Question:

Does anyone know of any triathlons in the Caymans this year. Sprint or Olympic distance. They usually have the Conchman sometime in Nov. if I remember right. Marc

There was a report on the Cayman Conchman in 220 magazine in December. Have a look at their web site it was a good article. www.220magazine.com HTH DrClean www.DrClean.co.uk The best fabric cleaning resource on the web.

Response:

Check out their web site at: http://www.caymantri.com.ky/about.htm Ken – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know of any triathlons in the Caymans this year. Sprint or Olympic distance. They usually have the Conchman sometime in Nov. if I remember right. Marc There was a report on the Cayman Conchman in 220 magazine in December. Have a look at their web site it was a good article. www.220magazine.com HTH DrClean www.DrClean.co.uk The best fabric cleaning resource on the web.

Ken Parker Runner’s Web <http://www.runnersweb.com A running and Triathlon Resource Portal

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Does anyone know of any triathlons in the Caymans this year. Sprint or Olympic distance. Thanks, CHJ

Response:

Does anyone know of any triathlons in the Caymans this year. Sprint or Olympic distance.

They usually have the Conchman sometime in Nov. if I remember right. Marc

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Question:

The FAQ site is defunct and the most recent custodians of the FAQ have been absent for some time.  You can find some old FAQ postings by doing a google search for rst faq.  There are a lot of sites with good tips that are fairly easy to locate with a search engine. Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Seems like I read in a post that there were some FAQ’s on Tri-related subjects. Where can I find these?   I am a newbie and need all the help I can get.

Response:

The FAQ site is defunct and the most recent custodians of the FAQ have been absent for some time.  You can find some old FAQ postings by doing a google search for rst faq.  There are a lot of sites with good tips that are fairly easy to locate with a search engine. Larry

Yeah, Larry Chapman (I just recently exchanged emails with him) I think was the last to update the FAQ. He is not into tri’s any more. He is doing some running and off-road biking, but not much swimming. Coincidentally, I started looking up a lot of the old-timers that used to post on rst, specifically those who worked for HP. I sent several an email "hello." Some are still doing tri’s, others not. It was interesting seeing a lot of old names during my serach. Anyone heard from Paul "Big Ears" Mennon (sp?) from down under? David / FEY2K IMCAL2000 16:53 I hate junk email. I’m trying VERY hard to avoid it with my new ISP. So, to reach me, reply to wuth followed by grp, all as one word (ie namegrp) at bellsouth dot net. Let’s see any bot figure out how to get my email from that!

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Mark, you officially get the RST funnyman of the week award.  It used to be awarded on a regular basis.  According to the FAQ, anyway. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Seems like I read in a post that there were some FAQ’s on Tri-related subjects. Where can I find these?   I am a newbie and need all the help I can get. Observation: you know that zipping up your pants after leaving the men’s room is a good idea. Deduction: you are way better informed than most of the long-term denizens of this troll hole^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H wonderful newsgroup. Conclusion: YOU should write the FAQ.(*) Looking forward to seeing it, Mark M (*)  Please do remember to explain how Quidditch and Triathlon are related. It’s important.

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Seems like I read in a post that there were some FAQ’s on Tri-related subjects. Where can I find these?   I am a newbie and need all the help I can get.

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Seems like I read in a post that there were some FAQ’s on Tri-related subjects. Where can I find these?   I am a newbie and need all the help I can get.

Observation: you know that zipping up your pants after leaving the men’s room is a good idea. Deduction: you are way better informed than most of the long-term denizens of this troll hole^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H wonderful newsgroup. Conclusion: YOU should write the FAQ.(*) Looking forward to seeing it, Mark M (*)  Please do remember to explain how Quidditch and Triathlon are related. It’s important.

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Question:

Would someone please list the dates and locations of the NATS triathlons next year, or give me a link to this information.  Thanks! Before you buy.

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try calling 877.580.2561 Would someone please list the dates and locations of the NATS triathlons next year, or give me a link to this information.  Thanks! Before you buy.

Before you buy.

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Question:

Really enjoyed your race report ! CONGRATULATIONS, and thanks for sharing it ! Way to go. You will become proficient in no time !

Response:

    Hi there.  Finally "did" my first triathlon, the South Bay Triathlon, 1200m swim, 16 mi bike, 5 mi run.  It was harder than I thought it would be, but I was also well prepared (thanks everybody).     I set the alarm clock for 5am for the drive down, and reminded myself that it’s the amount of sleep the night before the night before that matters most, hoping it would be true.  Surprisingly, waking up was a peice of cake, even with my sleepy girlfriend, who would have raced with me had her lungs not turned into a phelgm factory last week.  We’re hoping that post about the hundred extra Escape from Alcatraz spots so we can go stomp in style, together.       Driving down was neat because the half the cars on the highway had sweet-ass bikes and you knew exactly where they were going.  Thanks to my late-night and early morning water-guzzling antics, I HAD to pee for the last twenty mminutes of the drive.  As soon as we pulled in the parking area I hightailed it for the porta-loo.  No better feeling.      We hiked down to the transition area and I chose a spot way over in one corner so it would be easy to find.  Then I got down to the dirty business of putting my bike on the rack.  I couldn’t get it on the drops b/c my aerobottle got in the way, so i rested it on my brae levers.  One slight breeze later and my bike was a two-wheeled tumbleweed.  I couldn’t use the back of my seat b/c it was all the way forward on the rails, but I did the smart thing  - looked around – and eventually racked it up on the nose of my saddle.  I set out my socks and shoes and singlet w/ race number – only in the run would I realize the utility of the number belt.      My beginner’s observation before the race was that there were a lot of nice bikes there.  I think if I wasn’t too serious and was just going with my mountain bike I would have been seriously intimidated.  After the race I realized that some of the racers there second bikes that they train on.  Scary.        Everyone there seemed to have a wetsuit, which surprised me.  Also, very few people, at least in my wave – under 30 males – seemed to warm up very much.  My final surprise was that at the start there was no massive pack in between the start bouys.  There were a whole lot of people content to sit back and not fight it out.  I started right beside the outside bouy and enjoyed the warm water, at least compared to the SF Bay.  I think I did ok on the swim, even though I went about 10 ft outside each bouy.  I kept drifting to the right whenever I was breathing on the left. I’ll have to work on that.  All in all, swimming in a wetsuit was a dream.  So easy, and so fast!      I climbed up the ramp, yanked my cord and grabbed the swim tag out of my pants, gave it to someone who looked like they wanted it, and ran over to the bike.  I have no idea what my split was, but I’m excited to get the news – anybody know when?  One leg of the suit came right off, thanks to the generous body glide on my ankles, but the other got stuck, so I had to do the mad one-legged wetsuit chicken dance.  The ride was much harder than i thought it would be.  I was tooling along on my aero bars and guys were blowing by me.  No give and take, no struggle, just a whooosh! as they went by.  I think 10-12 guys passed me.  I got really aggravated when the 30 year-olds started joining the passing party – those were the guys I had gotten a 5 minutes head start on from the swimming waves.  There were volunteers out directing bikes and whatnot, but I couldn;t really understand them.  They’d be waving orange flags and saying "right turn, right turn" and I’d be all "huh" and then have to slam on the brakes to make the turn.  At one point they wanted us to stop at a stop sign, but all I saw were the orange flags and someone saying something and one guy with what looked like bike trouble.  Only later did I realize I was supoosed to stop and the guy with "bike trouble" was just following the rules.  I wasn’t trying to cheat, it just happened.      I got into T2 in ok shape, but I was too jazzed up to effectively tie my shoelaces.  I decided at that point to buy speedlaces.  Once i got them on (all the while wearing my helmet, for fear of being DQ’d) I dropped the lid and took off.  I felt great.  It lasted about 100 yards.  I hadn’t run in two weeks, the result of some painful bursitis in my hip, which was the result of going for a bike-run brick and inflaming it way too much.  I mostly swam and went for a couple fo rides during that time but totally laid off the running.  So the 5 mile run was from hell!  It hurt especially, b/c my background is in running, and to have to trot along without passing all those people just sitting in front of me, ripe for the taking, really hurt.  My lungs and heart were willing, but my legs just didn’t have it in me.  I’m commencing an all-out advil assualt on my bursa and his cronies, and hope to be able to run again in a couple of weeks, and get back what should be my strongest leg.  hehe     Anyway, I finished 104 out of 700 entrants and maybe 550 finshers?. Something around 1:40 or 1:42.  I think 1:40.  The run was crappy, but I had to expect that,a nd at least my hip didn’t hurt during the run.  I need to get better at swimming straight and biking fast, but I think it will all come together.  It’s fun.  Transitions are fun.  i was so focused on rippig stuff off and puttig stuff here and there and grabbing stuff, and I could hear my girlfriend going "baby you’re doing so well" and then I was off.  It feels good to race.  I’m looking forward to Alcatraz or Vineman international and the San Jose Intl. Dan

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Bwahahahaa! "One-legged wetsuit chicken dance".  Wouldn’t it be cool to have a polka band in transition?

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*a great race report … and then he said … It feels good to race.

…amen!! Geoff *IMC 2000 wannabe* Nash

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Question:

Over the last 4 years I have been an active member of Team Magic, the group that stages Powerman Alabama and other multi-sport races.  I always find it amazing to see how many whiners are in our sport.  In most cases these are the same people who have never attempted to further the sport or to even volunteer at a race.  And more often than not they finish the race with a list of excuses on why they were not in the top three, and never confess that it was due to poor preparation on their part or that they were just not fast enough. Most participants are appreciative of your efforts and realize without the director and volunteers  there would not be a race.   I strongly urge you to say a kind word to the person directing traffic or body marking because in most cases they arrive well ahead of you and will be on the course after you are driving home cleaning up the mess you left behind. And finally, if you are so repulsed by the actions of a race director or a race in general do all concerned a big favor and stay home next year.  They will certainly get along better without you. Charles – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 10) Putting the needs of NBC before the athlete’s needs.  All those special interest stories should be canned as the motorcyclists chasing them during the race put the athletes at risk.  Remember 2 years ago when an athlete was hit by a motorcyclist? Well, he was chasing one of those "special interest athletes". As a result a "regular" athlete ends up out of the race and in the hospital. 9)Awarding only $1500 for 10th place. That means Tim DeBoom made only 72 cents an hour training for IM this year ( based on a 40hr work week). 8)A race director that has never done a race in her life and doesn’t understand the needs of triathletes. 7)That stupid loop on the run course at the top of Palani. 6)Letting Scott Tinley play the guitar and sing at the carbo load. His 8 minute song was 10 minutes too long. 5)Not allowing Dave Scott, Mark Allen or Newby any air time during the carbo load or awards party. Between the 3 of them they have won 20 IM’s! Why weren’t we allowed the privilege of hearing THEM speak? 4)No shuttle for athletes after the race. One of the athletes we know had to take a taxi out to Waikoloa after the race. And where was the morning of the race shuttle? One athlete waited half an hour and was scared for his life when who should pick him up but….Remy the Rastafarian coconut man. 3)Shitty food at both parties at an expensive price. The ticket for the parties cost $20 and $25. The pierogies are donated and they have volunteers working for free to serve it up–why the exorbitant fee? The mystery fish at the carbo load was definitely not Ahi or Ono– or even any fish we might recognize. And we really liked those Costco 3 gallon salad dressings. Couldn’t one of the King Kam chefs have made a healthy dressing? 2)Athletes and sponsors separated by a fence at the parties. Come on IM, I thought this race is for the athletes, why can’t the sponsors mingle with the common folk? It’s not like we are going to rush the stage like a rock concert. (Although after Tinley’s song we wanted to) 1)Not giving back to the athletes.  One of the original Ironman told me that IM was SO CHEAP that –although he was "invited" to the 20th anniversary– IM corp.would not pay for his (or any of the other oldtimers) airfare, hotel or transportation. Imagine the millions of dollars going into that eye doctor’s pockets… these men are our "astronauts" that we honored and gave a standing ovation for at the carbo load party. Im should  treat them like kings, put them up at a nice hotel and drive them around all week.

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I agree, Augie! This was truly drivel. Did this person even do the race? Funny, I don’t remember seeing her motorcade or red carpet out on the course. Having done both IMC and IM, the IM org. does an outstanding job. So hey, Ms poster, if you didn’t like the salad dressing — skip it or bring your own! Puleeze! Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After reading this drivel from a spoiled prima donna who won’t even sign his or her name I am so incredibly incensed that I don’t event think it apppropriate to respond to the individual comments noted at this time. As a race director myself, I deeply resent the shallow minded insinuation that Sharron Ackles’ direction of the race was/is anything but first class and at every measure with the needs of the athletes foremost. I am sure we’d all like to race one of your races…you know, where they pick you up at the airport in the limo.  Please post the date and place. Get real. Augie Calabrese 10) Putting the needs of NBC before the athlete’s needs.  All those special interest stories should be canned as the motorcyclists chasing them during the race put the athletes at risk.  Remember 2 years ago when an athlete was hit by a motorcyclist? Well, he was chasing one of those "special interest athletes". As a result a "regular" athlete ends up out of the race and in the hospital. 9)Awarding only $1500 for 10th place. That means Tim DeBoom made only 72 cents an hour training for IM this year ( based on a 40hr work week). 8)A race director that has never done a race in her life and doesn’t understand the needs of triathletes. 7)That stupid loop on the run course at the top of Palani. 6)Letting Scott Tinley play the guitar and sing at the carbo load. His 8 minute song was 10 minutes too long. 5)Not allowing Dave Scott, Mark Allen or Newby any air time during the carbo load or awards party. Between the 3 of them they have won 20 IM’s! Why weren’t we allowed the privilege of hearing THEM speak? 4)No shuttle for athletes after the race. One of the athletes we know had to take a taxi out to Waikoloa after the race. And where was the morning of the race shuttle? One athlete waited half an hour and was scared for his life when who should pick him up but….Remy the Rastafarian coconut man. 3)Shitty food at both parties at an expensive price. The ticket for the parties cost $20 and $25. The pierogies are donated and they have volunteers working for free to serve it up–why the exorbitant fee? The mystery fish at the carbo load was definitely not Ahi or Ono– or even any fish we might recognize. And we really liked those Costco 3 gallon salad dressings. Couldn’t one of the King Kam chefs have made a healthy dressing? 2)Athletes and sponsors separated by a fence at the parties. Come on IM, I thought this race is for the athletes, why can’t the sponsors mingle with the common folk? It’s not like we are going to rush the stage like a rock concert. (Although after Tinley’s song we wanted to) 1)Not giving back to the athletes.  One of the original Ironman told me that IM was SO CHEAP that –although he was "invited" to the 20th anniversary– IM corp.would not pay for his (or any of the other oldtimers) airfare, hotel or transportation. Imagine the millions of dollars going into that eye doctor’s pockets… these men are our "astronauts" that we honored and gave a standing ovation for at the carbo load party. Im should  treat them like kings, put them up at a nice hotel and drive them around all week.

Response:

Well, perhaps you should plan on skipping this race in future years.  Or perhaps you’d like to take on the job of directing a major international sporting event with a field of over 1500 athletes speaking several different languages, thousands of volunteers, an enormous media pool, two transition areas over 7 miles apart, nightmarish race support/coordination logistics, horrific race conditions necessitating significant medical support on the alert…..and on and on…. I’ll agree that IMH’s status as THE big race in triathlon renders it neither perfect nor exempt from criticism, but can’t you at least make it constructive criticism?  What on earth is the point of such ill-tempered belly-aching?  Do you expect the race to be perfect?  Hate to tell you, my anonymous friend, but nothing in this world is perfect.   Sure, many of the things you mention could be improved (I personally agree about the carbo and awards dinners), but you don’t even seem to be looking for discussion on these points; you appear to be just looking for a forum in which to complain.  That’s what petulant children do.  "I don’t like this!  It’s bad!  Just because!" Why not try addressing your complaints in a constructive manner where they might do some good—with the Ironman organization?  Aside from that, many of your gripes were just plain petty (number 7 in particular struck me as bizarre). While submitting your complaints, why not acknowledge all of the neat things about IMH, the things that went smoothly and well?  Unless you didn’t see anything like that at all.  In which case you are more deserving of pity than of scorn. I know a few thousand trigeeks who would be happy to take your place at this "poorly run" event.  No, IMH is not perfect; in several respects I find IMC to be better organized.  But playing Grumpy here on RST isn’t going to improve it at all.  A more constructive approach might be to solicit input from other IMH athletes, and then present the collected input to WTC.  And say a few nice things while you’re at it.  Do you enjoy being roundly criticized on a project on which you have worked extremely hard without having any of the good things about your work acknowledged? Just a few thoughts. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 10) Putting the needs of NBC before the athlete’s needs.  All those special interest stories should be canned as the motorcyclists chasing them during the race put the athletes at risk.  Remember 2 years ago when an athlete was hit by a motorcyclist? Well, he was chasing one of those "special interest athletes". As a result a "regular" athlete ends up out of the race and in the hospital. 9)Awarding only $1500 for 10th place. That means Tim DeBoom made only 72 cents an hour training for IM this year ( based on a 40hr work week). 8)A race director that has never done a race in her life and doesn’t understand the needs of triathletes. 7)That stupid loop on the run course at the top of Palani. 6)Letting Scott Tinley play the guitar and sing at the carbo load. His 8 minute song was 10 minutes too long. 5)Not allowing Dave Scott, Mark Allen or Newby any air time during the carbo load or awards party. Between the 3 of them they have won 20 IM’s! Why weren’t we allowed the privilege of hearing THEM speak? 4)No shuttle for athletes after the race. One of the athletes we know had to take a taxi out to Waikoloa after the race. And where was the morning of the race shuttle? One athlete waited half an hour and was scared for his life when who should pick him up but….Remy the Rastafarian coconut man. 3)Shitty food at both parties at an expensive price. The ticket for the parties cost $20 and $25. The pierogies are donated and they have volunteers working for free to serve it up–why the exorbitant fee? The mystery fish at the carbo load was definitely not Ahi or Ono– or even any fish we might recognize. And we really liked those Costco 3 gallon salad dressings. Couldn’t one of the King Kam chefs have made a healthy dressing? 2)Athletes and sponsors separated by a fence at the parties. Come on IM, I thought this race is for the athletes, why can’t the sponsors mingle with the common folk? It’s not like we are going to rush the stage like a rock concert. (Although after Tinley’s song we wanted to) 1)Not giving back to the athletes.  One of the original Ironman told me that IM was SO CHEAP that –although he was "invited" to the 20th anniversary– IM corp.would not pay for his (or any of the other oldtimers) airfare, hotel or transportation. Imagine the millions of dollars going into that eye doctor’s pockets… these men are our "astronauts" that we honored and gave a standing ovation for at the carbo load party. Im should  treat them like kings, put them up at a nice hotel and drive them around all week.

– Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

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snip snip snip

I’d be glad to take your spot next year and be abused… Al Kormesser

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I loved Natasha’s victory speech.  She did not complain about anything regarding the race, the course or the conditions.  She was thankful for the warm water to swim in and enjoyed looking at the beautiful fish and coral.  She also expressed how she felt like she had wings on the bike. She was not so self-absorbed that she couldn’t appreciate what was good and say "thank-you".  Natasha is a real winner regardless of where she may or may not have placed.  I don’t understand the mentality that does nothing but grouse about the race.  That kind of complaining and blaming is usually found with people that don’t feel like they do well and then try to place the blame on others.  I really believe that the more positive we can be, the better off we will be physically and mentally, which, in turn, leads to a faster and more enjoyable race.  Patti (Tri-ing)

Response:

Agree 100% with your comments! Hey, a tough course is what makes this race worthwhile, folks. It would be meaningless, otherwise. Qualifying and participating in Kona is a rare gift to be savored. Appreciate the journey and the power of that Island –it is humbling. Proud to have experienced it. Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I loved Natasha’s victory speech.  She did not complain about anything regarding the race, the course or the conditions.  She was thankful for the warm water to swim in and enjoyed looking at the beautiful fish and coral.  She also expressed how she felt like she had wings on the bike. She was not so self-absorbed that she couldn’t appreciate what was good and say "thank-you".  Natasha is a real winner regardless of where she may or may not have placed.  I don’t understand the mentality that does nothing but grouse about the race.  That kind of complaining and blaming is usually found with people that don’t feel like they do well and then try to place the blame on others.  I really believe that the more positive we can be, the better off we will be physically and mentally, which, in turn, leads to a faster and more enjoyable race.  Patti (Tri-ing)

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I picked up several athletes on Race Morning who were quite agitated the Race Shuttle hadn’t arrived.

Response:

Ironman Hawaii and Ironman Canada were the two best experiences of my life – hands down! I had absolutely no problems with either race in terms of registering, numbering, getting there on time, the volunteers, aid stations, the finish, post race, etc. It was ALL first class. Wileyjr4’s list had some points that I am sure some people agree with, but all I can say is that it was smooth for me all the way through and I was a BOP’er. A few points on the Top 10 …. Tinley’s song wasn’t the greatest, but hey, give the guy all the credit in the world for having the "balls" to get up there and do it. That was so Tinley, that’s what makes him so cool. Maybe Mark, Dave and Paula elected to not be part of the show? They’ve had their day’s in the sun, maybe they wanted to let others have theirs. The shuttle. Don’t know anything about it. If some people missed it, that is a bummer. Hopefully they did make the start some other way. The sponsor’s being in a separate spot. Hey, they paid big, big bucks to be part of the event, why shouldn’t they be entitled to have their own private area. I found no problems with the food we were served. Caro and Award tickets were the same for Canada as well and I thought the food here was as good if not better. And why bother even complaining about the out and back at the top of Palani … Hell, what about the PIT!? Dennis IMH ‘98 – 13:53:27

10) Putting the needs of NBC before the athlete’s needs.  All those special interest stories should be canned as the motorcyclists chasing them during the race put the athletes at risk.  Remember 2 years ago when an athlete was hit by a motorcyclist? Well, he was chasing one of those "special interest athletes". As a result a "regular" athlete ends up out of the race and in the hospital. 9)Awarding only $1500 for 10th place. That means Tim DeBoom made only 72 cents an hour training for IM this year ( based on a 40hr work week). 8)A race director that has never done a race in her life and doesn’t understand the needs of triathletes. 7)That stupid loop on the run course at the top of Palani. 6)Letting Scott Tinley play the guitar and sing at the carbo load. His 8 minute song was 10 minutes too long. 5)Not allowing Dave Scott, Mark Allen or Newby any air time during the carbo load or awards party. Between the 3 of them they have won 20 IM’s! Why weren’t we allowed the privilege of hearing THEM speak? 4)No shuttle for athletes after the race. One of the athletes we know had to take a taxi out to Waikoloa after the race. And where was the morning of the race shuttle? One athlete waited half an hour and was scared for his life when who should pick him up but….Remy the Rastafarian coconut man. 3)Shitty food at both parties at an expensive price. The ticket for the parties cost $20 and $25. The pierogies are donated and they have volunteers working for free to serve it up–why the exorbitant fee? The mystery fish at the carbo load was definitely not Ahi or Ono– or even any fish we might recognize. And we really liked those Costco 3 gallon salad dressings. Couldn’t one of the King Kam chefs have made a healthy dressing? 2)Athletes and sponsors separated by a fence at the parties. Come on IM, I thought this race is for the athletes, why can’t the sponsors mingle with the common folk? It’s not like we are going to rush the stage like a rock concert. (Although after Tinley’s song we wanted to) 1)Not giving back to the athletes.  One of the original Ironman told me that IM was SO CHEAP that –although he was "invited" to the 20th anniversary– IM corp.would not pay for his (or any of the other oldtimers) airfare, hotel or transportation. Imagine the millions of dollars going into that eye doctor’s pockets… these men are our "astronauts" that we honored and gave a standing ovation for at the carbo load party. Im should  treat them like kings, put them up at a nice hotel and drive them around all week.

Response:

Julie, you have missed the mark wide on this one.  Best let these comments die and be forgotten.  Ironman and Sharron are better people than you could possibly imagine. Ray Plotecia Male Amateur, 50-54 Ruxton, MD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 10) Putting the needs of NBC before the athlete’s needs.  All those special interest stories should be canned as the motorcyclists chasing them during the race put the athletes at risk.  Remember 2 years ago when an athlete was hit by a motorcyclist? Well, he was chasing one of those "special interest athletes". As a result a "regular" athlete ends up out of the race and in the hospital. 9)Awarding only $1500 for 10th place. That means Tim DeBoom made only 72 cents an hour training for IM this year ( based on a 40hr work week). 8)A race director that has never done a race in her life and doesn’t understand the needs of triathletes. 7)That stupid loop on the run course at the top of Palani. 6)Letting Scott Tinley play the guitar and sing at the carbo load. His 8 minute song was 10 minutes too long. 5)Not allowing Dave Scott, Mark Allen or Newby any air time during the carbo load or awards party. Between the 3 of them they have won 20 IM’s! Why weren’t we allowed the privilege of hearing THEM speak? 4)No shuttle for athletes after the race. One of the athletes we know had to take a taxi out to Waikoloa after the race. And where was the morning of the race shuttle? One athlete waited half an hour and was scared for his life when who should pick him up but….Remy the Rastafarian coconut man. 3)Shitty food at both parties at an expensive price. The ticket for the parties cost $20 and $25. The pierogies are donated and they have volunteers working for free to serve it up–why the exorbitant fee? The mystery fish at the carbo load was definitely not Ahi or Ono– or even any fish we might recognize. And we really liked those Costco 3 gallon salad dressings. Couldn’t one of the King Kam chefs have made a healthy dressing? 2)Athletes and sponsors separated by a fence at the parties. Come on IM, I thought this race is for the athletes, why can’t the sponsors mingle with the common folk? It’s not like we are going to rush the stage like a rock concert. (Although after Tinley’s song we wanted to) 1)Not giving back to the athletes.  One of the original Ironman told me that IM was SO CHEAP that –although he was "invited" to the 20th anniversary– IM corp.would not pay for his (or any of the other oldtimers) airfare, hotel or transportation. Imagine the millions of dollars going into that eye doctor’s pockets… these men are our "astronauts" that we honored and gave a standing ovation for at the carbo load party. Im should  treat them like kings, put them up at a nice hotel and drive them around all week.

Response:

After reading this drivel from a spoiled prima donna who won’t even sign his or her name I am so incredibly incensed that I don’t event think it apppropriate to respond to the individual comments noted at this time. As a race director myself, I deeply resent the shallow minded insinuation that Sharron Ackles’ direction of the race was/is anything but first class and at every measure with the needs of the athletes foremost. I am sure we’d all like to race one of your races…you know, where they pick you up at the airport in the limo.  Please post the date and place. Get real. Augie Calabrese – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 10) Putting the needs of NBC before the athlete’s needs.  All those special interest stories should be canned as the motorcyclists chasing them during the race put the athletes at risk.  Remember 2 years ago when an athlete was hit by a motorcyclist? Well, he was chasing one of those "special interest athletes". As a result a "regular" athlete ends up out of the race and in the hospital. 9)Awarding only $1500 for 10th place. That means Tim DeBoom made only 72 cents an hour training for IM this year ( based on a 40hr work week). 8)A race director that has never done a race in her life and doesn’t understand the needs of triathletes. 7)That stupid loop on the run course at the top of Palani. 6)Letting Scott Tinley play the guitar and sing at the carbo load. His 8 minute song was 10 minutes too long. 5)Not allowing Dave Scott, Mark Allen or Newby any air time during the carbo load or awards party. Between the 3 of them they have won 20 IM’s! Why weren’t we allowed the privilege of hearing THEM speak? 4)No shuttle for athletes after the race. One of the athletes we know had to take a taxi out to Waikoloa after the race. And where was the morning of the race shuttle? One athlete waited half an hour and was scared for his life when who should pick him up but….Remy the Rastafarian coconut man. 3)Shitty food at both parties at an expensive price. The ticket for the parties cost $20 and $25. The pierogies are donated and they have volunteers working for free to serve it up–why the exorbitant fee? The mystery fish at the carbo load was definitely not Ahi or Ono– or even any fish we might recognize. And we really liked those Costco 3 gallon salad dressings. Couldn’t one of the King Kam chefs have made a healthy dressing? 2)Athletes and sponsors separated by a fence at the parties. Come on IM, I thought this race is for the athletes, why can’t the sponsors mingle with the common folk? It’s not like we are going to rush the stage like a rock concert. (Although after Tinley’s song we wanted to) 1)Not giving back to the athletes.  One of the original Ironman told me that IM was SO CHEAP that –although he was "invited" to the 20th anniversary– IM corp.would not pay for his (or any of the other oldtimers) airfare, hotel or transportation. Imagine the millions of dollars going into that eye doctor’s pockets… these men are our "astronauts" that we honored and gave a standing ovation for at the carbo load party. Im should  treat them like kings, put them up at a nice hotel and drive them around all week.

Response:

10) Putting the needs of NBC before the athlete’s needs.  All those special interest stories should be canned as the motorcyclists chasing them during the race put the athletes at risk.  Remember 2 years ago when an athlete was hit by a motorcyclist? Well, he was chasing one of those "special interest athletes". As a result a "regular" athlete ends up out of the race and in the hospital. 9)Awarding only $1500 for 10th place. That means Tim DeBoom made only 72 cents an hour training for IM this year ( based on a 40hr work week). 8)A race director that has never done a race in her life and doesn’t understand the needs of triathletes. 7)That stupid loop on the run course at the top of Palani. 6)Letting Scott Tinley play the guitar and sing at the carbo load. His 8 minute song was 10 minutes too long. 5)Not allowing Dave Scott, Mark Allen or Newby any air time during the carbo load or awards party. Between the 3 of them they have won 20 IM’s! Why weren’t we allowed the privilege of hearing THEM speak? 4)No shuttle for athletes after the race. One of the athletes we know had to take a taxi out to Waikoloa after the race. And where was the morning of the race shuttle? One athlete waited half an hour and was scared for his life when who should pick him up but….Remy the Rastafarian coconut man. 3)Shitty food at both parties at an expensive price. The ticket for the parties cost $20 and $25. The pierogies are donated and they have volunteers working for free to serve it up–why the exorbitant fee? The mystery fish at the carbo load was definitely not Ahi or Ono– or even any fish we might recognize. And we really liked those Costco 3 gallon salad dressings. Couldn’t one of the King Kam chefs have made a healthy dressing? 2)Athletes and sponsors separated by a fence at the parties. Come on IM, I thought this race is for the athletes, why can’t the sponsors mingle with the common folk? It’s not like we are going to rush the stage like a rock concert. (Although after Tinley’s song we wanted to) 1)Not giving back to the athletes.  One of the original Ironman told me that IM was SO CHEAP that –although he was "invited" to the 20th anniversary– IM corp.would not pay for his (or any of the other oldtimers) airfare, hotel or transportation. Imagine the millions of dollars going into that eye doctor’s pockets… these men are our "astronauts" that we honored and gave a standing ovation for at the carbo load party. Im should  treat them like kings, put them up at a nice hotel and drive them around all week.

Response:

Question:

Well, glad to hear that you and Dave had a good race.  It was a great dat, weather wise, and I was lucky enough to have a neat swim (25th over all), and a 21 mph bike (which for dis fat boy ain’t too shabby), but like Dave hit a sude stich at almost exactly 1 mile.  But lucky enough I was able to stagger through it just short of 1.5 miles. This was a well run event, by people that have put it on for some time (9 yrs and counting).  It was particularly nice to meet so many new friends. CYA all at columbia and cambridge (oooohh goodie) anders – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dittos mostly Dave, was nice to meet you too. My 13 minute swim made me think the course was a bit shorter than advertised. A spectator that knows me said I exited the water, stopped and looked at my watch and froze in place! And your (or Anders?) crystal ball was really close to target, I managed a 23mph average on the bike! But fell apart on the crawl. I really enjoyed the race, but during my crawl I was really questioning my sanity for signing up the the Eagleman 1/2 IM in a few weeks. Still am. And – I must report a good vendor story too – one of the Bonzai Sports employees showed up at the race (his wife races) with some new items I ordered, placed them in my hands, and said to worry about payment later. Very nice, thanks Max/Mark. Mike last week.  Thanks to race management for putting on an excellent event. Organization and safety were outstanding, the site was great, the course was great, and overall it was a day they should be proud of.  I’ll definitely be back next year.  I met fellow rst’er Mike Schwing, who was racked right across from me.  The guy who was racked right next to me (Lavell) turned out to be from my town and lived about two miles from me. Triathlon is a very small world, isn’t it? See you in Columbia!!! Dave Radomski Springfield, VA, USA Cherry Blossom 10 Miler ‘98  Columbia Triathlon ‘98  Blackwater Eagleman ‘98????

Response:

Dittos mostly Dave, was nice to meet you too. My 13 minute swim made me think the course was a bit shorter than advertised. A spectator that knows me said I exited the water, stopped and looked at my watch and froze in place! And your (or Anders?) crystal ball was really close to target, I managed a 23mph average on the bike! But fell apart on the crawl. I really enjoyed the race, but during my crawl I was really questioning my sanity for signing up the the Eagleman 1/2 IM in a few weeks. Still am. And – I must report a good vendor story too – one of the Bonzai Sports employees showed up at the race (his wife races) with some new items I ordered, placed them in my hands, and said to worry about payment later. Very nice, thanks Max/Mark. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -last week.  Thanks to race management for putting on an excellent event. Organization and safety were outstanding, the site was great, the course was great, and overall it was a day they should be proud of.  I’ll definitely be back next year.  I met fellow rst’er Mike Schwing, who was racked right across from me.  The guy who was racked right next to me (Lavell) turned out to be from my town and lived about two miles from me. Triathlon is a very small world, isn’t it? See you in Columbia!!! Dave Radomski Springfield, VA, USA Cherry Blossom 10 Miler ‘98  Columbia Triathlon ‘98  Blackwater Eagleman ‘98????

Response:

–Coors Light/Pepsi Triathlon Salisbury, MD May 3, 1998  9am .5 mi. swim/14.5 mi. bike/3.65 mi. run When my better half and I departed Northern VA on Saturday morning it was looking like a weekend better spent indoors.  Black skies and heavy rain greeted us as we worked our way across the Bay Bridge.  Fortunately, as soon as we got onto Maryland’s Eastern Shore, things changed dramatically and stayed that way all weekend!  Weather for the race on Sunday morning was among the best I’ve ever had at a race–warm, but not too warm, dry, sunny, and blue skies.  The sun had come to our rescue and managed to warm the pond up to manageable temperature by race time. As far as my race, it went pretty well.  Pre-race was uneventful as I wasn’t nervous and got my spot all squared away.  The race site was very nice and well laid out.  I was especially pleased to see that my rack spot was very close to the swim exit and bike departure.  We attended a pre-race meeting on the shore at 9:45 and the tri season was finally at hand.  For some reason, I really appreciated the scene this year and just kind of soaked up the entire atmosphere.  As I trained through all the cold and sloppy weather of the winter and early spring, this was the day that I kept in mind and it was finally here! I was in the 3rd wave, along with the other 30-34’s.  Having just turned 30, this was my debut in this killer age group.  Not that I’d be close to any awards, but it should be interesting to see how much worse I get smoked by my peers in this age group.  The swim went very well for me.  My wave wasn’t too crowded and other than a couple of minor kicks, I came through the start relatively unscathed.  The roughly half mile swim went quick, I had no trouble sighting, the water wasn’t too cold, and I felt fresh and smooth the whole way.  Now, I’m still a pretty slow swimmer comparatively, but exiting the water at just over 13 minutes at a smooth pace is an unqualified success for me.  As I ran up to my bike and was stripping off the wetsuit, I was thinking "wow, this is getting easier." As I got to the rack that old friend DIZZINESS kicked in hard.  I had a hell of a time getting into my shoes and had to wait a good 20-30 extra seconds as I breathed deep and tried to regain equilibrium.  Finally I could walk a straight line and got moving on the bike.  The first problem of the day happened next–the bike computer went whacko.  Fortunately for me, this was the worst problem of the day and that I can live with.  The bike was a pancake flat out-and-back and was just what the doctor ordered. My cycling has been neglected this spring in favor of running and I’m not expecting much at this point of the season.  Still, I averaged right at 20 mph for the bike without suffering much at all.  I was pretty pleased with that as well. The run went okay, although not as well as I’d hoped.  I had problems with a nasty side stitch from about the mile mark and had to manage it most of the way.  This meant that I couldn’t do too much running at tempo and alot of my slow running was with my hand poked in my side trying to massage the stitch.  At least I was able to pace myself.  I ran 7:50 per mile, much slower than desired and finished in a pretty composed manner to clock 1:31.  I didn’t see the overall results, but that probably put me somewhere in the middle overall and toward the back of the middle in my age group. Still, I was pretty pleased with my day and happy to see improvement.  All this advice on rst is starting to pay off! Notes:  Special thanks to Anders for keeping us informed on water temp’s last week.  Thanks to race management for putting on an excellent event. Organization and safety were outstanding, the site was great, the course was great, and overall it was a day they should be proud of.  I’ll definitely be back next year.  I met fellow rst’er Mike Schwing, who was racked right across from me.  The guy who was racked right next to me (Lavell) turned out to be from my town and lived about two miles from me. Triathlon is a very small world, isn’t it? See you in Columbia!!! Dave Radomski Springfield, VA, USA Cherry Blossom 10 Miler ‘98  Columbia Triathlon ‘98  Blackwater Eagleman ‘98????

Response:

Question:

It hit me the other day. Some of the most important lessons we learn in life don’t necessarily come from the classroom — or from the boardroom. Nope. I think most of the wisdom I have gleaned comes from the different transition areas I’ve found myself in over the years. Not only is triathlon a great sport in terms of fitness, but after 20 years of hanging around bike racks in places as diverse as Borneo, Tahiti, Switzerland, Guatemala, Kona, El Salvador, Chicago and Mission Bay, I have collected certain priceless nuggets that I use every day of my life.

At least you had the opportunity to "learn" these lessons at some of the most exotic places in the world.  Many people,no matter how they try, are barely able to get out of their neighborhood.  You’re doing things people only dream about and wish they have the finacial stability to try to pursue these events.

Response:

It hit me the other day. Some of the most important lessons we learn in life don’t necessarily come from the classroom — or from the boardroom. Nope. I think most of the wisdom I have gleaned comes from the different transition areas I’ve found myself in over the years. Not only is triathlon a great sport in terms of fitness, but after 20 years of hanging around bike racks in places as diverse as Borneo, Tahiti, Switzerland, Guatemala, Kona, El Salvador, Chicago and Mission Bay, I have collected certain priceless nuggets that I use every day of my life. Appreciate the little things When it’s 100F out and you start running after an hour of swimming and six or seven hours of cycling, you feel awful. At that point in time, something as simple as an ice cube or a cold sponge can become the greatest gift on earth. No matter how prepared you are, you’re not You get to the race at 4 a.m. You leisurely set up your transition area and head for the starting line as calm as can be. Twenty minutes before your wave is ready to go, you hear what sounds like a gunshot and you just know it’s your tire that blew. You can either panic and feel sorry for yourself, or simply take care of the problem and move on. Make the best of the moment I learned this from six-time Ironman champion Mark Allen. During his six futile attempts to unseat Dave Scott in Kona, Allen had everything from mechanical problems to internal bleeding. In the book we wrote together (I keep the tapes from those interviews in a safe deposit box), Mark insisted that there will be days when you aren’t 100% for whatever reason. On those days, Allen always tried to get 100% out of whatever he had that day. If you are racing — or working — at 50% capacity for whatever reason, get 100% out of that 50% and feel good about the effort. Everyone hurts To read more, see http://www.competitor.com/997/editorial.html

Response:

Netters– Runner Triathlete News magazine has compiled a nationwide marathon calendar for October ‘97 to October ‘98.  This calendar lists race dates and contact information for more than 160 of America’s finest 26.2 mile runs. The calendar is available on-line at: http://www.runningnetwork.com/runtrinews You’ll find it under the Resources section.  It has been broken down month-by-month, for easier viewing. If you have any questions about the calendar, feel free to e-mail me. Lance Phegley Editor Runner Triathlete News

Response:

What an interesting cross-post…… It hit me the other day. Some of the most important lessons we learn in life don’t necessarily come from the classroom — or from the boardroom. Nope. I think most of the wisdom I have

I believe that many people view school as a starting point (synchronous) at best, and not just an end in itself. gleaned comes from the different transition areas I’ve found myself in over the years. Not only is triathlon a great sport in terms of fitness, but after 20 years of hanging around bike racks in places as diverse as Borneo, Tahiti, Switzerland, Guatemala, Kona, El Salvador, Chicago and Mission Bay, I have collected certain priceless nuggets that I use every day of my life.

All the rest of us ask is that you not trash nice places. Appreciate the little things … something as simple as an ice cube or a cold sponge can become the greatest gift on earth.

Sure.  Every meal is a banquet…. Fur sure. "There must be a way to make these things smaller…."         –1941 No matter how prepared you are, you’re not You get to the race at… …. You can either panic and feel sorry for yourself, or simply take care of the problem and move on.

Self-proclaimed experts regularly get shot down in news groups. (rec.skiing.alpine is a good case in point.)  The knowledgeable go with the flow.  In r.b. we have had a fair number of your readers killed or die for various reasons.  No glory.  They were just our friends. Make the best of the moment … Everyone hurts

Everyone bleeds. To read more, see http://www.competitor.com/997/editorial.html

I rather like non-competing myself.  The rest of life has enough competition as it is.  The way to win isn’t to play other people’s games.

Response:

It hit me the other day. Some of the most important lessons we learn in life don’t necessarily come from the classroom — or from the boardroom. Nope. I think most of the wisdom I have gleaned comes from the different transition areas I’ve found myself in over the years. Not only is triathlon a great sport in terms of fitness, but after 20 years of hanging around bike racks in places as diverse as Borneo, Tahiti, Switzerland, Guatemala, Kona, El Salvador, Chicago and Mission Bay, I have collected certain priceless nuggets that I use every day of my life. Appreciate the little things When it’s 100F out and you start running after an hour of swimming and six or seven hours of cycling, you feel awful. At that point in time, something as simple as an ice cube or a cold sponge can become the greatest gift on earth. No matter how prepared you are, you’re not You get to the race at 4 a.m. You leisurely set up your transition area and head for the starting line as calm as can be. Twenty minutes before your wave is ready to go, you hear what sounds like a gunshot and you just know it’s your tire that blew. You can either panic and feel sorry for yourself, or simply take care of the problem and move on. Make the best of the moment I learned this from six-time Ironman champion Mark Allen. During his six futile attempts to unseat Dave Scott in Kona, Allen had everything from mechanical problems to internal bleeding. In the book we wrote together (I keep the tapes from those interviews in a safe deposit box), Mark insisted that there will be days when you aren’t 100% for whatever reason. On those days, Allen always tried to get 100% out of whatever he had that day. If you are racing — or working — at 50% capacity for whatever reason, get 100% out of that 50% and feel good about the effort. Everyone hurts To read more, see http://www.competitor.com/997/editorial.html

Response:

Question:

One of goals in life is to run in every state of the union and compete in a triathlon in every state of the union.  I’m looking for information for these events in North Dakota.  I know there’s a triathlon in Fargo, but I’m hoping there’s something going on in the eastern or central part of the state.  If anyone knows of any events let me know.

Response:

I’m looking for information for these events in North Dakota.  I know there’s a triathlon in Fargo, but I’m hoping there’s something going on in the eastern or central part of the state.  If anyone knows of any events let me know.

Inside Triathlon had a race listing for the Fargo-Moorhead Triathlon to be held June 22 or 23. Todd Kearney Swim, Bike, Run

Response:

Question:

My husband did the Carlsbad Tri yesterday and it was a great race – anyone in the southern California area should definitely consider it for next year.  Its a 1K swim – 25Kbike and 5K run. They have a great pre-race dinner, free to participants, $5 for anyone else which was very good, filling (even for my husband who is usually not satisfied with these dinners).  Then they had a luau show which was fun to watch.  Race day was overcast but kind of muggy.  The swim was calm with the water temp probably about 64 but there was quite a current.  I could watch all the swimmers and even the elite wave kept going off course.  The bike course had some rolling hills and was two loops and the run was fairly flat.  Sorry I can’t give any results =

Response:

I did that rece and found that all the distances were longer than advertised!!! Any one else feel that way The swim sure felt longer.  Or maybe it was that cold ocean current we

swam through that made it feel really long!  Due to a flat, I was unable to finish the rest of the course!  Hmmm, I did feel the course was a bit crowded and hectic though!  Later TriGators! Ron ^^^ Ron Williams Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott, Arizona ….always bring a patch kit!

Response:

I did that rece and found that all the distances were longer than advertised!!! Any one else feel that way

Response:

   I did the race and although I enjoyed it very much for the previously mentioned reasons, the distances were definitely longer than advertised. Steve Fredericks

Response:

i too did this race and it was longer, but one of the best races i’ve been to. the crowd at the finish was great. as gene & roger say "2 thumbs up"…

Response:

Question:

Sorry for the wide distribution. For those of you that live in the Worcester MA area there is a group of us that do an open water swim every Friday morning at 6:30. The swim is in Bell Pond on RT 9. All are welcome to join us and bring a wetsuit. For more details send me email at rtanski.sw.stratus.com bob tanski

Response:

Sorry for the wide distribution. For those of you that live in the Worcester MA area there is a group of us that do an open water swim every Friday morning at 6:30. The swim is in Bell Pond on RT 9. All are welcome to join us and bring a wetsuit. For more details send me email at rtanski.sw.stratus.com bob tanski

Response: