Question:

      I am a beginner, and am mostly interested in technique, traing advice, equipment reviews — and not too much in the High End professional stuff (yet….) Which magazine(s)  do you recommend? Thanks, Ralph

Response:

     I am a beginner, and am mostly interested in technique, traing advice, equipment reviews — and not too much in the High End professional stuff (yet….) Which magazine(s)  do you recommend?

"Bicylcing" and "Runner’s World." You can also subscribe to "Triathlete" if you don’t mind poor writing and shoddy editing (Did you know the Avocado is a cold-water fish?). There actually are some good articles in "Triathlete," but I think "Bicycling" and "Runner’s World" are superior magazines for their subject areas. -Harold

Response:

Question:

<snip Now, to the bike.  Yep, it really does suck being on that moutain bike.  It was fun, however, passing those fancy road bikes on the hill climbs…

Oh yeah, I’ve been there too, MTBs climb like crazy!  I even put clip-on aero bars on mine to help with the downhills…and if you can spin at 130 rpm, with a 44×11 gear on a 26" wheel you can almost keep up with the roadies!! Well done Kris!! Cheers S. Austin

Response:

Good job! One good thing about your strongest event being the swim, in my experience, is that after you get out of the water, you get to talk with all of your friends as they pass you on the bike and run! You’ll probably end up being fast in all events though. Have fun, and try to keep that feeling you got crossing the finish line in every race! Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all. First of all, thanks for all your support.  I’ve been lurking for a couple months now – trying to get as many hints as I could.  I’m proud to say I completed my first triathlon last Sunday! My story: I’m 30, never was athletic, 6′4", 245 pounds.  It was about five years ago when I stumbled upon swimming – it was the only excercise I could find that wouldn’t get me injured.  Imagine the suprise when I found out that I had a natural talent for it. So, after my 5 years of masters swimming, I decided to try what my fellow master swimmers find easy – the triathlon.  So, I took my Trek 7000 aluminum mountain bike, put some slicks on it, got myself some clipless pedals, and started biking.  Meanwhile, I started back into running.  That was late May. So, there I was – on the shore of Lake Keesus in Merton, Wisconsin on Sunday – the Camp Whitcomb/Mason Triathlon.  A 1/3 mi swim, 22 mile (very very hilly) bike, and a 5k.  I was most apprehensive about the swim – I haven’t been swimming open water much, and, since I’ve never been an athlete, I freak out before all competitions (I’m a basket case before a swim meet – helps with the 50 free!). After the starting horn, I made mistake #1 – I thought, "well, I’ll just kind of get in the water after everybody else toward the middle of the pack" – bad idea.  Next time I’ll sprint that first 100 and get ahead of people.  I found myself working into a nice, long, streamlined stroke, but passing people was no fun – kicked, scratched, dunked, etc.  After the buoy, however, it was clear that I had past the people in my heat. Now, to the bike.  Yep, it really does suck being on that moutain bike.  It was fun, however, passing those fancy road bikes on the hill climbs…only to get passed on the downhill.  The straights sucked, but I hung in there…I sucked down two water bottles of water during the bike. The bike finally ended, and it was off to the run.  It was ugly.  I got some serious sideaches right away.  I don’t know why, but they really weren’t any fun.  I did some walking, but I did manage to finish things up. What a great feeling, and what a fun bunch of people.  My wife and I are hooked – we’re doing another in September, and we’re already picking out our road bikes. Best thing about the race – I finished 60th overall in the swim….that was, again, an easy pace swim.  My wife cranked it and finished 16th overall in the swim…she’s a  monster in the water. Thanks again, Kris

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi all. First of all, thanks for all your support.  I’ve been lurking for a couple months now – trying to get as many hints as I could.  I’m proud to say I completed my first triathlon last Sunday! My story: I’m 30, never was athletic, 6′4", 245 pounds.  It was about five years ago when I stumbled upon swimming – it was the only excercise I could find that wouldn’t get me injured.  Imagine the suprise when I found out that I had a natural talent for it. So, after my 5 years of masters swimming, I decided to try what my fellow master swimmers find easy – the triathlon.  So, I took my Trek 7000 aluminum mountain bike, put some slicks on it, got myself some clipless pedals, and started biking.  Meanwhile, I started back into running.  That was late May. So, there I was – on the shore of Lake Keesus in Merton, Wisconsin on Sunday – the Camp Whitcomb/Mason Triathlon.  A 1/3 mi swim, 22 mile (very very hilly) bike, and a 5k.  I was most apprehensive about the swim – I haven’t been swimming open water much, and, since I’ve never been an athlete, I freak out before all competitions (I’m a basket case before a swim meet – helps with the 50 free!). After the starting horn, I made mistake #1 – I thought, "well, I’ll just kind of get in the water after everybody else toward the middle of the pack" – bad idea.  Next time I’ll sprint that first 100 and get ahead of people.  I found myself working into a nice, long, streamlined stroke, but passing people was no fun – kicked, scratched, dunked, etc.  After the buoy, however, it was clear that I had past the people in my heat. Now, to the bike.  Yep, it really does suck being on that moutain bike. It was fun, however, passing those fancy road bikes on the hill climbs…only to get passed on the downhill.  The straights sucked, but I hung in there…I sucked down two water bottles of water during the bike. The bike finally ended, and it was off to the run.  It was ugly.  I got some serious sideaches right away.  I don’t know why, but they really weren’t any fun.  I did some walking, but I did manage to finish things up. What a great feeling, and what a fun bunch of people.  My wife and I are hooked – we’re doing another in September, and we’re already picking out our road bikes. Best thing about the race – I finished 60th overall in the swim….that was, again, an easy pace swim.  My wife cranked it and finished 16th overall in the swim…she’s a  monster in the water. Thanks again, Kris

Great job!  I commend you and anyone who does a tri on a mountain bike…Obviously you had to work a lot harder than most to get through that bike segment.  Kinda of reminiscent of pre-1986 races before aerobars. My first to races were actually on my step-mother’s 150 lb schwinn varsity.   Again congrats on doing your first race!

Response:

Hi all. First of all, thanks for all your support.  I’ve been lurking for a couple months now – trying to get as many hints as I could.  I’m proud to say I completed my first triathlon last Sunday! My story: I’m 30, never was athletic, 6′4", 245 pounds.  It was about five years ago when I stumbled upon swimming – it was the only excercise I could find that wouldn’t get me injured.  Imagine the suprise when I found out that I had a natural talent for it. So, after my 5 years of masters swimming, I decided to try what my fellow master swimmers find easy – the triathlon.  So, I took my Trek 7000 aluminum mountain bike, put some slicks on it, got myself some clipless pedals, and started biking.  Meanwhile, I started back into running.  That was late May. So, there I was – on the shore of Lake Keesus in Merton, Wisconsin on Sunday – the Camp Whitcomb/Mason Triathlon.  A 1/3 mi swim, 22 mile (very very hilly) bike, and a 5k.  I was most apprehensive about the swim – I haven’t been swimming open water much, and, since I’ve never been an athlete, I freak out before all competitions (I’m a basket case before a swim meet – helps with the 50 free!). After the starting horn, I made mistake #1 – I thought, "well, I’ll just kind of get in the water after everybody else toward the middle of the pack" – bad idea.  Next time I’ll sprint that first 100 and get ahead of people.  I found myself working into a nice, long, streamlined stroke, but passing people was no fun – kicked, scratched, dunked, etc.  After the buoy, however, it was clear that I had past the people in my heat. Now, to the bike.  Yep, it really does suck being on that moutain bike.  It was fun, however, passing those fancy road bikes on the hill climbs…only to get passed on the downhill.  The straights sucked, but I hung in there…I sucked down two water bottles of water during the bike. The bike finally ended, and it was off to the run.  It was ugly.  I got some serious sideaches right away.  I don’t know why, but they really weren’t any fun.  I did some walking, but I did manage to finish things up. What a great feeling, and what a fun bunch of people.  My wife and I are hooked – we’re doing another in September, and we’re already picking out our road bikes. Best thing about the race – I finished 60th overall in the swim….that was, again, an easy pace swim.  My wife cranked it and finished 16th overall in the swim…she’s a  monster in the water. Thanks again, Kris

