Question:

Hello, I have planned to do a quarter triathlon (1000m / 40km / 10km) this summer. Now I am wondering about how fast do I have to be, to finish in a reasonable time (not last one) ? Can somebody give me an indication ? thanks in advance, Hanjo

Response:

Hello, I have planned to do a quarter triathlon (1000m / 40km / 10km) this summer. Now I am wondering about how fast do I have to be, to finish in a reasonable time (not last one) ? Can somebody give me an indication ?

Obviously it depends on the size of the field, the range of abilities of the competitors and the race conditions.  My best and worse times in the last year have been 2:36 (Auckland NZ – field 100+) and 3:02 (Rarotonga, Cook Islands – field of about 70 from memory and "tropical" conditions).  In neither case have have I been anywhere near last.   I’m a 50-59 male age grouper who normally comes at about 50-60% of field in my age group and 70-80% of field overall.  The top men in both races would have done about 1:55 and the top women around 2:05. Cheers Jeff

Response:

Hello, I have planned to do a quarter triathlon (1000m / 40km / 10km) this summer. Now I am wondering about how fast do I have to be, to finish in a reasonable time (not last one) ? Can somebody give me an indication ?

You sure about the distance on that swim leg? Assuming the swim is actually 1.5km and race is well-attended (200+ participants) and has it’s fair share of novice and masters triathletes, the back of pack will be staggering home in 3

Question:

Check out the Freestyle Predator.  Timex pricing, better functions, smaller package.

Thanks for the suggestion — I used to have one of the digital/analog Timexes and the timer function seized up — basically it would count down once then take hours before it could be reset. IIRC Timex specifically advises against pushing the buttons underwater, too — how about Freestyle? P.S. I’ve seen these in dive shops, are they available in any of the discount stores or other less costly venues? John

Response:

Just stay away from the "fastwrap" velcro bands.  When they get wet, they stay wet for a *long* time.  Get the geeky plastic band. Scott Before you buy.

Response:

Looking for a good watch that’s waterproof and has a countdown timer that resets itself and starts again — i.e., to beep for my intervals in a self-coached workout.  Preferably, very easy to set so that I can change my intervals for different distances, etc.

Check out the Freestyle Predator.  Timex pricing, better functions, smaller package.

Response:

When I don’t use a heart rate monitor, I use a Timex Ironman. For over 10 years now. Very dependable and affordable. I won’t settle for the "Triathlon" model, just the "Ironman" model. -Bill-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looking for a good watch that’s waterproof and has a countdown timer that resets itself and starts again — i.e., to beep for my intervals in a self-coached workout.  Preferably, very easy to set so that I can change my intervals for different distances, etc. Any suggestions? — John

Response:

Looking for a good watch that’s waterproof and has a countdown timer that resets itself and starts again — i.e., to beep for my intervals in a self-coached workout.  Preferably, very easy to set so that I can change my intervals for different distances, etc. Any suggestions? — John

Response:

[This followup was posted to rec.sport.triathlon and a copy was sent to the cited author.] Looking for a good watch that’s waterproof and has a countdown timer that resets itself and starts again — i.e., to beep for my intervals in a self-coached workout.  Preferably, very easy to set so that I can change my intervals for different distances, etc.

I like my timex Ironman 100 lap which does what you are talking about. The FLIX version is overrated by Timex, so i would look in discount stores for the old version with one button at the bottom center of the watch. The one big benefit of this watch is its cost. Its only about $40 or $50, where all the new Nikes and Adidas watches are far more than this for the Ironman’s level of functionality. Rob — Rob Blomquist Kirkland, WA

Response:

Question:

I don’t have any input, as I haven’t done it yet, and will have to watch a friend race in my stead as I recently broke 3 ribs and ruptured a lung… but I wanted to congratulate you on becoming an inductee into the wonderful world of headwinds. -Conrad "dude, there was a headwind both out and back" Snover – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Im racing as part of a relay team at this years wildflower triathlon.  I will be doing the bike leg of the olympic distance relay.  I am wondering what a decent time to shoot for is for this course. Saturday I went out for a ride here in Iowa on a pre-marked 40k course and clocked in just under 1hr24min.  This included stopping at stop signs and stoplights.  I also was battling a headwind the first half of the ride.  Looking forward to a nice fast ride back in I was suprised when a half mile after the turn around the wind shifted and not only was it in my face again but it was stronger than before.  The course I rode here has one really big hill and lots of rolling hills with some flat sections as well. Im getting excited about this race, we just got a new runner after our first runner backed out.  The new runner does a 36min 10k which is a real boost to the team.  Our swimmer is aiming for a 22min 1500 swim time. What is the transition area like?  I was looking at times from last year and noticed that the transition times were around 1.5 minutes and was wondering why they took so long.  obviously its not just a tag and go situation. So anyway if anyone could give me  some info about the race and transition i would really appreciate it. -Mark Kargol

Before you buy.

Response:

Im racing as part of a relay team at this years wildflower triathlon.  I will be doing the bike leg of the olympic distance relay.  I am wondering what a decent time to shoot for is for this course.  Saturday I went out for a ride here in Iowa on a pre-marked 40k course and clocked in just under 1hr24min.

Check out the results on the web page: http://www.tricalifornia.com/wildflower/2000/index.htm It’s a pretty hilly course. One big hill (600 ft?) at the beginning, and then after that lots of rollers. It’s out and back. Nothing flat to speak of. Wind can also be a problem. Good luck! Mark Flynn San Jose

Response:

Im racing as part of a relay team at this years wildflower triathlon.  I will be doing the bike leg of the olympic distance relay.  I am wondering what a decent time to shoot for is for this course.  Saturday I went out for a ride here in Iowa on a pre-marked 40k course and clocked in just under 1hr24min.  This included stopping at stop signs and stoplights.  I also was battling a headwind the first half of the ride.  Looking forward to a nice fast ride back in I was suprised when a half mile after the turn around the wind shifted and not only was it in my face again but it was stronger than before.  The course I rode here has one really big hill and lots of rolling hills with some flat sections as well. Im getting excited about this race, we just got a new runner after our first runner backed out.  The new runner does a 36min 10k which is a real boost to the team.  Our swimmer is aiming for a 22min 1500 swim time. What is the transition area like?  I was looking at times from last year and noticed that the transition times were around 1.5 minutes and was wondering why they took so long.  obviously its not just a tag and go situation. So anyway if anyone could give me  some info about the race and transition i would really appreciate it. -Mark Kargol

Response:

The run at Wildflower is real tough.  It’s a trail run with lots of hills. It’s challenging – even for a fresh runner.  The bike ride has a lot of hills but the Olympic course misses the really big one. I believe the setup is the same as last year.  If so, the transition area is actually split between two terraces on a hill.  The relay transition area is the lower one and you must go through the main transition area to get to it.  There is no ramp between the two areas – only stairs.  You’ll probably be required to make both tags at the rack with the bike on the rack.   Each of you should practice going through the transition area making the tags before the race. Good luck – see you there. Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ISo anyway if anyone could give me  some info about the race and transition i would really appreciate it. -Mark Kargol

Response:

Question:

OK, I’ll bite. What’s an omnium?

A "stage race" (really a multiple race series) that uses points instead of time to determine general classification. In a real stage race, once you have established a time gap, you just need to mark those near you on time to win. In an omnium you have to be pretty consistent about scoring points in every race. — Todd Rowell Institut f

Question:

looking for a disk wheel 650cc me

Response:

Hmmmm……650cc? Is that the volume of air in the tube? looking for a disk wheel 650cc me

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

Response:

Just a thought… not a disk, but Keith’s Triathlon has rear clincher 650 Specialized tri-spoke for $200.  That’s about half price on the new Hed tri-spoke wheels (same wheel, different brand-name.  It’s those DuPont tri-spokes that have been around for years.) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – looking for a disk wheel 650cc me

Response:

Question:

I did the NY Marathon in Nov. and I think I’m really cool now so I want to try a triathalon.  I don’t know anything about the different types but I want to do a fairly easy one first.  Anybody have any suggestions for triathalons in the midsouth, dates and distances???

Response:

Try www.runningnetwork.com. Look up Runner Triathlete News and/or Inside Texas Running. Both have good race calendars. dave

: I did the NY Marathon in Nov. and I think I’m really cool now so I want to : try a triathalon.  I don’t know anything about the different types but I : want to do a fairly easy one first.  Anybody have any suggestions for : triathalons in the midsouth, dates and distances??? : : : :

Response:

Okay, so you can run, but can you swim and bike too?   Memphis in May can be a great first race in the heart of the Mid South. But it is not a particularly short race (International Distance). Team Magic in Birmingham also puts on some great races with special help for first timers. http://www.team-magic.com/ You can also check the Mid South Race Calendar for a list of races. They do a good job of keeping it up to date. http://www.bluffcitysports.com/msrc/ Tri Club Memphis should also have an up to date listing of Mid South triathlons as we get closer to the season. http://members.aol.com/clubtrimem/ Good luck and have fun racing and training. — Stewart Cox – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I did the NY Marathon in Nov. and I think I’m really cool now so I want to try a triathalon.  I don’t know anything about the different types but I want to do a fairly easy one first.  Anybody have any suggestions for triathalons in the midsouth, dates and distances???

Response:

Question:

Pete, Excellent time for "not much training"! Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What a way to start beefing up the mileage for IMNZ then to do a lovely little marathon in the middle of Philadelphia! Not much training went to this race, and I was going to play this very conservative, using the heart rate monitor to keep me in the comfortable aerobic zone for most of the marathon. This way I can get through it, and recover fast for the rest of the training. I had friends from all walks of life. There was a couple of friends from my club who were ready to partake in the marathon. Then there were the RST’ers Bob Mina and Bill Hauser along with cheerleaders Mike Parente and Eric Weiss (you look good in a dress Eric  ). Then there were 5 people from my job that came down to run as well. I toed the line holding 4 GU’s in my hands. I’m used to holding keys and such when I run, so it really didn’t bother me. The gun went off, and in the first few miles I was itching to go faster, but I held back and stood in the heart rate zone. Felt good through downtown Philly, and cruised through into Fairmount Park where I started popping the GU’s. I got through the park in what seemed an effortless pace and got back to the the finish-line area at mile 14 to start the 12 mile out and back loop to Manayunk, a small suburb of Philly.Concentration is the key here, because there are so few spectators between Philly and Manayunk, and you have to keep yourself mentally settled to tackle the last few miles of the course. I bottomed out here at the 18 mile point last year, but this year I had a lot of energy left at that point. I got to the turnaround and saw Bob Mina at I think 23 miles. He looked good and cheerful when I passed him. At mile 24 my energy started to drop a bit, and I had to concentrate to keep pushing past what seem to be The Wall. After a bit of a struggle I finally got through to the finish line where I posted a 3:17:04. A fair time, but decent anyway. At least I can recover easily within the week and can eat to my heart’s content on Thanksgiving.  That is a story that might be worth posting later. I think I saw Bob Mina’s time of 3:56 somewhere (correct me if I’m wrong), and I forgot what Bill did. Sorry Bill. Time to seriously build for IMNZ now. This race got me prepared for it now. One other detail. Jan Wanklyn was the women’s winner on the Philly course this year with an impressive 2:44:59! Kudos to her and her great effort!                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

        Excellent race Pete, especially for the off-season! Yours David Barclay Ironman Lanzarote 1999 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

Response:

What a way to start beefing up the mileage for IMNZ then to do a lovely little marathon in the middle of Philadelphia! Not much training went to this race, and I was going to play this very conservative, using the heart rate monitor to keep me in the comfortable aerobic zone for most of the marathon. This way I can get through it, and recover fast for the rest of the training. I had friends from all walks of life. There was a couple of friends from my club who were ready to partake in the marathon. Then there were the RST’ers Bob Mina and Bill Hauser along with cheerleaders Mike Parente and Eric Weiss (you look good in a dress Eric  ). Then there were 5 people from my job that came down to run as well. I toed the line holding 4 GU’s in my hands. I’m used to holding keys and such when I run, so it really didn’t bother me. The gun went off, and in the first few miles I was itching to go faster, but I held back and stood in the heart rate zone. Felt good through downtown Philly, and cruised through into Fairmount Park where I started popping the GU’s. I got through the park in what seemed an effortless pace and got back to the the finish-line area at mile 14 to start the 12 mile out and back loop to Manayunk, a small suburb of Philly.Concentration is the key here, because there are so few spectators between Philly and Manayunk, and you have to keep yourself mentally settled to tackle the last few miles of the course. I bottomed out here at the 18 mile point last year, but this year I had a lot of energy left at that point. I got to the turnaround and saw Bob Mina at I think 23 miles. He looked good and cheerful when I passed him. At mile 24 my energy started to drop a bit, and I had to concentrate to keep pushing past what seem to be The Wall. After a bit of a struggle I finally got through to the finish line where I posted a 3:17:04. A fair time, but decent anyway. At least I can recover easily within the week and can eat to my heart’s content on Thanksgiving.  That is a story that might be worth posting later. I think I saw Bob Mina’s time of 3:56 somewhere (correct me if I’m wrong), and I forgot what Bill did. Sorry Bill. Time to seriously build for IMNZ now. This race got me prepared for it now. One other detail. Jan Wanklyn was the women’s winner on the Philly course this year with an impressive 2:44:59! Kudos to her and her great effort!                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

Question:

Does anyone out there know if DHEA is on USA Triathlon’s banned substance list?  I hope it isn’t because from my research it seems to be an excellent tool for aging athletes who want to improve their performances and prolong their lives.

Response:

looking for a small frame, large beam zipp 2001.  Any out there?  Email

Response:

It is not on the current printed list, however, prohibited substances are frequently added. You may wish to check the USOC Drug Hotline (1 800 233 0393). Steve Locke USA Triathlon

Response:

Does anyone out there know if DHEA is on USA Triathlon’s banned substance list?  I hope it isn’t because from my research it seems to be an excellent tool for aging athletes who want to improve their performances and prolong their lives.

Well if it isn’t it should be!!!!!!    It is on the IOC banned substance list so it is an ergogenic aid.  Therefore, as traithletes we should not be allowing anyone to compete who are using drugs – we should even be allowing random unannounced drug tests!   I personally think that we should be investing our money into the coaching aspect of triathlon, not into the substances which are going to make aged athletes perform better Just my 2 cents worth. Shane

Response:

Question:

Please post all of your sponsors so that we will know who to boycott. thanks, david

David, I think you wanted to send this to Murray B. See the post before mine. Dr. T

Response:

Please post all of your sponsors so that we will know who to boycott. thanks, david

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – St. Anthony’s Response to Draft-Legal Professional Race This year, and only this year, St. Anthony’s Triathlon management has acceeded to the USA Triathlon (USAT) request to permit legal drafting, FOR PROS ONLY, on the bike portion of the annual race. With only the Pro wave being draft legal, the top five American pros from the St. Anthony’s Triathlon will qualify for the 1997 Professional World Championships later this year in Australia.  This will be the only race to qualify and it will also offer athletes an opportunity to strengthen their performance for world-wide and future Olympic events which allow drafting. St. Anthony’s race was selected because it is a well-run, established, high-profile and early-season race with a significant prize purse. Voted "Race of the Year" in 1995 by the Race Directors Commission (RDC)  of USAT, St. Anthony’s race management is committed to offering a high-quality triathlon to as many athletes as possible. St. Anthony’s Triathlon does not and has never supported drafting in the amateur race!  Case in point, in the 1996 St. Anthony’s Triathlon, 107 penalties were assessed; many for drafting. This was a difficult decision for St. Anthony’s race-management to make.  By agreeing to accomodate USAT, we have an opportunity to give the U.S. athletes a better chance to perform well at the World Championships, and  the Olympics. For more information about this years race, or to receive an application, call 813-825-1271, or visit our web site at http://www.stanthonys.com/triathlon. The site will be on-line by the end of January. We hope to see you in April! Murray Beairsto St. Anthony’s Triathlon                    / We’ll pass!       /||                    / || Dr.T               ||

                     || David, I think you meant to post this to Murray Beairsto.  See the post before mine. Dr. T Gregg Trent

Response:

the top five American pros from the St. Anthony’s Triathlon will qualify for the 1997 Professional World Championships later this year in Australia.  This will be the only race to qualify

As I said in an earlier post, I’ll defer to the good judgement of pros like Karen Smyers and Jim Riccitello, and if they believe this is a good idea I’ll support it.  But I don’t see how you can claim that your race is a world championship qualifier.   Maybe you can explain that. QRman

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – St. Anthony’s Response to Draft-Legal Professional Race This year, and only this year, St. Anthony’s Triathlon management has acceeded to the USA Triathlon (USAT) request to permit legal drafting, FOR PROS ONLY, on the bike portion of the annual race. With only the Pro wave being draft legal, the top five American pros from the St. Anthony’s Triathlon will qualify for the 1997 Professional World Championships later this year in Australia.  This will be the only race to qualify and it will also offer athletes an opportunity to strengthen their performance for world-wide and future Olympic events which allow drafting. St. Anthony’s race was selected because it is a well-run, established, high-profile and early-season race with a significant prize purse. Voted "Race of the Year" in 1995 by the Race Directors Commission (RDC)  of USAT, St. Anthony’s race management is committed to offering a high-quality triathlon to as many athletes as possible. St. Anthony’s Triathlon does not and has never supported drafting in the amateur race!  Case in point, in the 1996 St. Anthony’s Triathlon, 107 penalties were assessed; many for drafting. This was a difficult decision for St. Anthony’s race-management to make.  By agreeing to accomodate USAT, we have an opportunity to give the U.S. athletes a better chance to perform well at the World Championships, and  the Olympics. For more information about this years race, or to receive an application, call 813-825-1271, or visit our web site at http://www.stanthonys.com/triathlon. The site will be on-line by the end of January. We hope to see you in April! Murray Beairsto St. Anthony’s Triathlon

We’ll pass! Dr.T

Response:

Question:

Jimmy, You are the man! GD

Response:

: LSavage480 writes:

: Every sport needs athletes with "charisma," in Reinschreiber’s words, : "big athletes on big stages." : Follow the money, and the money is in product endorsements.  Marketers : want winners, but they want colorful winners.   : Miguel Indurain is a great cyclist, maybe the best ever natural talent. : But who can get excited over a six foot Spanish mute? : All this is true, but not everyone races for money.  Some people don’t : care what marketers want.   stuff deleted : Bottom line:  to each his own, and more power to ‘em. : Isn’t this a great country?! : Sincerely, : Jimmy (no charisma) Riccitello Jimmy,   I have to comment about your article in Triathlete. Great Stuff! I appreciated hearing someone poke fun at themselves for making a mistake. (you remember the helmet thing)   Anyway, I’d love to hear more from you on rst whenever you get a chance. TriDork p.s. I guess your wife won the brushes with greatness award by mentioning that she married you. What some fans won’t do to be with a star.

Response:

I, for one, prefer to let results do the talking (even if I am a little less rich, okay poorer, for it).  In my opinion, anyone can have a mohawk (unless they’re suffering from male pattern baldness).  If I recieve tons of press, I would like it to be because I kick Mike Pigg’s butt, or Simon Lessing’s, or Mark Allen’s.  I’m not particularly fond of getting press for having a lead and getting passed, but I’ll take it any way I can get it, mohawks and mousse aside.  But that’s just my opinion. Bottom line:  to each his own, and more power to ‘em. Isn’t this a great country?! Sincerely, Jimmy (no charisma) Riccitello

Jimmy: You sound like an incredibly boring person!  Sitting around waiting for Miguel to speak?  Just once you need to live on the edge.  Go get one of those Souza-type suits for the next race (where does he buy those things?  Victoria’s Secret?).  I don’t think you’d look good in a mohawk, though.  Maybe a dyed flattop might work, though. Marty Miller Proprietor of The Triathlete’s Web http://www.iac.net/~miller/triweb.html

Response:

SORRY MAN YOU RULE, SORRY I INSULTED YOUR HERO, IS YOUR HAIR JUST LIKE THEIRS FROM THE E-MAIL I RECEIVED MANY MANY PEOPLE DO NOT CARE FOR THE TWINS THEY JUST DON’T HAVE THE BALLS TO SAY SO HERE!

They are not my heroes, but I don’t really care to see anyone run over and killed by a car, not even people that would like to see it happen to others. Bruce Platt

Response:

LSavage480 writes: Every sport needs athletes with "charisma," in Reinschreiber’s words,

"big athletes on big stages." Follow the money, and the money is in product endorsements.  Marketers

want winners, but they want colorful winners.   Miguel Indurain is a great cyclist, maybe the best ever natural talent.

But who can get excited over a six foot Spanish mute? All this is true, but not everyone races for money.  Some people don’t care what marketers want.   If I were in triathlon for the money, I would have quit a long time ago. And while I’m not the level of a Miguel Indurain, I compete to see how good I can become.  The money and endorsements that come from that are just icing on the cake. I don’t knock anyone (not very much, anyway) for their tactics in getting $’s, it’s just that some people may prefer results as their tactics.   Five Tours de France.  Miguel is such a bad ass it isn’t even funny. Watching the way he, almost single handedly, destroys his peers, is incredible.  I doubt, when Miguel gets home and watches the tapes of himself performing at full power, he looks to see how nice his hair looks.  And I’m sure he’s doing fine in the money department……all without a drop of mousse or a fancy outfit.   Maybe I’m weird, but if I never hear Indurain speak a word, his incredible display of power and athletic accomplishment, is plenty of excitement for this tri-geek to handle. Keep in mind, I agree, each sport needs personalities.  It’s just that it’s hot here, I’m bored, so I thought I’d ramble on with my goofy opinions I think Chuck (can’t make myself say, or even write, Chuckie V, without parenthesis), and the Debooms are great athletes.  Each of them has the potential to become great.  And their presence is good for the sport. There’s not a whole lot of money in triathlon, and we can’t knock the way someone goes about getting it.  It’s a personal  choice. I, for one, prefer to let results do the talking (even if I am a little less rich, okay poorer, for it).  In my opinion, anyone can have a mohawk (unless they’re suffering from male pattern baldness).  If I recieve tons of press, I would like it to be because I kick Mike Pigg’s butt, or Simon Lessing’s, or Mark Allen’s.  I’m not particularly fond of getting press for having a lead and getting passed, but I’ll take it any way I can get it, mohawks and mousse aside.  But that’s just my opinion. Bottom line:  to each his own, and more power to ‘em. Isn’t this a great country?! Sincerely, Jimmy (no charisma) Riccitello

Response:

John Hansen Writes (repeatedly…)         Debooms…if you can hear me YOU SUCK but good luck anyway.

It appears that this individual likes to hear himself waste bandwidth. Shall we just let this thread fade away and be done with it/him? Bruce Ackman

Response:

SORRY MAN YOU RULE, SORRY I INSULTED YOUR HERO, IS YOUR HAIR JUST LIKE THEIRS FROM THE E-MAIL I RECEIVED MANY MANY PEOPLE DO NOT CARE FOR THE TWINS THEY JUST DON’T HAVE THE BALLS TO SAY SO HERE!

Response:

: SORRY MAN YOU RULE, SORRY I INSULTED YOUR HERO, IS YOUR HAIR JUST LIKE THEIRS : FROM THE E-MAIL I RECEIVED MANY MANY PEOPLE DO NOT CARE FOR THE TWINS : THEY JUST DON’T HAVE THE BALLS TO SAY SO HERE! They’re not twins.

Response:

To ALL,           I wanted to know if anyone out there felt the same way,           They may be great athletes, but " I " feel they are overated           boring athletes, obviously most of you do not agree, thats           great more power to you, yes they would finish the run before           I finish the swim..so what!!! Lance Armstrong gets flamed           constantly in rec. bicycles and I am sure nobody on there           can hang with him.           Debooms…if you can hear me YOU SUCK but good luck anyway.

Response: