Question:

Thanksgiving this year I ate fairly light.   I skipped breakfast – and had a few chips about 1pm.   Dinner was some dark meat turkey, small amount of mashed potatoes w/ gravy some stuffing and some corn. I had 1/2 a piece of apple pie w/ ff cool whip and then late in the evening I snacked on chips again Christmas this year – I am hoping it will be small and light.  I am so over the disfunction of my family and I would be much happier just doing Christmas w/ BF and DS.   If anything it will be a Turkey and just some basics.  Nothing fancy. My feeling is though – 1 day of eating big like that won’t kill you. Just pick back up hte next day like you normally eat. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Now that our US friends are beginning to return to the board…. I was wondering what the Christmas season holds for you all, with Thanksgiving only just past. In the UK, the turkey dinner that you have for Thanskgiving has been adopted, and is now seen as a traditional Christmas dinner (though the original British Christmas dinner was goose). But we don’t go for the pumpkin pie – instead it is Christmas pudding, and probably mince pies and a Yule log (Chocolate swiss roll covered in chocolate buttercream icing). And of course the obligatory Christmas cake – a rich fruit cake covered in marzipan and royal icing, which usually doesn’t get opened at lease until Boxing Day, as everyone is too stuffed. What do Americans do for Christmas – is it as big as Thanksgiving? Are there traditional foods you associate with it? And how does the diet cope? Barbara 278/244/147 highest: 294

Response:

Now that our US friends are beginning to return to the board…. I was wondering what the Christmas season holds for you all, with Thanksgiving only just past. In the UK, the turkey dinner that you have for Thanskgiving has been adopted, and is now seen as a traditional Christmas dinner (though the original British Christmas dinner was goose). But we don’t go for the pumpkin pie – instead it is Christmas pudding, and probably mince pies and a Yule log (Chocolate swiss roll covered in chocolate buttercream icing). And of course the obligatory Christmas cake – a rich fruit cake covered in marzipan and royal icing, which usually doesn’t get opened at lease until Boxing Day, as everyone is too stuffed. What do Americans do for Christmas – is it as big as Thanksgiving? Are there traditional foods you associate with it? And how does the diet cope? Barbara 278/244/147 highest: 294

Response:

Christmas is always at my house.  There will be 17-20 and we serve a buffet. It’s usually cold cuts(roast beef, turkey, ham), salads, veggie casseroles, desserts and other snacks.  My family brings the cold cuts, soft drinks, breads, etc…..easy to transport.  I do the casseroles, salads and desserts.  I always try to find new things each year…..usually out of one of my Weight Watcher or other low calorie cookbooks.  Of course there are somethings they want each year such as the all-time favorite Gooey Butter Cake.  You don’t want to know the caloric content of this….cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, eggs, etc….   I only make it once or twice a year. Thanksgiving is a very non-traditional holiday for my family.  My sister and I send our kids to their in-laws and she and I eat out and then do some stocking stuffer shopping.  In the evening I go over to my ex daughter-in-laws for dessert and coffee.  This is where I meet up with my kids……including my son who was married to her for 10 years. Beverly Beverly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now that our US friends are beginning to return to the board…. I was wondering what the Christmas season holds for you all, with Thanksgiving only just past. In the UK, the turkey dinner that you have for Thanskgiving has been adopted, and is now seen as a traditional Christmas dinner (though the original British Christmas dinner was goose). But we don’t go for the pumpkin pie – instead it is Christmas pudding, and probably mince pies and a Yule log (Chocolate swiss roll covered in chocolate buttercream icing). And of course the obligatory Christmas cake – a rich fruit cake covered in marzipan and royal icing, which usually doesn’t get opened at lease until Boxing Day, as everyone is too stuffed. What do Americans do for Christmas – is it as big as Thanksgiving? Are there traditional foods you associate with it? And how does the diet cope? Barbara 278/244/147 highest: 294

Response:

I was wondering what the Christmas season holds for you all, with Thanksgiving only just past.

my parents are coming over to the states for xmas and new years. i haven’t really thought about food yet – but we’ll probably go to some nice restaurant together and then everyone can order what they want. strikes me as an easy and nice solution – the apartment here is not really equipped for entertaining guests. nina 180/132/125

Response:

Christmas used to be the big thing when I was a kid.  We had Christmas meal and presents with the local grandma then the next day we had a christmas meal & presents in Lansing with the other grandma & relatives.  We stayed the night there and drove around looking for Santa in the sky.  Now they are both dead & we don’t go to Lansing in the winter anymore. Ever since my brother’s wife became Jehovah Witness they didn’t have christmas with us which left just the 3 of us.  In time she loosened up and agreed to have turkey with us on thanksgiving as long as we didn’t have any decorations.  We only have table space for 8 people so two of us had to eat in the computer room. The meals for thanksgiving and christmas are the same. Turkey, mashed potatoes, peas and/or corn, veggies, pies.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now that our US friends are beginning to return to the board…. I was wondering what the Christmas season holds for you all, with Thanksgiving only just past. In the UK, the turkey dinner that you have for Thanskgiving has been adopted, and is now seen as a traditional Christmas dinner (though the original British Christmas dinner was goose). But we don’t go for the pumpkin pie – instead it is Christmas pudding, and probably mince pies and a Yule log (Chocolate swiss roll covered in chocolate buttercream icing). And of course the obligatory Christmas cake – a rich fruit cake covered in marzipan and royal icing, which usually doesn’t get opened at lease until Boxing Day, as everyone is too stuffed. What do Americans do for Christmas – is it as big as Thanksgiving? Are there traditional foods you associate with it? And how does the diet cope?

Let’s see. Mostly Christmas is turkey, though it is sometimes ham. I’ve seen references to goose and duck for christmas, but I’ve never had them then myself. Turkey gets served with stuffing (a corn bread and pork sausage affair usually), mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry jelly, and candied sweet potatoes. Other vegetables are generally flexible. Ham gets no stuffing, but the rest is generally the same (gravy might be different, though). Cakes and pies are generally flexible, but you absolutely must have cookies and candies. My mother makes the most wonderful cookies, and my husband’s grandmother used to make the most wonderful candies (buckeyes, yum!). The cookies aren’t the usual oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip, either. They’re recipes that are generally only used at Christmas (probably because they take too much time or effort to do them often). There is a tradition of fruit cakes at Christmas, but most folks can’t stand them. They’re generally made of candied fruits (cherries and mystery fruit) in a dense cake kind of like a zucchini bread, sometimes soaked in booze. It’s the taste of the fruit that turns most folks off. For some reason those candied cherries (especially the green ones) are nasty. There was one fruit cake I liked, but I’m told it takes weeks to prepare because it has to ferment in the refrigerator for weeks. That was rather frightening. When I was on low fat, I stayed away from the mashed potatoes (mashed with butter), gravy (turkey grease), sweet potatoes (heavily buttered and sugared), green bean casserole (cream soup), and the butter cookies. When I was on low-carb, I stayed away from all the potatoes, gravy (thickened with flour), breads, cakes, pies and cookies. Now that I’m on low-cal, I can eat a little of anything I want, but I generally go on maintenance for the week of the feasts. I’m at the point now where I really don’t want to be austere at holiday time, and the little bit of weight I gain (2 lbs at Thanksgiving which is now gone), isn’t worth obsessing over. I generally worry about dieting at breakfast and lunch, and the days leading up to the feast, but on feast day I just try to eat my vegetables and avoid overstuffing myself. Christmas is usually bigger than Thanksgiving in my families. If you don’t feel like messing with it, you can skip the fancy Thanksgiving stuff, but you never skip Christmas trappings (making cookies, going to parties). Generally speaking, diets fail at both Thanksgiving and Christmas, simply because no matter what diet you’re on, there’s always something there to tempt you to break your diet. There’s all kinds of sweets, fatty foods, carby foods, and half the time all three are mixed together in the same food. So if you want to diet, you end up feeling like you’ve missed half the fun, or you cheat and you feel guilty. So now I’ve quit that. I try to be good for most of the vacation, but I quite deliberately cheat on feast day, and usually a day or two after as well (leftovers, dontcha know). Kristina perpetual dieter (except on holidays) =-]

Response:

What do Americans do for Christmas – is it as big as Thanksgiving? Are there traditional foods you associate with it? And how does the diet cope?

It depends on the person/family.  We are obviously not all Xian, and many people who aren’t, especially if they practice another religion, don’t celebrate it, whereas Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday (though some people don’t like to celebrate it anyway because of it’s genocidal history.) I usually fall into both camps (not celebrating Thanksgiving or Xmas) but this year I celebrated Thanksgiving because I modified it enough to feel comfortable.  But I’m an atheist and from a Jewish family, so to me Xmas is just another day (only slightly more annoying because all the stores are closed.) — james ~25%/18%/10% use z at eristocracy dot net to email

Response:

I usually fall into both camps (not celebrating Thanksgiving or Xmas) but this year I celebrated Thanksgiving because I modified it enough to feel comfortable.  But I’m an atheist and from a Jewish family, so to me Xmas is just another day (only slightly more annoying because all the stores are closed.)

