Question:

These are popular wheels, so I’m assuming there is a lot of experience out there.  I’m looking at buying a pair second hand, however I’ve seen a few unfavorable remarks regarding these wheels on the internet lately and in a book on wheel building.  Anyone have personal experience to share before I buy these? good or bad?  thanks.  Most of the issues had to do with wheel durability. — Marc

Response:

These are popular wheels, so I’m assuming there is a lot of experience out there.  I’m looking at buying a pair second hand, however I’ve seen a few unfavorable remarks regarding these wheels on the internet lately and in a book on wheel building.  Anyone have personal experience to share before I buy these? good or bad?  thanks.  Most of the issues had to do with wheel durability.

Never heard anything good about them.  Had a loaner pair for a week (brand new)  They creaked, they had play in the hub out of the box and went out of true by the end of the week, was glad to return them.  For a good, cheap wheelset try velocity deep v’s with dura-ace hubs, have your lbs order them straight from velocity they build a fantastic, incredibly durable wheel. Tim buaidh no bas

Response:

Some compain they wobble at high speeds.  Just wht you don’t want in a decent.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – These are popular wheels, so I’m assuming there is a lot of experience out there.  I’m looking at buying a pair second hand, however I’ve seen a few unfavorable remarks regarding these wheels on the internet lately and in a book on wheel building.  Anyone have personal experience to share before I buy these? good or bad?  thanks.  Most of the issues had to do with wheel durability. — Marc

Response:

Had a pair of Vector Comps for a year. Hit 50+ miles an hour without wobble. No play, no creaks – happy with them – and bullet proof – they have handled London roads without trouble so far. Don’t bother with standard Vectors – cheap hubs and no real gain over a more common wheel config like open Pros on a 105 hub.  Friend has Vector Pros and he hasn’t had any hassle with them either. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some compain they wobble at high speeds.  Just wht you don’t want in a decent. These are popular wheels, so I’m assuming there is a lot of experience out there.  I’m looking at buying a pair second hand, however I’ve seen a few unfavorable remarks regarding these wheels on the internet lately and in a book on wheel building.  Anyone have personal experience to share before I buy these? good or bad?  thanks.  Most of the issues had to do with wheel durability. — Marc

Response:

Never heard anything good about them.  Had a loaner pair for a week (brand new)  They creaked, they had play in the hub out of the box and went out of true by the end of the week, was glad to return them.  For a good, cheap wheelset try velocity deep v’s with dura-ace hubs, have your lbs order them straight from velocity they build a fantastic, incredibly durable wheel.

Hmm.  Not my experience at all. I have a pair of the Pro’s and although I only did ~2000km on them last year I did go through a variety of roads and rough roads, the rim has two deep gouges from dropping into a sewer grate, and they’re still true.  I even hit train tracks hard enough one day to lose the glued crest on my Litespeed.  Admittedly, not a lot of mileage but it got me through IMC fine as well. One thing I’m concerned about is when the wheels get older.  A broken spoke can be catastrophic since I won’t be able to fix it easily. arthur — Unix doesn’t have a monopoly on good ideas, it just owns most of them.     – Alan Cox (http://slashdot.org/features/99/03/04/121242.shtml) Arthur Tateishi

Response:

Had a pair of Vector Comps for a year. Hit 50+ miles an hour without wobble. No play, no creaks – happy with them – and bullet proof – they have handled London roads without trouble so far.

Same here, three years.  They’ve been fine.  That said, I didn’t pay any more for them than for any good entry level wheel.  Like Oakley’s, they’re a nicely made product, but not worth anything near the hyped up market price.

Response:

These are popular wheels, so I’m assuming there is a lot of experience out there.  I’m looking at buying a pair second hand, however I’ve seen a few unfavorable remarks regarding these wheels on the internet lately and in a book on wheel building.  Anyone have personal experience to share before I buy these? good or bad?  thanks.  Most of the issues had to do with wheel durability.

I’ve had a pair of the vector pros for 3 years now with moderate use, and no problems at all. very happy with them. that being said, there is nothing special about them either, and there are more affordable options that are just as light/aero/durable, so i probably would not buy them now (at least not new). buying them used all depends on the price i have no experience with the vectors or vector comps, but my comments about better options elsewhere would probably be even more so for those.

Response:

My brother and I have Vector Pro’s and though they’re not the lightest wheel going they seem pretty much bomb proof… still true after 12-15,000 km – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon These are popular wheels, so I’m assuming there is a lot of experience out there.  I’m looking at buying a pair second hand, however I’ve seen a few unfavorable remarks regarding these wheels on the internet lately and in a book on wheel building.  Anyone have personal experience to share before I buy these? good or bad?  thanks.  Most of the issues had to do with wheel durability. — Marc

Response:

I only have good things to say. I’ve had a set of the Vectors for about a year and half, used them for training only.  They are still true, and the hubs are still rolling along just fine.  Great cheap wheelset.

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My Lemond came with Vector Comps and, for the past 18 months, they have been bomb proof.  I am no lightweight and these things have stayed true through some not so perfect conditions. just my 02 cents, mark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My brother and I have Vector Pro’s and though they’re not the lightest wheel going they seem pretty much bomb proof… still true after 12-15,000 km Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon These are popular wheels, so I’m assuming there is a lot of experience out there.  I’m looking at buying a pair second hand, however I’ve seen a few unfavorable remarks regarding these wheels on the internet lately and in a book on wheel building.  Anyone have personal experience to share before I buy these? good or bad?  thanks.  Most of the issues had to do with wheel durability. — Marc

Response:

I only have good things to say. I’ve had a set of the Vectors for about a year and half, used them for training only.  They are still true, and the hubs are still rolling along just fine.  Great cheap wheelset.

sam www.sambean.com

Response:

Vector pros, new on a new bike last year. About 2 months, needed truing before race, luckily the on-site shop had the special tool required.  Was told Rolf expects mechanics to be certified to work on these wheels before making this tool available. 1 month later rear hub developed a catastrophic failure – enormous crack at the flange, about 1/3 across the hub body (send me email if you want to see photos). Thankfully I found it during a pre-ride check, would have been nasty to have that let go on a fast descent. LBS where I bought the bike replaced the wheel immediately. While there I bought some standard Shimano/Mavic wheels for training, now save the Pros for race day and hilly training. The difference in weight and handling between the Pros and the std wheels is dramatic.  So I still think they’re a great wheel but I check them thoroughly before each ride. Cheers S. Austin

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Question:

Does anyone have any information on the Wendy’s Triathlon (Alum Creek, OH) run course? I’m fairly familiar with the bike course having ridden it a couple of times. But the run course has me confused.  I’ve heard it goes over the top of the dam (is THIS true?) but I can’t see any obvious way to get from the beach area to the dam. If anyone can point me to a map on the net or has personal experience with the course I’d sure like to run it a few times before race day.  (Also, is the swim course typically out and back or parallel to shore?) Thanks. John

Response:

Hi John, I live in Columbus and the swim has always been parallel to shore starting at one point and ending at another (by the transition area).  Runs have always been flat so I wouldn’t worry about the exact route just practice running the distance on a flat course.  The bike has a climb after the damn that is overrated.  Figure perhaps 1 mile of climbing near the end of  the 18.6 mile bike course… if that.  This race is a sprint so if you plan on placing think of it that way, otherwise just relax and enjoy like most of the participants – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any information on the Wendy’s Triathlon (Alum Creek, OH) run course? I’m fairly familiar with the bike course having ridden it a couple of times. But the run course has me confused.  I’ve heard it goes over the top of the dam (is THIS true?) but I can’t see any obvious way to get from the beach area to the dam. If anyone can point me to a map on the net or has personal experience with the course I’d sure like to run it a few times before race day.  (Also, is the swim course typically out and back or parallel to shore?) Thanks. John

Response:

Thanks for the response. I realize this might not seem like a big deal, but one thing I was curious about was whether the run course (or a part of it) takes place on grass. I’ve seen photos of people running for the finish on grass.  Is this the way it normally is?   The reason I ask is I was at the beach area today and most of the non-paved areas were a soggy, rutted, mess.  I do most of my running on asphalt and I’m afraid I’ll break an ankle if I don’t get used to a few bumps under foot. John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi John, I live in Columbus and the swim has always been parallel to shore starting at one point and ending at another (by the transition area).  Runs have always been flat so I wouldn’t worry about the exact route just practice running the distance on a flat course.  The bike has a climb after the damn that is overrated.  Figure perhaps 1 mile of climbing near the end of  the 18.6 mile bike course… if that.  This race is a sprint so if you plan on placing think of it that way, otherwise just relax and enjoy like most of the participants

Response:

John: Last year after the bike transition, the run ended up cutting through a trail path and on to the street (like backtracking to the dam), then running across the walk path the crosses over the dam and another 1/2 mile on the grass.  It was an out and back.   Consider about one-third of the course on grass/trail.  Anyway this what the course was last year.   I don’t know about the last poster, but I find the grade (i.e., the "hill") about 1 mile before the end of the bike course to be quite a heart blaster.   When I’m on my third loop of the course I am generally pushing my HR into the redline on this part of the course. But is not as tough as the Caesar’s Creek bike course. Enjoy the race.   Jim Porco Dublin, Ohio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any information on the Wendy’s Triathlon (Alum Creek, OH) run course? I’m fairly familiar with the bike course having ridden it a couple of times. But the run course has me confused.  I’ve heard it goes over the top of the dam (is THIS true?) but I can’t see any obvious way to get from the beach area to the dam. If anyone can point me to a map on the net or has personal experience with the course I’d sure like to run it a few times before race day.  (Also, is the swim course typically out and back or parallel to shore?) Thanks. John

Response:

Thanks Jim, that answered it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – John: Last year after the bike transition, the run ended up cutting through a trail path and on to the street (like backtracking to the dam), then running across the walk path the crosses over the dam and another 1/2 mile on the grass.  It was an out and back. Consider about one-third of the course on grass/trail.  Anyway this what the course was last year. I don’t know about the last poster, but I find the grade (i.e., the "hill") about 1 mile before the end of the bike course to be quite a heart blaster.   When I’m on my third loop of the course I am generally pushing my HR into the redline on this part of the course. But is not as tough as the Caesar’s Creek bike course. Enjoy the race.   Jim Porco Dublin, Ohio

Response:

Does anyone have any information on the Wendy’s Triathlon (Alum Creek, OH) run course?

It didn’t go over the dam when I did it 2 years ago.  However, if you can find another race to do, you’re better off skipping any UltraFitUSA event. They take a page from Pacific Sports LLC’s playbook (Sheard considers Jack Caress his mentor) and charge 50% more than any other local race organizer and then put on a lousy race.  Odds are Health and Fitness Promotions (hfpracing.com) is putting on a sprint that same weekend, within easy driving distance.  For half the entry fee, you’ll get chip timing, a great course, well organized race, and way better food afterward.

Response:

Question:

Hello, I am looking for a 54-55cm time trial/triathlon bike.  I am looking for newer models with very low mileage on them. Thank you, Joe Braun

Response:

Joe, Give me an idea of what you are looking for and $ amount. I have some new bikes on sale and a good amount of used bikes. Steve’s Multisport  1.610.631.7822 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I am looking for a 54-55cm time trial/triathlon bike.  I am looking for newer models with very low mileage on them. Thank you, Joe Braun

Response:

sir, i have a 1997 qr tequilo,55cm. if interested email me @ (both sets of wheels) Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Question:

If it were truly a lottery, you would not have to submit so much information about yourself in the application.  Face it, the event organizers choose the 150 out of the 3000 or so based upon their written application…its not a lottery at all.

Aloha, Whether you want to belive it or not but ALL 150 lottery slots are selected by computer. Aloha, Tracy Keanaaina Admin. Media Assistant P.S. I should know, I’ve witnessed it being done for the last nine years.

Response:

What is the Passport Club?? Why do they get preference? Wendy

Members of the Passport Club, with an extra $45-50, will be eligible to win those extra slots awarded to  those members only. It’s kind of like placing more quarters on a slot machine in order to get more ways (more "cash lines", in casino terms) to make winning the jackpot a little easier. Anyway, the do have some benefits and discounts on travel and merchandise as well as a quarterly newsletter for members. They also give you a free gift (last year was a licence cover for the car, this year it was a mousepad). Some people do criticize this approach, but since there is a high demand for it, they can virtually do whatever they please. And I’ll take any chance that I can get.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

How well do you write? If it were truly a lottery, you would not have to submit so much information about yourself in the application.  Face it, the event organizers choose the 150 out of the 3000 or so based upon their written application…its not a lottery at all. Now, I really don’t care how they choose the "at large" berths, its their event and they can do as they wish.  But, we should quit calling it a lottery. By the way, my friend Bruce Novkov was chosen this year.  It was his third of fourth try through the "lottery" process and the first year he joined the Passport Club!  What’s another 50 bucks…. On top of that, a local guy just won The Big Game (multi-state lottery) and collected $39 million (from the $106 million jackpot)…it only cost him a dollar. — Rick Loggins – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – of getting a lottery pick for the big IM. 1 in 100, 1000 ? Just curious.

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What a great idea!  I can save 49 dollars.  Next year I will invest a buck in the Big Game.  Then when I win the 39 megabucks I’ll just buy Ironman and let all of my friends in without a lottery. Ray Plotecia Male Amateur, 50-54 Ruxton, MD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How well do you write? If it were truly a lottery, you would not have to submit so much information about yourself in the application.  Face it, the event organizers choose the 150 out of the 3000 or so based upon their written application…its not a lottery at all. Now, I really don’t care how they choose the "at large" berths, its their event and they can do as they wish.  But, we should quit calling it a lottery. By the way, my friend Bruce Novkov was chosen this year.  It was his third of fourth try through the "lottery" process and the first year he joined the Passport Club!  What’s another 50 bucks…. On top of that, a local guy just won The Big Game (multi-state lottery) and collected $39 million (from the $106 million jackpot)…it only cost him a dollar. — Rick Loggins of getting a lottery pick for the big IM. 1 in 100, 1000 ? Just curious.

Response:

The Passport Club clearly boosts your odds of getting selected – just how much depends upon the number of members.

What is the Passport Club?? Why do they get preference? Wendy

Response:

of getting a lottery pick for the big IM. 1 in 100, 1000 ? Just curious. Just finished my first 1/2 IM distance at the vineman.. And a little voice is saying that I could do the full.. Would have to run a lot more. I am a competitive swimmer and have done many open water swims in the last 15 years ( i dont need no wetsuit.  not even for escaping alcatraz  :) .  Have biked many centuries.  Completed my first marathon last Dec in Honolulu.  The thought of doing a marathon in a IM is intimidating. Of course, I should do the full next year.. at the vineman, or maybe the california tri.  But the fascinating part of Triathlon, is that there is such an event as the IM to aspire too… ps. have enjoyed lurking in this newsgroup…. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

The odds are difficult to calculate accurately because of the passport club but here’s my estimate: The WTC says they recieve nearly 3000 lottery entries.  There are two drawings – 100 spots for Passport Club members plus 50 slots for the open lottery (includes PC members who didn’t win the first round).  If everyone signs up for the Passport Club then the odds of getting selected on the first pass are 1:30.   If fewer people join then the odds improve.  The odds of getting in on the open drawing are about 1:58 regardless of the size of the passport club. The Passport Club clearly boosts your odds of getting selected – just how much depends upon the number of members. Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – of getting a lottery pick for the big IM. 1 in 100, 1000 ? Just curious. Just finished my first 1/2 IM distance at the vineman.. And a little voice is saying that I could do the full.. Would have to run a lot more. I am a competitive swimmer and have done many open water swims in the last 15 years ( i dont need no wetsuit.  not even for escaping alcatraz  :) .  Have biked many centuries.  Completed my first marathon last Dec in Honolulu.  The thought of doing a marathon in a IM is intimidating. Of course, I should do the full next year.. at the vineman, or maybe the california tri.  But the fascinating part of Triathlon, is that there is such an event as the IM to aspire too… ps. have enjoyed lurking in this newsgroup…. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Question:

I am a new triathlete and own a heart rate monitor.  I was wondering if anyone could recommend a triathlon training book that is based on heart rate or at least thoroughly covers it,  particularly one that recognizes the different max HRs or AT for the 3 different disciplines. I was at the book store today and browsed through Triathloning for Mortals and The Essential Triathlete by Jonas, a couple by Sally Edwards, Dave Scott’s book, and Scott Tinley’s book.  None of them seemed to  touch on heart rate training so I would really appreciate any recommendations. Thanks in advance, Alex H.

Response:

I am a new triathlete and own a heart rate monitor.  I was wondering if anyone could recommend a triathlon training book that is based on heart rate or at least thoroughly covers it,  particularly one that recognizes the different max HRs or AT for the 3 different disciplines. I was at the book store today and browsed through Triathloning for Mortals and The Essential Triathlete by Jonas, a couple by Sally Edwards, Dave Scott’s book, and Scott Tinley’s book.  None of them seemed to  touch on heart rate training so I would really appreciate any recommendations.

_Training Lactate Pulse Rat_e by Peter Janssen (very deep, maybe a little hard for beginners to interpret) _Training for Endurance_ Philip Maffetone _Lactate Lift-Off_ Owen Anderson Anything by Joe Friel — or check out his website at www.ultrafit.com These various books each give different prescriptions, but altogether you’ll get a good overview of using an HRM.  If you have to limit yourself to just a couple of books, try Friel and Maffetone for a well-rounded picture. JT Visit http://www.jt10000.com/ Cycling, Food and Stories – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks in advance, Alex H.

Response:

I am a new triathlete and own a heart rate monitor.  I was wondering if anyone could recommend a triathlon training book that is based on heart rate or at least thoroughly covers it,  particularly one that recognizes the different max HRs or AT for the 3 different disciplines. I was at the book store today and browsed through Triathloning for Mortals and The Essential Triathlete by Jonas, a couple by Sally Edwards, Dave Scott’s book, and Scott Tinley’s book.  None of them seemed to  touch on heart rate training so I would really appreciate any recommendations. Thanks in advance, Alex H.

  "The Power to Perform" by Jon Ackland is quite good in this respect.  It offers macrophase, microphase, overload training and heartrate zone advice. Also has sample programs for Multisport. rowing, mtb’ing and of course various length tri’s.  I don’t know where you’d get hold of it outside New Zealand

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<<I am a new triathlete and own a heart rate monitor.  I was wondering if anyone could recommend a triathlon training book that is based on heart rate or at least thoroughly covers it, particularly one that recognizes the different max HRs or AT for the 3 different disciplines. See:   http://www.heartzone.com/index.html Sally Edwards has a couple of excellent books entirely about Heart Zone Training, available through this website and perhaps your local bookstore. _Smart Heart_   and  _Heart Zone Training_  are both fine books.  If you have some understanding of the subject already, go for _Smart Heart_.  It has lots of great info, including tests to find your max. Have fun! -Pat (you mean I still have to run when it’s hot outside?) Sobrero,  fledgling sprint tiathlete

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Question:

Mea culpa.  My fingers were cold and I typed 60 rather than 80. It is -minus 30C here in Ottawa.

Surely that would have made you type 50? (think about it (Sorry, couldn’t resist…) Nick — Nick Efford Rothwell Harriers: http://www.runner.u-net.com/harriers/

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English marathoner Jim Peters died yesterday at age 60. More info in the Runner’s Web News page. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site. Voting Booth:www.runnersweb.com/running/rw_vote.html

Response:

English marathoner Jim Peters died yesterday at age 60. More info in the Runner’s Web News page. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site. Voting Booth:www.runnersweb.com/running/rw_vote.html

So when he became a legend at the 1954 Empire Games he was 15 years old ?

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English marathoner Jim Peters died yesterday at age 60.  So when he became a legend at the 1954 Empire Games he was 15 years old ?

The original poster meant Peters was 80 when he died.

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English marathoner Jim Peters died yesterday at age 60.  So when he became a legend at the 1954 Empire Games he was 15 years old ? The original poster meant Peters was 80 when he died.

Mea culpa.  My fingers were cold and I typed 60 rather than 80. It is -minus 30C here in Ottawa. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web A running & triathlon resource site. http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html

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Question:

Heard a rumour that there is a half Ironman Tri in Hawaii some time around May. Anyone have any details?

Response:

The Keahou-Kona Triathlon is on May 30th, on the Big Island. (Much of the same course as Ironman) for more info go to: http://lehua.ilhawaii.net/~kkt/ Augie Calabrese – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Heard a rumour that there is a half Ironman Tri in Hawaii some time around May. Anyone have any details?

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Question:

I will be dayhiking Clouds Rest and Half Dome on Aug 2nd as a practice for Whitney. Which should I do 1st? Ive dayhiked Clouds Rest as a Whitney warm-up last year. I’m thinking we should do Half Dome 1st while its still very early and then go to Clouds Rest. My reasoning is after Half Dome, we almost have to do Clouds Rest because of our egos . If we did Clouds Rest 1st I think it would be easier to forget Half Dome on the way down. As a warm up for the warm up, I’m doing the Kalalau trail on Kauai (again) Many people consider this a tougher dayhike than Whitney. Any thoughts from until recently has always worn cotton, never had a hiking stick, or lightwieght camera gear and feels the urge to buy a mountain bike

Response:

I will be dayhiking Clouds Rest and Half Dome on Aug 2nd as a practice for Whitney. Which should I do 1st? Ive dayhiked Clouds Rest as a Whitney

I’d suggest Mt. Dana, if the snow wasn’t so deep this late in the year. Dana gets you up to 13K+ feet and exercies your lungs.

Response:

If you took up running and swimming and entered a couple triathlons, you wouldn’t have such concerns as which warm-up hike is better.

Youve just entered your 1st triathlon and dont even know what to wear. Dont

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Question:

I know a 1981 vintage Schwin LaTour ain’t exactly a racing machine but I’m doing a quick and dirty triathlon later this summer and need some new tires.   (current ones seem to have gotten some oil on them and are looking really funky) Any suggestions for a tire to get sorta racelike performance? — —

Response:

I know a 1981 vintage Schwin LaTour ain’t exactly a racing machine but I’m doing a quick and dirty triathlon later this summer and need some new tires. (current ones seem to have gotten some oil on them and are looking really funky) Any suggestions for a tire to get sorta racelike performance? — —

        Performance Bike Shop which has stores in the Chicago area, a mail order catalog, and a web site sells 120 lb. inflation 27 x 1 1/4, 27 x 1 1/8, and 27 x 1 inch tires with a kevlar belt for puncture resistance. I did a triathlon yesterday with a vintage 1972 bicycle with a set of them on it.

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Question:

This is actually an excellent schedule for Olympic distance, if you’re quite fit (triathlon fit). Just recognise that these are *training* times, and don’t include warm-up, cool-down + (interval) rests. Ensure you work bang on the pace and you’re home + dry… You don’t need more than 3hrs cycling a week, provided you do the quality say,      2x 0:30 interval agony. … you’ll probably have to do a few more miles to get to this level, however. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Using the "rule of thumb" (train 3 times the race         distance in each week).         Olympic Distance: 1.5 k swim, 25mile bike, 10k run           weekly training:  4.5k swim, 75mile bike, 30k run           weekly training time:          PACE                   TIME swim         1.25 min/100m           0.9375 hr         1.5  min/100m           1.125  hr         2.0  min/100m           1.5    hr bike         25   mph                3    hr         22.5 mph                3.33 hr         20   mph                3.75 hr run         6 min/mile              1.875   hr         7 min/mile              2.1875  hr         8 min/mile              2.5     hr         Taking the slowest of each 7.75 hours/week.         Taking the fastest of each 5.8  hours/week.         You need 6-8 hours per week for olympic distance.

timbo

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        After reading this thread, I feel a lot better about my 12 hours a week. I hope I can increase this over the summer after school, but not at the cost of a miserable, injury prone summer like last year. Average weekly mileage: 7/60/50 kilometers                         4.4/38/31 miles         Obviously the cycling needs the most improvement, but I can only sit on the stationary bike for so long. The weather is getting much better, so I hope to get on the road with greater frequency. Fortunately, cycling is my stronger sport, and I have no problem pounding out the miles. David Barclay IMC 1997 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

Response:

Using the "rule of thumb" (train 3 times the race         distance in each week).         Olympic Distance: 1.5 k swim, 25mile bike, 10k run           weekly training:  4.5k swim, 75mile bike, 30k run

…         You need 6-8 hours per week for olympic distance.

Is this a rule of thumb to "get-you-round", to get you faster? I guess I do about 12-14 hours a week at the moment and am a middle-of-the-pack age grouper on olympic distances. Would I get quicker if I did less training? regards

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: I know if I tried 7.2/336/78 a week I would breakdown. Please let’s see : some training schedules for mere mortals. If you’re just in the game to finish, I think riding 1x the race distance is enough for an ironman.  That would be 2.4/112/26.2 each week.  Last year, I averaged 2.5/62/10 and finished just fine.  It wasn’t fast, but I finished. This year, I’m averaging much closer to the race distance and expect to finish reasonably strong.  For me, I’m finding I can tolerate about 2.4/150/25 and not break down.  Everyone’s different though. —

My training last year for IMC consisted of approx 10k/200/45. This was probably the peak week.  The most important thing is the run.  My focus was on the long runs.  Reach your peak mileage quite a while before the race and try to do it for a couple of weeks.  If you blow on the run, it can change your time by an hour or more. (fyi, my time was 10:12) John (no long stuff for me this year… unless…:-) ) K.

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See the last 2 issues of Triathlete Mag for realistic guides Paul IronBut Crowther

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The "rule of thumb" should allow you to perform "at a high level" (which i would consider to be above 98% of your personal potential in the event).  To perform at a "reasonable level" (90-95% of your potential), then train 2 times the race distance each week.   I have not read anything or have experience relating training effort to personal potential at levels lower than this amount. Thus, to perform well (95%) you would need (see below) 4-5.5 hours per week for olympic distance.   You might notice that to go from 90-95% to 98% (a 3-8% increase in speed) the training time increases by a factor of 1.5!!! To go from 98% to 99% another factor of 1.5 is needed!!! Here’s what that means:         Race Time       Race Time       Race Time                       95% of max      98% of max      99% of max               training        training        training         4-5.5 h/wk      6-8 h/wk        9-12 h/wk         2:00            1:56            1:55         2:15            2:11            2:10         2:30            2:25            2:24 So, if you’re doing 2:15 on 4-5.5hrs training per week.   Increasing your traing to 6-8hrs will give you 4 minutes then increasing further to 9-12 hrs will only give you 1 more minute. -rjh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Using the "rule of thumb" (train 3 times the race         distance in each week).         Olympic Distance: 1.5 k swim, 25mile bike, 10k run           weekly training:  4.5k swim, 75mile bike, 30k run           weekly training time:          PACE                   TIME swim         1.25 min/100m           0.9375 hr         1.5  min/100m           1.125  hr         2.0  min/100m           1.5    hr bike         25   mph                3    hr         22.5 mph                3.33 hr         20   mph                3.75 hr run         6 min/mile              1.875   hr         7 min/mile              2.1875  hr         8 min/mile              2.5     hr         Taking the slowest of each 7.75 hours/week.         Taking the fastest of each 5.8  hours/week.         You need 6-8 hours per week for olympic distance.

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: This is hard to admit to, given that I spend an hour a week on this : newsgroup, but my training so far in 1997 – which is pretty average for me : over the past three years – averages 4.5 hours a week. My typical workout : session is 60 minutes. That’s actual training, not just getting dressed, : etc. So I train three times 60 minutes, and once for 90. My long ride : rarely cracks two hours. My long run never cracks 90 minutes. My long swim : is 2,000 meters. No time for weights. Last year, at the end of the season, I added up my totals, and came up with a season average of just about 6 hrs/wk.  Obviously enough to finish an ironman since I did, but that’s about all. So far this year, I’m averaging about 11 hrs/wk.  My times seem to be getting a little faster, but not much… : So I got to thinking, is it fair that Clydesdales get their own division? : NO! They just were born big. How about a division for the : training-impaired? People with three kids, two car payments, a mortgage, How about a division for the chronically genetically-impared?  ;-)  I think I could train 15-20 hrs/week and still never be very fast.  Not too sure what more I could do… TriWhoever, wondering if sub-12:00 at IMC is really possible this year… — Jason Mayfield, Arlington VA Kona is not my mission, it is my DESTINY! 138 Days Until Ironman Canada ‘97 193 Days Until Fulfilment of DESTINY!

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The result? 1:16 for a sprint (1K swim, 20K bike, 5K run) and about 2:25-2:30 Olympic, depending on the day. So I got to thinking, is it fair that Clydesdales get their own division? NO! They just were born big. How about a division for the training-impaired? People with three kids, two car payments, a mortgage, self-employed, Boy Scouts, Little League, etc., etc., etc. to deal with. I am proud to find nearly 5 hours a week to train. So what I’m in the middle of the pack. But it would be fun would be to force everyone to train the same amount of time, then see how fast they go.

I did a "Du" a couple of years ago that had a "2 kids, carpayement, mortgage division.  The guy who won it was still fast.

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I think that the trick is to be successful (whatever that means for you) with as little time spent training as possible by being efficient.

Of course it all depends on your goals. Personally, I enjoy the training every bit as much as the racing. Each has their own joys, kind of like the main course and the dessert. If someone gave me a magic wand and said if you wave this you can do well at races and only train one hour a week, I wouldn’t do it. Most of us spend 10:1, even as much as 100:1 ratio of training:racing hours, so you had better enjoy the training! However, put another way, given the amount of training that you want to/are able to do, would all of us like to do better at races? I sure would! Steve Patt Stevens Creek Software/The Athlete’s Bookstore   http://www.stevenscreek.com

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I would even go further: I use the races as an excuse to train and a goal as to what I want to achieve. Comes raceday I hate it!

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my week: monday: swim 1 h – aerob tuesday: bike 3 h – aerob wednesday: run 1 h – 1k fast (aerob-anaerob),0,4k trot — 10-15 times thursday: bike 3 h – aerob friday: swim 30 min aerob-anaerob + 30 min aerob saturday: bike 2 h – aerob           circle-training: 10 stations/30-30 sec intervall/2-3 rounds sunday: run like wednesday Heinz Europe/Austria/Styria/Graz

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Using the "rule of thumb" (train 3 times the race         distance in each week).         Olympic Distance: 1.5 k swim, 25mile bike, 10k run           weekly training:  4.5k swim, 75mile bike, 30k run           weekly training time:          PACE                   TIME swim                     1.25 min/100m           0.9375 hr         1.5  min/100m           1.125  hr         2.0  min/100m           1.5    hr     bike         25   mph                3    hr         22.5 mph                3.33 hr         20   mph                3.75 hr run         6 min/mile              1.875   hr         7 min/mile              2.1875  hr         8 min/mile              2.5     hr         Taking the slowest of each 7.75 hours/week.         Taking the fastest of each 5.8  hours/week.         You need 6-8 hours per week for olympic distance.

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Using the "rule of thumb" (train 3 times the race         distance in each week).

What if I am training for an IM distance?  I don’t have the time to do 7.2/336/78 a week.  (I figure it would take me 35+ hours a week) -Eric

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Using the "rule of thumb" (train 3 times the race         distance in each week). What if I am training for an IM distance?  I don’t have the time to do 7.2/336/78 a week.  (I figure it would take me 35+ hours a week) -Eric

I know if I tried 7.2/336/78 a week I would breakdown. Please let’s see some training schedules for mere mortals. Steve

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: I know if I tried 7.2/336/78 a week I would breakdown. Please let’s see : some training schedules for mere mortals. If you’re just in the game to finish, I think riding 1x the race distance is enough for an ironman.  That would be 2.4/112/26.2 each week.  Last year, I averaged 2.5/62/10 and finished just fine.  It wasn’t fast, but I finished. This year, I’m averaging much closer to the race distance and expect to finish reasonably strong.  For me, I’m finding I can tolerate about 2.4/150/25 and not break down.  Everyone’s different though. — Jason Mayfield, Arlington VA Kona is not my mission, it is my DESTINY! 132 Days Until Ironman Canada ‘97 187 Days Until Fulfilment of DESTINY!

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My friends and I were discussing how many hours of training we put in a week.  We consider actual training to be hours of swimming, biking, and running only.  Any other hours spent lifting weights, stretching, abs, etc. would be hours we would put in anyway during the off-season. What do you guys think?  How many hours per week and what is your approximate 1.5K/40K/10K finishing time?   We ranged from 12 hours per week to 22 AND typical finish times for the international distance did relate to the higher trained athlete (read: obsessed).   Rick   See Rock City! Rick Loggins Chattanooga, TN

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And how many people inflate their training hours? Some people can train very efficiently so that each mile counts (or minute) and others do something every day even if it is junk and call it training.  I think that the trick is to be successful (whatever that means for you) with as little time spent training as possible by being efficient. I will run the legs off of many people who "train" a lot more than I do because I train "smarter" not necessarily longer or harder —whatever harder means! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My friends and I were discussing how many hours of training we put in a week.  We consider actual training to be hours of swimming, biking, and running only.  Any other hours spent lifting weights, stretching, abs, etc. would be hours we would put in anyway during the off-season. What do you guys think?  How many hours per week and what is your approximate 1.5K/40K/10K finishing time?   We ranged from 12 hours per week to 22 AND typical finish times for the international distance did relate to the higher trained athlete (read: obsessed).   Rick   See Rock City! Rick Loggins Chattanooga, TN

Sam Callan I hate the "Zone" and I hate the fat burning myth! Just so you know where I stand!

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This is hard to admit to, given that I spend an hour a week on this newsgroup, but my training so far in 1997 – which is pretty average for me over the past three years – averages 4.5 hours a week. My typical workout session is 60 minutes. That’s actual training, not just getting dressed, etc. So I train three times 60 minutes, and once for 90. My long ride rarely cracks two hours. My long run never cracks 90 minutes. My long swim is 2,000 meters. No time for weights. The result? 1:16 for a sprint (1K swim, 20K bike, 5K run) and about 2:25-2:30 Olympic, depending on the day. So I got to thinking, is it fair that Clydesdales get their own division? NO! They just were born big. How about a division for the training-impaired? People with three kids, two car payments, a mortgage, self-employed, Boy Scouts, Little League, etc., etc., etc. to deal with. I am proud to find nearly 5 hours a week to train. So what I’m in the middle of the pack. But it would be fun would be to force everyone to train the same amount of time, then see how fast they go. But now that I think of it, the robable result for me: middle of the pack. Sigh . . . Brian Sullivan

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This is hard to admit to, given that I spend an hour a week on this newsgroup, but my training so far in 1997 – which is pretty average for me over the past three years – averages 4.5 hours a week. My typical workout session is 60 minutes. That’s actual training, not just getting dressed, etc. So I train three times 60 minutes, and once for 90. My long ride rarely cracks two hours. My long run never cracks 90 minutes. My long swim is 2,000 meters. No time for weights. Brian Sullivan

I think I’m in the same training league as Brian.  Average weekly training time is probably between five and six hours: 3 on the bike, 1 swimming, maybe 1.5 running.  I would love to do more, but after jobs, family, and housework (and a bit of sleep), there’s not a lot of free time left.  Long workouts get scheduled on the spot, when I happen to have the time for them.  I used to run marathons and ride in ultramarathon bike events when I was in college, but I don’t think I’ve even had a 50 mile ride in the last two years (that is, since my son was born). I usually manage to finish in the top 10 percent of my age group, and I’ve often wondered how much time the others around me are investing in training, and how my performance would change if I doubled my training time.  I also have wondered whether more systematic training (heart rate monitor, a strict training plan, etc. — none of which I use at present) would make a big difference for me.  So far, I’ve only used a simple two-phase approach (base building for 12 weeks in the spring, then add in some interval workouts) in all three disciplines. – Hauke —      *  Dr. Hauke L. Kite-Powell                    *        *  Research Specialist                         *        *  Marine Policy Center (MS 41)                *        *  Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution        *        *  Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543-1138 USA    *        *  phone 508-289-2938, fax 508-457-2184        *        *  http://www.whoi.edu/mpcweb/                 *  

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