Question:

on the course? bloomin’ onions?? that would be very, very nice.

Response:

The Outback Big Lick Triathlon at Smith Mtn Lake State Park, VA on Sept. 23 is hosting the USAT Virginia State Triathlon Championship for 2000.  It is also hosting the USAT Mid-Atlantic Region Collegiate Championship. For more info on this event, visit our race producer’s website at The Outback Steakhouse is cooking up a post-race steak and chicken dinner free to all participants and volunteers. Before you buy.

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Question:

did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up!

That is quite a decision based on one race performance. If we all gave up just because we had a bad race there would be no triathletes at all. If your life seems too full to train for tris, maybe you should give up teaching the aerobics classes to have that time for your training. You are just in a slump. Big deal. It happens. Ken

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I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week.

Wow. I’m impressed. What a schedule. Too bad you can’t compete in this venue. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it.

This attitude is important if this is the way you *really* feel A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards.

OK. What did you do to prepare for the race. How many hours/day/week do you work on tri-specific exercises? Looks like a lot of mini-brick workouts to me. With these distances I think your training might need to be pretty specific for you to perform well and finish the race with a smile on your face. If your goal is a top % finish, then feeling like crap afterwards is sometimes the price you pay. Depends on what you really want. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training,

Don’t give up! It takes a while to learn this game. What are you doing in training? Given your schedule, it’s gotta be fun for you too. I use my training to give the brain a break. Fitness and triathlon are just nice benefits. Attitude is key. Jeff.

Response:

I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it.

1)  You are amazing. 2)  Keep your last 7 words above in your mind at all times.  They run headlong into your subsequent words, "I did a lousy time…and felt like crap afterwards."  If you are doing the race for fun, what difference does your time make?  Then you also talk about "I’m not achieving my full potential."  Really sounds like you just need to get your priorities settled. My $.02:  Don’t do "Double Super-Sprints".  The entire purpose of such an event is to "see who can go the fastest!"  Such races are all about speed, not about the fun of participating and finishing.  The focus on speed puts a lot of pressure on you to "perform", not participate and enjoy.  Who needs that pressure?  Certainly not you, you have an extremely full (and obviously fulfilling) life already.   Do regular sprint-distance events (the 750/20/5 you spoke of sounds great) and don’t put any pressure on yourself.  Do it to finish, to enjoy the thrill of completing the distance.  If that is not enough to satisfy your competitive urges, then it sounds like you might want to make some choices about exchanging some of those aerobic classes you’re teaching for a few extra tri-specific workouts. Good luck! Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

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No pearls of wisdom, but here’s my .02 for you… Don’t judge your potential from your experience with a Double Super-Sprint. IMHO these things are designed with one thing in mind, to make you feel like crap (especially the second swim!) and are not directly comparable. Stick with the "traditional" format races for the time being, as they are easier to design/schedule your training program around. Hope that helps — but don’t give up!! — MB. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it. A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potential. Obviously, I’m in a bit of a mess! Does anybody have any pearls of wisdom for me??  THANKS!!!

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I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it. A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potential. Obviously, I’m in a bit of a mess! Does anybody have any pearls of wisdom for me??  THANKS!!!

Let’s just say I know how you feel. My daughter is seven weeks old. 1997-98 was to be my third season of racing – the one where I finally determined to overcome my fear of open water swimming.  With all the stuff I’ve been through in the last eight months – new job, move to Sydney from Canberra (with four months apart from my then-pregnant girlfriend and weekly Sydney-Canberra commutes on the weekend), *really* hopeless training over winter with the associated weight gain (7-8kg), low-level injury (slight achilles tendonitis) related to training with the extra weight. I’ve never raced anything longer than a 750/20/5 (Canberra Saucony race 1997) and rarely finish higher than 1/3 of the way down the field (and likely never will).  My swimming leaves a *great deal* to be desired and I have my doubts that I will be really ready for my only tri of the season (Sri Chinmoy Sprint on Feb 21).  I *do* intend to try to complete the PowerMan Australia (8/60/8) at Bowral on March 8 – at least there’s no swim! My training currently is not great, but is improving.  I’m finding it hard to swim (simply because I’m a crappy swimmer) and hard to run (‘cos the tendonitis hurts) but not having too much of a problem with the bike work. Fitting this in around what I see as my responsibilities to the baby and Alli (my partner) in terms of trying to take a load off once I finish work in the evenings is pretty tough (I tend to use my guilt over not caring for the baby as an excuse not to train despite the fact that Alli gets on my case about training and the fat I’ve gained). I guess what I’m trying to say is I know how you feel and know where you’re coming from in terms of the low motivation.  All I can say is keep at it – even in a small way.  I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I’m going to have a low-key, low-achieving season, but that I *really* need to boost my training attitude regardless in order to have a worthwhile winter and 1998-99 season. Good Luck! Steve PS Call or e-mail me anytime for some motivation.  Hopefully I’ll motivate myself in the process. |                Stephen "Trib" Collins               | |      Website Analyst/Programmer – Tech Pacific      | |    55 Mentmore Avenue ROSEBERY NSW 2018 Australia   | | Ph +61 2 93816618 Fx +61 2 99186699 Cel 0418 251865 | | Do a Tri, try a Du!  o    The best view of one’s    | |             __o     <|   soul is from beyond the   | |           _ < _    _     edge, looking back…    | | __^o_    (_)/ (_)    /       DRAFTING SUCKS!        |

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but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potentia

Don’t sweat one race,, it gets to all of us,, I had a rather disappoint year once,, but I just liked doing tri’s and the people doing tri’s so I hung in.. I work nights 10 hrs and have two very active and busy daughters to watch, plus a house to take care of.. here’s a couple of tips that worked for me.    Try for quality workouts not to worry so much about distances and quotas.. a hard workout gets you more than several easy ones. Rest.. yea you need it and deserve it. Working out when you’re exhausted is a waste of time. Eat well,,even when you run around a lot. Get a running stroller and spend time with your child..Kids love it !!  And mostly,, go on with life,, you have the rest of your life to race. Me personally,, I plan to be the best 100 yr. old there is..Maybe some of my competition will drop out by then.. Al Kormesser ps.. Good Luck and Have fun !

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I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it. A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potential. Obviously, I’m in a bit of a mess! Does anybody have any pearls of wisdom for me??  THANKS!!!

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No pearls of wisdom here, but hopefully some helpful feedback. First off, keep up the great work! Remember that you do these things for "the fun of it".  The fact that you are able to even complete a race with such a hectic schedule and so many responsibilities is an accomplishment in itself. I don’t know from experience, but many of my friends have told me that training is a completely different experience once there are children in the picture. I personally can’t even imagine how that’s possible.  I admire anyone that is able to work, raise a child, and find _any_ time to train, whether it’s triathlon or some other sport. On another note, we all have bad races once in a while.  In fact, for some of us its an ongoing thing .  Going through the process of having a bad race, sulking over it a while, analyzing it, and finally laying out a plan to assure that the same mishap doesn’t happen again, for me, is all part of the sport. Perhaps you do need more training, maybe with all your commitments you should lower your expectations a little, possibly establish a reward system, read some motivational sayings, etc., etc.  My point is that there are so many different aspects to doing triathlons and motivation, and athletics in general, that focusing on one small race isn’t worth the concern.  Instead look at the big picture:  your reasons for doing triathlons. I believe that everyone, sooner or later, goes through a race during which they have to think to themselves:  "Why am I doing this? I know that I have, in fact there was a race I can remember where I asked myself this and I couldn’t answer the question.  That was a horrible day, but I finished and it helped with my motivation in the future.  After that race I was able to refocus on what was important to me and my experiences have all been positive in the post-disaster race time period. It sounds as though this may have been that sort of race for you.  The fact that you finished speaks volumes about your character.  You want to do this, not to race against other, or perhaps even against the clock.  You must enjoy the satisfaction that is derived simply from finishing.  Remember this, it will help to keep the other things in perspective. I just think that sometimes we forget how much dedication it actually takes to do this activity.  Not just in training physically, but mentally, especially with all the other commitments that we have.  Don’t forget that, rejoice in it, use it as an additional boost. Well, enough of my ramblings, I hope this is of some help to you and anyone else who is reading it. I would also like to get some good therapy out of this myself. I would like to hear others opinions on motivation, and the like. Specifically: How many of you have asked yourself during a race:  "Why am I doing this?" How many times (in the past couple of years)? What did you answer (if you could)? Did you finish the race? Thanks in advance for any input. Jeff Larson University of Wisconsin-Madison Triathlon Team says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it. A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potential. Obviously, I’m in a bit of a mess! Does anybody have any pearls of wisdom for me??  THANKS!!!

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Question:

I’ve been wondering about this for some time and decided that it is worth wading through the comical responses to get the answer. The question is why do triathletes shave their legs?  

