Question:

Hello We do mini-tris and by the 4th mile my hands are basically numb.  I have gel gloves.  What else can I try! Thanks, Francie

Response:

Francie, I would suggest asking around for a good sports massage therapist in your area. As a therapist myself (here in So.Cal), it still amazes me to see people who suffer through things like carpal tunnel, tennis/golf elbow, swimmer’s shoulder, etc. All of these ailments can be drastically reduced and/or eliminated through good old massage therapy. To be specific, you may want to look for someone who specializes in myofascial release (which I’m currently studying), or ART (active release therapy). While the treatments may not be the usual foo-foo calming massages you might expect, the results can be, well, quite drastic. I would make sure you inquire about massage therapy before EVER going under someone’s knife (for surgery). As far as immediate help, you may want to look at how you are riding also. You shouldn’t have a bent wrist (whether riding up on the hoods, down on the drops, or simply across the top part of the handlebar). Always try and keep your wrist straight (like when you shake someone’s hand)…this will initially put a little more stress on perhaps that pad of the palm, but will also alleviate the stress placed directly on your wrist. ~ Craig

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello We do mini-tris and by the 4th mile my hands are basically numb.  I have gel gloves.  What else can I try! Thanks, Francie

Response:

Francie I took huge doses of vitamin B complex when I had CTS, which helped, but you need to change whatever is causing it too.

Response:

Francie, you could certainly go see a physical therapist and get some temporary relief.  In addition, you should also try tracing the cause of your problem.  There might be multiple causes due for istance to the work you do or your bike fit.  I’ll brainstorm a few possibilities here, and then it’s up to you to decide which ones best fit your scenario, or come up with alternative ones. – Does your bike fit force your upper body forward, thus putting more weight then necessary on your arms ?  If that’s the case, your numbness might be due to excessive pressure on your palms.  It should however also be accompanied by soreness in the wrists and triceps.  Have your bike/body fit checked by a pro, or looked at by a more experienced triathlete/cyclist, and search the web for advice. – Do you mantain always the same hand position on the handlebar? Alternating hand position might be beneficial in that pressure would be applied to different regions of the hand, and various arm muscles would be used in rotation.  Also, the use of aerobars, when approriate to the road incline, takes your upper body weight completely off your hands and triceps.  Check "Long distance cycling": it’s a small paperback, I don’t recall the author, but it suggests a host of hand positions on the handlebar to prevent your sort of problem.  The author is/was a multi-day, coast-to-coast ciclist. – Is the origin of your injury work-related?  If you spend long hours typing on a keyboard, and then tightly grip the handlebar, the numbness is not really a bike problem.  It’s more like a flag going up for a work-related injury.  This scenario might be supported by the fact that the pain starts early on the ride. Unless you have been stringing together long bike sessions lately, I can’t see your injury originating from bike use.   good luck Roberto

Response:

Hello! Thanks for the input.  We are looking at lots of things.  I don’t believe the bike caused the original trouble but it adds to it! I do need to do something with my handle bars…$$$  :( Will let you know how I fare! francie

Response:

Question:

 I am a nationally competitive cyclist, and someone mentioned a triathlon to me today. It consists of a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run. My question is: I have only 13 days to prepare, so is that enough? I know the bike will be absolutely no problem, and I figure I can handle the run too. I can swim ok, though it has been a while. I think I would probably rent a wetsuit, which would give me the added buoyancy. My goal is simply to finish and see how well I can do. Should I do this triathlon, or should I train more and do one at a later date? I have to postmark my entry by tomorrow if I am going to do it, so I have to decide now. Thanks! Before you buy.

Response:

My guess is that you will be fine, but not fast. Who knows, maybe you’ll win. Most people don’t really "train" for their first race, it just happens to come along and they sign up for it. I was just barely a bicycle rider, I only had a mountain bike in fact, and I had never swam more than 1 lap in the pool before I did my first tri. I was a decent enough runner to almost always get an age group award in local road races. Nevertheless, I jumped into the water for a race (terrified) that consisted of a 1 mile swim, a 27 mile bike, and a 6.5 mile run. I was third to last exiting the water, but I was fine when I got to the bike. I melted down on the run, but eventually finished and called myself a triathlete. A few years later I became an Ironman. Be safe – try to be at least marginally sure you can do the swim, 1.5k is a long way. If you’re not used to doing the run after the bike DON’T do the bike ride as a flat out time trial – save plenty for the run. It hurts. Don’t be surprised if many of the people you smoke on the bike pass you again on the run! I’d say go for it! You’ll have a good first triathlon story to tell. Schwing – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a nationally competitive cyclist, and someone mentioned a triathlon to me today. It consists of a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run. My question is: I have only 13 days to prepare, so is that enough? I know the bike will be absolutely no problem, and I figure I can handle the run too. I can swim ok, though it has been a while. I think I would probably rent a wetsuit, which would give me the added buoyancy. My goal is simply to finish and see how well I can do. Should I do this triathlon, or should I train more and do one at a later date? I have to postmark my entry by tomorrow if I am going to do it, so I have to decide now. Thanks! Before you buy.

Response:

If you’re a cyclist a 2-2,5 hour race will be a breeze. Though you won’t set any records, especially on the run Do rent the wetsuit and try to use it a couple of times before the race. 1500m is further than you might htink and the stress of the start might throw you a little. Should I say, don’t go "too" hard on the bike, you have 10km to run? Good luck and let us know how it went. Phil

| I am a nationally competitive cyclist, and | someone mentioned a triathlon to me today. It | consists of a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km | run. My question is: I have only 13 days to | prepare, so is that enough? I know the bike will | be absolutely no problem, and I figure I can | handle the run too. I can swim ok, though it has | been a while. I think I would probably rent a | wetsuit, which would give me the added buoyancy. | My goal is simply to finish and see how well I | can do. Should I do this triathlon, or should I | train more and do one at a later date? I have to | postmark my entry by tomorrow if I am going to do | it, so I have to decide now. Thanks! | | | Before you buy.

Response:

Two tips I can think of: 1. try doing some short (3k or so) runs straight off the bike. You may find you’re a bit surprised at how it feels to run straight off the bike, and how long it takes to run through it. This might also help give you an idea of how much you’ll need to ride within your potential on the bike 2. try doing some swims with a view toworking up to about 1000m with 3-4 days to go. Stroke doesn;t really matter – just get through the distance at your own pace so that you fell ok at the end. With that sort of distance under your belt, 1500 in a race should be no problem. BUT beware haring off at the speed of the field in the race. Swim at your pace. Hope it goes well and remember to post a race report Regards Greg Banner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a nationally competitive cyclist, and someone mentioned a triathlon to me today. It consists of a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run. My question is: I have only 13 days to prepare, so is that enough? I know the bike will be absolutely no problem, and I figure I can handle the run too. I can swim ok, though it has been a while. I think I would probably rent a wetsuit, which would give me the added buoyancy. My goal is simply to finish and see how well I can do. Should I do this triathlon, or should I train more and do one at a later date? I have to postmark my entry by tomorrow if I am going to do it, so I have to decide now. Thanks! Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

I believe the ideal height and weight to be 6′3" and 230lbs. At least this week.   YMMV. Mike

Response:

I believe the ideal height and weight to be 6′3" and 230lbs. At least this week.   YMMV. Mike

How about 6′6" and 195? Seriously though, weights, muscle contents etc will vary through even a single season.  Since I made tri my second sport (I’m now rowing nearly full time), I’ve put on about 15lbs, grown an inch and a half (at 21), and am running three minutes slower over 5k. Part of this is due to the fact that I only run in races (I jest not at all), but the increased mass helps on the bike and swim (and I can still outsprint everyone else over the last 500). Message from this:  DON’T WORRY.  If you train the right way and eat sensibly (everything in sight), your body will equalise at a   certain weight which is specific for a certain time. Al — Before you buy.

Response:

Don’t worry about it. I know some really fast 5′5" guys who run blazing fast times, but I also know 6′4" guys who turn in similar overall triathlon times simply due to the swim and bike portions. Also, you’re going to be growing for another 3-5 years, in addition to adding muscle to your body through natural growth. Just don’t stress it too much, don’t go crazy in the weight room, and eat a "balanced" diet. The major thing about this sport is adapting to the training loads, and it normally will take you a few years before you can take the volume of the "elite" racers.

Response:

There must be little doubt that in any race where you have to carry your body over a distance under its own steam in the least time possible, any excess baggage would be slowing you down (read body fat)?  And there is no doubt that some of the pros are light, in metric 180cm tall and ~65kg.  Having said that it appears that body fat levels are very individual.  I agree with the advice below – train and eat (no crap) to race at your optimum, your body shape will follow. For those who know him Miles Stewart (no offence), he looks to be tad on the porky side when you see him next to some of the whippets going around, but he manages to kick their ass and has to be one of the favourites for the gold medal at the Olympics! Can’t argue with that. cheers, Jason – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Alex, Don’t get all wrapped up in weight questions. When you start training for whatever distance races you choose, your body will adjust to the workout. After a season or two you’ll have a better idea of what kind of work you need to do to improve. The other factor here is that at you age, there’s a very good chance that the height and weight you’re working with will change, possibly dramatically. Whatever you do, don’t go crazy with diets or weight gain plans. Just train the body you have for some races and fine tune from there. Tom "I got 4 inches taller in two years at about that age" Henderson I am a young triathlete. 15yo and was wondering wha kinds of weight the elite triathletes are and how tall they are. thanks alex

Before you buy.

Response:

Alex, Don’t get all wrapped up in weight questions. When you start training for whatever distance races you choose, your body will adjust to the workout. After a season or two you’ll have a better idea of what kind of work you need to do to improve. The other factor here is that at you age, there’s a very good chance that the height and weight you’re working with will change, possibly dramatically. Whatever you do, don’t go crazy with diets or weight gain plans. Just train the body you have for some races and fine tune from there. Tom "I got 4 inches taller in two years at about that age" Henderson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a young triathlete. 15yo and was wondering wha kinds of weight the elite triathletes are and how tall they are. thanks alex

Response:

Question:

As has been discussed in numerous threads in this group is the lack of coverage on TV. But why is it that ESPN does not have time to show the TDF but they can show endless hours of kids on BMX bikes jumping, flipping, and doing whatever they do.  

Because that is entertaining.  To the average joe, the acrobatics of the X-Games are fun to watch.  Watching a bunch of guys ride bicycles is boring.  :( Personally, I liked watching the X-Games too (although the rabid commercialism *was* kinda turning my stomach).  However, I’d still like to see more and better Tour coverage.  It just won’t make the bucks for ESPN, though, so we don’t get it.  :(  again. — 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:

It’s simple:  ESPN funds the X-Games, so of course it’s going to hype it and show it as much as possible. Jim Christian Houston – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As has been discussed in numerous threads in this group is the lack of coverage on TV. But why is it that ESPN does not have time to show the TDF but they can show endless hours of kids on BMX bikes jumping, flipping, and doing whatever they do. Because that is entertaining.  To the average joe, the acrobatics of the X-Games are fun to watch.  Watching a bunch of guys ride bicycles is boring.  :( Personally, I liked watching the X-Games too (although the rabid commercialism *was* kinda turning my stomach).  However, I’d still like to see more and better Tour coverage.  It just won’t make the bucks for ESPN, though, so we don’t get it.  :(  again. — 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

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

Response:

As has been discussed in numerous threads in this group is the lack of coverage on TV. But why is it that ESPN does not have time to show the TDF but they can show endless hours of kids on BMX bikes jumping, flipping, and doing whatever they do.  Is this what America will think of cycling?  I hope not Ted

Response:

 Since I have little time to watch tv I’ve been pretty happy with ESPN’s coverage.   Daily stage updates keep me informed but don’t take too much time.  Everyone make sure to tell ESPN how much we like the TDF and maybe we’ll get more in the future. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As has been discussed in numerous threads in this group is the lack of coverage on TV. But why is it that ESPN does not have time to show the TDF but they can show endless hours of kids on BMX bikes jumping, flipping, and doing whatever they do.  Is this what America will think of cycling?  I hope not Ted

Response:

It’s simple:  ESPN funds the X-Games, so of course it’s going to hype it and show it as much as possible. Jim Christian Houston

 Funds the X-games?  ESPN OWNS the X-Games.  They are a completely contrived, made for TV marketing..errr…sporting event! Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Right On!!! I myself am sick and tired of all this X-Games crap. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s simple:  ESPN funds the X-Games, so of course it’s going to hype it and show it as much as possible. Jim Christian Houston As has been discussed in numerous threads in this group is the lack of coverage on TV. But why is it that ESPN does not have time to show the TDF but they can show endless hours of kids on BMX bikes jumping, flipping, and doing whatever they do. Because that is entertaining.  To the average joe, the acrobatics of the X-Games are fun to watch.  Watching a bunch of guys ride bicycles is boring.  :( Personally, I liked watching the X-Games too (although the rabid commercialism *was* kinda turning my stomach).  However, I’d still like to see more and better Tour coverage.  It just won’t make the bucks for ESPN, though, so we don’t get it.  :(  again. — 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 Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

| | As has been discussed in numerous threads in this group is the lack of | coverage on TV. | | But why is it that ESPN does not have time to show the TDF but they can | show endless hours of kids on BMX bikes jumping, flipping, and doing | whatever they do.   | | Because that is entertaining. … And also because there might be a few hundred/thousand people out there who will watch the TDF and go out and spend some money on bikes, etc. But there are about a hundred million kids (of all ages!) who will watch generation BMX-ers, and go out and buy bikes, duds, etc etc etc. Money talks, TdF walks.                                 rich "in name only" mackenzie

Response:

Question:

Hello,         I’m seeking coaching help and or a training program to take me from  here to sprint tris starting in march to hopefully competeing in a 1/2 ironman  in mid september.  i dont have access to the web, so please dont respond  with look at this site. I "spoke’ briefly with Paul Huddle a few months back  ??  Any help and or tips would be great!!!!

Response:

J, Professional Triathlete Lauren Alexander has been doing individualized training programs via fax and email for the last 2 years.  It is not a cookie cutter type program (mass Produced). She optimizes your available time to train with quality workouts written specifically for you and formatted weekly.  She really gets involved and encourages regular communication via telephone to make constant changes when needed.  Her email is: 408-323-8228. She is real easy to talk to and is sincerely concerned with your progress.  She has a limit on the no. of people she will train at any given pt., so she can give quality thought and time to your specific needs.

Response:

Question:

Hi. I’m wondering if anyone could give me an answer to this problem. I’ve been a recreational triathlete for over ten years mostly having a good time. I’ve attempted Ironman Canada twice wth the same result, that is getting very sick to my stomach during the run. Both times I’ve found it impossible to continue the race. Both races  I ended up in the medical tent hooked up to IVs until midnight, not a pleasant  experience! I’ve talked to Doctors other athletes and really haven’t come to any answers. On my second attempt I was very careful with food and water intake and during my time spent in the medical tent they tested me for de-hydration and potassium levels and said that I was fine as far as that went. Other than my stomach I felt fine both times and recovered  well the next day. I haven’t raced since as I found it very discouraging. I have had the same problem during shorter races but not to the same extent. Thank you in advance for any input.

Response:

I have heard of running induced diarrhea and it has been documented in several medical periodicals (sorry, I don’t have references at hand).  You might want to get checked and see if you are harboring some viral infection in your gut (stomach, small intestine, large intestine) that is aggravated by the combination of eating, drinking and running.  This problem is not unheard of so you should be able to get some help. Mick O. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi. I’m wondering if anyone could give me an answer to this problem. I’ve been a recreational triathlete for over ten years mostly having a good time. I’ve attempted Ironman Canada twice wth the same result, that is getting very sick to my stomach during the run. Both times I’ve found it impossible to continue the race. Both races  I ended up in the medical tent hooked up to IVs until midnight, not a pleasant  experience! I’ve talked to Doctors other athletes and really haven’t come to any answers. On my second attempt I was very careful with food and water intake and during my time spent in the medical tent they tested me for de-hydration and potassium levels and said that I was fine as far as that went. Other than my stomach I felt fine both times and recovered  well the next day. I haven’t raced since as I found it very discouraging. I have had the same problem during shorter races but not to the same extent. Thank you in advance for any input.

Response:

I had similar problems in my first IM(C).  And I am *very* grateful for the many porta-potties along Main Street and Skaha Lake Road, because I hit every one of them for the first 14 miles in 1993. I believe my problem was that I was so concerned about having enough food to last through the marathon that I *overate* on the bike.  I felt fine on the bike, but after the first mile running, my stomach just revolted. The next time, I:  -talked to a lot of veterans about nutritional needs,  -worked up a ’schedule’ for taking in food, (primarily so that I didn’t need to load up at the end of the bike. (Thanks to Rolf for some of the technical calculations.)  -Increased use of GU (gel nutritional source) and decreased solid foods and fruits. Subsequent IM’s have been without problem. (Well, at least stomach problems:-)) Good luck. Augie Calabrese IMC 93   12:28 First IM IMC 95   11:59 Fastest IM       IMC 97   13:04 Most fun IM IMH 98   XX:XX Finish before sundown, and make it to the deck of Kona Amigos for                a beer, intravenously if necessary. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi. I’m wondering if anyone could give me an answer to this problem. I’ve been a recreational triathlete for over ten years mostly having a good time. I’ve attempted Ironman Canada twice wth the same result, that is getting very sick to my stomach during the run. Both times I’ve found it impossible to continue the race. Both races  I ended up in the medical tent hooked up to IVs until midnight, not a pleasant  experience! I’ve talked to Doctors other athletes and really haven’t come to any answers. On my second attempt I was very careful with food and water intake and during my time spent in the medical tent they tested me for de-hydration and potassium levels and said that I was fine as far as that went. Other than my stomach I felt fine both times and recovered  well the next day. I haven’t raced since as I found it very discouraging. I have had the same problem during shorter races but not to the same extent. Thank you in advance for any input.

Response:

Question:

All you triathletes out there and runners!  Do you want to be cool for this season and well hydrated? Of course you do!

        No, the ideal triathlete wants to crawl across the line for dramatic finish line photos. Dehydration helps. You can purchase The Amazing Race Number Belt for the great price of US $12.00.

        Which works out to $456.89 Canadian. Sorry, I can’t buy the Amazing Race Number Belt until the Canadian dollar goes up a little more.  This fabulous belt will solve all your race number problems like… Where do I wear my race number?

        On my shirt. Where do I find those safety pins before my race?

        In the little box at registration. What about the rust that the pins leave on my expensive tri outfits and singlets!

        Stainless-steel pins will not rust over the course of the race… maybe an ultra-man, in a coastal climate… nahhh..  It has a side release buckle at the back (like you may see on a  rucksack),

        Will it double for a helmet buckle? You know, just in case. and is fully adjustable (One size will fit all).

        How about +300 lbs. ex-football players? barrelock toggles which completely remove safety pins from the athlete!

        It usually takes a doctor to remove safety pins from the athlete. Especially if you have ingested them. Ingenious huh!

        Fascinating. My product is the most widely sold in Australia and I have just supplied IRONMAN AUSTRALIA with my product.  

        How does IRONMAN AUSTRALIA wear your product? Over the IRON, or does it hang your product over the AUSTRALIA? The Amazing Water Bottle Belt is another success story for this range of indispensable triathlon accessories.

        Indispensable! I’m sold!!! I’m selling my bike because it isn’t indispensable… important yes, indispensable no. reach again and you have no excuse for dehydration!

        Does the Amazing Water Bottle Belt prevent vomitting and diarreha? Those two are my favorite excuses for dehydration. carb. bars, keys, etc and will revolutionize your training runs.

        Revolutionize? To revolutionize my training runs I would need a magic carpet or roller-blades. But I admit, The Amazing Water Bottle Belt might slightly change my runs. I’m still sceptical… David Barclay IMC 1997: 11:55:59 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

Response:

All you triathletes out there and runners!  Do you want to be cool for this season and well hydrated? Of course you do! You can purchase The Amazing Race Number Belt for the great price of US $12.00.  This fabulous belt will solve all your race number problems like… Where do I wear my race number? Where do I find those safety pins before my race? What about the rust that the pins leave on my expensive tri outfits and singlets! This belt is made from high quality elastic and comes in black, bright green, white and cobalt blue (similar to the Reebok blue).  It has a side release buckle at the back (like you may see on a rucksack), and is fully adjustable (One size will fit all).  The race number is held on by tiny barrelock toggles which completely remove safety pins from the athlete! Ingenious huh!   My product is the most widely sold in Australia and I have just supplied IRONMAN AUSTRALIA with my product.   The Amazing Water Bottle Belt is another success story for this range of indispensable triathlon accessories.  Made from soft neoprene, this bottle holder hugs the small of your back and will not bounce as you are running, climbing or whatever sport that you require hydration.   Again, fully adjustable and comes in black only.  Your water bottle will never be out of reach again and you have no excuse for dehydration!  The Amazing Water Bottle Belt comes with fuel pouches either side of the bottle holder for carb. bars, keys, etc and will revolutionize your training runs. Available now for US$21.50. Compkit race accessories 202 Fellows Road POINT LONSDALE.  VICTORIA.  AUSTRALIA.  3225 FAX/TEL 0011 61 3 5258 4841 Send International money order for US$12.00 for The Amazing Race number Belt or US$21.50 plus $5.00 P/H.  Make payable to COMPKIT.  Allow 21 days for delivery. Delivered by Air Mail Express!

Response:

Question:

Mark, thanks for your post. this is the sort of information which is sadly missing from the ITU site (it does need a FAQ). Even if we disagree with you, or the ITU, at least we have the chance to debate the point. But I’m a bit confused about the role of regional reps in the ITU. You say the regional federations have no offfical standing. This would make it sound like the reginal reps have no offical standing as well. But these reginal reps are part of the ITU council, which is "integral to coming to consensus on important matters affecting the ITU". So the reginal reps are pretty important really, aren’t they?? Also the wording "coming to consensus" sounds strongly like political speach for a dictatorship as I note their is no voting at these meetings. How do they come to consensus then? What is the basic structure of ITU? ITU consists of the Congress, the Executive Board, the Council and the Committees. There are also a few Regional Federations, which are loose alliances of NFs in a particular region within ITU. However, these Regional Federations have no official standing with ITU. The members of ITU are its NFs. How does the ITU function between Congresses?  According to the ITU Constitution, the elected Executive Board (also known as E-Board) is charged with the responsibility of handling ongoing business between Congresses. The E-Board consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and seven other Board members,

my current list of board members is: Phil Briars (NZL) Brian Hinton (AUS) Lise Jahnsen (DEN) Chiharu Igaya, IOC (JPN) Didier Lehenaff (FRA) Kevin Nel (RSA) Can you correct this please. In addition to the Executive Board meetings, there are also occasionally special meetings of the ITU "Council" an unofficial Board meeting which includes the E-Board, all Committee members and all Regional Representatives. Council meetings generally do not involve voting, but are integral to coming to consensus on important matters affecting ITU. What are the Regions and how are they represented on the E-Board? The seven Regions of ITU are North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. All but one are currently represented on the E-Board: 3 from Europe, 2 from North America, one from South America, one from Africa, one from Asia and three from Oceania.

Can you correct my the list of regional reps? Ramy Ramachandran (Asia) Andrew McBarnet (Europe) Scott Zagarino (North America) Jorge Mejia (South America) Guillermo Saenz (Carib) Bill Walker (Oceania) Cyril Cure (Africa) Does ITU plan to make every race a "drafting-allowed race?"

Mark, lets ask the opposite question. Does the ITU ever plan to have an ITU race draft free ??? Do you think the Australian Grand Prix series shows that the argument against drafting depends on the distance and style of race (ie one made for TV/spectators and not the olympics, world championships) and is against drafting per-say? Could you post the ITU constituion on to rst? I asked someone with access to the minutes of the Cancun meeting to post those, and they said their may be a legal problem. Do you know why this may be? Mark, thanks for any answers. Richard – now recovered from my 1st 1/2 IM

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Welcome to the forum…Zag has been the lonely pro-ITU voice, and it’s good to see some more folks who’ve been lurking in the shadows are daring to come out into the sunshine.  Hope it’s not too harsh. As for your FAQ, my first follow-up question: Does ITU plan to make every race a "drafting-allowed race?" The ITU has never intended for any events to have drafting-allowed other than those it for which it has responsibility (ITU World Cup Series, some World Championships, Regional Games, and the Olympic Games). Age-groupers will probably never be allowed to draft in ITU events. ITU will not force any NFs to require drafting-allowed in any other events sanctioned by that NF. Promoters or federations that choose to offer drafting-allowed events may do so (or not) as they please, with no repercussions from their IF.

If age groupers are not allowed to draft, can you explain the complete absense of even one drafting penalty in Cancun?  Can we expect the same "turning of the heads" in Cleveland?  If so, why carry out the charade? More to come, I’m sure.  And again, welcome. -Mike Llerandi

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…snippage….   T

 Age-groupers will probably never be allowed to draft in ITU events. ITU will not force  any NFs to require drafting-allowed in any other events sanctioned by that  NF. Promoters or federations that choose to offer drafting-allowed events  may do so (or not) as they please, with no repercussions from their IF.

Yeah Mark, Right.. Since your comments on how itu congress works bear little resemblance to what we heard actually happened in Cancun, why should your comments on drafting be taken as truth? Are you still the USA Tri rep to itu, or have you been recalled? |       Ray Plotecia            | |       Image Control           |

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Richard, I’m glad to answer your questions. I have been unable to access r.s.t the past few nights, so if you wish, you can post this: But I’m a bit confused about the role of regional reps in the ITU. You say the regional federations have no offfical standing. This would make it sound like the reginal reps have no offical standing as well. But these reginal reps are part of the ITU council, which is "integral to coming to consensus on important matters affecting the ITU". So the reginal reps are pretty important really, aren’t they??

The Regional reps ARE important, since they are the "lobbiests" for the positions of the regions. Regional Reps are the ones who report to the E-Board on all activities taking place in the regions and, as a result of their inclusion in the council meetings, are able to represent regional positions (as well as NF-specific positions) to the E-Board when the E-Board meets between Congresses. They have a great deal of impact and influence on issues before the council. Many of the Resoluitons to Congress are impacted by the Regional Reps.  However, according to the ITU Constitution, only the NFs may vote on the Resolutions at Congress. That is what I meant when I said that Regions had no "standing" per se. Also the wording "coming to consensus" sounds strongly like political speach for a dictatorship as I note their is no voting at these meetings. How do they come to consensus then?

There is occasionally some voting at council meetings, but only by E-Board members and usually only when it is apparent that "Executive" action should be taken. Otherwise, it is most common that the council, after discussing an issue, gets a basic agreement in the form of consensus ( OK, you could say after an informal vote by nodding of heads) and then, as is typical in committee meetings under Robert’s Rules "if there are no objections, we agree to take the following action…" Unless someone vehemently opposes an action, we move on having reached consensus. If there is opposition, we stop and discuss further. Once in a while, as a result of this, we change direction. As a means of conducting the business of ITU, it is actually a very fair, representative and democratic way. As a side note we recently decided to include the council at every meeting of the ITU E-Board from now on. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the basic structure of ITU? ITU consists of the Congress, the Executive Board, the Council and the Committees. There are also a few Regional Federations, which are loose alliances of NFs in a particular region within ITU. However, these Regional Federations have no official standing with ITU. The members of ITU are its NFs. How does the ITU function between Congresses?  According to the ITU Constitution, the elected Executive Board (also known as E-Board) is charged with the responsibility of handling ongoing business between Congresses. The E-Board consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and seven other Board members, my current list of board members is: Phil Briars (NZL) Brian Hinton (AUS) Lise Jahnsen (DEN) Chiharu Igaya, IOC (JPN) Didier Lehenaff (FRA) Kevin Nel (RSA) Can you correct this please.

Add Table officers: Les McDonald, President (CAN) Sarah Springman, V.P. (GBR) Phil Coles, Sect. (AUS) Mark Sisson, Treas. (USA) and we recently added Joao Calazans (BRA) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In addition to the Executive Board meetings, there are also occasionally special meetings of the ITU "Council" an unofficial Board meeting which includes the E-Board, all Committee members and all Regional Representatives. Council meetings generally do not involve voting, but are integral to coming to consensus on important matters affecting ITU. What are the Regions and how are they represented on the E-Board? The seven Regions of ITU are North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. All but one are currently represented on the E-Board: 3 from Europe, 2 from North America, one from South America, one from Africa, one from Asia and three from Oceania. Can you correct my the list of regional reps? Ramy Ramachandran (Asia) Andrew McBarnet (Europe) Scott Zagarino (North America) Jorge Mejia (South America) Guillermo Saenz (Carib) Bill Walker (Oceania) Cyril Cure (Africa)

Your list is accurate. Does ITU plan to make every race a "drafting-allowed race?" Mark, lets ask the opposite question. Does the ITU ever plan to have an ITU race draft free ??? Do you think the Australian Grand Prix series shows that the argument against drafting depends on the distance and style of race (ie one made for TV/spectators and not the olympics, world championships) and is against drafting per-say?

ITU does have a draft-free event in its Long Distance World Championships. Duathlon will likely remain drfat-free for the near future at least. I honestly don’t see us doing any drafting-allowed World Cup or TWC events, however. What I do see as our primary mission is to select more challenging courses where drfating won’t be quite the determining factor it is on flat, fast courses. I’m sorry, I don’t understand the question regarding the Australian GP. I do think that the shorter the distances, the more obvious that you can’t practically or fairly control drafting; similarly, the more talented the field the more impractical to expect spectators or viewers to understand why athletes are being DQed or penalized for riding too close, when they just swam on each others heels. Could you post the ITU constituion on to rst?

It would probably be most appropriate to post it permanently on the ITU Web site. I have been intending to look into that and will speed up that process now. I asked someone with access to the minutes of the Cancun meeting to post those, and they said their may be a legal problem. Do you know why this may be?

I suppose we could do that too, although I’m not too sure who’d be interested. I can certainly look into it. Mark, thanks for any answer

Any time.

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What is an International Federation?  Outside of the few big privatized sports organizations in the USA like Major League Baseball, National Football League, World Wrestling Federation etc., most major international sports are guided by their International Sports Federations (also called IFs ) which are almost universally recognized as the "world governing bodies" for those sports. This recognition comes about through an association with the Olympic Games and with the "Olympic Movement", which encompasses other multinational games such as Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games, Goodwill Games, and University Games. Few can dispute the fact that the Olympic Movement generally produces the ultimate in world-wide world-class competition for virtually every sport it encompasses. Most governments around the world acknowledge the Olympic Movement as the pinnacle in sports excellence, and most countries underwrite the active pursuit of Olympic Gold Medals through their National Olympic Committees or National Sports Foundations. On the other hand, few if any, governmental agencies underwrite any other sporting activities except those related to the Olympic Movement. Who oversees the Olympic Movement?  The Olympic Movement, now entering its 100th year, is guided by the International Olympic Committee (also known as the I.O.C.).The I.O.C. is comprised of three "pillars": The first pillar consists of the I.O.C. Members. These are individuals with international sports recognition, extraordinary business acumen or other exemplary qualifications who are selected and voted into office by the incumbent members. As I.O.C. Members, they are the I.O.C.’s representatives in their respective countries, not delegates of their countries within the I.O.C.. With a few exceptions, such as countries which have held an Olympiad, there is a limit of one I.O.C. Member per country. By virtue of the fact that we have held Olympic Games in the USA, we are allowed two I.O.C. Members. It is the I.O.C. Members who make most of the decisions regarding the Olympic Movement, including selection of Olympic host cities, changes in general nationality/eligibility rules, changes to the I.O.C. Charter and general rules involving Doping Control. The second pillar of the I.O.C. consists of the International Federations (IFs). These IFs were formerly called "world governing bodies" because the were recognized as the collective group of all national bodies of a particular sport who got together and, by delegation, governed all aspects of that sport. In order for the I.O.C. to recognize an International Federation, the federation must have demonstrated that it is recognized by its many member National Federations (NFs) as the true International Federation of that sport. In recent years qualifications for I.O.C. recognition have become more stringent and include demonstrating to the I.O.C. that at least 75 NFs belong to the IF and have both men and women athletes who actively participate in the sport. The I.O.C.’s Olympic Charter grants IFs the responsibility for establishing and enforcing all rules concerning the practice of the sport, including specific Doping Control Rules (under I.O.C. guidelines); for ensuring that sport’s development throughout the world; for establishing criteria of eligibility to the Olympic Games and related competitions; and for assuming responsibility for technical control and direction of their sports at the Olympic Games and related competitions. In recent times, we have seen eligibility criteria grow to include certain sports "professionals" who as recently as ten years ago were unwelcome at Olympic Games. In fact, the word "amateur" has been entirely removed from the Olympic Charter. The I.O.C. has now left all matters of eligibility up to the individual IFs. As a result we see many IFs allowing members of professional sports teams – even from "leagues" not related to the IF or NF – to "try out" for the Olympic Teams. The fact that hundreds of athletes earning several million dollars a year would be interested in competing just for the "glory" is testimony to the power of the Olympic Movement. Virtually all IFs reserve the right to name or sanction their sport’s World Championships. Many also own, control or license their own Grand Prix, World Circuit or World Cup Series as a means of promoting the sport between Olympiads. In addition, IFs are responsible for overseeing all aspects of Regional Games (e.g. Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games), World University Games, Goodwill Games, etc., most of which overseeing is done with the approval and blessing of the I.O.C. The third pillar of the I.O.C. consists of the National Olympic Committees (NOCs). The NOCs guide and assist all NFs in a particular country in their pursuit of participation in the Olympic Movement. NOCs have authority to name a "bid city" for that country, to help the IFs and NFs fight against doping abuse within that country, to help in the training of sports administrators and to generally see to it that athletes’ rights are protected with respect to Olympic participation. Most NOCs help in the funding of their NFs as the NFs look to Olympic participation. Occasionally this poses problems when an NOC and an NF fight over sponsorship rights at the Olympic Games. NOCs do not become involved in the rules or administration of any particular sports. This is left to the IFs and NFs. Does an NF have any standing within the I.O.C.?  Not really. The I.O.C. deals only with IFs and NOCs. Within the Olympic Movement, the I.O.C. delegates all matters relating to the technical and qualifying aspects of a sport to its recognized IF. Similarly, the I.O.C. lets the NOCs handle the logistics of assembling and sending national teams to the Olympic Games. Since both the IF and the NOC deal directly with the NFs, there is ample opportunity for a valid NF concern to be heard and dealt with by either the IF or the NOC. What does the Olympic Movement mean to an average athlete who might never have a chance at making a team?  The Olympic Movement is much larger than just those athletes who compete in the Olympics or even those who try out for a team. All the members of the NFs, by virtue of their membership in an NF that is recognized both by the NOC and by the IF, belong to the Olympic Movement. By extension, any person or organization belonging in any capacity to the Olympic movement is bound by the provisions of the Olympic Charter. How does the ITU fit into all this?  The ITU or International Triathlon Union is the International Federation for the Sport of Triathlon (and Duathlon). Like all IFs, ITU is a not-for-profit sports entity recognized by the I.O.C., in this case as the IF for Triathlon. ITU is comprised of all of the 120 National Federations (USATriathlon, FFTri, DTU, TriNZ, etc. ) around the world that participate in Triathlon. ITU operates under a Constitution which was first written by the founding National Federations (NFs) in Avignon, France in 1989. Those founding members, of which TriFed/USA was one, had decided that participation in, and a commitment to, the Olympic Movement was a primary goal to ensure triathlon’s survival into the next century. In fact, the very first objective stated in the Constitution, section 1, paragraph 1.1 a, is "to support the aims, ideals and principles of the Olympic Movement…" That Constitution was approved unanimously by the 45 countries in attendance at the "Founding Congress" in August 1989. As of 1995 Triathlon has been granted provisional program status as a full medal sport for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. What is the basic structure of ITU?  ITU consists of the Congress, the Executive Board, the Council and the Committees. There are also a few Regional Federations, which are loose alliances of NFs in a particular region within ITU. However, these Regional Federations have no official standing with ITU. The members of ITU are its NFs. How does Congress work?  Important issues such as Constitutional changes, basic triathlon policy, technical rules and the election of officers are decided at the annual meeting of Congress, which is usually held during the week preceding the Triathlon World Championships. ITU Congress is conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order, with the President serving as Chairman. An agenda is distributed 45 days prior to congress. Delegates of each NF vote on resolutions or elect officers at Congress on the basis of one vote per NF. Elections of officers, including the Executive Board and all Committees, are held every four years during the Olympic year, except in the case of candidates running to fill posts vacant due to resignation. Those and the election of an Audit Committee take place every year at Congress. How does the ITU function between Congresses?  According to the ITU Constitution, the elected Executive Board (also known as E-Board) is charged with the responsibility of handling ongoing business between Congresses. The E-Board consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and seven other Board members, all of whom are unpaid volunteers. Day-to-day operations are guided by the President, a small paid office staff and the other board members who consult with each other via telephone and FAX. The E-Board meets officially at least twice a year, for two to three days at a time, to discuss ongoing business and triathlon issues, to analyze reports of Committees and to prepare resolutions for Congress. In addition to the Executive Board meetings, there are also occasionally special meetings of the ITU "Council" an unofficial Board meeting which includes the E-Board, all Committee members and all Regional Representatives. Council meetings generally do not involve voting, but are integral to coming to consensus on important matters affecting ITU. What are the Regions and how are they represented on the E-Board?  The

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Question:

they have a 90 day price guarantee Bruce Platt

Response:

   I am interested in buying a Polar heart rate monitor and would like to know where I can get the best price.  I remember seeing some ads in Triathlon Today magazine awhile ago from a place that had extremely good prices.  Unfortunately I don’t have the issue anymore.  Thanks.    Andy Ross

I have one Accurex II Night Vision for $190 plus $3 for ship. Allyn Cutts "Be the best you can be every minute of your life"

Response:

It seems as though Polar is one of those companies whose prices do not differ that much from store to store unless they are factory refurbished. I would recommend sticking with your LBS which will make warranty issues much easier to deal with. —     Ryun Pavlicek                                 Dept of Sociology     University of Virginia                      

Response:

i’ve seen some pretty good deals at steve’s multisport.  they even have a web page so you can check out the prices and shop around.  hope this helps. http://www.netaxes.com/~steves/

Should be: http://www.netaxs.com/~steves/                           ^^ no ‘e’ — Sylvan Smyth Victoria, B.C. Canada

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:   I am interested in buying a Polar heart rate monitor and would like : to : know where I can get the best price.  I remember seeing some ads in : Triathlon Today magazine awhile ago from a place that had extremely : good : prices.  Unfortunately I don’t have the issue anymore.  Thanks. : :   Andy Ross : i’ve seen some pretty good deals at steve’s multisport.  they even have : a web page so you can check out the prices and shop around.  hope this : helps. : http://www.netaxes.com/~steves/ I couldn’t get the page at this address, but I found it at: http://www.source.net/steves/index.html : joel falk : Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.   USA —

Response:

  I am interested in buying a Polar heart rate monitor and would like to know where I can get the best price.  I remember seeing some ads in Triathlon Today magazine awhile ago from a place that had extremely good prices.  Unfortunately I don’t have the issue anymore.  Thanks.   Andy Ross

i’ve seen some pretty good deals at steve’s multisport.  they even have a web page so you can check out the prices and shop around.  hope this helps. http://www.netaxes.com/~steves/ joel falk Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.   USA

Response:

   I am interested in buying a Polar heart rate monitor and would like to know where I can get the best price.  I remember seeing some ads in Triathlon Today magazine awhile ago from a place that had extremely good prices.  Unfortunately I don’t have the issue anymore.  Thanks.    Andy Ross

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Question:

I was just reviewing a schedule of upcoming bi’s and tri’s and I came across the ‘Double Iron Triathlon’ – scheduled for 9/5 in Huntsville, AL.   Distances are 2x an Ironman:  4.8 mi swim, 224 mi bike and 52.4 mi run……  Yikes!   Assuming this is not the first event of this type, has anyone ever participated in one of these?  Did it take 2 days or 3?? How would you even train for something like this?   For someone who is just working on his first bi, these distances seem incredible!!!   I don’t think I’d be able to move for months after something like that. Observations? —

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I was just reviewing a schedule of upcoming bi’s and tri’s and I came across the ‘Double Iron Triathlon’ – scheduled for 9/5 in Huntsville, AL.   Distances are 2x an Ironman:  4.8 mi swim, 224 mi bike and 52.4 mi run……  Yikes!   Assuming this is not the first event of this type, has anyone ever participated in one of these?  Did it take 2 days or 3?? How would you even train for something like this?   For someone who is just working on his first bi, these distances seem incredible!!!   I don’t think I’d be able to move for months after something like that. Observations?

There are quite a few Triple Ironmen in Europe. There are usually 15-20 participants, and a support crew is required. The men take about 30h, the women 35-40h ( I don’t remember exactly). I heard a lecture by the womens world record holder, and she said she just trained about 20h every week. I think thats very little for a pro. In Mexico ( Monterrey ) there is a 10 times Ironman. They want to break the 200h barrier . Greetings Jamil — or                                       |,===/o__   -_|__     <

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I was just reviewing a schedule of upcoming bi’s and tri’s and I came across the ‘Double Iron Triathlon’ – scheduled for 9/5 in Huntsville, AL.   Distances are 2x an Ironman:  4.8 mi swim, 224 mi bike and 52.4 mi run……  Yikes!  

        Here’s a dumb question: are you sure it’s all done in *one*         day? The reason I ask is that I am familiar with the Minnesota         Border-to-Border Triathlon which is 415m bike, 50m run, 50m canoe         over *4* days. And by teams of two…JUST asking!         Have a GREAT one!         John — Dartmouth College                       603-646-2368 Hanover NH 03755                        603-646-3856 (fax)      

Response:

I was just reviewing a schedule of upcoming bi’s and tri’s and I came across the ‘Double Iron Triathlon’ – scheduled for 9/5 in Huntsville, AL.   Distances are 2x an Ironman:  4.8 mi swim, 224 mi bike and 52.4 mi run……  Yikes!      Here’s a dumb question: are you sure it’s all done in *one*    day? The reason I ask is that I am familiar with the Minnesota    Border-to-Border Triathlon which is 415m bike, 50m run, 50m canoe    over *4* days. And by teams of two…JUST asking!

Even the 10xIronman ( 38km swim, 1800km bike, 422km run ) is in one go!! — or                                       |,===/o__   -_|__     <

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