Question:

I’m just frustrated….. there’s no way in heck I’m even close to placing in my AG (24-29), it just sucks for those that lose out to awards because others are cheating.

Your just slow and blame it on other people.Pitiful.                      Seve Long

Response:

Sounds like there is only 1 USAT official in North Carolina!

Yes, this is the case. There are, however, several in Virginia willing to travel. Officials from Virginia worked Semper Fi and White Lake this year, the only two NC races (other than the junior championships) that requested officials. I would suggest doing some brief ‘volunteer training’ at some of these races, then have the volunteers ride around on the back of motor cycles calling out obvious drafting violations….. even though, since they technically aren’t USAT officials, they probably couldn’t keep these people from winning awards….

If a head referee has time to train volunteers and has full confidence in their judgment, he or she may issue penalties based on what they observe. I’ve never done it, but I can imagine it happening. David Schoonmaker, the NC USAT official Durham, NC

Response:

Sounds like there is only 1 USAT official in North Carolina! Yes, this is the case. There are, however, several in Virginia willing to travel. Officials from Virginia worked Semper Fi and White Lake this year, the only two NC races (other than the junior championships) that requested officials.

    What’s the full story with being an official?  I mean, after you are     trained up/certified/etc.  Are travel costs covered by the RD?     Or if you agree to officiate a race, are you responsible for your     own arrangements?  I’m in north Texas, so I could probably commit     to officiating a large number of races without ever driving more     than 50 miles from home (were I a certified official), but am     curious about the situations in states like NC, where there is     apparently only 1 official in the entire state. Cheers, Shane "Maybe I should pursue officiating instead of duathlon…." Potter

Response:

After completing a clinic (2-3 hours, before a race), an official works that race as a Category 5 official–no compensation. Then the official volunteers as an assistant at two more races as Cat. 4 before becoming eligible to apply for Cat. 3 status. A Cat. 3 official assigned to a race (at the race director’s request, unless it’s a championship) receives the following compensation: – $50 for International or shorter; $100 for 1/2 IM or longer – $0.28 per mile driving compensation or other travel as pre-arranged – accommodations: motel or home stay, arranged by RD – free membership in USA Triathlon if you work three or more races per year Most race directors I’ve worked with have also been more than gracious about including us in any pre- or post-race meals at no charge. In addition, officials must attend recertification clinics every two years to remain active. There is no compensation for attending a clinic, although regional coordinators generally attempt to assign officials to the accompanying race. Those are the facts, but please let me add my own take on the reality. Nobody becomes an official for the money. The difference between the compensated mileage and what the IRS allows was more than enough for me to lose money officiating last year. We do it because we believe in draft-free, fair triathlon and want to do our part to make it so. There are all types of us: I happen to be an athlete/official, a fairly common type. Some accompany spouses or children to races and want something more meaningful to do than cheer (not to demean cheering). Others just had a calling. As an athlete, being official has added a major dimension to triathlon. I understand it better and appreciate it more than I did before becoming one. That said, I must also add a warning: Once you become an official, it only becomes more difficult to compete in races that don’t have them. Once you know how well it can work, it’s hard to watch it not work so well. David Schoonmaker (50-54 AG, USAT official) Durham, NC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     What’s the full story with being an official?  I mean, after you are     trained up/certified/etc.  Are travel costs covered by the RD?     Or if you agree to officiate a race, are you responsible for your     own arrangements?  I’m in north Texas, so I could probably commit     to officiating a large number of races without ever driving more     than 50 miles from home (were I a certified official), but am     curious about the situations in states like NC, where there is     apparently only 1 official in the entire state.

Response:

Two years ago at a race in Stevens Point WI the same thing happened to me…out front for the bulk of the ride and in the last 3 miles I get passed by 10 guys in a pack…including three I had passed earlier in the ride. Maybe it was the nature of the course, the lack of marshall-ing or the ethics of the bunch, but I’ve never gone back to Stevens Point. Mark

Response:

Go train and quit crying. Just be happy that there are races to do in N.C.                              Glenn Cook

Jackass. tim(dogspot1) buaidh no bas

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Jackass. tim(dogspot1)

good one

Response:

approaching "cock" status Tri-Nut

Sometimes you feel like a "nut" sometime you sound like a cock sucker

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let me apologize in advance….. this is a bit of a rant against drafting so stop now if you want too…. Today I raced in one of the NC Triathlon Series sprint races in Salisbury, NC.  And aside from a few ‘minor’ inconveniences (like broken glass on the beach at the swim start) the race was fairly well organized. The one glaring ‘miss’ on the part of race organizers was the complete lack of any race marshals on the bike course…..  I had targeted this race to really try to make a move in my AG (24-29) and had trained pretty hard for it. So there I was, good swim, doing decent on the bike, when suddenly after the bike turnaround,on a downhill section of the bike course a train of about 6 or 7 riders blows by me like I was on the side of the road fixing my chain. REALLY pissed me off, to the point that I yelled something to the effect of ‘nice pace line fellas’ at the group… and of course, plainly marked on their calves, most were in my AG. Now, if you are pro drafting in Triathlon, I can respect that (though I may disagree with you)… but this was a USAT sanctioned race and it was clearly marked in the race rules NO DRAFTING. Bottom line is this…..  if you draft in a no drafting race, you are cheating because you have a CLEAR competitive advantage…. and if their are any NC Tri Series officials out there, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE start marshaling these races. Brian ‘DRAFTING SUCKS’ Drake Charlotte, NC

Brian; I gotta throw my two cents into this as well.  I did the Triangle Tri two weeks ago, and there wasn’t a single official on the bike course.  Not only that, I noticed there was no mention of drafting in the rules given out in the race packet.  To top things off, when I was setting up in the transition area, I overheard a guy instructing his girlfriend not to worry about the bike; he would wait for her to catch up after the swim so she could draft off him.  I understand this race is a favorite race (and a charity race at that) for first timers and others who aren’t confirmed tri-addicts, but what kind of message does this blatant disregard for USAT rules send to those new to the sport? Besides that, this race is considered one of the major point races in the NC triathlon series.  I’ve done this race every year since I started tris, but each year it seems it gets more and more lax in rule enforcement.  It seems to me that a little educational effort on the part of organizers is needed, such as including a clear statement about drafting in the race packet, going over the important rules prior to the start of the race, and at least a token presence of a draft marshal on the bike course.  Just an opinion, take it or leave it. Marty

Response:

Bill emailed me because I emailed him at Set Up Inc. to complain. He was very nice and I could tell by the email that he had the same concerns that I did…. from his, as well as other, responses that I received, it looks like there just aren’t enough USAT officials to keep these people in check.  Sounds like there is only 1 USAT official in North Carolina! I would suggest doing some brief ‘volunteer training’ at some of these races, then have the volunteers ride around on the back of motor cycles calling out obvious drafting violations….. even though, since they technically aren’t USAT officials, they probably couldn’t keep these people from winning awards, I think it would be pretty cool to point out to the crowd at the awards ceremony that even if these folks won, they ‘had a little help’.  Maybe local roadies would be interested in helping out like this….. they know drafting better than anyone, since it’s actually part of their sport.  And as someone else posted, put them in super bright neon shirts so everyone can see them. I’m just frustrated….. there’s no way in heck I’m even close to placing in my AG (24-29), it just sucks for those that lose out to awards because others are cheating. And just a clarification –  I don’t have any proof that the actual front runners were drafting, the first 7 -10 riders I saw seemed to be very well spaced out….it was a little further back that things were getting out of hand. Brian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Brian, I would encourage you to send an email or letter to Bill Scott of Set-Up. Inc., the race director for High Rock Lake and most of the other races in NC Series, informing him of the situation.  Did you get the name or race number of the drafter?  That would allow Bill to confront him on this issue.  Bill is a great guy and should be willing to help on this issue.  It will be difficult for him to penalize the violator based on just your testimony, but he would be able to communicate with the individual that others have witnessed him drafting and warn him about such occurences in the future. Bill was genuinely surprised to find out about the exploits of the Plantadis brothers.  It is common knowledge to most of the elite triathletes in the Carolinas that these guys race every race as if it were conducted under ITU Pro rules rather than USAT amateur rules.  When the subject came up with Bill, he states that not a single person had mentioned their antics to him.  So if you want to stop the drafting, let Bill know.  And yes, I’d be willing to spend an extra $5 in my entry fee just to know that one of those guys isn’t going to win cash over someone who actually earned it. snip

Response:

I did the High Rock race yesterday.  I have witnessed drafting at one other Set-up, Inc. race (White Lake) this year by someone in my AG who finished (3rd in AG) ahead of me.  I was very frustrated by it.   I’m in the M40-44 AG and we (40+ men) were in the last wave at this race with the 40+ women.  We started behind the 39- women, so there was a large gap between us and the previous male wave.  While out on the course, I noticed little drafting and about 3/4 thru the bike, I caught and passed the draft violator from White Lake.  It gave me great pleasure especially since I was able to hold him off on the run.  Although at the beginning of the race I was frustrated with starting in the last wave knowing there would be a lot of other slower people in front of me, this turned out to be a blessing.  This was because there was no one on the course to draft with… all the faster bikers in the younger AG’s were long gone… so my buddy(sic) had no one to work with him.  Revenge is sweet. I did notice some blocking on the course, but most people moved right when I yelled "On your left".  However, I did come across one guy who acted like deer caught in the headlights of a car.  I did pass a lot of people and most were very cooperative. I’m now on the organizing committee for the first ever Outback Big Lick Triathlon at Smith Mtn Lake, Virginia, Sept. 23, and if I have anything to do with it, we will enforce drafting as strictly as possible.  We will have two USAT marshals on hand with additional volunteers, so I hope it will be a clean race. Jack Orsinger

Response:

Something I’ve seen used to VERY good effect is to invite the local roadie club to the race to act as draft marshals.  That way, they get to go out and ride against some tri-geeks (always fun) and they KNOW about drafting.  Maybe they also enjoy "busting" the cheaters.  I hope so.

Before I started doing dus/tri myself, I used to be a draft buster at the Racine (WI) on the Lake Triathlon (late 1980s).  The race director gave us orange t-shirts with "draft spotter" on the back so we were not really undercover.  The best violation I ever caught was the guy who refused to get more that a bike length behind the lead woman for ten miles. I was once in a race and passed two riders riding close, nose to tail. I went by and said "gee, that looks a LOT like DRAFTING to me". The guy on the back smiled and said – "it is, I’m a draft marshal".

