Question:

we have enough ’serious’ types here who hate the USAT enough that they pay the $7 day use rather than be a member.

If they hate them, why give them their money.  I think USAT is kind of dumb, but since I do more than 3 races a year I would rather save money and aggravation and just give them their $25.  Don’t cut off the nose to spite the face. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

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You can beat Michellie Jones?  1/3rd of the elite men couldn’t keep up with her at Alcatraz. Getting beat and getting passed on the bike are two different things. Women have the biggest comparative advantage on the swim, so in general when men get beat by women, they get beat out of the water and just never catch up.  I really doubt if Michellie Jones could ride a faster bike split than any but a few pro men.

Well, it’s pretty easy to look it up, and you’re wrong. She was 43rd on the swim, 44th on the bike, 25th on the run, and 24th overall. 2 elite men and 2 elite women had a faster bike split, but slower overall. She took people out on the run, and also during the half mile T1 run.  She passed 14 AGers after the swim.  There were 948 men in a field that is far more competitive than the norm for triathlon.   The alcatraz bike course would steer us back to those questions of power to weight ratios, as it involves several climbs up and descents down.   The advantage men may enjoy on the bike is not as important on this course, not compared to the need for skillful descending.   And this is a triathlon, not a bicycle race, so one really shouldn’t be worried about who’s passing on the bike.  Some courses have wave starts, others has loops.  Who knows what those other people are doing, unless they’re in your division.  Do your own race.   — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

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If they hate them, why give them their money.  I think USAT is kind of dumb, but since I do more than 3 races a year I would rather save money and aggravation and just give them their $25.  Don’t cut off the nose to spite the face.

Some people would rather pay higher prices for groceries than participate in a frequent user program with their name on it.  Their call.  The price for not being an annual member of USAT would be $10 (for 5 races) and no ranking.   One could avoid all USAT events entirely, but that wouldn’t leave many organized races, and would probably hurt the RD more.   — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

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I don’t think I ever got passed by a woman on the bike or run, but I have been beaten by women.

You’re obviously not entering the same tris that the rest of us are.

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but I have been beaten by women.

How much did you have to pay them for it?

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Brian Wagner wrote…

| | but I have been beaten by women. | | How much did you have to pay them for it? Once again Brian demonstrates that one’s life is only as dull as one’s imagination! stacy hills reston, va

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You can beat Michellie Jones?  1/3rd of the elite men couldn’t keep up with her at Alcatraz. Getting beat and getting passed on the bike are two different things. Women have the biggest comparative advantage on the swim, so in general when men get beat by women, they get beat out of the water and just never catch up.  I really doubt if Michellie Jones could ride a faster bike split than any but a few pro men. Well, it’s pretty easy to look it up, and you’re wrong. She was 43rd on the swim, 44th on the bike, 25th on the run, and 24th overall. 2 elite men and 2 elite women had a faster bike split, but slower overall. She took people out on the run, and also during the half mile T1 run.  She passed 14 AGers after the swim.  There were 948 men in a field that is far more competitive than the norm for triathlon.

You are talking about one woman in one particular race that is highly atypical.  Long swim, short bike and relatively long run.   The results of this one race prove me neither wrong or right.   Nice research.

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If they hate them, why give them their money.  I think USAT is kind of dumb, but since I do more than 3 races a year I would rather save money and aggravation and just give them their $25.  Don’t cut off the nose to spite the face. Some people would rather pay higher prices for groceries than participate in a frequent user program with their name on it.  Their call.  The price for not being an annual member of USAT would be $10 (for 5 races) and no ranking.

Some people would rather post on this newsgroup than train.

Response:

I don’t think I ever got passed by a woman on the bike or run, but I have been beaten by women. You’re obviously not entering the same tris that the rest of us are.

You’re right, I only chose the most obscure races to do, ones that most normal triathletes would never think to compete in.  I did not include Tupper Lake since flat tires severely impacted my finish time. Blackwater Traverse Duathlon 350 finishers, 6 women beat me Columbia Triathlon 1056 finishers,  4 women beat me Hyannis Sprint 792 finishers, no women beat me Falmouth Sprint 529 finishers 1 woman beat me Timberman 1/2 IM 702 finishers 6 women beat me What races do you do?  I regards to my initial statement I think I do recall getting passed by a couple of women on the bike at Traverse, only to come back and torch them on the run.  Please don’t construe this as any type of grandstanding I am just try to prove a point that it is not very common for men to get passed by women on the bike or the run.  I feel like I am a good example, since I am only mediocre and hardly any women at all beat me, and with the exception of Timberman and Traverse, the only reason they beat me is because I swim like a rock. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I agree, especially since it happens all the time in triathlon. The real shame is that in this day and age there are still guys who have this kind of an attitude. ALL guys have this kind of attitude at some point in their life.  It’s called puberty.

As someone who prides himself on his logic, Brian should know better than to make absolute statements like that. Few such statements are true, and his statement above is not one of the true ones. -Harold

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Does anybody have any idea of the percentage of people doing triatheletes are serious (IE: train every week, etc) versus the recreational participants.  It seems you see a lot of people on beat up old bicycles with out any aero bars.

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I don’t know about numbers, but don’t let equipment fool you.  There are quite a few "recreational" triathletes with top level kits.   Likewise, there are a number of very good racers who might use old bikes, although most of these people would use aerobars. I like this thread, but I am guessing most of the people on this newsgroup are "serious" in that they at least follow some sort of regular regimen, so there may be little response from the "rec" types. Dan Empfield did an article on slowtwitch.com a while back trying to estimate the number of US triathletes, and broke down into groups of regular vs. occasional athletes in his discussion.  Try looking up that article it might give you what you are looking for. Other thing is try looking at race results.  Sometimes they have USAT numbers for the athletes.  Safe to assume anyone without a license is highly likely to be "recreational"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anybody have any idea of the percentage of people doing triatheletes are serious (IE: train every week, etc) versus the recreational participants.  It seems you see a lot of people on beat up old bicycles with out any aero bars.

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Does anybody have any idea of the percentage of people doing triatheletes are serious (IE: train every week, etc) versus the recreational participants.

Any of the "recreational" tri folks that I know train a minimum of three or four sessions per week. Many train even more. Unfortunately sometimes things like jobs, other interests and family commitments tend to interfere. It seems you see a lot of people on beat up old bicycles with out any aero bars.

What’s really scarey is when people on these old bikes win their age groups. I’ve seen this happen on a number of occassions. In one race on my old road bike I passed a guy on a brand new Cervelo P3 and then later was passed by a woman on a hybrid fitted with road tires. Some tri-geeks tend to be techno-nerds but the truth is that it’s not the equipment that wins races.

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Other thing is try looking at race results.  Sometimes they have USAT numbers for the athletes.  Safe to assume anyone without a license is highly likely to be "recreational"

I’ve never seen usat numbers listed in the results.  Wouldn’t matter; we have enough ’serious’ types here who hate the USAT enough that they pay the $7 day use rather than be a member. — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

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My niece just did her first triathelete and she used a brand new bicycle to do it on.  She had purchased a $300 mtb a few weeks before and decided at the last minute to switch to a road bicycle.  What she didn’t know about bicycles would cover a set of encyclopedias.  I think her total training on the bicycle was equivalent to less than 200 miles.  Despite this she still came in ahead of a bunch of people who apparently were even slower than her. The guy at the department store where she bought the first bicycle actually told her that you couldn’t take the wheels off.  I ended up showing her how to do it. Your right that it is not the equipment that wins the race however I haven’t noticed many Iron man winners that won on mtb bicycles and that swam without wetsuits. By the way when you are passed by a woman on a bicycle it is time to do a little more training.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anybody have any idea of the percentage of people doing triatheletes are serious (IE: train every week, etc) versus the recreational participants. Any of the "recreational" tri folks that I know train a minimum of three or four sessions per week. Many train even more. Unfortunately sometimes things like jobs, other interests and family commitments tend to interfere. It seems you see a lot of people on beat up old bicycles with out any aero bars. What’s really scarey is when people on these old bikes win their age groups. I’ve seen this happen on a number of occassions. In one race on my old road bike I passed a guy on a brand new Cervelo P3 and then later was passed by a woman on a hybrid fitted with road tires. Some tri-geeks tend to be techno-nerds but the truth is that it’s not the equipment that wins races.

Response:

By the way when you are passed by a woman on a bicycle it is time to do a little more training.

You can beat Michellie Jones?  1/3rd of the elite men couldn’t keep up with her at Alcatraz.   Only two age groupers finished ahead, and by less than a minute.   Face it, there are some fast women in these events, best to put your pride away, especially as you get older.   — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

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Face it, there are some fast women in these events, best to put your pride away, especially as you get older.

Once the testosterone takes hold, there’s nothing you can do about it.

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I don’t really consider myself a "serious" triathlete because I don’t compete with the elite groups.  I am usually within the top 15% of my age-group.  I train, at least, 5 times a week (at lunch usually).  I usually compete 5 or 6 times a season with focus on one race.  The 6 – 8 weeks before my focus race, I train 6 days a week, twice a day. I don’t consider myself serious because I have a full time job and I’m a full time father of a seven year old boy.  Most of my friends consider me "a serious triathlete".  I guess it’s a matter of perspective.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anybody have any idea of the percentage of people doing triatheletes are serious (IE: train every week, etc) versus the recreational participants.  It seems you see a lot of people on beat up old bicycles with out any aero bars.

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By the way when you are passed by a woman on a bicycle it is time to do a little more training.

What a completely idiotic statement! Why don’t you go check out the bike splits for some of the top women and then do a little more training yourself. There are a lot of fantastic female athletes, and getting passed or beaten by them is no cause for shame. -Harold

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What a completely idiotic statement! Why don’t you go check out the bike splits for some of the top women and then do a little more training yourself.

Come on, now, relax.  If you’re not guilty, at some point in your life history, of similar idiocy, then, either you’re female, or you haven’t experienced puberty yet.

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There are a lot of fantastic female athletes, and getting passed or beaten by them is no cause for shame.

I agree, especially since it happens all the time in triathlon. The real shame is that in this day and age there are still guys who have this kind of an attitude.

Response:

I agree, especially since it happens all the time in triathlon. The real shame is that in this day and age there are still guys who have this kind of an attitude.

ALL guys have this kind of attitude at some point in their life.  It’s called puberty.

Response:

Face it, there are some fast women in these events, best to put your pride away, especially as you get older. Once the testosterone takes hold, there’s nothing you can do about it.

It’s a big problem for the lanesplitter motorcyclist too.  Nothing more likely to get you plastered than seeing a biker chick going faster. — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

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Face it, there are some fast women in these events, best to put your pride away, especially as you get older. Once the testosterone takes hold, there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s a big problem for the lanesplitter motorcyclist too.  Nothing more likely to get you plastered than seeing a biker chick going faster.

Life is rough.

Response:

By the way when you are passed by a woman on a bicycle it is time to do a little more training. You can beat Michellie Jones?  1/3rd of the elite men couldn’t keep up with her at Alcatraz.

Getting beat and getting passed on the bike are two different things. Women have the biggest comparative advantage on the swim, so in general when men get beat by women, they get beat out of the water and just never catch up.  I really doubt if Michellie Jones could ride a faster bike split than any but a few pro men. I don’t think I ever got passed by a woman on the bike or run, but I have been beaten by women. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

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Question:

Last year on the 4th of July I got on a bicycle for the first time since college (very many years ago). I rode about 3 miles, stopped every 5 minutes to huff and puff and gasp, then turned around and rode the 3 miles back, downhill. (That part was fun!) 2 days later I went back out and rode another 5 miles. And after that I just kept going….. Well, this past Saturday I rode in the Seagull Century! 100 miles through the highways and (mostly) byways of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, along with 7000 of my closest friends. It was amazing. I went ‘off’ the diet; increasing carbs for a few days before the ride, because I knew I wasn’t going to be able to provide my body with enough protein for the whole day, considering the demands I was placing on it, and I wasn’t at all sure how I was going to respond anyway. I didn’t go the high-sugar/processed route, I tried to be a little smart about it, just increasing fruits and veg, and added some grains – still low-carb by most standards, just not in ketosis. And the day of the ride I just ate whatever I wanted and whatever they had at the rest stops – all carbs – in addition to a few protein bars. And there was a bit of celebrating that night and the next day, too. I’m sure I gained a few pounds, probably water, and I don’t care at all!! I know how to get it back off. Today I’m still a bit tired, and my nose is sunburned, and my legs are a little wobbly yet, and my left ankle is sore (?), but I’m on top of the world! New fitness goal: Seagull Century 2002, at weight goal. The transformation will be complete! From fat lazy couch-spud to world-class athlete in a few short … well, years, but that’s ok. As long as it happens, and the moral of the story is just that. It can happen, and it’s happening to me. I’m losing weight, I’m getting fit and in shape, at least I’m getting there, and all it takes is time and commitment and determination, and support from the nice folks here. (A really big ‘Thank You’ to all of you who have helped me with the exercise thang along the way – Beth, Nina, Debra Long, Rudy, Borg, others I’m sure I’m forgetting, sorry.) Yay me!! —– Mal 288/214/– Atkins 3/28/00 ECA 3/2001

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Mal, you RULE!   :0)   Last year on the 4th of July I got on a bicycle for the first time since   college (very many years ago). I rode about 3 miles, stopped every 5 minutes   to huff and puff and gasp, then turned around and rode the 3 miles back,   downhill. (That part was fun!) 2 days later I went back out and rode another   5 miles. And after that I just kept going…..

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WAY COOL! You definitely rock! — Kelli W. 233/218/140?

<SNIP Well, this past Saturday I rode in the Seagull Century! 100 miles through the highways and (mostly) byways of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, along with 7000 of my closest friends. It was amazing.

<SNIP

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – New fitness goal: Seagull Century 2002, at weight goal. The transformation will be complete! From fat lazy couch-spud to world-class athlete in a few short … well, years, but that’s ok. As long as it happens, and the moral of the story is just that. It can happen, and it’s happening to me. I’m losing weight, I’m getting fit and in shape, at least I’m getting there, and all it takes is time and commitment and determination, and support from the nice folks here. (A really big ‘Thank You’ to all of you who have helped me with the exercise thang along the way – Beth, Nina, Debra Long, Rudy, Borg, others I’m sure I’m forgetting, sorry.) Yay me!!

Yay you indeed!  Congrats Mal!   Cheers, Proud Nina — http://www.theslack.com "We are all awaiting the instant gratification granted us through the blessed affirmations of Her Royal Highness, The SlackMistress."                                                       -Mike Turco

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Fantastic!  Oooooh, what a rush to get through it.  Congrats. ConnieW

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This is utterly inspiring. I have nothing to say but WOW. Wow wow wow wow wow! ~Jennifer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last year on the 4th of July I got on a bicycle for the first time since college (very many years ago). I rode about 3 miles, stopped every 5 minutes to huff and puff and gasp, then turned around and rode the 3 miles back, downhill. (That part was fun!) 2 days later I went back out and rode another 5 miles. And after that I just kept going….. Well, this past Saturday I rode in the Seagull Century! 100 miles through the highways and (mostly) byways of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, along with 7000 of my closest friends. It was amazing.

Response:

Well, this past Saturday I rode in the Seagull Century! 100 miles through the highways and (mostly) byways of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, along with 7000 of my closest friends. It was amazing.

Way to go! We’re very proud of you.  I’m losing weight, I’m getting fit and in shape, at least I’m getting there,

And as you’re getting there you’re finding other important objectives to put your focus on.  I think that’s the real benefit to exercise while trying to lose BF.  If you can focus on fittness goals that are not scale related, you’ve already got a handle on maintaining your BF loss. BTW, since you’re getting into training and have gotten a taste for cycling… could a triathlon be too far behind? — Rudy – Remove the Z from my address to respond. Check out the a.s.d.l-c FAQ at:  http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm

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BTW, since you’re getting into training and have gotten a taste for cycling… could a triathlon be too far behind?

Oh, it could be _very_ far behind – I can’t swim! I guess I could dog-paddle through it; I’d never win but at least I’d finish! I would like to start to run, once my body weight is a bit lower – pounding this much poundage is still a bit hard on the knees. It just seems so easy – put on shoes and go out the door, instead of all the cycling gear. We’ll see. This jock terrain is all new to me – I never would have believed I could ride a bike this far, either. I’m convinced that weight-lifting was the most helpful part of my training for this ride, even more than the miles logged in. Some of my friends who also rode were complaining about their knees and their legs at the end, and their shoulders and arms were hurting – mine didn’t at all, just a bit stiff the next day – and none of them lift. Squats and bench presses saved me! —– Mal

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Squats and bench presses saved me! —– Mal

If I didn’t already have a sig I might’ve stolen this… Cheers, Nina — http://www.theslack.com "We are all awaiting the instant gratification granted us through the blessed affirmations of Her Royal Highness, The SlackMistress."                                                       -Mike Turco

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Oh, it could be _very_ far behind – I can’t swim!

Ditto here, actually I can swim, but when I try to swim for fitness I keep hitting the sides of the pool So a Tri is way down my list. Squats and bench presses saved me!

Right, a lot of people equate WT solely with bodybuilding, and its not. — Rudy – Remove the Z from my address to respond. Check out the a.s.d.l-c FAQ at:  http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm

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YAY MALLY!!! What an inspiration, girl…congrats! allison aka psycho – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Last year on the 4th of July I got on a bicycle for the first time since college (very many years ago). I rode about 3 miles, stopped every 5 minutes to huff and puff and gasp, then turned around and rode the 3 miles back, downhill. (That part was fun!) 2 days later I went back out and rode another 5 miles. And after that I just kept going….. Well, this past Saturday I rode in the Seagull Century! 100 miles through the highways and (mostly) byways of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, along with 7000 of my closest friends. It was amazing. I went ‘off’ the diet; increasing carbs for a few days before the ride, because I knew I wasn’t going to be able to provide my body with enough protein for the whole day, considering the demands I was placing on it, and I wasn’t at all sure how I was going to respond anyway. I didn’t go the high-sugar/processed route, I tried to be a little smart about it, just increasing fruits and veg, and added some grains – still low-carb by most standards, just not in ketosis. And the day of the ride I just ate whatever I wanted and whatever they had at the rest stops – all carbs – in addition to a few protein bars. And there was a bit of celebrating that night and the next day, too. I’m sure I gained a few pounds, probably water, and I don’t care at all!! I know how to get it back off. Today I’m still a bit tired, and my nose is sunburned, and my legs are a little wobbly yet, and my left ankle is sore (?), but I’m on top of the world! New fitness goal: Seagull Century 2002, at weight goal. The transformation will be complete! From fat lazy couch-spud to world-class athlete in a few short … well, years, but that’s ok. As long as it happens, and the moral of the story is just that. It can happen, and it’s happening to me. I’m losing weight, I’m getting fit and in shape, at least I’m getting there, and all it takes is time and commitment and determination, and support from the nice folks here. (A really big ‘Thank You’ to all of you who have helped me with the exercise thang along the way – Beth, Nina, Debra Long, Rudy, Borg, others I’m sure I’m forgetting, sorry.) Yay me!! —– Mal 288/214/– Atkins 3/28/00 ECA 3/2001

"I love my decadent, cosmopolitan, self-indulgent, racially-mixed, godless, intellectually dilletante, drug-abusing, promiscuous, queer-loving country. And its flag is the Stars and Stripes." Patrick Nielsen Hayden

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Question:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Response:

Question:

Hi Susan!

Spent far too much time in front of the t.v. this weekend. 1.  I MUST go to the gym.  Threw sneakers and gym bag in back seat of car this morning.  I’ll see if car swings by gym on way home from work this afternoon.  Weekend of watching hard-muscled, lean bodies winning gold medals was of much embarrassment to 100 pound overweight tub-o- lard.

They were in superior shape…..makes me want to work out harder….LOL! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 2.  Bring back the medal ceremonies.  I want to see everybody win. They only show them when the Americans win.  I want to hear the Russian anthem or the Ukrainian (sp?) anthem or the Japanese or Jamaican or whatever.  Are we so damn egocentric that we only want to hear our own anthem played over and over again?  Geez.  I want to see the tears running down the faces of the Kenyan and the pride on his face.  So much for multiculturalism.  T.V. has taken it away from us. 3.  O.K.  They showed all the mediocre (no offense to anyone, but the U.S., Australia and China were barely limping along last night) women gymnasts and when it came time for the Russians and Romanians to come on they showed about two gymnasts and then ended coverage for the night.  AAAARRGGGGHHH!!!!  I need a satellite dish. 4.  Triathalon coverage was pretty good.  No sharks.

It was amazing to watch that.  I am thinking….Bionic Implants, you need incredible endurance and stamina to be able to do that!!! Lori *A Mind is a Terrible Thang* – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Susan — "Pay attention, Pooh.  And you, too, Eeyore.  He said think about what you like best.  Don’t worry now whether achieving it might not be practical." — Owl, Winnie-the-Pooh Before you buy.

Response:

5.  Hooray to parade of nations countries that wore some version of traditional dress or some modern clean line cut version of their country’s colors.  Boo-hiss to countries that settled for the drab old sweat-suits.

What bothered me was a lot of the women were wearing pumps.  Pumps! With all that walking and standing around!  Must have been lots of sore feet by the end of the evening. Melissa When the armed robber of unhappiness knocks over the Keebler cookie display of our complacency, and bangs the samurai sword of negativity on the checkout counter of our dreams, we must not be afraid to hurl the fruit cocktail can of hope.                                    –Dave Barry

Response:

Well *I* think it’s fun, but that’s just cause I’m in a good mood. Y’all make your own decision whether the commentary is fun or not.  And we should do a poll on how many people start going to the gym during the Olympics, dontcha think? Susan, ok, I’ll shut up now – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Spent far too much time in front of the t.v. this weekend. 1.  I MUST go to the gym.  Threw sneakers and gym bag in back seat of car this morning.  I’ll see if car swings by gym on way home from work this afternoon.  Weekend of watching hard-muscled, lean bodies winning gold medals was of much embarrassment to 100 pound overweight tub-o- lard. 2.  Bring back the medal ceremonies.  I want to see everybody win. They only show them when the Americans win.  I want to hear the Russian anthem or the Ukrainian (sp?) anthem or the Japanese or Jamaican or whatever.  Are we so damn egocentric that we only want to hear our own anthem played over and over again?  Geez.  I want to see the tears running down the faces of the Kenyan and the pride on his face.  So much for multiculturalism.  T.V. has taken it away from us. 3.  O.K.  They showed all the mediocre (no offense to anyone, but the U.S., Australia and China were barely limping along last night) women gymnasts and when it came time for the Russians and Romanians to come on they showed about two gymnasts and then ended coverage for the night.  AAAARRGGGGHHH!!!!  I need a satellite dish. 4.  Triathalon coverage was pretty good.  No sharks. 5.  Hooray to parade of nations countries that wore some version of traditional dress or some modern clean line cut version of their country’s colors.  Boo-hiss to countries that settled for the drab old sweat-suits. 6.  Boo-hiss to people Monday-morning quarterbacking Atlanta. 7.  Hooray to all the swimmers breaking world records.  How do they do it?  Do they have a third lung or something?  Anyway, congrats to them. 8.  ACK!  Why aren’t they showing soccer?  They only showed highlights!  I thought they’d show more soccer!  And softball!  And basketball!  I hope as more things enter semi-finals that they’ll be broadcasting more of the games.  I’ll be terribly disappointed to miss soccer.  I wanna know who chooses what we watch.  I want some say. For instance, dontcha think the U.S. v. China soccer match coulda taken some precedence over rowing?  I mean, at least a little?  No fights, now. 9.  OK.,  That’s all I have time for right now.  Feel free to add. Susan — "Pay attention, Pooh.  And you, too, Eeyore.  He said think about what you like best.  Don’t worry now whether achieving it might not be practical." — Owl, Winnie-the-Pooh Before you buy.

– "Pay attention, Pooh.  And you, too, Eeyore.  He said think about what you like best.  Don’t worry now whether achieving it might not be practical." — Owl, Winnie-the-Pooh Before you buy.

Response:

Spent far too much time in front of the t.v. this weekend. 1.  I MUST go to the gym.  Threw sneakers and gym bag in back seat of car this morning.  I’ll see if car swings by gym on way home from work this afternoon.  Weekend of watching hard-muscled, lean bodies winning gold medals was of much embarrassment to 100 pound overweight tub-o- lard. 2.  Bring back the medal ceremonies.  I want to see everybody win. They only show them when the Americans win.  I want to hear the Russian anthem or the Ukrainian (sp?) anthem or the Japanese or Jamaican or whatever.  Are we so damn egocentric that we only want to hear our own anthem played over and over again?  Geez.  I want to see the tears running down the faces of the Kenyan and the pride on his face.  So much for multiculturalism.  T.V. has taken it away from us. 3.  O.K.  They showed all the mediocre (no offense to anyone, but the U.S., Australia and China were barely limping along last night) women gymnasts and when it came time for the Russians and Romanians to come on they showed about two gymnasts and then ended coverage for the night.  AAAARRGGGGHHH!!!!  I need a satellite dish. 4.  Triathalon coverage was pretty good.  No sharks. 5.  Hooray to parade of nations countries that wore some version of traditional dress or some modern clean line cut version of their country’s colors.  Boo-hiss to countries that settled for the drab old sweat-suits. 6.  Boo-hiss to people Monday-morning quarterbacking Atlanta. 7.  Hooray to all the swimmers breaking world records.  How do they do it?  Do they have a third lung or something?  Anyway, congrats to them. 8.  ACK!  Why aren’t they showing soccer?  They only showed highlights!  I thought they’d show more soccer!  And softball!  And basketball!  I hope as more things enter semi-finals that they’ll be broadcasting more of the games.  I’ll be terribly disappointed to miss soccer.  I wanna know who chooses what we watch.  I want some say.  For instance, dontcha think the U.S. v. China soccer match coulda taken some precedence over rowing?  I mean, at least a little?  No fights, now. 9.  OK.,  That’s all I have time for right now.  Feel free to add. Susan — "Pay attention, Pooh.  And you, too, Eeyore.  He said think about what you like best.  Don’t worry now whether achieving it might not be practical." — Owl, Winnie-the-Pooh Before you buy.

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Question:

on the course? bloomin’ onions?? that would be very, very nice.

Response:

The Outback Big Lick Triathlon at Smith Mtn Lake State Park, VA on Sept. 23 is hosting the USAT Virginia State Triathlon Championship for 2000.  It is also hosting the USAT Mid-Atlantic Region Collegiate Championship. For more info on this event, visit our race producer’s website at The Outback Steakhouse is cooking up a post-race steak and chicken dinner free to all participants and volunteers. Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

With all due respect to Oleg, if you’re not able to get your heart rate up by cycling, you’re not cycling correctly.  Try maintaining a pedaling cadence of 90-100 rpm as you work through the gears on a decent bike and watch as your heart rate climbs.

Well, with all due respect… It’s been pretty well demonstrated that most people can’t achieve as high a heart rate on a bike as they can running. This leads to the interesting phenomena of having a measured MHR on a bike lower than your measured MHR while running. This isn’t to say that you can’t get it up there, in the mountains, for example. Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" Ironman Canada ‘98 16:17:03 Great Floridian ‘99, 17:13:38

Response:

I am not a physiologist and I don’t no the reasons for it, but every book or article I have ever read states that you would most likely have different anaerobic thresholds and VO2 Max measures for different endurance activities.  I don’t recall there being any difference in Max heart rate if the tests are done correctly; in fact, I’d be surprised to see different max heart rates between sports.  Perceived exertion is another matter… — Tom I. St. Paul, Minnesota – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone, I have been using a heart rate monitor for several years now.  I determine my aerobic max hr by subtracting 40 bpm from my max heart rate.  I was wondering if my aerobic training zones for running, swimming and biking should be the same?  I feel like my running aerobic zone should be higher than my biking aerobic zone.  Any response will be appreciated. Thanks alot! Doug

Response:

Since I have probably done ~500 max tests in the past 4 years, I can say that in general the following occur: 1)  A trained cyclist but untrained runner who does a treadmill ™ test might have an equal max HR on both a bike and a tm.  This, I theorize, is due to increased muscle use and having to support the body weight on the tm. 2)  A trained runner but untrained cyclist who does a bike max test will most likely have a lower max HR on the bike than on the run.  This could be due to local fatigue setting (the legs get tired before the heart/lungs give in) and also having not to support body weight on the bike 3)  A trained triathlete will have a tendency to have MaxHR that are pretty close to another. YMMV

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am not a physiologist and I don’t no the reasons for it, but every book or article I have ever read states that you would most likely have different anaerobic thresholds and VO2 Max measures for different endurance activities.  I don’t recall there being any difference in Max heart rate if the tests are done correctly; in fact, I’d be surprised to see different max heart rates between sports.  Perceived exertion is another matter… — Tom I. St. Paul, Minnesota Hello everyone, I have been using a heart rate monitor for several years now.  I determine my aerobic max hr by subtracting 40 bpm from my max heart rate.  I was wondering if my aerobic training zones for running, swimming and biking should be the same?  I feel like my running aerobic zone should be higher than my biking aerobic zone.  Any response will be appreciated. Thanks alot! Doug

Response:

With all due respect to Oleg, if you’re not able to get your heart rate up by cycling, you’re not cycling correctly.  Try maintaining a pedaling cadence of 90-100 rpm as you work through the gears on a decent bike and watch as your heart rate climbs.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone, I have been using a heart rate monitor for several years now.  I determine my aerobic max hr by subtracting 40 bpm from my max heart rate.  I was wondering if my aerobic training zones for running, swimming and biking should be the same?  I feel like my running aerobic zone should be higher than my biking aerobic zone.  Any response will be appreciated. Thanks alot! Doug As far as cardiovascular system is concerned, your heart has no idea if the rest of your body is biking, running, if your favorite team is losing or you are

falling in love from the – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – first sight. It’s a lot more difficult to get your heart rate up by biking than it is by running, that’s why it feels different. Being physically tired and having your heart rate going up is often two different things. —  Oleg

Response:

Hello everyone, I have been using a heart rate monitor for several years now.  I determine my aerobic max hr by subtracting 40 bpm from my max heart rate.  I was wondering if my aerobic training zones for running, swimming and biking should be the same?  I feel like my running aerobic zone should be higher than my biking aerobic zone.  Any response will be appreciated. Thanks alot! Doug

As far as cardiovascular system is concerned, your heart has no idea if the rest of your body is biking, running, if your favorite team is losing or you are falling in love from the first sight. It’s a lot more difficult to get your heart rate up by biking than it is by running, that’s why it feels different. Being physically tired and having your heart rate going up is often two different things. —  Oleg

Response:

Unless you are well trained in all 3 disciplines it is unlikely that your max HR would be the same for all 3;  thus the aerobic zone would be different.  Cycling and swimming would most likely be lower due to your not having to support body weight in either case and in the case of swimming the prone position reduces stress on the heart and increases pre-load on the heart. Another question is how did you determine your max HR?  If you used one of the myriad of formulae to estimate, the odds are that it is off by a few beats at the least.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone, I have been using a heart rate monitor for several years now.  I determine my aerobic max hr by subtracting 40 bpm from my max heart rate.  I was wondering if my aerobic training zones for running, swimming and biking should be the same?  I feel like my running aerobic zone should be higher than my biking aerobic zone.  Any response will be appreciated. Thanks alot! Doug

Response:

Hello everyone, I have been using a heart rate monitor for several years now.  I determine my aerobic max hr by subtracting 40 bpm from my max heart rate.  I was wondering if my aerobic training zones for running, swimming and biking should be the same?  I feel like my running aerobic zone should be higher than my biking aerobic zone.  Any response will be appreciated. Thanks alot! Doug

Response:

Question:

how many of us clicked on this thinking it was announcing a So.Cal IM?:-( toddzi San Diego

Response:

Ok make it three. Richard

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Me too… What’s the latest rumor on that? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – how many of us clicked on this thinking it was announcing a So.Cal IM?:-( toddzi San Diego

Response:

how many of us clicked on this thinking it was announcing a So.Cal IM?:-(

at least two…   David "fingers crossed" Wuth / FEY2K (remove spaces) at att dot net

Response:

Ironman Age Group Finishers Receive Recognition For Athletic Performance

Does this mean those who qualify for Hawaii via say a qualification for IME and then at IME for Hawaii, will rank higher than those who got a lottery place for Hawaii? After all qualifying for a slot in a qualifier and then qualifying at one of the hardest races to qualify at (According to Triathlete Mag) is quite an achievement. Just curious Philip Squire MCP IM http://w1.116.telia.com/~u11602093/home.html

Response:

For Immediate Release: May 17, 1999 WTC introduces New Age-Group Rankings Ironman Age Group Finishers Receive Recognition For Athletic Performance

Oh great. One more way to see how slow I am.  <g Mike "Actually, it’s a nice idea" Tennent "IronPenguin" Ironman Canada ‘98 16:17:03

Response:

Me too… What’s the latest rumor on that? how many of us clicked on this thinking it was announcing a So.Cal IM?:-( toddzi San Diego

There is going to be an Ironman at Camp Pendleton, in Oceanside, in May of 2000.                Steve Fredericks                Oceanside, CA

Response:

The system is based on comparisons between finish times and specific age-group course records for each Ironman event, calculated separately for men and women. For a given age group, the actual age-group course record is divided by each finisher

Question:

Can anyone tell me if one needs to qualify to do the Wildflower Long Course?  What about Ironmans other than Hawaii? Thanks and keep on Tri-ing!

Response:

Can anyone tell me if one needs to qualify to do the Wildflower Long Course?  What about Ironmans other than Hawaii? Thanks and keep on Tri-ing!

Nope, you don’t need to qualify for Wildflower Long Course, just sign up. I don’t know about your other question though. Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft!" http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

Response:

Can anyone tell me if one needs to qualify to do the Wildflower Long Course?  What about Ironmans other than Hawaii? Thanks and keep on Tri-ing!As of today (Aug 12, 1996) you don’t have to

"qualify" for any other ironman races.  However, you DO need to get your application into the race office  in an expedient manner.  What does that mean? Well, the upcoming 1996 Ironman Canada – to be contested in Penticton on Sunday, August 25th, was filled by December of 1995. (And probably will be filled by November of this year for 1997’s installment!) Also, races like Ironman Japan have quotas on the number of foreigners they will accept (Japan accepts 100 each year). As I understand it, Ironman Germany is even more popular than Canada…. So you see, even though you don’t have to qualify to get into any Ironman BESIDES Hawaii, there are some factors that one must consider — just because you apply to participate in an Ironman distance race doesn’t mean you’ll be accepted. On the other hand, well run Ironman distance tris like Vineman and The Great Floridian are not nearly filled to capacity, it should be relatively easy to get accepted at one of those races (no IQ slots at GF, but that wasn’t your question) Hope that helps, tony "hoping to Ironman Germany in 1997" walsh

Response:

Under the current system of qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman at the US races, those who nail down Ironman spots are often not just dedicated and well trained, but very lucky (who else showed up on race day at that particular race), or maybe even wealthy enough to go fly to a half a dozen qualifiers a year. It would be nice to think that the elements of luck and wealth could be somewhat removed from this equation.

I’m sorry, I have to disagree here.  Form my experience (on the west coast here) any race that has a spot is competitive. Luck has no impact on who gets the slot.  From what I heard, people used to go to the obsure qualifiers and "cherry pick" for the slots.  That doesn’t happen anymore.  Any race, that has a spot is not obscure.  It may just be my age group, but I don’t think so.  You still have to be fast to get a spot. I’m not slow, but my chances are better through the lottery. I do know people that have traveled to 3 or 4 qualifiers trying to get a spot.  They are fast and have a history of winning their age group pretty regularly.  They still do not have a slot.  People are just darn fast out there. John (still training for spot at the big show)K.

Response:

I’m sorry, I have to disagree here.  Form my experience (on the west coast here) any race that has a spot is competitive. Luck has no impact on who gets the slot.  From what I heard, people used to go to the obsure qualifiers and "cherry pick" for the slots.  That doesn’t happen anymore.  

John, of course you are entitled to disagree. However, the fact is that at Fairmount Park in 1995, at least three women finished between 4:30ish and 4:50ish in age group 35-39. This year at Fairmount Park, under much nicer racing conditions, the first place finisher in women 35-39 did a 5:05ish or something like that. If those three women from last year had bothered to show up again, one of them would be making reservations now for Hawaii. I think luck was on the side of the woman who did show up and get the spot. I envy her good luck. Cathy Corning

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me if one needs to qualify to do the Wildflower Long Course?  What about Ironmans other than Hawaii? Thanks and keep on Tri-ing!As of today (Aug 12, 1996) you don’t have to "qualify" for any other ironman races.  However, you DO need to get your application into the race office  in an expedient manner.  What does that mean? I hate to nit-pick, but this is no longer quite true. As of 1997 (i.e. the next race), the only way you can do the Australian Ironman at Forster is to qualify. There is a series of qualifying races being held around Australia (7 I think), each offering a number of qualifying slots (just like the Hawaii Ironman qualifying series). This is one answer to the "waiting list" problems being experienced at Ironman races (see related thread on IMC waiting list). If you’re like me and aren’t really competitive, how do you do an Ironman? At this stage, the only alternatives are the Australian Strongman (which has links to the Japanese Strongman) or the NZ Ironman (although I expect that this Ironman will go to the qualifying route in a couple of years, given that the race is being run by the same people – IMG). These seem like reasonable alternatives until you look at the triathlon calendar for the year. The Forster Ironman is pretty much the last major triathlon for the season (there are a few races in Qld afterwards, but …). However, the Australian Strongman is held in January – right in the middle of the season. If you do Forster you can do a series of triathlons, and build up to the big one. If you do the Strongman, it is hard to see how you can do more than one or two triathlons, and then once you’ve done Strongman, you probably won’t do any more for the season. It seems that in Australia the Ironman racing scene is undergoing a series of changes – it will be interesting to see whether the age-groupers who race for the thrill of finishing (like me will continue to have a future at the Ironman distance (or in my case, whether it will be possible for me to find a race where I can do my first Ironman in 1998). Another $0.02 wasted :- John O’Neill DSTO C3 Research Centre, Australia

Hey John, thanks for the info on the Australian Ironman.   Just to check though, as I understand it, the qualifying races to get into the 1997 Australian Ironman are for Australian Nationals only.   Foreigners do not need to do a qualifying race. Can you verify if this true? TIA, tony "Forster-Tuncurry expatriate" walsh

Response:

If those three women from last year had bothered to show up again, one of them would be making reservations now for Hawaii. I think luck was on the side of the woman who did show up and get the spot. I envy her good luck.

I find both points very compelling.  Does anyone have the means to verify if those three actually DID show up this year [last year's results?]?  I’m always cautious of comparing results from different years – - even more cautious of comaring races on different courses.  It’s sort of like the mythical No.1 College Football Team; it’s fun to argue, but not all that relevant. I qualified in a 1988 race which is no longer held.   Many years and injuries later, I have convinced myself that I will never go again – - without a lottery spot.  There are of course many other standard reasons [excuses] too.  1) The world needs more "daddies" than Ironman qualifiers.   ;  ) Prior to hearing Cathy’s support for her opinion, my gut would have told me that no "pretenders" get in by using the "qualifying route" anymore. Now, I’m not so sure(?). P.S. – I think this is the void that the Great Floridian Triathlon (IM) fills for alot of folks.  Unlike Kona, it is more of a test of character than a test of speed – - with some notable high speed exceptions. : O   You just need to be self assured enough to "blow-off" anyone who tries to invalidate your accomplishment, just because it occured in Clermont, not Kona.

Response:

Can anyone tell me if one needs to qualify to do the Wildflower Long Course?  What about Ironmans other than Hawaii? Thanks and keep on Tri-ing!As of today (Aug 12, 1996) you don’t have to "qualify" for any other ironman races.  However, you DO need to get your application into the race office  in an expedient manner.  What does that mean?

I hate to nit-pick, but this is no longer quite true. As of 1997 (i.e. the next race), the only way you can do the Australian Ironman at Forster is to qualify. There is a series of qualifying races being held around Australia (7 I think), each offering a number of qualifying slots (just like the Hawaii Ironman qualifying series). This is one answer to the "waiting list" problems being experienced at Ironman races (see related thread on IMC waiting list). If you’re like me and aren’t really competitive, how do you do an Ironman? At this stage, the only alternatives are the Australian Strongman (which has links to the Japanese Strongman) or the NZ Ironman (although I expect that this Ironman will go to the qualifying route in a couple of years, given that the race is being run by the same people – IMG). These seem like reasonable alternatives until you look at the triathlon calendar for the year. The Forster Ironman is pretty much the last major triathlon for the season (there are a few races in Qld afterwards, but …). However, the Australian Strongman is held in January – right in the middle of the season. If you do Forster you can do a series of triathlons, and build up to the big one. If you do the Strongman, it is hard to see how you can do more than one or two triathlons, and then once you’ve done Strongman, you probably won’t do any more for the season. It seems that in Australia the Ironman racing scene is undergoing a series of changes – it will be interesting to see whether the age-groupers who race for the thrill of finishing (like me will continue to have a future at the Ironman distance (or in my case, whether it will be possible for me to find a race where I can do my first Ironman in 1998). Another $0.02 wasted :- John O’Neill DSTO C3 Research Centre, Australia

Response:

As of 1997 (i.e. the next race), the only way you can do the Australian Ironman at Forster is to qualify. There is a series of qualifying races being held around Australia (7 I think), each offering a number of qualifying slots (just like the Hawaii Ironman qualifying series).

How many qualifying races will Australia have for their Ironman? My feeling is that here in the US, we have way too many qualifying races for Hawaii with too few spots at each race. I would much rather see the US qualifying races condensed down into just a handful, say three or four, and all of them held the exact same weekend, with many more age group spots at each race instead of the paltry one spot per age group for the women. Under the current system, there are so many qualifying races, usually with only one spot in my age group. It is very hard to figure out what races to go to, especially considering the cost of flying, hotels, rental cars, and race entry fees. Instead of having the best talent get a spot, it depends also on who else shows up on race day. If there were only three US qualifying races for Hawaii, that would mean a much stronger field at each of those qualifiers, with more likelihood of getting the top triathletes to Hawaii. Under the current system of qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman at the US races, those who nail down Ironman spots are often not just dedicated and well trained, but very lucky (who else showed up on race day at that particular race), or maybe even wealthy enough to go fly to a half a dozen qualifiers a year. It would be nice to think that the elements of luck and wealth could be somewhat removed from this equation. Cathy Corning

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Question:

I registered for the Cameron Springs/Indy Triathlon well in advance and have not received any pre-race info.  Since it is this weekend I am a little worried, and also since it is my first triathlon, I don’t really know what to expect.  My question is, has anyone else who has entered this event received their info yet?  Maybe I’m just being paranoid. Thanks, Brad Wallin

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I’m looking for someone to share a ride with for this weekend at the Cameron Springs Triathlon in Indy, Indiana. I live in Cleveland, Ohio. Email or call me if you’re going out there this weekend. Thanks, Scott — =         __o        Scott J. Erdman              Allen-Bradley Company      = =~~~~~~    /        "Just Tri It!"                                          =

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I’m a wimp. I had planned to go to Torquay (in Victoria, Australia) to watch and support some friends competing in the inaugural Ultra Triathlon on the 10th of April ‘94.  This was an Ironman distance event (3.8km/180km/42.2km) along the picturesque western coast in Victoria.  The run turnaround was at Bells Beach, the legendary Easter Surf Carnival venue. Saturday the 9th was a glorious day – the temperature in the mid 20’s (Celsius).  Not much wind to speak of, just a breeze.  Then came the night. Roofs were removed/damaged in the overnight storms around Melbourne and it poured buckets! This was no time to be wandering around with a camera and lens (which requires a crane to transport!) taking happy snaps. The Sunday was blustery to say the least.  From what I’ve gleaned, some participants had to be treated for hyperthermia after the 3.8km, open ocean swim.  I haven’t ascertained how rough it was, my informants (participants) are still on ‘leave’, most likely recovering from shock. In Melbourne, it wasn’t ‘cold’, although a ghastly wind made it uncomfortable to be outside.  That and the showers would have made the bike leg miserable, although folks would have been thankful for the overcast conditions during the run.  However, at around 4-5 pm, the temperature suddenly dropped by 5-10 degrees and the wind changed to the colder Southerlies.  The first aid tent filled to capacity with valiant souls suffering from exposure (NB – that tent nearly disappeared from the face of the earth a couple of hours later, so strong was the wind). I’m citing this from memory, so please forgive any misteaks.  Robin Tullet from St Kilda ’survived’ the event in first place in a time of 8hrs 57mins. Raelene Croad (Victorian) came first in the women’s division in a time of 10hrs 55 mins.  There was a pic of Robin crossing the line in one of the papers – he had a bottle of champers in his hand.  It looked like he was most relieved to cross that line.  It looked like he wouldn’t have taken too many further unaided steps.  A swiss competitor (can’t remember his name) was knocked off his bike in an accident involving a car.  I think this was the only road casualty, apart from those suffering the conditions. I don’t think it would be fair to compare times directly with other Ironman distances, given the atrocious conditions.  My esteem for those who dared to participate has increased infinitely. The day after that, there wer hailstorms in Melbourne, and snow in the hills. Melbourne in Autumn (or all year round) is never boring.  You literally are expected to be prepared for all seasons over a day.  This is no exaggeration. The Forster Ironman Triathlon took place yesterday (17th April).  Forster is in Northern New South Wales, and is consequently much warmer.  Here, folks had to deal with 15 knot winds and a 30 degree (Celsius) bike ride.  I cannot provide much more than the top results, as that’s all the papers have deemed to provide.  The Forster tri is part of the International Ironman calendar.         Mens:   1       Pauli Kiuru     (Fin)           8:21:13 Who else??                 2       Bruce Thomas    (Oz)            8:29:38                 3       P. Kropko       (Hungary)       8:34:50         Women:                 1       S Ryan          (NZ)            9:24:17 I think 2nd & third in the womens were from Canada & the US, I’m sorry I can’t remember, all the paper has is the above.  Kiuru’s time was about 15 mins slower than the fastest for the Forster course, which was also set by him. As for me – I piked out of doing the Portarlington tri yesterday. my excuse is that I’m too busy.  It turned out to be quite a lovely day.  Trust me to miss out on it.  Now it’s preparation for the duathlon season, the first event being on the 8th of May.  Six to go until the World’s in Tassie.  Hmm… dream on ..   Paul Menon,   Dept of Computer Science,   Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology,   124 Latrobe Street,   Melbourne 3001,   Victoria, Australia. ph:    +61 3 660 3209/2348         ICBM: lat 37^ 50′ long 145^ 0′ E fax:   +61 3 662 1617

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I’m a wimp.

Well I was stupid and went to Torquay. I couldn’t help myself, first ultra distance in this state, and it looked so much fun.  No I didn’t compete, but I did have several friends involved (with an 8 in 9 finish rate no less !) (The first time I had ever seen one, and I was pretty fired along by watching them go…) I had planned to go to Torquay (in Victoria, Australia) to watch and support some friends competing in the inaugural Ultra Triathlon on the 10th of April ‘94.  This was an Ironman distance event (3.8km/180km/42.2km) along the picturesque western coast in Victoria.  The run turnaround was at Bells Beach, the legendary Easter Surf Carnival venue.

…. Well all Paul says is true, so see the previous post for a critique on Melbourne (and surrounds) "lovely" weather…. Well I was one of those silly hard working volunteers… down at the Bells beach turn around, giving the surfers an alternative target to hit (instead of the runners). The course comprised of an out and back swim course, a three lap 60km cycle loop along the particularly picturesque  ocean roads (but as anyone will tell you, isn’t that what race promoters always say ) and a two lap run course.   From the spectators perspective, the looped course was fantastic, with the ability to cheer the competitors on multiple times through the various stages and from speaking to competitors after the race (and during too ) they loved the opportunity to be encouraged by the spectators multiple times in addition to seeing (and hearing) their fellow competitors many times through the course. Well (from a very poor memory) there were about 80 individuals and 35 teams, a poor(ish) turnout, but given the a) conditions, b) fact that this was the first time the event had ever run, we can excuse this.. (and promptly did so) The Swim course was, err, confusing to say the least, and a number of competitors ended up off course, with many a potential protest forming… (I dont remember the times, sorry, that will be a feature of this report, me not remembering the times or people) but the first group of pros were out in the low 40’s, a large clump were out around the 60-70m mark (plenty of swim drafting being practised there)  and well many others were out at many other times… :-} Well the cycle leg was quickly underway and the main straight (back into the finish/transition zones) had a nasty little head wind. At any rate there was a clear leader through the cycle course (and I really wish I could remember his name) who was leading Robin Tullett (the eventual winner) by about 16-17m. About this time I headed down to my post so I didn’t get to see the drama of the day as (whatever-his-name) pulled out  at the start of the run and Robin became the clear leader of the day. Well down at the 1/4, 3/4 run point (the 10km turn around at Bells Beach, and yes everyone, it is a great place to surf) The surf was running and the beach was pretty busy, (with surfers and sightseers as well as spectators (and aid station people, and marshalls, and so on.) (Personally I think putting the turn around there at one of th busiest tourist spots around the place was not a clever move, but what the heck.) Well the teams had taken a clear lead over the individuals by this stage, and it was after what seemed like half of the teams were through before the first individual was sighted. There was plenty of cheering on and encouragement from the spectators, marshalls, aid station people and so on. As well as words of encouragement from various surfers, most of whom considered the Tri’ers to be mad (although looking at the swell that day, I have some doubts about the surfers’ state of mind.) The comment of the race came from Robin Tullett when he passed me and said "I can’t belive I am leading this thing", by around 15m he made it seem to be easy. (hah !) Well the race was all over before I got back to the finish line (relieved of doing point duty, and cheer leadering and explaining the order of a triathlon to the incidental spectators ) I watched the first women over the line (yep, you guessed it can’t remember her name either). Although I do remember Rebecca Goodwin was third over the line, and that was even after making  a slight mistake and getting lost (on the second lap of the run course no less !), won an award for being the youngest compitetor and was part ofthe Australian team (group?) at Hawaii last year. At any rate sometime about here the weather decided to get nasty and as more than three quarters of the field were still out, the wet weather gear came out in force. (Oh, another advantage of the looped course, you could find a dry spot, and still be able to see your favorite competitors for one or more laps of the course) Well the weather got worse, and still more brave and hardy soles made it to the finish, then it started to get dark (okay I skipped a few hours, but I know you can fill them in) and by now each of the competitors had their own support vehicle to ensure they didn’t get lost, blown away, or whatever. The last competitors were home between 15 and 16 hours (there was no "sweep them off the road" cut off time, although the race referee and medical staff took a bit to satisfy that each competitor should go on.) So, now after 9pm at night and the last competitors were finally getting in. Well as Paul mentioned, unusual casualties of the day included the first aid tent (almost blown to Antarctica) and in addition to (?most?) competitors, several spectators suffering from hypothermia (and seeming worse off than the loved ones, they had come along to cheer.) All in all a pretty inspiring event, and IMHO, if you can’t join ‘em then come and help, thats fun too. (maybe I’ll do it in ‘96 how about it Paul ?)

I am just going to fill in the boxes of the women I know about… The Forster Ironman Triathlon took place yesterday (17th April).  Forster is

….    Mens:   1       Pauli Kiuru     (Fin)           8:21:13 Who else??            2       Bruce Thomas    (Oz)            8:29:38            3       P. Kropko       (Hungary)       8:34:50    Women:            1       S Ryan          (NZ)            9:24:17

        2   L McAlister (Can)       9:29:30         3   P Johnson   (US)        9:36:?? I think 2nd & third in the womens were from Canada & the US, I’m sorry I can’t remember, all the paper has is the above.  Kiuru’s time was about 15 mins slower than the fastest for the Forster course, which was also set by him. As for me – I piked out of doing the Portarlington tri yesterday. my excuse is that I’m too busy.  It turned out to be quite a lovely day.  Trust me to miss out on it.  Now it’s preparation for the duathlon season, the first event being on the 8th of May.  Six to go until the World’s in Tassie.  Hmm… dream on ..

Now, I wouldn’t call Paul a slack bum, ’cause he is a busy lad, but he did miss a beautiful day (25degC top) with a wonderfully blustery wind and  a choppy sea. Now, I did compete (err, make that complete) at Portarlington. A lovely little 800m/26km/8km jaunt.  It is regularly voted as the most popular race of the season (it is also the traditional last race of the season, a coincidence ? You be the judge.) Well I did it in under two hours (forgot to a) look at the clock, b) look at my watch, c) ask someone) which for me, was pretty marvelous. (it was my longest race, well this is my first season after all, and with seven races down, I am seriously addicted ) Well the day started off for the organizers, like all days should (?) Hell and confusion, it turned out the local surf club hired to support the event, had not turned up.  Bit of a problem, as the buoys were not set out, and there was no in water support crew, Uhoh. Well after a half hour delay, still no surf club, but the Coast Guard had turned up, and offered assistance. (well this was going to be an interesting race…) Then race briefing, because of a lack of surfers, the race directors decided it would be a good idea to tell everyone of the new course (it was the way they kept calling for volunteers from the audience with formal life saving training that really put some off …) Okay, well the course is typically a box, around a pier/breakwater, well without any markers in the water, we were told, swim close to the pier and just follow the line around the pier until the end of the break water then swim for the beach. This had the (undesirable for me, I’m a fairly strong swimmer, and this is the point in the race I get to feel good… ) effect of shortening the course by about 250m Only one slight problem, the seas were pretty heavy (.5-1m (1.5-3")) and the possibility of being washed into the pier was quite real.   At any rate, after what seemed like the longest wade/dolphin in history (about 150-200m worth) I swam about twenty metres wide, and still managed to get ahead of my pack (well in the top 20 in my pack, dont pick.) About this time I got got by a trap for young players, I typically wear ear plugs and lost one in the surfey conditions. As a result I was pretty punch drunk by the time I got out of the water (ear=balance centre for those with little physiology) and was a touch dizzy, anyhow made it to the bike rack and figured I was away…. After what seemed like an eternity I got shoes on, (glasses too), helmet, and un-racked and ran for the ride zone.  Out from the transition area is a !cute! little hill that seems to be about one in two… so plenty of (unprepared) people dropping gears and powering up the hill. Of course now we could appreciate the lovely scenic views of the beach and surrounding district (what is it with Race promoters, were they all reject Real Estate agents ?) Actually the cycle was a blast, the first two thirds wind along flat beach roads making for some fast efforts for those that forget about the last third (evil cackle) of the cycle course. Then with the last … read more »

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