Question:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Response:

Whoops – think I sent my reply to your e-mail Liz (silly me).   To reiterate SPORTS (is there anything else – okay comics).   Sometimes I try to be a well rounded person and read the front page but then I realize how depressing it and go back to the box scores…..MAC

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Response:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

I always read the front page and editorials first.  I guess I skim over the comics, and I never read the sports. :: Dan

Response:

Read all of the news before work. Need my daily fix. Skim letters to editor. Read one cartoon. Usually skip business, classifieds. Skip sport, unless I can find something with which to tease Kenny. Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Response:

I read the headlies and pick ut the topics of interest .Nver read sports stocks or entertainment.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Response:

Right now I am only reading the real estate section because we are looking for a townhouse, otherwise I don’t even get a newspaper.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Response:

Comics, then sports. Boyd

: : When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to : you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you : never read? : : Take care, : Liz : : I always read the front page and editorials first.  I guess I skim over the : comics, and I never read the sports. : : :: Dan

Response:

Anything that mentions art, or pornography instanly draws my eye. I’m not particularly proud of this, but it is true. Andy My skin is sallow. I need sun.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Response:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

The most interesting sections of the news paper to me is the local news. I skim over the front page and NEVER read the sports section. Lucia    http://www.newsfeeds.com       The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–= Over 100,000 Newsgroups – Ulimited Fast Downloads – 19 Servers =—–

Response:

I read everything:)))))))

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Response:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?

Home & family, Politics, the first section, business, classifieds  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Local & State happenings Which sections do you never read?

Sports, Religion Jess "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear." -Ambrose Redmoon

Response:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Interesting sections? 1st: comics. Hey, I’d rather start out with a laugh rather than read about who’s shooting, bombing etc who. 2nd: Horoscope. Again, start off on a good note and a laugh. 3rd: Local business ads. Also a source of some good laughter 4th: Arts and Entertainment. Gawd, we live in the boonies. Cheryl & I miss concerts, recitals, opera, the ballet. Ted’s going to grow up and not have experienced too darn much of these. (((( 5th: Want ads, job listings. Need I say more? 6th: Local news and the Op. Ed. page. Also sometimes good for a laugh. 7th: Skim over National & International news. If I want to find out more, I go to the Internet. 9th: Business and Stock Market listings. Want to find out how much more lower the Canadian dollar can go. 10th: Sports, only when they’re regarding either Soccer, Judo, or Bike Racing. Any kind of bike racing. Road, Track, Triathalon, Mountain biking, or the Gonzo’s in Down Hill Slalom. Football, never. Hockey, Baseball and Basketball, to check on either the Maple Leafs, Jays or the Raptors. With the Maple Leafs this can, sadly, also involve laughter. The Air Canada Centre’s OK, but there was someting about the atmosphere back at the Gardens. *Some* seats with blind spots. Seats that could be *quite * uncomfortable. Going off on a trek to visit either the Washroom, or to get a snack. This was part of the whole Gardens aura. Best experienced when the Montreal Hab’s were in town. Alan B. If you want my real email, remove all the *’s.

Response:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you? Front page and local news Which sections do you skim over lightly? Obits, editorials, Ann Landers, sports  Which sections do you never read? Classifieds, ads smiles, Elise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Take care, Liz

Response:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

I read the political sections, the cultural sections, my vaourite columnists, take a look at the sports pages and I never read the economic pages. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Anything that mentions art, or pornography instanly draws my eye. I’m not particularly proud of this, but it is true. Andy

Of course you’re a bit embarrassed about the art thingie but I wouldn’t worry about the porn ) Philip (art historian) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My skin is sallow. I need sun. When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Response:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read?

Classified, pickup trucks, garage sales, chuck the rest, – Kinder

Response:

I have been a newspaper-phile since I was about 10 years old (and began producing my own, "The Family News", at that age!). I started on the old New York Herald Tribune that my dad would bring home on the commuter train from NYC in those days. (We lived in suburban Connecticut.) I still read just about the entire newspaper every day: Providence Journal 7 days a week, plus New York Times on Sundays. Love the Op-Ed and editorial pages, local and national and international news, "lifestyle" stuff, sports, obits, humor, reviews, whatever. I *don’t* read the stock market gibberish. I gotta admit: I start with the comics and Ann Landers!  LOL    So highbrow, ya know.  :-D xo Anne

Response:

I never read the sports, I like the Living section.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

Response:

: :When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to :you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you :never read? I only get the Sunday paper….so the first thing I read and look through are all the circulars Being it is gardening season, I look at the Home Depot, Lowe`s, Frank`s Nursery flyers to see what plants they have on I might read the main section and the entertainment section. I never read the comics and rarely read the sports section. Jackie ~*~Life was so much easier when your clothes didn’t match and boys had cooties~*~

Response:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read?

The family and home improvement pages are first, followed by local news, then national and world news, one cartoon… I never read sports, auto stuff, marketplace

Response:

When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you never read? Take care, Liz

obits for the ages of the people..I don’t know why…and for apt hunting..a very east cost thing I had to do growing up. I skim the sports, I scour the living, and I read the classifieds. I read the first paragraph and last paragraph of most news stories..I avoid the stocks Cat

Response:

the obits first.(especially now being back to work) the front page/inside page editorial page rental section vacation homes etc. that is it. — …

: When you read the newspaper, what sections are the most interesting to : you?  Which sections do you skim over lightly? Which sections do you : never read? : : Take care, : Liz

Response:

Question:

I’m going to be in DC this weekend (Crystal City actually) and wondered if anyone out there could recommend a route for a ride other than the bike path to Mt Vernon.  Any help would be greatly appreciated! Al Lyman

Response:

Thanks,  I was wondering if there was a good tri shop in the DC area.  Do you know of any other tri resources in the near the Capitol? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Go the best triathlon shop in the DC area, Bonzai Sports (http://users.erols.com/bonzaisports/) and pick up a Bike route map. (The shop is located just outside the beltway in Fairfax, VA.) There are many routes highlighted on this map that get you away from the traffic of the city.

Response:

Al, Go the best triathlon shop in the DC area, Bonzai Sports (http://users.erols.com/bonzaisports/) and pick up a Bike route map. (The shop is located just outside the beltway in Fairfax, VA.) There are many routes highlighted on this map that get you away from the traffic of the city. I’m going to be in DC this weekend (Crystal City actually) and wondered if anyone out there could recommend a route for a ride other than the bike path to Mt Vernon.  Any help would be greatly appreciated! Al Lyman

Bob Williams 55-59 Severna Park, MD

Response:

I love to ride the W&OD trail. Starts from Alexandria on the Four Mile Run. Ask around to onsite bikers or runners, they will be able to tell you where that is. It goes farther to Reston; great ride.  I love to swim in Lake Ann in Reston, ride the W&OD trail, then run. – Francois I’m going to be in DC this weekend (Crystal City actually) and wondered if anyone out there could recommend a route for a ride other than the bike path to Mt Vernon.  Any help would be greatly appreciated! Al Lyman

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

As a DC resident, I have to speak up here.   Everyone else will send you to the burbs (most of the shops and I suspect most of the participants tend to be out there — specifically in Reston and Fairfax, about 15 miles northwest and west of town respectively).  And I have to admit that I often throw the bike on the car and head out of town for a good long ride.  But if you’re not from around here (and therefore not bored with the admittedly limited number of routes) you don’t have to do that.  You can stay near town and ride. In DC proper there is a Fleet Feet in Adams-Morgan (north of Dupont Circle).  Not much else for tris but there are several really good bike shops in the city. And if you’re going to be in Crystal City, you can ride into town over the 14th St bridge.  Bear left off the bridge and ride west along the Potomac through West Potomac Park (there is a path or you can ride on Ohio Drive).  Eventually pass under Memorial Bridge, below the Lincoln Memorial, under the Roosevelt Bridge, below the Kennedy Center (still by the river), to Thompson’s Boathouse.  At that point you will be at Rock Creek Parkway.   You can either bear left, go under the elevated Whitehurst freeway on K Street (about four miles total) and you will get to the beginning of the Capital Crescent railtrail that goes about 8 miles to Bethesda. Sometimes a little crowded in mid-afternoon but shaded. Or you can bear right and ride on the trail along Rock Creek Parkway. It’s a pretty little trail but kind of dinky and you can’t get in much work BUT: once you’re a little ways past the Zoo, Beach Drive is CLOSED to car traffic all the way to the MD line.  Very pretty windy road.  And once you get to MD, the trail continues by the road all the way north to Rockville (about 25 miles each way from the riverfront).   Just be prepared to refill your bottle a lot, for it will be typical DC July weather this weekend (98 degrees and muggy) (as it has been for the whole month, actually). Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks,  I was wondering if there was a good tri shop in the DC area.  Do you know of any other tri resources in the near the Capitol? Go the best triathlon shop in the DC area, Bonzai Sports (http://users.erols.com/bonzaisports/) and pick up a Bike route map. (The shop is located just outside the beltway in Fairfax, VA.) There are many routes highlighted on this map that get you away from the traffic of the city.

Response:

Here also is a website that has both close-in and further cue sheets on it… http://www.his.com/~jmenzies/urbanatb/routes/index.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I love to ride the W&OD trail. Starts from Alexandria on the Four Mile Run. Ask around to onsite bikers or runners, they will be able to tell you where that is. It goes farther to Reston; great ride.  I love to swim in Lake Ann in Reston, ride the W&OD trail, then run. – Francois I’m going to be in DC this weekend (Crystal City actually) and wondered if anyone out there could recommend a route for a ride other than the bike path to Mt Vernon.  Any help would be greatly appreciated! Al Lyman Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

The Washington & Old Dominion (WOD) a rails to trails thing takes you from Alexandria via the 4 mile run trail all the way to Purecville VA. OR get on the Custis trail near the Iwo Jima Memorial In Arlington, and that goes along 66 until it hooks up with the WOD. have fun john

Response:

Question:

can anyone point me to anywhere where i can find information on wynn bicycles ( i think they’re out of seattle washington) also..  a long time ago there was this dude named Tri-Dork…  is he back yet?  (i’ve been away from RST for awhile…) — logan heinrich

Response:

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you how to contact Steve Wynn. However, you might be interested to know that he built the bikes for Team EDS (the track trade team, not the USCF national team, which was also sponsored by EDS) for a couple of years before they switched to Corima bikes. The one I saw was pretty nice – even had a custom, bladed steel seatpost to fit the bladed seat tube. can anyone point me to anywhere where i can find information on wynn bicycles ( i think they’re out of seattle washington) also..  a long time ago there was this dude named Tri-Dork…  is he back yet?  (i’ve been away from RST for awhile…) — logan heinrich

– Andrew Coggan Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

also..  a long time ago there was this dude named Tri-Dork…  is he back yet?  (i’ve been away from RST for awhile…)

Alas, TriDork has been gone to New Zealand lo these many years now, and it doesn’t look as if he’ll EVER get his sorry ass back on the ‘net and RST. Ken Kudo, if you’re out there, tell Marcus to get with the program!!! — Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

Response:

Wynn Cycles are from the Seattle area.  The owners name is Dan Wynn.  I don’t have his ph. number handy but I’m sure you can get it from dir.asst.  I can say my son races on a Wynn Tri bike and loves it.  He had a choice of a Wynn or a Trek and has stayed with the Wynn.  I hope this helps a little.

Response:

Question:

Aha !! New RST event – iron(ic)man !! Sorry.
Cheers
Barry    -**** Posted from RemarQ, http://www.remarq.com/?a ****-  Search and Read Usenet Discussions in your Browser – FREE –

Response:

sarcasm doesn’t seem to translate well in the written medium.  i’m not the most humorless nor the most uneducated guy,  i feel i have a pretty good grasp of what i am reading.  maybe you should try irony next time,  seems to work better.  sorry that i didn’t get the joke:^) toddzi sandiego

Response:

Irony… what’s that ??  Oh yeah… I think that’s like… making a fortune writing a song about irony, that doesn’t actually seem to contain any… ?? I don’t even think there’s an emoticon for irony… is that ironic ?? — MB

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sarcasm doesn’t seem to translate well in the written medium.  i’m not the most humorless nor the most uneducated guy,  i feel i have a pretty good grasp of what i am reading.  maybe you should try irony next time,  seems to work better.  sorry that i didn’t get the joke:^) toddzi sandiego

Response:

SNIP He and Joan Crock, and Malcolm Forbes run in the same social circles you know.

I thought Malcom Forbes was dead… Philip Squire MCP IM http://w1.116.telia.com/~u11602093/home.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -By the way Dan,  I think you and I need to go for a ride together soon, or at least go get a Chingadera and a 32oz Coke.  I still have the big mug you bought me.  Will you call me or shall I call you? Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

Hey Todd,  What QRMan and I do on RST we do because we love this sport. Many years ago when Empfield was a partner in De Soto Sport, and he and I shared a messy office, he told me, "Emilio, no matter how big and successful De Soto Sport ever gets, never forget your roots."  Those roots to me are what I am still into, Triathlon. We love laughing too.  We never get tired of getting nice letters to us and about our products. Rick,  be careful because Empfield will not give you anything else if you disclose his philanthropic habits.  He and Joan Crock, and Malcolm Forbes run in the same social circles you know. By the way Dan,  I think you and I need to go for a ride together soon, or at least go get a Chingadera and a 32oz Coke.  I still have the big mug you bought me.  Will you call me or shall I call you? Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

Perhaps we need to publish an emoticon list and insist that posters use one of these things at the end of every sentence. — MB   ;-J   (winking tongue-in-cheek  – I don’t think it’s even on my list)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : I’ve noticed two posts, from jason and rick swanger, that knocked and mocked : people for thanking and complimenting desoto and qr.  maybe they are trolling : and i shouldn’t be bothered by their cynicism.  but what is wrong with being Um, I was being sarcastis. Talk to the hand…. Jason

Response:

    Sometimes you think something is funny then later in retrospect it doesn’t seem as humorous, maybe just down right sarcastic.  Again, my apologies to you and the group.

hey! i’m basking in the glory here!  and yes, sarcasm is completely acceptable in such moments.  that isn’t what upsets me.  but as you know, the thrill in giving is for it to be done in secret.  now you’ve blown it for me by alerting the world to my largesse.  i expect that the other three guys i’ve donated kidneys to will come out now as well. qrman

Response:

wow- that’s what sarcasm is?  i really don’t know what happened to my sense of humor.  maybe i need to increase my morning caffeine.  no apology needed. toddzi san diego

Response:

My sincere apology Toddzi,     Sometimes you think something is funny then later in retrospect it doesn’t seem as humorous, maybe just down right sarcastic.  Again, my apologies to you and the group. Sincerely, Rick Swanger – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve noticed two posts, from jason and rick swanger, that knocked and mocked people for thanking and complimenting desoto and qr.  maybe they are trolling and i shouldn’t be bothered by their cynicism.  but what is wrong with being appreciative of two guys who are actually contributing and making things bettter for others?   i’ve written one post complimenting emilio and one thanking dan for what they’ve added to my hobby, and both times have been accused of kissing ass and digging for schwag.  it’s so easy and popular to bitch and criticize in our culture, when there is an opportunity to say something positive, i think it NEEDS to be said.  plus, what exactly have jason and rick done to contribute? what’s their pedigree and where do they get off judging every one else’s responses? toddzi sandiego

Response:

I’ve noticed two posts, from jason and rick swanger, that knocked and mocked people for thanking and complimenting desoto and qr.  maybe they are trolling and i shouldn’t be bothered by their cynicism.  but what is wrong with being appreciative of two guys who are actually contributing and making things bettter for others?   i’ve written one post complimenting emilio and one thanking dan for what they’ve added to my hobby, and both times have been accused of kissing ass and digging for schwag.  it’s so easy and popular to bitch and criticize in our culture, when there is an opportunity to say something positive, i think it NEEDS to be said.  plus, what exactly have jason and rick done to contribute? what’s their pedigree and where do they get off judging every one else’s responses? toddzi sandiego

Response:

Question:

Hi folks I’m looking at buying a wetsuit, and I’ve been struck by how expensive wetsuits seem to be. A wetsuit designed specifically for triathlon costs between 150 and 300 UK pounds. A kayaking or surfing wetsuit costs between 40 and 60 (for a sleeveless). Can anyone tell me a) why the price difference is so huge and b) what the comparative performance, comfort etc. gains are between a tri-specific suit and, say, a double lined 3mm kayaking longjohn. Cheers Rob Knell Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

I’m repeatibly 10% faster with my wetsuit on. Slow swimmers tend to have bad position in the water (I know I do). A wetsuit takes you in to a more hydrodynamic position. The fast swimmers already tend to have such a position, so they don’t benefit as much. Joel — Joel Sylvester Longest Day ‘98 12:10:33 Edinburgh Triathletes: www.edintri.u-net.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just got a new wetsuit. I was amazed at how much faster I went. I’ve been practicing the TI swim and thought I was doing pretty good. However, I knocked 10 seconds off my 50yd sprint with the suit. Have others noticed this much improvement? Or is this unique to me because I’m not real fast (16 min .5 mile)? Also, any comments on sleeveless vs sleeves? Thanks! David "why all the funny looks when I wore the suit in the pool?" Wuth FEY2K (remove spaces) at att dot net

Response:

I just got a new wetsuit. I was amazed at how much faster I went. I’ve been practicing the TI swim and thought I was doing pretty good. However, I knocked 10 seconds off my 50yd sprint with the suit. Have others noticed this much improvement? Or is this unique to me because I’m not real fast (16 min .5 mile)? Also, any comments on sleeveless vs sleeves? Thanks! David "why all the funny looks when I wore the suit in the pool?" Wuth FEY2K (remove spaces) at att dot net

Response:

Dave, I know what you mean. I knocked 5 minutes off my 1000M time of 25 minutes … 20 percent … not bad. I thought I was gonna knock myself out at the end of my first lap in the pool, I hit the end so hard … Geoff *GWN Tri – July 4th* Nash – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have others noticed this much improvement?

Response:

I just got a new wetsuit. I was amazed at how much faster I went. I’ve been practicing the TI swim and thought I was doing pretty good. However, I knocked 10 seconds off my 50yd sprint with the suit. Have others noticed this much improvement? Or is this unique to me because I’m not real fast (16 min .5 mile)? Also, any comments on sleeveless vs sleeves? Thanks! David "why all the funny looks when I wore the suit in the pool?" Wuth FEY2K

  One of my friends swam 400m (.25 mile) in 5.30 wetsuitless then put on his Orca and took 5 mins. The gains are greater for slower swimmers, as often buoyancy and kicking are problems and the wetsuit gets your body position higher.   I just got a new wetsuit but have still not tried it and shan’t race in it until summer (december).  It looks very flash and is much better designed than my 6 year old one (forearm grip panels, no water entry etc.) and is supposed to give a 3 minute gain over 1500m.  - David "so if I don’t come out in 18 mins I shall be most perturbed" Bowden

Response:

Enough performance gains to make the good swimmers bitch – alot. Bob

Response:

Thanks for all the input! I set a PR yesterday for a 1/2 mile swim, using the wetsuit — 15:13. My previous PR was 15:58, but this year I have been doing only 17:30-18:00 for the 1/2 mile. I was hoping for a time around 17. My eyes almost popped out when I hit the lap split exiting the water… Of course, the fast swimmers (sans wetsuits) came out in around 9 minutes… David / FEY2K (remove spaces) at att dot net

Response:

Also, any comments on sleeveless vs sleeves?

I don’t know about speed but warnth there is a huge difference.  I live up in Seattle and 4 of us did our first open water swim in Lake Washington yesterday. 1 in full suit with a hood and 3 of us in sleevless with 1 guy having a hood. It was damn cold without the sleeves, I could hardly breathe is was so cold they tell me it’s about as cold as Alcatraz.  If I ever do that race I will definitely buy the full suit, hood and maybe booties.  My friend with the full suit says that it is a little harder to swim because of the resistance it creates in the shoulders but I think the added  warmth would be worth it.  I think the other 2 guys would agree as I think they ar both going to buy a new full suit before we try that again.  The water was around 60 degrees for those of you who have never been in, thats damn cold at 7am.  So go for the full and stay warm and take off a few more seconds.  Good luck Marc " I hope the Dr. lets me run again soon" Hallen

Response:

Hey David, I have worked for a leading triathlon wetsuit manufacturer in the past and thought my comments could help out. Speed is certainly an advantage you will gain by using a wetsuit primarily because of the "buoyancy" involved with the "materials" used by wetsuit companies today. Another factor influencing wetsuit speed is whether or not the wetsuit has a "slippery coating" on the outside of the suit. In most cases "silicon" is used which has the desirable effect of reducing the drag coefficient that your profile presents to the water as you move through it. The "materials" utilised also affect your speed in various ways. The "thickness" of the rubber used on different wetsuit "panels" affects your performance for different reasons, eg: you want it thick on your stomach (for more lift), but less so on your arms although not too little (still want the buoyancy of thickness but also the ease of movement of a thinner material). It is interesting to note also that there is a trade off between stretch & bouyancy (don’t generally get both in the same material) therefore wetsuit companies face a trade off when deciding which panels will go where. Then there is the "design" factor which influences many of us in our purchases. This variable in consideration of speed relates mainly to "fit" and "type of material". If your wetsuit has been correctly sized and the suit is of a good shape for your body, then it will let only a minimum of water into it while still allowing you the freedom that is necessary for ease of movement (doesn’t tire you out swimming normally). Ease of movement is quite obviously affected by how well the wetsuit stretches through your normal range of swimming movement. If it does, great stuff! If not, you can be sure at that 500m mark that damn piano will drop on you and you will start to struggle with the suit instead. So anyway, apart from all this dribble about wetsuits to get faster you just have to get fitter or more technically competent (ie through a TI class) to gain speed. Hope this gives you some more info. Haydn Woolley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got a new wetsuit. I was amazed at how much faster I went. I’ve been practicing the TI swim and thought I was doing pretty good. However, I knocked 10 seconds off my 50yd sprint with the suit. Have others noticed this much improvement? Or is this unique to me because I’m not real fast (16 min .5 mile)? Also, any comments on sleeveless vs sleeves? Thanks! David "why all the funny looks when I wore the suit in the pool?" Wuth FEY2K (remove spaces) at att dot net

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

I just got a new wetsuit. I was amazed at how much faster I went. I’ve been practicing the TI swim and thought I was doing pretty good. However, I knocked 10 seconds off my 50yd sprint with the suit. Have others noticed this much improvement? Or is this unique to me because I’m not real fast (16 min .5 mile)?

        Not unusual since you increase your buoyancy and reduce drag (assuming proper fit).  There was a paper by Chatard and  Millet in Sports Medicine a few years back on wetsuit use by triathletes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Also, any comments on sleeveless vs sleeves? Thanks! David "why all the funny looks when I wore the suit in the pool?" Wuth FEY2K (remove spaces) at att dot net

Response:

Question:

To put it bluntly: should I enter a short-ish race (5k, 10k) when I am entirely sure that I will be last?  … for the sake of argument, lets say I’m last, of the runners, by a long way.  Is it still fun?

I think it must be. I’m around the bottom of the top third in these races; after I’m through stretching and having something to drink and eat, I’ll go back to the chute to offer some encouragement to the bottom third who are just finishing. (I don’t do it because I’m such a charitable soul; I really just like to cheer for people who deserve it, and I’m not fast enough to cheer on the fast people!) Those back-of-the-pack folks are working hard, maybe they’re red-faced and out of breath (just like I was a few minutes ago!) but they seem very pleased with their accomplishment once they make it past the finish line. Do any of those slow people look happy to you as you guys speed past them?  I would like to try racing.  I think it would definetly be fun if I wasn’t so slow.  I wouldn’t feel so bad (I think) about being slow in a very long race, but the idea of a 5k disturbs me.  I could find easier ways to publicly embarrass myself I’m sure.

Don’t be disturbed. I think you know by now, based on these messages, that you won’t be "publicly embarassing" yourself if you run a race and come in dead last. We’re looking forward to reading your next race report. –Dirk

Response:

To put it bluntly: should I enter a short-ish race (5k, 10k) when I am entirely sure that I will be last?  (Of non-disabled people who are actually running.  I suppose I might be a smidge faster than some walkers…)

Laurel: You need to get yourself acquainted with the Penguin Brigade at www.waddle-on.com/ It’s for everyone, but mostly for slower runners. It was started by John Bingham, who’s recent book "The Courage To Start" is very inspirational. There’s a very supportive email list and at most major races you’ll find Penguins to join you at the back of the pack. Our track club has a Penguin group and they have fun together. Their motto is "No Penguin runs alone." If one of the group is feeling bad and has to stop and walk, at least one other Penguin stops with them.  They all run together at races and support each other. If you don’t have a Penguin group near you, start one! Anyway, for the sake of argument, lets say I’m last, of the runners, by a long way.  Is it still fun?  Do any of those slow people look happy to you as you guys speed past them?  I would like to try racing.  I think it would definetly be fun if I wasn’t so slow.  I wouldn’t feel so bad (I think) about being slow in a very long race, but the idea of a 5k disturbs me.  I could find easier ways to publicly embarrass myself I’m sure.

I recently did Jacksonville Marathon (a baaad mistake since I was not recovered from IMC) but I did it as a Penguin. It was a blast! Lots of people to chat with and run/walk with. Very relaxed and fun. Don’t get hung up on where you finish. I finished next to last at a Half-Ironman and I’m routinely last in my age group at anything longer than a sprint triathlon.  But I’m out there. 99.99% of the population isn’t. Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" ‘98 Ironman Canada, 16:17:03

Response:

(meaning, thoughts about racing, and, oddly, the thoughts are also racing themselves…) To put it bluntly: should I enter a short-ish race (5k, 10k) when I am entirely sure that I will be last?  (Of non-disabled people who are actually running.  I suppose I might be a smidge faster than some walkers…) Now don’t even try telling me that I can’t be *that* slow, and I won’t be last, cause I know I will.  Just trust me on this.  I have devised a confirmation procedure, detailed below, if you don’t believe me.

The only reason I have to trust that you’ll be last is because *I* won’t be running in the same race. If I were, you’d come in *next* to last! I ran a very short course triathlon once. I was seeded pretty high because they went by swim times and I’m a fast swimmer. I’m just slow at everything else. Anyway, I had no idea how I was doing. It hurt like it was an Ironman, and I threw up at the end. Um…you know…it was fun. heh. I got the results a week or so later and discovered that I was something like 396 out of a 400-person field! And I think the other 4 racers were the sponsor’s cats or something. But I finished. It was a personal thing. So yeah, it can be fun. Every runner, walker, crawler gets support, no matter how they finish. And next time, maybe you’ll race with me and you won’t be dead last! — Beverly Brandt bevbrandt at mindspring dot com

Response:

To put it bluntly: should I enter a short-ish race (5k, 10k) when I am entirely sure that I will be last?  (Of non-disabled people who are actually running.  I suppose I might be a smidge faster than some walkers…) Hey Laurel!

 I understand completely.   I am a VERY slow runner, married to a very fast runner/triathelete guy.  I ran my first 5K last year, and yes, a walker or two beat me. I was not dead last, but pretty darn close.   It was very hard to watch all those people take off, and then to lose sight of them, knowing I’d never catch up. Heck, they were opening up the street to traffic before I finished. But I finished, to cheers and the smiling faces of strangers as well as a few friends/family. It was worth it. I ran a 10K a month later and DID manage to beat the walkers, but in a race of 700 people, only 18 finished after me. But it was worth it. I have found out that fast or slow, young or old, experienced or inexperienced, runners are a supportive and welcoming group.  And there is no better way to experience that then to run a race. You’d really be missing out if you didn’t try it—if you are very competitive it may be a bit tough on the old ego, but if you go into it for the fun, health, and sheer comraderie of the whole thing you’ll probably enjoy yourself. And you never know, it just might help you get faster. +++ Julie (just another snail on the trail)

Response:

To put it bluntly: should I enter a short-ish race (5k, 10k) when I am entirely sure that I will be last?  (Of non-disabled people who are actually running.  I suppose I might be a smidge faster than some walkers…)

  Sure, why not?  Someone has to be last, but regardless of where you finish you can enjoy the scenery and the race atmosphere.  The year I ran track, I finished last in some of our 2 mile races.  Still a good experience. Anyway, for the sake of argument, lets say I’m last, of the runners, by a long way.  Is it still fun?  Do any of those slow people look happy to you as you guys speed past them?  

  The guy, in the 10 mile race I did last year, who finished last was quite possibly the person who had the most fun.  Attitude is all.  If you enter with the notion of enjoying the run, the atmosphere, waving at the greyhounds who flash past (if there’s an out and back to the course), and seeing what you can do one a race, you should do fine.  Besides, you might discover that you don’t finish last anyhow.   — Robert Grumbine http://www.radix.net/~bobg/ Science faqs and amateur activities notes and links. Sagredo (Galileo Galilei) "You present these recondite matters with too much evidence and ease; this great facility makes them less appreciated than they would be had they been presented in a more abstruse manner." Two New Sciences

Response:

(meaning, thoughts about racing, and, oddly, the thoughts are also racing themselves…) To put it bluntly: should I enter a short-ish race (5k, 10k) when I am entirely sure that I will be last?  (Of non-disabled people who are actually running.  I suppose I might be a smidge faster than some walkers…) Now don’t even try telling me that I can’t be *that* slow, and I won’t be last, cause I know I will.  Just trust me on this.  I have devised a confirmation procedure, detailed below, if you don’t believe me. Anyway, for the sake of argument, lets say I’m last, of the runners, by a long way.  Is it still fun?  Do any of those slow people look happy to you as you guys speed past them?  I would like to try racing.  I think it would definetly be fun if I wasn’t so slow.  I wouldn’t feel so bad (I think) about being slow in a very long race, but the idea of a 5k disturbs me.  I could find easier ways to publicly embarrass myself I’m sure. [Confirmation Procedure:  First, we agree upon a trusted party "X" here, who you don't believe would lie.  Second, I hire a private investigator, to go dig up dirt on "X".  (If nothing can be found, I'll have to fabricate some. A time consuming process!)  Once I have embarrasing information, I can then tell "X" how long it actually takes me to run 3 miles.  "X" can then post "Yep, she'll sure be last." and you will know it's true.  And I can safely blackmail "X" with the evidence, ensuring my horrible secret will remain secret.  Now, you see this is long and complicated, and it would be a lot easier if you'd just believe me!] Laurel Amberdine

Response:

Laurel, If you want to try racing, go for it!  I just ran a 10K on Saturday, and overall the folks running a fairly regular pace and coming in toward the end looked like they were enjoying themselves a lot more than the folks farther up who were pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion. In fact, I think the folks coming in toward the end got more support and cheering than those coming in earlier.  I think people who race realize that anyone out there is pushing themselves and deserves support. Remember, you’re still faster than the 90-some percent of people who aren’t out running at all. Racing has a number of positive effects for me, though I’ll probably never get a medal either overall or in my age group.  I enjoy the social aspect – seeing and getting a chance to talk to fellow runners, including some acquaintances who I didn’t know were runners and who are now closer friends because of our shared races.  Running my first race was confirmation to me that I was part of a larger community of runners, beyond the folks I usually run with.  It’s also given me another way to measure my improvement – my biggest competition is myself, and part of racing is to find ways to keep building on what I’ve done in the past. If you’re concerned about your time, you might want to choose a 5K – the times are generally less spread out in a shorter race.  You may also want to find a race that advertises that walkers are welcome – I really doubt you’d be last then.  But, it really doesn’t matter where you come in – the important thing is doing it. Go for it, and have fun! Paul — To put it bluntly: should I enter a short-ish race (5k, 10k) when I am entirely sure that I will be last?  (Of non-disabled people who are actually running.  I suppose I might be a smidge faster than some walkers…) … Anyway, for the sake of argument, lets say I’m last, of the runners, by a long way.  Is it still fun?  Do any of those slow people look happy to you as you guys speed past them?  I would like to try racing.  I think it would definetly be fun if I wasn’t so slow.  I wouldn’t feel so bad (I think) about being slow in a very long race, but the idea of a 5k disturbs me.  I could find easier ways to publicly embarrass myself I’m sure.

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Response:

Question:

I’m going to be relocating to San Luis Obispo, CA soon.  Anyone have any information about tri clubs, masters programs or any other tri related workouts in SLO? Gracios! -PC

Response:

Great place to relocate to dude!!!!!  They have a very active Tri club called the SLO Roadrunners.  The Cal Poly  track coach could probably hook you up.  The Wildflower Triathlon Festival is just right up the road in May.  Good luck!

Response:

Question:

After six years of ice packs, acupuncture, massage and everything short of dancing naked in the moonlight, I have come to the conclusion that the only way for me to run pain free again is to have surgery to scrape my calcaneous (ok, my spelling sucks). The surgery recommended calls for removing the tendon, scraping the calcium deposits and then re-attaching the tendon. Can anyone on rst help me understand my options a little better or relate their experience with the surgery? It looks like 6-8 weeks before I can get going again. Thanks in adavance….. ZAG

Response:

I tried some Red Bull from the 7-11 near the turn-around at Hawi training for the HAwaiian Ironman this year.  It tastes really nice, and contains the equivalent of ten cups of coffee worth of caffeine!!!! Apparently it has been banned from the Roth Ironman – due to the ridiculous caffeine content I presume.

Are you saying that much caffeine is legal in Hawaii Ironman? Sounds a little hard to believe. Steve Patt Stevens Creek Software

Response:

(Paul I tried some Red Bull from the 7-11 near the turn-around at Hawi training for the HAwaiian Ironman this year.  It tastes really nice, and contains the equivalent of ten cups of coffee worth of caffeine!!!! Apparently it has been banned from the Roth Ironman – due to the ridiculous caffeine content I presume.

I’m not positive, but I don’t think there’s any caffeine in Red Bull.  If there is, it’s not ten cups worth.  I’m fairly sensitive to caffeine; one cup gives me the shakes, and I didn’t get so much as a tremor from the cans I drank. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before some company makes a soda with a crazy amount of caffeine.  Remember. Jolt Cola?  I think there’s a market for a super-caffeinated beverage.  We could call it Raging Bull. Sincerely, JR

Response:

Paul

: : I tried some Red Bull from the 7-11 near the turn-around at Hawi :training : for the HAwaiian Ironman this year.  It tastes really nice, and contains :the : equivalent of ten cups of coffee worth of caffeine!!!! : : Apparently it has been banned from the Roth Ironman – due to the :ridiculous : caffeine content I presume. : :I’m not positive, but I don’t think there’s any caffeine in Red Bull.  If :there is, it’s not ten cups worth.  I’m fairly sensitive to caffeine; one :cup gives me the shakes, and I didn’t get so much as a tremor from the :cans I drank. : :I suppose it’s only a matter of time before some company makes a soda with :a crazy amount of caffeine.  Remember. Jolt Cola?  I think there’s a :market for a super-caffeinated beverage.  We could call it Raging Bull. : As marketed in Germany, a can of Red Bull is said to contain coffein equivalent to two (2) cups of coffee. When it was "invented" in Austria some three years ago, supposedly it contained the equivalent of five cups of coffee, but the German FDA wouldn’t allow it to be sold in this concentration. NB: According to the IOC doping rules, three cups of coffee can make your caffeine level in the blood to high already for passing a doping test! —                             Ulrich Porsch             Wer spricht vom Siegen, "Ubersteh’n ist alles  

Response:

:I noticed in my new Inside Triathlon (with the Ironman coverage) that both :Hellreigel and Natascha Badmann both have "Red Bull" sponsorship on their :singlets — what does the company do? : Red Bull is a highly coffeinated soft drink, very sweet, with a taste like juice made of jelly babies… It used to be very popular with the Techno music crowd, what for staying awake all night because of the caffeine. In Europy they are quite big into sports sponsoring, since they want to promote their product as a kind of replacement drink. Replacement for what exactly I never understood. But Ms. Badmann says in an interview that she recovers much faster and better if she uses Red Bull.. —                             Ulrich Porsch             Wer spricht vom Siegen, "Ubersteh’n ist alles  

Response:

I noticed in my new Inside Triathlon (with the Ironman coverage) that both Hellreigel and Natascha Badmann both have "Red Bull" sponsorship on their singlets — what does the company do? Thanks, Bob

Bob, Red Bull is a soft drink sold in Europe.  It’s ingested by all sorts of people, and is supposed to have some pretty awesome energyzing powers. It’s popular with the athletic crowd because it tastes good, and has some "caffiene like" ingredient that gives you a little kick.  It’s also supposed to have some really healthy stuff in it……besides the sugar and carbonated water, I mean.  I guess it’s sort of a vitamin fortified Cream Soda.  But I’m no Red Bull expert.   It seems to be most popular, however, with the party and dance crowd.  The stuff sells like hot cakes in the clubs and discos.  It comes in a cool little can, which may be a big reason why it’s so hot at the moment.  And as I said before, it is quite tasty. The company is very into sports and supports a number of European athletes that I know of.  This is good, so if you come across a can, give it a try. You should see the commercials.  Reminds me of the Schlitz Malt Liquor bull. Later, Jimmy R

Response:

  I tried some Red Bull from the 7-11 near the turn-around at Hawi training   for the HAwaiian Ironman this year.  It tastes really nice, and contains the   equivalent of ten cups of coffee worth of caffeine!!!!   Apparently it has been banned from the Roth Ironman – due to the ridiculous   caffeine content I presume.

   According to your USAT rule book, the caffeine equivalent of 6-8 cups of coffee in one sitting will give you a positive drug test. IMH is USAT sanctioned, therefore Red Bull is probably illegal. |       Ray Plotecia            | |       Image Control           |

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -(Paul I tried some Red Bull from the 7-11 near the turn-around at Hawi training for the HAwaiian Ironman this year.  It tastes really nice, and contains the equivalent of ten cups of coffee worth of caffeine!!!! Apparently it has been banned from the Roth Ironman – due to the ridiculous caffeine content I presume. I’m not positive, but I don’t think there’s any caffeine in Red Bull. If there is, it’s not ten cups worth.  I’m fairly sensitive to caffeine; one cup gives me the shakes, and I didn’t get so much as a tremor from the cans I drank. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before some company makes a soda with a crazy amount of caffeine.  Remember. Jolt Cola?  I think there’s a market for a super-caffeinated beverage.  We could call it Raging

Bull. What about Water Joe — the cafeinated water.  I’ve mixed up Cytomax with it and used it in bike races and it works well.  Not a crazy amount of caffeine though — just one cup of coffee’s worth. JT

Response:

I think there is a place for a sport drink with a reasonable amount of caffeine in say equivalent to 2 cups of coffee per 500ml, Obviously you couldn’t consume this all day at ironman without it being illegal but at the point where people start reaching for coke for the caffeine kick this would be great, in shorter races this would be a better prerace method of caffeine consumption as it would have less of the diuretic effects of coffee which has other diuretics other than caffeine. Stuart J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Paul I tried some Red Bull from the 7-11 near the turn-around at Hawi training for the HAwaiian Ironman this year.  It tastes really nice, and contains the equivalent of ten cups of coffee worth of caffeine!!!! Apparently it has been banned from the Roth Ironman – due to the ridiculous caffeine content I presume. I’m not positive, but I don’t think there’s any caffeine in Red Bull.  If there is, it’s not ten cups worth.  I’m fairly sensitive to caffeine; one cup gives me the shakes, and I didn’t get so much as a tremor from the cans I drank. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before some company makes a soda with a crazy amount of caffeine.  Remember. Jolt Cola?  I think there’s a market for a super-caffeinated beverage.  We could call it Raging Bull. Sincerely, JR

Response:

Red Bull is a soft drink sold in Europe.  It’s ingested by all sorts of people, and is supposed to have some pretty awesome energyzing powers. It’s popular with the athletic crowd because it tastes good, and has some "caffiene like" ingredient that gives you a little kick.  It’s also supposed to have some really healthy stuff in it……besides the sugar and carbonated water, I mean.  I guess it’s sort of a vitamin fortified Cream Soda.  But I’m no Red Bull expert.  

I tried some Red Bull from the 7-11 near the turn-around at Hawi training for the HAwaiian Ironman this year.  It tastes really nice, and contains the equivalent of ten cups of coffee worth of caffeine!!!! Apparently it has been banned from the Roth Ironman – due to the ridiculous caffeine content I presume.

Response:

I noticed in my new Inside Triathlon (with the Ironman coverage) that both Hellreigel and Natascha Badmann both have "Red Bull" sponsorship on their singlets — what does the company do? Thanks, Bob

Red Bull is not just a soft drink, there is also a bike company which makes also tri bikes. This company is located in Canada but my opinion is that they only produce for the german market.They have a couple of people under contract. But in Hellriegels case I think he is sponsored by Red Bull energy drinks, they are from Austria and the drink contains Taurin and tastes very sweet.

Response:

Funnily enough, Red Bull has exactly the same ingredients, and in the same quantities as, and is even owned by the makers of a famous "health / fitness" drink over here, but trying to sell a healthy (quote) drink to the Techno crowd didn’t suceed very well I presume, so they gave it a new "strong" logo, gave it a catchy name (and, I must admit, some hilarious cartoon TV advertising) and sold it under the name of Red Bull. The main rush upon Red Bull on its introduction to this country (Switzerland) after a legal battle has now waned and it’s found on the shelves along with orange juice and pepsi.. Personally, it gives me stomach ache! dane kurth

Response:

I noticed in my new Inside Triathlon (with the Ironman coverage) that both Hellreigel and Natascha Badmann both have "Red Bull" sponsorship on their singlets — what does the company do? Thanks, Bob

Response:

Question:

Please post all news re: Ironman New Zealand to r.s.t. I have sent in my registration form a few weeks ago but haven’t heard back from them. Thanks, Joe

Response:

I just saw the latest NZ tri magazine.  Seems the bike course has radically changed this year.  Kawakawa Bay has gone altogether.  Overall, the course is much less hilly (but still hilly!).rganisers say they expect bike times to be 10 mins faster in 1997. Any comments from others. Has anyone ridden the new course in Auckland yet? Grant Schofield QLD Australia.

Response:

Please post all news re: Ironman New Zealand to r.s.t. I have sent in my registration form a few weeks ago but haven’t heard back from them. Thanks, Joe

Doubt if you will for a while.  Two reasons – our postal system sux; the general attitude to organising IMZ is akin to most attitudes in NZ – somewhat laid back.  Worry not, I hear the event is extremely well organised, just with little fuss or retention. I shall keep you lot posted with anything I see/hear – I know a few people who have also entered, and I’m sure it’s all they’ll be talking abou for quite some time to come. Tri-Git

Response:

Anybody out there done IROMAN NEW ZEALAND? In Inside Triathlon’s Qualifiers guide for IRONMAN they mention that the roads are a bit rough and that wheels with less than 32 spokes are not reccommended. Has anyone done the race with HED Jets or similar aero wheels with less spokes.  If so did you have any problem. Were flats a big problem maybe should use bigger tires? How is the weather the guide says 50 to 55 degrees.  Is it that cold the entire bike? Does anyone have figures on qualifing times for 40-44 age group? Australia and Canada have home pages that help give you an idea of the times but I can’t seem to find anything for New Zealand just an overview of the race and top 10 finishers. I would be interested on the full results if anyone has them. Thanks. G. Holmes(thinking about going to New Zealand).

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anybody out there done IROMAN NEW ZEALAND? In Inside Triathlon’s Qualifiers guide for IRONMAN they mention that the roads are a bit rough and that wheels with less than 32 spokes are not reccommended. Has anyone done the race with HED Jets or similar aero wheels with less spokes.  If so did you have any problem. Were flats a big problem maybe should use bigger tires? How is the weather the guide says 50 to 55 degrees.  Is it that cold the entire bike? Does anyone have figures on qualifing times for 40-44 age group? Australia and Canada have home pages that help give you an idea of the times but I can’t seem to find anything for New Zealand just an overview of the race and top 10 finishers. I would be interested on the full results if anyone has them. Thanks. G. Holmes(thinking about going to New Zealand).

New Zealand IM is a great race!  It was my first IM.  I also was concerned about what I heard about the rough rodes.  But as most rumors go, they were not all bad.  The surface has a rougher texture but there were few sections with pot holes.  The surface gives you a fine vibration, but it is not jarring.  Use the wheels that you normally would.  I used Zipp 400’s with a 16 spoke front. No problem.  I also had cont. 19mm GPs pumped to 150. My suggestion would be to do alot of hills in preparation.  The climbs are not long, there are just alot of them.  I rode in shorts and jersey. Temp was 65-75 on the bike in ‘93.  Other years it has been slightly cold.  Email me if I can give you more info.

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Anybody out there done IROMAN NEW ZEALAND? Yep , I’ve done it a few years ago now , quite a tough race with a couple of good climbs

, yes the roads are quite bumpy but I think you could get away with Heds or anything similar. Like its just a bumpy surface not hot tar. Flats are no more prevalent here than elsewhere. I’ll try and dig out the results for you. Rossi

Response:

Anybody out there done IROMAN NEW ZEALAND?

Yes, I did it in 94 and 95, but didn’t get fit enough last season. In Inside Triathlon’s Qualifiers guide for IRONMAN they mention     that the roads are a bit rough and that wheels with less than 32 spokes are not reccommended. Has anyone done the race with HED Jets or similar aero wheels with less spokes.  If so did you have any problem. Were flats a big problem maybe should use bigger tires?    

Yes the roads are pretty bad with really large chip. However I used a front  Zipp 400 (26") with 16 spokes with no problem. I did use a 28 spoke rear wheel, as i think the rear takes most of the weight. I had no flats in ‘95 and one in ‘94, both racing on Vittoria Crono CS. I don’t think the course is any worse than others for punctures. What is a factor is that the rough roads take more out of you and you start the run more tired. How is the weather the guide says 50 to 55 degrees.  Is it that cold the entire bike?

Weather can be very variable, wet, dry, windy, still, cold, warm, hot, though 55 is at the low end of the scale. I would expect it to be significantly hotter. Maybe 65. Australia and Canada have home pages that help give you an idea of the times but I can’t seem to find anything for New Zealand just an overview of the race and top 10 finishers.

Haven’t got last years results. But in ‘95 1st in your age group (40-44) was Bryan Dougherty in 10.35. 5th place time was 11.33 I don’t know how many qualified for Kona. ‘95 was a tough year with strong winds. "94 was easier 40 – 44 winning time was 10.01 and 5th place was 10.26. Hope this helps. I hope to be there again next yr. Robert Cox Wellington Tri Club

Response:

Question:

Hi- I am in my first season as a triathlete, and while I am experienced as a cyclist and as a runner, I have only recently learned how to swim.  My question is: how useful are hand paddles, and how are they best incorporated into a workout? (how much time should I spend with them).  I’ve noticed that none of the real swimmers I know use those speedo gloves with the weights in them (those weird looking blue things), yet a couple of triathletes I know use and recommend them. Are they better?  Worse? Silly? Uncool? I sure don’t know .  I’d appreciate some guidance.  Thanks, Steve Irish, Washington D.C.

Response:

Hi- I am in my first season as a triathlete, and while I am experienced as a cyclist and as a runner, I have only recently learned how to swim.  My question is: how useful are hand paddles, and how are they  ……. Steve Irish, Washington D.C.

I can’t say about the paddles, but best advice is to join your local masters swim club. DC area is very active, check your local (county/city) pools for clubs. Rates are as low or lower than swimming by yourself, plus you get coaches and lots of experienced swimmers. Mike Gulden LORAL Federal Systems Network Technology

Response:

Hi- I am in my first season as a triathlete, and while I am experienced as a cyclist and as a runner, I have only recently learned how to swim.  My question is: how useful are hand paddles, and how are they best incorporated into a workout?

I have never used the gloves before so I can’t give you any advice there, sorry. I swam competitively for 15 years and was a USS head coach for 6.   I used hand paddles as a valuable aid for stroke technique, not as a power building tool.  I have good success with the rectangular (old-fashioned) Speedo paddles.  The paddles come with two pieces of surgical tubing– one for the middle finger and the other for around the wrist.  REMOVE THE PIECE FOR THE WRIST.  I know the paddle will seem like it flops around.  However, it forces you to swim biomechanically correct to keep the paddle flush against your hand.  Also, it shows you the correct way to place your hand in the water.  Since the gloves are "fixed" to your hands, you won’t get this kind of feedback. Be careful when you use paddles for speedwork or to build power.  Unless your stroke is technically correct, you can easily injure your shoulders using paddles.  If you feel a lot of stress in your shoulders when using paddles and don’t want to stop using them, either punch 1/4" – 1/2" holes in them or buy the kind w/ pre-punched holes. The best thing is just to have a swimmer/coach look at your stroke and give you some drills.  If $$$, time, or desire prevents you from joining a masters team, just ask a swimmer/coach if (s)he wouldn’t mind looking at your stroke for 5 minutes.  Most will happily oblige. — Pat Brug, Ph.D.   Los Alamos National Laboratory "Home of the TriATOMICS" compuserve:  72410, 3372        

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Hi- I am in my first season as a triathlete, and while I am experienced as a cyclist and as a runner, I have only recently learned how to swim.  My question is: how useful are hand paddles, and how are they best incorporated into a workout? (how much time should I spend with them).  I’ve noticed that none of the real swimmers I know use those speedo gloves with the weights in them (those weird looking blue things), yet a couple of triathletes I know use and recommend them. Are they better?  Worse? Silly? Uncool? I sure don’t know .  I’d appreciate some guidance.  Thanks, Steve Irish, Washington D.C.

I’ve been swimming for 15 years and I find that paddles really help my swim training.  I usually swim from 3000-4000 yards per workout and I usually do one pulling set with paddles.  The set varies from day to day but never takes up more than 25% of the workout (yardage).  I suggest longer intervals of 200s-400s. The best paddles are the ones with holes in them.  They help you to maintain the feel of your stroke as you pull.  I would stay away from any solid or glove type products, especially being a new swimmer, you might have sholder problems.  On that note, I would be carefull starting to use paddles being a novice swimmer. I would suggest that you leave them at home for a while untill you develop good stroke mechanics.  The paddles will make you feel faster, but the most gains will come from just regular swimming and teaching your body to move through the water. Good Luck, and I hope this helps. Todd Gerlach

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writes: Thanks for the advice, it sounds like what I really need to do is improve my technique, and worry about strength later

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Brug) writes:

Thanks for the advice, it sounds pretty sound.  I think what I really need to do is concentrate on my technique first, and coaching and feedback are indispensable.  I have bought some paddles though, and I’m slowly introducing them into my workouts.  I’ll get the hang of this someday…

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I know you must be right about the value of joining a masters program, but for some dumb reason I haven’t done it yet.  This should be my first priority.  Thanks for the advice.

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