Response:

Question:

I finished a sprint triatlon, 1/4 mile swim, 10 mile bike and 3 mile run in 1:16 yesterday.  This is with just 4 months of recovery after 20 years of 30 per day.  I want to stay in this new hobby, so I have a great new reason not to smoke.  I would never have been able to stay quit for so long without all the support here.  Thank you everyone. Lynne 4M

Dear Lynne, Please step forward so Goddess Xena and I can induct you into the women of bravery and perserverance sisterhood. With the powers vested in me, I now declare you are a true warrior and someone to be treated with the highest of honors! Janet There was never a genius without a tincture of madness. Aristotle

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WOW LYNNE! fabulous! rosie —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     I finished a sprint triatlon, 1/4 mile swim, 10 mile bike and 3 mile run in 1:16 yesterday.  This is with just 4 months of recovery after 20 years of 30 per day.  I want to stay in this new hobby, so I have a great new reason not to smoke.  I would never have been able to stay quit for so long without all the support here.  Thank you everyone. Lynne 4M

Response:

C~O~N~G~R~A~T~U~L~A~T~I~O~N~S Lynne, what an achievement, I bet you’re really proud of yourself and so you should be hugs padders plodding on (

Question:

I did my first triathlon last week.  I found out quickly that pool work and open water swimming are not the same!   I must have swum 1200 meters to go 800.

practicing in the open water whenever you can could be a great help. specially for those of us who are more used to swiming in their own lane in a pool…  My question is this…how do you keep from swallowing water with all that splashing and chopping going on with the other swimmers.  I had to abandon all

you can try to start from the side where there are less people around. or wait for a short time and let the mass move on before you get started..  atleast till you get used to the mass start. my swim coaching and swim with my head out of the water.  By the way..I exited the water last.

congrads!  you finsihed and didn’t giveup..  thats the first step.                                             Half drowned in Columbus

was this one of the ohio tri series races? — Regards, Ardalan "Ardy" Sadeghi Performance Administration Corp "Building Bridges Between Todays Sales and Tomorrow’s Customers"     Work: 330-493-8271              Fax: 330-493-3264 Cellular: 412-551-1198             Home: 724-274-6515

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Yes…The Deer Creek race in the Ascinet series.

Response:

splashing and chopping going on with the other swimmers.

With practice, you learn to automatically skip the breath when water hits your mouth. I had to abandon all my swim coaching and swim with my head out of the water.  By the way..I exited the water last.

Find a pool that’s so crowded you have to share lanes and circle, with 3-4 people or more per lane. You’ll get plenty of practice with wave action and splashing.

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I had to miss that race due to a vacation planned poorly, I had my first experiment with an ocean swim on the same day, i can say that open water swimming is completely different than pool swimming.  Somthing about not being able to see more than a few feet gives you an uneasy feeling.  I am pretty used to swimming in the waves since i swim at a crowded pool.  I am lucky if there are only 5 people in the same lane.  Dont worry about being last at the next race on the 18 i will be then one that is last. Ron C Half drowned in Columbus

Response:

Congratulations on finishing!!! When it comes to open water swim starts… I have one suggestion for you. It is: Start in the back and off to the side of all the other swimmers. (The front of the pack is populated by people who are willing to swim over each other to get out of the water first. If you are inexperienced, don’t play that game. Start in the back. You may find that you pass people who started in front of you, because they panicked and had to slow down, while you gave yourself plenty of room, and just swam.) good luck, Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I did my first triathlon last week.  I found out quickly that pool work and open water swimming are not the same!   I must have swum 1200 meters to go 800.  I freaked at first in the water and hyperventilated because I got 3 mouthfuls of water at the very start. I couldn’t settle down until the field had gone on.  My question is this…how do you keep from swallowing water with all that splashing and chopping going on with the other swimmers.  I had to abandon all my swim coaching and swim with my head out of the water.  By the way..I exited the water last.                                             Half drowned in Columbus

Response:

Hey I was there at Deer Creek and it was my first open water swim too. There was plenty of open water close to the bouy line and the water was surprisingly warm.  I’d recommend going to the outside rather than inside as I found it hard spotting the course with the bouys always straight ahead rather than off to one side.  Good luck at Maumee next week if you’re headed there!

Response:

practicing in the open water whenever you can could be a great help. specially for those of us who are more used to swiming in their own lane in a pool…

I found that there was an Aquaerobics class at my pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. They take the first two lanes in the lap pool and the one next to them is generally empty. I tried to grab that lane when I could because some of the participants are… how can I say this…. capable of displacing large quantities of water and Marcus really got them jumping. you can try to start from the side where there are less people around. or wait for a short time and let the mass move on before you get started..  atleast till you get used to the mass start.

I concur. It’s worth swimming a few extra yards to stay out of that madness. TTFN, Ryan

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Question:

wanted to share

Me andMy Pooches

Response:

Cute pups! Since we’re at it – you can see a pic of my new pooch on my triathlon website at www.recsporttriathlon.com – me too in the photos section. Mike BTW – just a tip not a criticism  - it’s considered, well, less than optimal to post in HTML. Plain text works better for most folks.

wanted to share Me and My Pooches

Response:

you can see a pic of my new pooch on my triathlon website at www.recsporttriathlon.com – me too in the photos section. Mike

Hercules is a cutie – I assume he came with the name? Janet Boss Best Friends Dog Obedience "Nice Manners for the Family Pet" "Second-hand dogs AREN’T second-rate" see Lucy at:   http://www.flyball.com/nsl/

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Question:

I’m convinced that the ‘net has had a lot to do with the increased popularity of long-distance triathlon.  Before RST and DRS and other such expansive forums, it was harder for triathletes to find one another and communicate as much and as easily on a daily basis.  This wide-open and widely available forum has enabled triathletes to hear others’ stories of the IM distance, to share training advice, and to make the challenge of Ironman seem much more attainable and realistic for the average Joe.

It would be nice to think we have such power, but my experience doesn’t back up such an impression.  I know two worlds of triathletes: the seemingly little community of RST, composed apparently of quite like-minded men and a few women, and the great big real-world of triathletes of all different persuasions, who have never heard of this cyber-village and are not interested.  Of the 1500 athletes participating in IMH, were there a dozen from RST?  That hardly suggests an influence from us.  Frankly, the race reports I have read here tend, more often than not, to scare me off.  Perhaps it is for the sake of more drama that some races have been presented as hellish, but I suspect that more than a few readers have crossed those races off their lists.  For political reasons, I wish our voice were significant, but I don’t really think the ITU is perking up its ear when we speak. Ruth Kazez

Response:

I’m convinced that the ‘net has had a lot to do with the increased popularity of long-distance triathlon.  Before RST and DRS and other such expansive forums, it was harder for triathletes to find one another and communicate as much and as easily on a daily basis.  This wide-open and widely available forum has enabled triathletes to hear others’ stories of the IM distance, to share training advice, and to make the challenge of Ironman seem much more attainable and realistic for the average Joe.

Well, for what it is worth. I wouldn’t have known about IMUSA or talked my buddy into going with me if it were not for hearing about it on this newsgroup. cheers,  Bob Walter

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One of my friends just tried to sign up for Lake Placid IM. She was told that the race is already full and that there is now a wait list. That was pretty quick. Cathy

Response:

One of my friends just tried to sign up for Lake Placid IM. She was told that the race is already full and that there is now a wait list.

Cathy, It is my understanding they are not going to do a wait list.  Instead they have increased the number of spots to 1750.  According to there web site there were 285 spots left on Oct 26th. Regardless it indeed filled up fast.  Personally it will be my first Ironman and i cant wait. Rob

Response:

One of my friends just tried to sign up for Lake Placid IM. She was told that the race is already full and that there is now a wait list. Cathy, It is my understanding they are not going to do a wait list.  Instead they have increased the number of spots to 1750.  According to there web site there were 285 spots left on Oct 26th.

Unbelievable!! A first-time event, and it’s filled within two months of its announcement, nine months before the event itself! I think this speaks volumes about the health of the sport—at least, the long-distance version of it.  Of course, it also strongly reflects the esteem in which the Ironman Canada race organization is held:  triathletes know that with Graham Fraser at the helm, IMUSA is sure to be a first class event, even its first time out. I’m convinced that the ‘net has had a lot to do with the increased popularity of long-distance triathlon.  Before RST and DRS and other such expansive forums, it was harder for triathletes to find one another and communicate as much and as easily on a daily basis.  This wide-open and widely available forum has enabled triathletes to hear others’ stories of the IM distance, to share training advice, and to make the challenge of Ironman seem much more attainable and realistic for the average Joe. I’ve said it numerous times before, but I know for a fact that I never would have attempted an Ironman myself without the influence, inspiration, and support of the members of RST.  I’m certain that the ‘net has opened the eyes of many another average trigeek who never before would have considered Ironman as an option, but who then found on the ‘net stories and support from athletes across the country and around the world that inspired him to try it.  No, RST and the other forums can’t take full credit for this explosive growth, but I do believe they have had an enormous impact. Very cool. — Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

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Question:

And I still wish that Triathlete could get a decent copy editor!!!!   In TJ Murphy’s article on Boulder this month, he refers to the inhabitants of that town as its "populous".  OUCH!!!  And did any editor catch that? Nope.  This kind of carelessness irks the hell outta me.

A few years ago, an article referred to the Australian Olympic *women’s 1500m freestyle* champion as Karen Perkins… — Kenneth Lehner Lucent Technologies (732) 957-6281

Response:

Man, you are TOUGH! Being a local club’s newsletter editor, thank God you aren’t one of "my" readers…  I am very careful each month and mistakes still sneak threw. <– Sorry couldn’t resist the urge to typo.

Amen. <g I don’t think I’ve ever put one out without at least one typo. And one time I did a race flyer for the club and managed to get the YEAR wrong. I still hear about it…. Of course, if anyone rags me too hard, I always ask "You wanna do the newsletter?"  No takers so far. Mike "TriBop" Tennent Remove "garbaage." for email reply http://www.gate.net/~wbrunner/ WebRunner Running Page My Model Railroad page IMC ‘98 IronVirgins Website

Response:

And I still wish that Triathlete could get a decent copy editor!!!!   In TJ Murphy’s article on Boulder this month, he refers to the inhabitants of that town as its "populous".  OUCH!!!  And did any editor catch that? Nope.  This kind of carelessness irks the hell outta me.

Man, you are TOUGH! Being a local club’s newsletter editor, thank God you aren’t one of "my" readers…  I am very careful each month and mistakes still sneak threw. <– Sorry couldn’t resist the urge to typo. On the other hand, though, I really have to applaud our own Timothy Carlson for his excellent piece in last month’s issue on Post-Ironman Blues.  Very insightful and nicely written.  Bravo!

Can anyone copy and send/FAX this to me? I’d like to see it. Please send me e-mail if you can. Thanks -Rolf — I am Iron Mac.            The Ironman is over in the blink of an eye.                                                    Enjoy it! IMC’94/14:07    IMC’95/11:59    IMC’97/12:12    IMC’98/Confirmed

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We may not get are mags from Triathlete on time, but at least they don’t support drafitng.

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We may not get are mags from Triathlete on time, but at least they don’t support drafitng.

I dunno about that.  Triathlete doesn’t exactly lead the parade on the ANTI-drafting side of the fence (ouch, mixing too many metaphors—sorry!).  But I don’t suppose either of the big tri rags can afford to take much of a stand on the issue.  I must say, though, that I’m certainly disappointed with both Triathlete and Inside Tri for being so wishy washy on the topic. And I still wish that Triathlete could get a decent copy editor!!!!   In TJ Murphy’s article on Boulder this month, he refers to the inhabitants of that town as its "populous".  OUCH!!!  And did any editor catch that? Nope.  This kind of carelessness irks the hell outta me. On the other hand, though, I really have to applaud our own Timothy Carlson for his excellent piece in last month’s issue on Post-Ironman Blues.  Very insightful and nicely written.  Bravo! Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

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Question:

Hi there,         Spencer’s shorts are part of the Speedo TRIATHelite range sold only in Europe. The last time I heard Speedo are not going to sell the range in the states. I could give you the name of a shop that boasts world wide sales if you want in England. Chris carpenter — Chris Carpenter at the Max-Planck-Insitut fuer Polymerforschung voice: +49 6131 379217           : Zipp 2001…..Speed Weaponry fax:   +49 6131 379100           : Saucony,  Loyal to the sport www:   http://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de/~carpent

Response:

I believe the shorts/suits are Speedo Aquablade "Jammers"…but then again, Spencer could easily have something custom made… Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know where I can get a pair of the speedo shorts like those worn by Spencer Smith? They look like a chopped down version of bike shorts. These look like they would be ideal for an Ironman length race, to swim in, then ride in. I don’t relish the thought of wearing my weenie bikini on the bike at Ironman, but would love to be able to pass up changing bottoms after the swim though. I checked a couple of mail order mags. and saw a pair that was similar, but they were just straight black, so i’m not sure if they are the same thing. Mike Plumb

Response:

Does anyone know where I can get a pair of the speedo shorts like those worn by Spencer Smith? They look like a chopped down version of bike shorts. These look like they would be ideal for an Ironman length race, to swim in, then ride in. I don’t relish the thought of wearing my weenie bikini on the bike at Ironman, but would love to be able to pass up changing bottoms after the swim though. I checked a couple of mail order mags. and saw a pair that was similar, but they were just straight black, so i’m not sure if they are the same thing. Mike Plumb

Mike: They are available at many triathlon/running shops. Call your local stores first. If you fail, give Inside/Out Sports a call. I know that they have them in stock. Call Cid or Aaron at (919) 755-6202. Cheers Keith Simmons Ironman Triathlon Wetsuits (804) 288-6000

Response:

Does anyone know where I can get a pair of the speedo shorts like those worn by Spencer Smith? They look like a chopped down version of bike shorts. These look like they would be ideal for an Ironman length race, to swim in, then ride in. I don’t relish the thought of wearing my weenie bikini on the bike at Ironman, but would love to be able to pass up changing bottoms after the swim though. I checked a couple of mail order mags. and saw a pair that was similar, but they were just straight black, so i’m not sure if they are the same thing. Mike Plumb

Response:

I’ve been looking for the same.  I’ve seen them in World Wide Aquatics catalog as well as in the Speedo store in the mall, but to be honest I wasn’t impressed.  The Speedo store wanted $40-50 and they were very thin(seems you should get a little more durable weight material for that much). DeSoto has something similar for women in their catalog as well as on their website(on sale for quite cheap).  In an email, Emilio told me that they don’t have a similar short for men yet, but he’s had a lot of guys purchase the women’s short in one of the more neutral colors.  That doesn’t really help me since the large is still too small for my Herculean(yeah right) waist. Stacy J. Hills Reston, VA … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone know where I can get a pair of the speedo shorts like those worn by Spencer Smith? They look like a chopped down version of bike shorts. These look like they would be ideal for an Ironman length race, to swim in, then ride in. I don’t relish the thought of wearing my weenie bikini on the bike at Ironman, but would love to be able to pass up changing bottoms after the swim though. I checked a couple of mail order mags. and saw a pair that was similar, but they were just straight black, so i’m not sure if they are the same thing. Mike Plumb

Response:

Question:

Does anyone have any info on the Nantucket triathlon this weekend?  Is it Sat or Sun and what distance?  I may hop over to the island at the last minute….Thanks.