It’s a carry-over from the world of bike racing (and, to a lesser extent, competitive swimming).  Shaving the legs is supposed to be beneficial for the following reasons: 1)  When you crash (an inevitability in bike racing, if you’re in it for any length of time) it’s much easier to care for road rash on hairless legs. 2)  Massage.  It’s much easier on both the masseuse and the massaged when the legs are hairless, regardless of whether or not oil is used. 3)  *Supposedly*, hairless legs are more aerodynamic.  Probably not true, but bikies like to believe it, and it’s another good excuse for shaving. Also supposedly more hydrodynamic, according to the swimmers.  Shaving enhances their "feel" for the water. 4)  Psychological boost.  It’s one of those "psyching up for competition" things.  You "feel" faster, supposedly (I haven’t had hair on my legs since I was probably 11, so I wouldn’t know the difference!) 5)  It looks damned sexy!  When you’ve got the musculature of a bike racer or a triathlete, don’t hide it under all that hair, show it off!  Please! I’ve heard that some women don’t like shaved legs on men, the fools!  I find it tremendously attractive.  There’s a reason I got into bike racing and then triathlons…..   Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 *** http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

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All of the reasons given by Tri-Baby are spot-on.  Another of the reasons I started shaving is the "When in Rome . . ." theory.  I just wanted to look like the other racers when I started doing events a couple years ago.  Once I started, though, these legs haven’t seen a whisker since.

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Another thing that I have found is that it lets the sweat evaporate faster; meaning that you stay coller. Especially true for us with really hairy legs.

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All of the reasons given by Tri-Baby are spot-on.  Another of the reasons I started shaving is the "When in Rome . . ." theory.  I just wanted to look like the other racers when I started doing events a couple years ago.  Once I started, though, these legs haven’t seen a whisker since.

I don’t shave my legs, but the other day I was spinning steadily through the warm spring air along on a favorite familiar, low-traffic route, mind wandering afar. Something caught my attention below, and when I glanced down, my first thought was, "Yuck, look at the gross hair on those legs." The power of peer suggestion isn’t trivial. David Schoonmaker

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I’ve been wondering about this for some time and decided that it is worth wading through the comical responses to get the answer. The question is why do triathletes shave their legs?   Craig.

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Shaving comes from cycling and swimming culture.  However, I know several triathletes who shave simply to make their wetsuit easier, and more comfortable, to put on and take off.   Plus, wear more comfortably during the swim. There’s a zillion other reasons for shaving.  I train in the southwest, and apply sunblock all the time.  Sunblock application on smooth skin alone makes shaving worth while to me. Do you ever get a massage?  Massage on smooth skin feels ten times better. The list goes on and on. BTW, what’s so comical about shaving?  IMHO, it’s the hairy gorilla’s that look comical on race day. "Life’s a brick" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been wondering about this for some time and decided that it is worth wading through the comical responses to get the answer. The question is why do triathletes shave their legs?   Craig.

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Question:

Anecdote…Race Report…Advice…Question Anecdote. My 4 year-old son loves swimming and riding his bike … he is, of course, encouraged by his father. To encourage him I said things like "you are going really fast, like Simon Lessing". Last night as I put him to bed he asked to be tickled (a pre-bed ritual) "tickle me fast … like Simon Lessing". On discussing this with his nanny this morning she informs me that anything done at speed is followed by "…like Simon Lessing". This has caused considerable puzzlement at nursery school, in shops and with his friends parents. Race Report. On Sunday I raced at Royal Windsor, my first official length triathlon with open-water swim. A fantastic race with a great atmosphere and a beautiful setting. I reccommend it highly. The race was won by Richard Hobson … I came in several phases of the moon later having been overtaken by the halt and the lame. I don’t think I was last, but not far off. Thanks to all the RST people who have helped me to reach this point (a long journey for a couch potato) by encouragement and good advice. Advice. Wear sunscreen! I didn’t and have paid the price (a burnt forehead and arms). It seems OK early in the morning but by the time of the run … Question. I plan to buy some Tri-Bars as reward to myself. What should I buy. I have ordinary Cinelli drop handlebars at the moment with STi (aka Ergo) and I want to keep the gear levers. My bike is a normal road bike. Would a Cinelli Corna be sensible. What is the best choice for a beginner? Anthony

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(Anthony Finkelstein) writes: Question. I plan to buy some Tri-Bars as reward to myself. What should I buy. I have ordinary Cinelli drop handlebars at the moment with STi (aka Ergo) and I want to keep the gear levers.

