Question:

I did an olympic distance race (1.5k, 40k, 10k) last Saturday with familiar results.  I had a good swim, good bike, but was slowed on the run by a slightly upset stomach and side stitches. I was 5 minutes off my triathlon PR for 10k. I feel like I have experimented enough but have come up empty.  Sorry about the long post, but I tried to provide enough info to answer the obvious questions. Any of you experience this phenomenon?  Any suggestions to try and correct it?

I don’t have the same amount of experience as you do, but if it’s any consolation I’ve had the problem in all three olympic distance races I’ve done this year (1st season for olympic distances for me, did some sprint tris last year, age 44, lousy swimmer, but normally reasonably good on the bike and running). Currently I suspect drinking on the bike as the cause. All three events were on rather warm days, so it was really necessary to drink at least a bit. I’m going to switch to plain water for the next event and see if that helps. Simon

Response:

I did an olympic distance race (1.5k, 40k, 10k) last Saturday with familiar results.  I had a good swim, good bike, but was slowed on the run by a slightly upset stomach and side stitches. I was 5 minutes off my triathlon PR for 10k. I feel like I have experimented enough but have come up empty.  Sorry about the long post, but I tried to provide enough info to answer the obvious questions. Any of you experience this phenomenon?  Any suggestions to try and correct it?

     I had the same thing about 10 years ago when I changed bikes.  I finally firgured out that my reach in areo position was too long and that was making me cramp when running.  I shortened the stem and haven’t had any problems since. I still am not sure why the long reach was causing cramps on the run.     Also, practice the same nutrition during training, at the same intensity, that you will use during the race.  This can take some time to get dialed in. I have done 125+ tris over 20+ years and am still experimenting. Good Luck!       David Never give up, Be satisfied w/ your best, Do unto others…..

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I did an olympic distance race (1.5k, 40k, 10k) last Saturday with familiar results.  I had a good swim, good bike, but was slowed on the run by a slightly upset stomach and side stitches. I was 5 minutes off my triathlon PR for 10k. This seems to happen in almost every shorter distance tri that I compete in, but not every one.  My cardio and legs feel fine, and I finish with lots of reserve energy because I have to dial it back down a few notches. I’m a 40 year old male.  I do about 8-10 tris per year, and this is my 6th year racing.  My overall times continually improve, but I find that when I try to go really hard, I am often slowed by stitches or an upset stomach on the run (doesn’t ever happen on the bike or during the swim).  I never experience this in longer races or training because I don’t usually go as hard during those sessions as I do in races. The night before the race I usually eat some sort of pasta with marinara sauce, a small salad, bread, and a lot of water.  I usually have a bagel with peanut butter, a banana, coffee and water about 2 hours before the race, and then drink a 24 ounce bottle of Gatorade on the bike.  I used to eat either a gel or a clif bar/powerbar on the bike too, but I often felt like I was gonna gack on the run, so I stopped eating anything in races lasting just a couple of hours.  In brick training, my stomach is okay if I stop drinking 15 minutes before the run, but I can’t seem to push myself as hard in training as in a race with others around to compete against.  I have tried going hard right out of T1, or a little easier and then speeding up, but it doesn’t seem to matter. In training each week I usually mix up speed sessions, longer aerobic sessions, and easy recovery in all 3 sports.  My eating habits were tested from early on and seemed to work fine for me and I never seemed to have any problems until this year when I really tried to give that extra 10% effort.  It only happens in tris as I can go run a stand alone 10k road race fast (for me) with no adverse side effects. I feel like I have experimented enough but have come up empty.  Sorry about the long post, but I tried to provide enough info to answer the obvious questions. Any of you experience this phenomenon?  Any suggestions to try and correct it? Thanks for helping, Troy

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Question:

Hello, I have been using The Triathlete’s Training Bible to train for the coming season.  I am going to do five sprint distance races this summer.  I am feeling comfortable with my training, but I am starting to get curious about how hard I should be pushing when the racing starts.  Does the following make any sense: Swim in zone 3     ( well bellow lactate threshold ) Bike in zones 3/4  ( approaching lactate threshold, but not reaching it ) Run in zones 4/5   ( just bellow lactate threshold and then going anaerobic at the end ) Any input would be appreciated. Ian Smiley

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Ian: Have you tried Joe Friel’s TrainingBible.com website? If not, you’re missing it man. The personally answered questions on the message board alone make it worth the small price. And you can get a 30 day free trial subscription. Go to www.trainingbible.com. BTW, Joe’s answer to your question is on the message board at the site. It was asked on 3/10/01 by Rich Strauss (fellow club member of mine) and answered by Joe the following day. Jeff Roberts Inland Inferno Triathlon Club – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, I have been using The Triathlete’s Training Bible to train for the coming season.  I am going to do five sprint distance races this summer.  I am feeling comfortable with my training, but I am starting to get curious about how hard I should be pushing when the racing starts.  Does the following make any sense: Swim in zone 3     ( well bellow lactate threshold ) Bike in zones 3/4  ( approaching lactate threshold, but not reaching it ) Run in zones 4/5   ( just bellow lactate threshold and then going anaerobic at the end ) Any input would be appreciated. Ian Smiley

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Question:

I feel very sad.

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I sit here feeling very sad although I never had a chance to meet the man. He was a great American and a hero to us all. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was watching CNN news this morning and a information flashes on the screen that triathlon legend Jim Ward has passed away in Florida. Can anyone confirm this. Sad day in the sport,  he was legend and a great role model for all of us.

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I sit here feeling very sad although I never had a chance to meet the man. He was a great American and a hero to us all.

Met the man by chance on a twin-prop flight out of Lubbock Texas into Dallas after the Buffalo Springs Lake race about 3 years back. It was amazing how energetic he was and how into the sport he was. I’m was sorry that he suffered a stroke before and now upon hearing this saddened again. He died what he had fun doing.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

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I did smile when I read that he lay in the hospital with a sheet over him and his bike shoes sticking out. I also winced when I saw that he’d lost a son in Vietnam.  I can’t imagine the pain that man carried with him. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I sit here feeling very sad although I never had a chance to meet the man. He was a great American and a hero to us all. Met the man by chance on a twin-prop flight out of Lubbock Texas into Dallas after the Buffalo Springs Lake race about 3 years back. It was amazing how energetic he was and how into the sport he was. I’m was sorry that he suffered a stroke before and now upon hearing this saddened again. He died what he had fun doing.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   | IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

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Well instead of feeling sad, I would like to tell a great story about Jim Ward.  Met him in Australia in 1997.  He was in the lobby of our hotel.  I said, "Well, I need to buy you a beer".  We sat in the bar and had a couple.  He was truly amazing at 80 with a mind as clear (if not clearer) than a 25 year old. He then went out with a whole bunch of us and lit up the town of Sydney until 3AM.  I wimped out around 1Am).  I was told that he was challenging the young boys to arm wrestles and winning!!!!  I had everyone get together to take a great picture with him as the center.  I cherish that picture and getting an opportunity to meet such a legend.  

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Jim passed away yesterday (Monday) of a heart attack. He was riding with a few of his friends when it happened. Diane Berberian USAT certified coach

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The sport has suffered a terrible loss. Jim was one of the great ambassadors of the sport. He, along w/ many other senior athletes have always been my heros. The triathlon lifestyle that he embraced is the reason I am involved in the sport. I will be thinking of him in Kona this year. My heart goes out to his friends and family, I am sorry for your loss. andy

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I was watching CNN news this morning and a information flashes on the screen that triathlon legend Jim Ward has passed away in Florida. Can anyone confirm this. Sad day in the sport,  he was legend and a great role model for all of us.

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Question:

I may have to consider moving to Dallas and I was wondering about the lay of the land? Any comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

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I may have to consider moving to Dallas and I was wondering about the lay of the land? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Jeff, I live in Houston now, but used to live in Dallas and still go up there for a triathlon now and then.  (In fact, I’m going up this weekend for the US Triathlon Olympic trials.) I believe you will find Dallas a great place for swimming, biking and running.  There are lots of opportunities for organized rides and runs. There are a number of fresh water lakes and lots of health clubs for swimming.  There is an active triathlon club. Dallas is a pretty big place, do you know what part of the city you will be working/living in?  If you can be more specific, I can give you better guidance. Good luck.  Happy trails. Cary — Cary Purdy http://members.tripod.com/ccpurdy

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I may have to consider moving to Dallas and I was wondering about the lay of the land? Any comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

I lived there until about 7 years ago. Lots of races, plenty of rides, runs, swim groups, and a great tri club. Check http://www.tridallas.com for info. cheers, Andrew — Andrew Peabody/Karen Fisher Coconut Grove, FL

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I do about 10 tris a year, usually within a day’s drive or closer.  So quantity of racing is not an issue. The weather allows you to train year around, although I usually take Nov/Dec off.  No snow problems, although it does get a tad warm (you do get used to that, though). There are very active tri, biking and swimming groups here, and a lot of riders.  Dallas is a big place, so it is somewhat location dependant, but I would say you can always find a training partner. In short, I prefer it to the northern climes.  And, there is an active tri community. Have fun. John PS:  Make sure you do the Wool Capital Triathlon in July in San Angelo.  It is an Oly distance, more or less, with a "run from hell".  Essentially 7 miles run, 5 miles on gravel and dirt, first 3 miles uphill, 110 degrees, no shade, and windy.  It’ll toughen you up to Texas racing!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I may have to consider moving to Dallas and I was wondering about the lay of the land? Any comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

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Question:

Novice requires a swim coach in this area.  Can anyone recommend one?  I really need someone who will get in the water with me and sort out my position & technique. Many thanks, John.

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Novice requires a swim coach in this area.  Can anyone recommend one?  I really need someone who will get in the water with me and sort out my position & technique. Many thanks, John.

There is a lot going on over here in Bath. I’m in the Uni team and the coaching is the bomb, I dont know what the story is regarding coaching for non students but I could give the University a ring and ask for the triathlon performance unit, they may be able to help. Brian P "I new here myself " Casey.

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Question:

Stan: I have attended three of the San Diego based "Multi-Sport School of Champions" and one in Boulder. The first camp changed my entire philosophy on training and racing. I have been second guessing my training habits for over 15 years. It gave me the confidence and guidelines to finish my first Ironman. It also renewed my desire for the sport. Regardless of what you learn about triathlons, it is worth attending for the comedy show that "John Duke" initiates. Good Luck 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 – Has anyone tried the Multisport 5 day triathlon camp in San Diego.  I have been doing triathlons for 5 years but clearly don’t know it all.  Was it fun? Was it worth it?  Stan

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I’m puting together my first set of race wheels.  I live in Ilinois which is pretty flat.  I am doing sprints and olimpic events with hopefully a 1/2 Im (if springfield happens).  I’m using a hed disk on the rear and I’m wondering if I should get a spinergey for the front or a campy vento (1 level below the shamal).  I can get a great deal on either. what I want to know is 1. do you think the hed spinergy combo would be too heavy and give me problems over light rollers. 2. is the aerodynamic advantage and cetripital action (at least that’s how I believe spinergy works) of the spinergy that much beter than a deep rim low spoked wheel like the vento. thanks Mike

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Question:

Does anyone know when and where this triathlon will be aired?

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Does anyone know when and where this triathlon will be aired?

The ggp web site (http://www.ggp.com) has a listing of when the race will be aired. So many miles to go and so little time.        | Lehigh University Therefore, I must go faster.                   | Department of Mech Eng & Mech   _           __0       o                      | Packard Lab ___o_  +   _ <,_   + <| = good night’s sleep| 19 Packard Ave ~~~~~~     (_)/_(_)     –                     | Bethlehem, PA 18015

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Try www.ggp.com for tv listings.

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Question:

A suggestion that has worked for me 1)  once a week go for a 25-30 mile ride.  Finish at a track.  Get off yur bike and run 4xone mile repeats. Take at least two minutes rest between miles.  Try to descend each mile.    Finish with a easy half mile cool down. Another alternative is to run a long hill…one that lasts three-five minutes  Repeat at least 5-6 times.  These will be intense but they should help you run fast when you get off the bike.  A heart monitor would be a great benefit, but go through a maximum stress test before you rely on it.  More info..E-mail me

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Hey there, I would like to know if anyone can help me with my interval training for my running.  I am mainly going to be competing in mid to olympic distance races this season.  If anyone can help me with setting up a program or what intervals I could do, I would appricate greatly.   Thanks.

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Hey everyone, I would like to know whether anyone can help me in setting up an interval program to help my run.  I will be competing in mid to olympic distance race this summer.  If anyone can help me, that would be great.  Thanks.

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rest in between once or twice a week, and would do longer runs (10-12k) two other days a week (warm-up before and cool down afterwards, of course) and it helped decrease my 5k (on a triathlon) from 24 to about 21′-21′30". Do it and let me know if (and how) it works for you. Enrico Canali Average South Brazil age-grouper

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Question:

A little over a week ago I participated (can’t say raced) in my first Ironman distance race. What a blast! I entered the Esprit Triathlon in Montreal. It’s held on an island in the St Lawrence river, right in Montreal. The swim is in the ‘76 Olympics Rowing basin and the ride is on the Gilles Villenueve Formula One racing circuit. The run is also around the rowing basin with a short segment on the car circuit. The day dawned, but way too close to the start of the race. We we camping just outside so had to wake the kids at 5:00am to get to the race site by 6. They were awed by seeing their first sunrise. I was less amazed as the Java had yet to kick in. Once dawn arrived it showed an overcast and breezy day with not alot of heat in the air. The swim started at 7:02, 2 minutes late since some guys wetsuit tore and he had to borrow an extra from someone else so they delayed the start. 77 other suitably low IQ geeks toed the line at the waters edge. I planned to swim the first 500m at my own pace and then tuck in behind whoever was nearest to me and enjoy a tow to save energy. Some guy was close at about 300m so I stayed with him for a while but decided to drop back as the pace was ever so slightly quick for me. I then followed a cable attached to the bouy line and started to really enjoy the swim. I got into a rythm and plop plop plopped my way down the basin. My wife and two kids followed along side of the basin and were not more thatn 10m away most of the way. I even managed to see my wife scolding my son for throwing stones into the basin! This part was  a pretty cool beginning to a way cool race. As the swim wore on I got into a real groove and near the end was disappointed the swim segment wasn’t 10km instead of just 3.8km. After a near drowning as a kid (hauled out of a pool unconscious) I’ve never been keen for the water but I guess times change and I feel really comfortable in the water.   I exited the water in a clump of four other participants in 1 hour 9 min which really lifted my spirits as I felt great and was 11 min ahead of schedule. After a kinda long T1 I hopped onto 40lbs of the best steel ever to come out of Taiwan (feels like 40lb) and headed for the bike course. My chain came off and jammed. This nearly caused me to ride/fall into the basin. I wanted the swim to continue but this was too much. Since it was still early it was pretty chilly on a dripping wet body. I rode the first 8 loops (4.4km per loop) faster than planned simply to try and warm up. I then settled into a type of rythm broken only to chat to other racers and participants. I took a disposable camera with me and got pictures of the leaders (sprinted to their pace momentarily to get the shot) fellow rsters (Hi Beth!) and even the couple competing as a team on their tandem bike. At about 75 mile I really wanted to get off the bike and start to run. A longer loop would’ve made things more interesting rather than having to do as many loops. With about 10 laps to go, the computer doing the counting went down. The folks responsible did their best to get it straightened out as best they could, but due to their error and my inability to keep count for 6-1/2 hours on a bike, I managed to do 1 extra lap AAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!! Oh well….   For once I was really happy to be getting onto the run course. I had eased up for the last few loops to get my legs ready for the 9 laps of the marathon. I felt nice and fresh and eager for the run ( is this really TriDork talking???) The first 2-1/2 loops went great. Good pace for me and it felt sustainable ( for a while at least) at about 12 km my right knee fell apart. I think it was an IT band problem. I’ve never had it before but I think my shoes (handed down from Moses) were a contributing factor. I guess I should’ve got those new shoes afterall. I was forced to powerwalk the last 40km which blew any chance of finishing under my target 13 hour time. My wife walked with me for a lap and that bouyed my sagging spirits. She powerwalks regularly and was huffin and puffin so I think my pace was reasonable. I blistered my left foot due to my odd gait ( sort of like a 1 legged flamingo). I was pretty happy to finish and finally stop walking. I achieved my main goal of finishing under my own power without having to use an IV bag. I was obviously disappointed with my 14hr 16 min total time but I had a fantastic time and finished in better shape than either of my 1/2 ironman races so had a really positive experience. It’s been over a week and I feel great. I have agreed not to do an Ironman next year so I can see my family a little, but 1997 watch out. I doubt anyone has ever had more fun doing their first Ironman than I had but if anyone has, they were probably on drugs. When I think back to the race I get this silly grin on my face that makes people around me think I’ve just wet myself. I wish everyone could have as much fun as I had. TriDork Lives!! TriDork

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Way to go, Marcus!  Great report!   -Rolf — Rolf "Ironman" Arands, Ph.D.     |  (Back by popular demand…)     |         "Do."

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Hey Marcus. Blair here. Just got the results in the mail yesterday. I actually finished 10th in the age category…. I too was a happy swimmer (1:10 water time with 12 min transition…had the runs ya know)… I’d be interested in getting a picture of me. You took one at about the 140 K mark when we were talking. Remember we were commenting on the lack of I also had a hurtin’ run. I can run 3:30 or better for the marathon (by itself of course) and I dragged by but across with a 5:30 marathon. My legs were cramping, BUT NO BLISTERS. I also trained this weekend with little pain (legs-o-lead though). Yeserday’s 16k was quicker than usual. I want to stay in Hope ya make it out to the Ottawa region (or I’ll make it out to Western region) next season for some Olympic distances (seem so short now don’t they…..) Take care Marcus…. Blairman

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Marcus Perry (TriDork) writes….. When I think back to the race I get this silly grin on my face that makes people around me think I’ve just wet myself. I wish everyone could have as much fun as I had. TriDork Lives!! TriDork

Marcus, great report.  I’ve never seen you but I have a vision of you with that silly grin, and I can’t stop grinning myself. Thanks. Bruce Ackman

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I wish everyone could have as much fun as I had. TriDork Lives!! TriDork

good story. boy i hope i can say i had fun after my first ironman  distance race john <(

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Hey there Tridork!!!  Glad to see ya made it back!  Where is the provience you live?  There were alot of nice Canadians at the triathon that we met. I am very glad my brother convinced me to do the race last October, I liked it alot and liked the way family could support us.  We will go back and try it again!  This time my husband will give it a try!  My brother, Darryl, me, and my husband will all be back in 97.  That puts everyone spending time with their families this year and let the body heal up some. It was nice to meet the one and only tridork of Canada.                                                        Your tri-buddies from Colorado!!!!! Beezer IW (Beth)                                                                                       After seeing the course and participating in a small way in the events, I’ve decided(been talked into?) running the thing myself in 2 years. Oh what the hell, I love overtraing and pain and lack of sleep anyway. I’ll just quit my job.  Anyway, Marcus, it was nice to have met you. Since I ran the whole marathon with Beth anyway, I may as well do the rest of it.                                                                                    Loner(Mark)

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Question:

I have a few questions about the 1993 Nationals held at Leon’s.  Since the 1994 version will be in (relatively nearby) Maryland, I’d like to know what I may be getting into. 1)  I assume that age-groupers (sound like fish) qualify for Worlds.  How many in each age group qualify? 2)  Does anyone have results in the 35-39 age group from 1993 Nationals?  I guess I’d need some description of the difficulty of the course to relate how I might fare. Unrelated questions: 1) What does it mean to be a "pro" triathlete?  Does it require talent, or is it an administrative thing? 2) Do pros have to qualify for Hawaii Ironman? Thanks for any info! Ken Lehner

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I have a few questions about the 1993 Nationals held at Leon’s.  Since the 1994 version will be in (relatively nearby) Maryland, I’d like to know what I may be getting into. 1)  I assume that age-groupers (sound like fish) qualify for Worlds.  How many in each age group qualify?

In 1991 it was the top 5, in 1992 it was the top 10, in 1993 it was the top 12. I think ITU allows each nation to send up to 12 people for each age group. For some reason Tri-Fed limited it to less in years past. 2)  Does anyone have results in the 35-39 age group from 1993 Nationals?  I guess I’d need some description of the difficulty of the course to relate how I might fare.

From memory, I think the top 12 times for 35-39 (men) ranged from 1:51+ to 1:58 at Leon’s, but the course was slower than in the past due to the weather (hot/windy).  In 1992 at NCC, the top 12 probably did sub-1:56 for 35-39. Unrelated questions: 1) What does it mean to be a "pro" triathlete?  Does it require talent, or is it an administrative thing?

Since Lauren just turned pro, we learned what the qualifications are, at least for Tri-Fed races.  If I remember correctly, you have to place in the top 3 (?) overall at three (?) races (Please don’t take this as gospel – maybe Andy remembers).  Then you need to pay an extra $125 per year for the pro dues.  By being pro, you usually get many perks that age- groupers don’t see.  For example, starting in the first wave, avoiding having to pick up your race packet at the expo, being eligible for the "big" pot of prize money for the top overall places.  Also, for certain international events, the pro committee picks up the tab.  Next year, a team of three men and three women will be sent to the Goodwill Games – qualifying will be done at the Orange County Triathlon. Some non-Tri-Fed races have pro waves.  You would have to check each individual race for their policy to race in the pro wave.  It is legal to race as an age-grouper at Tri-Fed races and pro at non-Tri-Fed races. 2) Do pros have to qualify for Hawaii Ironman?

Yes, although it is probably easier for them as the ratio of pros to pro spots is higher than the ratio of age-groupers to age-group spots.  The top finishers at Hawaii are probably automatically eligible for the next year’s race. Thanks for any info! Ken Lehner

Todd Jensen                                  o AT&T Bell Labs             ___^o_    __o    <| (708) 979-1254                     _ <_    

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   Todd wrote with regard to the Ironman: | Yes, although it is probably easier for them as the ratio of pros to pro spots | is higher than the ratio of age-groupers to age-group spots.  The top | finishers at Hawaii are probably automatically eligible for the next year’s race.    Top 15 get to come back.    Curt

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