Question:

After the 1/2 this weekend I plan on taking a few days off, then trying to get 2 100 mile bike and two 18-22 mile runs in before september.  Is a week taper enough for the ironman?  Or should I take two?

you have done enough for endurance and will certainly finish the IM with what you have.  what you’re proposing is way too much for the time available — if you do what you propose, you’ll get demotivated, tired and likely overtrained at the starting line. one 3-4 hrs bike, followed by 30 min run would fit on aug 25. your last big session, preferably a duathlon, should be on Sep 1st and reflect as much as possible actual race conditions on race day — 2 hrs bike followed by 2 hrs run.  Then a couple of days rest and it’s taper time: short (30-50 min), high intensity workouts including power bursts and one day rests in between.  a longish duathlon 2-3 hrs total on sep 8, with run limited to 40-60 min and intensity as high as during the race.  test your race nutritional scheduling then — bad nutrition on race day can shutter your dream.  if during the taper your legs don’t feel springy and you’re not eager to train, then take the day off, go stretch or swim. good luck

Response:

Not sure if there is a good answer to this, but I could use some advice.  I am signed up to do the Pineman(flat) Iron Distance Race here is ohio mid September.  This weekend I am doing a half Ironman(hilly).  I have been training for this since last november,  Up until that point I was right on schedule as far as training goes, did a few 100 mile bike rides, long runs had a great base.  At the end of May I got a divorce and had to cut down on the amount of training I have been doing.  Since May the longest run I have done has been 17 miles and the longest bike has been 80 miles.  I am still doing three bikes a week,  a 30 and a 40-80 on the weekends, 3 runs which range from 5 miles to 16 miles, and a lot of swimming 3* 4000m.  All I want to do is finish this race in 17 hours, is this enough training?  I have done three 1/2 ironman races on less training than I am doing now,  I know I can do this but I need some outside advice. After the 1/2 this weekend I plan on taking a few days off, then trying to get 2 100 mile bike and two 18-22 mile runs in before september.  Is a week taper enough for the ironman?  Or should I take two? Thanks for the advice Ron C

Response:

I’m not sure this is a good answer, but I’d say you probably have the base needed to finish an IM.  Personally, I’d shoot for maybe one century ride and one ~20 mi run before starting your taper (assuming the race is in early September).  It is commonly recommended and I have personally used a three week taper where you reduce your training by 25% each week with very little training on the week of the race (just short, easy jogs/rides/swims to stay loose).  As the old adage goes, it is better to be 10% undertrained than 1% overtrained going into an IM. If your goal is just to finish, its more important to be well rested, loose, focused, with a good nutrition/hydration plan in place.  YMMV – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not sure if there is a good answer to this, but I could use some advice.  I am signed up to do the Pineman(flat) Iron Distance Race here is ohio mid September.  This weekend I am doing a half Ironman(hilly).  I have been training for this since last november,  Up until that point I was right on schedule as far as training goes, did a few 100 mile bike rides, long runs had a great base.  At the end of May I got a divorce and had to cut down on the amount of training I have been doing.  Since May the longest run I have done has been 17 miles and the longest bike has been 80 miles.  I am still doing three bikes a week,  a 30 and a 40-80 on the weekends, 3 runs which range from 5 miles to 16 miles, and a lot of swimming 3* 4000m.  All I want to do is finish this race in 17 hours, is this enough training?  I have done three 1/2 ironman races on less training than I am doing now,  I know I can do this but I need some outside advice. After the 1/2 this weekend I plan on taking a few days off, then trying to get 2 100 mile bike and two 18-22 mile runs in before september.  Is a week taper enough for the ironman?  Or should I take two? Thanks for the advice Ron C

Response:

Is a week taper enough for the ironman?  Or should I take two?

    I have always done a 2 1/2-3 week taper for an IM. IMHO  I do not think one week is enough.  Better to be 10% undertrained than 1% overtrained. Good Luck!       David Never give up, Be satisfied w/ your best, Do unto others…..

Response:

It is enough training for you to finish, albeit painfully and slowly. But yes, it is enough to finish. Get those long rides up if there’s any way at all you can. 17 hours is a long day. So is 12, but not as long.

Response:

 Since May the longest run I have done has been 17 miles and the longest bike has been 80 miles.  I am still doing three bikes a week,  a 30 and a 40-80 on the weekends, 3 runs which range from 5 miles to 16 miles, and a lot of swimming 3* 4000m.  All I want to do is finish this race in 17 hours, is this enough training?

If you’re like me, yes. <g That’s about what I’ve done for all 5 of mine. Lots of folks say that isn’t enough, and I agree it’s about the minimum you can do and pull it off. No, you’re not going to be competing for a medal, but you can finish comfortably if you stay within yourself and don’t get carried a way early. Is a week taper enough for the ironman?

No Or should I take two?

Yes. Mike Tennent "IronPenguin"

Response:

I’ve completed two ironmans (lake placid, a hilly course) in the twelve hour range with one century ride and two to four 75 mile rides for training over the year leading up to them. My wife almost completed ironman lake placid this year with three 45 mile rides and two ten mile runs. I think the importance of all those long rides that many people do is over rated.  Also long runs are overrated cause so much of the marathon in an ironman is done by walking of jogging or a combination of the two.  Of course if you want to go below eleven and a half hours you should do more training but just to finish You should be fine for Pineman. Good Luck!

Response:

At the end of May I got a divorce and had to cut down on the amount of training I have been doing.

Surely that should say the opposite?

Response:

At the end of May I got a divorce and had to cut down on the amount of training I have been doing. Surely that should say the opposite?

Yes I should have time to train more.  But I have two small kids that have taken all of my time, I used to train when everyone was asleep, Kind of hard to do.  I did just PR a sprint distance triathlon(.5,20,4) by over 13 minutes, (1:39:00). Thanks for all the advice, I just wanted to make sure I was not crazy trying to do this with the amount of training I have done! Ron C

Response:

Question:

lee, I bought all my bikes from Evans (Wandsworth) branch, and found the guys there great.  They have a good range, and also sell 2nd hand bikes from time to time.  Also, if you do go there, there is a great cafe just next door, sells awesome Jerk Chicken.

Response:

thanks for help, those who contribute.

Response:

Question:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

Question:

Results for elites from Duathlon Worlds, which was held this weeend at Calais, France, are at www.duathlon.com Has anyone found a posting for age group results?

Response:

Try Duathlon.com at: http://www.duathlon.com/DuWorlds_2000_agegroupresults.htm. Ken Results for elites from Duathlon Worlds, which was held this weeend at Calais, France, are at www.duathlon.com Has anyone found a posting for age group results?

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

Response:

Question:

Say Hil… Been doing these things for 15 yrs. and have never finished last… Although, I have made sure everyone made it across the finish line one or twice. ;-/ Joe "If there still triathletes on the course, then they must be bodies" Moya   a.k.a – The "Bob Eucker" of Tri’s I finished my first two sprint triathlons in almost last place (2-3 people finished after me). I am contemplating doing an Olympic distance event, where I will almost certainly finish dead last. Does it annoy race organizers if someone comes in like 10 minutes after everyone else is done? Is it a great inconvenience? Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

I finished my first two sprint triathlons in almost last place (2-3 people finished after me). I am contemplating doing an Olympic distance event, where I will almost certainly finish dead last. Does it annoy race organizers if someone comes in like 10 minutes after everyone else is done? Is it a great inconvenience?

It’s been scientifically proven that there is a last place finisher in every race. Enjoy yourself and don’t worry about it. I’ve finished next to last at a half IM and (at last year’s GFT) about third from last. Come to think of it, it’s more of a distinction to be last instead of third from last. Maybe I’ll slow down this year. <g Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" Ironman Canada ‘98 16:17:03 Great Floridian ‘99, 17:13:38

Response:

I know many  people that come in an hour after everyone is finished. Dont stress it, as long as you finish that is the key to success. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I finished my first two sprint triathlons in almost last place (2-3 people finished after me). I am contemplating doing an Olympic distance event, where I will almost certainly finish dead last. Does it annoy race organizers if someone comes in like 10 minutes after everyone else is done? Is it a great inconvenience? Before you buy.

Response:

I was third to the last in my most recent half ironman. In this particular race they had already taken the bike racks down and  they had laid my bike and stuff down in the grass. This particular RD seemed quite eager to get going, I think.. the fact that it was beginning to rain cats and dogs had something to do with it, too, I bet. I wouldn’t worry about it. In most races, they seem to wait an hour or so after the official cut-off to strike the set. I did get a lot of cheers from triathletes leaving in the cars on the running route. A friend of mine finished dead last in a oly distance last month and she still won her age group! Johanna "forever young" Young

Response:

I finished my first two sprint triathlons in almost last place (2-3 people finished after me). I am contemplating doing an Olympic distance event, where I will almost certainly finish dead last. Does it annoy race organizers if someone comes in like 10 minutes after everyone else is done? Is it a great inconvenience?

Hilary, Most race organizers will specify, either on the race app or at the starting line, what the time limit is. It’s usually about 4 or 4 1/2 hours for an Oly; they are prepared to provide course support for that length of time, and then they drive around the course and scoop up stragglers. I’ve never organized a race, but no, I wouldn’t think it would be any problem. As a fellow slowpoke, I’m becoming a bit of an expert on the subject. Vanessa Wool Capital (Olympic Distance) 1999 3:58:24

Response:

No, in fact quite the opposite.  The last finisher often gets as much fanfare as the winner.  Your fellow competitors recognize that you struggled and won the same as everyone else. Fast or slow, you’re still a triathlete. Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I finished my first two sprint triathlons in almost last place (2-3 people finished after me). I am contemplating doing an Olympic distance event, where I will almost certainly finish dead last. Does it annoy race organizers if someone comes in like 10 minutes after everyone else is done? Is it a great inconvenience? Before you buy.

Response:

I finished my first two sprint triathlons in almost last place (2-3 people finished after me). I am contemplating doing an Olympic distance event, where I will almost certainly finish dead last. Does it annoy race organizers if someone comes in like 10 minutes after everyone else is done? Is it a great inconvenience? Before you buy.

Response:

Man, NOT AT ALL. Just race and have fun. -Bill-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I finished my first two sprint triathlons in almost last place (2-3 people finished after me). I am contemplating doing an Olympic distance event, where I will almost certainly finish dead last. Does it annoy race organizers if someone comes in like 10 minutes after everyone else is done? Is it a great inconvenience? Before you buy.

Response:

event, where I will almost certainly finish dead last. Does it annoy race organizers if someone comes in like 10 minutes after everyone else is done? Is it a great inconvenience?

no way. go ahead and race, and have fun. wipe the fear about finishing last out of your mind and you will have a much better time! even if you do, it is not an inconvenience. the race director creates/ directs the race for the participants- they are not an inconvenience- we are all doing the same thing out there-

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Question:

If you have anti-freeze in your veins, you will be just fine.  The water will be butt cold.  You can probably get by if you don’t mind really cold, but you would be better served with a full suit and probably a polar cap. – Nato – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning on using a longjohn style wetsuit for this tri; is that gonna be okay, or am I gonna wish I had a full? thanks for any info TriathRon

Response:

I did a swim out to the end of the pier about 2 weeks ago and the water was comfortable. I was in a longjohn, and have done the race the past 2 years in a longjohn. The biggest problem for me was my feet getting very cold and not thawing out until the run..

Response:

The water is warm this time of year.  Check out www.sunrisers.org and see how real swimmers do it.  I remember the day when people would do triathlons to push themselves and test their intentestinal fortitude. Now it’s a damn fashion show.  You people suck.

And you don’t? — Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

Response:

I think it’s a toss-up. I’ve done the Sentinel twice before in a full suit. This year I’m going to use my longjohn. I did the Santa Barbara tri a few weeks ago at 60 degrees in the longjohn and survived quite well. The Sentinel swim is only 1 mile. I’d make sure your head stays warm. I wear a silicone swim cap under my race cap for a bit more warmth. I hate that popsicle headache! Good luck, Scott Watters TRI XXL I’m planning on using a longjohn style wetsuit for this tri; is that gonna be okay, or am I gonna wish I had a full? thanks for any info TriathRon

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

I’m planning on using a longjohn style wetsuit for this tri; is that gonna be okay, or am I gonna wish I had a full?

Ron– Longjohn will be fine.  I wore a longjohn the first two years I did the Sentinel, before I had bought a fullsuit.  It’s a bit nippy getting in, but you warm up ok.  No problem. See you there! — Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

Response:

I’m planning on using a longjohn style wetsuit for this tri; is that gonna be okay, or am I gonna wish I had a full? thanks for any info TriathRon

Response:

I’m planning on using a longjohn style wetsuit for this tri; is that gonna be okay, or am I gonna wish I had a full?

The water is warm this time of year.  Check out www.sunrisers.org and see how real swimmers do it.  I remember the day when people would do triathlons to push themselves and test their intentestinal fortitude. Now it’s a damn fashion show.  You people suck.

Response:

I’m planning on using a longjohn style wetsuit for this tri; is that gonna be okay, or am I gonna wish I had a full?

It depends on how used you are to cold water swimming.  My guess is that the water temp will be somewhere between 55 and 60, which is cold enough for me to wear a fullsuit, a rash guard, a neoprene hood and a swim cap.  In a pinch, I’d do without the rash guard (basically a smooth polyester turtle neck), but I’d insist on a fullsuit.  There will be a handful of people at the Sentinel in longjohns and even no wetsuit at all, but they’re trained for it.  I swim in Monterey Bay with a group on a regular basis (at least during the summer), and fullsuits are standard wear.  However, this summer one of our guys did an open water swim  on the same course as the Sentinel without a wetsuit and said it was fine.  But he also said he wouldn’t have wanted to get on a bike afterwards. My suggestion would be to do a recon swim this weekend, and see how it feels to you.  That’s the only way to know for sure.  But if you’re looking for opinions, I vote for a fullsuit. Good luck! Tellus Venture Associates "Certainly the game is rigged. Don’t let that stop you; if you don’t bet, you can’t win."  R.A.H.

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Question:

I did the NY Marathon in Nov. and I think I’m really cool now so I want to try a triathalon.  I don’t know anything about the different types but I want to do a fairly easy one first.  Anybody have any suggestions for triathalons in the midsouth, dates and distances???

Response:

Try www.runningnetwork.com. Look up Runner Triathlete News and/or Inside Texas Running. Both have good race calendars. dave

: I did the NY Marathon in Nov. and I think I’m really cool now so I want to : try a triathalon.  I don’t know anything about the different types but I : want to do a fairly easy one first.  Anybody have any suggestions for : triathalons in the midsouth, dates and distances??? : : : :

Response:

Okay, so you can run, but can you swim and bike too?   Memphis in May can be a great first race in the heart of the Mid South. But it is not a particularly short race (International Distance). Team Magic in Birmingham also puts on some great races with special help for first timers. http://www.team-magic.com/ You can also check the Mid South Race Calendar for a list of races. They do a good job of keeping it up to date. http://www.bluffcitysports.com/msrc/ Tri Club Memphis should also have an up to date listing of Mid South triathlons as we get closer to the season. http://members.aol.com/clubtrimem/ Good luck and have fun racing and training. — Stewart Cox – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I did the NY Marathon in Nov. and I think I’m really cool now so I want to try a triathalon.  I don’t know anything about the different types but I want to do a fairly easy one first.  Anybody have any suggestions for triathalons in the midsouth, dates and distances???

Response:

Question:

This was a topic of discussion on RST last year.  I paid attention because achilles tendonitis just about ruined my triathlon season in 1997.  It started in only the left one, but eventually affected both ankles.   I received a ton of advice on what to do, some of it very conflicting. However, I’m totally healthy again and running pain free for the first time in a while.  So, something I did must’ve worked. Rest is probably the first and foremost thing you want to do initially.  If rest doesn’t do anything after a week or two, then the problem may be more severe than just tendonitis (i.e. a partial tear).  Ice therapy after workouts is an excellent idea along with anit-inflammatory drugs.  I’ve been told that NOT stretching the tendon is a good idea, and this seemed to work for me.  It can be difficult to stretch your calfs without hitting the Achilles, but it can be done with care.  Running hills hard, especially steep ones, is BAD.  Using a shoe insert for a heel lift was also advised.  I used a 1/4 in. heel lift, but I’m not sure if it really helped me.  Currently, I’m not using any kind of orthodic/insert. Hope this helps. Dave Radomski

Response:

Ok, my Doctor has ‘benched’ me for two weeks as a result of a mild case of Achilles Tendinitis (very sore heel).  I am instructed not to run and to concentrate on another form of exercise (i.e, swimming) for the time being. Also, I am to take Ibuprofen Tablets regularily until the two weeks expire. Question.  Do you think it’s safe for me to use an excercise bike during this period?

Yes. I had Achilles Tendinitis a few years ago and cycled through it. When cycling, your ankle joint doesn’t flex much (at least, mine doesn’t!) so you’re not causing the friction which inflames the tendon sheath. I suggest regular icing to reduce inflamation too, and maybe an ancle support bandage. If any of this contradicts your doctor’s advice, go with the doctor. Cheers, S.Williams

regards adrian

Response:

Ok, my Doctor has ‘benched’ me for two weeks as a result of a mild case of Achilles Tendinitis (very sore heel).  I am instructed not to run and to concentrate on another form of exercise (i.e, swimming) for the time being. Also, I am to take Ibuprofen Tablets regularily until the two weeks expire. Question.  Do you think it’s safe for me to use an excercise bike during this period? Cheers, S.Williams

Response:

I guess I would recommend that you could do it to your tolerance with the seat higher than usual to limit stretching your heel and stationary bike ofcourse. give it some time, Dennis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ok, my Doctor has ‘benched’ me for two weeks as a result of a mild case of Achilles Tendinitis (very sore heel).  I am instructed not to run and to concentrate on another form of exercise (i.e, swimming) for the time being. Also, I am to take Ibuprofen Tablets regularily until the two weeks expire. Question.  Do you think it’s safe for me to use an excercise bike during this period? Cheers, S.Williams

Response:

Ok, my Doctor has ‘benched’ me for two weeks as a result of a mild case of Achilles Tendinitis (very sore heel).  I am instructed not to run and to concentrate on another form of exercise (i.e, swimming) for the time being. Also, I am to take Ibuprofen Tablets regularily until the two weeks expire. Question.  Do you think it’s safe for me to use an excercise bike during this period? Cheers, S.Williams

I’ve had periodic bouts with AT and have always continued biking with no apparent adverse effects. The hard is when you start to "run" again. You need to start slow and then slow down. No hillls. No speed. No long distance. Learn to like ice. Mike "TriBop" Tennent Remove "nospam." for email reply IMC ‘98 IronVirgins Website http://www.gate.net/~wbrunner/imc_iv.htm WebRunner Running Page and my Model Railroad page http://www.gate.net/~wbrunner/

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Question:

Does anybody know how to contact the Reston Triathlon race director? Thanks in advance, Scott Powell

Response:

Fondue : Does anybody know how to contact the Reston Triathlon race director? : : Thanks in advance, : Scott Powell :

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Question:

I was dissapointed in Tri-Fed when I read the update on current happenings in the latest issue of Inside Triathlon.  Two items irked me.  First, Tri-Fed has changed the chinstrap rule from a DQ to a one minute time penalty…granted it is not worth a minute to unstrap your helmet early…but why change a rule that is so easy to follow…helmet goes on the head before the body gets on the bike and stays there until the body gets off the bike…so what if a pro got DQ’ed because he wasn’t thinking.  Second, Tri-Fed is siding with ITU (this is my interpretation of the article) on the Gold Coast Australia World Cup race over the use of a word in their well established race name.  Why doesn’t ITU find a word that is not in use instead of making other races change their names? Just my thoughts…for the Tri-Fed folks who are listening… Karen C

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was dissapointed in Tri-Fed when I read the update on current happenings in the latest issue of Inside Triathlon.  Two items irked me.  First, Tri-Fed has changed the chinstrap rule from a DQ to a one minute time penalty…granted it is not worth a minute to unstrap your helmet early…but why change a rule that is so easy to follow…helmet goes on the head before the body gets on the bike and stays there until the body gets off the bike…so what if a pro got DQ’ed because he wasn’t thinking.   Just my thoughts…for the Tri-Fed folks who are listening… Karen C I agree with Karen – it sounds as though some of the Race Directors of the big money making triathlons put the squeeze on the NGB, whining about how their "customers" are unhappy with the rule.  TV did not help either.  Then again, it takes courage to stand up against powerful lobbies.

So what’s the benefit from having a "DQ" versus a 1 minute time penalty?  I can see advantages, starting with it being somewhat unreasonable for someone to lose a good chunk of change after a hard, excellent, performance, SOLELY because he/she pulled a bonehead move on releasing their strap too soon.  My guess is that the rule exists solely as an insurance/liability shield in the first place, and then the question is – will it cost more for insurance that they downgrade the violation from a DQ to a 1 minute penalty?  I doubt it. I’ve never done it.  The closest I’ve come was after my win in the Texas USCF Regional 35-39 road race last year – a hot, humid day, and immediately after crossing the line my first thought was to take my helmet off.  I barely remembered the USCF rule (helmets must be worn AT ALL TIMES, including warmups and warmdowns, when on the bike – officials have even tried to DQ guys warming up on their wind trainers for not wearing helmets) in time to stop myself.  I’d have been somewhat irritated to have made that mistake and lost the title, even though there was no money involved and the race was really just for fun (I’d actually been riding support for some friends). But I’d certainly not classify it in the same vein as a drafting penalty, or cutting the course, where someone is consciously violating rules in order to do less work.  And it’s a lot less dangerous than folks screaming into the transition zone without slowing down, which I’ve seen happen quite often. Phil

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