I was in a duathlon where my friend Joel was a draft marshal.  As I left T1, he was stuck on my wheel.  I had to yell at him to drop off! 8^) Todd Jensen

Response:

Brian, I would encourage you to send an email or letter to Bill Scott of Set-Up. Inc., the race director for High Rock Lake and most of the other races in NC Series, informing him of the situation.  Did you get the name or race number of the drafter?  That would allow Bill to confront him on this issue.  Bill is a great guy and should be willing to help on this issue.  It will be difficult for him to penalize the violator based on just your testimony, but he would be able to communicate with the individual that others have witnessed him drafting and warn him about such occurences in the future. Bill was genuinely surprised to find out about the exploits of the Plantadis brothers.  It is common knowledge to most of the elite triathletes in the Carolinas that these guys race every race as if it were conducted under ITU Pro rules rather than USAT amateur rules.  When the subject came up with Bill, he states that not a single person had mentioned their antics to him.  So if you want to stop the drafting, let Bill know.  And yes, I’d be willing to spend an extra $5 in my entry fee just to know that one of those guys isn’t going to win cash over someone who actually earned it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let me apologize in advance….. this is a bit of a rant against drafting so stop now if you want too…. Today I raced in one of the NC Triathlon Series sprint races in Salisbury, NC.  And aside from a few ‘minor’ inconveniences (like broken glass on the beach at the swim start) the race was fairly well organized. The one glaring ‘miss’ on the part of race organizers was the complete lack of any race marshals on the bike course…..  I had targeted this race to really try to make a move in my AG (24-29) and had trained pretty hard for it. So there I was, good swim, doing decent on the bike, when suddenly after the bike turnaround,on a downhill section of the bike course a train of about 6 or 7 riders blows by me like I was on the side of the road fixing my chain. REALLY pissed me off, to the point that I yelled something to the effect of ‘nice pace line fellas’ at the group… and of course, plainly marked on their calves, most were in my AG. Now, if you are pro drafting in Triathlon, I can respect that (though I may disagree with you)… but this was a USAT sanctioned race and it was clearly marked in the race rules NO DRAFTING. Bottom line is this…..  if you draft in a no drafting race, you are cheating because you have a CLEAR competitive advantage…. and if their are any NC Tri Series officials out there, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE start marshaling these races. Brian ‘DRAFTING SUCKS’ Drake Charlotte, NC

Before you buy.

Response:

Brian: I appreciate the frustration you experienced on Saturday. It’s one reason that, much as I think Set-Up Inc. puts together great races, I haven’t raced locally at all this year. It’s also THE reason that I’m a USAT official. I wasn’t at High Rock Lake officiating because I wasn’t asked to be there. Let me outline some of the reasons. First, USAT requires officials only at championship events. Second, and probably most important in this case, the athletes have to let the race director know that they want officials and are willing to pay a little extra to have them there. (We don’t get paid much, but it’s still an expense for the RD.) Third, we don’t have enough officials; I’m the only one in North Carolina. That has several impacts: It costs race directors more to import officials; officials get burned out doing so many races; and sometimes no officials are available. Until such time as more athletes become officials, there simply won’t be enough to cover all races. Finally, you might want to consider entering the Dannon Duathlon in Huntersville on August 13. I’ll be soloing there (no other officials are available), but I’ll do my best to keep it draft-free. David Schoonmaker (50-54 AG, USAT official)

Today I raced in one of the NC Triathlon Series sprint races in Salisbury, NC.  And aside from a few ‘minor’ inconveniences (like broken glass on the beach at the swim start) the race was fairly well organized. The one glaring ‘miss’ on the part of race organizers was the complete lack of any race marshals on the bike course.

<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bottom line is this…..  if you draft in a no drafting race, you are cheating because you have a CLEAR competitive advantage…. and if their are any NC Tri Series officials out there, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE start marshaling these races. Brian ‘DRAFTING SUCKS’ Drake Charlotte, NC

Response:

Finally, you might want to consider entering the Dannon Duathlon in Huntersville on August 13. I’ll be soloing there (no other officials are available), but I’ll do my best to keep it draft-free.

I like to hear this. Something I’ve seen used to VERY good effect is to invite the local roadie club to the race to act as draft marshals.  That way, they get to go out and ride against some tri-geeks (always fun) and they KNOW about drafting.  Maybe they also enjoy "busting" the cheaters.  I hope so. I was once in a race and passed two riders riding close, nose to tail. I went by and said "gee, that looks a LOT like DRAFTING to me". The guy on the back smiled and said – "it is, I’m a draft marshal". Sneaky… really sneaky.  I had to laugh. Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles http://www.cynetfl.com/habanero/ Home of the $695 ti frame

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C’mon, Glenn, that’s too easy. No one needs to be told to stop crying. How about they stop the drafting. It has a lot to do with personal integrity, honor, and the fact that triathlon is an individual sport. It’s like cheating on a test at school or stealing from co-workers. Of course not every violation can be policed, but you would expect competitors to have some personal sense of abiding by the rules of the sport. Go train and quit crying. Just be happy that there are races to do in N.C.                               Glenn Cook

– Bernie Hall                                            o                         __o          </_                         <        __ /       /o__      (0)  (0)           /

Response:

Let me apologize in advance….. this is a bit of a rant against drafting so stop now if you want too…. Today I raced in one of the NC Triathlon Series sprint races in Salisbury, NC.  And aside from a few ‘minor’ inconveniences (like broken glass on the beach at the swim start) the race was fairly well organized. The one glaring ‘miss’ on the part of race organizers was the complete lack of any race marshals on the bike course…..  I had targeted this race to really try to make a move in my AG (24-29) and had trained pretty hard for it. So there I was, good swim, doing decent on the bike, when suddenly after the bike turnaround,on a downhill section of the bike course a train of about 6 or 7 riders blows by me like I was on the side of the road fixing my chain. REALLY pissed me off, to the point that I yelled something to the effect of ‘nice pace line fellas’ at the group… and of course, plainly marked on their calves, most were in my AG. Now, if you are pro drafting in Triathlon, I can respect that (though I may disagree with you)… but this was a USAT sanctioned race and it was clearly marked in the race rules NO DRAFTING. Bottom line is this…..  if you draft in a no drafting race, you are cheating because you have a CLEAR competitive advantage…. and if their are any NC Tri Series officials out there, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE start marshaling these races. Brian ‘DRAFTING SUCKS’ Drake Charlotte, NC

Response:

Brian: I agree completely. I saw several "trains" go by me. One of my friends was drafted throughout the entire bike, and the woman doing it usually wins her age group. She followed his every move exactly, just like they were in a Tour de France paceline. She then had the audacity to ask him if he could "pull her" up that first big hill on the run. Besides the flagrant drafting violations, there were also major instances of blocking. Since the course was out-and-back, and the road was not closed to traffic, the riders keeping to the left near the double-yellow line sure made the race unsafe for others. I had to go near the line to get by another guy, who refused to move over to the right after I called "on your left." He looked right over at me, then held his position. Set-Up, Inc. runs great races, but you’re right, we need some officials. — Bernie Hall                                            o                         __o          </_                         <        __ /       /o__      (0)  (0)           / – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let me apologize in advance….. this is a bit of a rant against drafting so stop now if you want too…. Today I raced in one of the NC Triathlon Series sprint races in Salisbury, NC.  And aside from a few ‘minor’ inconveniences (like broken glass on the beach at the swim start) the race was fairly well organized. The one glaring ‘miss’ on the part of race organizers was the complete lack of any race marshals on the bike course…..  I had targeted this race to really try to make a move in my AG (24-29) and had trained pretty hard for it. So there I was, good swim, doing decent on the bike, when suddenly after the bike turnaround,on a downhill section of the bike course a train of about 6 or 7 riders blows by me like I was on the side of the road fixing my chain. REALLY pissed me off, to the point that I yelled something to the effect of ‘nice pace line fellas’ at the group… and of course, plainly marked on their calves, most were in my AG. Now, if you are pro drafting in Triathlon, I can respect that (though I may disagree with you)… but this was a USAT sanctioned race and it was clearly marked in the race rules NO DRAFTING. Bottom line is this…..  if you draft in a no drafting race, you are cheating because you have a CLEAR competitive advantage…. and if their are any NC Tri Series officials out there, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE start marshaling these races. Brian ‘DRAFTING SUCKS’ Drake Charlotte, NC

Response:

Go train and quit crying. Just be happy that there are races to do in N.C.                               Glenn Cook

Response:

Go train and quit crying. Just be happy that there are races to do in N.C.                               Glenn Cook

Hopefully, others will agree that the Tri-Rooster is clearly approaching "cock" status.  USAT sanctioned events are no drafting races.  Period.  Drafters cheat.  Period.  If you can’t race within the rules and realize that triathlon is an individual test of fitness, then leave the sport and join the peloton of roadies.  Drafting is a clear display of weakness and undertraining.  Let those who have done the work reap the benefits. I’m sure that as triathlon grows thoughout the country and in N.C., more races will appear on the schedule.  Race organizers should always make provisions to enforce the rules.  IMH ‘99 made a clear statement about drafting by the DQ of Lothar Leder.  Pro or not, drafting sucks wind for everyone trying to race within the rules. Tri-Nut Before you buy.

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Question:

Once a triathlete, always a triathlete… Despite serious leg problems (torn calf muscle, heel spur) I just couldn’t stay away.  So, despite serious under training on the swim and run, I did the Metroplex Tri (Dallas) today.  The swim was just about what I expected, slow but steady (17 min) and since I was in the last wave I was way BOP. The bike however is my strong point.  I cranked up the old Zipp, and passed 102 (yes, I counted… doesn’t everyone?) fellow athletes in a 18 miles ride.  Then, the dreaded part… THE RUN! As soon as I jogged out of T2, I know it was going to be a good day.  No leg pain, no problem, and yes!  I felt great!  Lack of training showed however and I had to slow to a jog (even walk at aid stations), but I actually sprinted in.  22 of those I passed on the bike reeled me in again, one my AG, all the rest younger.   Final result:  a 1:39, which is a PR for me. Damn, I feel good!  But, the downside…. I’m hooked again (I guess I’ve been addicted 12 years now and can’t kick the tri habit).  Where is the next race?  I wanna go!

Response:

John— This was *wonderful* to read!  I felt so badly for you when you posted about your "forced retirement" from the sport, and your attempts to actually *sell* your beloved Zipp.   Welcome back, comrade!!! Bravo!! In article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Once a triathlete, always a triathlete… Despite serious leg problems (torn calf muscle, heel spur) I just couldn’t stay away.  So, despite serious under training on the swim and run, I did the Metroplex Tri (Dallas) today.  The swim was just about what I expected, slow but steady (17 min) and since I was in the last wave I was way BOP. The bike however is my strong point.  I cranked up the old Zipp, and passed 102 (yes, I counted… doesn’t everyone?) fellow athletes in a 18 miles ride.  Then, the dreaded part… THE RUN! As soon as I jogged out of T2, I know it was going to be a good day.  No leg pain, no problem, and yes!  I felt great!  Lack of training showed however and I had to slow to a jog (even walk at aid stations), but I actually sprinted in.  22 of those I passed on the bike reeled me in again, one my AG, all the rest younger.   Final result:  a 1:39, which is a PR for me. Damn, I feel good!  But, the downside…. I’m hooked again (I guess I’ve been addicted 12 years now and can’t kick the tri habit).  Where is the next race?  I wanna go!

– Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

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Question:

I’ve heard Encinitas is a great place to train and am looking at spending 4 weeks there pre Hawaii. If anyone has trained there and can tell me about the place and what it has to offer it would be greatly appreciated.

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I’ve heard Encinitas is a great place to train

Wow!  You are gonna be in the PRIME territory.  Encinitas, Carlsbad Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, La Jolla,  all within 10 miles on highway 101.  I’d get in touch with someone at the masters tri team at UCSD,.  There are many many pros and elite amatuers out here.  This area is the Mecca of triathlon ( sorry Boulder).  Good luck and good training. toddzi San Diego

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Question:

Was this a drafting triathlon and if so is Lessing only racing in draft-legal races? Rob

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it was draft legal. Lessing tends to concentrate on the ITU/olympic scene but i doubt he would rule out a race on the basis that drafting was not allowed. I think he does/has done laguna phuket which is definitely not draft legal. rob www.extremetri.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Was this a drafting triathlon and if so is Lessing only racing in draft-legal races? Rob

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Was this a drafting triathlon and if so is Lessing only racing in draft-legal races? Rob

Yes, the elite male and female waves were draft legal with ETU technical delegates checking all bikes (and rejecting several). No, I don’t believe that Simon is only doing draft legal events but certainly most of the pro events these days are that way in order to get the ITU points. The race was pretty tactical as there was a swim and a bike prime but, because of safety issues the bike prime was on lap 4 out of 5 so the last lap saw all the male athletes jockeying for position. Lessing won it on the run, pulling clear on the 4th lap to win comfortably. Interesting point: All the women cut the course by 300m by missing the run through transition! No timing splits for the swim or the run because they missed the timing mats at the transition entrance (they all ran in through the run out!!) Full results at www.triathletes.demon.co.uk

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Question:

This looks like a fine event. Where and when is it?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Attention Swimmers: No need to bother with those pesky bike and run segments to win your next local triathlon!  We have an event tailored just for ME!….uh…er…umm…YOU! TK’s Most Excellent Swimathlon!!!      Race Director….TK!!! Get This: SWIM – 2 Nautical Miles – NO WETSUITS ALLOWED.   RUN – 13 Meters up to the awards platform  BIKE – Back to your home with award hardware tucked in back of Speedo. BRAG – To your friends, family, and co-workers about conquering the wimpy           world of Triathlons! If it is determined that you have:     1) Run a 5k in less than 30 minutes within the last 3 years     2) Biked over 15mph contiuously for more than 10 minutes in the last 3 years     3) Touched, seen, or even thought about a wetsuit ever it will be considered grounds for disqualification. Furthermore, if you happen to win overall but your initials are not TK, you will be assessed a time penalty, the length of which will be determined by the RD, (TK). Due to the unusual nature of this event, the winners can be announced in advance. OVERALL MEN  1. TK  2. Matt B (25 minute penalty for excess speed)  3. Tom J (24 minute penalty for excess speed)  4. Rowdy G (23 minute penalty for excess speed)  5. Melvin S (22 minute penalty for excess speed)  6. Homer S (21 minute penalty for general stupidity…..DooooooHHH!!)  7. Beavis ? (20 minute penalty for indecency in T1)  8. E. Valdez (19 minute penalty and 180 million dollar fine for running aground)  9. Elvis P. (18 minute penalty for entering competion illegally,  It turns out he is         still dead and we cant let a "floater" win.) 10. Bill and Hillary C – TIE (17 minute penalty for Whitewater infraction) DQ List:  1. Moby D (looked like he was wearing a wetsuit…swam too fast anyway)  2. Lang, k. d. (started with wrong swim wave)  3. T Kennedy (Tried to use car like a wetsuit, besides, Race Director protested          on account of his initials!)  4. A. Gore (everyone says he appears wooden, and that makes him a "floater")  5. K. Costner (his Waterworld was a real bomb…DQed for illegal             explosives…should stick to Dancing…)  6. D. Letterman (kept squirting everyone with water from between his front teeth)  7. D. Parton (use of illegal flotation devices, natural or manmade is not allowed)  8. Ted Koeppl (Race Director discretionary DQ due to competitors initials)  9. Ted Knight  (Race Director discretionary DQ due to competitors initials) 10. Tony Kornheiser (Race Director discretionary DQ due to competitors initials) So there we have it, a FAIR competition where we can ALL have a chance to WIN! (The above is a paid political announcement paid for by Triathletes Against Swim Specialist Parity and in no way reflects the opinions of TK or his ilk….) GANelson

This thing had me laughing. Sorry Tim, no offense to you, this post was funny. "Iron" Pete Priolo Sub 10 hour IMC’97 —Countdown: 14 days until D-Day!!!

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Dateline: Xanadu, Nirvana, Shangra-La, Etc. Attention Swimmers: No need to bother with those pesky bike and run segments to win your next local triathlon!  We have an event tailored just for ME!….uh…er…umm…YOU! TK’s Most Excellent Swimathlon!!!      Race Director….TK!!! Get This:  SWIM – 2 Nautical Miles – NO WETSUITS ALLOWED.    RUN – 13 Meters up to the awards platform   BIKE – Back to your home with award hardware tucked in back of Speedo. BRAG – To your friends, family, and co-workers about conquering the wimpy            world of Triathlons! If it is determined that you have:      1) Run a 5k in less than 30 minutes within the last 3 years      2) Biked over 15mph contiuously for more than 10 minutes in the last 3 years      3) Touched, seen, or even thought about a wetsuit ever it will be considered grounds for disqualification. Furthermore, if you happen to win overall but your initials are not TK, you will be assessed a time penalty, the length of which will be determined by the RD, (TK). Due to the unusual nature of this event, the winners can be announced in advance. OVERALL MEN   1. TK   2. Matt B (25 minute penalty for excess speed)   3. Tom J (24 minute penalty for excess speed)   4. Rowdy G (23 minute penalty for excess speed)   5. Melvin S (22 minute penalty for excess speed)   6. Homer S (21 minute penalty for general stupidity…..DooooooHHH!!)   7. Beavis ? (20 minute penalty for indecency in T1)   8. E. Valdez (19 minute penalty and 180 million dollar fine for running aground)   9. Elvis P. (18 minute penalty for entering competion illegally,  It turns out he is         still dead and we cant let a "floater" win.) 10. Bill and Hillary C – TIE (17 minute penalty for Whitewater infraction) DQ List:   1. Moby D (looked like he was wearing a wetsuit…swam too fast anyway)   2. Lang, k. d. (started with wrong swim wave)   3. T Kennedy (Tried to use car like a wetsuit, besides, Race Director protested          on account of his initials!)   4. A. Gore (everyone says he appears wooden, and that makes him a "floater")   5. K. Costner (his Waterworld was a real bomb…DQed for illegal                explosives…should stick to Dancing…)   6. D. Letterman (kept squirting everyone with water from between his front teeth)   7. D. Parton (use of illegal flotation devices, natural or manmade is not allowed)   8. Ted Koeppl (Race Director discretionary DQ due to competitors initials)   9. Ted Knight  (Race Director discretionary DQ due to competitors initials) 10. Tony Kornheiser (Race Director discretionary DQ due to competitors initials) So there we have it, a FAIR competition where we can ALL have a chance to WIN! (The above is a paid political announcement paid for by Triathletes Against Swim Specialist Parity and in no way reflects the opinions of TK or his ilk….) GANelson

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Question:

  Saturday, I finally ran the 5k I’d mentioned.  The good news was that it was 40 seconds faster than the previous best.  The bad news is that I was looking for 2:40 faster.  That wasn’t unreasonable because the previous best was a jog rather than a run.   Then reality, in the form of heat and high humidity (90%), interfered. I only stayed near the goal pace for the first two laps.  The last half of the 5k, I finished at my usual jogging pace (feeling as if I were working as hard as a much faster run, just not covering ground).   If I took my usual heat adjustment (40 seconds/mile), then I suppose I could sort of figure that I would have been near the pace I wanted to be at.  Still, very unsatisfying day.  Unlike on the 3200 I mentioned earlier, where not too long after I finished I was thinking about how I should have run this or that part faster and was feeling fairly good, this time, it was a matter of ‘well, at least that’s out of the way’.   Definitely a good idea (for me) to put off the 5k for time until the dew point is below 78 and the week before the timing isn’t ca. 100 with ozone red alerts.  But I nevertheless did figure how to run a 5k — a 2400, two 800’s, and a 1000.   Now to run shorter things, 600 is next up.  In the mean time, with the heat, I’ll be doing some days in the pool or on bikes.  Any suggestions from triathletes regarding how best to mix the three types of training? — Sagredo (Galileo Galilei) "You present these recondite matters with too much evidence and ease; this great facility makes them less appreciated than they would be had they been presented in a more abstruse manner." Two New Sciences

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<big snip  Now to run shorter things, 600 is next up.  In the mean time, with the heat, I’ll be doing some days in the pool or on bikes.  Any suggestions from triathletes regarding how best to mix the three types of training? —

The heat got you, but don’t feel bad, it’s an occupational hazzard here in the south. Happens all the time. If your effort felt right, you did the best you could. Now, how to mix training. Stick to doing one discipline a day, or at worst, one in the morning, another in the afternoon.. One pattern is to swim one day, run the next, then bike the third. The swim works the upper body, so you should be OK for the run. Then the bike is a good way to recover from the run. Throw in a rest day and repeat. Unless you’re going to train for a triathlon, I wouldn’t worry about doing multiple daily workouts, or a traditional "brick", which is a hard bike followed by a run. A brick trains you to do the bike/run transistion – which is god-awful each and every time, but they really are tough on the bod. Mike "TriBop" Tennent Remove "nospam" for email reply WebRunner Running Page http://www.webrunner.com/webrun/running/running.html My Model Railroad Page http://www.webrunner.com/webrun/srr/

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Question:

Thanks for all the suggestions.  Thought I’d pass on what I’ve found that seems to do the trick.  First, I tried getting tubes with extended valves— not good, however, since the extended tubes actually were’t long enough.  Second, I tried the Spinergy value extensions, and still no good— the Spinergy extensions were also too short.  Finally (drum roll please…)  I used the tubes with extended valves, WITH the Spinergy extensions, WITH the teflon tape to help the seal.  What sold me on this combination is it has the ability to be filled using a CO2 cartridge. Thanks for all the suggestions! Dr. Charlie

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I realize this may have been addressed previously, but if it has, I missed it.  I recently became the proud owner of a set of HED Jets (who says tri-spouses never know what to give for a birthday!).  I’ve got valve extensions for the tubes, but they leave something to be desired.  The more I pump, the more it seems to leak at the base of the extension.  I tried changing to tubes with extended valve stems, but even the longer valves don’t extend beyond the rim.   Nifty aero rims don’t do much good if you can’t get air in the tires.  Okay… one of you folks who are riding on Jets (and I know you’re out there) HOW do you do it? Charlie Brown  (aka Dr. Charlie)

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: I realize this may have been addressed previously, but if it has, : I missed it.  I recently became the proud owner of a set of HED : Jets (who says tri-spouses never know what to give for a : birthday!).  I’ve got valve extensions for the tubes, but they : leave something to be desired.  The more I pump, the more it : seems to leak at the base of the extension.  I tried changing to : tubes with extended valve stems, but even the longer valves : don’t extend beyond the rim.   I’ve had similar problems dealing with valve extenders. One quick and easy way to stop the leaking is to put some super-glue or other sealant on the threads of the tube and then screw the valve extender on. To be sure that you haven’t closed the presta valve in doing so (it screws closed the same direction as you nedd to screw on the extender), try pumping on the tube with a little pressure (don’t want to ruin the seal you just glued in) to be sure the valve isn’t "stuck" closed by the glue. You can also be sure that the valve doesn’t screw closed as you put theextender in place, be sure to unscrew the valve tip tightly, perhaps with a pair of pliers. As for using other valve extenders, I highly recommend the ones that Hed makes. They are basically an extension of the tubes "barrel", since you unscrew the valve tip, screw the extender into the barrel, and screw the valve into the end of the extended barrel (hard as heck to describe, just picture it though!). This set-up is great also, cause you can release air from the tire without jamming a small allen wrench into the extender. Hope this helps. -J

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I also have a HED Jet front and the key is to put teflon tape on the threads where you connect the valve extension.  Use a lot of tape. Works for me. gil

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I also own two deep-dish wheels (Hed Jet and Mavic Cosmic) that require valve extenders.   They ship with the extenders little o-ring seals that are supposed to sit between the extender and Presta valve body. I used them at first, but they get twisted/mangled/dropped so easily I gave up on them. I didn’t see the full body of the replies, so if I am repeating what has been said, my apologies.   1.  You can ignore the seals.  I don’t use any seal/glue/tape/ whatever on mine and the seem to work.  I simply screw them on and apply a slight tightening torque with the pump attachment. 2.  Your Presta valve on the tube may be bent/damaged, causing the leak.  You can try replacing the tube, if practical, or else put a little Teflon tape on the threads of the Presta valve and then screw the extender in.   -Rolf —     Rolf "Ironman" Arands, PhD in ChEng "This above all, to thine own self be true."

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I also have a set, I wrap Teflon tape around the stem then screw on the valve extender and it never leaks, this was also what the directions said to do that were included with my wheels.  Good luck!! — TRIATHLON     3 TIMES THE FUN IF YOU HAVE TO DRAFT—TAKE UP A DIFFERENT SPORT!!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : I realize this may have been addressed previously, but if it has, : I missed it.  I recently became the proud owner of a set of HED : Jets (who says tri-spouses never know what to give for a : birthday!).  I’ve got valve extensions for the tubes, but they : leave something to be desired.  The more I pump, the more it : seems to leak at the base of the extension.  I tried changing to : tubes with extended valve stems, but even the longer valves : don’t extend beyond the rim.   I’ve had similar problems dealing with valve extenders. One quick and easy way to stop the leaking is to put some super-glue or other sealant on the threads of the tube and then screw the valve extender on. To be sure that you haven’t closed the presta valve in doing so (it screws closed the same direction as you nedd to screw on the extender), try pumping on the tube with a little pressure (don’t want to ruin the seal you just glued in) to be sure the valve isn’t "stuck" closed by the glue. You can also be sure that the valve doesn’t screw closed as you put theextender in place, be sure to unscrew the valve tip tightly, perhaps with a pair of pliers. As for using other valve extenders, I highly recommend the ones that Hed makes. They are basically an extension of the tubes "barrel", since you unscrew the valve tip, screw the extender into the barrel, and screw the valve into the end of the extended barrel (hard as heck to describe, just picture it though!). This set-up is great also, cause you can release air from the tire without jamming a small allen wrench into the extender. Hope this helps. -J

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Charlie,  Invest about $1 in some teflon pipe sealant tape. Wrap a layer of this around the valve stem threads where the extenders screw on and VOILA!  You also might think up ways of using the leftover tape, as there’ll be enough for about 200-300 wheels.  There’s also another alternative. There are some extenders which actually bring the presta valve out to the rim. You must have a removable valve core, and they simply allow you to relocate it farther out. I think they are made by UFO.

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I realize this may have been addressed previously, but if it has, I missed it.  I recently became the proud owner of a set of HED Jets (who says tri-spouses never know what to give for a birthday!).  I’ve got valve extensions for the tubes, but they leave something to be desired.  The more I pump, the more it seems to leak at the base of the extension.  I tried changing to tubes with extended valve stems, but even the longer valves don’t extend beyond the rim.   Nifty aero rims don’t do much good if you can’t get air in the tires.  Okay… one of you folks who are riding on Jets (and I know you’re out there) HOW do you do it?

I simply toss the extenders and use a Shraeder to Presta adaptor (the kind you pick up at the LBS for 50 cents).  There is almost always enough thread showing to screw on the adaptor (which only needs the threads normally used for the valve cap which you don’t use anyway), unless you’re running VERY deep rims.  I’m not sure if the HED Jets fall into this category, but it works very well for my Rigidas. Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles

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<<Nifty aero rims don’t do much good if you can’t get air in the <<tires.  Okay… one of you folks who are riding on Jets (and I know you’re out there) HOW do you do it?

<<Charlie Brown  (aka Dr. Charlie) Not sure what kind of extenders your using but I put some pipe thread tape(teflon I think) around the threads on the valve stem.  I put it on my spare tubes and keep some extra in my bag so when I have a flat I have no problem. This seals the connection and you get no leaking. G. Holmes

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Charlie,  There’s also another alternative. There are some extenders which actually bring the presta valve out to the rim. You must have a removable valve core, and they simply allow you to relocate it farther out. I think they are made by UFO.

Charlie…you might also try the lowest grade of thread sealer, which works well for me. Also, Spinergy makes valve extenders that have the Presta valve on the outside of the extention, and so does Vittoria, I think. Hammering in Hawaii, Dave Cobb

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Question:

I am trying to hook up with anyone who is in the Southern/Southeastern part of Minnesota.  I recently moved from Boston to Rochester, MN and can’t seem to find a tri-group.  Anyone got connections? keith wittenberg

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: I am trying to hook up with anyone who is in the Southern/Southeastern : part of Minnesota.  I recently moved from Boston to Rochester, MN and : can’t seem to find a tri-group.  Anyone got connections? There are a couple of Tri clubs in the MPLS/St. Paul metro area.  They may be able to help you out: Minnesota Metro Triathlon Team 612/985-1123 County Cycles Racing Team Jeanne Minder 612/490-9743 Welcome to the frozen north. Dave LaPorte Beginning Road Racing Program St. Paul Bicycle Racing Club 612/639-1771 (Home) 612/625-4983 (Work)

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Question:

In a newsgroup that favors such topics as Powerbars Taste Like Shit, Peeing off the bike, What is Digestible on the Ride, before the swim, apres run, as well as every other biological detail involved with triathlon, it surprises me that no one has ever broached the subject of their gut (literally) reaction to pre-race nerves. It has come to my attention that many triathletes’intestines become overly lax before the race; others have told me that their tension affects their insides and that they are the unhappy transporters of an unwanted load throughout the whole two or three hour event.  Wouldn’t you open-minded and free-spirited posters to RST like to share your experiences, concerns, and, above all, solutions, to this problem that plagues quite a few triathletes just as much as the subjects mentioned above: food, pee, etc? Ruth Kazez

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(…stuff snipped)…Wouldn’t you open-minded and free-spirited posters to RST like to share your experiences, concerns, and, above all, solutions, to this problem that plagues quite a few triathletes just as much as the subjects mentioned above: food, pee, etc?

Right on Ruth!  It’s at least 3 trips to the Port-o-john from the time I wake up to the time my wave starts.  I attribute it to nerves and as of yet have found no remedy.  Hopefully, some helpful suggestions (other than the obvious eat only foods you have trained with, avoid acidic foods, etc.) will come out of this thread. Mark Stewart

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Question:

Dear Triathletes, Here’s some info on our camp. The camp will be held at Vacation Village in Clermont, Florida (15 miles west of Orlando), site of the Great Floridian Triathlon, The Florida Challenge Tri and others. The dates are April 5,6,7, 1996 and May 31, June1,2, 1996.   Jeff Cuddeback (MA in Exercise Physiology and Industrial Psychology) is coordinating the training (407-788-7030) so give him a call for any specifics.  Jeff is a 35-39 age grouper who is the 1994 U.S. Champ, the 1993 U.S., World, Ironman Champion, and the 1992 Overall U.S. Champ.  The camp is aimed at age-groupers who want to improve their times and enjoyment of the sport.   The camp is designed to have people share ideas, so everyone benefits.   We’ll start the day with a short run, have breakfast, and then start the training.  Besides the 25 meter pool, there is a beautiful lake and beach to practice open water training.  Alec Rukosuev is a fantastic swimmer ( 1989 Swim Champ of Russia; 1993,94,95 Panama City Half Ironman Winner; 1993 Disney Marathon 2:21 Winner; 1st out of the water Hawaii 1994, 2nd in 1995) and supervising the swimming.  We’re negotiating with a USCF bike coach right now; however Jeff’s average speed for Hawaii in 1993 was 23mph so he knows biking also.  Jim Ward, the 75+ age group phenom will be coaching also.  Jim has 6 World and 12 U.S. Championships under his belt, including 1995 Worlds and 2 Hawaii Ironman wins. The cost is $349 which includes 3 nights lodging and breakfast and lunch each day; we request a $100 deposit to hold a spot, which is refundable up to 1 month before the camp.  Hope to see you there.  Call 407-884-5008 for any other info. JOLF

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