Question:

Don’t overlook the possibility that its farther up north than in the shoes. It could be the saddle compressing a nerve. For some reason, the sciatic comes to mind ,grin. It could be as simple as seat adjustment, perhaps you are too high in the saddle and reaching too far. Maybe the saddle just doesn’t fit you. I’m not saying that it is the problem, but it surely could be, and is often completely overlooked for foot tingling and pain. Of course, it could just be that your shoes are too tight. Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a problem with my cycling that I was hoping someone would have some advice on. Whenever I ride, the balls of my feet and toes rapidly go numb, as from a cutting off of circulation. This usually doesn’t cause serious problems for my biking, but when I try to make the transition to running, my feet feel like numb stumps! It’s difficult to get shoes on, and then running is very difficult. It takes several minutes for feeling to return to my feet after this happens. I ride with Look compatible pedals and shoes. Any idea on what I can do to fix this problem? Please let me know. Thanks. Sincerely, Will Green

Response:

I have a problem with my cycling that I was hoping someone would have some advice on. Whenever I ride, the balls of my feet and toes rapidly go numb, as from a cutting off of circulation. This usually doesn’t cause serious problems for my biking, but when I try to make the transition to running, my feet feel like numb stumps! It’s difficult to get shoes on, and then running is very difficult. It takes several minutes for feeling to return to my feet after this happens. I ride with Look compatible pedals and shoes. Any idea on what I can do to fix this problem? Please let me know. Thanks. Sincerely, Will Green

Shoes too tight? I get this problem in the winter (it’s summer here, whoppee!).  The cold air going through my shoes is the problem – all that air flow to keep the feet cool sure works!  I got some Lycra socklike thingies that go over the shoe and that solved the problem. Cheers Jeff — Jeff Cook At work: Phone: +64-9-424 5388 At home: Phone: +64-9-424 0336

Response:

I find that if I pull the rachet too tight on my shoes I experience the same thing. Try loosening it up a notch or two. Your foot may move around a bit more, but you’ll feel the blood flow a lot better. Or at least you should. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Organization: Concentric Internet Services Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon I have a problem with my cycling that I was hoping someone would have some advice on. Whenever I ride, the balls of my feet and toes rapidly go numb, as from a cutting off of circulation. This usually doesn’t cause serious problems for my biking, but when I try to make the transition to running, my feet feel like numb stumps! It’s difficult to get shoes on, and then running is very difficult. It takes several minutes for feeling to return to my feet after this happens. I ride with Look compatible pedals and shoes. Any idea on what I can do to fix this problem? Please let me know. Thanks. Sincerely, Will Green

Response:

I have a problem with my cycling that I was hoping someone would have some advice on. Whenever I ride, the balls of my feet and toes rapidly go numb, as from a cutting off of circulation. This usually doesn’t cause serious problems for my biking, but when I try to make the transition to running, my feet feel like numb stumps! It’s difficult to get shoes on, and then running is very difficult. It takes several minutes for feeling to return to my feet after this happens. I ride with Look compatible pedals and shoes. Any idea on what I can do to fix this problem? Please let me know. Thanks. Sincerely, Will Green

Response:

A few things. Any shoe insert usually does the trick. The ones that come with the shoes offer minimal support. Check the cleat. U may try moving it a bit forward or back to get off the ball of your foot. Also, try another pair of shoes. Hope that helps – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a problem with my cycling that I was hoping someone would have some advice on. Whenever I ride, the balls of my feet and toes rapidly go numb, as from a cutting off of circulation. This usually doesn’t cause serious problems for my biking, but when I try to make the transition to running, my feet feel like numb stumps! It’s difficult to get shoes on, and then running is very difficult. It takes several minutes for feeling to return to my feet after this happens. I ride with Look compatible pedals and shoes. Any idea on what I can do to fix this problem? Please let me know. Thanks. Sincerely, Will Green

Response:

Question:

Get the Stinger…..sounds like a great wheel.. sam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Steve, what model is the "Hed CX"?  I see it mentioned everywhere except the Hed website!  Is it an old model name?  What would be the current model equivalent? I think it’s known as the Hed Aero now.

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Response:

Anyone out there riding on or have tested the crosswinds??? Interested in your thoughts about them… Feel, weight, cornering stability, cross wind handling??? They sound great in the ads, have credible athletes riding them, but at $1,100 a set, it’s a real leap of faith to expect people to order them direct without test driving them. thanks in advance. gw

Response:

If you get them you can kiss your brake pads good bye.  In my opinion, the Nimbles are fast, but not worth the extra jack.  You can get some Hed3s for $400 less (although you don’t get skewers or a wheelbag with the Heds), or you could pick up some used Specialized trispokes for even less money. Either way you’d go *almost* as fast.  But then again, the Nimbles are nice… salud, Matt

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone out there riding on or have tested the crosswinds??? Interested in your thoughts about them… Feel, weight, cornering stability, cross wind handling??? They sound great in the ads, have credible athletes riding them, but at $1,100 a set, it’s a real leap of faith to expect people to order them direct without test driving them. thanks in advance. gw

Response:

Great wheels….just get some Corima brake blocks……. sam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you get them you can kiss your brake pads good bye.  In my opinion, the Nimbles are fast, but not worth the extra jack.  You can get some Hed3s for $400 less (although you don’t get skewers or a wheelbag with the Heds), or you could pick up some used Specialized trispokes for even less money. Either way you’d go *almost* as fast.  But then again, the Nimbles are nice… salud, Matt Anyone out there riding on or have tested the crosswinds??? Interested in your thoughts about them… Feel, weight, cornering stability, cross wind handling??? They sound great in the ads, have credible athletes riding them, but at $1,100 a set, it’s a real leap of faith to expect people to order them direct without test driving them. thanks in advance. gw

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Response:

Anyone out there riding on or have tested the crosswinds??? Interested in your thoughts about them… Feel, weight, cornering stability, cross wind handling??? They sound great in the ads, have credible athletes riding them, but at $1,100 a set, it’s a real leap of faith to expect people to order them direct without test driving them. thanks in advance. gw

I love the wheels. I currently race on them and are definitely responsive and fast. Although there is still some play on the crosswinds, it is much less than any of the deep rim type wheels out there (you’ll never get these type of wheels to match regular spoked wheels on play on crosswinds anyway). If you have the money, buy them.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMCAL, IMC Y2K IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

Anyone out there riding on or have tested the crosswinds???

Rode them all last year. They sound great in the ads, have credible athletes riding them,

I attribute all the above, not necessarily to the fact that they make the best product – they might.  But I think they have an incredible marketing machine and ABSOLUTELY the BEST customer service I have encountered in the bicycle industry.  They are the Nordstroms of cycling – once I posted a problem about my nimbles on the ng – I received a call the next day from one of their technical advisors. These guys are top notch – no question. Maybe there are better wheels avaliable – maybe a Lew, Zipp, HED, or Corima is more aerodynamic, weighs less, or has better stickers, but I guarantee that you will not deal with a better company in the cycling industry. As for the actual effectiveness of the product, I dunno – but the guys at nimble are all very knowledgable and would be happy to speak with you at length. (from my experience anyway) -deja_phranc (please forgive the spelling) Before you buy.

Response:

They are perfectly named.  The crosswind will not blow you around.  They are worth every penny.  I have raced on them now for two seasons.  Definitely get corima brake pads in case you ever race in the rain. Emilio De Soto II www.desotosport.com       "The triathlon clothing company" www.tribuy.com               "buy and sell your own triathlon gear " Email me for a De Soto Sport free catalog

Response:

Curious as to why different brake pads are needed? Increased friction? Thanks–Jason – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They are perfectly named.  The crosswind will not blow you around.  They are worth every penny.  I have raced on them now for two seasons.  Definitely get corima brake pads in case you ever race in the rain.

Response:

The carbon braking surface eats up rubber pads a little how much braking are you doing in a race/with race wheels?? sam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Curious as to why different brake pads are needed? Increased friction? Thanks–Jason They are perfectly named.  The crosswind will not blow you around.  They are worth every penny.  I have raced on them now for two seasons.  Definitely get corima brake pads in case you ever race in the rain.

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Response:

I found the nimbles to lack lateral stiffness and were in fact a bit touchy when cornering. I never did get the cajones to dive them in or out of corners, fear took over. While they are a nice light and aero wheel, I think there are many other wheels out there that offer very comparible beneficial qualities without compromises. I particularly like the Thermo Electric Alloy coating (alloy braking surface) of the x-treme wheels. Then again, Corima’s are pretty darn sweet too… Grant – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone out there riding on or have tested the crosswinds??? Interested in your thoughts about them… Feel, weight, cornering stability, cross wind handling??? They sound great in the ads, have credible athletes riding them, but at $1,100 a set, it’s a real leap of faith to expect people to order them direct without test driving them. thanks in advance. gw

Response:

Here’s my opinion. If you believe the hype, buy them. I personally got a chance to ride them. Nice, but not $1100 nice. $700-$800 you can get an awesome set from Zipp or Hed, and save the $ for a coach who can teach you how to actually ride correctly. That makes more sense to me. My team members race exclusively with Hed CX wheels and I still think for the $, you can’t beat them. Steve’s Multisport

Steve, what model is the "Hed CX"?  I see it mentioned everywhere except the Hed website!  Is it an old model name?  What would be the current model equivalent? Thanks,

Response:

Steve, what model is the "Hed CX"?  I see it mentioned everywhere except the Hed website!  Is it an old model name?  What would be the current model equivalent?

I think it’s known as the Hed Aero now.

Response:

Thanks for the web site. They claim that "At 94 grams at 25 mph, it has the lowest total head-on drag measured on a commercially available wheel."  However, the figure above this claim shows the Specialized wheel to have 94 grams of drag and the Nimble to have 84 grams. So there is an error somewhere, but which way? Are they claiming that the Specialized is the best but no longer commercially available (now made by Hed)? Regardless of which direction the error, it is clear that they are not thorough in their proofing and somehow that fact does not make me confident in their data. Also, most good aero wheels exhibit reduced drag (or sail effect) in cross winds, but they report only head-on data. The "side wind" data they report is only side force, not force in the direction of travel. Really seems like a selective presentation of data to me.

Agreed Jim. That was why I  mentioned the lack of references on the website, because statistics can be skewed to favor one side. At least, if I can get the whole report, at least I have all the data necessary to form my own statistics. Anyway, I do have the wheels and they do feel very nice, even in windy conditions. I cannot fairly judge how they are against Specialized or other types because I haven’t ridden the others before. Is it worth the money? I don’t really know. I wonder if there are other publicised reports from a neutral source that compares these wheels against the others?                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMCAL, IMC Y2K IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

Thanks for the web site. They claim that "At 94 grams at 25 mph, it has the lowest total head-on drag measured on a commercially available wheel."  However, the figure above this claim shows the Specialized wheel to have 94 grams of drag and the Nimble to have 84 grams. So there is an error somewhere, but which way? Are they claiming that the Specialized is the best but no longer commercially available (now made by Hed)? Regardless of which direction the error, it is clear that they are not thorough in their proofing and somehow that fact does not make me confident in their data. Also, most good aero wheels exhibit reduced drag (or sail effect) in cross winds, but they report only head-on data. The "side wind" data they report is only side force, not force in the direction of travel. Really seems like a selective presentation of data to me. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.nimble.net . Click on the "technology" button to get there.

Response:

Here’s my opinion. If you believe the hype, buy them. I personally got a chance to ride them. Nice, but not $1100 nice. $700-$800 you can get an awesome set from Zipp or Hed, and save the $ for a coach who can teach you how to actually ride correctly. That makes more sense to me. My team members race exclusively with Hed CX wheels and I still think for the $, you can’t beat them. Steve’s Multisport – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone out there riding on or have tested the crosswinds??? Interested in your thoughts about them… Feel, weight, cornering stability, cross wind handling??? They sound great in the ads, have credible athletes riding them, but at $1,100 a set, it’s a real leap of faith to expect people to order them direct without test driving them. thanks in advance. gw

Response:

You can get some Hed3s for $400 less (although you don’t get skewers or a wheelbag with the Heds), or you could pick up some used Specialized trispokes for even less money. Either way you’d go *almost* as fast.

Why do you say this? Do you have wind tunnel data showing that the nimbles are lower in drag than the other wheels you mentioned? Curious, Jim

Response:

Why do you say this? Do you have wind tunnel data showing that the nimbles are lower in drag than the other wheels you mentioned? Curious, Jim

Well, they do have wind tunnel data shown on their website on one of the wheels mentioned above although there are no references mentioned at the end where they actually published the report. They show it on their website http://www.nimble.net . Click on the "technology" button to get there.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMCAL, IMC Y2K IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

Question:

I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a reasonable alternative. Thanks

Response:

Skating or classic length? I’m a neophyte inliner/skater and have thought about using poles for balance. Phil

| | | Anyone use inline skating with ski-sticks? | | I’ve trained hard this winter with them, I think they’re wonderful. | | Paul | | No, but I have used inline skating to get out of training for at least | four weeks! | | Tom "Broken wrist" Henderson |

| | I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some | or most of | their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much | running, but am | reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be | a | reasonable alternative. | | Thanks | | |

Response:

I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a reasonable alternative. Thanks

FWIW a friend of mine, who used to run as badly as I did, came back one season and started to smoke me, regularly. I asked if he had put in a lot of miles running in the off seasona dn he said no, he started inline. Evidently he liked it,  got good at it, etc. But in all actuality he probably improved more since he spent more time out there because he enjoyed it! There by improving his Al Kormesser

Response:

    I have been Inline Speedskating for ten years while taking up Triathlon the last two years.  I can say that Speedskaters are notorious for being hapless runners.  A fully trained Speedskater, who rarely runs, can find themselves quite sore the next day from running only a mile or so.  On the other hand, I feel that skating fitness overall can be pretty high and seems to be a better crossover for cycling.  There are plenty of Speedskaters who supplement their training with cycling.  After learning to swim, biking and regular running,  my skating has improved tremendously.  As far as your back is concerned,  good skating form can sometimes cause a sore lower back.  You can still skate with a more upright stance.  If you are unable to run on a regular basis, I suppose any alternative exercise is better than none.  The really good point about skating is that it has very little if any impact on your knees.  That lack of impact is what causes most Speedskaters to suffer at running. Sincerely, Rick Swanger

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a reasonable alternative. Thanks FWIW a friend of mine, who used to run as badly as I did, came back one season and started to smoke me, regularly. I asked if he had put in a lot of miles running in the off seasona dn he said no, he started inline. Evidently he liked it,  got good at it, etc. But in all actuality he probably improved more since he spent more time out there because he enjoyed it! There by improving his Al Kormesser

Response:

No, but I have used inline skating to get out of training for at least four weeks! Tom "Broken wrist" Henderson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a reasonable alternative. Thanks

Response:

Anyone use inline skating with ski-sticks? I’ve trained hard this winter with them, I think they’re wonderful. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, but I have used inline skating to get out of training for at least four weeks! Tom "Broken wrist" Henderson I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a reasonable alternative. Thanks

Response:

Steve Young (S.F. 49ers) used inline skating as an off-season training aid, and had a horrible knee injury that year.  He mentioned that training should use the same muscles, motion, etc. that you’ll use in your actual sport. Kinda off the "tri" beaten path I know, but one that I’ve ascribed to for years without serious injury.  You might want to find something (i.e. running in the pool) that mimics the road running mechanics.  And remember, cycling helps the running…. Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a reasonable alternative. Thanks

Response:

I started using inline skating last year to try and get back some leg strength whilst not being able to run properly worked great, and still does. I am heading in for an operation shortly and have stopped all training except some swimming and blading and I noticed on a small ride the other day that I had not lost much strength but did lack the fitness compared to when you keep running and don’t ride. Take a look at Salamon Sports inline skates. http://www.salamonsports.com Lloyd Lloyd — Curloo Bicycles web:          http://www.curloo.com                   http://www.deewal.com associate:  http://www.elitebicycles.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a reasonable alternative. Thanks

Response:

I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a reasonable alternative.

I can’t say that I use inline instead of running (I don’t run). Actually, I use cycling to cross train for inline racing. Inline is extremely low impact (unless you fall), but requires much more technique than either running or cycling. I’ve seen established inliners pick up cycling and running, and do quite well relative to the converse (runners or cyclists picking up inlining). In anycase, it’s a great sport. Just make sure you invest in some good skates. Anything under $150 is probably junk. Steve Dannenbaum

Response:

I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a reasonable alternative.

        Well, given the increased efficiency, to get the same workout you would from running, you’d have to achieve speeds where the slightest mistake would leave you little more than a red smear on the roadway.           Of course, that could make you faster, too – "Flight call, I can’t hold it; she’s breaking up, breaking up CCCCRRRRRUUUUUNNNNNCCCCHHHHH!!! RLIrwin, triathlete, a man barely alive.  We can rebuild him; we can make him better than he was – better, stronger, faster…"

Response:

AFAIK the muscles used by inlining are those used in cycling more than running. If you do the "racing crouch" it will also hit your back muscles. What is the nature of your back problem? Phil

| I was curious if anyone used inline skating as a substitute for some or most of | their run training.  I have a bad back and can’t tolerate much running, but am | reluctant to give up triatlons completely.  Wondered if this might be a | reasonable alternative. | | Thanks

Response:

As a former ice speedskater (from whence in-line skating came), I can tell you that in-line skating is great training for biking.  I’m sure it helps running (just as bking helps running), but you are basically strengthening the quads, which have the greatest impact on biking. After Eric Heiden won all the gold medals as a speedskater, he retired and then won the US pro cycling championship.  The training/talent transferred directly.  DeDe DeMet (s.p.?), Connie Carpenter and others are pro cyclists who started as speedskaters. When I was a speedskater I used to ride in the summer to keep in shape.  That’s what got me into triathlon.  I got tired of freezing in ice rinks all weekend. (Now I just freeze outside doing my long runs!) –Lee Crumbaugh (Tri-Hard)

Response:

Question:

I just have let everyone know how happy I was with the comfort and performance of my De Soto Powersuit at Ironman Canada.  I had raced in the one piece before, but never at that distance.  I had some concerns knowing that I would have to get out of the suit at some point during the day (probably more than once).  Well, the suit worked great.  It was extremely comfortable and zipping in and out of it was no problem.  It held up great over 13 hours and never moved on me at all.  This is simply the best fitting, best performing, most comfortable, & best looking garment I have ever raced or trained in.  Emilio if I wasn’t such a flaming heterosexual, I’d kiss you! Gary McMurtrey Inland Inferno Triathlon Club http://members.aol.com/infernotri/home.htm

Response:

Kiss me anyway Gary.  I am Cuban and it is culturally acceptable! Emilio <<Emilio if I wasn’t such a flaming heterosexual, I’d kiss you! Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

Question:

And Emilio, if you would like to send me someof your clothing to try out, I’d

be delighted. And I will reportback to this newsgroup! Well….I did wear a pair of the new DeSoto Trishorts this past Sunday and liked ‘em alot….good length for me, dried quickly, nice minimal bike pad which was a help. Matched it with a Pearl Izumi tri-singlet.  That Pearl stuff is great gear as well.  Also saw some RnH gear on a few folks which looked nice. All in all it’s nice to have these choices all of a sudden! Best, Mark

Response:

Gerard,  Thanks for your reply and I want to first say I respect your opinion. I did not say I am THE ONLY ONE LOYAL TO THE SPORT.  Please read what I wrote carefully.  I know the guys from Rip-N-Hammer and we get along quite well for your information.  They do make a nice product and I never talk bad about them. With regard to your opinion about clothing, that is great, it is your opinion. You are entitled to write anything on the internet, it is your first amendment right, and mine too. Also you may want to notice my first sentence.  It says "Dave, ask me what you want in particular and I will be happy to personally assist you in finding the right garment for you, whether is a De Soto Sport garment or another brand." I was not trying to sell just my brand, I was trying to help this guy find the right garment.  Get it? If you notice I did not say De SotoSport was the best either.  This is a comparison that only someone who has used both can say which is better and, even then, it is their opinion only.  What works for one person does not work for another, that is the spirit of competition in business.  For instance I have ridden Cervelo frames and I still prefer QR.  In my opinion they rule! That is my opinion. I do not expect everyone to buy De Soto, nor would I want that.  I was just offering some help in an area I feel I am qualified to do so. I hope to meet you in person sometime.  This is a small industry and everyone involved is really nice.  I am sure you will find me to be as nice I as I will find you to be!   Take care and stay fit. Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

I haven’t seen the original thread but I would like to comment on DeSoto products and business practices. IMHO DeSoto sports clothing rules and I’ve been in the sport long enough to have tried clothing from a variety of manufacturers. Additionally, Emilio and his staff will bend over backwards to ensure you are happy with his products. I put DeSoto Sports in the same category as QR in terms of customer satisfaction. And it stands to reason. Both Dan and Emilio are both tri-geeks and probably have a better understanding of just what the tri community needs in terms of equipment and particularly in terms of customer service. Cheers, Bernie Sher – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gerard,  Thanks for your reply and I want to first say I respect your opinion. I did not say I am THE ONLY ONE LOYAL TO THE SPORT.  Please read what I wrote carefully.  I know the guys from Rip-N-Hammer and we get along quite well for your information.  They do make a nice product and I never talk bad about them. With regard to your opinion about clothing, that is great, it is your opinion. You are entitled to write anything on the internet, it is your first amendment right, and mine too. Also you may want to notice my first sentence.  It says "Dave, ask me what you want in particular and I will be happy to personally assist you in finding the right garment for you, whether is a De Soto Sport garment or another brand." I was not trying to sell just my brand, I was trying to help this guy find the right garment.  Get it? If you notice I did not say De SotoSport was the best either.  This is a comparison that only someone who has used both can say which is better and, even then, it is their opinion only.  What works for one person does not work for another, that is the spirit of competition in business.  For instance I have ridden Cervelo frames and I still prefer QR.  In my opinion they rule! That is my opinion. I do not expect everyone to buy De Soto, nor would I want that.  I was just offering some help in an area I feel I am qualified to do so. I hope to meet you in person sometime.  This is a small industry and everyone involved is really nice.  I am sure you will find me to be as nice I as I will find you to be! Take care and stay fit. Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

Is anyone out there wearing RnH’s Formula 1 singlet & multi-short? Do you like them?  How do they compare to DeSoto’s garments? Both are a little pricing for ~3 oz. of material, so I’d like to hear from some people who use ‘em. Thanks, Dave

Response:

Dave, ask me what you want in particular and I will be happy to personally assist you in finding the right garment for you, whether is a De Soto Sport garment or another brand. One thing you should know about ours is that if you are not completely satisfied with anything you buy from De Soto Sport’s catalog we will give you your money back. Also you will not find the owner of any other clothing company competing in triathlons and answering your postings in this newsgroup. We are close the sport. Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dave, ask me what you want in particular and I will be happy to personally assist you in finding the right garment for you, whether is a De Soto Sport garment or another brand. One thing you should know about ours is that if you are not completely satisfied with anything you buy from De Soto Sport’s catalog we will give you your money back. Also you will not find the owner of any other clothing company competing in triathlons and answering your postings in this newsgroup. We are close the sport. Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Emilio: Nothing personal, but why pretend you are the only one loyal to the sport? While not all triathlon companies are on-line, this doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t into the sport. RnH is a small company run by three triathletes (they all have several Ironman races under their belt), so I think they are loyal to the sport. They are at a lot of races, but maybe at different races than you (which is not surprising as they are located at the other side of the continent from you). If anybody wants information regarding any clothing from the manufacturer, I am sure they can contact that manufacturer. For RnH, that would be by using their toll-free number (1800-663-6757). I presume this poster was looking for (unbiased) info from customers, which is obviously harder to find for any product. While I do not use the Formula 1 myself, I do use other RnH clothing and am very satisfied with it. I did take a close look at the Formula 1 singlet and it seems to be as well made as their other clothing. It is an ideal singlet for longer distance, with two pockets and still a tight fit. If you prefer the looser fit, they have another singlet (I believe it is called Long course singlet!?). By the way, in my opinion the most comfortable piece of garment for LD is the RnH Stormtrooper. While it is expensive, it works amazingly. Some friends of mine used it both in last year’s IM Canada (where it was raining and chilly) and in this year’s Muskoka Hawaii Qualifier (100 F heat and humid) and it worked in both conditions. Don’t ask me how it works as I am not an expert, but I am sure RnH could explain it properly. I can comment on their multisport shorts: they are absolutely amazing. I am also quite sure they have a money back guarantee (but check their website http://www.rnhclothing.com to be sure), so just give it a go. I am pretty sure you won’t return anything. This all is not to say that the RnH stuff is better or worse than DeSoto, as I have not had the pleasure to wear any DeSoto clothing. But I would not have any "moral" problems wearing either, as to me they are both loyal to the sport. And Emilio, if you would like to send me some of your clothing to try out, I’d be delighted. And I will report back to this newsgroup! Sincerely, Gerard Vroomen, Cervelo Cycles website: http://www.cervelo.com

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone had some successful races following this kind of strategy? I feel like this is the right way to train- saving my legs for the marathon, but I’d like to hear some positive reinforcement. Also, any tips for a winning taper? In both my previous marathons I’ve felt like my legs weren’t sharp, so maybe I tapered *too* much. Any thoughts? I think your on the right track and will do well at Cal International. One suggestion I heard which I will try before my next marathon is to do some easy interval sessions during the week before.  Something like 5×400 on Monday, 4×400 on Tuesday, 3×400 on Wednesday.  Supposed to keep the legs sharp without depleting the body. Good luck, I’ll check the Web page to see how you did.

        I also have seen these kinds of recommendations, but a CAVEAT:  the repeats need to be no faster than race pace.  They are not to be all out efforts or interval sessions (speed) since those will deplete you. Also hydrate and carbo load several days prior. Then after the race find someone special to hug and eat a lot of premium ice cream!!!!  

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While it seems that there are a lot of runners here that are trying for their first sub-3, I seem to have a slightly more modest (immediate) goal, which is Boston. I’m coming up on my third marathon this December at Cal Int’l which so far is the fastest course I’ve run on. Here’s the history: I started running seriously about 2 years ago, and ran my first marathon in December of last year in Honolulu. I ran a fairly respectable 3:42 (although if I hadn’t been in a race with 35000 people it would have been faster). Following that I ran in Vancouver (I opted for that instead of the local alternative- San Francisco- thinking it wouldn’t be as hilly- WRONG!). I pulled a 3:17 there, so now I feel like I’m within striking distance of a 3:10 at Cal. Here’s what I’d like to know- this is for reassurance mostly. I’ve been doing my long slow distance runs for the past month or so significantly slower than my marathon pace, with the appropriate speedwork and tempo runs. I did 20 two weeks ago that felt very good, and 22 miles this past weekend which didn’t feel so hot. I’m figuring that this was because I didn’t have sufficient recovery time from the 20. So now I’m in taper. Has anyone had some successful races following this kind of strategy? I feel like this is the right way to train- saving my legs for the marathon, but I’d like to hear some positive reinforcement. Also, any tips for a winning taper? In both my previous marathons I’ve felt like my legs weren’t sharp, so maybe I tapered *too* much. Any thoughts? Thanks

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Has anyone had some successful races following this kind of strategy? I feel like this is the right way to train- saving my legs for the marathon, but I’d like to hear some positive reinforcement. Also, any tips for a winning taper? In both my previous marathons I’ve felt like my legs weren’t sharp, so maybe I tapered *too* much. Any thoughts?

I think your on the right track and will do well at Cal International. One suggestion I heard which I will try before my next marathon is to do some easy interval sessions during the week before.  Something like 5×400 on Monday, 4×400 on Tuesday, 3×400 on Wednesday.  Supposed to keep the legs sharp without depleting the body. Good luck, I’ll check the Web page to see how you did.

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Re: Tapering.  I have tried complete rest before most of my marathons, and I find that I am sluggish on race day.   However, if you read my earlier post on breaking the 3 hour barrier you will note that all my marathons end up at around the same time no matter what I do.   However, for other races, I have found that the best taper is based on somthing I read in Triathlete Magazine a few years ago.   All workouts are continuous, and start and end with 15 minutes easy running. 5 days before the race you alternate 3 minutes of running at race pace with 3 minutes easy, and you do this set      4 times.   4 days before race day, you do 3 sets of (3 + 3.) 3 "                            2 2 days before you rest completely. 1 day before you do           one 3 minute burst at pace. Points to remember: 1. All work outs are continuous 2. All workouts start and end with 10-15 minutes easy running and 3.  This should be looked at as a maximum limit not a minimum. For instance, my taper for Seattle (one week tomorrow) has been 4 weeks out    8.5 hrs total running      3 hr long run 3              4.25                       2 2              2.5                        1 The Last Week  1.25 + race                RACE My last long run is 1 hour on Sunday 6 days before the race, so my last week will be Sunday    (1 hr)  30 min easy +  4 x (3 minutes pace + 3 min easy) Mon               Off (I don’t normally run on Mondays) Tue               15 min easy    3 x (3+3) cooldown Wed               OFF Thur              OFF Fri               15 min easy +  1 x (3+3) cooldown. Sat               Sub 3 hour marathon. I could also do 2 sets on Wed but I think that two solid days rest works better for me.   This set is similar to the 400m intervals suggested by others, but I find it is too easy to fool yourself about what your race pace is over 400m, if you rest between intervals.  Doing this set as part of a continuous run gives you a more varied terrain and is closer to what will actually be going on in the race. Also, if 4 burst of 3 minutes at race pace is difficult then slow down!.  It usually turns out that my first 3 minute burst is close to world-record pace for the first minute, and then reality sets in. Hope this helps Bob.

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Ward, What an excellent and encouraging post!  I just ran a 1:28 1/2-marathon and I am going to try to qualify for Boston sometime late next summer or early fall.  I hope you are still around here on the group to get me fired up! Good luck in your race.  If you stick to your plan and remember your own advice, you’ll do great, I’m sure. Christopher Goss Bloomington, IN

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curtisd wrote :: I’ve been doing my long slow distance runs for the past month or so

significantly slower than my marathon pace, with the appropriate speedwork and tempo runs.

  Hi Curtis – I’ve been marathoning since ‘95 and have been working on slowing down my long runs this year so I could recover faster. In ‘95 my long run pace was 8:15 and my marathon PR pace 8:00. This year I slowed down to 8:45 and my marathon PR pace was 7:46. I did the same speedwork & pace runs, but this last marathon was not only the fastest, it was also the easiest, and was a Boston qualifying time (I’m 47).  It’s hard to run slow on Saturdays and watch my mates disappear into the distance, but on race day it’s usually me that disappears<g Mick Evans

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        Frank Shorter once talked about the long training runs in Gainesville in the 70s.  The rule was that the group ran only as fast as the slowest runner wanted to run.         I find it amazing how many people run their long runs at race pace.  In essence, each training run becomes a race and can lead to serious overtraining.         I have a friend who runs his long runs at about 7:30 pace.  His reasoning is that the Kenyans run their long runs at this pace.  I never could make him see that 7:30 is over 2 minutes slower than their race pace!!!!!         – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – curtisd wrote :: I’ve been doing my long slow distance runs for the past month or so significantly slower than my marathon pace, with the appropriate speedwork and tempo runs.  Hi Curtis – I’ve been marathoning since ‘95 and have been working on slowing down my long runs this year so I could recover faster. In ‘95 my long run pace was 8:15 and my marathon PR pace 8:00. This year I slowed down to 8:45 and my marathon PR pace was 7:46. I did the same speedwork & pace runs, but this last marathon was not only the fastest, it was also the easiest, and was a Boston qualifying time (I’m 47).  It’s hard to run slow on Saturdays and watch my mates disappear into the distance, but on race day it’s usually me that disappears<g Mick Evans

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Question:

Does ‘AERO’ equipment make you faster on the bike in a triathlon?? If so why do those who wish to measure ‘personal’ performance wish to use an  artifical advantage????Why is aero equipment any different than other  artifical advantages??? I don’t get it. Are you puppets of the manufactures/bikeshops??? Luigi

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I don’t get it.  I don’t see that this blatant troll is cross-posted to r.b.r. as it should be.  Can you cross-post with a bcc:, thereby trolling with an ultra quiet electronic trolling motor? A bicycle is a machine with gear ratios designed to give the operator a mechanical advantage.  If we were abandon any artificial advantage as you call it, we would have to give up bicycling altogether. Puppets?  No, progressive thinkers maybe, techno-geeks yes, puppets no. Stacy Hills VCT, Inc. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does ‘AERO’ equipment make you faster on the bike in a triathlon?? If so why do those who wish to measure ‘personal’ performance wish to use an artifical advantage????Why is aero equipment any different than other artifical advantages??? I don’t get it. Are you puppets of the manufactures/bikeshops??? Luigi

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Question:

A combination of AC/DC, Pantera, Metallica, White Zombie (Black Sunshine is awesome!), as well as some Stevie Ray Vaugh always gets me revved up and ready to go…unfortunately, my car stereo blaring these tunes doesn’t always get me appreciative looks for those around me.  So everybody I’ve ever raced against and had to put up with songs that maxed out your heart rates…sorry.  Bring earplugs next time…   :- Dave Speed is Life…are you alive? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The folks at the Coors Light Du’s used to play Little Feat’s Let It Roll as the first riders were leaving the transition area.  It still gets me pumped up. Chuck Berghoefer Anything heavy, with 2 or 3 base guitars wailing up throughout! Yup, the heavy metal and hard core songs from the likes of Slayer, Metallica (the old songs), and Pantera. That will get me revved up! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! "Iron" Pete Priolo Sub 10 hour IMC’97

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The folks at the Coors Light Du’s used to play Little Feat’s Let It Roll as the first riders were leaving the transition area.  It still gets me pumped up. Chuck Berghoefer

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The folks at the Coors Light Du’s used to play Little Feat’s Let It Roll as the first riders were leaving the transition area.  It still gets me pumped up. Chuck Berghoefer

Anything heavy, with 2 or 3 base guitars wailing up throughout! Yup, the heavy metal and hard core songs from the likes of Slayer, Metallica (the old songs), and Pantera. That will get me revved up! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! "Iron" Pete Priolo Sub 10 hour IMC’97

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Recently, there have been posts about the worst race songs, but many months ago there was a string of messages about triathletes’ favorite race songs. We are putting together some race weekend songs–anyonw care to put in their two cents worth. Maybe we’ll end up using it! Mrs. T’s Chicago Triathlon

How about some punk?  NOFX, Offspring, Rancid, Face to Face, even Green Day?  Certainly not for the post-race cooldown.  No Michael Bolton or Kenny G. — Vaughn Cooper Center for Microbial Ecology, Michigan State University East Lansing MI 48824 (517) 353-3953/3955 voice/fax

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 I really loved the ska bands of the early 80s like English Beat, the Specials, the Selector, Madness, etc.  Therefore, I’m ecstatic with the ska-punk movement of late with bands like the Mighty, Mighty Bosstones, etc. I get one of those horn riffs on repeat mode in my head and there’s no stopping it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Recently, there have been posts about the worst race songs, but many months ago there was a string of messages about triathletes’ favorite race songs. We are putting together some race weekend songs–anyonw care to put in their two cents worth. Maybe we’ll end up using it! Mrs. T’s Chicago Triathlon

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 We are putting together some race weekend songs–anyonw care to put in their two cents worth. Maybe we’ll end up using it!

Go Speed Racer! ? Pride U2 Mony Mony tommy james and the shondells Born to be wild steppenwolf Lee (showing my age) Lee Rudin San Francisco Bay Area Triathlon Training Sites http://www.slip.net/~leeway

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Anything off of the John Tesh Ironman album would be great. In fact, I get goose bumps just thinking of some of the songs. (truly a masterpiece)  The American Flyers album is also awesome for pre-race. Ron Williams Prescott, Arizona

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One of my all time favorite pre-race psych-up songs is "Lunatic Fringe", from the movie "Vision Quest". I’m not sure of the band, but you’ve probably all heard it : it starts off with this eary-whistle like (this is embarassing) "oooooooh-weeeeee-ehhhhhhh-oooooooooh" then breaks into a cool guitar rip. Rock on -Jay Crooker

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One of my all time favorite pre-race psych-up songs is "Lunatic Fringe", from the movie "Vision Quest". I’m not sure of the band, but you’ve probably all heard it : it starts off with this eary-whistle like (this is embarassing) "oooooooh-weeeeee-ehhhhhhh-oooooooooh" then breaks into a cool guitar rip. Rock on -Jay Crooker

 The band is Red Rider, the band Tom Cochrane was in before going solo. There is much useless Canadian rock trivia stuck in my head just waiting for a chance to get out. Craig.

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Intense and LOUD:    Newer Stuff:         Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots    Older Stuff:         Black Sabbath, Rush -rjh ps.  If it’s not playing for everyone, no problem I always bring my own.

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Recently, there have been posts about the worst race songs, but many months ago there was a string of messages about triathletes’ favorite race songs. We are putting together some race weekend songs–anyonw care to put in their two cents worth. Maybe we’ll end up using it! Mrs. T’s Chicago Triathlon

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Recently, there have been posts about the worst race songs, but many months ago there was a string of messages about triathletes’ favorite race songs. We are putting together some race weekend songs–anyonw care to put in their two cents worth. Maybe we’ll end up using it! Mrs. T’s Chicago Triathlon

 But of course, Pink Floyd’s "Run Like Hell" with it’s revving motorcycle-like guitar start ranks high up there. Chaz

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Question:

Anybody else doing this race this weekend?  I haven’t received any confirmation or further info since I sent in my registration a month or two ago.  Anybody have any inforomation about it? TIA. Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft!" http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

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Anybody else doing this race this weekend?  I haven’t received any confirmation or further info since I sent in my registration a month or two ago.  Anybody have any inforomation about it?

Same story for me — no reply yet.  It took 5 or 6 weeks for them to just mail me an entry form, so I’m guessing they’re a little behind in their paper work.  Aptos is about 20 minutes from my house, so I was planning to drive up early on Saturday and scope it out.  I’ll post whatever information I come up with. Good luck and hope to see you all there. The Carmel Group "Of course the game is rigged, but if you don’t play you can’t win." R.A.H.

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I sent in my application just a couple of weeks ago and have not heard anything back. I plan on having my bike checked before noon, then hitting the packet pickup when it opens, followed by a cruise around the course. The note in the entry info about the bike course being 90% on a new San Andreas Road bike path has me a bit concerned, but what the heck, it’ll probably be low key and fun anyway. I’ll be wearing my "lucky" Jimmy Buffet T-shirt in the transition area so any RSTers say Hi Chris Mueller

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Question:

What does R.S.T think of this kind of Triathlon.  Do many of you own Rollerblades? Jamie Sarkisian Sark Products 206 Jerico Hill Road Waltham MA 02154 617-647-9777

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I think its always fun to do something different Bruce Platt

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What does R.S.T think of this kind of Triathlon.  Do many of you own Rollerblades?

I think Tri-Maryland had a rollerblade/bike/run event in Columbia, MD this past fall. I remember seeing it in one of their flyers last spring, but didn’t follow up to see if it actually happened. My legs ache just thinking about it… Jordan

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