Question:
Is CBC available somehow in the U.S.? Maybe on cable?
Not that I’m aware of but if you live close to the border you might be able to snag it with an antenna (remember those? 
John London, ON
Response:
Yes, coverage is ok. I watched the Rome events last Saturday. They devoted 1h30m to it. Unfortunately, the event I was most interested in, the 5000m, is not part of the Golden League, so they showed only the last 200m. 
They showed most of the women’s 3000m, which is a Golden League event. I will of course watch again this coming Sat. Daniel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They also did an outstanding job of the Giro too. Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin are just absolutely THE best cycling commentators…… For those Canadians who are interested, on Saturday CBC will be showing coverage of the "Royal Bank Financial Group Athletic Series: Paris Golden League" track and field event at 1200hrs (EST) and then at 1330hrs will be 2 hrs of coverage of the Toronto World Cup Triathalon (the same one that our own SwStudio ran in – although I suspect it will be coverage of the elites)). John London, ON
– Daniel Pierre-Antoine Dept. of Political Science Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON K1L 5B6
Response:
Is CBC available somehow in the U.S.? Maybe on cable? dave
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They also did an outstanding job of the Giro too. Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin are just absolutely THE best cycling commentators…… For those Canadians who are interested, on Saturday CBC will be showing coverage of the "Royal Bank Financial Group Athletic Series: Paris Golden League" track and field event at 1200hrs (EST) and then at 1330hrs will be 2 hrs of coverage of the Toronto World Cup Triathalon (the same one that our own SwStudio ran in – although I suspect it will be coverage of the elites)). John London, ON
Response:
They also did an outstanding job of the Giro too. Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin are just absolutely THE best cycling commentators……
For those Canadians who are interested, on Saturday CBC will be showing coverage of the "Royal Bank Financial Group Athletic Series: Paris Golden League" track and field event at 1200hrs (EST) and then at 1330hrs will be 2 hrs of coverage of the Toronto World Cup Triathalon (the same one that our own SwStudio ran in – although I suspect it will be coverage of the elites)). John London, ON
Response:
I’ve been watching this too. OLN did show the London Marathon and some other marathons. I’ve been watching The Tour live and also they show it again later. Troy http://community.webtv.net/tmacrun/AppalachianTrail
Response:
They also did an outstanding job of the Giro too. Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin are just absolutely THE best cycling commentators…… Ally whose goals and aspirations lead her to stupidly train for too much stuff entirely!!!
Response:
For anyone interested in the Tour de France, check out OLN (Outdoor Life Network). They cover the tour live every morning, have up-to-the-minute updates online (at olntv.com), and then recap that day’s stage every night from 9:00 to 11:00. Even if you aren’t a big cycling fan, you would probably still appreciate the quality of the coverage–a refreshing change from everyone else’s coverage of any sport I care about (you know: show the 100m dash three times, interview the winner, cut to commercial…show the 110m hurdles three times, interview the winner, cut to commercial….show the start of the 5,000 [if you're lucky], then cut to some sappy interview of an athlete, cut to a commercial, and then show the winner all alone for the last 40 meters…ending credits). Anywho, until OLN starts covering track and field, this is as good as it gets. dave
Response:
Yeah, I watched the whole Stage 3 yesterday. Although your post (and mine are addittedly off-topic, I must comment that the coverage is really, really good. I am very impressed, and it sure beats the half-hour long, 2:00am viewing time, compressed shows on the Tour from the late 80’s – early 90’s. So yeah, all you cycling fans – he’s right. The tour coverage is excellent for once, and really worth watching. — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "You can’t burn out if you’ve never caught fire." http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html –
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For anyone interested in the Tour de France, check out OLN (Outdoor Life Network). They cover the tour live every morning, have up-to-the-minute updates online (at olntv.com), and then recap that day’s stage every night from 9:00 to 11:00. Even if you aren’t a big cycling fan, you would probably still appreciate the quality of the coverage–a refreshing change from everyone else’s coverage of any sport I care about (you know: show the 100m dash three times, interview the winner, cut to commercial…show the 110m hurdles three times, interview the winner, cut to commercial….show the start of the 5,000 [if you're lucky], then cut to some sappy interview of an athlete, cut to a commercial, and then show the winner all alone for the last 40 meters…ending credits). Anywho, until OLN starts covering track and field, this is as good as it gets. dave
Response:
Question:
Well, this one was a surprise. Not finding one bit of this news of the incident in Wilkes-Barre on this NG was another surprise. One pro athlete, in a speech made after the race, told participants that the ramifications of this lawsuit is can potentially be damaging to USAT and the triathlons it sanctions by closing the swim in many of the races around the country due to water quality. Wilkes-Barre in particular, with its geese problem, could either be forced to another venue or at worst become a duathlon. . "or worst become a duathlon??"
I have been doing tris and dus for the past 8 years and can tell you duathlons have really become real popular the last 2 years. So far there has not been a major incident this season. Lets recap the triathlon season so far: 1. Over 300 drafting violations at an ironman qualifier at panama city 2. The swim starts before everyone is off the boat for the escape from alcaltraz race. 3. Racers do not finish the complete course at Nationals and are dq. 4. Swimming in water in the midwest gets lots of people sick and gets the attention from the disease control center in atlanta. 5. Changing the run course during the run at the goodwill games. 6. Having people swim 1.9 miles instead of 1.2 miles at the ironman qualifier at eagleman. 7. Canceling swim portion because of water quality. What a season so far. Wilkes-Barre has been an ironman qualifier race before and the race this year was stacked with a lot of talent. If this race was a qualifier for hawaii your time would have been fast enough for a slot. Would you have taken it or passed as a protest because it was just a duathlon?? Stay tuned for upcoming developments. (My opinions will be stated later, I just wanted to list the facts today.) |26 | IMC’96: 10:36:37 | Fe | ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53 | | "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"
Response:
There is open water where I swim to train almost every week, is anyone checking that? (Alum Creek in Columbus, OH).
And are they checking only for biological contaminants? Maybe a low bacterial count is due to a large organochlorine spill that just killed off everything living there. "Alum Creek"–as in Aluminum Potassium Sulfate?– Are you sure you should be swimming in that? (As if the surfeit of ambulance-chasers didn’t give one enough to worry about….) — Rick Teichler StorageTek Software Engineering (Louisville, Colorado) For Email replies, use: teichler <at sweng <dot stortek <dot com
Response:
In New York State, the State Dept of Health *does* just that. (Actually, they require the counties to do it and report to them.) The real kicker comes when they (the county) has to shut down a beach on a hot summer day…man do they take a lot of grief. I guess that’s one of the benefits of living in one of the highest taxed states in the US. Augie Calabrese – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What I want to know is, what about everybody else who swims in these bodies of water the rest of the summer? How come the water doesn’t get tested until a large group of upper-middle class individuals with lawyers show up to race? Seems funny that nothing was wrong with the water until the week of the race? I am definately against sueing the races and sponsors (see other osts regarding personal responsiblity) but what about the safety of the general public who swims there on other days after heavy rains or with the geese? Who’s looking out for them? Are all these triathlons where problems are arising swam in lakes that are not usually used for swimming? What does everyone else think about this? There is open water where I swim to train almost every week, is anyone checking that? (Alum Creek in Columbus, OH). -scott Scott Schnitzspahn Head Coach – President Endurance Sports Solutions, Ltd. http://www.enduranet.com
Response:
Hmmmppp, mabye I can sue all the companies that make ice cream, potato chips, cookies, and all the other stuff I love, because it makes me fat! Hey, it’s their fault for tempting me. Oh well, time for dinner. Jim
Response:
I am in complete agreement with the other folks who have posted here with regard to the death of personal responsibility in America. "Something bad happened to me, who can I blame? It has to be someone else’s fault, because the world is a perfect place, and the only way that bad things can happen is if some other individual or entity does or fails to do something that somehow endangers me. Somebody must pay!"
I agree with you entirely on this, Tricia. (Yes, I work for lawyers) This complete abdication of personal responsibility is the reason why we have warning labels on everything imaginable instructing us not to eat the silicon pouch that came in the packaging; not to poke the ball-point pen in our eyes; not to spill the hot coffee on our laps and so forth. It’s a sad situation and not likely to get any better as long as there are greedy people looking for a "free lottery ticket" to get rich off of. <sigh -Ben-
Response:
But before we all knock lawyers too much (which I tend to do, those money sucking, self perpetuating, non productive parasites ) I should relate one thing that came up durng a knock session with a personal friend, who happens to be a lawyer: He pointed out that as soon as juries (and that is you and I, folks) stop giving out preposterous awards, the lawyers will dry up with the lack of income and become productive. I suggest maybe tobacco farming…
He’s right, of course. It’s also true that without a plaintiff there is no lawsuit. Lawyers don’t just decide they’re going to sue somebody – somebody has to go to the lawyer with a complaint first. In many (most?) states, let me add, it is illegal at worst, unethical at best, for a lawyer to approach a person and suggest a lawsuit. If a California lawyer runs up to a fender bender, business cards in hand, and suggests that motorist A sue motorist B; that lawyer is on the fast track to disbarment. That said, there are plenty of money-hungry lawyers who will gladly jump on any case, no matter how distasteful, that has the chance of bringing in a few dollars. Let us not ignore the fact, however, that some so-called "triathlete", contacted these lawyers (or perhaps these "triathletes" are lawyers themselves?) about filing this lawsuit to begin with. They need to accept a healthy share of the scorn. -Ben-
Response:
You almost have the feeling that these jerks have been looking for something to practice their lawyering on for their own gain and self aggrandisement (sp?), don’t you ? Let’s face it, the potential for triathletes to harm themselves is pretty high, and that may largely be a reason we do this sport – putting ourselves near an edge that normally we wouldn’t be close to. BUT, we do take on any risk with the full knowledge that we are personally responsible for our own well being. Sure, we all expect a race organiser to have regard for our safety o the extent that is within their control, but to expect complete cocooning from any possible hazard is (a) unrealistic, and (b) unwanted. We may as well stick to chess. To echo Tricia - aaaaauuuuugghh !!!! (and….let me have a quiet word with these bastards out behind the shed. Just a few minutes…please. Cheers Barry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Dan four individuals, some or all of them lawyers, have brought suit against USAT, ITU, the madison race, the springfield race, sponsors, etc. they have filed it in such a way that it can become a class action. two of the individuals did only the madison race, and therefore did not contract leptospirosis. I cannot *begin* to express my fury with these (censored), whoever they are. I am in complete agreement with the other folks who have posted here with regard to the death of personal responsibility in America. "Something bad happened to me, who can I blame? It has to be someone else’s fault, because the world is a perfect place, and the only way that bad things can happen is if some other individual or entity does or fails to do something that somehow endangers me. Somebody must pay!" This attitude is sickening and all too pervasive today. The self-centeredness of it boggles the mind. People who bring suits like this apparently don’t bother to consider the larger impact of their actions. The insurance ramifications for the entire sport of triathlon in this case are enormous. Not to mention the souring of any involved sponsors, and the additional burden placed upon race directors who already perform a pretty damned selfless service in taking on the task of producing races at all. God, it’s just so frustrating and infuriating. Yes, I feel for the people who became sick; that was really unfortunate, and obviously quite miserable. And I agree that USAT’s response, requiring water quality tests for all future sanctioned events, is a positive outcome. But what earthly good does this lawsuit do, aside from lining the pockets of the lawyers bringing it? Clearly, USAT and the Springfield race organization took prompt, concerned, and appropriate action as soon as the problem came to light. There reportedly has never been a precedent of such an outbreak occurring among participants of any triathlon in the past, so there was little (if any) incentive for the race organization to perform water quality testing prior to the event. Bahhh, we could go over the facts and argue ad nauseum about the frivolity of this lawsuit, but the bottom line is that it hurts the sport. Clearly, these bozos are greedy, self-centered winers first, and triathletes LAST. AAAARRRRRRGGGHGHGHGHH. :-8 Tri-Baby _ – o ’ – __o – </_ ` ‘ – < – __/ /o_ – (()) (()) - / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie
Response:
What I want to know is, what about everybody else who swims in these bodies of water the rest of the summer? How come the water doesn’t get tested until a large group of upper-middle class individuals with lawyers show up to race? Seems funny that nothing was wrong with the water until the week of the race? I am definately against sueing the races and sponsors (see other osts regarding personal responsiblity) but what about the safety of the general public who swims there on other days after heavy rains or with the geese? Who’s looking out for them? Are all these triathlons where problems are arising swam in lakes that are not usually used for swimming? What does everyone else think about this? There is open water where I swim to train almost every week, is anyone checking that? (Alum Creek in Columbus, OH). -scott Scott Schnitzspahn Head Coach – President Endurance Sports Solutions, Ltd. http://www.enduranet.com
Response:
About 4 years ago, there was a lot of rain in Dallas before one of the big tri’s. Water levels were up, and get this… an alligator was sighted in the swim lake! A big searched ensued, but said ‘gator was not found. The race went on anyway, with extra boats around the swim perimeter to keep an eye out for old hand bags. They never saw the ‘gator again. In today’s mentality, we can assume a law suit from animal rights people (denying the gator access to the entire lake, etc.), from lawyer/competitors for mental anguish, etc., etc. Fortunately, four years ago we weren’t quite as litigious as we appear to be now. I hope this doesn’t set the trend…. I didn’t do that particular race, but I bet my swim times would have set a new standard for me. John
Response:
Don’t beat thier asses, you’ll get sued. And they will probably go after the whole news group because we had knowledge (and agreement) of it. I would like to see these individuals barred from racing again in the future, regardless of the outcome. I’m sure that these are the same asswipes that are hugging your wheel week after week. ed m. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You almost have the feeling that these jerks have been looking for something to practice their lawyering on for their own gain and self aggrandisement (sp?), don’t you ? Let’s face it, the potential for triathletes to harm themselves is pretty high, and that may largely be a reason we do this sport – putting ourselves near an edge that normally we wouldn’t be close to. BUT, we do take on any risk with the full knowledge that we are personally responsible for our own well being. Sure, we all expect a race organiser to have regard for our safety o the extent that is within their control, but to expect complete cocooning from any possible hazard is (a) unrealistic, and (b) unwanted. We may as well stick to chess. To echo Tricia - aaaaauuuuugghh !!!! (and….let me have a quiet word with these bastards out behind the shed. Just a few minutes…please. Cheers Barry (Dan four individuals, some or all of them lawyers, have brought suit against USAT, ITU, the madison race, the springfield race, sponsors, etc. they have filed it in such a way that it can become a class action. two of the individuals did only the madison race, and therefore did not contract leptospirosis. I cannot *begin* to express my fury with these (censored), whoever they are. I am in complete agreement with the other folks who have posted here with regard to the death of personal responsibility in America. "Something bad happened to me, who can I blame? It has to be someone else’s fault, because the world is a perfect place, and the only way that bad things can happen is if some other individual or entity does or fails to do something that somehow endangers me. Somebody must pay!" This attitude is sickening and all too pervasive today. The self-centeredness of it boggles the mind. People who bring suits like this apparently don’t bother to consider the larger impact of their actions. The insurance ramifications for the entire sport of triathlon in this case are enormous. Not to mention the souring of any involved sponsors, and the additional burden placed upon race directors who already perform a pretty damned selfless service in taking on the task of producing races at all. God, it’s just so frustrating and infuriating. Yes, I feel for the people who became sick; that was really unfortunate, and obviously quite miserable. And I agree that USAT’s response, requiring water quality tests for all future sanctioned events, is a positive outcome. But what earthly good does this lawsuit do, aside from lining the pockets of the lawyers bringing it? Clearly, USAT and the Springfield race organization took prompt, concerned, and appropriate action as soon as the problem came to light. There reportedly has never been a precedent of such an outbreak occurring among participants of any triathlon in the past, so there was little (if any) incentive for the race organization to perform water quality testing prior to the event. Bahhh, we could go over the facts and argue ad nauseum about the frivolity of this lawsuit, but the bottom line is that it hurts the sport. Clearly, these bozos are greedy, self-centered winers first, and triathletes LAST. AAAARRRRRRGGGHGHGHGHH. :-8 Tri-Baby _ – o ’ – __o – </_ ` ‘ – < – __/ /o_ – (()) (()) - / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie
Response:
What Wilkes-Barre needed was Ned and Jimbo from South Park to get involved with the geese and "Thin Out the Numbers".
May I propose that the *official* prerace dinner menu be modified to include poultry? Good Training, Good Racing, Joe Joseph C. Foster "People can’t understand why a man runs. They don’t see any sport in it, argue that it lacks the sight-thrill of body contact, the color of rough conflict. Yet the conflict is there, more raw and challenging than any man versus man competition. In (Triathlon) it is man against himself, the cruelest of all opponents. The other (racers) are not the real enemies. His adversary lies deep within him, in his ability, with brain and heart, to control and master himself and his emotions." – Glenn Cunningham
Response:
four individuals, some or all of them lawyers, have brought suit against USAT, ITU, the madison race, the springfield race, sponsors, etc. they have filed it in such a way that it can become a class action. two of the individuals did only the madison race, and therefore did not contract leptospirosis.
I cannot *begin* to express my fury with these (censored), whoever they are. I am in complete agreement with the other folks who have posted here with regard to the death of personal responsibility in America. "Something bad happened to me, who can I blame? It has to be someone else’s fault, because the world is a perfect place, and the only way that bad things can happen is if some other individual or entity does or fails to do something that somehow endangers me. Somebody must pay!" This attitude is sickening and all too pervasive today. The self-centeredness of it boggles the mind. People who bring suits like this apparently don’t bother to consider the larger impact of their actions. The insurance ramifications for the entire sport of triathlon in this case are enormous. Not to mention the souring of any involved sponsors, and the additional burden placed upon race directors who already perform a pretty damned selfless service in taking on the task of producing races at all. God, it’s just so frustrating and infuriating. Yes, I feel for the people who became sick; that was really unfortunate, and obviously quite miserable. And I agree that USAT’s response, requiring water quality tests for all future sanctioned events, is a positive outcome. But what earthly good does this lawsuit do, aside from lining the pockets of the lawyers bringing it? Clearly, USAT and the Springfield race organization took prompt, concerned, and appropriate action as soon as the problem came to light. There reportedly has never been a precedent of such an outbreak occurring among participants of any triathlon in the past, so there was little (if any) incentive for the race organization to perform water quality testing prior to the event. Bahhh, we could go over the facts and argue ad nauseum about the frivolity of this lawsuit, but the bottom line is that it hurts the sport. Clearly, these bozos are greedy, self-centered winers first, and triathletes LAST. AAAARRRRRRGGGHGHGHGHH. :-8
Tri-Baby _ – o ’ – __o – </_ ` ‘ – < – __/ /o_ – (()) (()) - / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie
Response:
Boy, interesting stuff. I have wondered for weeks what might happen to the Ironhorse (or Wilkes-Barre for that matter) given this year’s events. A great traditional race, but the questions a director is going to have to answer in the future may be too tough, tough enough I fear, to put an end to a fine event. Mark
Response:
Not knowing the terms of the suit, it would be silly for me to comment on it’s merrit or lack thereof. I will say, that those who know me are aware of my dislike for litigation. To the point: I do believe in swimming in clean water. I congratulate USAT for making the decision to make such testing mandatory for it’s events – reguardless of how the decision was initiated. There is no reason to risk illness when a means exists to test water in advance of an event – even in the name of tradition. Saftey of the competitor is paramount. Good Training, Good Racing, Joe Joseph C. Foster "People can’t understand why a man runs. They don’t see any sport in it, argue that it lacks the sight-thrill of body contact, the color of rough conflict. Yet the conflict is there, more raw and challenging than any man versus man competition. In (Triathlon) it is man against himself, the cruelest of all opponents. The other (racers) are not the real enemies. His adversary lies deep within him, in his ability, with brain and heart, to control and master himself and his emotions." – Glenn Cunningham
Response:
The danger is the recurrence of jungle fever and related illnesses that has plagued Springfield Ironhorse and USTS Madison earlier this year.
to set the record straight regarding madison, it is my understanding that the CDC has concluded their testing of madison athletes, and no one was found to have contracted leptospirosis (so called "swamp fever") at that race, i.e., the only individuals with this ailment to have raced madison had already raced springfield. Apparently, according to one of the pro triathletes who participated in this race, a number of participants of the above two races are bringing a class action lawsuit against USAT for negligence in this matter.
four individuals, some or all of them lawyers, have brought suit against USAT, ITU, the madison race, the springfield race, sponsors, etc. they have filed it in such a way that it can become a class action. two of the individuals did only the madison race, and therefore did not contract leptospirosis. rest assured you will hear a lot more about this entire issue, including the lawsuit, from the USTS, but we are waiting to get all the facts in order before we make formal comments qrman
Response:
I always enter a race at my own risk, "called personal responsibility". These assholes who are suing have no place in our sport. This really pisses me off, what do they hope to accomplish by suing?? If you know who these people are that are suing, they should be shunned and heckled at every race they go to. When is society going to stop trying to blame somebody else…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The danger is the recurrence of jungle fever and related illnesses that has plagued Springfield Ironhorse and USTS Madison earlier this year. to set the record straight regarding madison, it is my understanding that the CDC has concluded their testing of madison athletes, and no one was found to have contracted leptospirosis (so called "swamp fever") at that race, i.e., the only individuals with this ailment to have raced madison had already raced springfield. Apparently, according to one of the pro triathletes who participated in this race, a number of participants of the above two races are bringing a class action lawsuit against USAT for negligence in this matter. four individuals, some or all of them lawyers, have brought suit against USAT, ITU, the madison race, the springfield race, sponsors, etc. they have filed it in such a way that it can become a class action. two of the individuals did only the madison race, and therefore did not contract leptospirosis. rest assured you will hear a lot more about this entire issue, including the lawsuit, from the USTS, but we are waiting to get all the facts in order before we make formal comments qrman
Response:
OK, now that I’ve posted the facts and let you form your own opinions, I’m itching to tell mine. I was surprised when, at the pre-race meeting, the director told us that the swim was cancelled due to the water conditions, apparently done by the geese residing there.They mentioned what happened at the Ironhorse and USTS races and feared another outbreak. That’s definitely understandable. Of course I was disappointed since the swim is by best discipline, but I’ve heard enough about this jungle fever. Apparently it has a 2 week incubation period, which, if I were to be infected, would see the symptoms during the week of IMC. So I believed that the decision was right for my sake as well as others. Anyway, I didn’t know that there was a class action lawsuit until when the pro gave his post-race speech about the implications (sorry about leaving out the name. He’s definitely a household name in the triathlon world, but I do not want to confuse one household name with another. If you definitely know who he was, please post). And it got me angry. Somehow, in this sue-happy nation of ours I figured the legal B.S. was going to rear its ugly head. Today, no one claims responsibility for anything that adversely happens to them. Just shift the blame to someone else. That is the American way. To those people who did come down with the sickness, I do feel for them. It was a very unfortunate incident that happened and I hope everyone recovered completely. But please don’t shift the blame to USAT. Before each race a waiver is signed, knowing the inherent risks of participating in this sport. It was YOUR CHOICE that you accepted these risks. It was YOUR CHOICE that you entered the race anyway. So, obviously, anything bad that happens to you should be YOUR responsibility, not the race organizers, or USAT for that matter. If this group of people who are sueing USAT actually win the case, I’m scared that triathlon, the way we see it know will change, and definitely for the worse. Water testing is now mandatory, which I believe to be a positive thing. I think that in the future, for USAT to cover its butt better, they should announce the results of the water quality analysis in the pre-race meeting. Once that is done, a separate waiver specifically pertaining to the results of this test would have to be filled out and signed in order to participate in this race, accepting whatever results they’ve heard in the meeting. It’s sad to come to this, but that’s the harsh reality, and I feel that in order to keep the status quo of our races, this method has to be done. Hope for the best. |26 | IMC’96: 10:36:37 | Fe | ‘98 IMC IS NEAR! IMC’97: 10:42:53 | | "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"
Response:
I couldn’t agree with Pete more. I contracted ‘lepto’ earlier this year from an infested lagoon in Hawaii. No warning signs, no fences. My bad luck. And yes, it is not pretty. In my case I was down for nearly the entire month of May, and racked up over $600 in medical expenses. It’s part of life…get over it; and stop looking for someone else to be responsible for you. Augie Calabrese
snip.. Today, no one claims responsibility for anything that adversely happens to – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – them. Just shift the blame to someone else. That is the American way. To those people who did come down with the sickness, I do feel for them. It was a very unfortunate incident that happened and I hope everyone recovered completely. But please don’t shift the blame to USAT. Before each race a waiver is signed, knowing the inherent risks of participating in this sport. It was YOUR CHOICE that you accepted these risks. It was YOUR CHOICE that you entered the race anyway. So, obviously, anything bad that happens to you should be YOUR responsibility, not the race organizers, or USAT for that matter. If this group of people who are sueing USAT actually win the case, I’m scared that triathlon, the way we see it know will change, and definitely for the worse. Water testing is now mandatory, which I believe to be a positive thing. I think that in the future, for USAT to cover its butt better, they should announce the results of the water quality analysis in the pre-race meeting. Once that is done, a separate waiver specifically pertaining to the results of this test would have to be filled out and signed in order to participate in this race, accepting whatever results they’ve heard in the meeting. It’s sad to come to this, but that’s the harsh reality, and I feel that in order to keep the status quo of our races, this method has to be done. Hope for the best. |26 | IMC’96: 10:36:37 | Fe | ‘98 IMC IS NEAR! IMC’97: 10:42:53 | | "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"
Response:
Well, this one was a surprise. Not finding one bit of this news of the incident in Wilkes-Barre on this NG was another surprise. USAT officials have tested the water in Harvey’s Lake, the site of the swim around Thursday to determine whether it was safe or not (safe being around 200 CFU fecal coliform). Lab results, the USAT officials said, received at 3:00PM the day before the race, measured the colony count at over 6,000. Apparently, the abundance of geese located at or around Harvey’s Lake that made their home there gave the swim the KO punch this year. The danger is the recurrence of jungle fever and related illnesses that has plagued Springfield Ironhorse and USTS Madison earlier this year. Apparently, according to one of the pro triathletes who participated in this race, a number of participants of the above two races are bringing a class action lawsuit against USAT for negligence in this matter. USAT, meanwhile, has now made its water quality testing a mandatory part of the pre-race agenda. The race format was changed this year to a duathlon for pros, starting with a 5k run, and a bike/run for amateurs, with individual stagger starts every 10 seconds. One pro athlete, in a speech made after the race, told participants that the ramifications of this lawsuit is can potentially be damaging to USAT and the triathlons it sanctions by closing the swim in many of the races around the country due to water quality. Wilkes-Barre in particular, with its geese problem, could either be forced to another venue or at worst become a duathlon. Upon changing the race to duathlon format, he said, the pros are in danger of losing the points needed to qualify for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Stay tuned for upcoming developments. (My opinions will be stated later, I just wanted to list the facts today.) |26 | IMC’96: 10:36:37 | Fe | ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53 | | "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"
Response:
Apparently, according to one of the pro triathletes who participated in this race, a number of participants of the above two races are bringing a class action lawsuit against USAT for negligence in this matter. USAT, meanwhile, has now made its water quality testing a mandatory part of the pre-race
This disturbs me. I think the people filing the lawsuit are being too frivolous. USAT has sanctioned who knows how many races and no one has gotten sick before. It was unfortunate that the swimmers got sick but how can the USAT see all things coming. That would be impossible. I think neglingence would be if it had happened several times before and no test was put into place. But i see from what Iron Pete wrote that it is now a mandatory part of the pre-race agenda. If it was me that had gotten sick i would not sue. In general i think americans are sue happy. RoB
Response:
I think it sucks that every time something goes wrong we have a shit load of people looking for a way to sue someone else. Did the USAT have reason to believe that water quality was poor at these events??? If not, I see no reason for these people to sue. I think that it is unfortunate that people got sick, but common. Now if the USAT knew about the problem and knowingly disregarded the danger, that’s another thing. The USAT is going to start checking water quality at races which is a very positive move, lets not go nuts with it. I think that the real issue here should be an effort to make the races safer, not punish ourselves. I think I’m going to sue the makers of asphalt because of the road rash that I have. Ed M. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, this one was a surprise. Not finding one bit of this news of the incident in Wilkes-Barre on this NG was another surprise. USAT officials have tested the water in Harvey’s Lake, the site of the swim around Thursday to determine whether it was safe or not (safe being around 200 CFU fecal coliform). Lab results, the USAT officials said, received at 3:00PM the day before the race, measured the colony count at over 6,000. Apparently, the abundance of geese located at or around Harvey’s Lake that made their home there gave the swim the KO punch this year. The danger is the recurrence of jungle fever and related illnesses that has plagued Springfield Ironhorse and USTS Madison earlier this year. Apparently, according to one of the pro triathletes who participated in this race, a number of participants of the above two races are bringing a class action lawsuit against USAT for negligence in this matter. USAT, meanwhile, has now made its water quality testing a mandatory part of the pre-race agenda. The race format was changed this year to a duathlon for pros, starting with a 5k run, and a bike/run for amateurs, with individual stagger starts every 10 seconds. One pro athlete, in a speech made after the race, told participants that the ramifications of this lawsuit is can potentially be damaging to USAT and the triathlons it sanctions by closing the swim in many of the races around the country due to water quality. Wilkes-Barre in particular, with its geese problem, could either be forced to another venue or at worst become a duathlon. Upon changing the race to duathlon format, he said, the pros are in danger of losing the points needed to qualify for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Stay tuned for upcoming developments. (My opinions will be stated later, I just wanted to list the facts today.) |26 | IMC’96: 10:36:37 | Fe | ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53 | | "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"
Response:
All this talk of lawyers, geese, jungle fever, swim cancellation, bitching, moaning, etc. are making my head hurt. What Wilkes-Barre needed was Ned and Jimbo from South Park to get involved with the geese and "Thin Out the Numbers". Although, I guess that a couple hundred dead geese in the water could be almost as bad as the pollution from their droppings. Oh well, it’s a shame about this great event, but it sounds like they made the best of a bad situation. Better luck next year. Dave
Response:
FWIW, there are now more lawyers than firefighters in this country. As long as we give humongous awards for spilling coffee and other of life’s trivial things, there will be people to take advantage of them. This includes swim conditions at a race and so on. But before we all knock lawyers too much (which I tend to do, those money sucking, self perpetuating, non productive parasites ) I should relate one thing that came up durng a knock session with a personal friend, who happens to be a lawyer: He pointed out that as soon as juries (and that is you and I, folks) stop giving out preposterous awards, the lawyers will dry up with the lack of income and become productive. I suggest maybe tobacco farming… John
Response:
First , As the Head Official at yesterdays WB tri, I would like to thank all of the athletes that cooperated and helped turn a bad situation into a good day and a great race. Second, A big round of thanks should go out to the Race Directors ( Joan Bush, Joanne Gensel and Jim Harris) for putting your safety ahead of their race. And for quickly scrambling to make the event as good as it was in light of the circumstances. Kudos also to LinMark timing for quickly reprogramming their computers to stage a time trial start at the last minute. Finally , I would have to agree with Wes Hobsons speech at the awards presentation. We all have elected to race triathlons and accept certain risks that go along with them. Thankfully there are honorable RDs like the Wilkes-Barre crew that help to minimize them. It has become the situation in this country that when you are harmed , the lawyers circle like sharks in the water. I think we all see to what detriment this has caused our country, I would hate to think that the sport that we all love will come to an end because the risks of a law suit grow so large that events cannot get insurance and thus will just disappear. Please think about it. Bruce Platt USAT Cat 1 Official Head Official Wilkes Barre Tri. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I couldn’t agree with Pete more. I contracted ‘lepto’ earlier this year from an infested lagoon in Hawaii. No warning signs, no fences. My bad luck. And yes, it is not pretty. In my case I was down for nearly the entire month of May, and racked up over $600 in medical expenses. It’s part of life…get over it; and stop looking for someone else to be responsible for you. Augie Calabrese snip.. Today, no one claims responsibility for anything that adversely happens to them. Just shift the blame to someone else. That is the American way. To those people who did come down with the sickness, I do feel for them. It was a very unfortunate incident that happened and I hope everyone recovered completely. But please don’t shift the blame to USAT. Before each race a waiver is signed, knowing the inherent risks of participating in this sport. It was YOUR CHOICE that you accepted these risks. It was YOUR CHOICE that you entered the race anyway. So, obviously, anything bad that happens to you should be YOUR responsibility, not the race organizers, or USAT for that matter. If this group of people who are sueing USAT actually win the case, I’m scared that triathlon, the way we see it know will change, and definitely for the worse. Water testing is now mandatory, which I believe to be a positive thing. I think that in the future, for USAT to cover its butt better, they should announce the results of the water quality analysis in the pre-race meeting. Once that is done, a separate waiver specifically pertaining to the results of this test would have to be filled out and signed in order to participate in this race, accepting whatever results they’ve heard in the meeting. It’s sad to come to this, but that’s the harsh reality, and I feel that in order to keep the status quo of our races, this method has to be done. Hope for the best. |26 | IMC’96: 10:36:37 | Fe | ‘98 IMC IS NEAR! IMC’97: 10:42:53 | | "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"
Response:
Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have asked her and she said she wanted to. So she definitely wants to try one. I don’t know if she will stick with it but it is just something we will try, not a big commitment or anything. I am supportive of her if she wants to continue competing in them but if she wants to stop that is fine too. I am, in no means, going to push her into doing something she doesn’t want to. Great attitude…I wish all fathers were like this. In one of the local races we do, there is a father who actually forces his daughter to run. As they are running, the father says to the effect, "faster, go faster, what is wrong with you?", as the kid wearily runs on. It’s an embarrasing sight To be around them is embarrasing to say the least, and was an issue that a lot of people in my club talks about. The people in my club were so disgusted that they wanted to intercede and throw them out of the run. I haven’t seen them lately, but I’m sure he’s still doing it to that poor kid. Just the fact that there are a lot of them out there is very disturbing. |26 | IMC’96: 10:36:37 | Fe | ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53 | | "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"
I think that that is the only thing you can for them. Expose them to the sport, give them the opportunity to do it, but leave the decision to stick with it or how seriously they want to take it with them. My daughter (11) swims competitively. Last year she practiced five times a week, next year there will be two more morning sessions. The parents have to work the meets the club hosts and other activities for the club. It is a huge committment to my wife and me and we probably spend almost as much time at the pool than at home. But that’s what you have to do for your kid. The day that she doesn’t want to swim anymore and wants to try something different she can do that. In the club there are some parents similar to the ones describe in a earlier posting. They always complain about the coach and about everthing. Just let your kid have some fun! — Achim Wilfried Heinle
vcard.vcf
< 1K Download
Response:
I have asked her and she said she wanted to. So she definitely wants to try one. I don’t know if she will stick with it but it is just something we will try, not a big commitment or anything. I am supportive of her if she wants to continue competing in them but if she wants to stop that is fine too. I am, in no means, going to push her into doing something she doesn’t want to.
Great attitude…I wish all fathers were like this. In one of the local races we do, there is a father who actually forces his daughter to run. As they are running, the father says to the effect, "faster, go faster, what is wrong with you?", as the kid wearily runs on. It’s an embarrasing sight To be around them is embarrasing to say the least, and was an issue that a lot of people in my club talks about. The people in my club were so disgusted that they wanted to intercede and throw them out of the run. I haven’t seen them lately, but I’m sure he’s still doing it to that poor kid. Just the fact that there are a lot of them out there is very disturbing. |26 | IMC’96: 10:36:37 | Fe | ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53 | | "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"
Response:
I know how you feel… I’m 17 now and am just discovering how great triathlon is. Sometimes I wish that my parents had gotten me into running and things like this when I was little, but then I think that maybe I would have grown tired of it because I was so young and not liked it today… I feel that its best that you let them decide for themselves if they like it. Introduce them to it, but let them make the choice. Probably the best thing is for them to see their mom and dad in the races and see how much fun it is. My 2 cents. — Salvador Santolucito III
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have asked her and she said she wanted to. So she definitely wants to try one. I don’t know if she will stick with it but it is just something we will try, not a big commitment or anything. I am supportive of her if she wants to continue competing in them but if she wants to stop that is fine too. I am, in no means, going to push her into doing something she doesn’t want to. Great attitude…I wish all fathers were like this. In one of the local races we do, there is a father who actually forces his daughter to run. As they are running, the father says to the effect, "faster, go faster, what is wrong with you?", as the kid wearily runs on. It’s an embarrasing sight To be around them is embarrasing to say the least, and was an issue that a lot of people in my club talks about. The people in my club were so disgusted that they wanted to intercede and throw them out of the run. I haven’t seen them lately, but I’m sure he’s still doing it to that poor kid. Just the fact that there are a lot of them out there is very disturbing. |26 | IMC’96: 10:36:37 | Fe | ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53 | | "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"
Response:
Simon’s a bit cautious, I think. When I was 13, we were swimming 4,000-5,000yds per day. And it seems we put in several miles per day in track as well. Come to think of it, that’s probably why everyone quit! :) — Mark (those who didn’t quit ended up with short legs and an over-developed upper-body, forever destined to be slow runners) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BABorden11 says… I’d suggest yes to something like a 300m/5km/1km (or shorter) but I’d be really cautious about anything longer. This sort of distance means that she can still enjoy the fun of triathlon but without the risk of damage to growing bones caused by the training for longer distances.
Response:
What does she want to do? Is she interested in competing in triathlons or are you interested in having her compete in triathlons?
I have asked her and she said she wanted to. So she definitely wants to try one. I don’t know if she will stick with it but it is just something we will try, not a big commitment or anything. I am supportive of her if she wants to continue competing in them but if she wants to stop that is fine too. I am, in no means, going to push her into doing something she doesn’t want to.
Response:
GOOD ANSWER, CHARLIE ! Give them Els’ web site !
Response:
Check out Elsie’s WebSite !! http://www.auburn.edu/~crawfcj/elspeth.html
Response:
BABorden11 says… Hello. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice about entering my 13 yr old daughter in a small triathlon.
I’d suggest yes to something like a 300m/5km/1km (or shorter) but I’d be really cautious about anything longer. This sort of distance means that she can still enjoy the fun of triathlon but without the risk of damage to growing bones caused by the training for longer distances. AJ — If swimming is so good for the figure, explain whales Simon Haigh Illawarra Triathlon Club – Australia http://queene.epsb.edmonton.ab.ca/itc
Response:
: : Hello. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice about entering my 13 : yr old daughter in a small triathlon. She already swims on the local swim team : everyday for two hours (they usually do about 3000yds a day) and is pretty good : at it and rides her bike to practice and back which is about 6 miles round : trip. She also goes out riding with me and my wife. The most she has gone is : 10 miles. Do you think if she wanted to do it that she should? I’m kind of : hesitant because I don’t want her to feel pushed or intimidated by other : triathletes. But I know it would definitely help her swimming and I think she : would like it. thanks My daughters have been competing since they were six. My oldest daughter, Elspeth -14 years old, has an e-mail address triathletes. Why don’t you get your daughter to write her. Elspeth has completed over 70 triathlons in the last 8 years, so she may have some advice your daughter would be interested in. -Charlie
Response:
You said you would know how to train her. Gosh at 3000 yards a day and 6 mile round trip biking, she’s in better shap than any kid around and ready to finish a triathlon strong now. Don’t train her at all. If she wants to race, let her and she’ll have a blast and do great without any help from her parents.Let her do it making all the silly mistakes we’ve all made – That’s how you learn. The moment parents get involved in how to do it better – especially at 13 on her first race – it just sends the wrong message – that how she does really matters to you. Sit back, watch, laugh, and later celebrate regardless of finish. Tony Schiller
Response:
Hello. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice about entering my 13 yr old daughter in a small triathlon. She already swims on the local swim team everyday for two hours (they usually do about 3000yds a day) and is pretty good at it and rides her bike to practice and back which is about 6 miles round trip. She also goes out riding with me and my wife. The most she has gone is 10 miles. Do you think if she wanted to do it that she should? I’m kind of hesitant because I don’t want her to feel pushed or intimidated by other triathletes. But I know it would definitely help her swimming and I think she would like it. thanks Btw: I have and still do compete in triathlons and would know how to train her but would like all advice I can get.
Response:
Hello. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice about entering my 13 yr old daughter in a small triathlon. She already swims on the local swim team everyday for two hours (they usually do about 3000yds a day) and is pretty good at it and rides her bike to practice and back which is about 6 miles round trip. She also goes out riding with me and my wife. The most she has gone is 10 miles. Do you think if she wanted to do it that she should? I’m kind of hesitant because I don’t want her to feel pushed or intimidated by other triathletes. But I know it would definitely help her swimming and I think she would like it. thanks Btw: I have and still do compete in triathlons and would know how to train her but would like all advice I can get.
What does she want to do? Is she interested in competing in triathlons or are you interested in having her compete in triathlons? — From the Desk of James Nonnemacher Eastman Kodak Research Labs Phone: (716) 477-5259
Response:
