Question:

I realize this is a bit late, but I’ve been trying for weeks to make contact with someone who would be willing to register me for IM canada 2002 (as my understanding is that each person in line can register themselves and one other person).  Would there be anyone out there who is going to IMC this weekend has not already committed to signing up a second person?  I would be willing to pay you a ’signers fee’ if you would be so kind as to register me as well! Please email me ASAP! Thanks!

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any comments about IMC?  (or has it all been said before?)

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There was no Ironman Canada this year…or so it would seem. No one (practically) in this news group has talked about it. Could not find it on television and apart from the fact that Canadians rocked, it was uneventful. It’s truly sad considering that it is a first class event with fantastic local support and 2000+ participants. By the way, Peter put in a 28mph bike at IMC and if Hawaii isn’t too unfavorable weather wise he’s going to take it again. I only hope Lori’s run is on and I get to see the worlds fittest couple (CANADIANS BTW) on the podium. I feel so giddy I have to go and sing O Canada! Jeff Richardson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – any comments about IMC?  (or has it all been said before?)

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"By the way, Peter put in a 28mph bike at IMC…" Better buy a calculator Jeff!

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According to the finishing info, Peter did a 4:35 bike.   112 miles / 4.5833 hours  ==   24.44 miles per hour. More amazing than that was he won by almost 6 minutes, dispite the fact that he hit the first 6 porta-potties.   Eric Weiss DNFed at mile 20. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"By the way, Peter put in a 28mph bike at IMC…" Better buy a calculator Jeff!

Response:

Uneventfull? You must have been following another race! On the mens side an age grouper was hanging with P. Ried for much of the bike…WOW! On the womens side the lead went through many changes and Tucsons Jeanne Anne Krizman led through the half way point of the run before blowing up. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Could not find it on television and apart from the fact that Canadians rocked, it was uneventful.

Response:

What’s also incredible is the he ran a 2:57:05  marathon even though he suffered from stomach cramps.  The guy is awesome. BTW, it was another great year at IMC2001. Conditions were great and except for the carpet tacks on the bike course and the mid-afternoon heat you couldn.t have asked for a better day. Armin IMC2001 13:01:38

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – According to the finishing info, Peter did a 4:35 bike. 112 miles / 4.5833 hours  ==   24.44 miles per hour. More amazing than that was he won by almost 6 minutes, dispite the fact that he hit the first 6 porta-potties. Eric Weiss DNFed at mile 20. "By the way, Peter put in a 28mph bike at IMC…" Better buy a calculator Jeff!

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The only info I’ve been able to get is on IronmanLive, any other good stories/write ups? As far as following any race I couldn’t find it on the dish or cable here in Ottawa, I was pissed beyond belief. Oh and about the 28mph…I was using new age math my eight year old was teaching me, I should have known better, used it to calculate my cadence from speed/gear inches last week and came out about 33. Jeff Richardson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Uneventfull? You must have been following another race! On the mens side an age grouper was hanging with P. Ried for much of the bike…WOW! On the womens side the lead went through many changes and Tucsons Jeanne Anne Krizman led through the half way point of the run before blowing up. Could not find it on television and apart from the fact that Canadians rocked, it was uneventful.

Response:

any comments about IMC?  (or has it all been said before?)

My comments are that there are too many people in that race.  The swim is a joke. I felt like a Sardine in a tuna can, and the bike is  one long paceline.  Way too many people.  But I know my attitude is in the minority.

Response:

The swim is a joke. I felt like a Sardine in a tuna can, and the bike is  one long paceline.  Way too many people.  

What do you expect with an Ironman race. IMC is one of the most popular races in the Ironman series. Marc

Response:

An ironman mass start in itself is a "gangbang" to be sure.  I would expect that of an ironman.  I would expect no drafting rules enforced on the bike.  I would expect to be able to race the course without interference.  I would be very concerned about safety issues with more people on the course.  I would look seriously at other ironman distance races not affiliated with World Triathlon Corporation or Ironman North America.  Those races don’t have the problems of too many people and are just as quaint with equally enthusiastic volunteers that would love to have more competitors and their dollars contributing to their communities. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The swim is a joke. I felt like a Sardine in a tuna can, and the bike is  one long paceline.  Way too many people. What do you expect with an Ironman race. IMC is one of the most popular races in the Ironman series. Marc

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Question:

Does anyone know about the bike LVL used at IMH ‘99?  Is it a standard Giant compact frame?  Does Giant make a triathlon version of their road bike (steeper seat tube)? — TIA, Doug Fuller Before you buy.

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The bikes used by Luc was a custom frame built for him to Giants design spec. I believe they were built in Europe somewhere. Same as the road racing team bikes they use a mix of tubing and are ‘custom’ built. Does Giant make a triathlon version of their road bike (steeper seat tube)?

No, even on their website they say they don’t make bikes for triathlons specifically. Lloyd

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know about the bike LVL used at IMH ‘99?  Is it a standard Giant compact frame?  Does Giant make a triathlon version of their road bike (steeper seat tube)? — TIA, Doug Fuller Before you buy.

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Question:

In an earlier post I gave some info about the St. Croix triathlon.  I found a web site which has places to stay on St. Croix.       http://www.where2stay.com/islands/islands/stcroix.html Also, there is another site for general information on the USVI       www.virginisles.com/ you can get to other links from both of these sites.  The race is really in a beautiful location and is an extremely well run race.  Also you asked about dive operations and where to dive.  There are several dive shops right in Christianstead and you can easily arrange something while you are there.  Also, while you are there, if you have an extra day (and I reccommend that you stay at least a few days after the race) there is a hydroplane which goes to St. Thomas.  It takes about 1 1/2 hour and costs about $40.  A day in St. Thomas may be worthwhile if you haven’t been to the Virgin Islands before.  Of course, St. John is the most beautiful of the three main islands, but harder to get to from St. Croix. (that’s a paid political anouncement since I live on St. John part time) Have a great race and since I am doing Wildflower on the same weekend as you will be in St. Croix this year, think about all  of us busting our butts on a tough, probably hot, course with no tropical breezes or beaches anywhere near. Be sure to put a post up here with your experiences when you get back John Hall – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have signed up for this race and I’m looking for advice from anyone who has done it before on what to expect, where to stay, and interesting things to do before and after. Also any recomendations on dive operations.

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Does anyone know the website fot the ST Croix Tri ?

The webpage is out of date, but the address is shown below: http://www.ecani.com/vi/sc/triath/ If you need an application, it better to snail mail it than to rely on this form.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

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I have signed up for this race and I’m looking for advice from anyone who has done it before on what to expect, where to stay, and interesting things to do before and after. Also any recomendations on dive operations.

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Yeah, I’ve did the race last year and I live part time in St. John so I’m pretty familiar with St. Croix.  There are several good hotels in St. Croix in downtown Christrianstead to stay at.  Go to the Virgin Islands web site to find several.  The Buccaneer hotel is the sponsoring hotel, but it is out of town about 3 miles and is not close to the transition area, so I would suggest  one of the downtown hotels.  I stayed at the Caravelle Hotel and it was very clean and comfortable.  It is only two short blocks from the transition area at the fort.  As I remember, it was about $90 per night. As to the race, it generally is hot and windy and that can make things tough.  It is called the "Beauty and the Beast" for a reason.  The beauty is the island in general.  The people of St. Croix are really great and get behind the race 110%. The "Beast" is the 3/4 mile hill on the bike which is a constant 18% grade.  You will need at least a 42/28 low gear for that one, or you will be walking (unless you can stick with the pros–they use a 42/25). The rest of the bike is generally rolling hills.  The run is also very hot and hilly but the support of the spectators and the aid stations is really great.  The swim can be choppy (it was last year) but can also be very calm and pleasant.  Generally a fast swim since it is an open water, salt water course.  You will have a choice of several restaurants for a free pasta feed the night before the race.  I would suggest you go down several days before the race to get acclimated to the time zone change and the weather.  Also, you will want to ride some or all of the bike course to get familiar with the hills.  Try to do the "Beast" at least 3 days prior to the race. Running from town out to the Buccaneer and back would be advisable, too.  I would highly recommend that you be careful not to over do the training while before the race.  There are organized swims every morning for the week prior to the race and it is very easy to find people to ride or run with.  I fell into the trap last year of trying to do too much in the week prior to the race and didn’t perform very well in the event.  Even though this race is only 1.8 mile swim, 35 miles bike and 7.4 miles run, it races very much like a 1/2 ironman with the heat and the wind.  It is, however, one of the best races I have ever done in 15 years of doing triathlons and I had a great time.  I am still debating whether to do St. Croix again this year, or do Wildflower, which is on the same weekend. Email me directly if you have any other specific questions.  I know you will have a great time and I’m sure it will be a fantastic race for you. John Hall – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have signed up for this race and I’m looking for advice from anyone who has done it before on what to expect, where to stay, and interesting things to do before and after. Also any recomendations on dive operations.

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Question:

You’re a PEACH ‘Milio !  I, for one, appreciate your detailed explanation of Spin Classes for Triathletes ! I probably couldn’t sit through one of your classes for even 15 minutes ! Cheers, Happy Holidays ! Lynne

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Don’t be so humble Lynne.  I have people with fitness levels that range from Pro Triathletes, to top age groupers to pregnant housewives, to a 73 year liver transplant patient, all in the same class, all walking out with big endorphine smiles on their faces. You would tear it up! Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

Okay I am a bit slow in replying, but I have been working very hard lately here at De Soto Sport. If you want to here my take on Spinning here it is.  This is a direct quote from the De Soto Sport website (www.desotosport.com) ON Spinning

Question:

I concede we could use an organization in the sport. Unfortunately it is like government. We need it, but we don’t need it to be so dominant. In this age of mediocrity we should perhaps EXPECT more from USAT than it gives now. And that more is a greater focus on the age group triathlete.Sure there is a paucity of members voting for the USAT reps. Only a handful of people show for annual meetings. We can’t ALL have a direct voice, nor do we want to. All organizations need the rank and file members for support just by being members. If we ALL came to the annual meeting, nothing would be done. Except maybe form endless committees and get bogged down in a multitude of views and opinions. The whole thing would freeze up. All this voting for reps is any organization’s way of turning aside criticism. Like if you don’t vote or go to meetings your opinion is somehow lessened. The vote is how people are bought off to feel that they may have had a say in things. Any organization should work for ALL the members. We are fortunate to have this forum RST to express our views and USAT should read and post its stance and issues and progress on this board or have a web site for the same. Hey! USAT, these postings are your members. And on RST you hear the real concerns of triathletes. This is our meetinghouse, this is our input. Just because you don’t receive it in your official USAT office does not diminish it. You wanted input Steve Locke, read these boards regularly and post regularly and not just to squelch rumors. Every USAT rep should be on this RST. They should introduce themselves. Take heed. Ken (Treemoss2)

Response:

Charlie, I’m both impressed and scared, because my future has been laid out for me.  I think we may be of the same ilk, the type who can only take restlessness so long before they get involved.  This was my first year that I actually WATCHED some triathlons, and it drove me nuts; I ended up volunteering.           As soon as my shoulder forced me out of competitive water polo, I became a coach.  I hated the reffing, so now I’m a referee. Now I’m working towards being the regional rep.  Hopelessly active and overcommitted for life, it appears .         Honestly, I like to bitch about the way things are as much as the next guy, but I have to agree.  Don’t accept the current tide if you don’t like it.  Get involved.  Your sport will love you for it. cheers,  Vaughn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would think that, like in any democracy, if one wants one’s opinion to be taken seriously, then one should vote.  Call me an idealist but those who vote are not "bought off to feel that they have a say in things," but do have a say with their vote.  USAT does work for its members.  However, Ken, you are NOT a member, isn’t that right?  And, not being a member, and not voting, would tend to make one wonder why you complain. : We are fortunate to have this forum RST to express our views and USAT : should read and post its stance and issues and progress on this board or : have a web site for the same. Hey! USAT, these postings are your members. : And on RST you hear the real concerns of triathletes. This is our : meetinghouse, this is our input. Just because you don’t receive it in your : official USAT office does not diminish it. Steve Locke posts here regularly.  I post here regularly.  What are you saying? I return to my tired old advice to those who complain:  Get on a committee and go to work.  Or, put on a race.  Or become an official. I found myself complaining about the quality of some races back in 1987 and 1988, so the following year, I began an uniterrupted career as a Race Director.  In 1989 I didn’t like what I saw on the bike course at Gulf Coast – lots of blatant drafting – so I became an Official.  In 1992, I didn’t like how the national office dictated things to us in the Southeast as far as Championships, so I got some folks together and founded the Southeast Regional Federation of USAT (then TriFed).  In 1994, i decided that we could do a better job ranking athletes in the Southeast than the National Office, so i set up and manage the ranking system of USAT-SE.  Last year, I found myself thinking that USAT’s home page was one of the worst, so I set up and maintain the USAT-SE Home Page. I’m just one individual who loves the sport.  I maintain my membership and vote for Board Members.  I serve on the Southeast Regional Board.  I see no reason why anyone else couldn’t do the same thing, or do it better. It’s just hard to take someone seriously who merely complains, but doesn’t act positively! Oh yeah, my current project, suggetsed to me by my friend Ron Etcheverry, is to build a page to promote junior triathletes in the Southeast.  USS promotes their top juniors from age 8 & under, all the way up.  So should USAT.  Since USAT doesn’t, I’m not going to get on this forum and waste everyones time whining about someone else NOT doing something, since it only would beg the question "Why don’t I do something?". If you want to improve things, go to work and improve them! Charlie Crawford USAT Commissioner of Officials

Response:

In this age of mediocrity we should perhaps EXPECT more from USAT than it

 gives now. We can’t ALL have a direct voice, nor do we want to.

Do you live in a cave?   If you do not want a direct voice then why do you pontificate(sp)?

Response:

Good response, Charlie.  It’s about time people stopped complaining and started participating.   Actually, the complaining is good too.  We in the Age Group Commission read RST daily and respond with programs, resolutions, and prodding of the USAT Board.  This has become an excellent forum for age groupers to effect change and identify issues for our sport. — Ray Plotecia

| : In this age of mediocrity we should perhaps EXPECT more from USAT than it | : gives now. And that more is a greater focus on the age group | : triathlete.Sure there is a paucity of members voting for the USAT reps. | | : All this voting for reps is any organization’s way of turning aside | : criticism. Like if you don’t vote or go to meetings your opinion is somehow | : lessened. The vote is how people are bought off to feel that they may have | : had a say in things. Any organization should work for ALL the members. | | I would think that, like in any democracy, if one wants one’s opinion to | be taken seriously, then one should vote.  Call me an idealist but those | who vote are not "bought off to feel that they have a say in things," but | do have a say with their vote.  USAT does work for its members.  However, | Ken, you are NOT a member, isn’t that right?  And, not being a member, and | not voting, would tend to make one wonder why you complain. | | : We are fortunate to have this forum RST to express our views and USAT | : should read and post its stance and issues and progress on this board or | : have a web site for the same. Hey! USAT, these postings are your members. | : And on RST you hear the real concerns of triathletes. This is our | : meetinghouse, this is our input. Just because you don’t receive it in your | : official USAT office does not diminish it. | | Steve Locke posts here regularly.  I post here regularly.  What are you | saying? | | I return to my tired old advice to those who complain:  Get on a | committee and go to work.  Or, put on a race.  Or become an official.   | | I found myself complaining about the quality of some races back in 1987 | and 1988, so the following year, I began an uniterrupted career as a Race | Director.  In 1989 I didn’t like what I saw on the bike course at Gulf | Coast – lots of blatant drafting – so I became an Official.  In 1992, I | didn’t like how the national office dictated things to us in the | Southeast as far as Championships, so I got some folks together and | founded the Southeast Regional Federation of USAT (then TriFed).  In | 1994, i decided that we could do a better job ranking athletes in the | Southeast than the National Office, so i set up and manage the ranking | system of USAT-SE.  Last year, I found myself thinking that USAT’s home | page was one of the worst, so I set up and maintain the USAT-SE Home Page. | | I’m just one individual who loves the sport.  I maintain my membership | and vote for Board Members.  I serve on the Southeast Regional Board.  I | see no reason why anyone else couldn’t do the same thing, or do it | better.   | | It’s just hard to take someone seriously who merely complains, but | doesn’t act positively! | | Oh yeah, my current project, suggetsed to me by my friend Ron Etcheverry, | is to build a page to promote junior triathletes in the Southeast.  USS | promotes their top juniors from age 8 & under, all the way up.  So should | USAT.  Since USAT doesn’t, I’m not going to get on this forum and waste | everyones time whining about someone else NOT doing something, since it | only would beg the question "Why don’t I do something?". | | If you want to improve things, go to work and improve them! | | Charlie Crawford | USAT Commissioner of Officials |

Response:

: In this age of mediocrity we should perhaps EXPECT more from USAT than it : gives now. And that more is a greater focus on the age group : triathlete.Sure there is a paucity of members voting for the USAT reps. : All this voting for reps is any organization’s way of turning aside : criticism. Like if you don’t vote or go to meetings your opinion is somehow : lessened. The vote is how people are bought off to feel that they may have : had a say in things. Any organization should work for ALL the members. I would think that, like in any democracy, if one wants one’s opinion to be taken seriously, then one should vote.  Call me an idealist but those who vote are not "bought off to feel that they have a say in things," but do have a say with their vote.  USAT does work for its members.  However, Ken, you are NOT a member, isn’t that right?  And, not being a member, and not voting, would tend to make one wonder why you complain. : We are fortunate to have this forum RST to express our views and USAT : should read and post its stance and issues and progress on this board or : have a web site for the same. Hey! USAT, these postings are your members. : And on RST you hear the real concerns of triathletes. This is our : meetinghouse, this is our input. Just because you don’t receive it in your : official USAT office does not diminish it. Steve Locke posts here regularly.  I post here regularly.  What are you saying? I return to my tired old advice to those who complain:  Get on a committee and go to work.  Or, put on a race.  Or become an official.   I found myself complaining about the quality of some races back in 1987 and 1988, so the following year, I began an uniterrupted career as a Race Director.  In 1989 I didn’t like what I saw on the bike course at Gulf Coast – lots of blatant drafting – so I became an Official.  In 1992, I didn’t like how the national office dictated things to us in the Southeast as far as Championships, so I got some folks together and founded the Southeast Regional Federation of USAT (then TriFed).  In 1994, i decided that we could do a better job ranking athletes in the Southeast than the National Office, so i set up and manage the ranking system of USAT-SE.  Last year, I found myself thinking that USAT’s home page was one of the worst, so I set up and maintain the USAT-SE Home Page. I’m just one individual who loves the sport.  I maintain my membership and vote for Board Members.  I serve on the Southeast Regional Board.  I see no reason why anyone else couldn’t do the same thing, or do it better.   It’s just hard to take someone seriously who merely complains, but doesn’t act positively! Oh yeah, my current project, suggetsed to me by my friend Ron Etcheverry, is to build a page to promote junior triathletes in the Southeast.  USS promotes their top juniors from age 8 & under, all the way up.  So should USAT.  Since USAT doesn’t, I’m not going to get on this forum and waste everyones time whining about someone else NOT doing something, since it only would beg the question "Why don’t I do something?". If you want to improve things, go to work and improve them! Charlie Crawford USAT Commissioner of Officials

Response:

Question:

Hi Richard, My RHR = ~50 and roughly measured MHR = 196 I ran a half-marathon recently and fairly easily ran in Sleamaker’s zone 4 (170-180). The last 2 miles I ignored the HRM and overtook 20-30 people, running at 182.

Your HR rates are quite similar to mine (RHR ~50, MHR ~200 bike and run, half marathon with avg. HF of 178 with max at 190) so I’ll comment on that. Question is; was it race nerves ‘artificially’ elevating my heart rate or was I able to run at a zone which in training I had only held for hill intervals?

Training strictly for an ironman distance with no important short races before I’ve done no AT type training at all (running). I think as long as you stay well below your AT (mine is 185 for running) there’s no need to train your body to tolerate the accumulation of lactate (or whatever the correct word is . Also, Sleamaker reckons races longer than 4 hours can be run at zone 3 for me, 160-170. This doesn’t sound realistic, can anyone reassure me?

Here are my heart rates during IM Lanzarote this year: Swim (1:10h): avg. 136, max. 168 (constantly decreasing HR due to lack of training Bike (5:41h): avg. 161, max. 177 (so it is possible to stay in that zone for more than 4 hours) Run (4:06h): avg. 151, max. 167 (walking thru aid stations on the second half) My strategy was to stay below 170 the entire race but that’s just impossible with the hills there… Ciao, Mario — Mario Illgen, TU Chemnitz-Zwickau "I laughed in the mirror for the first time in a year…"

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Folks, I’ve been training with a HRM for about 4 months aiming for IM in August. My RHR = ~50 and roughly measured MHR = 196 … stuff deleted … Also, Sleamaker reckons races longer than 4 hours can be run at zone 3 for me, 160-170. This doesn’t sound realistic, can anyone reassure me? — Cheers, Richard. Arran Triathlon Club – we got both kindsa wind, out *and* back!

Richard, I am also training for an IM this year using my HRM.  My RHR is 50 and MHR is 190.  I raced a 1/2 IM in May with a finishing time of 6:28:xx using my HRM. My average HR for the race was 160 bpm and I really focused on keeping my HR in the 160 to 165 range for most of the race.  I was suprised that I could keep going for that long with my HR that high, but I also felt that I had raced to my limit (or potential depending on your perspective).  I’m hoping and assuming with 4 additional months of training that I should be able to race my IM at a similiar HR zone.  My plan is try to stay around 155 bpm for the IM which should be 5 to 10 bpm below my AT.   This is my $0.02, but I would love to hear from someone who has raced an IM with their HRM and see what their experience was. Lucy

Response:

Hi Folks, I’ve been training with a HRM for about 4 months aiming for IM in August. My RHR = ~50 and roughly measured MHR = 196

<snip Richard, I have some recorded heart rate monitor data from Ironman races, as well as 1/2-IM and shorter. It is one my website (URL below). Please note that the data is only useful for comparing heart rates for different length races run by this one individual (me). In other words, this data is useful for answering the question, how do heart rates differ between various length triathlons done by the same person? It will not answer, what is the ideal heart rate for an Ironman? Nor will it answer, how do you compare to what this data shows? (My resting heart rate and max are both lower than what you posted. Thus the heart rate data is different from what we might expect for you) I hope this helps,                      mark — Mark A. Jenkins, M.D SportsMed Web http://riceinfo.rice.edu/~jenkins

Response:

Question:

Merry Christmas to all of you who have become my silent friends this last year. You’ve kept me company on long business trips, given me an alternative to hotel-room television, forgiven me of my rants and my verbosity, and encouraged me in my journey. All the best to each of you during the holidays and in the coming new year. Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

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Lurking and learning . . . Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all! Wally Bloomfield Reston, VA

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Merry Christmas to all the GREAT people I have met in the triathlon world and THANKS to all the people who have given me advice and help. I might be young but almost everyone has treated me as an equal and not just a kid:-)                D.J. Mosiniak

Response:

I  nominate Eric’s poetic effort as Post of the Year. How fun!!! Katherine Williams The 1997 Triathlon Sourcebook – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Twas the night before Christmas and all through the net Not a RSTer was lurking, not even Tri-Vet The stockings were hung by the CompuTrainer with care In the hope that QRman soon would be there The triathlons were nestled all snug in their beds While the roads of Kona danced through their Heds When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter Tri-Baby sprang from her bed to see what was the matter       (We will keep this clean and not discuss what she was        wearing or who also might have been in the bed.) When what sight through her bedroom window should leak But a PowerWing-V and eight drafting Tri-Geeks With a little old driver so lively and tan She knew in a moment it must be Dan-the-Man And then a strange sound was heard in the dark The splishing and splashing of a mass swim start As she drew in her head and was turning around Down the chimney on an Avocet seat he came with a bound He was dressed all aero from his head to his foot And his body was marked with his number and age group A bundle of goodies he had flung on his back He looked like C. Crawford penalizing the pack His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry His Jet Stream was empty, his heart monitor was a flurry An IMH application he held tight in his teeth And the disclaimer – it encircle his head like a wreath! He spoke not a word, but went straight to his feat And filled all the stockings, with Gu and Triathlete A PR bar over here, swim fins for Tri-Buster Tri-Dork was getting the new Shimano 9-Speed cluster For Rolf Arands it was a new Speedo swim suit And Carlos de Navarra – a Longjohn to boot Applications for Mrs’s T’s and bike cases galore Tri-Bop got a Kestrel,   Tri-Weasel componet’s were Sun-Tour                                               (My Apologies) Cycling computers were spread all around But donuts and cookies were not to be found And laying his finger aside his Timex You could tell he wanted some much needed rest But I heard him exclaim, ere he rode out of sight "No drafting No drafting, and let IMC be a fair fight!!"

Response:

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the net Not a RSTer was lurking, not even Tri-Vet The stockings were hung by the CompuTrainer with care In the hope that QRman soon would be there The triathlons were nestled all snug in their beds While the roads of Kona danced through their Heds When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter Tri-Baby sprang from her bed to see what was the matter         (We will keep this clean and not discuss what she was          wearing or who also might have been in the bed.) When what sight through her bedroom window should leak But a PowerWing-V and eight drafting Tri-Geeks With a little old driver so lively and tan She knew in a moment it must be Dan-the-Man And then a strange sound was heard in the dark The splishing and splashing of a mass swim start As she drew in her head and was turning around Down the chimney on an Avocet seat he came with a bound He was dressed all aero from his head to his foot And his body was marked with his number and age group A bundle of goodies he had flung on his back He looked like C. Crawford penalizing the pack His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry His Jet Stream was empty, his heart monitor was a flurry An IMH application he held tight in his teeth And the disclaimer – it encircle his head like a wreath! He spoke not a word, but went straight to his feat And filled all the stockings, with Gu and Triathlete A PR bar over here, swim fins for Tri-Buster Tri-Dork was getting the new Shimano 9-Speed cluster For Rolf Arands it was a new Speedo swim suit And Carlos de Navarra – a Longjohn to boot Applications for Mrs’s T’s and bike cases galore Tri-Bop got a Kestrel,   Tri-Weasel componet’s were Sun-Tour                                                 (My Apologies) Cycling computers were spread all around But donuts and cookies were not to be found And laying his finger aside his Timex You could tell he wanted some much needed rest But I heard him exclaim, ere he rode out of sight "No drafting No drafting, and let IMC be a fair fight!!" — Eric    May anyone who is offended by this scald their tongue on hot eggnog.

Response:

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the net…

 - snip rest of hilarious RST Nite Before Christmas poem – This comes from the man who doesn’t have enough time to swim more than 1000 yards per week?!?!  Eric, now if you could only apply the same amount of energy to a more aquatic environment you could be a MOP instead of BOP swimmer! This was GREAT (perhaps second only to Stephen Irish’s poem from July) – and I actually did ask for GU to be put in my stocking!!                                                         / -hug

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Commercialism creeps into Xmas in the weirdest ways. RB P.S. There is no way TriDork is getting a 9-speed cluster – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Twas the night before Christmas and all through the net Not a RSTer was lurking, not even Tri-Vet The stockings were hung by the CompuTrainer with care In the hope that QRman soon would be there The triathlons were nestled all snug in their beds While the roads of Kona danced through their Heds When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter Tri-Baby sprang from her bed to see what was the matter    (We will keep this clean and not discuss what she was     wearing or who also might have been in the bed.) When what sight through her bedroom window should leak But a PowerWing-V and eight drafting Tri-Geeks With a little old driver so lively and tan She knew in a moment it must be Dan-the-Man And then a strange sound was heard in the dark The splishing and splashing of a mass swim start As she drew in her head and was turning around Down the chimney on an Avocet seat he came with a bound He was dressed all aero from his head to his foot And his body was marked with his number and age group A bundle of goodies he had flung on his back He looked like C. Crawford penalizing the pack His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry His Jet Stream was empty, his heart monitor was a flurry An IMH application he held tight in his teeth And the disclaimer – it encircle his head like a wreath! He spoke not a word, but went straight to his feat And filled all the stockings, with Gu and Triathlete A PR bar over here, swim fins for Tri-Buster Tri-Dork was getting the new Shimano 9-Speed cluster For Rolf Arands it was a new Speedo swim suit And Carlos de Navarra – a Longjohn to boot Applications for Mrs’s T’s and bike cases galore Tri-Bop got a Kestrel,   Tri-Weasel componet’s were Sun-Tour                                            (My Apologies) Cycling computers were spread all around But donuts and cookies were not to be found And laying his finger aside his Timex You could tell he wanted some much needed rest But I heard him exclaim, ere he rode out of sight "No drafting No drafting, and let IMC be a fair fight!!" — Eric   May anyone who is offended by this scald their tongue on hot eggnog.

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Question:

TUNE UP RACE BEFORE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS:  KEEP THE EDGE IN SYLVANIA, OHIO 2 HRS FROM CLEVELAND. Sign up for the 11th annual SYLVANIA BUD LIGHT TRIATHLON  AUGUST 18 one week prior to World Championships!  GREAT RACE, GREAT COURSE, GREAT VOLUNTEERS,  GREAT HOMESTAY PROGRAM111111 Call Race Directors, Jim Donaldson or Joyce Payne at the race info HOTLINE:  419-885-2089.  USAT members, $40 before Aug. 11, non-members $45 before August 11.  Deadline August 16.  LOTS OF AMENITIES, THEY DON’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS.  CALL TODAY OR E-MAIL: NO RACE DAY ENTRIES.

Response:

TUNE UP RACE BEFORE WORLDS: KEEP THE EDGE IN SYLVANIA, OHIO 2 HRS FROM CLEVELAND               Sign up for the 11th annual SYLVANIA BUD LIGHT TRIATHLON  AUGUST 18 one week prior to World Championships!  Great Race, Great Course, Great Volunteers,  GREAT HOMESTAY PROGRAM!!! Call Race Directors, Jim Donaldson or Joyce Payne at the race info HOTLINE:  419-885-2089.  USAT members, $ 40.00 before Aug. 11 Non USAT members, $ 45.00 before Aug. 11.  LOTS OF AMENITIES, THEY DON’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS.  CALL TODAY OR e-mail: NO RACE DAY ENTRIES.

Response:

LOOKING FOR A RACE TO TUNE UP BEFORE WORLDS? KEEP THE EDGE AT THE 11TH ANNUAL SYLVANIA BUD LIGHT TRIATHLON.  2 HOURS FROM CLEVELAND, SYLVANIA IS A SUBURB OF TOLEDO. $40 USAT members, $45 for non-members.  GREAT RACE,GREAT COURSE,GREAT VOLUNTEERS!!  HOMESTAY!!  LOTS OF AMENITIES.  THEY DON’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS!!! FOR INFO CALL RACE DIRECTORS JIM DONALDSON AND JOYCE PAYNE AT today is August 4.  race entry deadline is August 11th.

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Question:

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

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

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Question:

Check out our Software page at the Runner’s Web. Ken I am looking for a FREEWARE or cheap training software to help on my training (running, biking, swimming, workout, etc.) Thank you for any help. Rafael Guerra

Ken Parker Runner’s Web A running & triathlon resource site. http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html

Response:

Hi, I am looking for a FREEWARE or cheap training software to help on my training (running, biking, swimming, workout, etc.) Thank you for any help. Rafael Guerra

There seem to be quite a few of free/free trial/shareware/cheap programs out there. Some links I stumbled across: http://storm.cadcam.iupui.edu/drs/software.html http://running.miningco.com/Msub11.htm?pid=2816&cob=home http://www.logajog.com/ Let us know, if you find some of them useful. Cheers,    Kaj

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I am looking for a FREEWARE or cheap training software to help on my training (running, biking, swimming, workout, etc.) Thank you for any help. Rafael Guerra

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Does anyone know of a Windows software program for keeping training race records? I seem to remember there use to be something called the Jim Fixx Runner’s Diary. thanks, Hugh Weisman

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Does anyone know of a Windows software program for keeping training race records? I seem to remember there use to be something called the Jim Fixx Runner’s Diary.

Be prepared for an onslaught of answers!! Here’s my short one – information about The Athlete’s Diary is available from sites listed in the .sig below.  Also available for Macintosh and DOS. Steve Patt, Stevens Creek Software   http://alumni.caltech.edu/~slp/tad.html (The Athlete’s Diary home page)   ftp://alumni.caltech.edu/pub/slp (Information and demo copies)   1-800-TA-DIARY (information and orders by phone)

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