Question:

writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi: Anyone with comments on Oakley sunglasses for running?   Are the M frames lenses much better at blocking wind?  The largest of the lenses (the heater?) touch my face so I’m considering the sweeps.  The M frames don’t seem to hug my face as well as my zeros.  Also I’m considering the red iridium, the grey, or just the clear lens.  Any comments?  The black iridium is just too dark, the blue iridium is green based which shifts the color (not too fond of that).  The grey lens blocks out less light (making it usable in a larger range of light conditions?) and cheaper. On second thought forget about the clear lens.

I find the sweep lenses keep wind out just fine – I’ve used them for skiing when all about me were in Goggles. Have you considered any of the rust/yellow/orange lenses. They’re great for running in poorer light, and especially through the woods. Tim

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Hi there!   I’ve been running for about six years now and last year I bought myself a pair of M-frames because the sun makes me very dizzy when it’s bright out and i’ve found that it has been the greatest investment that I’ve ever made. I can’t go running without them at allany more. They do an excellent job of blocking the wind and there great with the bright sun. I have two lenses, a red one and a blue one. I like the red one better especially in the summer. I use the blue one more in the winter especially when there is a lot of glare coming off the snow. I Sure hope that this has helped. JODY – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi: Anyone with comments on Oakley sunglasses for running?  I wear contacts so wind and bright sun bother me.  I have a pair of Oakley Zeros (0.4) the small oval one which hug my face fairly well.  But on breezy days they just don’t block enough wind.  Btw, I consider Oakleys to be the best for sports glasses. Are the M frames lenses much better at blocking wind?  The largest of the lenses (the heater?) touch my face so I’m considering the sweeps.  The M frames don’t seem to hug my face as well as my zeros.  Also I’m considering the red iridium, the grey, or just the clear lens.  Any comments?  The black iridium is just too dark, the blue iridium is green based which shifts the color (not too fond of that).  The grey lens blocks out less light (making it usable in a larger range of light conditions?) and cheaper. On second thought forget about the clear lens. Any feedback is appreciated.  Thanks. — John Wong 3000 Waterview Parkway               voice:     (214) 497-3073 Richardson, Texas  75080

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Hi: Anyone with comments on Oakley sunglasses for running?  I wear contacts so wind and bright sun bother me.  I have a pair of Oakley Zeros (0.4) the small oval one which hug my face fairly well.  But on breezy days they just don’t block enough wind.  Btw, I consider Oakleys to be the best for sports glasses. Are the M frames lenses much better at blocking wind?  The largest of the lenses (the heater?) touch my face so I’m considering the sweeps.  The M frames don’t seem to hug my face as well as my zeros.  Also I’m considering the red iridium, the grey, or just the clear lens.  Any comments?  The black iridium is just too dark, the blue iridium is green based which shifts the color (not too fond of that).  The grey lens blocks out less light (making it usable in a larger range of light conditions?) and cheaper. On second thought forget about the clear lens. Any feedback is appreciated.  Thanks. — John Wong 3000 Waterview Parkway               voice:     (214) 497-3073 Richardson, Texas  75080

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Does anyone have suggestions for a good pair of sunglasses to wear while running (amoung other things)?  I’ve been looking in the malls, but all I can find in "sport" sunglasses are Oakleys, and I can’t see me spending over $100 on a pair of sunglasses (especially one’s that aren’t adjustable; I have a very hard to fit head). Doug

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If vision correction is an issue, Bolle and Oakley offer lightweight solutions here, but at a hefty price. Oakly M-Frame, with vision connection: $135+/-.  I have a pair of these for cycling and love ‘em.  Most of my winter runs are in the dark do I wear normal (non sunglasses) when I run.

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Try Smith’s.  They are made by the same people that make the ski goggles.  They are light, strong, and have shatterproof glass.  The glass makes them slightly heavier than Oakley’s, but the optics are MUCH better. Price is reasonable too, from 45-80 bucks. John Bowen

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I use a pair of Vuarnets – skilynx, or some similarly named model.   They wrap right around like a good pair of ski goggles and are great for keeping the wind out as well as the sun.  Priced about $80.  And they even look good. Nimble Trimble

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I use three different pairs, 2 are oakley knock-offs (complete with the oakley and little baggy that comes with them), and another pair with yellow lenses that I thought I looked good in.  Total price for all 3, under $40 … Just a thought. JerryB – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering what kind of sunglasses everyone uses (if any) when they run. I’m planning on trying a triathlon soon and thought the sunglasses would be nice in the morning to keep the sun out of my eyes, and the wind out of my eyes. (Wind applies only when I bike. I wish I could run that fast. <grin) I’m not looking to spend $100 on these (there go the Nikes and Adidas), since I’ve already got an expensive pair of casual-wear sunglasses. I realize that everyone’s face is not the same and a lot of your suggestions won’t fit me, but it’s nice to know. =) Thanks, — Vincent In every cloud, there’s a silver lining; if nothing else, at least it looks pretty.

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<< 2 are oakley knock-offs (complete with the oakley and little baggy that comes with them You’ll look cool in knock-offs, but your eyes will not be benefiting by looking through the top quality (distortion free) real Oakley lens.

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I have to question the value of a product once the price gets beyond a reasonable level.  My two favorite pastimes are running and shooting pocket billiards.  I sense the same trends in both sports with respect to equipment. You can buy a decent playing cue for around $100 anything more and you’re paying for fancy inlay work, exotic woods and the like.  You can drop thousands on a fancy stick but a really good player will consistently beat you with his $100 stick.  Will paying an outlandish amount for sunglasses, watches, shoes, etc improve your running?????   I don’t buy junk shoes nor junk pool cues but try to stay reasonable with respect to both.  

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I have had several pair of Oakleys, beginning with the original Pilot frames in 1986.  I believe you get what you pay for.  I have also tried cheaper "Ironman" sunglasses for about $15-20 and they don’t come close to Oakleys for comfort, definition and probably UV protection. David Dunn

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–I use a pair of polarized "USA Sport" glasses with adjustable ear-pieces that I got at a race expo last year for $50.  They fit me much better than Oakleys, which also cost 2-3 times as much. Andy Hass – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering what kind of sunglasses everyone uses (if any) when they run. I’m planning on trying a triathlon soon and thought the sunglasses would be nice in the morning to keep the sun out of my eyes, and the wind out of my eyes. (Wind applies only when I bike. I wish I could run that fast. <grin) I’m not looking to spend $100 on these (there go the Nikes and Adidas), since I’ve already got an expensive pair of casual-wear sunglasses. I realize that everyone’s face is not the same and a lot of your suggestions won’t fit me, but it’s nice to know. =) Thanks, — Vincent In every cloud, there’s a silver lining; if nothing else, at least it looks pretty.

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I agree- the *best* sunglasses I got for $12.99 at Walgreens. They have funky orange lenses. I skied in them when I normally would have worn goggles- they totally kept the wind out. Plus, the orange lenses make the day more cheery! I am personally not too hung up on brands- I spend alot on my regular glasses (thank goodness for insurance!)  so when it comes to sunglasses, if they fit well and don’t cost an arm and a leg, and don’t make me look too much like a bug, then I am sold. I think I am better off spending more money on things that are more crucial to my performance, like runners or a bike. Jenn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I found a nice pair (on my third set) at Wal-mart for like $5   They have amber lenses, are aerogynamic, have polarize lenses and the frames are almost rubberized, the softest plastic I’ve found.  They are quite comfortable and do a great job.  Incidently I saw the identical sunglasses at a ski resort for a tad under $100.  I think you can’t always equate money=quality.

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i run with oakley julietts.  they’re kind of pricey at 350.00 (can probably get them cheaper now). $350 for a pair of non-prescription sunglasses? Good lord. Do they have night-vision capabilities or something — David Nova Scotia, Canada.

I like having an expensive pair of sunglasses.  I bought Revo’s for $325 when they were popular.  Too bad noboby really wears them anymore.  I need to upgrade to Maui JIms or whatever is in fashion now.   Ted http://hometown.aol.com/rhwbullhead/

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: I was wondering what kind of sunglasses everyone uses (if any) when they : run. I’m planning on trying a triathlon soon and thought the sunglasses : would be nice in the morning to keep the sun out of my eyes, and the wind : out of my eyes. (Wind applies only when I bike. I wish I could run that : fast. <grin) I’m not looking to spend $100 on these (there go the Nikes and : Adidas), since I’ve already got an expensive pair of casual-wear sunglasses. : I realize that everyone’s face is not the same and a lot of your suggestions : won’t fit me, but it’s nice to know. =) : Thanks, : — Vincent If you take care of them it can sometimes pay to spend a little more. I had two pairs of the original Oakley Pilot sunglasses that I purchased in about 1986 (on;u $40 back then).  I finally had to give up on them a couple of years ago since the combination of many years of sweat and UV rays were causing the frames to finally break down but the kenses were still scraatch free after all that time.  At least one of the pairs had even been slid agorss a chip seal road surface after someone decided to clip my front wheel at 30+ MPH one time.  Since that timy started breaking down mith Moab with three lenses for about $65 the lense got majro scratches in less than 6 months.  A coupld of pair of cheap Oakley knockoffs purchased 2 pair for $25.  The first pair one hinge broke after sx months and the second the frames are splitting.  So I’m finally back in a pair of Oakley M-Frames about $120.  They have already been stepped on once but no damage ddone to them.  I hape they last as long as my original Oakleys if they do then they are a cheap investment.   I wore glasses with plastic lenses for years before getting contacts and know hoe to take care of plastic lenses so getting scratches soon after getting a pri to me reflects a low quality lesns material.  No I don’t wear sunglasses to look cool.  I wear them to help protect my contacts from the wind (especially critical if biking).  They also help protect your eyes from bugs and UV rays.  At 49 I’ve allreay getting near neading cataract surgery.  Bug protection is very important on a bike I’ve seen what happens wehn someone rides into a bee and they help when you run through a swarm of small bugs. Tom : In every cloud, there’s a silver lining; : if nothing else, at least it looks pretty.

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I completely know what you mean. Right now I’m -8.50 diopter, at only 15 years and something like 7 or 8 years of wearing glasses. The main reason I’m going for sunglasses is to keep the wind out of my eyes, and that will help keep those contacts in. As for scratches, I don’t think I’ve ever scratched a sunglasses lens, thought it happens at least once with most of my correction glasses, which get changed once a year. I might consider M-Frames or something similar from a quality company that’s a tad bit cheaper, but I’m too poor to afford them now. =) –Vincent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you take care of them it can sometimes pay to spend a little more. I had two pairs of the original Oakley Pilot sunglasses that I purchased in about 1986 (on;u $40 back then).  I finally had to give up on them a couple of years ago since the combination of many years of sweat and UV rays were causing the frames to finally break down but the kenses were still scraatch free after all that time.  At least one of the pairs had even been slid agorss a chip seal road surface after someone decided to clip my front wheel at 30+ MPH one time.  Since that timy started breaking down mith Moab with three lenses for about $65 the lense got majro scratches in less than 6 months.  A coupld of pair of cheap Oakley knockoffs purchased 2 pair for $25.  The first pair one hinge broke after sx months and the second the frames are splitting.  So I’m finally back in a pair of Oakley M-Frames about $120.  They have already been stepped on once but no damage ddone to them.  I hape they last as long as my original Oakleys if they do then they are a cheap investment. I wore glasses with plastic lenses for years before getting contacts and know hoe to take care of plastic lenses so getting scratches soon after getting a pri to me reflects a low quality lesns material.  No I don’t wear sunglasses to look cool.  I wear them to help protect my contacts from the wind (especially critical if biking).  They also help protect your eyes from bugs and UV rays.  At 49 I’ve allreay getting near neading cataract surgery.  Bug protection is very important on a bike I’ve seen what happens wehn someone rides into a bee and they help when you run through a swarm of small bugs. Tom : In every cloud, there’s a silver lining; : if nothing else, at least it looks pretty.

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I was wondering what kind of sunglasses everyone uses (if any) when they run. I’m planning on trying a triathlon soon and thought the sunglasses would be nice in the morning to keep the sun out of my eyes, and the wind out of my eyes. (Wind applies only when I bike. I wish I could run that fast. <grin) I’m not looking to spend $100 on these (there go the Nikes and Adidas), since I’ve already got an expensive pair of casual-wear sunglasses.

Go colored contact lenses, but of course that would not make you look like a cool-guy-wannabe. — Return e-mail is a spam tarpit.

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I race tris in a pair $12 dollar knockoffs of the Oakley Juliet’s… I have a hell of a time finding glasses that stay on enough and don’t leave any gap between the top of the glasses and my head.  I’m in a very deep aero position and tend to be peering through the tops of many glasses. Alex www.geocities.com/milktrout

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i run with oakley julietts.  they’re kind of pricey at 350.00 (can probably get them cheaper now).  they have a little heft to them, and sit nicely. good luck. m When man tries to imagine paradise on earth, the immediate result is a very respectable hell.                      Claudel – 1929 I was wondering what kind of sunglasses everyone uses (if any) when they run. I’m planning on trying a triathlon soon and thought the sunglasses would be nice in the morning to keep the sun out of my eyes, and the wind out of my eyes. (Wind applies only when I bike. I wish I could run that fast. <grin) I’m not looking to spend $100 on these (there go the Nikes and Adidas), since I’ve already got an expensive pair of casual-wear sunglasses. I realize that everyone’s face is not the same and a lot of your suggestions won’t fit me, but it’s nice to know. =) Thanks, — Vincent In every cloud, there’s a silver lining; if nothing else, at least it looks pretty.

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I found a nice pair (on my third set) at Wal-mart for like $5   They have amber lenses, are aerogynamic, have polarize lenses and the frames are almost rubberized, the softest plastic I’ve found.  They are quite comfortable and do a great job.  Incidently I saw the identical sunglasses at a ski resort for a tad under $100.  I think you can’t always equate money=quality.

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i run with oakley julietts.  they’re kind of pricey at 350.00 (can probably get them cheaper now).  they have a little heft to them, and sit nicely. good luck. m When man tries to imagine paradise on earth, the immediate result is a very respectable hell.                      Claudel – 1929                         – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering what kind of sunglasses everyone uses (if any) when they run. I’m planning on trying a triathlon soon and thought the sunglasses would be nice in the morning to keep the sun out of my eyes, and the wind out of my eyes. (Wind applies only when I bike. I wish I could run that fast. <grin) I’m not looking to spend $100 on these (there go the Nikes and Adidas), since I’ve already got an expensive pair of casual-wear sunglasses. I realize that everyone’s face is not the same and a lot of your suggestions won’t fit me, but it’s nice to know. =) Thanks, — Vincent In every cloud, there’s a silver lining; if nothing else, at least it looks pretty.

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Wow, I thought they were only over $100 by now. The price on them is $275-$400 *blink* I think I’ll skip on those. I think I might go with a pair of UVEX glasses. They look like they’ve got good quality, and they come pretty cheap (generally $40-$15). They’ve even got some nice ‘riding glasses,’ which I assume are for biking. I’ll have to go check out the local Wal-marts and see what I can find. –Vincent

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i run with oakley julietts.  they’re kind of pricey at 350.00 (can probably get them cheaper now). $350 for a pair of non-prescription sunglasses? Good lord. Do they have night-vision capabilities or something — David Nova Scotia, Canada.

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I was wondering what kind of sunglasses everyone uses (if any) when they run. I’m planning on trying a triathlon soon and thought the sunglasses would be nice in the morning to keep the sun out of my eyes, and the wind out of my eyes. (Wind applies only when I bike. I wish I could run that fast. <grin) I’m not looking to spend $100 on these (there go the Nikes and Adidas), since I’ve already got an expensive pair of casual-wear sunglasses. I realize that everyone’s face is not the same and a lot of your suggestions won’t fit me, but it’s nice to know. =) Thanks, — Vincent

Hehe.  I wish I had some suggestions.  My solution was just to use my nice casual wear sunglasses for running or biking.   Ted http://hometown.aol.com/rhwbullhead/

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I was wondering what kind of sunglasses everyone uses (if any) when they run. I’m planning on trying a triathlon soon and thought the sunglasses would be nice in the morning to keep the sun out of my eyes, and the wind out of my eyes. (Wind applies only when I bike. I wish I could run that fast. <grin) I’m not looking to spend $100 on these (there go the Nikes and Adidas), since I’ve already got an expensive pair of casual-wear sunglasses. I realize that everyone’s face is not the same and a lot of your suggestions won’t fit me, but it’s nice to know. =) Thanks, — Vincent In every cloud, there’s a silver lining; if nothing else, at least it looks pretty.

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Question:

Layne, you were perfectly understandable the first time – really Hmm, there’s another characteristic that I’ve noted in some males (it may be found in females but they don’t tell me anything so I wouldn’t know) called I-wish-I-hadn’t-said-anything syndrome.

Yes, I can relate to that – been there, done that Dot

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Find a loop in wilderness heaven: When the tears start, "Screams"                  I am ordered. Only I well know:  few elites who are in a echo wave because .I want too: planet x?,one mass?. "Now I’m speaking in rhymes What’s to do? Keep on running:) It’s really snowing,"It’s snowing" snowing yes snowing i

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I think he meant one Kleenex Jonathan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – one One tear? Laurie Of course now how many of the guys here would jump in and say. "Oh yes Laurie and Nina I get teary eyed on my runs too."

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I was a typical male – looking for something to do to make it better (slay dragons…

   Hi:    Don’t throw away the meat.    AG Fee free to send me an e-mail, just spam me not!

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Oh that’s ok. I’m used to being left  errrr  alone errrrr ……in the rain.hehehe

And in the snow and ice with fuzz balls in your eyes. I feel bad now. The fuzz ball story btw has been of much amusement for me on long runs. It’s a good motivator too. Y’know the sort of thing you think about when you need to remind yourself it could all be much worse. While doing the dishes tonight, I got to thinkin about this and it just may be _my_ private time alone from people, [snip]

I think it’s similar for me. Now I do spend quite a lot of time on my own but then I constantly need to get stuff done and/or think of many different things at once. When I’m running, especially on long runs, is a rare time where I don’t feel busy and I feel I take time just for myself and consciously get suspended in the moment, in the motion, in rythm. Before I took up running, the closest I ever came to that state of mind was zoning out completely when dancing in a club. Except then I didn’t have any clear thoughts, it was more like a trance-like state. Now if I could just figure out that Layne. I think he needs to do the dishes and then the answers will come.

Layne, report back. Please! nina

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Laurie- I have not experienced this, but last summer after completing a triathlon, my boyfriend did. It was an incredibly hot humid day, and I had reservations that he would even be able to complete the events. He surprised me by not dying on the course, though, and after we got in the car to leave, I inquired as to how he felt.  He replied that he had the weirdest feeling, like he just needed to cry.  He could not explain why, and it took several hours for him to feel normal again. The feelings were very intense. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.  I have no idea what causes this, but suspect many people experience it. Susie

i think that when something holds such huge significance to a person, and they achieve what was once unthinkable, a lot of emotion is there. i was welling up about a half hour before i even finished my (first) marathon. think was during the walking part, when i was sore and soaking, but i suddenly realized that i was going to finish the race. the marathon had only been a pipe dream two years prior. i never thought i could hack the training, let alone the race. funny thing was, when i neared the finish line and was attempting some semblance of a run/jog, i was so focused on just moving my body like a runner that i forgot all the emotion. and i think the relief i felt after finishing wiped away all emotions…. i knew i needed medical attention or i’d end up twisted up like a dead squirrel by the curb. i find that in training, i am so focused on my running – breathing, form, cadence, drinking, my time, my speed, and so on – that i don’t really think about much/anything else. even on the long slow runs. i hope to do my first triathlon in May, and it’s hard to say how i’ll feel during and after that. should i keep a hanky in the transition areas?  :) Cam

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Now if I could just figure out that Layne. I think he needs to do the dishes and then the answers will come. Layne, report back. Please!

Hmm, there’s another characteristic that I’ve noted in some males (it may be found in females but they don’t tell me anything so I wouldn’t know) called I-wish-I-hadn’t-said-anything syndrome. Lessee, let me try this again from a personal point of view. I was participating in an event with my wife and, when she finished, here came the tears (hers – I only cried when I found out that there were women running in thongs bikini bottoms and I missed ‘em). Scared me big time (the tears not the thongs). So, my post was just a suggestion to let running partners know that tears might be a possibility. No biggie. How ’bout them knees??? Layne – creeping back into the testosterone zone

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Hey Laurie, I was ok during my 20 miler last week.  That night I felt like crying. Maybe it was a delayed response!  In reality, it was my throbbing hamstrings!  During our longer runs, we get angry at drivers or laugh at really stupid stuff that isn’t really funny. Troy

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Laurie- I have not experienced this, but last summer after completing a triathlon, my boyfriend did. It was an incredibly hot humid day, and I had reservations that he would even be able to complete the events. He surprised me by not dying on the course, though, and after we got in the car to leave, I inquired as to how he felt.  He replied that he had the weirdest feeling, like he just needed to cry.  He could not explain why, and it took several hours for him to feel normal again. The feelings were very intense. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.  I have no idea what causes this, but suspect many people experience it. Susie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do any of you have emotional long runs.  I for one, tend to get teary eyed easily.  If I hear a particular song, or _think_ about a loss,death or even a good thing. Even a flower or some animal can bring me to tears.  I usually have trouble with this around mile 3- 6 then I am ok. Guess a lot of feelings come out? I know many experience this with their first marathon. Just wondering, if the big ol rain drops that start to fall from my eyes is strange or some of you have that too. Once I get into my run and really zone out, I am no longer emotional, but very focused on the run and my pace, etc… Laurie- I keep hearing that dang song "One night at a time" Practice makes perfect" and it is sooooooooo old but it _always_ finds it way to me on my long run. A very emotional song for me.

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I hate to leave you standing alone in the rain but it’s not like sob on long runs as a general rule.

Oh that’s ok. I’m used to being left  errrr  alone errrrr ……in the rain.hehehe I was over  dramatizing with the "sob" part.  I have come close though to just wanting to go over and lie down and cry on my runs. I guess that is what pillows are for. While doing the dishes tonight, I got to thinkin about this and it just may be _my_ private time alone from people,   and that is why I get teary eyed. It is my time to let out hidden  emotions, or ones that I must keep intact. I seldom cry in the presence of others.  My job can get some of the toughest to break and the suffering and grief seen just can be overwhelming. I have a tendency to_feel_ others pain. So I figured myself out, for once. Now if I could just figure out that Layne. I think he needs to do the dishes and then the answers will come. Laurie- Consider case, whoops I mean thread closed.

Well Nina, Form the looks of this thread, it looks as though you and I are the only ones sobbing on our long runs..

  I do get quite emotional sometimes and – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – have gotten the odd tear here and there… I dunno. Somehow when I’m running I experience a lot of things more intensely than when I’m not. Makes me wish to run more. Oh well, and some wonder why I carry kleenex on my runs. See – I do that to blow my nose with them. Like a civilised being. Ha. nina

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Oh well, and some wonder why I carry kleenex on my runs. Laurie-I bet Roger cries on his runs

I wonder if I’d cry on a run if I fell and broke my new Polar S710.  I guess I’ll have to carry Kleenex with me incase that happens.  ;-) Roger

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Well Nina, Form the looks of this thread, it looks as though you and I are the only ones sobbing on our long runs..

I hate to leave you standing alone in the rain but it’s not like sob on long runs as a general rule.  I do get quite emotional sometimes and have gotten the odd tear here and there… I dunno. Somehow when I’m running I experience a lot of things more intensely than when I’m not. Makes me wish to run more. Oh well, and some wonder why I carry kleenex on my runs.

See – I do that to blow my nose with them. Like a civilised being. Ha. nina

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Well Nina, Form the looks of this thread, it looks as though you and I are the only ones sobbing on our long runs.. *LOLOLOL*  yup it’s gotta be a woman thing. I know I cried at my marathon but that was because I was crumbling at mile 23 with quad pain. Of course now how many of the guys here would jump in and say. "Oh yes Laurie and Nina I get teary eyed on my runs too." *LOLOLOL*

i’ll never admit it. Cam

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Layne, You totally lost me here?

Sooooo, all that psych training is paying off, eh? Haven’t a clue what this says.

Mainly, I was thinking from the point of view of someone (Person A) who is a running partner with someone who is emotional (there should be a better word here for tension release) (Person B). If Person A sees Person B in what appears to be an uncomfortable state (tears), Person A may take it personally (?) supposing that Person A did something wrong. The first time this happened to me (Person A), I was looking for an external reason for the tears (from Person B) when there wasn’t one. *LOL*

Lowtuc, I need your help here, Bro. Laurie – do you need to lie down on a couch?

I go back far enough to remember bean bag chairs and futons as counselling tools. Couchs are fine, chairs are fine, heck, the floor’s fine – as long as you don’t disturb my nap. Layne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a conversational tangent. If you’re running with someone, it might be a good idea to gently let them know. My running mate does this at the end of some events and it scared me the first time. She’s fine after a minute or two but until we talked about it I was a typical male – looking for something to do to make it better (slay dragons, bring flowers, build a barn, whup up on somebody). Sorry if this isn’t what you mean. Layne

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Do any of you have emotional long runs.  I for one, tend to get teary eyed easily.  If I hear a particular song, or _think_ about a loss,death or even a good thing. Even a flower or some animal can bring me to tears.  I usually have trouble with this around mile 3- 6 then I am ok. Guess a lot of feelings come out? I know many experience this with their first marathon. Just wondering, if the big ol rain drops that start to fall from my eyes is strange or some of you have that too. Once I get into my run and really zone out, I am no longer emotional, but very focused on the run and my pace, etc… Laurie- I keep hearing that dang song "One night at a time" Practice makes perfect" and it is sooooooooo old but it _always_ finds it way to me on my long run. A very emotional song for me.

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Do any of you have emotional long runs.  I for one, tend to get teary eyed easily.

Yes. I usually get into very high spirits during long runs but lately I have gotten quite teary-emotional myself. Hey, maybe it’s a woman thing. My most intensely emotional run was on Christmas Day when I started to think about all the changes I have gone through and the amazing things that have happened in my life during this past year. All good stuff for which I am very grateful. They were definitely happy tears. nina

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Well Nina, Form the looks of this thread, it looks as though you and I are the only ones sobbing on our long runs.. *LOLOLOL*  yup it’s gotta be a woman thing. I know I cried at my marathon but that was because I was crumbling at mile 23 with quad pain. Of course now how many of the guys here would jump in and say. "Oh yes Laurie and Nina I get teary eyed on my runs too." *LOLOLOL* Oh well, and some wonder why I carry kleenex on my runs. Laurie-I bet Roger cries on his runs

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do any of you have emotional long runs.  I for one, tend to get teary eyed easily. Yes. I usually get into very high spirits during long runs but lately I have gotten quite teary-emotional myself. Hey, maybe it’s a woman thing. My most intensely emotional run was on Christmas Day when I started to think about all the changes I have gone through and the amazing things that have happened in my life during this past year. All good stuff for which I am very grateful. They were definitely happy tears. nina

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Of course now how many of the guys here would jump in and say. "Oh yes Laurie and Nina I get teary eyed on my runs too."

one — Lorne Sundby

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Of course now how many of the guys here would jump in and say. "Oh yes Laurie and Nina I get teary eyed on my runs too."

Laurie, Nina, I sometimes get emotional on my runs (or sort of emotionally involved in them), but I haven’t ever been teary on a run. Recall Bruce Lee in "Enter the Dragon" talking about "emotional content" (or Jimmy Yune in "They Call Me Bruce" talking about "…mental… …patience…    …my grandfather was mental patient, my father was mental patient, …"). Somewhat funny and even corny, and somewhat core to our being… I feel closer to Ozzie’s "Being There" than to Peter Seller’s "Being There" (and don’t find running to be much of a spectator sport, except maybe for the last ten seconds)… Tom.

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Heck, don’t you remember that thread "A question for the men in the group"? Surely there are occasions for men sobbing, too. christopher – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well Nina, Form the looks of this thread, it looks as though you and I are the only ones sobbing on our long runs..

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one

One tear?   Laurie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Of course now how many of the guys here would jump in and say. "Oh yes Laurie and Nina I get teary eyed on my runs too."

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Here’s a conversational tangent. If you’re running with someone, it might be a good idea to gently let them know. My running mate does this at the end of some events and it scared me the first time. She’s fine after a minute or two but until we talked about it I was a typical male – looking for something to do to make it better (slay dragons, bring flowers, build a barn, whup up on somebody). Sorry if this isn’t what you mean. Layne

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*LOLOLOLOL* Laurie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Heck, don’t you remember that thread "A question for the men in the group"? Surely there are occasions for men sobbing, too. christopher Well Nina, Form the looks of this thread, it looks as though you and I are the only ones sobbing on our long runs..

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Layne, You totally lost me here? Haven’t a clue what this says. *LOL* Laurie – do you need to lie down on a couch?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a conversational tangent. If you’re running with someone, it might be a good idea to gently let them know. My running mate does this at the end of some events and it scared me the first time. She’s fine after a minute or two but until we talked about it I was a typical male – looking for something to do to make it better (slay dragons, bring flowers, build a barn, whup up on somebody). Sorry if this isn’t what you mean. Layne

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Question:

He’s over at rec.sports.triathlon these causing the same scene that we dealt with earlier. I guess sales are down. You’re right, it is rubbish. — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "You can’t burn out if you’ve never caught fire." http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jon, will you quit posting the same rubbish with a slightly revised first couple of paragraphs every couple of months – we’ve already done this article to death here. Just go read the archives and imagine you have something new to say.

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we’ve been thru’ this here before. less than a couple of months ago. jobs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thought this would provoke the usual outrage. If anyone wants to print this

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Jon, will you quit posting the same rubbish with a slightly revised first couple of paragraphs every couple of months – we’ve already done this article to death here. Just go read the archives and imagine you have something new to say. — Regards, Barry Running & Stuff: http://distancerunner.tmfweb.nl "The woods are lovely, dark and deep; but I have training logs to keep; and miles to run before I sleep".

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thought this would provoke the usual outrage. If anyone wants to print this unpublished article, or reproduce it on a website, please send me a note. I will be most obliging. ****** 9 August 2001 The End of the British Empire: Why a Brit (Black or White) Will Never Again Hold a Distance Running Record By Jon Entine When the gun goes off for the men

Question:

nice report..   and a nice job in finishing a real IM <g   I only did the half, I have a lot of respect for you guys who did the full.. compare to a flat course IM, the pineman is the Ironman and a flat course is like an Ironsisy <VBG  way to go..   even the tinman in comparison seems like an easy course…  I like to try this again next year.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Due to a job change and move out west for next month that will likely prevent me from racing GFT, I raced the Mohican PineMan Triathlon (MPT) in Ohio last Saturday. This extremely challenging triathlon was very well run and is one I plan to do again. See the race report at: http://ultrarunner.bizland.com/PineMan.chtml Rock Cogar. TN.USA. GFT: 94,95,96,98. MPT: 00. Before you buy.

– Regards, Ardalan "Ardy" Sadeghi Performance Administration Corp "Building Bridges Between Todays Sales and Tomorrow’s Customers"     Work: 330-493-8271              Fax: 330-493-3264 Cellular: 330-284-6416             Home: Homeless for now!

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David, The Mohican Pineman Triathlon (MPT) was simply so different from the Great Floridian Triathlon (GFT) that I almost have to consider them not to be the same sport. Sort of like trying to compare a trail 50K run with a marathon road race. While I love GFT, I have greater feeling of acomplishment from my MPT finish than for any triathlon and all of my ultramarthon finishes except for my single 100 miler. HFPRacing puts on really good races up there in Ohio. Rock. TN.USA. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Due to a job change and move out west for next month that will likely prevent me from racing GFT, I raced the Mohican PineMan Triathlon (MPT) in Ohio last Saturday. This extremely challenging triathlon was very well run and is one I plan to do again. See the race report at: http://ultrarunner.bizland.com/PineMan.chtml Great report! It was interesting reading the comparison to GFT. I’ve considered GFT and the Mohican for my next (second) IM. I may choose GFT based on your description of the cold and the hills… David / FEY2K IMCAL2000 – 16:53 (remove spaces) at att dot net

Before you buy.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Due to a job change and move out west for next month that will likely prevent me from racing GFT, I raced the Mohican PineMan Triathlon (MPT) in Ohio last Saturday. This extremely challenging triathlon was very well run and is one I plan to do again. See the race report at: http://ultrarunner.bizland.com/PineMan.chtml Rock Cogar. TN.USA. GFT: 94,95,96,98. MPT: 00. Before you buy.

Very good report.  Rock described the race very well.  It was unusually cold that day.  The lake is very scenic.  The bike is very challenging (hilly) and the run is very fast (if you have anything left in your legs).  Shannon and Jennifer Kurek did an excellent job in directing the race.  Sufficient support on all three disciplines.  The Mohican Resort/Park is a great setting.  I plan to do this again in the future too. Jim Mersinger Maryville, IL IMC: ‘96 ‘97 IMH: ‘98 Full Vineman: ‘00 MPT: ‘00 GFT: ‘00 Before you buy.

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Wow.  Nice job on the report.   Here in Ohio we can have quite varied Septembers.  The week of the race was the absolute coldest all summer. Right now (1:30 PM) it is in the low 80’s and this AM it was in the mid-60’s.  Perfect biking weather (with a 15-20 MPH wind). Based on your report I am likely putting the 1/2 Pineman on my list for next year.   I’m too new in this sport to go for the full, but I should be ready for the 1/2 by next Sept.  BTW: HFP racing is known for putting on a first class operation.  I haven’t heard a bad thing yet about them.   Jim Porco Dublin, Ohio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Due to a job change and move out west for next month that will likely prevent me from racing GFT, I raced the Mohican PineMan Triathlon (MPT) in Ohio last Saturday. This extremely challenging triathlon was very well run and is one I plan to do again. See the race report at: http://ultrarunner.bizland.com/PineMan.chtml Rock Cogar. TN.USA. GFT: 94,95,96,98. MPT: 00. Before you buy.

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Due to a job change and move out west for next month that will likely prevent me from racing GFT, I raced the Mohican PineMan Triathlon (MPT) in Ohio last Saturday. This extremely challenging triathlon was very well run and is one I plan to do again. See the race report at: http://ultrarunner.bizland.com/PineMan.chtml

Great report! It was interesting reading the comparison to GFT. I’ve considered GFT and the Mohican for my next (second) IM. I may choose GFT based on your description of the cold and the hills… David / FEY2K IMCAL2000 – 16:53 (remove spaces) at att dot net

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Due to a job change and move out west for next month that will likely prevent me from racing GFT, I raced the Mohican PineMan Triathlon (MPT) in Ohio last Saturday. This extremely challenging triathlon was very well run and is one I plan to do again. See the race report at: http://ultrarunner.bizland.com/PineMan.chtml Rock Cogar. TN.USA. GFT: 94,95,96,98. MPT: 00. Before you buy.

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Question:

I have accepted a job in Chicago and will begin October 4.  Is anyone familiar with any triathlon clubs or masters swim clubs that I could contact?  Any information would be helpful.  Thanks! -Andy

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I have accepted a job in Chicago and will begin October 4.  Is anyone familiar with any triathlon clubs or masters swim clubs that I could contact?  Any information would be helpful.  Thanks! -Andy

The ironic thing is that in the city with the "world’s largest" triathlon there is currently no tri club.  Fleet Feet, a local running store has reportedly made an attempt to revive the Chicago Triathlon Club but Im not sure how far along they are. As far as master classes go I have found it to be pretty hit and miss.  I think the Evanston YMCA has a fairly well established masters program and I would also check into the situation at the New City YMCA.   td

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I have accepted a job in Chicago and will begin October 4.  Is anyone familiar with any triathlon clubs or masters swim clubs that I could contact?  Any information would be helpful.  Thanks! -Andy

Which part of Chicago?  There is a tri club out of Elgin at Mission Bay but the Chicago tri club is defunct <sp?.  If you are in the city, there is a masters club at the New City YMCA or there is a decent one affiliated with Northwestern University in which the college coaches run the workouts. Good Luck Steve Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Andy– The previous post was correct.

Question:

Hello, This question is, do bar end shifters count as caped or pluged? Or do we have to install one of those bridges and move the shifters? Thanks Jay

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Jay: Bar end shifters are "USAT" legal. Keith — Ironman Triathlon Wetsuits Website: www.ironmanwetsuits.com toll free order line: 800-897-6464 international calls: 804-288-6000

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, This question is, do bar end shifters count as caped or pluged? Or do we have to install one of those bridges and move the shifters? Thanks Jay

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Hello, This question is, do bar end shifters count as caped or pluged?

Yes, bar end shifters are legal in USAT events.

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Question:

<very embarrassed to discover Ray and I have similar taste in music Yup, he sure did, Ray !  I wondered who else would know that ! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think that Warren Zevon wrote it.  Along with other great tunes like: Werewolves of London, Excitable Boy, and "Lawyers, Guns, and Money"  all of which are great triathlon tunes.

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C’mon Lynne,  why would you be embarrassed to have the same taste in music as I do?  I have very good taste in music having come through the same "best-of-times / worst-of-times" 60’s that you did.  Of course that was before we both discovered triathlon and toasted our brains on the Queen K. I get the impression that Rich Davis might know more about who wrote and recorded what than either of us. Ray Plotecia Male Amateur, 50-54 Ruxton, MD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <very embarrassed to discover Ray and I have similar taste in music Yup, he sure did, Ray !  I wondered who else would know that ! I think that Warren Zevon wrote it.  Along with other great tunes like: Werewolves of London, Excitable Boy, and "Lawyers, Guns, and Money"  all of which are great triathlon tunes.

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I think that Warren Zevon wrote it.  Along with other great tunes like: Werewolves of London, Excitable Boy, and "Lawyers, Guns, and Money"  all of which are great triathlon tunes. Ray Plotecia Male Amateur, 50-54 Ruxton, MD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : What was it Linda Ronstadt used to sing? "Poor, poor, pitiful me" : first.  A think a country singer did a more recent version. It was Terri Clark.  Yes, I’m very sorry that I know that.  It’s what I get for living south of the Mason-Dixon line too long.  Well, I think she’s from Alberta, so that’s OK. Mike in DC                                       o                      __o            </_                      <           __/   /o_           (()) (())           / "You’ve got to get obsessed and stay obsessed."     Coach Bob

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Is this an offer for Mike or another tri-guy?

Neither – already got myself a tri-guy!  Shopped around at various races for about a year till I found me a good foreign specimen – tall, lean and British! Seriously, it makes things a lot easier when you both are training all weekend long – or – racing every weekend.  I know one of my old boyfriends got sick of getting up early every few weekends to watch me race. Not a problem anymore. -hug It’s not too late to change that #7 resolution…you need to find yourself a tri-chick, Mike! -hug (who, despite being a tri-chick, still can’t comprehend why anyone would choose to leave a warm bed to go to a 6 am swim workout or run in the freezing cold weather!)

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What was it Linda Ronstadt used to sing? "Poor, poor, pitiful me"

I know that Warren Zevon did a version of this, but I don’t know if he was the first.  A think a country singer did a more recent version.

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: What was it Linda Ronstadt used to sing? "Poor, poor, pitiful me" : first.  A think a country singer did a more recent version. It was Terri Clark.  Yes, I’m very sorry that I know that.  It’s what I get for living south of the Mason-Dixon line too long.  Well, I think she’s from Alberta, so that’s OK. Mike in DC                                                                            o                       __o            </_                       <           __/    /o_           (()) (())           / "You’ve got to get obsessed and stay obsessed."                                     Coach Bob

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: What was it Linda Ronstadt used to sing? "Poor, poor, pitiful me" : I know that Warren Zevon did a version of this, but I don’t know if : he was the first.  A think a country singer did a more recent version. – History of _Poor Poor Pitiful Me_:

     Zevon wrote the tune, Ronstadt was first to record it.  Zevon then      did his own version. Terri Clark is the latest to record a cover      of Poor Poor Pitiful Me.  Home Page: http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~twm/TTH.html

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Scwhing, Funny how girlfriends and triathlon work. I broke up with my last girlfriend the day before my first triathlon (the triathlon was June 29, 1997). A year and a half later, I’ve got 9 tri’s, including IMH, under my belt and still, no more girlfriends. Go figure….       Jim

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Is this an offer for Mike or another tri-guy?   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -It’s not too late to change that #7 resolution…you need to find yourself a tri-chick, Mike! -hug (who, despite being a tri-chick, still can’t comprehend why anyone would choose to leave a warm bed to go to a 6 am swim workout or run in the freezing cold weather!)

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I don’t think it was, but that would be too close to the "personals" thing for me. Yikes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is this an offer for Mike or another tri-guy? It’s not too late to change that #7 resolution…you need to find yourself a tri-chick, Mike! -hug (who, despite being a tri-chick, still can’t comprehend why anyone would choose to leave a warm bed to go to a 6 am swim workout or run in the freezing cold weather!)

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Who needs a husband when one has 4 bikes from which to choose? <wink

*And* she didn’t end her sentence with a preposition. She’s got it all… Andrew

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Mike,  are you lamenting the loss of a girlfriend as another casualty of the triathlon experience, or is this a blatant advertisement which really should be entitled: Hey Girls, Schwing’s back on the market. E-mail  resumes to Funny how they hang in there until after they get their Christmas presents.

Not in my case, Ray. She always bolted about December 10. The holidays used to be my favorite time of the year. I still have one present that I bought and never had the chance to give sitting in a box in my closet. This year, I solved (?) the problem by avoiding female contact all year. What was it Linda Ronstadt used to sing? "Poor, poor, pitiful me" Mike, hang in there, buddy. And close those curtains.

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Ooooooh well said ! Who needs a husband when one has 4 bikes from which to choose? <wink – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     About the lady, as a hardcore cycling buddy of mine often say’s;     "The bike is my mistress".  Those who’ve been in your position     (like me), can certainly understand the conundrum.

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A few weeks ago I had offered up my 1999 goals along with every one else. Damn! It’s only 1/4/1999 and I’ve already missed one of them. Specifically: Schwing’s 1999: 7. Keep current girlfriend all the way through the summer. (have trouble with that) Reason given: can’t deal with the athletics. Can’t understand why I would get out of a warm bed in the freezing cold weather and go to 6am swim practice, or come back from a run in the woods with ice on my face, or spend all day on Saturday working out. Can’t take the obsession in me. I call it passion. Whatever. I don’t really understand it either, but I’m kind of stuck with myself. Let’s hope I have better luck with my other goals. Next!

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Mike,  are you lamenting the loss of a girlfriend as another casualty of the triathlon experience, or is this a blatant advertisement which really should be entitled: Hey Girls, Schwing’s back on the market. E-mail  resumes to Funny how they hang in there until after they get their Christmas presents. Ray Plotecia Male Amateur, 50-54 Materialism, MD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A few weeks ago I had offered up my 1999 goals along with every one else. Damn! It’s only 1/4/1999 and I’ve already missed one of them. Specifically: Schwing’s 1999: 7. Keep current girlfriend all the way through the summer. (have trouble with that) Reason given: can’t deal with the athletics. Can’t understand why I would get out of a warm bed in the freezing cold weather and go to 6am swim practice, or come back from a run in the woods with ice on my face, or spend all day on Saturday working out. Can’t take the obsession in me. I call it passion. Whatever. I don’t really understand it either, but I’m kind of stuck with myself. Let’s hope I have better luck with my other goals. Next!

Response:

It’s not too late to change that #7 resolution…you need to find yourself a tri-chick, Mike! -hug (who, despite being a tri-chick, still can’t comprehend why anyone would choose to leave a warm bed to go to a 6 am swim workout or run in the freezing cold weather!) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A few weeks ago I had offered up my 1999 goals along with every one else. Damn! It’s only 1/4/1999 and I’ve already missed one of them. Specifically: Schwing’s 1999: 7. Keep current girlfriend all the way through the summer. (have trouble with that) Reason given: can’t deal with the athletics. Can’t understand why I would get out of a warm bed in the freezing cold weather and go to 6am swim practice, or come back from a run in the woods with ice on my face, or spend all day on Saturday working out. Can’t take the obsession in me. I call it passion. Whatever. I don’t really understand it either, but I’m kind of stuck with myself. Let’s hope I have better luck with my other goals. Next!

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Actually, it was intended as neither. I was really more upset at missing a goal, like the 200 on the 1:30 I missed by a few the other day. Still bummed at that. Oh well, never said I was a good swimmer, or boyfriend. Schwing – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike,  are you lamenting the loss of a girlfriend as another casualty of the triathlon experience, or is this a blatant advertisement which really should be entitled: Hey Girls, Schwing’s back on the market. E-mail  resumes to Funny how they hang in there until after they get their Christmas presents. Ray Plotecia Male Amateur, 50-54 Materialism, MD A few weeks ago I had offered up my 1999 goals along with every one else. Damn! It’s only 1/4/1999 and I’ve already missed one of them. Specifically: Schwing’s 1999: 7. Keep current girlfriend all the way through the summer. (have trouble with that) Reason given: can’t deal with the athletics. Can’t understand why I would get out of a warm bed in the freezing cold weather and go to 6am swim practice, or come back from a run in the woods with ice on my face, or spend all day on Saturday working out. Can’t take the obsession in me. I call it passion. Whatever. I don’t really understand it either, but I’m kind of stuck with myself. Let’s hope I have better luck with my other goals. Next!

Response:

: Actually, it was intended as neither. I was really more upset at missing a : goal, like the 200 on the 1:30 I missed by a few the other day. Still bummed : at that. Oh well, never said I was a good swimmer, or boyfriend. – Most world-class swimmers would miss a 200 on the 1:30, I wouldn’t

     be too bummed about that.        About the lady, as a hardcore cycling buddy of mine often say’s;      "The bike is my mistress".  Those who’ve been in your position      (like me), can certainly understand the conundrum.  Home Page: http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~twm/TTH.html

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HA! Right you are!!!! I meant a 100, obviously. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Actually, it was intended as neither. I was really more upset at missing a : goal, like the 200 on the 1:30 I missed by a few the other day. Still bummed : at that. Oh well, never said I was a good swimmer, or boyfriend. – Most world-class swimmers would miss a 200 on the 1:30, I wouldn’t     be too bummed about that.     About the lady, as a hardcore cycling buddy of mine often say’s;     "The bike is my mistress".  Those who’ve been in your position     (like me), can certainly understand the conundrum. Home Page: http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~twm/TTH.html

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I’m losing my mind. That wasn’t it either. Forget about it. (200 on 3min, I missed.) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HA! Right you are!!!! I meant a 100, obviously. : Actually, it was intended as neither. I was really more upset at missing a : goal, like the 200 on the 1:30 I missed by a few the other day. Still bummed : at that. Oh well, never said I was a good swimmer, or boyfriend. – Most world-class swimmers would miss a 200 on the 1:30, I wouldn’t     be too bummed about that.     About the lady, as a hardcore cycling buddy of mine often say’s;     "The bike is my mistress".  Those who’ve been in your position     (like me), can certainly understand the conundrum. Home Page: http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~twm/TTH.html

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Question:

I am a newbie triathlete.  For the last 3 weeks in a row, my training swims have been severely cut short.  First there was hurricane Bonnie, which provided seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray.  We both are new at ocean swimming, and want to get over this fear of the critters. The ocean was like glass today, but the jellyfish, and stingray, prevented us from staying in the water.  Besides pool swimming, what are your suggestions? How do you deal with the critters?

Hi Bobbi: In my 15 years of tri’s, I’ve done a lot of ocean swims – all on the FL/GA coast. Jellyfish are about the only things I worry about. Sharks/fish never have been a problem. They’re there, but despite what the movies show, they don’t attack everything that moves. However, if you swim in the ocean long enough, you will get nipped or touched by a fish.  That always startles me and gets my pulse rate up. But it’s just a matter of calming yourself back down and continuing on. There have been a few times when I had a couple of things happen in a short time and psyched myself out. Then I just swam back into shore, sat down, and waited. After a while I laughed at the good scare and went back in. All in all, it’s a hell of a lot safer than biking. Mike "who lives and swims in a major shark breeding area" Tennent "TriBop" ‘98 Ironman Canada, 16:17:03

Response:

Mike "who lives and swims in a major shark breeding area" Tennent

Mike, if I remember right aren’t you from St. Simons? I was there on vacation this summer for a week and all I heard from the locals was how the 2nd largest breeding area for sharks was across the inlet @ Jekyll Island (Australia’s great barrier reef being the first). A guy caught an 11 ft. lemon shark on the pier while we were there. As it turns out, the roads were more dangerous to me than the water. I hit sand on a turn, did a face plant and shattered my helmet. chip

Response:

I am a newbie triathlete.  For the last 3 weeks in a row, my training swims have been severely cut short.  First there was hurricane Bonnie, which provided seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray. We both are new at ocean swimming, and want to get over this fear of the critters. The ocean was like glass today, but the jellyfish, and stingray, prevented us from staying in the water.  Besides pool swimming, what are your suggestions? How do you deal with the critters?

Just look at it as justification for getting that wetsuit! Of course, you’ll look even more like a seal to those sharks.

Response:

Mike "who lives and swims in a major shark breeding area" Tennent Mike, if I remember right aren’t you from St. Simons? I was there on vacation this summer for a week and all I heard from the locals was how the 2nd largest breeding area for sharks was across the inlet @ Jekyll Island (Australia’s great barrier reef being the first). A guy caught an 11 ft. lemon shark on the pier while we were there.

Yep. St. Simons is #2, but I’ve never had a problem. Most of the ones close to shore are small – the 2-3 footers, and no "man-eaters" .  But if you fly over the area in a plane, it is mind boggling how many you can see.  <g As it turns out, the roads were more dangerous to me than the water. I hit sand on a turn, did a face plant and shattered my helmet.

Ouch. If you make it back down again, email me and I can give you a few routes to try. Mike "or ride with you, if you’re not in a hurry" Tennent "TriBop" ‘98 Ironman Canada, 16:17:03

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John,   Thanks for the advice, I’ll heed it and head for the beach, …. I,  think. Bobbi

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…<snip…  Jellyfish are definitely "bad"; don’t even think about going for a swim if they are around.  Even the little bitty so-called "dollar" jellyfish can leave a mess of painful welts on you.  The bigger Portuguese Man-O-War are really bad and can put you in the hospital.  

I tried to post on this yesterday. Hopefully, my news server will cooperate this morning… Yes, a man ‘o war sting is bad news as are those of some other jellyfish. However, you shouldn’t let seeing a few jellyfish on the beach scare you out of the water without knowing that what you are seeing are "trouble." Many do not have trailing tentacles and/or any sting that you are going to notice at all even if you do contact them. The most common jellyfish I see washed up on the Carolina beaches (N & S), for example, is harmless.  Others have such a mild sting that you will barely notice it unless you are very sensitive and the "tingling" will be gone shortly after. Bottom line is, talk to others who know the area to learn what kinds are and are not problems. Obviously, sharks are definitely in the "really bad" category; don’t go in at all if there have been any shark sightings.

On the other hand, don’t let seeing a 3 foot nurse shark (for example) keep you out either. Just remember that "shark" does not necessarily mean "problem for a human swimmer." On the other hand, although stingrays look mean, they won’t bother you at all as long as you don’t step on them.  

Yes, the real problem is stepping on them. If you are concerned about stingrays, shuffle your feet as you walk out through the shallows. Should you happen to have any in your path, you will scare them off by bumping them and will not pin them to the bottom with your feet. If you’re lucky enough to be swimming in water clear enough to let you see the sea life, consider yourself very fortunate and enjoy the show! 2.  Just because the water is a little rough, don’t be afraid to go for an ocean swim. …  You need to get used to swimming in a little chop because it is very likely you will face some wave action whenever you do an open water swim in a triathlon…

Agreed. Again, consider yourself lucky to have the chance to practice swimming in rough water. Many of your competitors who have traveled from inland areas will not be so fortunate. When I get to the coast I always try to take advantage of the opportunity to do long swims and hope for decent waves (OK, so I’m looking forward to body surfing after the swim too. 8^)   — Chuck ("marine biology" professor, among other things…)    Department of Biology,  University of Alabama at Birmingham             http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/amsler.htm

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Steve,   Thanks for the encouragement, especially the part about there being tons more jellyfish than usual.  I have been so disappointed, because the water is so flat.  Does the fall bring less critters typically?  I have a tri in Oct and am trying to get a few more open water swims in.  Thanks again, Bobbi

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I am a newbie triathlete.  For the last 3 weeks in a row, my training swims have been severely cut short.  First there was hurricane Bonnie, which provided seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray.  We both are new at ocean swimming, and want to get over this fear of the critters.  The ocean was like glass today, but the jellyfish, and stingray, prevented us from staying in the water.  Besides pool swimming, what are your suggestions? How do you deal with the critters?

Look out for them "critters" – most of them are beautiful in their own way and lead interesting lives.  If you’re swimming for 40 minutes to an hour it helps to have something to look at, so plan your swim to cross reefs and other areas with plenty on marine life.  Sure beats looking at a black line.  Your fears are really fears of the unknown.  If there are a lot jellyfish in your area, a full wetsuit and greasing up exposed skin will save you from any stings.  (I’ve plunged my hand into a big one and half swallowed another to no ill effect.) Another way to get over the fears is to come swimming with me.  I’ll talk about sharks, ask you if you saw the film "Jaws", point out the headland where I saw a pod of Killer Whales feeding last year, tell you that’s why I wear an Orca suit to fool them etc. Then, after about a half an hour of swimming, I’ll swim up behind you and grab your leg at the knee and shake it furiously!  It always works!  You may hate me, but you will never worry about sharks and stuff again. Open water is great. Jeff — |At work:        Phone: +64-9-424 5388      Fax:    +64-21-785 097 | |   Program Development/Client Support      Mobile: +64-21-635 185 | |   Aspect Systems Ltd                                             | |   Specialists in software for Real Estate and Human Resources    | |At home:                                   Phone:  +64-9-424 0336 | |   Husband, Dad, Grandad                                          | |   Enthusiastic but slow triathlete                               | |   Justice of the Peace                                           |

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Bobbi, I have been doing open water (ocean) swimming since I was 14 years old in both FL. and Ca.  A couple of pieces of advice: 1. separate the "critters" into the "bad" group that you don’t want to be in the water with and the "ok" group which will leave you alone if you don’t bother them.  Jellyfish are definitely "bad"; don’t even think about going for a swim if they are around.  Even the little bitty so-called "dollar" jellyfish can leave a mess of painful welts on you.  The bigger Portuguese Man-O-War are really bad and can put you in the hospital.  Obviously, sharks are definitely in the "really bad" category; don’t go in at all if there have been any shark sightings. On the other hand, although stingrays look mean, they won’t bother you at all as long as you don’t step on them.  It is fine to be swimming with them in the water as long as you don’t swim through a school, or step on them. They will generally try to avoid you, too, so there is generally no problem. If you are in FL, you may also see Barracuda from time to time.  They have no fear and will come right up to you, but, even though they look mean with a large mouthful of teeth, they don’t bother swimmers As you see other "critters" ask some of the locals about them.  Also, if you have a Master Swim team close by, there will probably be people in that group who know the local ocean. 2.  Just because the water is a little rough, don’t be afraid to go for an ocean swim.  Obviously, you have to use good judgment; you don’t want to be out in a hurricane, but little 1 to 2 ft. waves aren’t really a problem if you are a reasonably good swimmer.  You need to get used to swimming in a little chop because it is very likely you will face some wave action whenever you do an open water swim in a triathlon.  Last year at the Santa Cruz (CA) triathlon, we had 4-8 ft. waves and swells of 4-6 ft.  It made a lot of people really unhappy in the swim, but those who had practiced in all kinds of wave conditions did just fine.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am a newbie triathlete.  For the last 3 weeks in a row, my training swims have been severely cut short.  First there was hurricane Bonnie, which provided seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray. We both are new at ocean swimming, and want to get over this fear of the critters. The ocean was like glass today, but the jellyfish, and stingray, prevented us from staying in the water.  Besides pool swimming, what are your suggestions? How do you deal with the critters?

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I’m in Fort Lauderdale, and boats never come very close to shore luckily.

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Bobbi,      The jellyfish that we are experiencing now have not been present over the last nine years I’ve worked on the beach (blame it on El Ninio)- and although they are capable of stinging, they are not nearly as dangerous as the Man-O-War.  Their sting isn’t as painful, and not nearly as many people are getting stung even though there have been tons of them out there lately. This is because, unlike Man-O-War, these new type of jellyfish have only a small area on their bodies that are capable of stinging.      As far as the Stingrays and other "critters" are concerned, they won’t harm you, but it does take a while to get used to seeing them out there.      With all that said, even I have forced myself to use the pool over the last few weeks, as the "creepy" factor of bumping into all those jellyfish on my swims has gotten to be more than I can stand.  Lets just hope that the jellyfish get tired of Ft. Lauderdale and move on soon . Steve "Your friendly Ft. Lauderdale Beach Lifeguard" Bean

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am a newbie triathlete.  For the last 3 weeks in a row, my training swims have been severely cut short.  First there was hurricane Bonnie, which provided seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray. We both are new at ocean swimming, and want to get over this fear of the critters. The ocean was like glass today, but the jellyfish, and stingray, prevented us from staying in the water.  Besides pool swimming, what are your suggestions? How do you deal with the critters?

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Ignore them.  For the most part you will continue to see things while your swimming.  But I guarantee that you have a lot more to worry about from things like Jet Skis, boats, and the occasional discarded fishing line.  I respect Marine life, but most of it will not harm you.  Jellyfish, well they just can’t help themselves.  I think that the most startled that I ever was during a swim was while in 10 ft of cloudy water I saw a large (4-5ft) shark, about two minutes later I swam into a Crab Pot buoy and rope.  I about crapped my pants. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a newbie triathlete.  For the last 3 weeks in a row, my training swims have been severely cut short.  First there was hurricane Bonnie, which provided seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray.  We both are new at ocean swimming, and want to get over this fear of the critters.  The ocean was like glass today, but the jellyfish, and stingray, prevented us from staying in the water.  Besides pool swimming, what are your suggestions? How do you deal with the critters?

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Where do you swim, and are there Lifeguards in the area?   I’ve swam in the ocean for years and the only things that really should keep you out are Man-o-war jellyfish and huge waves. Good Luck DanHerrema

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Bobbi, I too am a relative newbie triathlete, and was trying to get ready for open water swimming as well. During my training I accidently ran across two swims that really helped me get ready, so I thought I’d pass them along. First, I did a lake swim in a fresh water lake with significant boat and jetski activity to really churn up the water. Of course I did not want to get run over so I had a friend in a boat troll along right beside me, (he also helped with navigation); I also wore my brightest orange swim cap and stayed relatively close to shore. You may not feel comfortable doing this type of swim or have access to a busy lake so my second suggestion may work out better. I have a membership to a health club/wellness center that has a 8 lane lap pool, BUT they also teach aqua-aerobic classes in part of this pool and typically they only take up 3-4 lanes. So I swim in the lane closest to the class and they churn up the water for me! So I now plan my swim workouts to coincide with the aqua-aerobic classes. These suggestions don’t eliminate the critter problem during a race, but they may help you avoid swim training critter hazards. Anyhow, happy swimming and good luck….Patrick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a newbie triathlete.  For the last 3 weeks in a row, my training swims have been severely cut short.  First there was hurricane Bonnie, which provided seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray.  We both are new at ocean swimming, and want to get over this fear of the critters.  The ocean was like glass today, but the jellyfish, and stingray, prevented us from staying in the water.  Besides pool swimming, what are your suggestions? How do you deal with the critters?

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I am a newbie triathlete.  For the last 3 weeks in a row, my training swims have been severely cut short.  First there was hurricane Bonnie, which provided seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray.  We both are new at ocean swimming, and want to get over this fear of the critters.  The ocean was like glass today, but the jellyfish, and stingray, prevented us from staying in the water.  Besides pool swimming, what are your suggestions? How do you deal with the critters?

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<snip seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray.  We

Please excuse me, but I just had a vision of your friend getting spooked by a bicycle with a banana seat.

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Keep your eyes shut, if you can’t see them, they can’t see you. It’s true Phil Squire Went for it in Roth 98. 11:29:42 http://w1.116.telia.com/~u11602093/NEW/homepage.htm ICQ 11599162 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a newbie triathlete.  For the last 3 weeks in a row, my training swims have been severely cut short.  First there was hurricane Bonnie, which provided seas that required you to merely stay afloat, much less swim.  Then, and now, there are jellyfish everywhere, and today my friend saw a HUGE stingray. We both are new at ocean swimming, and want to get over this fear of the critters.  The ocean was like glass today, but the jellyfish, and stingray, prevented us from staying in the water.  Besides pool swimming, what are your suggestions? How do you deal with the critters?

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Question:

Who has the best price for these great shoes? I want the TRS but $195.00 is a little steep! Wish I had a size nine so I could buy those advertised above!

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Bikes in Baton Rouge, LA (Web site http://www.tuffys.com,) I think he has some Carnac’s ‘97 models in stock at good prices. He bought a bunch for our Trigers Triathlon Club and has many left over. Good luck. John Sanford Louisiana Wired http://www.lawired.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Who has the best price for these great shoes? I want the TRS but $195.00 is a little steep! Wish I had a size nine so I could buy those advertised above!

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Question:

I’m listening but don’t have many solutions or much sympathy as family and work commitments have killed off my training and racing.  As I see it, at least you will have some weekdays off to train which should be incredibly productive time. Then, what about leave?  You must get some personal or vacation time with a government job, or any job for that matter.  Even if getting leave on weekends isn’t easy it might not be impossible – maybe your boss will be supportive.  Who knows!  Don’t give up hope!  There’s always calling in sick, isn’t there? Bob J Largo, FL

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I’m a nurse and USAF Reservist and know about working weekends. Start doing bike races and running races. You’ll have more races to choose from and they will actually make you faster in those disciplines. Stick with it, from what you described it sounds like the rookies work the weekends. Working 5 weekends in a row looks like the old guys take the time off. John Schiller

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It’s OK…I don’t mean to question your choices…but perhaps a career change or a slightly different schedule would be possible?  I go to school full time and coach a swim team…and guess what?  This summer the team is practicing from 6-10:30am and 6:00-8:30pm…the other times of the day in Phoenix over the summer you just don’t want to be outside for more than 10 minutes… All you and I can do is deal with it…who knows…maybe you’re one of those people that can hold a taper for an extremly long and obscene length of time… :} Speed is Life, Dave Chen

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I’m a New England Triathlete.  I got a part time job as a correctional officer a few months ago, with intentions of going full time when the state is ready to hire.  I just got a call a few days ago, and I got full time.  I’ve been told that I get every 6th weekend off.  This means that I can do about 2 or 3 races this summer, and that is if they happen to fall on my weekend off.  I have been training about 20 – 30 hours a week since January 1 st getting ready for the season out here  (Massachusetts).  Went out and bought myself a 2000 bike.  Now in one week, it all falls apart. I’m disappointed, pissed off, confused as to what to do. etc  Pretty much devestated.  I’ve talked to family and friends about my problem, and they are just like:  "looks like you’ll have to just give up racing."   And I tell them: " In less you are one of us, you just don’t understand." Anybody listening out there?

The answer is simple: 1. Don’t take the job 2. Move to N. California and race every weekend Good luck.

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I’m a New England Triathlete.  I got a part time job as a correctional officer a few months ago, with intentions of going full time when the state is ready to hire.  I just got a call a few days ago, and I got full time.  I’ve been told that I get every 6th weekend off.  This means that I can do about 2 or 3 races this summer, and that is if they happen to fall on my weekend off.  I have been training about 20 – 30 hours a week since January 1 st getting ready for the season out here  (Massachusetts).  Went out and bought myself a 2000 bike.  Now in one week, it all falls apart. I’m disappointed, pissed off, confused as to what to do. etc  Pretty much devestated.  I’ve talked to family and friends about my problem, and they are just like:  "looks like you’ll have to just give up racing."   And I tell them: " In less you are one of us, you just don’t understand."   Anybody listening out there?

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