Response:

Does anyone have any info on the Nantucket triathlon this weekend?  Is it Sat or Sun and what distance?  I may hop over to the island at the last minute….Thanks.

My information is that this race has been canceled!! Eric Averill

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Question:

One duathalon (actually it was in the days of biathlons) that I competed in supplied a communal bottle of 407 (household cleaner) and a roll of paper towels for the after race ritual of marker remover. Karen

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public…. I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, I’d appreciate hearing about it! thanx, Dan

Emerging Technology Services   – innovative mechanical product development   – software application development/management

Mascara remover works well.  Tri it. Pat

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: Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? : Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, : but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going : out in public….

I use small alcohol swabs. Individually packaged, and available very cheaply in any drugstore.  Made primarily for diabetics, but work on ANY marker. Marty Marty Miller Proprietor of The Triathlete’s Web http://w3.one.net/~triweb

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public…. I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, I’d appreciate hearing about it! thanx, Dan

We have a couple of Kids of Steel, who do not appreciate the feel of steel wool on their calves to remove race numbers, so we have found baby oil works very well.  Ideally, use a cotton ball, but pretty well anything soaked liberally should work well. Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Emerging Technology Services   – innovative mechanical product development   – software application development/management

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I have a couple of Kids of Steel that do not appreciate the feel of steel wool on their calves to remove the race numbers, so we have found that baby oil works just as well.  Ideally, apply it with cotton balls, but even paper towelling will work if you keep it soaked in fresh baby oil.

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We have a couple of Kids of Steel that do not appreciate the feel of steel wool on thier calves to remove race numbers.  Actually, I think they are more of a status symbol and they just do not want them off.  We find baby oil works well for removing marker with the least ammount of fuss.   Ideally, it should be applied with cotton balls, but even paper towels seem to work if the oil is used liberally enough. Chris

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we have a couple of Kids of Steel that do not appreciate the feel of steel wool on thier calves to remove race numbers.  Actually, I think they are more of a status symbol and they just do not want them off.  We find baby oil works well for removing marker with the least ammount of fuss.   Ideally, it should be applied with cotton balls, but even paper towels seem to work if the oil is used liberally enough. Chris

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I’ve found that suscreen works great. It also works fast. By the time I’m out of my wetsuit, all my numbers are gone. PAM also seems to work based on my race last week. I was unregognizeable as a racer except for the fact that I was sweating so much, since my numbers were completely gone after the swim. Race numbers look cool on mondays in the gym , but they look very UNCOOL on fridays, the week after a race. Don’t you guys ever wash?!?! TriDork

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Ah….the reasons for your recent less than stellar results are slowly becoming evident. Poisoning, self mutilation etc etc. If everyone followed your training regeime, Triathlon would die and I could finally qualify for Kona!   Do as Ironman says, yeah that’s it. TriDork

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The best thing I`ve found is WD-40 which every triathlete should have in his car anyway. Francois Brissette The petroleum distillates in WD-40 get absorbed very well through the skin and I would highly recommend NOT using this solution, even as effective as it is. I used to use WD-40 for getting tar and gunk off my hands when working on my car, until I found out how bad it is for a human. I consider it to be as bad as inhaling or drinking the stuff. WD-40 is good fro getting rid of wasps etc in emergency situations though. TriDord

Mr. Dord, et. al.: I advise the following technique: 1) Liberally soak the skin with gasoline.  Gently prick the skin with a sharp ice pick to promote thorough penetration. 2) Apply a match or other flame source to the area. Allow to burn until a light crust forms. 3) Using a wire wheel, chucked in a standard 3/8" drill, buff all charred area.  Using a *brass* wire wheel will avoid scratching the underlying bone. Repeat the above process until the annoying marker residue is completely removed.  Please *do not* allow the marker to remain as it may be bad for your skin. Hope this helps! — <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Michael Clark                < I’m the slime oozin’ out Cary, NC                     < Of your TV set!

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Why bother manually removing them, they are a great conversation piece.  Besides, if you shower every day they are usually gone by Tuesday. — // // stephen f. cawley //

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PAM works?  What about SPAM? Rob

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The petroleum distillates in WD-40 get absorbed very well through  <snip TriDord

 ^^^^^^^ Who the hell is that?  Another weak Canadian who cannot tolerate a little petro-action on the skin I s’pose.   Anyway, I find pure gasoline to be a good solvent for removing the marker.  Also, I have found that pure bleach mixed with ammonia works well too.  When that doesn’t work, use sandpaper or steel wool and just grind it off along with your skin (While I am sure it is obvious – JUST KIDDING!) -Rolf —     Rolf "Ironman" Arands, PhD in ChEng "This above all, to thine own self be true."

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thanx for all your creative ideas on this one…. emperical testing shows that: – some brands of sunscreen work great (and should be applied BEFORE the race if you want to be able to prove who you are afterwards and get your bike back!) – fingernail polish remover works great, but can dry out your skin a little. – baby oil/Pam works well on most markers, but not all. – other forms of abrasive removal or the application of industrial solvents like WD-40 do work but are not preferred by most people. ciao, Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public…. I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, I’d appreciate hearing about it! thanx, Dan — Emerging Technology Services   – innovative mechanical product development   – software application development/management

Emerging Technology Services    - innovative mechanical product development    - software application development/management

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Baby oil and cotton balls usually does the trick for me, but acetone finally got my OCPAC numbers off (kind of hard on the skin)! Ron Urman

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I work so hard for those damn numbers that there’s no way that I’m going to remove them!  The fading numbers (which seem to wash off in the shower after several days) have started some great conversations:  "Were you in a concentration camp?"  "What rock concert did you see?"  "How cum you have that funny number on your arm [or leg]?" "Are you a triathlete?" I’m a triathlete in part to fight boredom.  The numbers just seem to make life a litle more interesting! –Lee ("Love me, love my number!") Crumbaugh

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The best thing I`ve found is WD-40 which every triathlete should have in his car anyway. Francois Brissette

The petroleum distillates in WD-40 get absorbed very well through the skin and I would highly recommend NOT using this solution, even as effective as it is. I used to use WD-40 for getting tar and gunk off my hands when working on my car, until I found out how bad it is for a human. I consider it to be as bad as inhaling or drinking the stuff. WD-40 is good fro getting rid of wasps etc in emergency situations though. TriDord

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I’ve found that the cheap "Kroger brand" lemon scented fingernail polish remover works great, much to the dismay of my daughters, who are always trying to get it back and out of my tri backpack.

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Individually packaged alcohol swabs are available At any pharmacy. I keep a handful in my transition bag and they remove any marker I’ve come across yet. Quick and easy. Andrew Peabody Miami Beach

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The best thing I`ve found is WD-40 which every triathlete should have in his car anyway. Francois Brissette Dept. of Construction Engineering Universite du Quebec, Montreal            ’                         /_        ’      ’ swimswimswimswim bikebikebike runrunrunrun pigoutandgotobed        

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A friend of mine has suggested using baby oil.  She says it works great! I’ve been to lazy to try it and have been walking around with 738 all over my body for the last two days.  Maybe I’ll give it a try, too.

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: Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? : Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, : but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going : out in public…. : I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to : remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active : ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out : unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited : to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… : Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, : I’d appreciate hearing about it! : thanx, : Dan : Emerging Technology Services :    - innovative mechanical product development :    - software application development/management Try soap and a loofah sponge- this seems to work well Ben REuter

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Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public…. I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, I’d appreciate hearing about it! thanx, Dan Emerging Technology Services    - innovative mechanical product development    - software application development/management

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Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public….

<snip I’ve found that Lava soap works very well.  Again, I’m not trying to advertise that brand, but the grittiness of the soap works well for me. Rod

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