Question:

A girl I recently started dating is currently in training for a Florida marathon. I’m not a runner myself (at least not a serious one, at least not yet). What I’d like to do is pamper her with massages, but I don’t know if there is something specific I should be doing for massaging her legs or feet, that would help her and not harm her. If any of you runners have significant others that massage you, what exactly do they do? What kind of massages? Where? How? Give me the juicy details if you can. George

Really want to pamper her?  Warm, scented oils…  candle light…  soft music. It won’t improve her running, but it’s a direct-hit on the pampering angle On a slightly more serious note, I’ve only had a few "professional sports massages" — post-triathlon races.  Two things that I recall — the message began at the extremities and the motion was always toward the heart. — Mark

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you lucky bastard

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What I’d like to do is pamper her with massages, but I don’t know if there is something specific I should be doing for massaging her legs or feet, that would help her and not harm her. If any of you runners have significant others that massage you, what exactly do they do? What kind of massages? Where? How? Give me the juicy details if you can.

More basic massage tips: If you decide to use oil, use any vegetable or nut oil (like almond oil), and use a small amount. You want there to be a bit of residual friction between the skin and your hands. Move from general to specific back to general: begin with light pressure and broad surface area (palms of hands) and move towards deeper pressure and smaller surface area (fingertips, knuckles, thumbs, etc.).  If you’re doing her legs, begin with light effleurage strokes (basically the flat of your palms moving in long linear strokes), running the length of her leg from feet towards hip.  Then work in sections: quads, shins, hamstrings, calves, feet.  Finish up with full length effleurage strokes again.  If she has a ticklish spot, apply firm pressure with a large surface area (like, with your palm) for 10-20 seconds. Eventually that will allow you to apply more direct pressure without stimulating the ticklishness. Besides long strokes, also work using circles: palm circles, fingertip circles, thumb circles.  You can work crosswise and downwards temporarily, but always end up working back towards the heart.  Keep her warm.  Cover her with a blanket or sheet, and only uncover the area you’re working on. Quads/hams: Quads and hams like cross-strokes (perpendicular to the leg, hands moving in alternate directions) as well as longitudinal strokes.  Many folks don’t like direct pressure on the outside of the quad above the knee, so check with her about that.  However, if she doesn’t mind, try to get some work there with your thumbs, because it can work to release the IT band tightness. Hips/glutes: A good area for pressure point work is the side of the hip joint.  You can really dig in there with your thumbs; great for releasing tension in lower back, glute, and even hamstring.  You can also pound on the fleshy part of the glute (top and sides) lightly with your fists (use the pinky side of your hands).  You can use your hands to "karate chop" her hams lightly up and down their length. For calves, longitudinal strokes are good. You can also grab her ankle with one hand, and bend the knee 90 degrees (assuming she’s lying face down), then use the other hand to perform firm downward pressure strokes. Don’t neglect the area just above the ankle; grasp with thumb and forefinger on each side and apply firm pressure.  Shins are often very tight in runners and may be sensitive at first. If her muscles are having difficulty relaxing, grab her ankle and gently shake the leg. More ideas for leg and foot massage: http://www.opulence-of-oils.com/documents/massage/massage4.htm http://www.bodymechanics.net/subpages/front_leg_tip.htm http://www.foreverwed.com/hair/footmassage.htm http://lala.essortment.com/howtogivefoot_rjgv.htm I would avoid massaging lower back within 48 hours before a race. Krista — http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html mistresskrista at home.com

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Remember to pamper her in other ways: Rub the feet Attend all races At a race, put her needs first Show up in unexpected places on the race course On the long runs, get a bike and ride with her (did this on one of my first dates with my current girlfriend as she trained) On long runs, drive the car and meet her along the course with fluids and gels (If you ride the bike, take these things with you for her)

Unless your idea is to pamper with some "expectations" at the end I would suggest you pamper with a gift certificate for a professional massage person and allow her/them to decide frequency etc. I’ll second Sam’s list and add take her out to eat after a long run(assuming she likes eat after running). We usually run in the morning and finishing with brunch is pure pleasure. — Caveat Lector Doug Freese

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I’d just like to know if you have a brother who is as considerate as you–I’m also preparing for a marathon (my second), and although my good friend is a runner, he is not particularly supportive, because he is a fairly elite master’s runner here in SE VA (and quite self-centered)–and I’m simply a genetically shortchanged *intermediate* runner, who has yet to break 30:00 for a 5K run in this, my *present* running career! Unfortunately, I don’t have any massage tips for you–maybe someone else has– Jean B., in Newport News, VA

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A girl I recently started dating is currently in training for a Florida marathon. I’m not a runner myself (at least not a serious one, at least not yet). What I’d like to do is pamper her with massages, but I don’t know if there is something specific I should be doing for massaging her legs or feet, that would help her and not harm her. If any of you runners have significant others that massage you, what exactly do they do? What kind of massages? Where? How? Give me the juicy details if you can. George

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What I’d like to do is pamper her with massages, but I don’t know if there is something specific I should be doing for massaging her legs or feet, that would help her and not harm her.

IANAM, but I do like to get massages. Here’s a few things I’ve learned along the way. Basic rules of massage: Pressure used in massage should be based on what the person being massaged wants, not what the person giving the massage thinks is appropriate, and can vary from place to place on the body. Since you two aren’t married, do not give your girlfriend a massage any place her father might be able to hear. He might mistake the noise for something else and decide to kill you to preserve his daughter’s honor. Suggestions for massage for a runner: The legs and feet aren’t the only parts that might need a massage. Neck, shoulders, and back come to mind. Never dig in on a tendon. Work on muscle, soothe a tendon with gentle surface strokes. Work from the center of a muscle out toward the ends. If there’s an injury site, massaging with ice often makes it feel better. On the other hand, warmth helps to relax. I find that massage is most helpful after stretching and a warm bath. Then again, I’ll take it any time I can get it. Gentle toe pulls with easy rotation of the toe feel great. The arch of the foot probably needs work, too. Massaging the heel and ball of the foot is also wonderful. As always, your mileage (and hers) may vary. Rob

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In reality, I am not sure you can do any real damage.  If she says it hurts, stop or at least back off.  A professional might be able to get away with causing some discomfort, but amateurs should not. Also, make sure that she is free to tell you that something hurts and that you cease immediately (okay, this might go beyond massage but let’s keep it there right now). Typically you want to rub toward the heart.  The idea being that moves the "toxins" toward the heart for increasing the rate of removal. Being a person of exercise science, there is little research to support that massage does any good, but I get them when I can.  I realize the contradiction and accept it.  Mentally it feels good and I get relaxed. That has to account for something. If you are massaging several hours after a workout, you are not doing anything to "remove" the lactic acid.  It has long since departed. I also remember an episode of "Friends" when Monica was finally told that she gives the worst massages in the world.  I once thought that one could not get a bad massage until a now former girlfriend tried….it was terrible. Remember to pamper her in other ways: Rub the feet Attend all races At a race, put her needs first Show up in unexpected places on the race course On the long runs, get a bike and ride with her (did this on one of my first dates with my current girlfriend as she trained) On long runs, drive the car and meet her along the course with fluids and gels (If you ride the bike, take these things with you for her)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A girl I recently started dating is currently in training for a Florida marathon. I’m not a runner myself (at least not a serious one, at least not yet). What I’d like to do is pamper her with massages, but I don’t know if there is something specific I should be doing for massaging her legs or feet, that would help her and not harm her. If any of you runners have significant others that massage you, what exactly do they do? What kind of massages? Where? How? Give me the juicy details if you can. George

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A girl I recently started dating is currently in training for a Florida marathon. I’m not a runner myself (at least not a serious one, at least not yet). What I’d like to do is pamper her with massages, but I don’t know if there is something specific I should be doing for massaging her legs or feet, that would help her and not harm her. If any of you runners have significant others that massage you, what exactly do they do? What kind of massages? Where? How? Give me the juicy details if you can. George

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Question:

The Bay Area is about the same.  $1.49 is the lowest price I’ve been seeing.  I’m not even sure that price is still good.  $1.54 is more like it.  :(

Alas, you’re held hostage to those high peninsula taxes. Up here in Marin, I can get gas for as low as $1.21. It’s even cheaper over in Vallejo, but that’s too far to drive just to fill up . . . TriathRon

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so does that mean i have to take my hum-v back?

Not necessarily. Send it to me and I’ll dispose of it properly (or give it a good home.)

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Nothing makes me more ill than an SUV and all these minivans parading around town.  99% of which will never be offroad (well ok, the minivans weren’t intended to be) and all the owners which proudly say "well, if I get in a crash I’ll be safer."  Yeah, you’ll likely kill the other guy, but…. Of course that said, I couldn’t even talk my mother out of buying a Honda CRV.  She "feels safer" in it.  Argh. Jason "screw functional, I still want to buy the SLK 230….I’ll worry about a place for the bike later"

        Let’s not EVEN get started on self righteous condemnation of other people’s vehicular choices, especially while crowing about desires for rolling-ego-support-costume-jewelry like an SLK.  Everyone here is a cyclist, and more than a few of us are motorcyclists, for whom a Honda Civic represents more of a threat than an Excursion does to the Civic driver.  In sunny weather, when traveling alone, that Civic, compared to a two-wheel vehicle, is just as unnecessary and self indulgent a choice as an SUV that never leaves the pavement.           We all make our choices, and reap BOTH the benefits and liabilities of those choices.  Some people are willing to max out their credit card for one fill up of gas, and to limit their parking options, to feel safer, or haul more people, or whatever their motives.  At least (most) people in SUV’s acknowledge smaller cars’ right to be on the road, which is more than I can say for the attitude of the average econobox driver toward those of us on two wheels.

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: Yeah, that’s very expensive : Gas in Helsinki,Finland costs about 4.2 for unleaded… It must be December, time for the "what’s the price of gas in your area" thread.  :) Jason "1.49/gal or 38.5 US$/litre in Washington DC for premium"

The Bay Area is about the same.  $1.49 is the lowest price I’ve been seeing.  I’m not even sure that price is still good.  $1.54 is more like it.  :( TriBaby                                     _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

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ookaayyy……but i’m taking the bike shop out of the back

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – so does that mean i have to take my hum-v back? Not necessarily. Send it to me and I’ll dispose of it properly (or give it a good home.)

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ookaayyy……but i’m taking the bike shop out of the back so does that mean i have to take my hum-v back? Not necessarily. Send it to me and I’ll dispose of it properly (or give it a good home.)

NO problem, just let me know where to send the flatbed to pick it up.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Premium gas here is about 98cNZ/litre or  1.49US/litre or 5.78US/gal …humm, something’s not right and they’re going to increase my income tax by 6% too?! : Yeah, that’s very expensive : Gas in Helsinki,Finland costs about 4.2 for unleaded… It must be December, time for the "what’s the price of gas in your area" thread.  :) Jason "1.49/gal or 38.5 US$/litre in Washington DC for premium" The Bay Area is about the same.  $1.49 is the lowest price I’ve been seeing.  I’m not even sure that price is still good.  $1.54 is more like it.  :(

I love these gas price threads. This past summer, gas around Atlanta dropped to 67 cents per gallon for regular unleaded — no lie!!! My west coast relatives could not believe it. Currently, the cheapest I’ve seen is about $1.07/gal, but it was up to $1.12 a week ago. David / FEY2K – IMCA (remove spaces) at att dot net

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Yeah, that’s very expensive Gas in Helsinki,Finland costs about 4.2 for unleaded… -Christer "That’s why I ride a bike"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gas prices here in Charlotte are now up to 1.25 – 1.30 for low grade unleaded….. you make a good point.  I heard it costs like 65.00 to fill up an Excursion…. that’s a lot of soccer games !! bd

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I have not only owned a few vehicles (8) but also worked at 2 different dealerships while putting myself through school.  This is one area where I know my stuff, so here a few of my suggestions: Get away from domestic vehicles unless you are buying it new. – Sure, it’s great to support the ‘ole USofA, but from my experience, domestic cars are POS – and once the warranty runs out, forget about it. Minivans are THE best vehicles for hauling stuff and people around in.  If you can drive a minivan and are ok w/ that, by all means, this is the most practical approach. If you like cars, and like the "cool" factor that comes w/ cars, then a minivan is out of the question.  The only exception I might give to this is one of those Dodge caravans – and then, it has to be black and have those stock chrome wheels that Chrysler was specking for a while. I recommend the Audi A-4 or maybe a Volvo.  Both of these are VERY dependable vehicles, and they have a cool factor, as well as some  pnosh. If you are dead-set on an SUV – spring for  a used Mercedes ML320, or a Lexus RX300.  Best values on the market IMO, and are the future of SUV’s. (Smaller, more fuel efficient, good cargo room)  Sure, they are a little more expensive, but you won’t have to worry about them – both companies have an impeccable record for dependability. If you decide that these are just too far out of your reach, the X-terra, for all it’s hype, really isn’t a bad little car.  Nissan has been using that engine for a number of years now, and it shares it’s platform w/ a number of different trucks.  The 4 door truck isn’t bad either…depending on what your needs are. Steer clear of Isuzu and Honda Suv’s unless you are buying a post ‘98 model. And even then, I’d forget about the Honda, it just a re-badged Isuzu for $5k more. Toyota is still the leader of the pack AFA dependability goes.  They are a little more expensive, but they wear so well, if you plan on keeping your car for more than a year or two, it’s probably the way to go.  Their small truck line is great – and if you put a camper shell on the back, can be one of the best vehicles ever for hauling people/stuff.  Their Tundra line is exceptional, sharing it’s V-8 with the Lexus LS400 – creamy smooth on the highway – and all sorts of power off road.  These start around $23k tough, and can get a little pricey.  Forget the RAV4 – it’s a fag car.  (no anti-homosexual aggression intended)  No power, no room – no way.  The newer 4runner is a nice car, but I’d skip it’s predecessor (pre’96) This vehicle still gets mediocre gas mileage, but it has a cool factor that makes up for some of that.  (especially the model w/ the ram-air intake on the hood…grrrr) Of course, Rover makes some nice vehicles – but be sure you keep-up the maintenance on those.  If you fall behind, there can be hell to pay in repair costs.  (And IIRC, you can get a nice little used Land Rover for ~$15k if you look around – these meet all your requirements) Finally – be sure to avoid quirky colors.  Sure, it might look cool now, but black, white, and red hold their re-sale value better.  Also, be sure to get the nicest interior you can find/afford.  Not only will it help the resale value, but it will make your vehicle exponentially nicer for you.  (Read: get the leather pkg!) Good luck in your vehicle endeavor, -phranc

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so does that mean i have to take my hum-v back?

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So, my question to all RSTers out there is this….. what’s the best Tri Mobile out there today??  

        I’m surprised no one else said this yet.  I just got what promises to be a great tri-mobile, a used Toyota T100 4WD pickup.  Unlimited space for stuff – no removing wheels, etc, just put the bike, the bag, whatever, in the back.  After the race, just throw the wet wetsuit, etc., in the bed and when you get home, remove it all and hose out the bed.  I plan to put a cap on it in the spring, and for those races two hours’ drive away, in the middle of nowhere, I can add a mat and a sleeping bag, and I’m ready to go the night before.  It’s helpful in other ways as well; SInce I do almost everything on the house myself, it makes the trips to Home Depot a lot easier.  Friday it will carry home a new furnace (please don’t let it get too cold this week.)  You said 4WD is a requirement; SUVs have it, but still get stuck because they lack real ground clearance to go with it (I know, my last pickup pulled enough SUV’s out of the mud.)  It also comes in handy when you have a big dog who just LOVES mud, swamps, rivers, and other means of rendering oneself unfit to ride home on the seats.

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With people suggesting that suv’s are the go (not you iron pete) but in general maybe the "penis" posts are relevant. These people are trying to compensate for something lacking!!! Stuart – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Let’s see…Excursion? Man, those things are so big that I can’t understand how they can be legal. As for SUV’s in general, it seems like the main part of the SUV that I see is the whole grill encompassing my rear-view mirror while driving. I don’t know if this is true or not, but it seems like a lot more of the drivers of SUV’s have a propensity to tailgate me at 70MPH on a highway then drivers of regular sedans. Anyway, these things came about partly because fuel prices were pretty low. I wonder if this SUV trend will continue with the rising fuel prices. My guess is that as time progresses, you’ll see a lot smaller, more fuel efficient SUV’s on the road in the future if fuel continues to rise. I’ll stick to my Mercury Cougar with the big trunk for my bike…                          |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMCAL, IMC Y2K IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                 "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

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Let’s see…Excursion? Man, those things are so big that I can’t understand how they can be legal. As for SUV’s in general, it seems like the main part of the SUV that I see is the whole grill encompassing my rear-view mirror while driving. I don’t know if this is true or not, but it seems like a lot more of the drivers of SUV’s have a propensity to tailgate me at 70MPH on a highway then drivers of regular sedans. Anyway, these things came about partly because fuel prices were pretty low. I wonder if this SUV trend will continue with the rising fuel prices. My guess is that as time progresses, you’ll see a lot smaller, more fuel efficient SUV’s on the road in the future if fuel continues to rise. I’ll stick to my Mercury Cougar with the big trunk for my bike…                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMCAL, IMC Y2K IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

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I love my ML320 and Infiniti QX4…… sam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Missed the beginning of this thread, but here’s my 2cUS (or 4cNZ).. I had a mid sized Contour for my bikes and really liked it. I never had a rack and could put two bikes in the truck, safe secure and out of site. Of course it was a little annoying to take both wheels off all the time, but they were clean and safe and didn’t get scratched thanks to my little camp blanket turned bike blanket/bike rag. Sold it and now have a Nissan Premeria wagon.  Awesome!! It handles like a little sports car, but to the point it’s an awesome car for sports people. My fiancee and I almost always have a road and mtn bike each and multisport races mean 2-4 bikes and 1-2 kayaks(18footers). I can’t put our bikes in a fork mount in the back, but I couldn’t do that with my fathers Explorer either, but could in a mini van (I’ve got an 88cm inseam). We have lots of room for our stuff and get great gas mileage. We have a trailer hitch (everyone in NZ has one, even my little sports car does too) and you can get awesome 1-4 bike carriers for your hitch (nicer than ones I’ve seen available in North America).  We added a rook rack to the factory rails and we can now carry 5 bikes and a kayak or two kayaks and three bikes (we’ll trade in the 3 bike hitch for a 4 bike one). What an amazing setup though. Fully loaded we can drive Kiwi roads like we don’t have all the stuff on the roof and hitch. Anyone who’s been here will understand what that means… roads here resemble roller coasters. Too bad wagons are underrated in NA and aren’t as readably available. Oh, yeah, it’s long enough to ‘curl up in’ to sleep like a mini too!  Looks like an Outback wagon so it’s pretty cool. Xterras look cool too so long as you stay away from yellow ones. I screamed when I saw one. Having started all this tri and cycling stuff at 13 and am now 24, I can say that I like my wagon and  way better than the Explorers Dad hauled me around in for years. Cheers, jason So, my question to all RSTers out there is this….. what’s the best Tri Mobile out there today??  Admittedly, Ive been sucked in by the Xterra ads….I’m thinking if I buy an Xterra, I can shave major minutes off my 10k times (grin)… but seriously, does the internal bike rack on those things work??  Anyone have any other ideas on SUV’s etc??  Cherokees, Monterros, Expeditions etc. Jason MacDonald Nova Scotian at heart, now in New Zealand quicky becoming a Kiwi

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Gas prices here in Charlotte are now up to 1.25 – 1.30 for low grade unleaded….. you make a good point.  I heard it costs like 65.00 to fill up an Excursion…. that’s a lot of soccer games !! bd – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let’s see…Excursion? Man, those things are so big that I can’t understand how they can be legal. As for SUV’s in general, it seems like the main part of the SUV that I see is the whole grill encompassing my rear-view mirror while driving. I don’t know if this is true or not, but it seems like a lot more of the drivers of SUV’s have a propensity to tailgate me at 70MPH on a highway then drivers of regular sedans. Anyway, these things came about partly because fuel prices were pretty low. I wonder if this SUV trend will continue with the rising fuel prices. My guess is that as time progresses, you’ll see a lot smaller, more fuel efficient SUV’s on the road in the future if fuel continues to rise. I’ll stick to my Mercury Cougar with the big trunk for my bike…                          |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMCAL, IMC Y2K IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                 "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

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If you decide to go with something "smaller", you might want to take a look at a Subura Outback.  While I’ve got a wife and a 105 lb dog (that goes everywhere my wife goes), it can get a little snug.  It is a great car.  Our setup includes a roof rack and basketcage (w/strechnet) and allows to get everything for at least a 1 week vacation including the bike.

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Missed the beginning of this thread, but here’s my 2cUS (or 4cNZ).. I had a mid sized Contour for my bikes and really liked it. I never had a rack and could put two bikes in the truck, safe secure and out of site. Of course it was a little annoying to take both wheels off all the time, but they were clean and safe and didn’t get scratched thanks to my little camp blanket turned bike blanket/bike rag. Sold it and now have a Nissan Premeria wagon.  Awesome!! It handles like a little sports car, but to the point it’s an awesome car for sports people. My fiancee and I almost always have a road and mtn bike each and multisport races mean 2-4 bikes and 1-2 kayaks(18footers). I can’t put our bikes in a fork mount in the back, but I couldn’t do that with my fathers Explorer either, but could in a mini van (I’ve got an 88cm inseam). We have lots of room for our stuff and get great gas mileage. We have a trailer hitch (everyone in NZ has one, even my little sports car does too) and you can get awesome 1-4 bike carriers for your hitch (nicer than ones I’ve seen available in North America).  We added a rook rack to the factory rails and we can now carry 5 bikes and a kayak or two kayaks and three bikes (we’ll trade in the 3 bike hitch for a 4 bike one). What an amazing setup though. Fully loaded we can drive Kiwi roads like we don’t have all the stuff on the roof and hitch. Anyone who’s been here will understand what that means… roads here resemble roller coasters. Too bad wagons are underrated in NA and aren’t as readably available. Oh, yeah, it’s long enough to ‘curl up in’ to sleep like a mini too!  Looks like an Outback wagon so it’s pretty cool. Xterras look cool too so long as you stay away from yellow ones. I screamed when I saw one. Having started all this tri and cycling stuff at 13 and am now 24, I can say that I like my wagon and  way better than the Explorers Dad hauled me around in for years. Cheers, jason So, my question to all RSTers out there is this….. what’s the best Tri Mobile out there today??  Admittedly, Ive been sucked in by the Xterra ads….I’m thinking if I buy an Xterra, I can shave major minutes off my 10k times (grin)… but seriously, does the internal bike rack on those things work??  Anyone have any other ideas on SUV’s etc??  Cherokees, Monterros, Expeditions etc.

Jason MacDonald Nova Scotian at heart, now in New Zealand quicky becoming a Kiwi

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<snip Hey Brian,  I know this is not the "cool" aspect but….  I have kept my Chevy Astro van because it’s good on gas but lots of power, 4 individual chairs with the rear bench either foldable or removable…. alll my gear fits including bikes, at least 4 with rear seat removed (remove front wheels)… very comfy and it looks pretty good.  It has dark tinted side windows (not front) and I have changed clothes comfortably at more than one race.  It isn’t 4 whl drive but I’ve had 2 suv’s and the maintenance is not something I care to bother with again….. and as a rule there is more maintenance (both Ford and GM) at least the 4 wheel drive versions. Oh yeah, the price is very reasonable considering what you get including the insurance  The inside features are equal to the Suburbans and Blazers.  Like I said…. the "cool" factor is not up there with a SUV but I wouldn’t go back to them over my van.  They have an incredible amount of room for their size. Allen

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Hi all-

<<<SNIP So, my question to all RSTers out there is this….. what’s the best Tri Mobile out there today??  Admittedly, Ive been sucked in by the Xterra ads….I’m thinking if I buy an Xterra, I can shave major minutes off my 10k times (grin)… but seriously, does the internal bike rack on those things work??  Anyone have any other ideas on SUV’s etc??  Cherokees, Monterros, Expeditions etc. Qualifications – 4 wheel drive, easy bike accessibility, 4 or 6 cylinders, RELIABLE, decent per hour work from the shop (i.e. no Lexus SUVs) ideas on pre-owned rides is welcome….. remember I’m getting married soon. (read – no money) brian "thanks in advance, Im a little depressed today" drake PS – I know the bad guys weren’t triathletes… they left the bike helmet and water bottles….

Brian… Sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like to come out to an empty parking space that you KNOW shouldn’t be empty (Jeep Wrangler, Harley-Davidson FLHS). As for suggestions…Is 4 wheel drive really necessary??? What’s with SUVs anyway? Is it a ‘manly’ station wagon, or what? I’ve got (IMHO) the perfect tri-mobile short of a motorhome. Yes, it’s the dreaded minivan…aaaarrrghhghhh. Well, the ‘Cadillac of minivans’ if you’ve seen ‘Get Shorty". 1995 Olds Silhouette. Dual air, CD changer, cruise control, power everything (including remote side door), leather, each (of 5) rear seats is iondividually removable or capable of folding up like a jumpseat, and it’s tall enough for my bike to stand up without removing the seatpost. It rides like a car (not a truck), has 6 cylinders, and gets great gas mileage. I’ll keep this thing forever. Since the whole country has gone off the deep end for SUVs, people are giving these things away. I bought mine one year old for ~$15K. The sticker was ~$25K. If you’re looking for something to have around for a while, look into the minivans. They are bargains and much more practical and comfortable than any SUV (I’ve driven most of them). cheers, Andrew — Andrew Peabody/Karen Fisher Coconut Grove, FL

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Hi all- Funny thing happened on the way to the office this morning…. as I approached the last known whereabouts of my trusty Honda I noticed something strange… there seemed to be an empty parking space where less than 12 hours before I had last left her….. 1st thought – hmmmm, did I park in a different space last night??  a quick walk around the complex yielded no clues… 2nd thought – maybe I loaned it to someone and forgot… nope, not that either. 3rd thought – could someone have actually taken it without my permission… surely not, this is a ‘nice’ neighborhood Well, my third and final thought was the correct one…. my third most prized possession in the world (behind my fianc

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hey man – along with the with the clipless pedals + shoes (which can be big $) or pedal straps (used them for years, they’re not bad) make getting a pair of aero bars job #1.  they don’t have to be fancy or expensive, just any sort of extension to clip on to your drop handlebars. the time you save just by riding bent over in incredible. i know what you mean about budget — i’m in my first year of university myself.  i started out at 15 promising myself i’d never be one of those posers with million-dollar gear, and all these years later i’m a complete addict and spend every free penny on this sport. but i love it. so have fun and make sure you get respect and recognition as a junior athlete! mike callaghan p.s. – make sure you test all this stuff out before race day!

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Call Wildflower and find out the bike shops that are associated with them. Then call bike shop and tel them you want to ship a bike there for the tri and for them to hold it till you pick it up. I live in Denver, shipped my bike UPS this way to Vineman. Then send it back same way via a Pak-Mail (or similiar place) out there. They are easy to find. Bike transport on plane is $50 each way. I am sure you must must have transportation (?) of some sort in CA because Wildflower is out in the country with NO towns nearer than about 29 miles, and all that drive on winding two lane roads. NY to Wildflower, first tri, good luck, you bit off a lot to chew. The ride is very hilly, get those straps for peddles, better yet, get a decent pair of clipless pedals.

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Hi, I am competing in the Wildflower Olympic Distance Triathlon for the High School Championships.  I have been training on a mountain bike and then someone told me that was no good because it was a lot slower.  So, I recently was looking to buy a cheap road bike, since I don’t have that much to spend.  I bought a used one yesterday from my local bike shop for $130.  It looks bad, rusted and stuff, but I road it for 10 miles yesterday to see how it feels, and honestly it was so much faster and it felt really cool as compared to my mountain bike.  So, I am satisfied. It is just a basic road bike I guess, I added a water bottle holder thing to it.  Also, I wanted to know if I should add those straps on the pedals and anything else you think I should add.  I live in NY, and will be flying to CA for the Wildflower, and I also was wondering if any airlines would take the bike and if so how much?  or should I just ship it there and back?  Well, please let me know what you think.  By the way, Im doing this triathlon(first one) because I want to join the Triathlon Team at the US Naval Academy this upcoming fall, and wanted to get a feel for it.  Thank you very much. Respectfully, Matthew Schneider

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi, I am competing in the Wildflower Olympic Distance Triathlon for the High School Championships.  I have been training on a mountain bike and then someone told me that was no good because it was a lot slower.  So, I recently was looking to buy a cheap road bike, since I don’t have that much to spend.  I bought a used one yesterday from my local bike shop for $130.  It looks bad, rusted and stuff, but I road it for 10 miles yesterday to see how it feels, and honestly it was so much faster and it felt really cool as compared to my mountain bike.  So, I am satisfied. It is just a basic road bike I guess, I added a water bottle holder thing to it.  Also, I wanted to know if I should add those straps on the pedals and anything else you think I should add.  I live in NY, and will be flying to CA for the Wildflower, and I also was wondering if any airlines would take the bike and if so how much?  or should I just ship it there and back?  Well, please let me know what you think.  By the way, Im doing this triathlon(first one) because I want to join the Triathlon Team at the US Naval Academy this upcoming fall, and wanted to get a feel for it.  Thank you very much. Respectfully, Matthew Schneider

Shipping the bike there via UPS requires a recipient in California to receive your bike. This could be a friend or maybe even a hotel willing to accept the bike. I’m not sure about the prices that UPS gives since I do not ship my bike that way. Others here have done it and would give you a good price range. As for putting it on the airplane with you, the current domestic bike transport fee is $50 one way. You might get a package deal through various means (like USAmateur and the USA Triathlon Travel Desk) that give you certificates that waive the bike fee, but expect to pay the $50 at Ticketing on the day of the trip. Good luck at Wildflower.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

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Question:

Are the results online anywhere, where they can be searched? Kirk Philly, PA (Leave Penn AC off to send e-mail)

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Are the results online anywhere, where they can be searched?

www.nyrrc.org James NYC Marathon 11/1/98 3:45:18

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Are the results online anywhere, where they can be searched? Kirk Philly, PA (Leave Penn AC off to send e-mail)

Results and photos are available from the race site at: http://www.nyrrc.org/. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web A running & triathlon resource site. http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html

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alsowww.nycmarathon.org Calligraphically Yours   members.xoom.com/scribenyc Management Resource Group  members.xoom.com/deluca5

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For information on the Great Floridian Triathlon VIII, please visit www.greatfloridian.com.  Entry forms for the October 23, 1999 race will be available on October 1. Fred Sommer CFT/Sommer Sports

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Does anyone have a good internet site that lists IM distance triathlons, i.e. dates, contacts, etc…

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Does anyone have a good internet site that lists IM distance triathlons, i.e. dates, contacts, etc…

www.extremetri.com It’s a great source of info for half-IM distance events and longer — schedules, write-ups, current news, links and more. Tellus Venture Associates "Certainly the game is rigged. Don’t let that stop you; if you don’t bet, you can’t win."  R.A.H.

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So are the only US IM distance  tri’s IMH, Vineman, Clermont and now Lake Placid?  Or, are there smaller ones (in #) that aren’t as well advertized?  

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Add to the above serious discussions of Wisconsin and Columbus, Ohio premiering in 1999. — Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So are the only US IM distance  tri’s IMH, Vineman, Clermont and now Lake Placid?  Or, are there smaller ones (in #) that aren’t as well advertized?

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There are a lot of other LD and IM races which, one way or another, we don’t get to hear about on Extreme Tri. If you have details for any then please send them through to me and I’ll make sure the list is updated. Sometimes it takes a little while with all the other news and analysis articles on the magazine but none of them will be missed. best regards, Rob XT www.extremetri.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have a good internet site that lists IM distance triathlons, i.e. dates, contacts, etc… www.extremetri.com It’s a great source of info for half-IM distance events and longer — schedules, write-ups, current news, links and more. Tellus Venture Associates "Certainly the game is rigged. Don’t let that stop you; if you don’t bet, you can’t win."  R.A.H.

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Question:

The easiest way to stop sliding forward on your seat whilst on the indoor trainer would be to place something under your front wheel. A phone book is the right thickness here in Canberra. This will effectively reduce the angle of the seat. If you have rear-triangle trainer than the bike will be angled down – you will need to raise the fornt wheel as much as you have raised the back. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been putting some hours in on my trainer this winter, due more to the fact that I’m doing it with my new bike and trying to get used to it.  I went from a regular old road bike to a QR Kilo.  My problem is this:  I keep (slowly) sliding forward on the saddle to where I’m really just sitting on the nose and always finding myself having to push my butt back to get comfortable.  What should I adjust to compensate for this?  Should I slide my seat forward or rearward?  Or change the height of the saddle or front bars?

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I keep (slowly) sliding forward on the saddle to where I’m really just sitting on the nose and always finding myself having to push my butt back to get comfortable. If this only occurs when your bike is on the wind trainer

What if this occurs NOT on the windtrainer but when your riding?  I too find myself having to scoot back constantly.  However, when I was reading the December Triathlete on page 22 and 23 i noticed that Hellriegel is also sitting real far forward on his seat.  So is this normal to keep slipping forward?  Should i not be fighting it?  I am comfortable up on the nose, but wonder if i can generate more power sitting back? Rob Atlanta

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I’ve been putting some hours in on my trainer this winter, due more to the fact that I’m doing it with my new bike and trying to get used to it.  I went from a regular old road bike to a QR Kilo.  My problem is this:  I keep (slowly) sliding forward on the saddle to where I’m really just sitting on the nose and always finding myself having to push my butt back to get comfortable.  What should I adjust to compensate for this?  Should I slide my seat forward or rearward?  Or change the height of the saddle or front bars?

Sounds like a question for QRman!  I find myself moving forward on my QR sometimes when I’m out on the road.  Sliding back on the saddle makes me more comfortable.  However, I wonder what effect this forward and back movement (even though its only a couple of inches)is having on my pedaling efficiency. Am I defeating the purpose of the forward seat position by moving back in the saddle? I intend to try and find out the answer to these and other bike fitting questions at the QR Road Show in Baltimore.  You might want to check QR’s website at //www.rooworld.com/roadshow.html to see if there’s a show in your area. Yakabo

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 I keep (slowly) sliding forward on the saddle to where I’m really just sitting on the nose and always finding myself having to push my butt back to get comfortable.  What should I adjust to compensate for I had the same problem. I had the seat tilted too far down in front in a vain attempt to improve comfort. I tilted it back, and voila, no more sliding and an actual improvement in comfort. Be sure that you adjust the seat height immediately afterward to avoid knee problems.

Question is, is there a change in results? Changing the seat doesn’t change your comfort level, but also the muscles you are using. I’m having the same problem, but I’d rather have better result than comfort. Btw, when talking results, I mean better tri results, not bikes. If I’d use the same running muscles, and get a better bycicle results but slower run.. what’s the use?? thinker

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sounds like a question for QRman!  I find myself moving forward on my QR sometimes when I’m out on the road.  Sliding back on the saddle makes me more comfortable.  However, I wonder what effect this forward and back movement (even though its only a couple of inches)is having on my pedaling efficiency. Am I defeating the purpose of the forward seat position by moving back in the saddle? I intend to try and find out the answer to these and other bike fitting questions at the QR Road Show in Baltimore.  You might want to check QR’s website at //www.rooworld.com/roadshow.html to see if there’s a show in your area. Yakabo

The QR Show is coming to my town on Valentines Day Weekend.  As to the front wheel, I use a Computrainer and use the wood block under my front wheel that comes with the trainer.  Thanks for all the responses, I’m going to spend a day trying some different seat positions. — Tri Your Hardest!   /O     ___o      o    ~~~~   _ <,_    <|        (*)/ (*)      /           Darrin Bartlett

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Not an uncommon problem with trainers.  I assume your using a device attached to the rear wheel.  I’ve spoken to a coach about this and he has two suggestions (assuming your seat is flat).  Either raise the front wheel of the bike up slightly to avoid the problem, or get some rollers.  You can’t creep forward easily on rollers without getting off balance and meeting the floor. Byro

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I keep (slowly) sliding forward on the saddle to where I’m really just sitting on the nose and always finding myself having to push my butt back to get comfortable.

If this only occurs when your bike is on the wind trainer and the rear wheel is raised, then try putting some books under the front wheel.  This will prevent you from modifying your seat back and forth when you take the bike around the block.  I had the same problem and put some books from college that I hated.  I never used them for class so I figured I would get my monies worth.  (Physics and Chemistry) Very thick and costly. Stay aero Brian

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I’ve been putting some hours in on my trainer this winter, due more to the fact that I’m doing it with my new bike and trying to get used to it.  I went from a regular old road bike to a QR Kilo.  My problem is this:  I keep (slowly) sliding forward on the saddle to where I’m really just sitting on the nose and always finding myself having to push my butt back to get comfortable.  What should I adjust to compensate for this?  Should I slide my seat forward or rearward?  Or change the height of the saddle or front bars? — Tri Your Hardest!   /O     ___o      o    ~~~~   _ <,_    <|        (*)/ (*)      /           Darrin Bartlett

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I’ve been putting some hours in on my trainer this winter, due more to the fact that I’m doing it with my new bike and trying to get used to it.  I went from a regular old road bike to a QR Kilo.  My problem is this:  I keep (slowly) sliding forward on the saddle to where I’m really just sitting on the nose and always finding myself having to push my butt back to get comfortable.  What should I adjust to compensate for this?  Should I slide my seat forward or rearward?  Or change the height of the saddle or front bars? — Tri Your Hardest!

I had the same problem. I had the seat tilted too far down in front in a vain attempt to improve comfort. I tilted it back, and voila, no more sliding and an actual improvement in comfort. Be sure that you adjust the seat height immediately afterward to avoid knee problems. David Aggett  /O     ___o      o   ~~~~  

_ <,_    <|       (*)/ (*)      /           – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Darrin Bartlett

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Question:

Swim 1.5 km, bike 40 km, run 10 km YES, it’s and it’s best ! Ron – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This may sound stupid, but exactly how far are the swim bike run segments on an Olympic distance tri?  Thought I knew but a comment from someone else made me wonder… John Swim 1.5 km, bike 40 km, run 10 km….at least that’s my understanding. Tim

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Swim 1.5 km, bike 40 km, run 10 km YES, it’s and it’s best !

G’day everyone, When I was in Holland however, I kept getting into arguments with my rellies who all reckoned that the "Olympic Distance" and "True Distance" Triathlon which pple race week in week out is the Ironman Distanced one :-/ YES the O.D. Tri is 1500/40/10, but does anyone know what the true tri race distance which is used to rank triathletes by the ITU is? *shy shrug* Adinda

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I don’t consider any ITU race a true triathlon! Mike

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: I don’t consider any ITU race a true triathlon! : Mike I agree totally, especially when I watch one of the races on ESPN. I was disgusted when the first person out of the water and first on the bike slowed and waited for the first group to arrive so they can draft. I was equally disgusted when the group swelled to about 20 riders (no kidding!) and came into the bike/run transition in a mass mob. Down with drafting! Iron Pete      —–tough as nails

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: I don’t consider any ITU race a true triathlon! I agree totally, especially when I watch one of the races on ESPN. I was disgusted when the first person out of the water and first on the bike slowed and waited for the first group to arrive so they can draft. I was equally disgusted when the group swelled to about 20 riders (no kidding!) and came into the bike/run transition in a mass mob. Down with drafting!

I try not to condone ITU races by even watching the broadcasts, but I must confess to breaking down and tuning into one last week. What a joke! I just couldn’t stomach the commentators constantly telling me how much more exciting this new format is. I don’t know if we’re talking about the same race, but in the one I watched the commentators kept mentioning what poor tactics it was for the bike leader to not wait on the chase pack so that she could save her legs for the run. The sad part, of course, is that they were right. Chris Christopher N. Baucom She said, "It’s really not my habit to intrude, and furthermore, I hope my meaning won’t be lost or misconstrued… — Paul Simon

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I believe the distances are based on the standard racing distances used in their respective individual sports. snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -1.5 Kilometer swim 40  Kilometer cycle 10  Kilometer run It would be interesting to know how these distances were determined. Anyone know? Stephen

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – John :  Not a stupid question given that there are so many different lengths of races around.  The Olympic triathlon will be based on : 1.5 Kilometer swim 40  Kilometer cycle 10  Kilometer run It would be interesting to know how these distances were determined. Anyone know? Stephen

I agree, John that was not a stupid question.   I have a theory about the distances 40K for a bike is a fairly traditional time trial distance for cyclists and at just under 25 miles is a pretty good number for recreational riders to achieve. 10K for a run is a pretty standard and easily understood distance for most.  A lot of triathletes came from running originally so this makes some sense. 1.5k for a swim:  That one I will not venture a guess on except that for our international brethren it makes more sense than a 1.609k swim (which would be a mile).

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In This may sound stupid, but exactly how far are the swim bike run segments on an Olympic distance tri?  Thought I knew but a comment from someone else made me wonder… John

Swim 1.5 km, bike 40 km, run 10 km….at least that’s my understanding. Tim

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I read that they were based on the length of time of a marathon.  They (IOC) wanted the races to have similar time lengths. I don’t really have a clue about marathons, so the info could be incorrect. Wood – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I believe the distances are based on the standard racing distances used in their respective individual sports. snip 1.5 Kilometer swim 40  Kilometer cycle 10  Kilometer run It would be interesting to know how these distances were determined. Anyone know? Stephen

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This may sound stupid, but exactly how far are the swim bike run segments on an Olympic distance tri?  Thought I knew but a comment from someone else made me wonder… John

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This may sound stupid, but exactly how far are the swim bike run segments on an Olympic distance tri?  Thought I knew but a comment from someone else made me wonder… John

John :  Not a stupid question given that there are so many different lengths of races around.  The Olympic triathlon will be based on : 1.5 Kilometer swim 40  Kilometer cycle 10  Kilometer run It would be interesting to know how these distances were determined. Anyone know? Stephen

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Question:

Does anyone know of a website or dates for Colorado and Virginia tri’s? Thanks!

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Does anyone know of a website or dates for Colorado and Virginia tri’s? Thanks!

Close to VA (MD): Columbia (MD)   USAT            5/18 Fairfax (VA)    Triathlantic    5/25 Cambridge (MD)  USAT (IMQ)      6/1 Indian Head (MD)Triathlantic    6/29 Roanoke (VA)    Triathlantic    7/20 NorthEast (MD)  Triathlantic    7/27 Contact Brad Jaeger of Triathlantic 410-882-6103 and look for a site at: http://www.triath.com sometime soon.

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Does anyone know of a website or dates for Colorado and Virginia tri’s? Thanks!

Karla: Try the websites for Triathlete and Inside Triathlon at: http://www.triathletemag.com/clndr or http://www.insidetri.com/itcal/calendar.html (more complete) Not mentioned are VA triathlons at VA Beach, Norfolk in Spring and Summer. Tucker Newberry

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Question:

The Subject line says it all.  I have been training for the Napa Valley Marathon on 5 March, only to find that I have to travel to the far east that weekend on business.  I am in great shape, and want to qualify for Boston ‘96 this spring.  I have already committed to competing in a Powerman Duathlon qualifier on 2 April in Holland, and any later will impact my triathlon season. Does anyone know of a marathon in the US on 11 or 12 March?  Thanks.     *******    / /        *******        Hewlett-Packard Laboratories  *     ****     / __  // __  /  **** phone: +1 415-857-8664               *     ****    / / / // /_/ /   ****   fax: +1 415-852-8030               *     ****   /_/ /_// ____/    ****                           =o         *     *****        / /        *****         ___^o_     _=o    <|        *     *******     / /       *******                  _ <_             *

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I think (but am not 100% sure) that the Hyannis marathon (on Cape Cod, MA) is that weekend — Roland

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1, Hyannis,   Hyannis, Mass. 5087786965 2. Maui, Kahalui, Hawaii    808 8716441 3. Mendocino Trail, Russian Gulch State Park, Stinson, Beach, CA 415 8681829

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The Subject line says it all.  I have been training for the Napa Valley Marathon on 5 March, only to find that I have to travel to the far east that weekend on business.  I am in great shape, and want to qualify for Boston ‘96 this spring.  I have already committed to competing in a Powerman Duathlon qualifier on 2 April in Holland, and any later will impact my triathlon season. Does anyone know of a marathon in the US on 11 or 12 March?  Thanks.

You can stop off in Hawaii on your way back for the Maui Marathon on 3-12-95. —

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Question:

Now is the time for you folks on RST to put your stamp where your mouth is and write some positive criticism to NBC about their IMH coverage: NBC 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 Cathy Corning

Also the e-mail address for NBC sports is

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Now is the time for you folks on RST to put your stamp where your mouth is and write some positive criticism to NBC about their IMH coverage: NBC 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 Cathy Corning

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Now is the time for you folks on RST to put your stamp where your mouth is and write some positive criticism to NBC about their IMH coverage: NBC 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 Cathy Corning

I was just about to post a similar note regarding NBC’s excellent coverage of IMH. Rather than snail mail you can E-mail NBC Sports at www.nbc.com. Within minutes of the program being over I let them know that I thought it was the best coverage ever and that includes the years when ABC did the show. Cheers Bernie Sher

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Hello triathletes!!! If you want to write to NBC and let them know what a crappy job they did on the Ironman here is their address in New York NBC 30 Rockefeller plaza NY,NY 10112 FLAME AWAY TO YOUR HEARTSD CONTENT Ironmark

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writes: If you want to write to NBC and let them know what a crappy job they did

on the Ironman here is their address in New York<< Before you send the flame mail rst folks, keep in mind that the NBC broadcast is not designed to please the hardcore triathlete. That’s a hard crowd to please  even for the triathlon industry publications. Until we have the 24-hour cable Tri Network (there’s an idea for you QRman) or something like EuroSport in the States, that’s probably how its going to be for a long time. I wonder how many triathletes vs the general public are going to rush out and buy those cool-looking BlueBlockers at Walgreens. jj

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