Question:

 I would be interested in running a 10 K race this summer. I am a competitive road cyclist and swimmer already, and I think that if I could run a decent 10 K I would be very competitive in triathlons. I’ve always wanted to do a triathlon, but running has always been a weakness for me.

Weakness? meaning you don’t like it or not as good at it as your swimming and cycling? Mike Tennant could help you with this. You got to turn this weakness into a strength.! Laurie

Response:

This is an extra credit assignment for Dr.Olsens BIS 3330 class. I would be interested in running a 10 K race this summer. I am a competitive road cyclist and swimmer already,  and I think that if I could run a decent 10 K I would be very competitive in triathlons. I’ve always wanted to do a triathlon, but running has always been a weakness for me.

Response:

Question:

You do not understand the liberal mind:  If one person is misusing something, it needs to be banned for everyone.  Liberals love to run other people’s lives.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some background here. This is in response to numerous incidents here in Chicago involving bicycle messengers, who have grown increasingly careless, obnoxious, and occasionally murderous, toward pedestrians and drivers in the downtown area. In spite of numerous promises to police themselves, and curb dangerous behavior, they have actually gotten worse. Many incidents involve serious injury to pedestrians, fatal accidents, and the recent murder of a pedestrian. We aren’t talking about the average recreational rider. This is way off topic but the iea of banning cyclists makes my blood boil so bad I can’t resist responding. In San Francisco we have major problems with law-breaking, insane bike messengers too, but I can’t imagine why bicycle commuters should have to pay the price. Why not just enforce the traffic laws and cite the bicyclists with violations when necessary. Or, if someone just has to be banned, ban the lousy messengers, not other cyclists. While messengers are a nuisance and a danger here, the traffic conjestion is paranormal, and constitutes a WAY bigger problem, so bicycling should be strongly encouraged, not discouraged or banned in any city. Jessica

Response:

I suspect that the layout and proximity of work to residence in Chicago severely limits bike commuting in Chicago. It’s flat tanatamount to suicide.

My Brother-in-Law has comuted by bike from Brookfield to downtown (near Washigton & State) for years.  His only real problem has been many, many flat tires due to glass, etc. Jim

Response:

You do not understand the liberal mind:  If one person is misusing something, it needs to be banned for everyone.  Liberals love to run other people’s lives.

Sorry, this has nothing to do with running, but anyway. From Merriam-Webster Online (http://www.m-w.com/): Main Entry: 1lib

Question:

I just wanted to share with you my experiences training. I recent decided to practice and train for a triathlon.  I must admit is is not easy at all.  First the burning of muscles, the pain and thoughts telling me to stop.  Then the pain and mind SCREAMING for me to stop.

I think you need to lower the intensity in most of your sessions.  It does not have to hurt in order to provide you with training benifit.  "no pain, no gain" is not valid in aerobic conditioning.  Read up on training intensity. Good luck and ENJOY!!! Chuck

Response:

Over time your spouse will begin to understand why you are doing this and the "SCREAMING" will end. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just wanted to share with you my experiences training. I recent decided to practice and train for a triathlon.  I must admit is is not easy at all.  First the burning of muscles, the pain and thoughts telling me to stop.  Then the pain and mind SCREAMING for me to stop.  I find using headsets or a walkman helps.  I have been also reading a book called TRIATHLON, A TRIPLE FITNESS SPORT.  It has helped. My hat goes off to all of you that also love the sport. Gregory "I was raised in the days when the prevailing maxim was: ‘It is better that a thousand guilty people go free than that one innocent person suffer unjustly’" – Thurgood Marshall’s The Sword and The Robe Speech

Response:

Yea, and besides that, the kids that do triathlons are really GOOD LOOKING!!!! D.  oops–     John  "IMHO"  Doe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just wanted to share with you my experiences training. I recent decided to practice and train for a triathlon.  I must admit is is not easy at all.  First the burning of muscles, the pain and thoughts telling me to stop.  Then the pain and mind SCREAMING for me to stop.  I find using headsets or a walkman helps.  I have been also reading a book called TRIATHLON, A TRIPLE FITNESS SPORT.  It has helped. My hat goes off to all of you that also love the sport. Gregory

Response:

I just wanted to share with you my experiences training. I recent decided to practice and train for a triathlon.  I must admit is is not easy at all.  First the burning of muscles, the pain and thoughts telling me to stop.  Then the pain and mind SCREAMING for me to stop.  I find using headsets or a walkman helps.  I have been also reading a book called TRIATHLON, A TRIPLE FITNESS SPORT.  It has helped. My hat goes off to all of you that also love the sport. Gregory "I was raised in the days when the prevailing maxim was: ‘It is better that a thousand guilty people go free than that one innocent person suffer unjustly’" – Thurgood Marshall’s The Sword and The Robe Speech

Response:

I recent decided to practice and train for a triathlon.  I must admit is is not easy at all.  First the burning of muscles, the pain and thoughts telling me to stop.  Then the pain and mind SCREAMING for me to stop.

Wow, what an extreme response. It’s not really that bad is it? You must have been doing bricks (bike, then run immediately after as in a race). It will, by and by, become tolerable. That’s just when you need to step up to a longer, harder race.

Response:

Question:

I think the Spinergys get the edge due to Aerodynmics and maintainance.  I have ridden on mine for over 2 years and 5,000 miles without a problem and they never need truing. Gary McMurtrey Inland Inferno Triathlon Club http://members.aol.com/infernotri/home.htm

Response:

Spins are better at "calm" days, with nearly no wind. The Cos is more like a conventional wheel and better at stormy days. Know a lot of gecks who sell their front spinergy… trinic – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I want to buy an aero front wheel and I’ve narrowed it down between the Mavic Cosmic or the Spinergy Rev-X.  Does anyone have experience with both types of wheels or any articles written?  Thanks. Steve

Response:

I want to buy an aero front wheel and I’ve narrowed it down between the Mavic Cosmic or the Spinergy Rev-X.  Does anyone have experience with both types of wheels or any articles written?  Thanks.

Steve, I would strongly recommend the Cosmic, however it would be helpful to know which Cosmic you are considering. There are the aluminum Expert, Equipe and Pro and the Cosmic Carbone. Let me know, Dan Rishworth Enduro Sport – Canada’s Multi-Sport Pro Shop 1 800 448 4678 http://www.endurosport.com

Response:

I want to buy an aero front wheel and I’ve narrowed it down between the Mavic Cosmic or the Spinergy Rev-X.  Does anyone have experience with both types of wheels or any articles written?  Thanks. Steve

Response:

Question:

(PatrickM88) writes: I know that some other folks are using a product called Meabolol Endurance which i believe is also a carbo drink

The neat thing about Metabolol Endurance and a variety of other products that are generically called "weight-gainers" or "optimizers" is that they also contain some protein and, in many cases, fat or MCTs as well.  I have no triathlon experience, but know from long bike races and long training rides, that taking in a little protein and fat works well for me.  These products make that easy. JT

Response:

Hi,    I would like to get some feedback on what people use for food/drink during 1/2 ironman and ironman distance triathlons.  I’ve heard people talk about fluid only techniques, and if so, what do people use (i.e., Cytomax, PR-powder, Coke, etc).  If people use foods, what do they typically eat (i.e., powerbars, GU, bananas, pizza (just kidding))…    What would also be helpful is when do people typically eat/drink these things, at transitions, during the bike mostly?… Any help would be appreciated… warren — Warren S. Edwards                                "No one has any sympathy Dept of Electrical Engineering, Box 352500        for me except Mick" University of Washington                 Seattle, WA 98195 ph:     (206) 221-5169 URL: http://icsl.ee.washington.edu/~lucifer/warren.html

Response:

I am also interested in this topic . i am doing IME in July and plan on using the Ecaps product "Sustained Energy" ,a carbo drink, on the bike (along with Endurolyte caps for electrolyte replacement ) . I will use Hammer Gel ( in a gel flask) on the run at every other mile. No solid foods .I have tried this in training and it seems to work well . I am told that somewhere between 500-800 calories per hour is necessary on the bike and run to keep from bonking. I know that some other folks are using a product called Meabolol Endurance which i believe is also a carbo drink .   I would like to get some feedback on what people use for food/drink – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -during 1/2 ironman and ironman distance triathlons.  I’ve heard people talk about fluid only techniques, and if so, what do people use

Response:

Question:

….  I think the biggest problem I have with this sport is that participants have to  constantly worry whether or not they have the latest and greatest gadget. Also, why don’t they do away with wetsuits for the Olympics?  Speed in stripping off your clothing makes for an awkward part of an athletic event. sign me, The Less Technology the Better… after all, the Ancient Greeks competed in the nude.

yes, and they are all dead now…..    :-)

Response:

Article may be of interest.  It very briefly mentions that modern pentathlon is on the wane(sp?) as an Olympic sport.  

It’s too bad: except for the fact that women can’t compete in it (why IS that, anyway?)  I always thought the Pentathlon was one of the coolest and most interesting Olympic sports, and never understood why it didn’t get more attention!  There’s something to be said for a sport that stresses competition in different ways. BTW, does anyone think it’s possible that the Olympic Triathlon will ever require athletes to ride a generic (same model & equipment) bicycle much as Pentathletes ride a generic horse?  Why isn’t that considered? Wouldn’t that make competition more dependent on ability rather than a piece of equipment(in other words, money)?  I think the biggest problem I have with this sport is that participants have to  constantly worry whether or not they have the latest and greatest gadget. Also, why don’t they do away with wetsuits for the Olympics?  Speed in stripping off your clothing makes for an awkward part of an athletic event. sign me, The Less Technology the Better… after all, the Ancient Greeks competed in the nude.

Response:

BTW, does anyone think it’s possible that the Olympic Triathlon will ever require athletes to ride a generic (same model & equipment) bicycle much as Pentathletes ride a generic horse?  Why isn’t that considered? Wouldn’t that make competition more dependent on ability rather than a piece of equipment(in other words, money)?  I think the biggest problem I have with this sport is that participants have to  constantly worry whether or not they have the latest and greatest gadget.

I agree!!  Everyone should be required to ride the same model bike not only at the Olympics but at all Triathlons!!  The biggest problem with this sport is that it is way to elitist.  If you are an average incomed person and can

Question:

I will be in San Francisco over President’s day weekend  and am looking for a 15 mile run. I’ll be staying in the city – but will have a car, a map, and some company – so I’d consider heading to an outlying area or a really spectacular trail run. Thanks in advance. -K

Response:

Karen, Since you have transportation, you can consider many of the scenic trail runs on my tri-page.  I also have listed some runs on the weekend that are informal and pretty good, too. See the files, Scenic Trail Runs and What, News?  You might also be interested in some of the local links for things to do or see in the city, look under The Kitchen Sink. Have a great time, if you have any questions, just ask-I LOVE this place! Regards, Lee Rudin San Francisco Bay Area Triathlon Training Sites http://www.slip.net/~leeway/

Response:

There are many websites for running in the San Francisco area. East Bay Striders and Bay Area Running Pages both list running routes in the Bay Area, and can also link you to other websites with other routes. Of course, running in the Bay Area usually means hills.  If you have a car, my favorite run  is over in the East Bay, along Skyline Drive. You can park your car anywhere in Tilden Regional Park and run either north or south to your heart’s content.  Your view is often overlooking the entire Bay Area — it’s breath-takingly memorable.  It’s hilly, but not impossible.  For a flatter run in the East Bay, you may want to keep going over the hill to  San Pablo Resevoir.  I’m not sure of the mileage, but it’s a nice, flat bike route. In SF, the running is more urban — I like running up to Twin Peaks:  it’s quite a hill workout, but getting to the top gives you the best view of San Francisco:  downtown, Golden Gate, East Bay, etc.  well worth it. Enjoy America’s best city!

Response:

Question:

I have had some little injuries that I have been having some trouble getting completely cleared up and I managed to get them worse by doing a 10 miler on Sunday. My doctor has suggested a partial rest for 3 weeks consisting of not running more than 8 mpw and supplementing this with water running. So, it’s time to get acquainted with water running. I have been told than many runners have used this to good advantage to recover from injuries and yet still stay running, so to speak. The idea seems to be that you get a thing called a wet vest, which helps you to stay a float vertical with your head above the water. You wear this and go in deep water, and move your legs and arms like you would if you were running. You don’t get anywhere, and you look pretty silly, but you have to put up with that. I tried this this morning, but without the wet vest, since I haven’t managed to buy one yet. It seems to be sort of do-able without the vest, but it looks even sillier, because you constantly look like you are about to drown. I found it quite hard to get into the flow and make it feel like running. I suspect this will be somewhat better when I get the vest, but even so it seems hard to do a running motion when you are not getting anywhere. Does anyone have any tricks for this? Another problem is that there is no way to know how far you have run. The way to solve this is just to go by time, but then I want to make sure that I ran as fast as I normally do, and what does that mean? Well, I used the HR monitor and tried to maintain a similar HR to what I would on a similar run, but I couldn’t do it. I found it very difficult to get my heart rate very high in the water. I know this happens with swimming, but I thought maybe that had to do with the fact that swimming is mainly upper body, but perhaps it has more to do with weighlessness. This too might be different when I get the wet vest, because maybe it too had something to do with not really being able to get into the flow. But perhaps I should adjust my target HR a bit for being in the water. If so, are there any suggestions as to how much I should adjust it? In general, has anyone written anything about training technique for running in the water? I’m sure there are a lot of other questions I could ask about this, but I can’t immediately think of them. In general any suggestions anyone has for making this as much as possible like running would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

I have discovered there is more than one flotation device for this. As well  as the Wet Vest, there is also the Aquajogger, which is quite a bit cheaper and seems to be easier to get.  Instead of a vest it is more like a belt with a float attached. Do you think it is just as good as the Wet Vest?

Response:

Some thoughts: Mary Decker Slaney water trained for several months due to injuries and came back and I believe broke the US 3000M run. Steve Scott used water training extensively for rehabing injuries. Rick Vandertie of Movin’ Shoes who has used and taught water training for about 10 years, does a weekly class at the Mission  Beach Plunge from about 5 to 6:30 on Thursday evenings.  He has vests there that people can use to see if they like it and without having to buy a vest which I believe run about $26.  The vest/flotation device is fashioned so that it can keep you vertical and you practice your running form.    You can reach Rick at 619-446-1656.  He can give you the info you need to use your water training to develop the form you need and minimize the injuries. In health and on the run, Ozzie Gontang Maintainer-rec.running FAQ Director, San Diego Marathon Clinic,  est. 1975

Response:

feel like running. I suspect this will be somewhat better when I get the vest, but even so it seems hard to do a running motion when you are not getting anywhere. Does anyone have any tricks for this?

the key is to keep a vertical (or almost vertical) position in the water. don’t yield to the temptation to lean forward into the swimming position … the vest will help. I used the HR monitor and tried to maintain a similar HR to what I would on a similar run, but I couldn’t do it. I found it very difficult to get my heart rate very high in the water. I know this happens with swimming, but I thought maybe that had to do with the fact that swimming is mainly upper body, but perhaps it has more to do with weighlessness.  

i’ve heard that the main factors are the cooler water temperature, and also hydrostatic pressure (which makes it easier for the heart to get blood back up from your lower extremities.)   just find a hr that feels like a good effort, and then use the monitor to ensure that you maintain that effort. its easy to slack in the water, especially with the vest. but with the hrm you can keep yourself from doing that. one more thing. as i’m sure you’ve noticed, water running is boring. find an injured (or sympathetic) friend to drag along with you. it makes it a lot more fun.

Response:

Hi Shelly Walsh, Re: Running in the water? I’ve been doing some water running over the past nine years and I frenquently teach classes for groups or individuals.  My first time doing water running was similar to yourself when I became injured and a doctor suggested "no running".  Therefore a option which I only heard of was water running and yes like you I found it very dificult because of the lack of information mostly.  Following are a few things to keep in mind when water running: – Keep your head & neck up-right on your shoulders. People have a tendency to lean forward too much and this over time can do two things.   One, make it uncomfortable for breathing and two, cause lower back strain on your longer workouts. – Move your legs in a smooth & rythmic manner.  This allows you to not bob up and down while going from one end of the pool to the other. – Think of an hoofed animal pawing at the ground.  This is the motion your legs should have or feel when in the water.   – Hands at your side, just like running.  When the hand goes forward, close the hand and then when the hand is coming back to your side open the hand to cup the water with the fingers and pull the water. (this helps that speed thing, but only a bit) – Water running helps your running form. When in the water and running, if your form isn’t quite up to snuff, these inefficeincies will show up quite quickly in the water.  EG. Poor side to side movement with your arms (or twisting) results in an exagerated serpintine movement through the water.  So concentrate on your feet, knees, hands and elbows going straight forward and back.  Thus making your line from one end of the pool to the other as short as posible and as efficeint as posible. The above mentioned ideas are the most commonly made mistakes I see when people try water running.  You also had a few questions re: Heart rate, With or without a belt, Distances, and Speed or lack there of? Heart rate, I find your heart rate because of the pressure of the water against the outside of your body is always a little lower.  Therefore I’d suggest to exercise at an effort which you perceive is the intensity which is compatable physically to that when you run outside.  IE… Long breathing is somewhat labored.   Note. If doing Intervals you’ll find your rest period between the repeats could be reduced at least by half.  EG. Outside you run 400m in 90 sec. then rest for 90 sec..  In the pool you run hard at an equal perceived effort for 90 sec. then rest for 45 sec. With or without the belt or vest?  If you can find a public pool near you which has water running belts available, I’d strongly incourage you to source this pool out.  My reasons are, for a first time water runner the aid of a buoyancy belt allows you to relax and concentrate on developing a good running form.  And secondly, you may become comfortable enough after a few workouts that you may not want to use the belt because it will give some people a sense of an easier workout.  I find when doing long runs or intervals the belt is most helpfull. Distances?  Do the same workouts which you had planned outside in the water for the same time frame.  You be the judge as to the perceived effort.  Some people have come out of the water and had their best performances after weeks in the water and zero running outside.  The most dificult workout to replace is the Long Slow Run, but it can be done you just have to let your mind wonder find things to think about.  Stop half way through do some stretching, get a drink of water and then carry on. Speed or lack there of?  One common reason people move slowly is they don’t point their toes before they kick their legs back.  Again think of the hoofed animal pawing at the ground, and point the toes. One last last note to keep in mind when water running is stretch more prior to running in the water than you would if you were to go for a run outside.  Because swimming pools are frequently cold at first entering the first reaction for your muscles is to tighten up therefore stretch a little more than usual.  I suggest stretching in the shower before heading out to the pool deck. Hopefully the information listed above will help you get over your injury and your fitness level will not be sacrificed because of lost running milage outside.  Take care and happy water running. Gord Hobbins Wk Ph. 403 270-8606 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have had some little injuries that I have been having some trouble getting completely cleared up and I managed to get them worse by doing a 10 miler on Sunday. My doctor has suggested a partial rest for 3 weeks consisting of not running more than 8 mpw and supplementing this with water running. So, it’s time to get acquainted with water running. I have been told than many runners have used this to good advantage to recover from injuries and yet still stay running, so to speak. The idea seems to be that you get a thing called a wet vest, which helps you to stay a float vertical with your head above the water. You wear this and go in deep water, and move your legs and arms like you would if you were running. You don’t get anywhere, and you look pretty silly, but you have to put up with that. I tried this this morning, but without the wet vest, since I haven’t managed to buy one yet. It seems to be sort of do-able without the vest, but it looks even sillier, because you constantly look like you are about to drown. I found it quite hard to get into the flow and make it feel like running. I suspect this will be somewhat better when I get the vest, but even so it seems hard to do a running motion when you are not getting anywhere. Does anyone have any tricks for this? Another problem is that there is no way to know how far you have run. The way to solve this is just to go by time, but then I want to make sure that I ran as fast as I normally do, and what does that mean? Well, I used the HR monitor and tried to maintain a similar HR to what I would on a similar run, but I couldn’t do it. I found it very difficult to get my heart rate very high in the water. I know this happens with swimming, but I thought maybe that had to do with the fact that swimming is mainly upper body, but perhaps it has more to do with weighlessness. This too might be different when I get the wet vest, because maybe it too had something to do with not really being able to get into the flow. But perhaps I should adjust my target HR a bit for being in the water. If so, are there any suggestions as to how much I should adjust it? In general, has anyone written anything about training technique for running in the water? I’m sure there are a lot of other questions I could ask about this, but I can’t immediately think of them. In general any suggestions anyone has for making this as much as possible like running would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

Hi Shelley, Personally the Aqua jogger has been around the longest and then others have since come out after them.  I’d suggest if you can try them on first and settle for the one which fits you the best.  In any case regardless which belt you choose remember to wear the belt quite tightly and partly on the hips (like males wear pants) not above the hips (like the females wear pants). Gord Hobbins Wk Ph. 403 270-8606 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have discovered there is more than one flotation device for this. As well  as the Wet Vest, there is also the Aquajogger, which is quite a bit cheaper and seems to be easier to get.  Instead of a vest it is more like a belt with a float attached. Do you think it is just as good as the Wet Vest?

Response:

I haven’t used the Wet Vest, but I have used the AquaJogger and was very pleased.  I was having some leg trouble training for a marathon a couple of years ago and had to take three weeks off the road.  I borrowed an AquaJogger and ran in deep water for three weeks, putting in the same minutes per workout that I would usually do on the road.  When I hit the road again three weeks later, I actually felt I had improved my conditioning. I bought an AquaJogger later that week and have used it whenever I’m hit by some nagging injury. The only problem was the odd looks I get from others in the pool.  Funny thing, though.  I loaned my AquaJogger to a retiree who worked out in the pool each morning so he could try it out.  Now we’ve got some non-runners using them just to get a good, non-impact workout.

Response:

Where do people do water running? Their own pools? Gyms?

Response:

Hi Shelley-the-water-runner, Yeah, good for you.  Water running is great Contrary to what anothers advice, don’t cup your hands to make yourself go forward quicker, the opposite, its not the distance but the quality.  The other advice from that person seemed spot on.  Some folks really have given good advice here. Basically i used to go for as lomng as I could until i was totally shagged and its great because there is no impact and youi feel so fantastic afterwards. Also, I used to borrow a jacket but then lost access to it and started without which is greater effort and so better.   Also the jacket just added to the oddity treatment from the other pool users and you look weird enough as it is without adding to it by some fluorescent jacket, they might drown laughing. Also, some pools can get a bit snotty abpout your wearing the thing in their pool anyway so beware, ask before you go and buy one, if you buy one at all. One of the best bits has to be after you’ve been bobbing up and down like tormented flotsam the length of the pool for an hour, sweating and puffing and pushing your little heart out and everyone who has got over their giggling has started to feel sorry for the poor bloke who obviously has major problems with his body at which point you haul your athletic limbs out the pool and stride off to the changing rooms with everyone looking somehow cheated since they’ve lavished their pity on you,   Haaaa Enjoy the running Cheers — matthew oglethorpe

Response:

I have had some little injuries… water running. … … any suggestions anyone has for making this as much as possible like running would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve been water running with a group for that last 7 years.So I guess I’m one of the old timers in this. Here are some random thoughts: For economic reasons, the Aquajogger is superior to the Wet Vest. The Wet Vest costs about 3 times as much and tends to disintegrate along the side seams. With daily use, even if rinsed after each use, they die in under a year. I prefer to wear my Aquajogger quite loose so that it doesn’t restrict my breathing. It floats up until the belt catches on my rib cage and stays there. Both Aquajoggers and Wet Vests rub and chafe. We always wear T-Shirts for protection. The Wet Vests are especially bad since you can get exposed hooks from the Velcro on the beavertail. A pair of triathlon shorts help. I have access to a high school pool. We do laps around a square 40 ft on a side in the deep end. We also do interval and fartlek type workouts – 2,3 or 4 sides of the square at a hard effort with one or two sides easy. Work based on perceived effort. How much energy are you putting out compared to the running workout you are trying to duplicate? i.e. Can I sustaing this enery out put for the same amount of time that it takes me to run x miles. I find that I never end up breathing as hard as I would while running so that isn’t a very good yardstick for me to use. You can cheat like crazy by drafting on the person in front of you. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It means that less proficient runners can keep up and makes conversation easier. The first few hard workouts you won’t realize how much you’ve done until you get out of the pool and your legs have to support your body weight again. Then you’ll know. Beginners seem to have the following problems with their form so here are some hints: Don’t leaning too far forward. You get into a swimming position and end up doing the breast stroke. Try to stay vertical. Think about where your hips are in relation to your shoulders. Pull your arms through in a running position. Again, you aren’t doing the breast stroke. Think about your form.  Beginners tend to do either a bicyling motion or a stairstepper motion, end up pushing water down with the bottom of their feet and go nowhere. Are you running or doing something else. You should be able to feel the backs of your calves push through the water. Have I rambled long enough? I guess so. — Ken Fruit Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.   USA

Response:

Hiya,  I tried water running about 5 years ago when no-one knew alot about it. I was at the time injured with shin- splints and this was an alternative my coach and I tried. Basically we used swimming floats the kind you tie around yourself, mainly because the aqua jogger and other aids were’nt on the market. Even so we got some good results. The sessions consisted mainly of a 15 min warm up followed by a 45 min workout and ending with a 10 min warm down. Because I was sprinting at the time we concentrated on power and leg extension. The power sessions consisted of getting from one side to the other as quickly as possible using a full driving arm movement and with the knees lifting up and driving down and backwards, IE there was no leg extension. For suppleness we used less power and speed and concentrated on range of movement, with the legs going through a full running cycle. Later on we tried mixing the two with limited success. However it did keep me fit and it was easier getting back into running after the injury. I would recommend investing in some sort of water vest or aqua jogger if your going to do this alot.Also try reading up on it, there should be some material available now. Let me know how you get on. Chris.

Response:

Yeah, I had to do it once in a while while I had a stress fracture, and it did nothing for me.  Waste of time!

Response:

I have actually had some experience with water running and found it very helpful.  I was also doing a set workout which did not involve running directly in the water, but a variety of exercises.  At first, I admit that I just laughed at the whole idea, but I found that I was stronger, in other areas of my body, and that I actually didn’t lose much in terms of speed, strength or endurance on the track.  In the end it was actually a very useful tool for my running.  After awhile, I started to cross-train more, and found that I was getting stronger and faster — something that any runner would like to see. Therefore, I think that water running is a very useful aid when one is injured.  Essentially, I didn’t use a jacket and I would just hop in the deep end and stay in one place while doing the running part of my water exercises. If you require further information, please post or write back, I have a lot of experience with running and injuries. Stace

Response:

I coach college cross country and have used aqua jogging.  It does have its benefits if you do it correctly.  I’ve found that hard intervals really help to keep runners lungs in shape without putting alot of stress on the legs.  This is great for an injured athlete.  I haven’t noticed much leg strength development from aqua jogging. Here’s a workout (with or without vest) that I have found to give my athletes a tough workout without ever leaving the pool … 10 min warmup jog 10 x :30 hard with :15 rec 10 x :45 hard with :20 to :25 rec 10 x 1:00 hard with :30 rec 10 min endurance jog 10 min warm down depending upon the athlete, you may need to adjust the levels

Response:

I coach college cross country and have used aqua jogging.  It does have its benefits if you do it correctly.  I’ve found that hard intervals really help to keep runners lungs in shape without putting alot of stress on the legs.  This is great for an injured athlete.  I haven’t noticed much leg strength development from aqua jogging.

[workout deleted] I’d like to try this. What equipment do I need, besides a pool? Will a life-vest do, or is there a special kind of vest? Brian Brian Baquiran

Response:

h Organization: None X-Newsreader: Newswin Alpha 0.7 Lines:  29 I coach college cross country and have used aqua jogging.  It does have its benefits if you do it correctly.  I’ve found that hard intervals really help to keep runners lungs in shape without putting alot of stress on the legs.  This is great for an injured athlete.  I haven’t noticed much leg strength development from aqua jogging. [workout deleted] I’d like to try this. What equipment do I need, besides a pool? Will a life-vest do, or is there a special kind of vest?

I do it without a vest and it works fine. Brian Brian Baquiran

– matthew oglethorpe

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -snip: Needed new shoes, wanted more cushioning for my long runs, didn’t want to pay for the Air Max ($140).  Went for the Air Max Triax ($80).  If it’s any consequence, I bought the men’s style since they didn’t have the women’s style in my size. This could cause problems. Running shoe manufacturers spend a lot of money in research. Typically, womens versions of shoes are not just mens shoes in different colours. The density of the cushioning is often different in womens shoes to account for lower average weight. A mans shoe in a given size could offer little protection to a lighter woman, with insufficient weight to deform the cushioning. At the other end of the extreme clydesdales may find well cushioned shoes for the average runner offer no protection, as they squash the cushioning flat. Cushioning is a balance thing, and very much a personal thing too, it needs to deform to absorb shock, but not get squashed flat, how much a given shoe deforms depends on your body weight and style. timbo

I had the triax 2x becuase the air bubble popped in my first pair. I have never been so injured in a pair of shoes in my life. I now have air max2 lights and they are GREAT. it is worth the extra $$$ if you run a lot. But the triax are good if you have a neutral foot. Good cushioning although air max was far superior.

Response:

I am on my third pair of triax this summer.  I love them!!!  I am a neutral runner, 180 lbs. and put in 55-65 miles a week,  (getting ready to qualify for Boston in Portland, Wish me luck  I get 400 or so miles out of them even though I don’t rotate pairs throughout the week like I should.  I even use them for my trail runs.  I havn’t even had any injuries.  Every runner is different, but for me, I’ll keep buying triaxs as long as they make them.

Response:

Cool…..I too love the TRIAX. I have gone through about 7 pairs in the past year or so. I stupidly switched to a pair of Max Lites 3 weeks before an Ironman this summer. BIG MISTAKE. I ended up switching shoes halfway through the marathon stretch. I too am a heavier runner, about 185. My only injuries have been due to the max lites I beleive (i also only took 4 days off after the ironman….duhhhhh!). I saw the new model in a store the other day. Let’s hope it’s pretty much the same show…… Blair Maddock Ottawa, Canada "If God invented marathons to keep people from doing anything more stupid, triathlon must have taken Him completely by surprise." P.Z. Pearce, M.D

Response:

ME too!!!!!!!  I love MY air max triax’s. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am on my third pair of triax this summer.  I love them!!!  I am a neutral runner, 180 lbs. and put in 55-65 miles a week,  (getting ready to qualify for Boston in Portland, Wish me luck  I get 400 or so miles out of them even though I don’t rotate pairs throughout the week like I should.  I even use them for my trail runs.  I havn’t even had any injuries.  Every runner is different, but for me, I’ll keep buying triaxs as long as they make them.

Response:

Another vote FOR the Triax.  After destroying an ancient pair of NB when I started running again 4 months ago,  I bought the Triax on the recommedation of a salesperson.  I’m running 35-40 mi/wk and my wheels feel great!  Question: is there anything to the idea about rotating shoes? Joe D

Response:

// Question: is there anything to the idea about rotating shoes? You have to let your shoes recuperate ), so it will last longer. "the flying blade"

Response:

Question:

Hi, I just bought an IRONMAN 50 lap watch and I think it will be helpful during training. How have some of you used your IRONMAN during your training schedules? I know there was some discussion awhile back concerning the watch, does anyone have a summary or archive of it? Thanks, Mike Vanderkwaak

Response:

Mike (or any other 50-Lap Triathlon watch buyer), If you don’t mind me asking, where did you get the watch and how much did you pay ?    ….Joe —              It’s a cookbook !!!   It’s a cookbook !!!

Response: