. I figure that the race has a 50/50 chance of being held (reviewing past history).  First Bank in Billings is the sponsor.  

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Question:

That’s what it felt like.  If today had not been a rare window of sunny opportunity for a bike ride, I would have gone to see President Clinton at the commencement one mile from here.  But it was a beautiful day and I headed in the direction of all the hooplah.  It was incredible, all the town’s police were on duty facing the road, looking alertly at me, blocking my passage on numerous roads.  Outside the town, which is much less than 2 miles by 2 miles, the state police were in force with still more mysterious looking cars and armed guards and helicopters everywhere. Actually, it was really thrilling to pass through all this.  At this moment, even as I sit here typing, Clinton and his entourage are at our famous creamery, original home of Mr. Ben and Mr. Jerry, licking an ice cream cone newly named Hillary Billary Vanillary.  We’ve got style alright.  Anyhow, nice ride, beautiful day, forgot to check my computer amid all the excitement. Ruth Kazez

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -That’s what it felt like.  If today had not been a rare window of sunny   opportunity for a bike ride, I would have gone to see President Clinton at the   commencement one mile from here.  But it was a beautiful day and I headed in   the direction of all the hooplah.  It was incredible, all the town’s police   were on duty facing the road, looking alertly at me, blocking my passage on   numerous roads.  Outside the town, which is much less than 2 miles by 2 miles,   the state police were in force with still more mysterious looking cars and armed guards and helicopters everywhere. Actually,   it was really thrilling to pass through all this.  At this moment, even as I   sit here typing, Clinton and his entourage are at our famous creamery, original   home of Mr. Ben and Mr. Jerry, licking an ice cream cone newly named Hillary   Billary Vanillary.  We’ve got style alright.  Anyhow, nice ride, beautiful day,   forgot to check my computer amid all the excitement.

sounds like the time i got caught up in a 4th of july parade on my bike… going the wrong way.

Response:

Question:

Anybody out there see the article in Inside Triathlon concerning Wolfgang’s comeback. Good story, Great Triathlete. Welcome back Wolfgang!!! Terry Stout

Response:

Anybody out there see the article in Inside Triathlon concerning Wolfgang’s comeback. Good story, Great Triathlete. Welcome back Wolfgang!!! Terry Stout

Oh, Jah!  And I couldn’t be more pleased…Wolfy is SOOOOO cute!! Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

Response:

Question:

For the past couple of years I’ve been doing triathalons up to and including the olympic distance.  I’ve always made sure I’m well hydrated and drink liters of water or Gatorade and I have never experienced ‘bonking’ or anything like it.  This year I’m going to try a couple of long courses including Kingston the tin man at Orillia. After reading a couple of race reports this week on the network I’m wondering if doing a long course without food is a good idea.  I would appreciate any comments;  should I plan on taking food, if so what, liquid or solid, should it be taken on the bike (it being too late on the run).  The only suggestions I’ve had to date include sticking bits of power bar to my bike and using electrical tape to secure bananas to my handle bars.  ( I heard that taping bananas to the handle bars can be dangerous – as they  sometimes explode as one wrestles with the tape!) Any comments or advice would be useful.  Thanks.

Response:

At the Great Floridian (iron distance) last year, I set up a cooler in the transition area stocked with skim milk, orange juice, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, cookies, and a dish of rice, beans, vegetables, and beef stew.   And what was for dessert?  

Oreo’s of course.  And congratulation to Myke Morgan who took my advice to eat "real food" and did his first iron-distance in 10:39. Now if only I could break 13 hours. Here’s the recipe for what I call "nasty rice".  Boil 2-3 lbs of rice and 3-4 lbs of frozen mixed vegetables in a big saucepan with 3-4 quarts of water for 19 minutes until there’s no water left. Use low heat and stir a lot so you don’t burn the rice.  Then add 3 cans of beans and 2 cans of beef stew or brunswick stew.  This makes enough for several meals.  For your ironman or ultra-marathon, put some in a zip-loc bag with a plastic spoon or fork and eat cold. #include "disclaimer.h"                |____|

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(stuff deleted) You need protein and fat.  Your race food should resemble the foods you eat every day.  Typically, I eat solid food every 2-3 hours and drink only water in between.

Excellent thinking.  It is going to be a long day.  Might as well eat normal stuff to keep the stomach happy (a mistake I made at the 1/2 Ironman event).   At the Great Floridian (iron distance) last year, I set up a cooler in the transition area stocked with skim milk, orange juice, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, cookies, and a dish of rice, beans, vegetables, and beef stew.  

And what was for dessert?   (Matt – This is not a flame.  I couldn’t resist!!!) Rolf Arands, Ph.D.

Response:

:After reading a couple of race reports this week on the network I’m wondering if doing a long course without food is a good idea.  I would appreciate any comments;  should I plan on taking food, if so what, liquid or solid, should it be taken on the bike (it being too late on the run).  The only suggestions I’ve had to date include sticking bits of power bar to my bike and using electrical tape to secure bananas to my handle bars.  ( I heard that taping bananas to the handle bars can be dangerous – as th ey : sometimes explode as one wrestles with the tape!) :Any comments or advice would be useful.  Thanks. IMHO a long course triathlon without solid food is really not to be recommended. What I did in my long courses so far was a triple strategy. First, use a camelback or something to take ~ 2 litres of dissolved long-chain-carbo with you (for example one could use something like High Five [availability in America?] or perhaps Ultrafuel?). This keeps your hands free for steering and catching the water and Gatorade [insert sports drink of organizers' choice here] bottles and also for peeling the powerbars (2-3) from your frame and eat them. On the run, you should try and get those little long-chain-glucose sachets which were to be had under the name of Relode in Hawaii 93 (made by the Gatorade company). Or if better available, try to get Leppin Squeezies. The important bit, eat something during the run, the marathon will last for three to four hours. Do not start on Coke too early, and, if your stomach allows, try some bananas on the run – on the bike they are to much bulk for to little energy. All the best, Ulrich —                             Ulrich Porsch             Wer spricht vom Siegen, "Ubersteh’n ist alles  

Response:

 I’m wondering if doing a long course without food is a good idea.

No.  You don’t need food for races under 3 hours because you have enough stored glycogen (about 2000 calories) to finish on water alone.  For races up to 6 hours, you need 200 calories of carbohydrate per hour (the most your stomach can absorb).  The best way to get this is in liquid form.  That’s about one quart of Gatorade or other sports drink per hour. For races over 6 hours, you may feel nausea on just carbohydrates. You need protein and fat.  Your race food should resemble the foods you eat every day.  Typically, I eat solid food every 2-3 hours and drink only water in between. At the Great Floridian (iron distance) last year, I set up a cooler in the transition area stocked with skim milk, orange juice, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, cookies, and a dish of rice, beans, vegetables, and beef stew.  The race is set up so that you can eat at all transitions, the middle of the bike, and at 8 and 17 miles on the run. #include "disclaimer.h"                |____|

Response:

 I’m wondering if doing a long course without food is a good idea.

I believe that this is a very bad idea.  For me I have to eat something during a half-ironman race or I will bonk severly.  I have done 6 half-ironman races and I will tell you what works for me.  Race morning I usually eat 2 bagels and a power bar with a water bottle full of gatroade (I also drink tons of water the night before, If I don’t get up at least 2 times in the night then I have not drank enough).  I usually have two water bottles on my bike at the begining of the race.  One I have plain water and the other I have some sort of high-carbo drink.  I have used Exceed High-Carb, Ultra fuel, Coke, and Dr. Pepper in the past.  Dr. Pepper works the best for me, but some people have trouble with the surger.  I also have two opened power bars in the transition area which I stick in the back of my suit when I get on the bike.  I refuse to stick them on my bike because one they look gross and two, I have seen friends try to get baked on power bar off their top tube. On the bike I will space my power bar eating out so that I eat one in the first 25 miles and one in the second.  I find the best way to eat power bars on the bike is to bite off a big chunk and stick it in the side of your mouth like chewing tabacco.  I chew on it for the next few minutes with some occational sips of water or gatorade.  I have found it imposible to try to chew and swallow it all at once while trying to ride hard ( you are just breathing too hard).  As for drinking on the bike this really depends on how hot it is.  I race mostly in texas and I drink like a fish.  I grab a water bottle and a gatorade bottle at every aid station.  I stick the gatorade ( or whatever the race has) in my cage and drink most of the water right away and throw the bottle away.  Then I drink the gatorade between aid stations.  I try to repeat this at every aid station.  I also space out my drinking of my high carb drink over the whole bike. Once back in the transition area, I usuall have another small bottle of high carb drink waiting for me.  Depending on how I feel and how the eating went on the bike, I will either take a few gulps and leave the bottle or I carry and drink the whole thing in the half mile.  I usually try to eat a banana or orange slice (or whatever food they have a the run aid stations) at the first couple of aid stations.  After that I just eat when I start to feel my stomach roumble.  At every aid station  I grab a cup water and gatorade and drink as much as I can while running.  If they have coke I will always gab that to (Coke works really well for me, the sugar is perfect, and I does not upset my stomach). One important thing to remember is to practice using whatever you will use in the race in your training.  Don’t try new things on race day, you are only asking for trouble.  Take the stuff out on your rides and runs and figure out what works for you. Good luck, you will really love the longer races if you eat and hydrate properly; otherwise, they can be quite painfull. Race Smart Todd

Response:

Question:

I’m preparing for my first triathlon (Crystal Lake, IL).  I wear glasses and am wondering how best to deal with my crummy vision before, during, and after the swim.  I realize that the best solutions are prescription goggles and wearing contacts.  I’d like to be sure I like doing tri’s before investing in the former and do not use the later.  I’d guess that others have been in this position and any advice on how to cope would be appreciated. Road Runner Sports has some relatively cheap ($25) prescription goggles in the newest catalogue.  I don’t have any experience with them, but for the price I’m planning to try them this summer.  If your eyes are vastly different, I don’t thing they are the thing because both lenses are made the same to keep the price down.  If anyone has experience with them, I would like to hear it.

A friend of mine from Knoxville was literally blind as a bat without his glasses and his vision was so poor, contacts were out of the picture. He used a pair of prescription goggles for the swim but his regular glasses for the bike and run.  His vision is so poor that he keeps his goggles on during the trip from the water to his bike.  He’s been doing tri’s for about 10 years like this with no trouble.  Don’t let a little problem like poor vision keep you from racing.  Give the goggles a try(i) and go for it. — Suzanne Roat Chevron Research and Technology Company         Richmond, CA                    

Response:

I’m preparing for my first triathlon (Crystal Lake, IL).  I wear glasses and am wondering how best to deal with my crummy vision before, during, and after the swim.  I realize that the best solutions are prescription goggles and wearing contacts.  I’d like to be sure I like doing tri’s before investing in the former and do not use the later.  I’d guess that others have been in this position and any advice on how to cope would be appreciated. Road Runner Sports has some relatively cheap ($25) prescription goggles in the newest catalogue.  I don’t have any experience with them, but for the price I’m planning to try them this summer.  If your eyes are vastly different, I don’t thing they are the thing because both lenses are made the same to keep the price down.  If anyone has experience with them, I would like to hear it.

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