I am a Christian, but painfully aware that 99% of "Christmas" celebrations have nothing to do with Christ’s birth. So in my mind, there are two festivals that happen at the same time – the celebration of Christ’s birth, for which I go to church – and a family get-together, party and present exchange. Even so, I try to walk a line between generosity and giving in to commercialism. It is difficult to strike the right note! On the food front, this year I will be thinking hard about where I indulge and where I don’t, and trying to spend my calories on things that are really delicious, not just eat them because they are there! Barbara 278/244.5/147 highest: 294

Response:

I usually fall into both camps (not celebrating Thanksgiving or Xmas) but this year I celebrated Thanksgiving because I modified it enough to feel comfortable.  But I’m an atheist and from a Jewish family, so to me Xmas is just another day (only slightly more annoying because all the stores are closed.) I am a Christian, but painfully aware that 99% of "Christmas" celebrations have nothing to do with Christ’s birth. So in my mind, there are two festivals that happen at the same time – the celebration of Christ’s birth, for which I go to church – and a family get-together, party and present exchange.

I agree, and that’s certainly a presence in the US, but people who aren’t raised by families that celebrate it (which usually means the family was Xian somewhere along the line, if not recently) don’t usually pick up the celebration, IME (but this may be limited and biased.. almost all of my friends are atheists, none are Xian, and none celebrate Xmas.) — james ~25%/18%/10% use z at eristocracy dot net to email

Response:

We celebrate Channukah and the traditional  fare incldes "Latkes" potato pancakes with apple sauce or sour cream topping.  We also seem to have a lot of chocolates at the time. Children traditionally receive money as a gift but also toys and other typical holiday goodies.  Many people think Channukah is a Jewish Christmas, but it originated to immortalize the heroic action of the Maccabees. When the oil that fuels "The Eternal Light" in the temple was almost gone, it lasted miraculously for over a week until new oil was brought in.  We have a saying" A great miracle happened here." (I say that whenever I step of the scale LOL! )

My father’s immediate family also celebrates Channukah, as he and his wife have a young daughter, and my grandmother still sends me checks.. heh. Despite not being Jewish in religion I enjoy this because I consider the story having more to do with the history of tenacity of Jews, though I do refrain from singing the prayer with my parents because its English translation does not sit well with me.  If nothing else I still go over to their house for the latkes, which are probably one of my favourite foods. — james ~25%/18%/10% use z at eristocracy dot net to email

Response:

I am a Christian, but painfully aware that 99% of "Christmas" celebrations have nothing to do with Christ’s birth. So in my mind, there are two festivals that happen at the same time – the celebration of Christ’s birth, for which I go to church – and a family get-together, party and present exchange. Even so, I try to walk a line between generosity and giving in to commercialism. It is difficult to strike the right note! On the food front, this year I will be thinking hard about where I indulge and where I don’t, and trying to spend my calories on things that are really delicious, not just eat them because they are there!

Barbara, Bill Maher made an interesting observation about Christianity last week.  Jesus was the only God that actually provided a role model for Christian to follow.  He didn’t celebrate his birth or his death, so what do you think he would want people to celebrate for Christmas?  The years that I considered myself a Christian, the only days that I did not want to go to mass were on Christmas and Easter because most of the people who showed up in church were strangers.

Response:

We celebrate Channukah and the traditional  fare incldes "Latkes" potato pancakes with apple sauce or sour cream topping.  We also seem to have a lot of chocolates at the time. Children traditionally receive money as a gift but also toys and other typical holiday goodies.  Many people think Channukah is a Jewish Christmas, but it originated to immortalize the heroic action of the Maccabees. When the oil that fuels "The Eternal Light" in the temple was almost gone, it lasted miraculously for over a week until new oil was brought in.  We have a saying" A great miracle happened here." (I say that whenever I step of the scale LOL! ) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What do Americans do for Christmas – is it as big as Thanksgiving? Are there traditional foods you associate with it? And how does the diet cope? It depends on the person/family.  We are obviously not all Xian, and many people who aren’t, especially if they practice another religion, don’t celebrate it, whereas Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday (though some people don’t like to celebrate it anyway because of it’s genocidal history.) I usually fall into both camps (not celebrating Thanksgiving or Xmas) but this year I celebrated Thanksgiving because I modified it enough to feel comfortable.  But I’m an atheist and from a Jewish family, so to me Xmas is just another day (only slightly more annoying because all the stores are closed.) — james ~25%/18%/10% use z at eristocracy dot net to email

– Diva "Life is precarious, make sure you start doing the things that really matter, the things that will ultimately win you your immortality."

Response:

Shalom from Toronto.  I saw that latke recipe in a popular collection of offbeat Jewish recipes somewhere on the Net a few years ago and it conforms with all my food intolerances so I can’t wait to try it. Traditional latkes are best when topped with Malox or Pepto Bismal

Potato pancakes seem to be favorites in lots of European countries.  My mother’s parents came to this country from Poland and brought this favorite food with them.  The part of Chicago that I live in has quite a few different ethnic stores and the Polish store sells quite a variety of soups, pancakes, stuffed cabbage and lunchmeats made from liver, tongue and other less desirable animal parts.  The tongue loaf is one of my favorites.  I know that tongue is also a favorite Jewish food. On the subject of potato pancakes, I downloaded several recipes from the internet a few years back  and the one that I like the best has white onions and green onions added to the mix of potato and egg.  I use my Cuisinart to grate the potatoes and onions so it takes no time at all to make and the grated potato does not mash down like the hand grated potato does.  Some foods cannot be duplicated with low calorie variations and potato pancakes are one of these.

Response:

potato pancakes are a big deal here in wisconsin, at our FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRYS! i don’t eat fish, but i sure ate alot of PP! — read and post daily! rosie "I will set the tone for my day by my behavior toward self and others. Over this I am all-powerful."

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Shalom from Toronto.  I saw that latke recipe in a popular collection of offbeat Jewish recipes somewhere on the Net a few years ago and it conforms with all my food intolerances so I can’t wait to try it. Traditional latkes are best when topped with Malox or Pepto Bismal Potato pancakes seem to be favorites in lots of European countries.  My mother’s parents came to this country from Poland and brought this favorite food with them.  The part of Chicago that I live in has quite a few different ethnic stores and the Polish store sells quite a variety of soups, pancakes, stuffed cabbage and lunchmeats made from liver, tongue and other less desirable animal parts.  The tongue loaf is one of my favorites.  I know that tongue is also a favorite Jewish food. On the subject of potato pancakes, I downloaded several recipes from the internet a few years back  and the one that I like the best has white onions and green onions added to the mix of potato and egg.  I use my Cuisinart to grate the potatoes and onions so it takes no time at all to make and the grated potato does not mash down like the hand grated potato does.  Some foods cannot be duplicated with low calorie variations and potato pancakes are one of these.

Response:

Shalom from Toronto.  I saw that latke recipe in a popular collection of offbeat Jewish recipes somewhere on the Net a few years ago and it conforms with all my food intolerances so I can’t wait to try it. Traditional latkes are best when topped with Malox or Pepto Bismal – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning to make some non-traditional latkes with sweet potato, zucchini, and cauliflower, bake them instead of frying them in oil, and serve them with low fat white cheese (has the same consistency as sour cream) and apple sauce. I did not celebrate Thanksgiving since I don’t live in the US, and since it fell on the day before I was doing a triathlon. Also, no Xmas celebration for me. Living in Israel, it’s easy to forget all about Xmas… though there was one time when I actually saw a Santa here, walking on the street, followed by 2 young nubile women dressed in scanty elves costumes…. alabina 138/129/torso more bare-able (5′4" female) most recent high 146 (1996) all-time high about 155 (early 1980’s) We celebrate Channukah and the traditional  fare incldes "Latkes" potato pancakes with apple sauce or sour cream topping.  We also seem to have a lot of chocolates at the time. Children traditionally receive money as a gift but also toys and other typical holiday goodies.  Many people think Channukah is a Jewish Christmas, but it originated to immortalize the heroic action of the Maccabees. When the oil that fuels "The Eternal Light" in the temple was almost gone, it lasted miraculously for over a week until new oil was brought in.  We have a saying" A great miracle happened here." (I say that whenever I step of the scale LOL! ) My father’s immediate family also celebrates Channukah, as he and his wife have a young daughter, and my grandmother still sends me checks.. heh. Despite not being Jewish in religion I enjoy this because I consider the story having more to do with the history of tenacity of Jews, though I do refrain from singing the prayer with my parents because its English translation does not sit well with me.  If nothing else I still go over to their house for the latkes, which are probably one of my favourite foods.

– Diva "Life is precarious, make sure you start doing the things that really matter, the things that will ultimately win you your immortality."

Response:

I’m planning to make some non-traditional latkes with sweet potato, zucchini, and cauliflower, bake them instead of frying them in oil, and serve them with low fat white cheese (has the same consistency as sour cream) and apple sauce. I did not celebrate Thanksgiving since I don’t live in the US, and since it fell on the day before I was doing a triathlon. Also, no Xmas celebration for me. Living in Israel, it’s easy to forget all about Xmas… though there was one time when I actually saw a Santa here, walking on the street, followed by 2 young nubile women dressed in scanty elves costumes…. alabina 138/129/torso more bare-able (5′4" female) most recent high 146 (1996) all-time high about 155 (early 1980’s) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We celebrate Channukah and the traditional  fare incldes "Latkes" potato pancakes with apple sauce or sour cream topping.  We also seem to have a lot of chocolates at the time. Children traditionally receive money as a gift but also toys and other typical holiday goodies.  Many people think Channukah is a Jewish Christmas, but it originated to immortalize the heroic action of the Maccabees. When the oil that fuels "The Eternal Light" in the temple was almost gone, it lasted miraculously for over a week until new oil was brought in.  We have a saying" A great miracle happened here." (I say that whenever I step of the scale LOL! ) My father’s immediate family also celebrates Channukah, as he and his wife have a young daughter, and my grandmother still sends me checks.. heh. Despite not being Jewish in religion I enjoy this because I consider the story having more to do with the history of tenacity of Jews, though I do refrain from singing the prayer with my parents because its English translation does not sit well with me.  If nothing else I still go over to their house for the latkes, which are probably one of my favourite foods.

Response:

Potato pancakes seem to be favorites in lots of European countries.  My mother’s parents came to this country from Poland and brought this favorite food with them.

my dad has east german / polish roots, and he is the only person i know who eats potato pancakes. he used to make them quite a lot when i was a kid in fact, but to be honest, i never really liked them. maybe something to do with the fact that the way he cooked them, they were crisp on the outside, but still almost raw on the inside. raw potato? argl. there is a kinda similar thing which is traditional in switzerland – r

Question:

I’m doing a 1/2 IM at a distant location in the fall, and will have to pack and fly the bike with me on an airline.  Any advice on good bike cases would be appreciated. I’ll be packing my ‘97 R-700.  How much extra do the airlines charge for the bike case?  How big a pain in the butt is it to disassemble and re-assemble he bike?   Any tips would be helpful… Thanks! Joe

Response:

How much extra do the airlines charge for the bike case?  How big a pain in the butt is it to disassemble and re-assemble he bike?

$50 each way on airlines. Aero bars can be a pain to get into case without breaking down a bit. Bring your tools.

Response:

Being Canadian I was able to get the $ 65.00 each way fee waived by becoming a member of the Canadian Clying association for $ 36.00.  This only applies to AirCanada/Canadian Airlines. I used a triall3 case and LOVED it! Bing

Response:

Try 75.00 each way. The airlines are getting a bit pricey, it might be easier to UPS your bike if you can find somewhere to send it. Also if you fly on a commuter flight on a small plane they may not take your bike because of size and how few seats there are. Good luck Chris

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How much extra do the airlines charge for the bike case?  How big a pain in the butt is it to disassemble and re-assemble he bike? $50 each way on airlines. Aero bars can be a pain to get into case without breaking down a bit. Bring your tools.

Response:

We were charged 117$ canadian per bike each way with Delta and American Airlines – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How much extra do the airlines charge for the bike case?  How big a pain in the butt is it to disassemble and re-assemble he bike? $50 each way on airlines. Aero bars can be a pain to get into case without breaking down a bit. Bring your tools.

Response:

If you’re a member of USAT, you can book the flight through their travel desk, and bring your bike for free. http://www.usatriathlon.org/fs_membership.htm said… I’m doing a 1/2 IM at a distant location in the fall, and will have to pack and fly the bike with me on an airline.  Any advice on good bike cases would be appreciated. I’ll be packing my ‘97 R-700.  How much extra do the airlines charge for the bike case?  How big a pain in the butt is it to disassemble and re-assemble he bike?   Any tips would be helpful… Thanks! Joe

Lou Savastani (remove NOSPAM from e-mail address for replies)      "The wrinkles only go where the smiles have been"                             — Jimmy Buffett

Response:

If you’re a member of USAT, you can book the flight through their travel desk, and bring your bike for free. http://www.usatriathlon.org/fs_membership.htm

unless their policies have changed it’s a joke… i was going to book through them to get the free bike vouchers- and they said i had to buy a flight at a price point approx $150 above what i could get at my own travel agent.  usa tri’s travel desk said that the low fare roundtrip wouldn’t come with the bike vouchers- a scam… or at least appeared to be. buy a bike case that does not look like a bike case- i have a solid black performance hard case, and have only paid the charge 1x out of 7 flights- i was dressed in business casual and said the case contained demonstration equipment for a business conference. the 1x i had to pay was flying out of colorado springs… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – said… I’m doing a 1/2 IM at a distant location in the fall, and will have to pack and fly the bike with me on an airline.  Any advice on good bike cases would be appreciated. I’ll be packing my ‘97 R-700.  How much extra do the airlines charge for the bike case?  How big a pain in the butt is it to disassemble and re-assemble he bike?   Any tips would be helpful… Thanks! Joe Lou Savastani (remove NOSPAM from e-mail address for replies)     "The wrinkles only go where the smiles have been"                            – Jimmy Buffett

Response:

The folks at COS are pretty savvy since USA Cycling and USA Triathlon not to mention recreational folks fly in and out all the time.  However, it can work to your advantage since some folks let it slide.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you’re a member of USAT, you can book the flight through their travel desk, and bring your bike for free. http://www.usatriathlon.org/fs_membership.htm unless their policies have changed it’s a joke… i was going to book through them to get the free bike vouchers- and they said i had to buy a flight at a price point approx $150 above what i could get at my own travel agent.  usa tri’s travel desk said that the low fare roundtrip wouldn’t come with the bike vouchers- a scam… or at least appeared to be. buy a bike case that does not look like a bike case- i have a solid black performance hard case, and have only paid the charge 1x out of 7 flights- i was dressed in business casual and said the case contained demonstration equipment for a business conference. the 1x i had to pay was flying out of colorado springs… not have said… I’m doing a 1/2 IM at a distant location in the fall, and will have to pack and fly the bike with me on an airline.  Any advice on good bike cases would be appreciated. I’ll be packing my ‘97 R-700.  How much extra do the airlines charge for the bike case?  How big a pain in the butt is it to disassemble and re-assemble he bike?   Any tips would be helpful… Thanks! Joe Lou Savastani (remove NOSPAM from e-mail address for replies)     "The wrinkles only go where the smiles have been"                            – Jimmy Buffett

Response:

Question:

 Has anyone here weighed an apple to see what a 4 oz apple looks like?  It’s *tiny*. However, even if I needed two hands to lift it, I would still count any apple as a point!

I now weigh apples – since I have started putting on weight – and I am very partial to apples. I recommend Jonah Gold at present – though you will be faced with at least a 3 pointer! As Morecambe and Wise used to say "You don’t get many of *those* to the pound!" (but they weren’t referring to apples).

Response:

I do envy you Diane!  Congratulations! That mini triathlon sounds like it would be fun (I think!) )) — Linda from Edmonton, Alberta Canada 204.4/183.8/(min goal #4 180) 155 916 mile club – 35.82/916

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I lost 1.8 lbs this week, which really surprised me!  Pleasantly, I assure you.  I feel a bit guilty about losing when I didn’t expect to, but looking back over the week, I really didn’t go over on points, so I really shouldn’t be so surprised. My WW goal weight is 150.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been below that "magic" number when I can move the *large* weight over on the doctor’s scale.  Being at 146 is almost like a dream.  I honestly don’t remember ever being this low for more than a weekend. But my neck is still flabby.  I know, most folks want a flat stomach, but I want a skinny neck.  It’s just something that’s always bothered me about my looks and something I always look at in other people first.  (Audrey Hepburn had a very slim neck.)  I am out of my 20s, so I suppose I’m being a bit hard on myself.  I really can’t afford to lose yet another 5 lbs and still look healthy.  But I’m considering it.  Perhaps I just need to get to the gym more. I have been running some nights.  Not a lot and certainly not enough to get to the point where I’ll be ready to train for the Marine Corps Marathon this year.  It’s just not enough of a habit yet.  I guess I’ll need to find another goal. Has anyone ever heard of the Danskin Women’s Triathlons?  They do about 6 across the country every year.  They are specifically designed for beginners (1/2mile swim, 11 mile bike, 5K run).  A professional female triathlete runs the course and is the last one across the finish line, so you’re guarenteed not to come in last.  The closest one for me is in Massachusetts in July.  Maybe I’ll do that.  Of course, that would mean I have to buy a bike and find a place to swim. Yesterday I spoke to my local WW about working as a leader.  They’re in the middle of a training course right now, so I wouldn’t start for a while.  I’m looking forward to doing that and will let you all know how it goes. More on my losing.  I’ve been eating at 29 points.  Since I had been maintaining at 31 points, I figured the weight would come off slowly. Well, it hasn’t.  So, is my true maintenance range higher?  Geez, this maintenance thing is more complicated than I figured. Favorite new food: Sara Lee Chocolate-covered Cheesecake Bites.  In the frozen foods, individually wrapped.  Each one is 2 points.  YUM. Okay, I guess that’s it.  I’m doing some work avoidance, because we’re swamped and I’m just in over my head right now.  Oh, yes, my monitor blew out last night.  I reached to turn it on and got an electric shock (my place is very dry and static-y).  Then it just would not turn on.  *sigh* Of course I couldn’t reach tech support last night because it’s not like I keep their numbers handy. I usually just look them up on the web, but with no monitor…. Hope everyone else is doing well!  I haven’t been able to read through everything or respond to much.  Welcome to all the new folks, this place made the difference for me! Best, Diane asdww FAQ: http://www.didian.com/asdww/ 185/146/145

Response:

It’s not a dream Diane – it’s reality and you deserve every accolade and congratulations. I can’t wait until I get into those 140’s. — ~ ~ Rocki ~ ~ S. Devon,  U.K. 219/158/140 Total Lost : 63 lbs Final Dream Goal :133 "If you believe – you can achieve"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I lost 1.8 lbs this week, which really surprised me!  Pleasantly, I assure you.  I feel a bit guilty about losing when I didn’t expect to, but looking back over the week, I really didn’t go over on points, so I really shouldn’t be so surprised. My WW goal weight is 150.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been below that "magic" number when I can move the *large* weight over on the doctor’s scale.  Being at 146 is almost like a dream.  I honestly don’t remember ever being this low for more than a weekend. But my neck is still flabby.  I know, most folks want a flat stomach, but I want a skinny neck.  It’s just something that’s always bothered me about my looks and something I always look at in other people first.  (Audrey Hepburn had a very slim neck.)  I am out of my 20s, so I suppose I’m being a bit hard on myself.  I really can’t afford to lose yet another 5 lbs and still look healthy.  But I’m considering it.  Perhaps I just need to get to the gym more. I have been running some nights.  Not a lot and certainly not enough to get to the point where I’ll be ready to train for the Marine Corps Marathon this year.  It’s just not enough of a habit yet.  I guess I’ll need to find another goal. Has anyone ever heard of the Danskin Women’s Triathlons?  They do about 6 across the country every year.  They are specifically designed for beginners (1/2mile swim, 11 mile bike, 5K run).  A professional female triathlete runs the course and is the last one across the finish line, so you’re guarenteed not to come in last.  The closest one for me is in Massachusetts in July.  Maybe I’ll do that.  Of course, that would mean I have to buy a bike and find a place to swim. Yesterday I spoke to my local WW about working as a leader.  They’re in the middle of a training course right now, so I wouldn’t start for a while.  I’m looking forward to doing that and will let you all know how it goes. More on my losing.  I’ve been eating at 29 points.  Since I had been maintaining at 31 points, I figured the weight would come off slowly. Well, it hasn’t.  So, is my true maintenance range higher?  Geez, this maintenance thing is more complicated than I figured. Favorite new food: Sara Lee Chocolate-covered Cheesecake Bites.  In the frozen foods, individually wrapped.  Each one is 2 points.  YUM. Okay, I guess that’s it.  I’m doing some work avoidance, because we’re swamped and I’m just in over my head right now.  Oh, yes, my monitor blew out last night.  I reached to turn it on and got an electric shock (my place is very dry and static-y).  Then it just would not turn on.  *sigh* Of course I couldn’t reach tech support last night because it’s not like I keep their numbers handy. I usually just look them up on the web, but with no monitor…. Hope everyone else is doing well!  I haven’t been able to read through everything or respond to much.  Welcome to all the new folks, this place made the difference for me! Best, Diane asdww FAQ: http://www.didian.com/asdww/ 185/146/145

Response:

Congratulations,  Sara – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I lost 1.8 lbs this week, which really surprised me!  Pleasantly, I assure you.  I feel a bit guilty about losing when I didn’t expect to, but looking back over the week, I really didn’t go over on points, so I really shouldn’t be so surprised. My WW goal weight is 150.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been below that "magic" number when I can move the *large* weight over on the doctor’s scale.  Being at 146 is almost like a dream.  I honestly don’t remember ever being this low for more than a weekend. But my neck is still flabby.  I know, most folks want a flat stomach, but I want a skinny neck.  It’s just something that’s always bothered me about my looks and something I always look at in other people first.  (Audrey Hepburn had a very slim neck.)  I am out of my 20s, so I suppose I’m being a bit hard on myself.  I really can’t afford to lose yet another 5 lbs and still look healthy.  But I’m considering it.  Perhaps I just need to get to the gym more. I have been running some nights.  Not a lot and certainly not enough to get to the point where I’ll be ready to train for the Marine Corps Marathon this year.  It’s just not enough of a habit yet.  I guess I’ll need to find another goal. Has anyone ever heard of the Danskin Women’s Triathlons?  They do about 6 across the country every year.  They are specifically designed for beginners (1/2mile swim, 11 mile bike, 5K run).  A professional female triathlete runs the course and is the last one across the finish line, so you’re guarenteed not to come in last.  The closest one for me is in Massachusetts in July.  Maybe I’ll do that.  Of course, that would mean I have to buy a bike and find a place to swim. Yesterday I spoke to my local WW about working as a leader.  They’re in the middle of a training course right now, so I wouldn’t start for a while.  I’m looking forward to doing that and will let you all know how it goes. More on my losing.  I’ve been eating at 29 points.  Since I had been maintaining at 31 points, I figured the weight would come off slowly. Well, it hasn’t.  So, is my true maintenance range higher?  Geez, this maintenance thing is more complicated than I figured. Favorite new food: Sara Lee Chocolate-covered Cheesecake Bites.  In the frozen foods, individually wrapped.  Each one is 2 points.  YUM. Okay, I guess that’s it.  I’m doing some work avoidance, because we’re swamped and I’m just in over my head right now.  Oh, yes, my monitor blew out last night.  I reached to turn it on and got an electric shock (my place is very dry and static-y).  Then it just would not turn on.  *sigh* Of course I couldn’t reach tech support last night because it’s not like I keep their numbers handy. I usually just look them up on the web, but with no monitor…. Hope everyone else is doing well!  I haven’t been able to read through everything or respond to much.  Welcome to all the new folks, this place made the difference for me! Best, Diane asdww FAQ: http://www.didian.com/asdww/ 185/146/145

Response:

I lost 1.8 lbs this week, which really surprised me!  Pleasantly, I assure you.  I feel a bit guilty about losing when I didn’t expect to, but looking back over the week, I really didn’t go over on points, so I really shouldn’t be so surprised.

Congratulations! I don’t know why surprise or guilt should be involved – you obviously know what you are doing, and you are clearly sticking to the program. <some snippage here But my neck is still flabby.  I know, most folks want a flat stomach, but I want a skinny neck.  It’s just something that’s always bothered me about my looks and something I always look at in other people first.  (Audrey Hepburn had a very slim neck.)

Audrey Hepburn was underweight because she had lived through near starvation during the war in the Netherlands. She was the Kate Moss/Calista Flockhart/Twiggy of her generation and not a role model that a healthy woman should seek to emulate. In my humble opinion.  I am out of my 20s, so I suppose I’m being a bit hard on myself.  I really can’t afford to lose yet another 5 lbs and still look healthy.  But I’m considering it.  Perhaps I just need to get to the gym more.

Maybe *being* healthy is more important than *looking* healthy? <more snippage here More on my losing.  I’ve been eating at 29 points.  Since I had been maintaining at 31 points, I figured the weight would come off slowly. Well, it hasn’t.  So, is my true maintenance range higher?  Geez, this maintenance thing is more complicated than I figured.

That is a realisation that has come to me too! You are doing better than I am. Favorite new food: Sara Lee Chocolate-covered Cheesecake Bites.  In the frozen foods, individually wrapped.  Each one is 2 points.  YUM.

The point being that these are portion controlled and therefore less likely to push one over points – unlike, say, icecream, where a "scoop" is a notoriously vague concept. I suppose that’s why so many of these diet program rely on portion controlled packaged food. Maybe the airline caterers could add them as a side line. Or perhaps they have. — Stephen Rees Richmond BC, Canada to reply by email take off yer boots 204.8/165.4/164

Response:

You have to be sooooo proud of your accomplishments!  I am almost envious, but too busy being happy for you!  : ) I admire your goal of making exercise a habit.  You will truly get so much enjoyment out of either goal or goals you set….the marathon, or the triathlons.  Maintaining is just living one’s woe. : )  That is the hard part…where one has to accept what it takes to keep what they have or want. Best and congrats!! Doe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I lost 1.8 lbs this week, which really surprised me!  Pleasantly, I assure you.  I feel a bit guilty about losing when I didn’t expect to, but looking back over the week, I really didn’t go over on points, so I really shouldn’t be so surprised. My WW goal weight is 150.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been below that "magic" number when I can move the *large* weight over on the doctor’s scale.  Being at 146 is almost like a dream.  I honestly don’t remember ever being this low for more than a weekend. But my neck is still flabby.  I know, most folks want a flat stomach, but I want a skinny neck.  It’s just something that’s always bothered me about my looks and something I always look at in other people first.  (Audrey Hepburn had a very slim neck.)  I am out of my 20s, so I suppose I’m being a bit hard on myself.  I really can’t afford to lose yet another 5 lbs and still look healthy.  But I’m considering it.  Perhaps I just need to get to the gym more. I have been running some nights.  Not a lot and certainly not enough to get to the point where I’ll be ready to train for the Marine Corps Marathon this year.  It’s just not enough of a habit yet.  I guess I’ll need to find another goal. Has anyone ever heard of the Danskin Women’s Triathlons?  They do about 6 across the country every year.  They are specifically designed for beginners (1/2mile swim, 11 mile bike, 5K run).  A professional female triathlete runs the course and is the last one across the finish line, so you’re guarenteed not to come in last.  The closest one for me is in Massachusetts in July.  Maybe I’ll do that.  Of course, that would mean I have to buy a bike and find a place to swim. Yesterday I spoke to my local WW about working as a leader.  They’re in the middle of a training course right now, so I wouldn’t start for a while.  I’m looking forward to doing that and will let you all know how it goes. More on my losing.  I’ve been eating at 29 points.  Since I had been maintaining at 31 points, I figured the weight would come off slowly. Well, it hasn’t.  So, is my true maintenance range higher?  Geez, this maintenance thing is more complicated than I figured. Favorite new food: Sara Lee Chocolate-covered Cheesecake Bites.  In the frozen foods, individually wrapped.  Each one is 2 points.  YUM. Okay, I guess that’s it.  I’m doing some work avoidance, because we’re swamped and I’m just in over my head right now.  Oh, yes, my monitor blew out last night.  I reached to turn it on and got an electric shock (my place is very dry and static-y).  Then it just would not turn on.  *sigh* Of course I couldn’t reach tech support last night because it’s not like I keep their numbers handy. I usually just look them up on the web, but with no monitor…. Hope everyone else is doing well!  I haven’t been able to read through everything or respond to much.  Welcome to all the new folks, this place made the difference for me! Best, Diane asdww FAQ: http://www.didian.com/asdww/ 185/146/145

Response:

I am out of my 20s, so I suppose I’m being a bit hard on myself.  I really can’t afford to lose yet another 5 lbs and still look healthy.  But I’m considering it.  Perhaps I just need to get to the gym more. Maybe *being* healthy is more important than *looking* healthy?

So true, Stephen.  Thanks for keeping me focused on what’s really important.  I so like being thin though.  It feels shallow, but I love being slim. Healthy is really what is important long term.   Favorite new food: Sara Lee Chocolate-covered Cheesecake Bites.  In the frozen foods, individually wrapped.  Each one is 2 points.  YUM. The point being that these are portion controlled and therefore less likely to push one over points – unlike, say, icecream, where a "scoop" is a notoriously vague concept.

Yes, I like pre-packaged foods.  It’s easy with fruit as well, but you have to be careful.  Has anyone here weighed an apple to see what a 4 oz apple looks like?  It’s *tiny*.   However, even if I needed two hands to lift it, I would still count any apple as a point! Best, Diane asdww FAQ: http://www.didian.com/asdww/ 185/146/145

Response:

I lost 1.8 lbs this week, which really surprised me!  Pleasantly, I assure you.  I feel a bit guilty about losing when I didn’t expect to, but looking back over the week, I really didn’t go over on points, so I really shouldn’t be so surprised. My WW goal weight is 150.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been below that "magic" number when I can move the *large* weight over on the doctor’s scale.  Being at 146 is almost like a dream.  I honestly don’t remember ever being this low for more than a weekend.   But my neck is still flabby.  I know, most folks want a flat stomach, but I want a skinny neck.  It’s just something that’s always bothered me about my looks and something I always look at in other people first.  (Audrey Hepburn had a very slim neck.)  I am out of my 20s, so I suppose I’m being a bit hard on myself.  I really can’t afford to lose yet another 5 lbs and still look healthy.  But I’m considering it.  Perhaps I just need to get to the gym more. I have been running some nights.  Not a lot and certainly not enough to get to the point where I’ll be ready to train for the Marine Corps Marathon this year.  It’s just not enough of a habit yet.  I guess I’ll need to find another goal. Has anyone ever heard of the Danskin Women’s Triathlons?  They do about 6 across the country every year.  They are specifically designed for beginners (1/2mile swim, 11 mile bike, 5K run).  A professional female triathlete runs the course and is the last one across the finish line, so you’re guarenteed not to come in last.  The closest one for me is in Massachusetts in July.  Maybe I’ll do that.  Of course, that would mean I have to buy a bike and find a place to swim. Yesterday I spoke to my local WW about working as a leader.  They’re in the middle of a training course right now, so I wouldn’t start for a while.  I’m looking forward to doing that and will let you all know how it goes.   More on my losing.  I’ve been eating at 29 points.  Since I had been maintaining at 31 points, I figured the weight would come off slowly. Well, it hasn’t.  So, is my true maintenance range higher?  Geez, this maintenance thing is more complicated than I figured.   Favorite new food: Sara Lee Chocolate-covered Cheesecake Bites.  In the frozen foods, individually wrapped.  Each one is 2 points.  YUM. Okay, I guess that’s it.  I’m doing some work avoidance, because we’re swamped and I’m just in over my head right now.  Oh, yes, my monitor blew out last night.  I reached to turn it on and got an electric shock (my place is very dry and static-y).  Then it just would not turn on.  *sigh* Of course I couldn’t reach tech support last night because it’s not like I keep their numbers handy. I usually just look them up on the web, but with no monitor…. Hope everyone else is doing well!  I haven’t been able to read through everything or respond to much.  Welcome to all the new folks, this place made the difference for me! Best, Diane asdww FAQ: http://www.didian.com/asdww/ 185/146/145

Response:

Question:

A Patent Agent from Silicon valley did all the Ironman’s a few years ago before they added South Africa etc.  He qualified for Ironman at IM Brazil. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I suppose you’d need help from the WTC as the question of qualification etc would be important.

Response:

I seem to remember back in ‘93 or ‘94 an Ironman series, back then there we’re probably only 5,6, or 7 Ironman races worldwide, licensed by WTC and I recall Scott Tinley won the series. I don’t remember if he actually completed all of the races or the majority of the races. Cheers, Glenn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just curious…..  has anyone ever attempted to do all IM sanctioned races in one year, or 12 calender months…  I remember last year Joe Bonnes (sp?) doing Hawaii, Xterra and Florida in last part of season…. cheers Richard Before you buy.

Response:

Just curious…..  has anyone ever attempted to do all IM sanctioned races in one year, or 12 calender months…  I remember last year Joe Bonnes (sp?) doing Hawaii, Xterra and Florida in last part of season….

I recall a series of articles on (I believe) xtri.com last year chronicling the adventures of a guy who was attempting to do all the IM ™ races in a single year. Don’t remember his name, though . . . TriathRon ps. I stopped in to the NG to see what was going on and can see that ILJ has gotten the off-season flamewars off to an early start. Is everybody really that endorphin-deprived already? Before you buy.

Response:

No, that would have been an article in Inside Tri about the guy in Hawaii who set the record for doing the most IM-distance (note the difference) races in one year.  He did Ultraman and some Deca-IM race. Just back from Kona and a friend of mine who lives in HI and knows the guy was telling us about this guy on Friday night. clm in sf Just curious…..  has anyone ever attempted to do all IM sanctioned races in one year, or 12 calender months…  I remember last year Joe Bonnes (sp?) doing Hawaii, Xterra and Florida in last part of season…. I recall a series of articles on (I believe) xtri.com last year chronicling the adventures of a guy who was attempting to do all the IM ™ races in a single year. Don’t remember his name, though . . .

Before you buy.

Response:

Just curious…..  has anyone ever attempted to do all IM sanctioned races in one year, or 12 calender months…  I remember last year Joe Bonnes (sp?) doing Hawaii, Xterra and Florida in last part of season…. I recall a series of articles on (I believe) xtri.com last year chronicling the adventures of a guy who was attempting to do all the IM ™ races in a single year. Don’t remember his name, though . . . TriathRon

He’s name is Mike Schiff, he did all the IronMan races in 98. There’s an article on Xtri: http://www.xtri.com/1998/98imhi-agd.asp A French man (I think it’s Joel Steve but i’m not that sure) did the same a few years back, when there were only six or seven IM, the same he also raced the EmbrunMan (IM distance) and Nice Triathlon. Nicolas.

Response:

I suppose you’d need help from the WTC as the question of qualification etc would be important. Phil | Just curious…..  has anyone ever attempted to do all IM sanctioned | races in one year, or 12 calender months…  I remember last year Joe | Bonnes (sp?) doing Hawaii, Xterra and Florida in last part of season…. | | cheers Richard

Well, if it was like this year, it would be impossible as two of the Ironman sanctioned races, Ironman California and Ironman Lanzarote, happened on the same day. I’m not sure if Lanzarote and Cali happen again on the same date next year. Then there is this question on being good enough to qualify for IMH…                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

Just curious…..  has anyone ever attempted to do all IM sanctioned races in one year, or 12 calender months…  I remember last year Joe Bonnes (sp?) doing Hawaii, Xterra and Florida in last part of season…. cheers Richard Before you buy.

Response:

I suppose you’d need help from the WTC as the question of qualification etc would be important. Phil

| Just curious…..  has anyone ever attempted to do all IM sanctioned | races in one year, or 12 calender months…  I remember last year Joe | Bonnes (sp?) doing Hawaii, Xterra and Florida in last part of season…. | | cheers Richard | | | Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

You might also try shaving your legs sideways, (perpendicular to your leg), you will minimize nicks.

Response:

There are no dumb questions… only dumb people.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You might also try shaving your legs sideways, (perpendicular to your leg), you will minimize nicks.

Response:

My experience hover the last few years has been new blade in teh razor…lots of shaving gel, take your time..lots of moisturiser after…repeat very two tot thre weeks during season…let in grow in the winter cheers

use hair conditioner insteed of shaving gel. prevents alot of irritation. if you shave daily use double or tripple edge. if you shave weekly use a single edge. Before you buy.

Response:

Not a dumb question, there is a ton of folklore about this, and being female I’ve heard it all.  First of all, no the hair doesn’t grow back longer, but it can be thicker and/or more coarse.  How often you shave depends on how much you mind being stubby, or how much your significant other complains about the razor burn.  I personally shave about every other week, but know of people who shave every other day.  Again, how silky smooth do you want to stay.  btw, waxing (which hurts like hell) takes a lot longer to grow back and the hair gets less and less over time.  In order to wax, the hair has to be about 1/4 inch long for it to work.  Just an idea. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, I know its a dumb question, but once you have shaved your legs, does the hair really grow back longer the next time???  How often do you have to shave?? Brian

Response:

Use a hair clipper to get rid of the long stuff, take a long hot shower, use decent shaving gel and a new razor and take your time. Do not try to rush it, mind round your ankles and knees as it’s easy to cut here, do lower-left, lower right, upper left upper right. Works for me. Expect stubble about 15 minutes after you shaved It’ll feel funny when you put your trousers on afterwards. HTH Phil

| I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this the | best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance | |

Response:

OK, I know its a dumb question, but once you have shaved your legs, does the hair really grow back longer the next time???  How often do you have to shave?? Brian

Response:

Right after I shave, I apply rubbing alcohol before putting on the lotion. That takes care of the rash.

Response:

Just a thought but dont shave just before your massage…. it will hurt like hell…personal experience…i woudl shave off about three days before to allow your skin to be less sensitive.. My experience hover the last few years has been  new blade in teh razor…lots of shaving gel, take your time..lots of moisturiser after…repeat very two tot thre weeks during season…let in grow in the winter cheers

Response:

OH NO! Napoleon was right! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stockings & high-heels look really crappy on hairy legs… — MB. I am just curious why you all shave your legs?  Is there really a good reason? I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this the best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance

Response:

Stockings & high-heels look really crappy on hairy legs…

(with apologies to Richard O’Brien) How do you do, I see you’ve met my faithful draftingman. He’s just a little shook up ’cause when you arrived, he thought you were the USAT-man. Don’t be put off by the way I look, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I’m not much by the light of day, but by after swimming I’m one hell of a runner I’m just a sweet triathlete, from tri-sexual RSTrisylvaniaaaaaaa. Why don’t you stay for the race; We’ll set a good pace. You look like you’re pretty groovy Or if you want something visual, that’s not too abysmal, we could take in that Total Immersion movie. I’m just a sweet triathlete, from tri-sexual RSTrisylvaniaaaaaaa. SO, get on your bike show us what you like I see you shiver with anticipat….ion But maybe the wetsuit is really to blame, so we’ll remove the cause, BUT NOT THE SYMPTOMS!

Response:

Not to mention the looks you get in T1 Phil

| Stockings & high-heels look really crappy on hairy legs… | | — MB. | | I am just curious why you all shave your legs?  Is there really a good | reason? | I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this | the | best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance | | | | | |

Response:

Chicks dig it (If they connect slim guy – shaved legs to triathlon/swimming/cycling, otherwise they assume you’re a transvestite) Phil

| I am just curious why you all shave your legs?  Is there really a good | reason? | I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this the | best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance | | | |

Response:

I am just curious why you all shave your legs?  Is there really a good reason?

It makes us feel sexy.

Response:

Stockings & high-heels look really crappy on hairy legs… — MB.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am just curious why you all shave your legs?  Is there really a good reason? I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this the best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance

Response:

but you don’t have to bend over looking at your ass in a mirror so you don’t nick yer butt  :-)

Now THERE’S the kind of word picture that wakes one up in the morning. Please, more scintillating literary masterworks.  Encore! Encore!

Response:

I am just curious why you all shave your legs?  Is there really a good reason?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this the best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance

Response:

<< How about Dipilatory creme (neet?) That stuff gave me a severe rash! << I am just curious why you all shave your legs?  Is there really a good reason? 1. Better kinesthetic awareness of body position and motion in the water. 2. Road rash is easier to clean, heals faster. 3. Massages are smoother and deeper. 4. Motivation–Looks damn sexy. 5. Motivation–Feels damns sexy. (It’s like taking off an extra pair of pants!)

Response:

OK, I know its a dumb question, but once you have shaved your legs, does the hair really grow back longer the next time???  How often do you have to shave?? Brian

I let it grow back each winter, it doesn’t seen to be any thicker than the year before. One hint that works for me. For the first few times shave the way the hair grows, not against the "grain" less of those nasty red spots. But it seems to grow back faster. Al Kormesser

Response:

| Use a hair clipper to get rid of the long stuff, take a long hot | shower, use | decent shaving gel and a new razor and take your time. Do not try to | rush | it, mind round your ankles and knees as it’s easy to cut here, do | lower-left, lower right, upper left upper right. | | Works for me. | | Expect stubble about 15 minutes after you shaved | | It’ll feel funny when you put your trousers on afterwards. | | HTH | | Phil | | | I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do | this the | | best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance | | | | | | | | How about Dipilatory creme (neet?) takes about as long as a razor(s), | but you don’t have to bend over looking at your ass in a mirror so you | don’t nick yer butt  :-) You shave your butt? You in the "movies"? Phil | Really, it’s way easier for the first mow of the season. No nicks, and | no missed patches. Smells like death but what the hell. And besides, no | stubble for 20 minutes  ;-) | | TriDork | — | ALWAYS have a "Plan B" | | | Before you buy.

Response:

I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this the best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance

It’s that time of the year? The shaving legs thread arrived early this season, must be the weather or something Paulo — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Use a hair clipper to get rid of the long stuff, take a long hot shower, use decent shaving gel and a new razor and take your time. Do not try to rush it, mind round your ankles and knees as it’s easy to cut here, do lower-left, lower right, upper left upper right. Works for me. Expect stubble about 15 minutes after you shaved It’ll feel funny when you put your trousers on afterwards. HTH Phil | I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this the | best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance | |

How about Dipilatory creme (neet?) takes about as long as a razor(s), but you don’t have to bend over looking at your ass in a mirror so you don’t nick yer butt  :-) Really, it’s way easier for the first mow of the season. No nicks, and no missed patches. Smells like death but what the hell. And besides, no stubble for 20 minutes  ;-) TriDork — ALWAYS have a "Plan B" Before you buy.

Response:

There are no dumb questions, only dumb people…. To answer your question, I have let the hair grow back a few times and, although I have never measured it, I did not note a large increase in length or thickness (the old notion that more grows back–if this were true, bald men would shave their heads to make the hair grow back thicker). I tend to shave about once a week.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, I know its a dumb question, but once you have shaved your legs, does the hair really grow back longer the next time???  How often do you have to shave?? Brian

Response:

Use electric hair clippers to first trim the hair on you legs (you will save MUCHO time and pain this way, believe me!!).  I usually use just a regular disposable razor (well, several seeing as though you have a lot of hair to shave).  A regular shaving cream (or gel) will do the trick. Use a moisturizer afterwards to avoid razor burn. Just remember to TAKE YOUR TIME, rushing things will cause cuts, and cuts are painful during the swim. I’ve been swimming competitively for over 10 years, and this works best for me. -Matt "the hair on my body is almost back to normal" Fifer

Response:

Use a good shaving cream, one for sensitive skin or something like that. Lather up really well.  Use a new razor (old ones can cause a lot more scrapes).  I’ve found that the Gillette Sensor doesn’t cause as many nicks. When you’re done, use a good quality lotion and rub that in.  This helps to prevent the skin from drying out too much. Hope this works for you.  After many years, I have found that this technique causes me the least irritation. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this the best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance

Response:

I’m about to shave my legs for massage, anyone knows how I can do this the best way. So I don’t get irritation. Thanks in advance

Response:

Question:

This weekend I flew to Clermont via Delta Airlines (usually fly with Untied -not a typo) and when I checked my bike case they asked if the case weighed more than 75 lbs.  I placed it on the scale (where you place the bags you are checking) and it only weighed 68 lbs, so there was no extra fee for flying with a bike (and they knew it was a bike inside).  I don’t know if this rule is new or not, but I know what I go through to try and get this outrageous fee waived with United every time I fly.  Sometimes I can get the local manager at the airport to waive it, but that doesn’t always help me on the return flight home.   With bike fees averaging$100.00 a trip it might be worth paying a little more for a ticket to fly Delta if this rule always holds true.  Maybe an airline has finally realized if they base the fees on weight and not what’s in the box, they can start charging for golf clubs and such. Does anyone know if this is always the case, or did I just get lucky?   Connie Maranville Lincoln,NE

Response:

    You definitely got lucky. When going to Clermont this weekend on Delta I was not charged for the trip to Orlando. I flew out of Laguadia Airport. Then on the way home from Orlando, I was charged the usual $50. Charles Garabedian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This weekend I flew to Clermont via Delta Airlines (usually fly with Untied -not a typo) and when I checked my bike case they asked if the case weighed more than 75 lbs.  I placed it on the scale (where you place the bags you are checking) and it only weighed 68 lbs, so there was no extra fee for flying with a bike (and they knew it was a bike inside).  I don’t know if this rule is new or not, but I know what I go through to try and get this outrageous fee waived with United every time I fly.  Sometimes I can get the local manager at the airport to waive it, but that doesn’t always help me on the return flight home. With bike fees averaging$100.00 a trip it might be worth paying a little more for a ticket to fly Delta if this rule always holds true.  Maybe an airline has finally realized if they base the fees on weight and not what’s in the box, they can start charging for golf clubs and such. Does anyone know if this is always the case, or did I just get lucky? Connie Maranville Lincoln,NE

Response:

My flights were from Omaha and Tampa.  They both referenced the weight restriction which made me think this might be a universal regulation.  I checked the Delta website for information.  They do address bikes on their FAQ’s page.  They say any bike can be checked without an excess fee if the dimensions are (length + height + width) not more than 62". Of course most bike cases will fail this test, but the weight of the case was not mentioned.  I sent an e-mail requesting clarification, but who know if they’ll respond before I fly again. Thanks for the input. Connie

Response:

You just got lucky beccause its $50 the 75lbs is for regular bags not for oversize like bike cases – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This weekend I flew to Clermont via Delta Airlines (usually fly with Untied -not a typo) and when I checked my bike case they asked if the case weighed more than 75 lbs.  I placed it on the scale (where you place the bags you are checking) and it only weighed 68 lbs, so there was no extra fee for flying with a bike (and they knew it was a bike inside).  I don’t know if this rule is new or not, but I know what I go through to try and get this outrageous fee waived with United every time I fly.  Sometimes I can get the local manager at the airport to waive it, but that doesn’t always help me on the return flight home. With bike fees averaging$100.00 a trip it might be worth paying a little more for a ticket to fly Delta if this rule always holds true.  Maybe an airline has finally realized if they base the fees on weight and not what’s in the box, they can start charging for golf clubs and such. Does anyone know if this is always the case, or did I just get lucky? Connie Maranville Lincoln,NE

Response:

Other options include joining various organizations that give bike vouchers.  For instance, USA Cycling members get one bike voucher per year for United.  Since the cost of membership is less than the cost of the airline fee it might be an option.  If you also join NORBA, you get one from them as well. There are other organizations that do the same sort of thing. Then there is the shipping via UPS option….

Response:

I have gotten really lucky by telling the check-in agent the boxes where filled with items other than a bicycle (like musical instruments, tell them it’s the only box you could get your hands on that the agents are trained to have little alarms going off in their heads if you breathe the word bicycle and charge you big $. Grant – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You just got lucky beccause its $50 the 75lbs is for regular bags not for oversize like bike cases This weekend I flew to Clermont via Delta Airlines (usually fly with Untied -not a typo) and when I checked my bike case they asked if the case weighed more than 75 lbs.  I placed it on the scale (where you place the bags you are checking) and it only weighed 68 lbs, so there was no extra fee for flying with a bike (and they knew it was a bike inside).  I don’t know if this rule is new or not, but I know what I go through to try and get this outrageous fee waived with United every time I fly.  Sometimes I can get the local manager at the airport to waive it, but that doesn’t always help me on the return flight home. With bike fees averaging$100.00 a trip it might be worth paying a little more for a ticket to fly Delta if this rule always holds true.  Maybe an airline has finally realized if they base the fees on weight and not what’s in the box, they can start charging for golf clubs and such. Does anyone know if this is always the case, or did I just get lucky? Connie Maranville Lincoln,NE

Response:

US Amateur is an organization I belong to.  For my $75 dues per year the whole family can have free bike passes on Delta and Continental.  Not just one bike pass per membership.  Saves quite a bit when both of my children do triathlons. Henry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Other options include joining various organizations that give bike vouchers.  For instance, USA Cycling members get one bike voucher per year for United.  Since the cost of membership is less than the cost of the airline fee it might be an option.  If you also join NORBA, you get one from them as well. There are other organizations that do the same sort of thing. Then there is the shipping via UPS option….

Response:

I’m a member of U.S. Amateur and have flown Delta a lot because you get deals on airfare & bike passes on Delta through U.S. Amateur. I ordered tickets last week through Delta and so did a friend and we were told similar stories about the 62 inch restriction and that if the bike box met that restriction it was just like any other baggage and we didn’t need bike passes. Someone from U.S. Amateur told my friend that they measured various bike boxes and they all met the 62 inch restriction. When I flew Delta last month I wasn’t charged for the box and was told something about it being free if it was one of my two or three pieces of checked baggage. Are the bike passes from U.S. Amateur no longer needed when flying Delta? Does anyone know for sure? P.S.: connie: we miss you in Ohio. Did you get a spot on the Worlds team? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This weekend I flew to Clermont via Delta Airlines (usually fly with Untied -not a typo) and when I checked my bike case they asked if the case weighed more than 75 lbs.  I placed it on the scale (where you place the bags you are checking) and it only weighed 68 lbs, so there was no extra fee for flying with a bike (and they knew it was a bike inside).  I don’t know if this rule is new or not, but I know what I go through to try and get this outrageous fee waived with United every time I fly.  Sometimes I can get the local manager at the airport to waive it, but that doesn’t always help me on the return flight home.   With bike fees averaging$100.00 a trip it might be worth paying a little more for a ticket to fly Delta if this rule always holds true.  Maybe an airline has finally realized if they base the fees on weight and not what’s in the box, they can start charging for golf clubs and such. Does anyone know if this is always the case, or did I just get lucky?   Connie Maranville Lincoln,NE

Response:

Question:

Are there any?

Response:

Check out Belmont Wheelworks in Belmont, MA and Marathon Sports in Cambridge or Wellesley.  Unfortunately, we don’t have any true "Tri Stores" Steve Kelley USA Triathlon-New England www.usat-ne.org

Response:

If you’re in MetroWest, you can also find Landry’s and Frank’s Spoke’n'Wheel. Landry’s used to sponsor a tri team and Frank’s still does sponsor a tri team. Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any?

Response:

Belmont wheelworks. We carry Fuji, Quintana Roo, Merlin, Cervelo, Carbonframes, Cannondale,Kestrel,  and Seven. And those are just the tri bikes. Wheels we carry include Specialized/dupont wheels, Zipp, Mavic, Spinergy, Campagnolo, and anything custom. We also have FuelBelts, Body Glide, xlab bottle carriers, CO2 cartridges, wetsuits, race laces, and a tri geek on staff! (that’s me!!) -Fabio

Response:

Question:

I’m looking for Obree type SuperMan handlebar + setup for my TT. Where can I get them, any contact, address? are they even selling it at all?     If not, how do one proceed to put together one from different parts? Kwan

Response:

I’m looking for Obree type SuperMan handlebar + setup for my TT. Where can I get them, any contact, address? are they even selling it at all?    If not, how do one proceed to put together one from different parts? Kwan

Boardman’s Superman setup was custom made by Cinelli…Obree probably made his own. Since the position has been delared illegal I would seriously doubt if any manufacturer would make one. It wouldn’t be practical (or safe) on the road. Remember, these guys were on a closed velodrome. I think it was Boardman who said that holding the position for an hour was the most pain he had ever experienced. Cheers, Andrew — Andrew Peabody Miami

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for Obree type SuperMan handlebar + setup for my TT. Where can I get them, any contact, address? are they even selling it at all?    If not, how do one proceed to put together one from different parts? Kwan Boardman’s Superman setup was custom made by Cinelli…Obree probably made his own. Since the position has been delared illegal I would seriously doubt if any manufacturer would make one. It wouldn’t be practical (or safe) on the road. Remember, these guys were on a closed velodrome. I think it was Boardman who said that holding the position for an hour was the most pain he had ever experienced. Cheers, Andrew — Andrew Peabody Miami

Check out this URL: http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/shelford.design/stealth.html Looks to me like it would do the trick. Harold Ball

Response:

Try John Cobb in Louisana. Not sure which city. Possibly Shreveport. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for Obree type SuperMan handlebar + setup for my TT. Where can I get them, any contact, address? are they even selling it at all?     If not, how do one proceed to put together one from different parts? Kwan

Response:

The Superman position is only illegal for UCI sanctioned races. It is perfectly legal for any USCF sanctioned time trial and was used by riders at the masters nationals 40K tt.  The only time it *might* not be allowed is in a race for a selection to a UCI sanctioned race, such as Worlds. I don’t know the rules for triathlon. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Boardman’s Superman setup was custom made by Cinelli…Obree probably made his own. Since the position has been delared illegal I would seriously doubt if any manufacturer would make one. It wouldn’t be practical (or safe) on the road. Remember, these guys were on a closed velodrome. I think it was Boardman who said that holding the position for an hour was the most pain he had ever experienced. Cheers, Andrew — Andrew Peabody Miami

Response:

   If not, how do one proceed to put together one from different parts?

You could get something very similar with a normal road bike, a long pair of conventional tri-bars and a *very* long mountain bike stem. A Look Ergostem would be another option However, as others have already pointed out, the position is banned for major events and is also very uncomfortable (I’ve tried it). You can just about get away with it for 4k on the track, but it’s totally impractical on the road, as your ability to change direction quickly is *seriously* compromised. Quite apart from anything else, I didn’t find it as fast as my usual position on the track, although others obviously found an advantage. Best bet – forget about it. Richard Hopkins, (replace .nospam with .com in reply address) Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Response:

Shelford’s ’stealth bars’ are pretty similar to what you are looking for. See: http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/shelford.design/ They ship to most of the world too. SWINDON UK

Response:

Shelford’s ’stealth bars’ are pretty similar to what you are looking for. See: http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/shelford.design/

They may look similar, but that’s a long way from actually doing the same thing. If they are set up in an ‘RTTC and UCI legal’ manner, as per the website, they will not provide anywhere near the extension that the original poster was looking for… Richard Hopkins, (replace .nospam with .com in reply address) Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Response:

Question:

Does anyone have access to or know a site with European race dates?  The races can be running, bi’s or tri’s.  I am mostly interested in Italy (in and around Milan) and Germany, but am also interested in dates in the South of France.

Response:

Does anyone have access to or know a site with European race dates?  The races can be running, bi’s or tri’s.  I am mostly interested in Italy (in and around Milan) and Germany, but am also interested in dates in the South of France.

My race listing is still very incomplete, except for Italy.  Supposedly it has all of the major races, and an e-mail for further info. Marty — Marty Miller (aka The Noodle) Proprietor of "The Triathlete’s Web" http://w3.one.net/~triweb/triweb.html

Response:

oes anyone have access to or know a site with European race dates?  The :races can be running, bi’s or tri’s.  I am mostly interested in Italy in and around Milan) and Germany, but am also interested in dates in :the South of France. Point your favorite WWW Browser to: http://www.neurop2.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/personal/vogel/triathlon/Welcom… where there is the complete list of German races (it may be on the Triathlete online site as well. —                             Ulrich Porsch             Wer spricht vom Siegen, "Ubersteh’n ist alles  

Response:

Question:

This whole issue of "technology improvements" to enhance performance kills me.  It’s been a boil on the backside of this sport ever since people started taking it seriously.  

I kinda like the "technology side".  Some of the new stuff is pretty cool.  BTW, I’m not the only one with this opinion. 1st it we had the wetsuit issue.  Somehow, someone figured out they could go faster in a wetsuit then they could without one.  Now we see it all the time in triathlons.  It’s still a point of contention because the rules surrounding it are so vague.

Not anymore – wetsuits are allowed 100% of the time for age groupers. Until our "one season 78 degree" RULE last year all TriFed had were GUIDELINES.  The use of wetsuits was left 100% to race directors. Of course, TriFed still got all the grief . . . This issue has been beat to death for over a decade, and the sport still hasn’t figured out how and where to draw the line.  

As usual we hear lots of complaints and no suggestions.  What do you tell the 70 year old top age grouper who WILL get hypothermia swimming for 45 minutes in 74 degree water?  What do you say to the parents of the first-timer who drowns without a wetsuit? TriFed has put SAFETY FIRST wrt this issue.  That means wetsuits are allowed in most conditions.  It’s really a shame that wetsuits add safety AND speed but we can’t change physics. Next we had the bike equipment manufacturers invading the sport. They used it as a testing ground to exploit all the bullshit crap they wanted to market, but could’nt get exposure through the more traditional cycling markets.

And they dump tons of money into a somewhat starving sport. Why? Because the cycling world had well written, well defined rules that competitors could understand and follow.  Rules that kept the sport pure to a degree.

NOT TRUE!  Cycling and Triathlon have nearly identical rules wrt this stuff.  Trust me, we stole most of our "bike spec" rules from them!  The difference is "cultural".  Cycling tends to be full of "tradition and history".  Triathlon, being a lot younger is populated with a crowd with a different mindset. Did you read my post:  "Bikies care too!"?  UCI is battling exactly the same issues we are. Rules that guaranteed the best person will win.

Yeah, right.  As long as "best" means "best bike racer".  The "strongest rider" does NOT win most bike races.   Triathlons do NOT determine who is the best swimmer/biker/runner.  They determine the best person who covers the given course following the set rules. Triathlon is so conjested with technology it’s hard to understand where the competitive battle is taking place. Is it with the athlete, or is it with the technology?  The answer cannot be both!  I guarantee, if you striped away all the technology, and got back to the basics, you would see plenty of changes in the rankings, and results.  I for one would like to see the best person win!

Ok, so we go to a "staged indoor" format with no drafting possible on any of the legs and totally equal conditions for all and standard bikes?                           B O R I N G. Personally, I would like to see the sport remain somewhat protected from technology.  I’m a good enough swimmer, I don’t need a wetsuit.  And I enjoy riding a bike that looks like a bike, not some abstract rendition of a motorless street bike. To me, an aero bike with tri-spokes, aero- shifters, and bullet bars might look cool, to be the rider on it would automatically cause the label of "total geek" to be attached to the person claiming ownership.  And I don’t really want to be a geek.

Now I gotta throw in the fact that you ride a Zipp 2001 with Syntace bars. You are a top competitor in your age group.  Why aren’t you setting an example by riding a "traditional" bike?  If top age groupers and pros acted like this I bet the rest would follow suit. I just wish triathlon had a strong enough steering committee that could effectively manage the way the sport was governed.  Something I firmly believe the sport still needs.

Again, stop complaining and start suggesting.  The committees and boards of TriFed are populated with smart people (athletes, race directors, lawyers, bankers etc.  etc.  etc.)  If there were easy answers to these "problems" they’d of been fixed by now. Most of these issues (wetsuits, techno-geekery, drafting) are purely "no win" situations — no matter what the rule some %age of the triathlon population will get pissed off.  The problem TriFed has had, as I see it, is in not taking a SINGLE stand and sticking with it. —    LSC (aka Larry Chapman)    (303) 229-3117

Response:

Again, stop complaining and start suggesting.  The committees and boards of TriFed are populated with smart people (athletes, race directors, lawyers, bankers etc.  etc.  etc.)  If there were easy answers to these "problems" they’d of been fixed by now. Most of these issues (wetsuits, techno-geekery, drafting) are purely "no win" situations — no matter what the rule some %age of the triathlon population will get pissed off.  The problem TriFed has had, as I see it, is in not taking a SINGLE stand and sticking with it.

You’re absolutely right on this one, unfortunately.  It’s a big tent, including those of us who would rather take our road bike to the triathalon/ duathalon without any modifications, and those who love their gadgets. My proposal is simple.  Allow aerodynamic improvements, after review for safety.  However, throw out the stupid "structural" rule for any fairing which replicates an accepted technology. Sort of like when they finally accepted wheel covers. If someone creates a monocoque frame which shields the rear wheel, fine.   Let someone else start stretching mylar over the rear triangle, or create mylar fenders for that matter.  If someone creates a bullet bar, as soon as you approve it you start allowing everyone to buy plastic shields to clip on their Scotts that do the same thing.  In short, make it so that the payback from these "improvements" is immediately eliminated by allowing people to undercut them with cheaper equivalent solutions. Why not? Phil

Response:

I am one of those people in the back of the pack…my only virtue is persistence.  I must say that I am GLAD I am not a competitive amateur – it would be too expensive and I’d probably have to quit school and drop from a full time to a part time job… I aspire to improve, but the reason I love the sport is if you’re not in the front pack, its an entirely different experience.  I love to see women 4 times my age pass me on the run, because I can see there is hope for me –  I love to hear the other people encourage those who are struggling –  "Don’t walk now, run with me…" Its positive, inspiring and a lot of FUN!!!!! yeah…I’m probably going to buy a wetsuit this season…but only because I don’t have other bad habits (or good ones) to spend my money on! my $.02. —

Response:

Now I gotta throw in the fact that you ride a Zipp 2001 with Syntace bars. You are a top competitor in your age group.  Why aren’t you setting an example by riding a "traditional" bike?  If top age groupers and pros acted like this I bet the rest would follow suit.

Of course, if the current top age groupers and pros acted like this, they’d quickly quit being the top age groupers and pros (well, ok, the pros would become the top age groupers)… Phil

Response:

This whole issue of "technology improvements" to enhance performance kills me.  It’s been a boil on the backside of this sport ever since people started taking it seriously.   1st it we had the wetsuit issue.  Somehow, someone figured out they could go faster in a wetsuit then they could without one.  Now we see it all the time in triathlons.  It’s still a point of contention because the rules surrounding it are so vague.  This issue has been beat to death for over a decade, and the sport still hasn’t figured out how and where to draw the line.   Next we had the bike equipment manufacturers invading the sport. They used it as a testing ground to exploit all the bullshit crap they wanted to market, but could’nt get exposure through the more traditional cycling markets. Why? Because the cycling world had well written, well defined rules that competitors could understand and follow. Rules that kept the sport pure to a degree.  Rules that guaranteed the best person will win. Triathlon is so conjested with technology it’s hard to understand where the competitive battle is taking place. Is it with the athlete, or is it with the technology?  The answer cannot be both!  I guarantee, if you striped away all the technology, and got back to the basics, you would see plenty of changes in the rankings, and results.  I for one would like to see the best person win! Personally, I would like to see the sport remain somewhat protected from technology.  I’m a good enough swimmer, I don’t need a wetsuit.  And I enjoy riding a bike that looks like a bike, not some abstract rendition of a motorless street bike. To me, an aero bike with tri-spokes, aero- shifters, and bullet bars might look cool, to be the rider on it would automatically cause the label of "total geek" to be attached to the person claiming ownership.  And I don’t really want to be a geek. I just wish triathlon had a strong enough steering committee that could effectively manage the way the sport was governed.  Something I firmly believe the sport still needs. -RC

Response:

I know this has been debated before, but how can it be argued that aero- equipment such as the bullet bar be illegal because it raises the cost of competing, when Tri-Fed has effectively required wet-suits for the same. In fact, the Triathlete/Winning Buyers’ Guide, aimed at beginners, called wet suits "The Open Water Necessity." Most of the article stresses the fact that with a 78deg limit, even a new triathlete must shell out $100-345 in order to compete. So the point is, why allow wet suits at 78deg? At this temp., which is NOT life-threatening at any triathlon swim distance nor "cold" ( (even by a native Floridian’s standards), the only purpose for a wet suit is to increase speed. Yet this is exactly the reason that the bullet bar is illegal (or at least the rationalization behind its ban). Why the inconsist-n ency? Acey Albert University of Florida Tri-Gators

Response:

Acey Albert writes: I know this has been debated before, but how can it be argued that aero- equipment such as the bullet bar be illegal because it raises the cost of competing, when Tri-Fed has effectively required wet-suits for the same. In fact, the Triathlete/Winning Buyers’ Guide, aimed at beginners, called wet suits "The Open Water Necessity." Most of the article stresses the fact that with a 78deg limit, even a new triathlete must shell out $100-345 in order to compete. So the point is, why allow wet suits at 78deg? At this temp., which is NOT life-threatening at any triathlon swim distance nor "cold" ( (even by a native Floridian’s standards), the only purpose for a wet suit is to increase speed. Yet this is exactly the reason that the bullet bar is illegal (or at least the rationalization behind its ban). Why the inconsist-n ency?

What I really want to know is why I cant wear scuba-fins and webbed gloves to KEEP MY HANDS AND FEET WARM Everyone knows you loose most of your heat from your head,hands and feet. So why not fins and webbed gloves in the swim?   Every arguement infavor of wetsuits can be applied to fins and webbed gloves. Actually I don’t want to use fins or gloves (or wetsuits). I think wetsuits are for WIMPS. But since they can keep beginners from drowning, I can live with weiners that wear them for speed only – I still beat most of them!! Daniel

Response: