Question:

I used the Seal Mask for the entire season this year, including Ironman California, and I have never had a problem with it. For visibility and comfort it can’t be beat as long as it works for you.       I am on a military triathlon team of about 40 athletes and the majority of us are now using the Seal Mask. We have, however, had a couple who could not make it work for them. www.pendletontriteam.org                Steve Fredericks                Oceanside, CA

Response:

If  you can’t get the Seal Mask to work, Barracuda makes a version similar to the Seal Mask.  So far, those who couldn’t fit the Seal Mask worked well with the Barracuda. Steve’s Multisport – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I used the Seal Mask for the entire season this year, including Ironman California, and I have never had a problem with it. For visibility and comfort it can’t be beat as long as it works for you.       I am on a military triathlon team of about 40 athletes and the majority of us are now using the Seal Mask. We have, however, had a couple who could not make it work for them. www.pendletontriteam.org                Steve Fredericks                Oceanside, CA

Response:

I have to agree with Marty on this one.  I had the same problem in I did have occasional problems with it sealing even when I didn’t get whacked. Also, like many others it seemed to seal like a dream when putting it on dry.  I also like the concept……the visibility is great, but I won’t use it during races again, not in its present configuration anyway. Al – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This response is in the FWIW department, but I have the newer version of the Seal Mask and it leaked like a sieve during the IMF swim, despite having no problems in pool swims.  It seems that every time I got bumped or got tossed around by a swell, the damn thing took on water.  It seems that numerous others experienced the same problem.  I had to bail the mask out every few minutes on the last lap of the swim, and I noticed several others doing the same.  It seemed that once the mask started leaking, it became impossible to get a decent seal again.  I know this will probably draw heat from Aqua Seal supporters like Dan Empfield, but IMHO, the Seal Mask seems to be a case of a conceptually great idea that just does not live up to its hype.  The company has spent a good amount on publicity and supporting races, etc., but the product just doesn’t cut it.  I was so disgusted with it, I almost threw it away on the beach after completing the swim, but I was afraid Charlie Crawford might penalize me for littering.  : ). This issue got some discussion a little while back and it became apparent that there are two versions of the Seal Mask, with the newer version more likely to fit more faces and thus less likely to leak. I have the old version, indicated by the words "Technisub" on the mask gasket and whilst it seemed to suck well to the face it still leaks when swimming.  I really like the mask, I think it’s a great idea and it seems a lot of people are very happy with them, but I just want one that doesn’t leak. As suggested in the previous thread below, I e-mailed both Aqua Sphere and the Australian distributor for the Seal Mask several weeks ago to try to get a hold of the newer narrower version, but have had no response.  Has anyone else had trouble in getting a response from Aqua Sphere, or is it the fact that Australia is too far away and I’ve just been put into the "too hard basket"? Cam Larry: I also bought one of the older model Seal Masks with the "technosub" gasket, and was having leaking problems. My local store still had the old style mask. I emailed to Aqua Sphere and they gave me their address to return my mask. They will send me replacement mask with the improved gasket design. I would suggest you call or email Aqua Sphere if your local store can’t help you. I also noticed the Seal Masks at Inside Out Sports in Raleigh this weekend. All their masks had a clear or translucent gasket marked Aqua Sphere. My old mask had a black gasket and headband. My mask does have a tinted lens. I don’t know if gasket color has any bearing on the performance, but it may be a distinguishing characteristic. I can’t wait to get my new mask because they sure are comfortable. No more ring around the eye socket after my lunch time swims. Stewart Cox Thanks for the highly useful information.  My mask does indeed say "technosub" on the top of the seal. I still have the receipt – I’ll see if I can take it back to the store and get one of the newer styles. Larry Aqua Sphere has done a running change on the Sealmask gasket which resulted in masks produced and shipped within the last 4 months or so to have a narrower gasket than the models that first appeared on the market earlier in the year. The mask frame is still the same, just the gasket is narrower on the latest models. You can tell if you have a newer model if the words "Aqua Sphere" appear on the top portion of the gasket (where it contacts your forehead above the bridge of your nose). The older models with the wider gasket have the word "Technosub" in the same location on the gasket. snip Before you buy.

Response:

Bottom line is the mask will not work for some people.

Howdy.  Who are these people, and am I one of them?  What I mean is, what sort of facial structure will tend to have a problem with the Seal Mask leaking?  Thanks. Paul Rock   Pinedale, Wyoming Where the skies are not cloudy all day Before you buy.

Response:

Bottom line is the mask will not work for some people. Howdy.  Who are these people, and am I one of them?  What I mean is, what sort of facial structure will tend to have a problem with the Seal Mask leaking?  Thanks. Paul Rock   Pinedale, Wyoming Where the skies are not cloudy all day

Well, I cannot judge the new models since I haven’t tested them but I have tested the older model and have found them to leak. I have a history of having goggles with larger eyes (the ones that stick to the outside of the eye socket) leak on me. This is due to my face being very narrow. The only goggles that work for me are the ones with the smaller eyes that stick inside the eye socket. I assume that the leakage of the older Seal Masks are due to this same problem, a narrow face. They stick fine whan I’m out of the water, but leak from the outer edges when swimming. My advice to everyone is this, if you have a narrow face make sure you test drive them before you buy them. At certain race expos they will allow you to test drive them; take them up on it. It’s a great concept and it’s something that I would definitely want for races; hopefully they can improve the models (or create another model type) to fit every face.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

For what it’s worth, I met with the Seal Mask people at IM Florida last week. I had an old version of the mask that leaked and they gave me a new version to try – it also leaked. Bottom line is the mask will not work for some people.

I have had SCUBA students go through 6 different models of masks out of 40 or so our shop offers (out of roughly 100 industry wide) before finding one that fits.  With only two versions out there, there are bound to be people they won’t fit.

Response:

This response is in the FWIW department, but I have the newer version of the Seal Mask and it leaked like a sieve during the IMF swim, despite having no problems in pool swims.  It seems that every time I got bumped or got tossed around by a swell, the damn thing took on water.  It seems that numerous others experienced the same problem.  I had to bail the mask out every few minutes on the last lap of the swim, and I noticed several others doing the same.  It seemed that once the mask started leaking, it became impossible to get a decent seal again.  I know this will probably draw heat from Aqua Seal supporters like Dan Empfield, but IMHO, the Seal Mask seems to be a case of a conceptually great idea that just does not live up to its hype.  The company has spent a good amount on publicity and supporting races, etc., but the product just doesn’t cut it.  I was so disgusted with it, I almost threw it away on the beach after completing the swim, but I was afraid Charlie Crawford might penalize me for littering.  : ). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This issue got some discussion a little while back and it became apparent that there are two versions of the Seal Mask, with the newer version more likely to fit more faces and thus less likely to leak. I have the old version, indicated by the words "Technisub" on the mask gasket and whilst it seemed to suck well to the face it still leaks when swimming.  I really like the mask, I think it’s a great idea and it seems a lot of people are very happy with them, but I just want one that doesn’t leak. As suggested in the previous thread below, I e-mailed both Aqua Sphere and the Australian distributor for the Seal Mask several weeks ago to try to get a hold of the newer narrower version, but have had no response.  Has anyone else had trouble in getting a response from Aqua Sphere, or is it the fact that Australia is too far away and I’ve just been put into the "too hard basket"? Cam Larry: I also bought one of the older model Seal Masks with the "technosub" gasket, and was having leaking problems. My local store still had the old style mask. I emailed to Aqua Sphere and they gave me their address to return my mask. They will send me replacement mask with the improved gasket design. I would suggest you call or email Aqua Sphere if your local store can’t help you. I also noticed the Seal Masks at Inside Out Sports in Raleigh this weekend. All their masks had a clear or translucent gasket marked Aqua Sphere. My old mask had a black gasket and headband. My mask does have a tinted lens. I don’t know if gasket color has any bearing on the performance, but it may be a distinguishing characteristic. I can’t wait to get my new mask because they sure are comfortable. No more ring around the eye socket after my lunch time swims. Stewart Cox Thanks for the highly useful information.  My mask does indeed say "technosub" on the top of the seal. I still have the receipt – I’ll see if I can take it back to the store and get one of the newer styles. Larry Aqua Sphere has done a running change on the Sealmask gasket which resulted in masks produced and shipped within the last 4 months or so to have a narrower gasket than the models that first appeared on the market earlier in the year. The mask frame is still the same, just the gasket is narrower on the latest models. You can tell if you have a newer model if the words "Aqua Sphere" appear on the top portion of the gasket (where it contacts your forehead above the bridge of your nose). The older models with the wider gasket have the word "Technosub" in the same location on the gasket. snip Before you buy.

Response:

I had the same leak problem…….not till the second lap at IMF…….I will not use them again. Sam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This response is in the FWIW department, but I have the newer version of the Seal Mask and it leaked like a sieve during the IMF swim, despite having no problems in pool swims.  It seems that every time I got bumped or got tossed around by a swell, the damn thing took on water.  It seems that numerous others experienced the same problem.  I had to bail the mask out every few minutes on the last lap of the swim, and I noticed several others doing the same.  It seemed that once the mask started leaking, it became impossible to get a decent seal again.  I know this will probably draw heat from Aqua Seal supporters like Dan Empfield, but IMHO, the Seal Mask seems to be a case of a conceptually great idea that just does not live up to its hype.  The company has spent a good amount on publicity and supporting races, etc., but the product just doesn’t cut it.  I was so disgusted with it, I almost threw it away on the beach after completing the swim, but I was afraid Charlie Crawford might penalize me for littering.  : ). This issue got some discussion a little while back and it became apparent that there are two versions of the Seal Mask, with the newer version more likely to fit more faces and thus less likely to leak. I have the old version, indicated by the words "Technisub" on the mask gasket and whilst it seemed to suck well to the face it still leaks when swimming.  I really like the mask, I think it’s a great idea and it seems a lot of people are very happy with them, but I just want one that doesn’t leak. As suggested in the previous thread below, I e-mailed both Aqua Sphere and the Australian distributor for the Seal Mask several weeks ago to try to get a hold of the newer narrower version, but have had no response.  Has anyone else had trouble in getting a response from Aqua Sphere, or is it the fact that Australia is too far away and I’ve just been put into the "too hard basket"? Cam Larry: I also bought one of the older model Seal Masks with the "technosub" gasket, and was having leaking problems. My local store still had the old style mask. I emailed to Aqua Sphere and they gave me their address to return my mask. They will send me replacement mask with the improved gasket design. I would suggest you call or email Aqua Sphere if your local store can’t help you. I also noticed the Seal Masks at Inside Out Sports in Raleigh this weekend. All their masks had a clear or translucent gasket marked Aqua Sphere. My old mask had a black gasket and headband. My mask does have a tinted lens. I don’t know if gasket color has any bearing on the performance, but it may be a distinguishing characteristic. I can’t wait to get my new mask because they sure are comfortable. No more ring around the eye socket after my lunch time swims. Stewart Cox Thanks for the highly useful information.  My mask does indeed say "technosub" on the top of the seal. I still have the receipt – I’ll see if I can take it back to the store and get one of the newer styles. Larry Aqua Sphere has done a running change on the Sealmask gasket which resulted in masks produced and shipped within the last 4 months or so to have a narrower gasket than the models that first appeared on the market earlier in the year. The mask frame is still the same, just the gasket is narrower on the latest models. You can tell if you have a newer model if the words "Aqua Sphere" appear on the top portion of the gasket (where it contacts your forehead above the bridge of your nose). The older models with the wider gasket have the word "Technosub" in the same location on the gasket. snip Before you buy.

Response:

This issue got some discussion a little while back and it became apparent that there are two versions of the Seal Mask, with the newer version more likely to fit more faces and thus less likely to leak. I have the old version, indicated by the words "Technisub" on the mask gasket and whilst it seemed to suck well to the face it still leaks when swimming.  I really like the mask, I think it’s a great idea and it seems a lot of people are very happy with them, but I just want one that doesn’t leak. As suggested in the previous thread below, I e-mailed both Aqua Sphere and the Australian distributor for the Seal Mask several weeks ago to try to get a hold of the newer narrower version, but have had no response.  Has anyone else had trouble in getting a response from Aqua Sphere, or is it the fact that Australia is too far away and I’ve just been put into the "too hard basket"? Cam Larry: I also bought one of the older model Seal Masks with the "technosub" gasket, and was having leaking problems. My local store still had the old style mask. I emailed to Aqua Sphere and they gave me their address to return my mask. They will send me replacement mask with the improved gasket design. I would suggest you call or email Aqua Sphere if your local store can’t help you. I also noticed the Seal Masks at Inside Out Sports in Raleigh this weekend. All their masks had a clear or translucent gasket marked Aqua Sphere. My old mask had a black gasket and headband. My mask does have a tinted lens. I don’t know if gasket color has any bearing on the performance, but it may be a distinguishing characteristic. I can’t wait to get my new mask because they sure are comfortable. No more ring around the eye socket after my lunch time swims. Stewart Cox

Thanks for the highly useful information.  My mask does indeed say "technosub" on the top of the seal. I still have the receipt – I’ll see if I can take it back to the

store and get one of the newer styles. Larry Aqua Sphere has done a running change on the Sealmask gasket which resulted in masks produced and shipped within the last 4 months or so to have a narrower gasket than the models that first appeared on the market earlier in the year. The mask frame is still the same, just the gasket is

narrower on the latest models. You can tell if you have a newer model if the

words "Aqua Sphere" appear on the top portion of the gasket (where it contacts your forehead above the bridge of your nose). The older models with the wider gasket have the word "Technosub" in the same location on the gasket. snip

Before you buy.

Response:

For what it’s worth, I met with the Seal Mask people at IM Florida last week. I had an old version of the mask that leaked and they gave me a new version to try – it also leaked. Bottom line is the mask will not work for some people. Funny part is both the old and new mask seal very well when I first put them on but once I get swimming they started to leak almost immediately. Seal mask will replace the old for the new at no charge. Best of luck, Bernie Sher – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This issue got some discussion a little while back and it became apparent that there are two versions of the Seal Mask, with the newer version more likely to fit more faces and thus less likely to leak. I have the old version, indicated by the words "Technisub" on the mask gasket and whilst it seemed to suck well to the face it still leaks when swimming.  I really like the mask, I think it’s a great idea and it seems a lot of people are very happy with them, but I just want one that doesn’t leak. As suggested in the previous thread below, I e-mailed both Aqua Sphere and the Australian distributor for the Seal Mask several weeks ago to try to get a hold of the newer narrower version, but have had no response.  Has anyone else had trouble in getting a response from Aqua Sphere, or is it the fact that Australia is too far away and I’ve just been put into the "too hard basket"? Cam Larry: I also bought one of the older model Seal Masks with the "technosub" gasket, and was having leaking problems. My local store still had the old style mask. I emailed to Aqua Sphere and they gave me their address to return my mask. They will send me replacement mask with the improved gasket design. I would suggest you call or email Aqua Sphere if your local store can’t help you. I also noticed the Seal Masks at Inside Out Sports in Raleigh this weekend. All their masks had a clear or translucent gasket marked Aqua Sphere. My old mask had a black gasket and headband. My mask does have a tinted lens. I don’t know if gasket color has any bearing on the performance, but it may be a distinguishing characteristic. I can’t wait to get my new mask because they sure are comfortable. No more ring around the eye socket after my lunch time swims. Stewart Cox Thanks for the highly useful information.  My mask does indeed say "technosub" on the top of the seal. I still have the receipt – I’ll see if I can take it back to the store and get one of the newer styles. Larry Aqua Sphere has done a running change on the Sealmask gasket which resulted in masks produced and shipped within the last 4 months or so to have a narrower gasket than the models that first appeared on the market earlier in the year. The mask frame is still the same, just the gasket is narrower on the latest models. You can tell if you have a newer model if the words "Aqua Sphere" appear on the top portion of the gasket (where it contacts your forehead above the bridge of your nose). The older models with the wider gasket have the word "Technosub" in the same location on the gasket. snip Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Hello. Just how important are rest days?

VERY. If you continue a cycle of trying to train hard every day, you are just fooling yourself. If you are young, you can get away with it longer, but you’ll still become injury prone and start to fatigue. What happens is the body needs 36-48 hours to recovery from a hard workout. No matter how much of a studmuffin you think you are. You are getting yourself into a routine of what I call medium/medium workouts, instead of the preferred hard/easy regime. You’ll keep yourself in shape, but you’ll start to see race times decrease and nagging injuries increase. If you’re doing 80-85% every day, that’s classic medium/medium training. Hard enough to get tired, not hard enough to improve. Also, you’ve mentioned that you have a high resting HR, but how did you obtain your max? If you used the formula you could be WAY off, since, as an average, it’s only an estimate, not a reliable training tool. By rest, I don’t mean you can’t train every day. Just be SURE that your "off" days are easy work. Concentrate on really hammering the 2-3 HARD workouts a week, and the rest of the time train easy or alternate muscle groups. For example you could run hard on Tues, Thurs, and Sat, run easy and do upper body listing on Mon, Wed, and Sun, and maybe take Fri off. If you’re a triathlete rotate through your hard workouts for each event and do your big combinations on the weekend. To improve, you must get quality training, not just a whole bunch of training that seems hard. You have to look at what you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re shooting for a goal race or event organize your training for that and create a cycle of base, build, taper, and race. If all you want to do is stay in shape, then just about ANY training program will do that.

Response:

Hello. Just how important are rest days? I would like to train everyday. I have been training (cross training, actually) six days per week for the past three months and because I have been careful to vary my activities (which are all aerobic activities like cycling, running, nordic skiing, treadmill, etc.) and because I have been doing a lot of flexibility training I have not had any injuries.

Rest is the most important part of training – a cycle of stress and recovery. On hard days you stress the system. You force the muscles to work that bit harder, your heart and lungs are stressed to supply oxygen etc. They learn quickly, and attempt to build themselves up to cope next time a little bit better. If you continue training hard every day then you will find that you don’t recover, the muscles are unwilling to work and benefits are removed. You can become permamently fatigued and need excessive sleep/become irritable. You can detect this early with a test of your resting heartrate (just when you wake up). When you’re ill or fatigued it will be a little higher than usual. How you recover is up to you, and a lot is down to your level of fitness. I prefer to rest completely on most off days, once a week I’ll run easy. That’s because I prefer to train very hard on hard days, and my coach recommends quality training. Easy running/cycling/skiing/cow dung throwing is fine. But take a day off once in a while to recover your gains. You mention at the end that your resting heart rate seems high. It is probably naturally at that level. If you know you are not fatigued at the minute, and you’ve been trainig like this, then you probably are not. heart rate is determined by a combination of genetics and the fitness of the muscle itself – a powerful heart needs few strokes to get the necessary blood around the body compared to a weak heart. I don’t think you have a chonically elevated heart rate, so that shouldn’t be a worry. If you have kept the current routine up for 3 months and it is working for you then go for it. You don’t say how you vary your training (always recommended), but if you do then the only thing to watch out for is the speed at which you like to increase training and feel like you can, isn’t usually the speed at which your body can handle speed increases. Mike Wilcox

Response:

Sounds like you have a very balanced workout schedule already. Maybe you do not need any rest. Personally I think rest days are important for me. I need to race to be able to judge this. Only through racing can you see how your training and rest have impacted what you can do. If you do not race then you must do time trials of some sort on your own. If you do not race then you are never "under the gun" to perform and thus set up for either success or less than expected performances. Anyone can drag themselves through workouts on a regular basis without rest, but performance is another thing. I think rest days are important. I have many friends who train more and harder than myself, but they do not beat me when we race tris. I think it is due to my allowance of rest days. As triathletes we tend to judge both ourselves and others on the megamiles and awesome workouts we can make ourselves do. But "rest" is smart training too. I’d rather impress with race results than adding miles to fill in a logbook. Treemoss2

Response:

In order to improve your ability to run without accumulating Latic Acid and the ability to run faster without oxygen debt, you need to have some hard training days. The rest days allow you to recover enough to be able to have those hard training days. Your 80 to 85% MHR is good for endurance training but you need to have some runs at 85 to 95% MHR for latic threshold improvement and some at 90 to 98% for VO2 max improvement. I would recommend the book Daniel’s Running Formula. It will give you a good framework for the types of training you should do for specific types of races. Good luck, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. Just how important are rest days? I would like to train everyday. I have been training (cross training, actually) six days per week for the past three months and because I have been careful to vary my activities (which are all aerobic activities like cycling, running, nordic skiing, treadmill, etc.) and because I have been doing a lot of flexibility training I have not had any injuries. (BTW – I live near Crater Lake and I will probably be able to nordic ski there for another two or three months) I understand that rest days are of utmost importance when weight training (and I am not doing any weight training) but how important are rest days with respect to endurance sports? I have heard, "If you don’t allow sufficient recovery time you will start to lose." Lose what? Muscle mass? Over the past three months I have trained at 80-85% of my MHR for 60 -120 minutes per session followed by ten to twenty minutes of yoga/strecthing. The only thing that indicates that I am overtraining is that my morning resting heart rate remains relatively high – as it has my entire life. But what would I gain by training less besides a lower resting heart rate? Thank in advance, Michael 2300 clairmont drive, klamath falls, oregon, 97601 usa # 1.541.884.3278 all moanday, tearsday, wailsday, thumpsday, frightday, shatterday (j.j./FW) jocko homo  =  http://evol.org      sonic youth  =  http://evol.org/music.html minutemen =  http://evol.org/music8.html

– Bill Fasula http://www.netcom.com/~bfasula

Response:

I think this is age dependent. When I was in my early 20s I’d run twice a day plus do hikes, long bike rides, and lifting.  One day a week would be lighter than the others. 20 years later one activity a day with a true day off more desirable.

Response:

I didn’t see the original post, but if the original question was "How important are rest days?", here’s my answer: VERY! -Rolf —     "In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of      which has passed and the first of that which comes:      so with present time."   — Leonardo Da Vinci IMC94-14:07  IMC95-11:59  IMC97-12:12  IMC98-14:02  IMNZ99-11:52

Response:

Hello. Just how important are rest days? I would like to train everyday. I have been training (cross training, actually) six days per week for the past three months and because I have been careful to vary my activities (which are all aerobic activities like cycling, running, nordic skiing, treadmill, etc.) and because I have been doing a lot of flexibility training I have not had any injuries. (BTW – I live near Crater Lake and I will probably be able to nordic ski there for another two or three months) I understand that rest days are of utmost importance when weight training (and I am not doing any weight training) but how important are rest days with respect to endurance sports? I have heard, "If you don’t allow sufficient recovery time you will start to lose." Lose what? Muscle mass? Over the past three months I have trained at 80-85% of my MHR for 60 -120 minutes per session followed by ten to twenty minutes of yoga/strecthing. The only thing that indicates that I am overtraining is that my morning resting heart rate remains relatively high – as it has my entire life. But what would I gain by training less besides a lower resting heart rate? Thank in advance, Michael 2300 clairmont drive, klamath falls, oregon, 97601 usa # 1.541.884.3278 all moanday, tearsday, wailsday, thumpsday, frightday, shatterday (j.j./FW) jocko homo  =  http://evol.org      sonic youth  =  http://evol.org/music.html minutemen =  http://evol.org/music8.html                

Response:

Question:

James it sounds like you may have more a problem with a plica than just a straight PTF problem.  A plica is an extra fold of the joint capsule which is very common in most people however it is usually asymptomatic in the majority of the population.  It also sounds as if you may have some intracapsular swelling, which would account for your difficulty at the PTF joint.  The swelling makes the patella ride above the patello-femoral groove and can interfere with patello-femoral tracking.  The swelling may be due to an injury to the ACL, meniscus or other structure in the knee, hopefully not.  If you experienced much atrophy in the VMO then that is not a good sign.  If the atrophy occurred gradually then it may not be too bad.  However, atrophy that occurs at a rapid rate is usually indicative of a structural injury.  I don’t like the way you were describing the origin of the VMO.  It’s difficult to understand what you’re feeling, mainly because it’s difficult to describe.  I think your best bet is to wait until you get to the doc and see what he finds.  I can only give you guesses at what may be the problem.  Without a hands on eval I can’t give you much more. In the meantime I would continue what you’re doing as long as it does not increase your S/S.  You really do need a hands on eval, especially since you described a laxity with Lachman’s. Good luck Hope I was of some help, Base – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i could use some advice… budding triathlete can’t get off the hurt mobile to train…. forget memphis in may 98, i’m just hoping to get well THIS year now. as a physical therapy student i have a reasonable explaination for what’s going on with my left knee, but can’t seem to fix it. patellofemoral pain syndrome peripatellar pain since last fall sept-oct. i play a sport called ultimate frisbee, 5 years in college and 1 year for saint louis. i was a former soccer player and to describe the physical demands it is most like soccer; cleats, cutting, sprints mixed in with positional running. at the end of last season it started to bother me, and i basically rested when i could but played through the last 3 weeks in some pain. after the regional competition when we didn’t qualify for nationals, i have RESTED the knee.  That was Oct 13, 1997. since then i have done ZERO running, ZERO biking.  I have been in the pool swimming about 3-5 times per week every week, about 10-12 K per week. lifting weights also 2-3 times, mainly upper body, lower as part of my "therapy program" only. pain WAS mainly on the medial and superior patellar border, some behind the kneecap.  it seemed about january this year when the main discomfort moved into the VMO muscle (medial quad).  it is a "sore" feeling, and tender in a certain spot when i push on it, more near the origin of the muscle (which takes origin at least in part from the adductor magnus muscle).  this is the main area of discomfort now.  there’s also something "loose" in that area, like when i push on it, it kinda slips out from underneath and bulges out to the side of my fingers; moving my fingers to it and pushing on it again makes it move in the opposite direction.  it’s as if the muscle is sort of detatched in that area (origin). the VMO muscle has been improving markedly since december-january, when i noticed it was flat, very small and difficult to contract.  i believe atrophy of the muscle developed from over-stressing the muscle, injuring it. now it is *almost* as big as the other VMO (right leg). the good leg’s quad is slightly bigger, and i’m able to contract the VMO somewhat better and earlier than the left, though the difference is much less now. also, i have noticed more crepitus on the left knee than on the right, which i notice most when i contract the quad while kind of pushing on the kneecap in various directions. it seems to be somewhat better than before now, also. then there is the snapping sensation of the kneecap; when i flex the knee from full extension, at about 30 or 40 degrees flexion the kneecap seems to snap over medially, as if it has to go over a bump to move.  it’s noticable if i put my hand over the kneecap.  doesn’t happen everytime, but a lot. one more thing is that i have some "give" with the modified lachmans test. just more motion than when testing the right side.  nothing major i hope. i would rate my pain as a 2-3/10, which isn’t that much. however, i really feel that if i just started running/biking again, esp running, it would get worse.  oh, i wear custom sporthodics too, from a previous injury (right foot). i’m doing the following:  single knee bends in small ROM keeping the kneecap                                 over the 2nd toe                           supine squat machine, light weight high rep                           SLR                           itb stretching                           icing                           ibu- stopped taking it.                           taping- discontinued.  sometimes it seemed to help                                         sometimes not.  i taped for patellar                                         glide, tilt, and more recently tried                                         to correct for a little rotation.                                         tilt has seemed to improve this year. i’m going to see a sports doc april 6th….. i don’t know much about chondromalacia, but i’m wondering if it’s also the cartilage under the patella that’s having problems. can anyone especially sports medicine experts give me some insights into what i should do/try? i’d appreciate it greatly. please email. whew. that was long. thanks for reading if you got this far. thanks, james yang — Washington U St Louis / Physical Therapy http:// medicine.wustl.edu/~yangj Tri your Hardest. — Washington U St Louis / Physical Therapy http:// medicine.wustl.edu/~yangj Tri your Hardest.

Response:

i could use some advice… budding triathlete can’t get off the hurt mobile to train…. forget memphis in may 98, i’m just hoping to get well THIS year now. as a physical therapy student i have a reasonable explaination for what’s going on with my left knee, but can’t seem to fix it. patellofemoral pain syndrome peripatellar pain since last fall sept-oct. i play a sport called ultimate frisbee, 5 years in college and 1 year for saint louis. i was a former   soccer player and to describe the physical demands it is most like soccer; cleats, cutting, sprints mixed in with positional running. at the end of last season it started to bother me, and i basically rested when i could but played through the last 3 weeks in some pain. after the regional competition when we didn’t qualify for nationals, i have RESTED the knee.  That was Oct 13, 1997. since then i have done ZERO running, ZERO biking.  I have been in the pool swimming about 3-5 times per week every week, about 10-12 K per week. lifting weights also 2-3 times, mainly upper body, lower as part of my "therapy program" only. pain WAS mainly on the medial and superior patellar border, some behind the kneecap.  it seemed about january this year when the main discomfort moved into the VMO muscle (medial quad).  it is a "sore" feeling, and tender in a certain spot when i push on it, more near the origin of the muscle (which takes origin at least in part from the adductor magnus muscle).  this is the main area of discomfort now.  there’s also something "loose" in that area, like when i push on it, it kinda slips out from underneath and bulges out to the side of my fingers; moving my fingers to it and pushing on it again makes it move in the opposite direction.  it’s as if the muscle is sort of detatched in that area (origin). the VMO muscle has been improving markedly since december-january, when i noticed it was flat, very small and difficult to contract.  i believe atrophy of the muscle developed from over-stressing the muscle, injuring it. now it is *almost* as big as the other VMO (right leg). the good leg’s quad is slightly bigger, and i’m able to contract the VMO somewhat better and earlier than the left, though the difference is much less now. also, i have noticed more crepitus on the left knee than on the right, which i notice most when i contract the quad while kind of pushing on the kneecap in various directions. it seems to be somewhat better than before now, also. then there is the snapping sensation of the kneecap; when i flex the knee from full extension, at about 30 or 40 degrees flexion the kneecap seems to snap over medially, as if it has to go over a bump to move.  it’s noticable if i put my hand over the kneecap.  doesn’t happen everytime, but a lot. one more thing is that i have some "give" with the modified lachmans test. just more motion than when testing the right side.  nothing major i hope. i would rate my pain as a 2-3/10, which isn’t that much. however, i really feel that if i just started running/biking again, esp running, it would get worse.  oh, i wear custom sporthodics too, from a previous injury (right foot). i’m doing the following:  single knee bends in small ROM keeping the kneecap                                 over the 2nd toe                           supine squat machine, light weight high rep                             SLR                           itb stretching                           icing                           ibu- stopped taking it.                           taping- discontinued.  sometimes it seemed to help                                         sometimes not.  i taped for patellar                                         glide, tilt, and more recently tried                                         to correct for a little rotation.                                         tilt has seemed to improve this year. i’m going to see a sports doc april 6th….. i don’t know much about chondromalacia, but i’m wondering if it’s also the cartilage under the patella that’s having problems.   can anyone especially sports medicine experts give me some insights into what i should do/try? i’d appreciate it greatly. please email. whew. that was long. thanks for reading if you got this far. thanks, james yang — Washington U St Louis / Physical Therapy http:// medicine.wustl.edu/~yangj Tri your Hardest. — Washington U St Louis / Physical Therapy http:// medicine.wustl.edu/~yangj Tri your Hardest.

Response:

Question:

The cutoff weight is either 190 or 200 pounds, depending on the race. The bigger races that cater to mortals seem to be more likely to have a clydesdale category. I’ve seen them in about one in ten races. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one? Do most races have this division? I will buy the may issue of Inside Triathlon when it comes out. Thanks Brian

Response:

What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one? Do most races have this division? I will buy the may issue of Inside Triathlon when it comes out. Thanks Brian

Brian, Most races have 200 weight limit, however the Publix/Gatorade series put on by Exclusive Sports Marketing in the southeast has three catagories, 185-199, 200-240, and over 240. Can;t remember what the women ctagories are. These races are not USAT sanctioned, however they are fun, the food is good and the music is great if you like rock’n roll, very well organized at the ones I attended last year. gil gilliland

Response:

The weight for Athena, Thoroughbred, and Clydesdale doesn’t seem to be a standard one in my 5 years of experience. Race Directors are most likely responding to previous year’s registrations or to athlete’s requests. For the women, I have seen Athena categories of: 140+, 145+, and 150+. Personally, as my weight seems to vary from 143-148 I would like to see a standard established. I do race Athena when I can, for as Tri-Baby has so eloquently noted, it is more fun to compete against women of similar physical pre-disposition. Just my $.02, thanks. Kathy Beneficial currents, tailwinds and the fruits of the labors of assistant coaches Ben & Jerry helped create the tri-goddess here today…Trinlif!!  Headin’ 4 Vineman!

Response:

What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one? Do most races have this division? I will buy the may issue of Inside Triathlon when it comes out. Thanks Brian

There is little uniformity for Clydesdale and Athena divisions.  Right now only about 1/3rd of races have weight classes.         TEAM CLYDESDALE is something you might be interested in.  WE are a not-for-profit organization aiming to get standardization in races for BIG athletes.  We also offer race information, trining tips and comradery.  A goal is to get weight classes recognized at more races, eventually a Kona Clydesdale class.           If interested, send me you mailing address (postal type) and we’ll get you a copy of our newsletter and a list of races offering weight classes (the list is fairly new, and we invite anyone to send us info on more).         Watch for our website, coming in mid-May…Eric

Response:

What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one?

I think the cutoff weight is 200lbs.

Response:

What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one? Do most races have this division? I will buy the may issue of Inside Triathlon when it comes out. Thanks Brian

Response:

Question:

   Does anyone know where I can find pictures on the internet of Allen, Welch, Smyers, Scott, Tinley, and other pros?  I’ve got the ones "Triathlete" mag. had but for some reason I can’t find any more.    I’m doing a project on Triathlons and I need pictures. Thanks a lot. Marc

Response:

Hi Tricia, I can’t believe you haven’t heard my response from anybody else!!! I just take the sponge and straw out of the bottle and turn my bike upside down…. Is there something to your question that I’m missing?   Cheers, Rachel

Response:

Cut a 45 degree (angle) slit in the sponge up top, angling the straw to the lowest portion of bottle. It give more options in positioning; and shoves the straw tip to the lowest point. You won’t leave much in there. Rotate bottle in strap to obtain best location.\ Experiment! IronBut

Response:

. s.walltech.com!samba.rahul.net!rahul.net!a2i!bug.rahul.net!rahul.net!a2i!in -

Question:

        Not that I expect to qualify in what will likely be my first Triathlon, but what kind of time does a 26 year old male need to qualify for Kona at the Philadelphia 1/2 IM on Aug. 4? Thanks in advance. Jeff (why am i starting with a 1/2 IM?) S.

Response:

An age-group and race near and dear to my heart.  Most likely a maximum of two athletes will qualify from our age-group at Fairmont.  Last year first place in our age group was Todd DeBoom (brother of Tim and Tony) with a 4:09:32 and Tim Streb at 4:09:54 was second.  Hot times to say the least. Tim’s splits were 25:58 (incl T1), 2:15 (incl T2), and 1:28 (6:47 pace), and he was 10th Overall (Todd was 8th). This year’s race will probably be more competitive.  Good luck to us all!!! ACtri

Response:

Question:

Can anyone reccomend a bike shop that has the triathlon in mind in or near Baltimore?  Heck, I’d be happy to have a shop with competent mechanics and more than two road bikes on the floor.   Thanks for any info… Scott. p.s.  I agreed with the Baltimore "City Paper"’s Best Bike Shop in Baltimore: none. — S. MacDougall-Shackleton Dept. of Psychology               -another Canadian stranded in Baltimore- Johns Hopkins University      

Response:

(Scott MacDougall-Shackleton) writes:

<<bike shop that has the triathlon in mind in or near Baltimore? None there.  However, there is a great one not too too far away in College Park, aptly named College Park.  Our beloved Ruth Kazez shops there, I believe.  The shop is owned by very enthusiastic Larry Black, and managed by very accomplished age-group triathlete Maryanne Zuckerman.   QRman

Response:

Can anyone reccomend a bike shop that has the triathlon in mind in or near Baltimore?  Heck, I’d be happy to have a shop with competent mechanics and more than two road bikes on the floor.   Thanks for any info… Scott. p.s.  I agreed with the Baltimore "City Paper"’s Best Bike Shop in Baltimore: none.

guess you didn’t like race pace (assuming they’re still alive).

Response:

Question:

 Newbie-ish question here.  I can’t afford to get 2 disk wheels or trispoke wheels etc.  At a recent ride however, I notice several configurations of these kinds of wheels.  What are the advantages of front/rear placement if you could afford only one wheel?  I would figure a tri-spoke in the front would work better than one in the back, since the rear wheel drafts off the front somewhat.  With a disk wheel, I can see how one on the front might impede handling in cross winds.  Christmas isn’t too far away, and I’m thinking about getting one wheel.   What’s  the consensus?  front or back?  thanks, S.

In my opinion, an aero front wheel is better than an aero rear wheel.   As you state, the rear wheel rides in a draft behind the seatpost and the front wheel. The front wheel, though, catches still air and thus the drag is slightly higher on that wheel.  Thus, it is more beneficial to go aero in the front, if you can only buy one wheel.  A recent issue of Triathlete mentioned that the time savings for aero wheels is not terribly large (about one minute per wheel per 40 km race).  It might be more beneficial to invest elsewhere, IF YOU ARE ON A LIMITED BUDGET!!! Rolf Arands

Response:

       Aero bars can help just about everyone, however, because        positioning effects kick in at lower speeds. Plus the        comfort factor!! It took me almost a year to get comfortable in aero-bar position. I don’t know if the aero position is necessarily beneficial to a rider’s power output or comfort level. When I’m not trying to motor I rarely get into the aero position for comforts sake. (After a couple of years I’ve gotten to the point where I can ride a 40k without getting out of the aerobars but this took a major readaptation of my back, neck, and leg muscles).

I’ve heard other people have problems like this too.  It took me about 3 weeks to get really comfortable on them, and the only reason it took that long was that I adjusted my seat slightly and it took 3 weeks to get where I wanted it (I was being kind to my knees).  I’ve had no problems breathing or pedalling, but I do find I drop my head more when I’m tucked down.  The only thing that really worried me at all was learning to maintain a comfortable line (when I first started training hard in the aero position, I found I wobbled a bit too much for my liking). Oh yeah, I also don’t get sore hands on long rides now, because the aero bars offer many more riding positions than conventional drops alone. Just my $A0.05 (I hate our exchange rate!) matt P.S. Hi Paul! How’s the biathlons?

Response:

   Aero bars can help just about everyone, however, because    positioning effects kick in at lower speeds. Plus the    comfort factor!!

 It took me almost a year to get comfortable in aero-bar position. I don’t know if the aero position is necessarily beneficial to a rider’s power output or comfort level. When I’m not trying to motor I rarely get into the aero position for comforts sake. (After a couple of years I’ve gotten to the point where I can ride a 40k without getting out of the aerobars but this took a major readaptation of my back, neck, and leg muscles).

Response:

According to data in Nytro catalog (which was compiled from data supplied by Zipp, Kestel, Profile, etc), here are time savings:    Aero-bars:                              2:40    ~$100 – $120    Aero front wheel:                       :56     ~$300 – $500        Aero rear wheel:                        :54     ~$300 – $500    Aero frame (Kestrel KM40 or Zipp)       :54     ~$1500 – $2300    Aero drinking system:                   :16     ~$30 – $50

        NOTE: These time savings are probably all using the semi-         de-facto standard, "MSOAFKTT" (Minutes Saved On A Forty K         Time Trial), and hopefully were done independantly. Note         they also were also based on some operating-point speed,         say 20mph.         Aero benefits are NOT cumulative. Everything is based on the         current configuration — indeed, if your cruising speed is         is higher than what they used in their tests, you might get         more significant savings (for a particular gizmo) and it         may well be your already-aero setup which got you there!         Which is to say, if you’re already fast, aero stuff will         make you faster, but if you aren’t, it won’t do much.         Aero bars can help just about everyone, however, because         positioning effects kick in at lower speeds. Plus the         comfort factor!!         Have a GREAT one!         John — Dartmouth College                       603-646-2368 Hanover NH 03755                        603-646-3856 (fax)      

Response:

According to data in Nytro catalog (which was compiled from data supplied by Zipp, Kestel, Profile, etc), here are time savings:    Aero-bars:                              2:40    ~$100 – $120    Aero front wheel:                       :56     ~$300 – $500        Aero rear wheel:                        :54     ~$300 – $500    Aero frame (Kestrel KM40 or Zipp)       :54     ~$1500 – $2300    Aero drinking system:                   :16     ~$30 – $50

I prioritize my upgrades on $/sec-saved.  Given the numbers listed above, it is no surprize that aerobars are far and away the best investment you can make for a tri or time trial (plus $100 to $200 is high for aerobars). If you are doing tri’s without aerobars, you are working much harder than you have to.  Not only do they put you in a more aero position (obviously), but they allow you to breathe MUCH easier and keep you whole upper body more relaxed. On the other end of the $/sec-saved scale – if you have the bucks to blow, go for the expensive frames!  Most people on the net like to talk about blowing by the guys on the Kestrels, Zipps, etc.. I look at them in the transition area and when I pass them and wish I could have their toys! I have a doctor triathete friend that has the motto:  "I may be outperformed, but I won’t be out spent!".  I’m jealous — Keith Jackson                  |     phone: 216-977-1160 Sverdrup Technology, Inc       |

Response:

Did they mention what the time savings was for aerobars compared to conventional road bike bars?  I would guess that it might be larger. I assume anyone contemplating aero-wheels already has aero-bars, but I am curious as to the size of the effect.

According to data in Nytro catalog (which was compiled from data supplied by Zipp, Kestel, Profile, etc), here are time savings:         Aero-bars:                              2:40    ~$100 – $120         Aero front wheel:                       :56     ~$300 – $500             Aero rear wheel:                        :54     ~$300 – $500         Aero frame (Kestrel KM40 or Zipp)       :54     ~$1500 – $2300         Aero drinking system:                   :16     ~$30 – $50 This is all I can remember now.  The prices were added by me… Kostya Vasilyev,        SYMANTEC Corporation, Bedrock group Cytomax Junkie          10201 Torre Avenue                         Cupertino, CA 95014                         (408) 446-7165

Response:

In my opinion, an aero front wheel is better than an aero rear wheel.   As you state, the rear wheel rides in a draft behind the seatpost and the front wheel.  [Stuff deleted.] A recent issue of Triathlete mentioned that the time savings for aero wheels is not terribly large (about one minute per wheel per 40 km race).  It might be more beneficial to invest elsewhere, IF YOU ARE ON A LIMITED BUDGET!!!

Did they mention what the time savings was for aerobars compared to conventional road bike bars?  I would guess that it might be larger. I assume anyone contemplating aero-wheels already has aero-bars, but I am curious as to the size of the effect.

Response:

A recent issue of Triathlete mentioned that the time savings for aero wheels is not terribly large (about one minute per wheel per 40 km race).  It might be more beneficial to invest elsewhere, IF YOU ARE ON A LIMITED BUDGET!!! Did they mention what the time savings was for aerobars compared to conventional road bike bars?  I would guess that it might be larger. I assume anyone contemplating aero-wheels already has aero-bars, but I am curious as to the size of the effect.

Yes, they did. About 3.5 minutes saved with aerobars for 40 km.   Rolf Arands

Response:

[...Scott wants to know whether a front or back aero wheel is better...] In my opinion, an aero front wheel is better than an aero rear wheel.   As you state, the rear wheel rides in a draft behind the seatpost and the front wheel.

        Whatever you do, DON’T put a DISK in front! Scott mentioned         (or alluded to) this posibility in his original posting.         The gyroscopic effect will totally shitcan your handling.         On the other hand, people use "Tri-Spokes" both in the         front and back.         A word of caution, reenforcing what Rolf said: if you’re         on a limited budget, make sure you explore other time-saving         options first. POSITIONING is the most critical factore (other         than optimal training); that’s why *properly-positioned*         aerobars provide noticable gains. Also look at drivetrain;         look at gearing and crank arm length (See Oct. TriGeek).         And look at WEIGHT savings (on the bike, not you!) (then         again, we haven’t met! 8^) )         Aero wheels are extremely seductive, incredibly high-tech,         but are there low-tech solutions?         And TRAINING: I always ask, what could Mark Allen do on *my* bike?         Then I put away my Discover card and go train some more!!!         Have a GREAT one!         John — Dartmouth College                       603-646-2368 Hanover NH 03755                        603-646-3856 (fax)      

Response:

  Newbie-ish question here.  I can’t afford to get 2 disk wheels or trispoke wheels etc.  At a recent ride however, I notice several configurations of these kinds of wheels.  What are the advantages of front/rear placement if you could afford only one wheel?  I would figure a tri-spoke in the front would work better than one in the back, since the rear wheel drafts off the front somewhat.  With a disk wheel, I can see how one on the front might impede handling in cross winds.  Christmas isn’t too far away, and I’m thinking about getting one wheel.   What’s  the consensus?  front or back?  thanks, S. — Scott Shackleton               __o                             (_)/ (_)       is another cup of coffee.

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Question:

Hi all,  I’ve been reading this newsgroup for a while and getting excited about trying a triathlon later this season.  To get a better feel for what one actually ‘looked’ like, I volunteered at ‘Thundergust’ in NJ this past Sat.  I have a couple of suggestions from the ‘other side of the fence’. 1)  This sport needs more volunteers!  We were severely short-handed, which didn’t make things easier for anyone, volunteers or competitors. Apparently, this is a chronic problem.  If you race, you should try to make some time during the season to volunteer at a race or two. 2)  Courtesy!  The vast majority of people that came through where I was were great.  However, there were a few people that got bent out of shape at having to stand in line to get marked.  Or that the markers were barely working (it was raining, and the markers were failing towards the end).  Or that they left their swim cap back at their car and we don’t have any extra at the transition area.  Or this.  Or that.  Taking it out on the volunteers is a good way to make sure that races remain understaffed. 3)  Listen to the volunteers.  Particularly if there is a bottleneck. They are probably giving you instructions to make things go faster. I was marking bodies on Sat., and a line formed during the busiest time. I kept yelling out ‘I need your upper arms, lower calfs, and swim caps’. The best people were the ones that waddled up with their arms bare, pants around their ankles, swim caps out, AND knew their number.  The ones that slowed everybody down were the ones that showed up in front of me and THEN started searching theough their gear for their number and their swim cap.  Then had to put everything down while they took off their shirt, etc.  Also, if you wear a wetsuit, it’s better to get marked *before* you put it on.  Most triathlons will mark at least one leg. 4)  Know your heat!  And your number.  The volunteers are unlikely to know which heat *you* are in.  Things will move faster if you already know these two things.   5)  Volunteers are notoriously underinformed.  This is as frustrating for us as it is for you.  We are doing our best with the information that was given to us by someone desperately running around trying to fix everything that is falling apart at the last minute. 6)  Ultimately, you are responsible for your race.  You should have at least a general idea of how the course is layed out.  Pay particular attention in cases where there is a loop on the bike or run.  The volunteers are *not* going to know how many times that *you* have been around the course! And a couple of suggestions for race directors: 1)  The volunteers need more information about the race before-hand.  Such as where the swim, bike, and run sections each start and stop.   How are the bikes to be racked.  Each volunteer should have the answers to the ‘Most Frequently Asked Questions’.   2)  If the transition area and the check-in are not the same, the transition area volunteers should have duplicates of some common items, such as a couple of extra swim caps of appropriate colors, extra markers, extra maps, etc. 3)  Whenever possible, mark your partipants as they check in.  The markers can mark one person while the check-in person checks in the next person. The participant won’t be juggling bike and transition gear, and the swim caps will be readily available.  :-) 4)  Have a volunteer coordinator.  Your volunteers should know where to check in and get their job assignments.  That person needs to be in a central place where volunteers can find him/her, and be available to answer questions as they arise. General comments:  Most everyone was extremely courteous, and very pleasant. However, a couple of bad apples put a sour taste in my mouth.  I am glad that I did this, as I have a much better idea as to how things work during a triathlon.  It seemed that people were much more competitive than I would have thought, although perhaps that is just idiosyncratic to this particularly race.  There were only a very few people who seemed like they were just doing the race to do it.  I did pick up quite a bit of information on other triathlons in the area, and am now trying to figure out which I want to make my first….  - Dania Room 400C, 3401 Walnut St.                      work:  (215) 898-0365 Philadelphia, PA 19104 "One sign of an impending nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important"

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| I don’t know about the rest of you, but I make an | effort to thank as many of the volunteers as I can. | It doesn’t take much effort to squeeze out a "thanks" befor | you dump that cup of water they just handed you.  I almost | always thank the bike course monitors that are stopping   | traffic for me (even the cops and regarless of the speed | I’m going).  It doesn’t take much and if it wasn’t for | the volunteers, we wouldn’t be racing….. | | Just a few additional comments… (however, they did | sound kinda preechy, didn’t they) Sorry about that.  My first version had a lot of ‘One should try…’, ‘Consider that…’, ‘it would be nice…’, and so forths in the suggestions, but that sounded so wimpy I figured that it wouldn’t have much chance of getting through to the people that don’t already do those things.  After all, the majority of people that I met at the triathlon I volunteered at were extremely nice.  I think that most of the problem is the stuff that many people don’t think about when they are concentrating on getting (physically) ready for the race.  All that adrenaline, I guess.  :-) I know that this is going to sound like sour grapes, even though it isn’t, and it didn’t bother me at the time (which was why I didn’t mention thanking the volunteers in my earlier post).  I didn’t hear a single thank you until well after the race, and that was when one of the competitors overheard a friend of mine (who was volunteering with me) say how he always made an effort to thank each volunteer as he passed by. The other reason that I didn’t mention it is because, not having actually done a triathlon at this point, I have no idea how much energy it takes to say ‘thank you’ as you go by.  I can easily imagine it taking every single bit of concentration to actually make it across the finish line.  I would be sure, however, to thank the volunteer that picks me up out of the dirt after I sprawl flat on my face having finally made it across.  :-) | PS I volunteer for a small local 5k a couple of weeks | ago. It was actually kinda fun… I agree.  It *is* fun!  And desperately needed as well.  What better combination of reasons could one want?  - Dania Room 400C, 3401 Walnut St.                      work:  (215) 898-0365 Philadelphia, PA 19104 "One sign of an impending nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important"

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I don’t know about the rest of you, but I make an effort to thank as many of the volunteers as I can. It doesn’t take much effort to squeeze out a "thanks" befor you dump that cup of water they just handed you.  I almost always thank the bike course monitors that are stopping traffic for me (even the cops and regarless of the speed I’m going).  It doesn’t take much and if it wasn’t for the volunteers, we wouldn’t be racing….. Just a few additional comments… (however, they did sound kinda preechy, didn’t they) John K. PS I volunteer for a small local 5k a couple of weeks ago. It was actually kinda fun…

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+ + Further it is claimed, that the permanent higher concentration + of this hormone threatens the brain, so they will lose their mental + capabilities, especially when getting older. + + I would like to ask the world, if there are some hints for + contradictory results. + + Personally, I feel that it can’t be true. I am a hobby marathon runner + for more then 15 years (personal best time 2:27h) and I ran about +  40,000 miles in this time. + I never had any problems with it, and I think my brain is more or less + also fit  :-) . I suspect our non-running friends would use the fact that you have run some 40,000 miles as conclusive proof that this hormone must be destroying our brains. —   Terry Linhardt                uunet!jgaltstl!terry                  

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+ + Personally, I feel that it can’t be true. I am a hobby marathon runner + for more then 15 years (personal best time 2:27h) and I ran about +  40,000 miles in this time. I suspect our non-running friends would use the fact that you have run some 40,000 miles as conclusive proof that this hormone must be destroying our brains.

This is only 8.5 miles per day assuming a one rest day a week. Above average, not extreme, and wise.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m new in this news group, so please excuse me if this topic is already discussed here. [...] These articles claim that extensiv marathon training (about 100 miles /week) will cause an increased blood cortison level. (Logically, this would be also true for any other kind of extensive sports.) Cortison is an hormone, which is produced in stress situations. Further it is claimed, that the permanent higher concentration of this hormone threatens the brain, so they will lose their mental capabilities, especially when getting older. I have not much confidence in medical science, especially psychiatrists. They make their experiments with mice and rats on some running machines and then  draw their conclusions to man.   There are many examples of definitly false results.

congratulations, you are already a skeptical consumer of medical research. i wish everyone could be. the contrary hypothesis has been proven here (at Beckman) by researcher Bill Greenough who has shown that regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain and apparently enables more rapid development of new synapses, at least in rats. new synapse formation has been shown to indicator of learning. this could be interpreted to mean that running will make you smarter. — Mgr. System Services            | 217-244-1079  | Sorry, I haven’t had time Beckman Institute               | PP/ASEL       | to think up a clever saying. Univ. of Illinois               |               |

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Hello, I’m new in this news group, so please excuse me if this topic is already discussed here. In the German sports press – especially for long distance running and triathlon – we had some reports, which really are causing some confusion among the marathon enthusiasts. These articles claim that extensiv marathon training (about 100 miles /week) will cause an increased blood cortison level. (Logically, this would be also true for any other kind of extensive sports.) Cortison is an hormone, which is produced in stress situations. Further it is claimed, that the permanent higher concentration of this hormone threatens the brain, so they will lose their mental capabilities, especially when getting older. I would like to ask the world, if there are some hints for contradictory results. Personally, I feel that it can’t be true. I am a hobby marathon runner for more then 15 years (personal best time 2:27h) and I ran about  40,000 miles in this time. I never had any problems with it, and I think my brain is more or less also fit  :-) . I always enjoyed it to run, even after an hard training my body feels good. So, I can’t believe, that training is damaging at all. I have not much confidence in medical science, especially psychiatrists. They make their experiments with mice and rats on some running machines and then  draw their conclusions to man.   There are many examples of definitly false results. Nevertheless, this claims must be disproved ! Otherwise, the community of endurance sportsmen will be strongly discouraged.

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