I’ve tried Profile Air-Strykes, Scott clip-ons (the old ones), and split bars.  My favorite remains the Air-Strykes.  Be sure to have them on tight, regardless of manufacturer! Congratulations on your big race. J. Byron Walthall, Jr. Charlotte, NC, USA

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Question:

I’m going to be in Italy/Spain Aug 16-30 and am trying to find a race in either Rome or Barcelona. Any help would be appreciated. Please email me if possible. Thanks in advance. Terry

Response:

I’m going to be in Italy/Spain Aug 16-30 and am trying to find a race in either Rome or Barcelona. Any help would be appreciated. Please email me if possible. Thanks in advance. Terry

You can find some informations and ask for questions at: http://www.piw.it/uisp/uisp.html Gianluca

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Hello fellow runners, I’m headed to Italy on October 6 for a week or so, and I’d like to run in an organized race while I’m there.  Does anyone know of anything happening in Northern Italy during the weekend of October 9-11?  Alternatively, can anyone point me to resources on the Internet for finding out? Thanks much, Paul

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Hello fellow runners, I’m headed to Italy on October 6 for a week or so, and I’d like to run in an organized race while I’m there.  Does anyone know of anything happening in Northern Italy during the weekend of October 9-11?  Alternatively, can anyone point me to resources on the Internet for finding out? Thanks much, Paul

Check out ‘Run the Planet’ an Italian site at: http://www.dada.it/rtp/. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site.

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Hello. Hello fellow runners, I’m headed to Italy on October 6 for a week or so, and I’d like to run in an organized race while I’m there.  Does anyone know of anything happening in Northern Italy during the weekend of October 9-11?  Alternatively, can anyone point me to resources on the Internet for finding out?

Your best bet is buying a copy of a magazine called CORRERE here in Italy. In this magazine you’ll find an extensive list of organized races complete with telephone numbers etc. Bye. Carlo Mario Chierotti http://www.geocities.com/~chierotti/ — in girum imus nocte et consumimur igni

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I I will be in Rome, Florence and Sorrento in July this year, and would like to know where to run.  I will be with a male, and generally run 5 to 10 miles.  Any information (contacts, web sites) would be helpful and appreciated.

In Florence there is a nice park area I believe on the north side of the Arno River running west from the city for several miles.  This appeared to be a very popular running area. You can run on concrete or on trails in the park.   Another post mentioned the Villa Borghese in Rome which is not too large but has a lot of different paths. Syev M

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With the traffic in Italy, I would NOT recommend running on the streets, it’ not like the usa for runners. Think your best bet is some park where traffic is not permitted… watch out for bikes though. Think your hotel could provide advice on this. I haven’t seen runners anywhere in Europe. If you are in the UK be sure to LOOK RIGHT when crossing the street as they drive on the left and we in the USA  tend to to forget this and look right… the life you save could be your own !!!

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I will be in Rome, Florence and Sorrento in July this year, and would like to know where to run.  I will be with a male, and generally run 5 to 10 miles.  Any information (contacts, web sites) would be helpful and appreciated.

The nice thing about running is you can do it just about anywhere short of extreme weather or war zones. My tourist running strategies were (1) to avoid getting lost and (2) preview touring areas.  So I’d stick by parks and rivers near the place I was staying. Be forewarned running is a less popular hobby in Europe than the USA, so the drivers, which are normally pretty bad in Italy will not be expecting to see you.

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Don’t know how late I wandered into this thread, but I just got back from Rome.  The whole area around the Villa Borghese is wonderful, and there are lots of other joggers in the area, too.  In which area of Rome are you staying? Deb (TX)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will be in Rome, Florence and Sorrento in July this year, and would like to know where to run.  I will be with a male, and generally run 5 to 10 miles.  Any information (contacts, web sites) would be helpful and appreciated. The nice thing about running is you can do it just about anywhere short of extreme weather or war zones. My tourist running strategies were (1) to avoid getting lost and (2) preview touring areas.  So I’d stick by parks and rivers near the place I was staying. Be forewarned running is a less popular hobby in Europe than the USA, so the drivers, which are normally pretty bad in Italy will not be expecting to see you.

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Question:

I agree with Myles a/k/a Tri-ferret on this one: if you are not interested in the thread, don’t read it.  There’s enough room here for everyone. I respectfully disagree with Paul.  Sex is always popping-up in the threads. Maybe one’s sexual preference does matter at times.  My feeling is, if it bothers you that much, see above. Cory "let’s play nice" H.

I must agree with Cory and Myles.  Check out the rec.sport swimming for some pretty raunchy posts.  My favorite was a bit of advice on winning the attention of some babe in lane 2.  The poster suggested wearing two suits, one tucked inside the other.  Nobody responded with a tut-tut, we can’t have any of that x-rated internet stuff.  As long as heteros think sexual preference matters to themselves enough not to want to be reminded of different preferences, then we must accept that it matters to everyone, inclusively. At the same time, I thought Paul’s sentiment was entirely without malice and therefore perfectly acceptable to me. Ruth Kazez

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 I’m a gay guy and I prefer longer races.  I’ve done the Ironman six times  and and look forward to checking out some of the other Ironman races next  year.

Yeah, but I still want to know what kind of a car do you drive? |       Ray Plotecia            | |       Image Control           |

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Don’t sweat it, Bob.  Who among us has not had the occasional bad day? Cory H.

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I posted this. I don’t like it.  I agree that it was inappropriate and irrelevant (and most importantly rude).  I also agree that there is more than enough room for posts of this kind and that if I really thought it was boring I could have simply skipped the thread. It was a bad day – not that that is an excuse. My apologies to anyone I’ve alienated. Bob

On ya Bob.  Good guys have bad days too.  Shouldn’t worry about it too much – everyone is entitled to their own opinion (or at least, that’s my opinion!) TriFerret/TriGIT (Tri-haven’t-decided-yet).

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I agree with Myles a/k/a Tri-ferret on this one: if you are not interested in the thread, don’t read it.  There’s enough room here for everyone. I respectfully disagree with Paul.  Sex is always popping-up in the threads. Maybe one’s sexual preference does matter at times.  My feeling is, if it bothers you that much, see above. Cory "let’s play nice" H.

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Can’t swim; Has 4Runner.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can’t swim; Has 4Runner. Mrs. T’s tri in Chicago on the 27th of Aug.. There are something like 4000 triathletes in total(or is it more ???, it’s lots in any case) More importantly, for a gay triathlete, is the SMELTS triathlon weekend that is part of it.  The SMELTS is the Chicago gay sports group who organize in conjunction with the large Mrs. T’s race a weekend for gay triathletes in Chicago They bill it as the largest gathering of gay triathletes in North America.  I will be there having a grand time. Steve, are you out there in cyberspace with all the info ???? Mrs. T’s info line:         312-404-2372 Smelts Info:                        312-281-4692/312-478-1054 P.S. Out of curiosity, which pocket are you carrying your toothbrush     in ???  :-) — Brendan Leitch                        __            My views only, not Magellan Passport OS                  /            those of my employer Bell Northern Research "You can have a great job, great place to live Ottawa, CANADA              and a great lover, but not all three at once"                      Micheal Tolliver – Character in Armistead                           Maupin’s "Tales of the City" series

This really is *so* boring!  Does anyone else agree?  I don’t care who you want to have a relationship with – but does it have anything at all  to do with triathlon. I don’t get it. Bob

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This really is *so* boring!  Does anyone else agree?  I don’t care who you want to have a relationship with – but does it have anything at all  to do with triathlon. I don’t get it. Bob

I posted this. I don’t like it.  I agree that it was inappropriate and irrelevant (and most importantly rude).  I also agree that there is more than enough room for posts of this kind and that if I really thought it was boring I could have simply skipped the thread. It was a bad day – not that that is an excuse. My apologies to anyone I’ve alienated. Bob

Response:

Can’t swim; Has 4Runner.

Mrs. T’s tri in Chicago on the 27th of Aug.. There are something like 4000 triathletes in total(or is it more ???, it’s lots in any case) More importantly, for a gay triathlete, is the SMELTS triathlon weekend that is part of it.  The SMELTS is the Chicago gay sports group who organize in conjunction with the large Mrs. T’s race a weekend for gay triathletes in Chicago They bill it as the largest gathering of gay triathletes in North America.  I will be there having a grand time. Steve, are you out there in cyberspace with all the info ???? Mrs. T’s info line:             312-404-2372 Smelts Info:                    312-281-4692/312-478-1054 P.S. Out of curiosity, which pocket are you carrying your toothbrush      in ???  :-) — Brendan Leitch                    __            My views only, not Magellan Passport OS              /            those of my employer Bell Northern Research "You can have a great job, great place to live Ottawa, CANADA          and a great lover, but not all three at once"                           Micheal Tolliver – Character in Armistead                                Maupin’s "Tales of the City" series

Response:

(inresponse to some conversation re the above subject) This really is *so* boring!  Does anyone else agree?  I don’t care who you want to have a relationship with – but does it have anything at all  to do with triathlon. I don’t get it. Bob

There seem to be a lot of things on this newsgroup that are not directly related to triathlons – why pick on this one?  More to the point, if it bores you so much, don’t read it (it has a clear subject heading after all) – just like I don’t read the stuff on races in Canada and the US, which are usually places and people I don’t know, so I miss all the witty innuendo that is often in accompaniment. Lighten up. Tri-ferret (still toying with Tri-nerd)

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This really is *so* boring!  Does anyone else agree?  I don’t care who you want to have a relationship with – but does it have anything at all  to do with triathlon. I don’t get it. Bob

It has everything to do with triathlons and almost nothing to do with relationships.  If you find it boring, skip over it.  Somebody asked a question related to triathlons and I answered it, in the most appropriate forum and in the most direct way. I find many things here boring and many interesting.  I skip over the boring things and go to the interesting ones. — Brendan Leitch                    __            My views only, not Magellan Passport OS              /            those of my employer Bell Northern Research "You can have a great job, great place to live Ottawa, CANADA          and a great lover, but not all three at once"                           Micheal Tolliver – Character in Armistead                                Maupin’s "Tales of the City" series

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can’t swim; Has 4Runner. Mrs. T’s tri in Chicago on the 27th of Aug.. There are something like 4000 triathletes in total(or is it more ???, it’s lots in any case) More importantly, for a gay triathlete, is the SMELTS triathlon weekend that is part of it.  The SMELTS is the Chicago gay sports group who organize in conjunction with the large Mrs. T’s race a weekend for gay triathletes in Chicago They bill it as the largest gathering of gay triathletes in North America.  I will be there having a grand time. Steve, are you out there in cyberspace with all the info ???? Mrs. T’s info line:             312-404-2372 Smelts Info:                    312-281-4692/312-478-1054 P.S. Out of curiosity, which pocket are you carrying your toothbrush     in ???  :-) — Brendan Leitch                    __            My views only, not Magellan Passport OS              /            those of my employer Bell Northern Research "You can have a great job, great place to live Ottawa, CANADA          and a great lover, but not all three at once"                          Micheal Tolliver – Character in Armistead                               Maupin’s "Tales of the City" series This really is *so* boring!  Does anyone else agree?  I don’t care who you want to have a relationship with – but does it have anything at all  to do with triathlon. I don’t get it. Bob

Triathlon doesn’t care whether your gay or not . So including your sexual preference isn’t important when you post. — Paul Yeung , Ottawa, Canada   SplisH SpLAsh !

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Question:

Mickey Yardis 203.661.0142 is race director Richard Barrer

Response:

If I had a scanner I would send the application to you, but you’ll have to settle for the address, sorry.  Apparently a store sponsors it.  Send or call info for the number to Threads and Treads, 17 E. Putnam Ave. Greenwich, CT 06830.  The race is on Tod’s Point in Greenwich onSunday August 6 at 6:30 A.M.  1/2m, 15m, 3mtrail.  $33 before 7/30; then $37; $50 race day.  -Let me know if you go-Steve

And now for something completely different. Did anyone catch Michael Moore’s _TV Nation_ on Fox last friday?  There was a story on how Greenwich beaches are closed to non-residents. There were some great quotes, mostly racist and classist, from residents about why they don’t allow out-of-towners (read: "commoners") on their beaches.  That law may explain the start time (6:30am !!), seeing as the residents would want all the sweaty triathletes off their beach before brunch.   There is currently a court case challenging the town of Greenwich on this law.  Given these circumstances, you have to give the race promoters at Threads n Treads lots of credit for getting this race put on. Someone on the town council must be a tri-geek.   For all you closet TV Nation fans, you can chat with the producers and other fanatics on alt.tv.tv-nation. joe jankovsky "Your mother sews license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?" -Val Kilmer in _Real Genius_         WWW:    http://minerva.cis.yale.edu/~jjankov/             New England Triathlon Page:           http://minerva.cis.yale.edu/~jjankov/ne.html

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This is going to be my first Tri(Assuming I don’t drown training in the Atlantic)  Iwould like some advice on the race, like do I need a wetsuit, how are the hills on the bike, and how do I conserve energy so I finish it at least midpack?  Also, what time to show up for this 6:30 A.M. start? Any comments or stories would be appreciated-Steve

Response:

Any comments or stories would be appreciated-Steve Steve,    Greenwich is a very well run tri; Treads & Threads in Greenwich does a nice job of organizing the race. My only major complaints are 10-year age group awards, no security in the transition area, and no mailed results unless you provide a SASE. Plan to arrive at least an hour ahead of the start.    The swim is in Long Island Sound, usually lake flat, warm, and tasting like diesel fuel. 3 men’s waves: under 30, 30-40, and 40+, followed by women’s wave, all at 5-minute intervals. Knee-deep start, out & back, about 100 yards run to the transition area. Swim is well patroled with surfboards, etc. Water is brown with about 3-feet of visibility. Depth of the swim can’t be over 10-feet. It is salt water which will help your swim. Almost everyone wears a wetsuit.    Bike is very technical. A lot of small climbs & descents, sharp turns, etc. Course is well policed & marshalled. One killer hill at mile 12.  You would do well to ride the course a few times ahead of the race if you can. There are several blind hills & turns which, if you know what to expect & what line to take, you can take a lot faster.   Run is a 3-mile (not 5K) trail run around Todd’s Point Peninsula. On clear days you can see Manhattan’s skyline. The run starts as singletrack through some woods, opens up a bit in the middle, and the last .5 mi. is on the beach over very soft sand.   Amenities are OK, bagels, oranges, etc. T-shirt is pretty nice. Elle Magazine is a sponsor & they send a couple of drop-dead gorgeous models to hand out goodie bags.   I’d be there this year, but Alcatraz is the same weekend. If someone on RST can post a description of that race I would appreciate it. Ken

Response:

If I had a scanner I would send the application to you, but you’ll have to settle for the address, sorry.  Apparently a store sponsors it.  Send or call info for the number to Threads and Treads, 17 E. Putnam Ave. Greenwich, CT 06830.  The race is on Tod’s Point in Greenwich onSunday August 6 at 6:30 A.M.  1/2m, 15m, 3mtrail.  $33 before 7/30; then $37; $50 race day.  -Let me know if you go-Steve

Response:

Could someone please post entry information (like an address or phone number) for this race.  Also, what day is it on?  I grew up in nearby NY and my family would like to see me compete. Thanks!

Response:

Question:

Hi, I’m currently looking at buying a Tri-bike with 26" wheels.  Does anyone recommend the smaller wheel bikes over the standard 700c wheel bikes ? I’ve heard the smaller wheels don’t handle as well?  Any comments or suggestions are welcomed ! Thanks, keith ..

Response:

: Hi, : I’m currently looking at buying a Tri-bike with 26" wheels.  Does anyone : recommend the smaller wheel bikes over the standard 700c wheel bikes ? : I’ve heard the smaller wheels don’t handle as well?  Any comments or suggestions : are welcomed ! : Thanks, : keith : .. This topic kind of reminds me of the old "less filling…tastes great!" battle. Both certainly have their merits, and which you choose depends on what you’re looking for. Below are just the pros and cons of each that I could think of: 26"—–         PRO: less inertia to overcome leads to quicker acceleration              less frontal area=better aerodynamics              shorter spokes=less spokes=better aerodynamics         CON: tubes and tires can be difficult to find              tubes and tires tend to be more expensive              you scream out "Tri-geek"  ;) 700C—-         PRO: widely available tubes and tires, usually cheaper              more wheel and tire styles available              predictable handling (usually)              greater mass=greater momentum         CON: heavy!              nothing to make you stand out as a triathlete  – | Jonathan Acey Albert             | | University of Florida            | | http://nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu/~acey |

Response:

There has been volumes of info and opinion posted here over the last few months on this issue, most of it of very high quality. I have nothing like that to add, but since 26" wheels are so associated with triathlon I thought I’d at least give you the following from "Racy Language #10", Bicycling Online (without permission): Tony Rominger rode a Colnago C40 carbon fiber bike with 26" wheels to a win in the hilly Stage 17 time trial in the Giro d’Italia….Rominger said that the smaller diameter wheels enabled him to accelerate faster on the hilly, twisting course and that he was pleased with the bike’s performance. Not likely that he’ll ride this bike in the Tour (no hilly TT), but it’s another sign of triathlon’s impact on cycling. Paul Barkley (custom frame builder) told me of a ride from Bellingham to the Ride Around Ranier (with packed panniers), followed by the RAR, followed by the ride home, all of which he did on a 26"-wheel road bike he built. Said the handling was spectacular and that he still passed people on the descents, though perhaps not as fast as he passed them on his 700c-wheeled bike. And he wasn’t even trying to sell me anything (though I’d buy one in a flash if I had the cash). Alas, all I’ve got is these 2 cents. Jimmy/Santa Fe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Hi, : I’m currently looking at buying a Tri-bike with 26" wheels.  Does anyone : recommend the smaller wheel bikes over the standard 700c wheel bikes ? : I’ve heard the smaller wheels don’t handle as well?  Any comments or suggestions : are welcomed ! : Thanks, : keith : .. This topic kind of reminds me of the old "less filling…tastes great!" battle. Both certainly have their merits, and which you choose depends on what you’re looking for. Below are just the pros and cons of each that I could think of: 26"—–    PRO: less inertia to overcome leads to quicker acceleration         less frontal area=better aerodynamics         shorter spokes=less spokes=better aerodynamics    CON: tubes and tires can be difficult to find         tubes and tires tend to be more expensive         you scream out "Tri-geek"  ;) 700C—-    PRO: widely available tubes and tires, usually cheaper         more wheel and tire styles available         predictable handling (usually)         greater mass=greater momentum    CON: heavy!         nothing to make you stand out as a triathlete — | Jonathan Acey Albert             | | University of Florida            | | http://nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu/~acey |

Response:

Question:

Dear reader: This is just a test, so I don’t know why you are bothering to read this.   You see, I’m new to this information age stuff and I’m just trying to see if I can get the hang of it:  get configured, get encoded/decoded, on-line/off-line, posted/composted.  Anyway, I’m also into triathlons, so I’m going to post this on the rec.sport.triathlon newsgroup and then check on it later to make sure it went through and loaded up properly and is readable.  If it all works then I will feel a tremendous burst of confidence and will attempt to post something of real relevance to the newsgroup…and to you, a bored reader who has just wasted a minute of your valuable time reading this.  Best wishes.   "Train hard, race well, and enjoy life" XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0

Response:

Dear reader: This is just a test, so I don’t know why you are bothering to read this.   You see, I’m new to this information age stuff and I’m just trying to see if I can get the hang of it:  get configured, get encoded/decoded, on-line/off-line, posted/composted.  Anyway, I’m also into triathlons, so I’m going to post this on the rec.sport.triathlon newsgroup and then check on it later to make sure it went through and loaded up properly and is readable.  If it all works then I will feel a tremendous burst of confidence and will attempt to post something of real relevance to the newsgroup…and to you, a bored reader who has just wasted a minute of your valuable time reading this.  Best wishes.   "Train hard, race well, and enjoy life" XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0

Response:

This is just a test, so I don’t know why you are bothering to read this.

I confess.  I took the bait.  Did you?  Will you add your name to a list of suckers?  Or am I the only one. Ruth Kazez

Response:

This is just a test, so I don’t know why you are bothering to read this. I confess.  I took the bait.  Did you?  Will you add your name to a list of suckers?  Or am I the only one. Ruth Kazez

Ruth, you should be a talk show host, an elementary school prinicipal, a lawyer, or a police officer.. you’ve made me confess.. I can’t deny it..I read it as well….                 Andy Hill Oneonta, NY

Response:

Question:

I am looking to move my shifters from the downtube to my aerobars. I am riding Syntace C2’s. There seems to be 3 choices; bar end shifters on the end of the aerobars, gripshift on the aerobars; or the Syntace shifter mounting system between the aerobars. I’m not very excited about the third choice because that is where my computer is mounted and I would like to keep it there. Any suggestions or preferences? Regards Tim Andriesen Decatur, IL

The bar-end shifters seem to work very well.  I too, once used the syntace shifter, but was unhappy due to not being able to use my computer or any Aero water bottle set-ups. Make sure to check out the compatibility with the groupo you are using. eg. Dura-Ace bar end shifters only work on dura -Ace groupos.  I’m not quite sure about the Ultegra-Bar end shifters, but check with Colorado Cyclist or your local bikeshop for their info.  If you contact Nytro Multisport in Encinitas CA, talk to Richard.  He most always will have the latest and greatest info on time-trial setups.  Hope this helps… Ron Williams student/triathlete Prescott, Az

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I’ve got the Syntace Aeroshifters and love them!  You barely have to move your hands to shift because its right where you grip the bars.  I’ve tried the grip shifts and it didn’t have the precise shift feeling and with the round grips it’s hard to visually see what gear you’re in..

I just painted little numbers or dots on my GripShifts to solve that problem. The main downfall of GripShift is the front derailluer.  There is almost no fine adjustment as opposed to traditional shift levers.  The GripShift has two main positions (large ring, small ring) with one less defined position for fine adjustment.  Depending on your setup, this may or may not be a problem.   What I’ve done in the past is have the rear derailluer grip shift on the aerobars and the front shift lever on the downtube.  However, the KILO doesn’t have downtube braze-ons, so now both shifters are on the aerobars (Syntance C2s).  The lack of fine adjustment causes the chain to rub when I’m in the small chainring and either of the smallest two cogs in back. However since this is an 8-speed setup, I have been able to find suitable gears by simply switching to the big chainring and a bigger cog in back. When I had a 7-speed setup,  there was certain times when I wanted particular gears but I wouldn’t shift into them because of the chain rub. OBTW, if my recollections are correct, it seems like quite a few pros are using bars ends (S. Smith, K. Glah…) Pat    W.Patrick Brug, Ph.D.  _-           -_    Los Alamos National Lab -__       __-                                       /    cis:      72410,3372        /  

Response:

I am looking to move my shifters from the downtube to my aerobars. I am riding Syntace C2’s. There seems to be 3 choices; bar end shifters on the end of the aerobars, gripshift on the aerobars; or the Syntace shifter mounting system between the aerobars. I’m not very excited about the third

        I use to ride with shifters at the end of my bars.  Just recently I went with the grip shifters on my Syntace’s.  Grip shifters use to have a bad rap, but I am very pleased with mine.  Just make sure the guy who puts them on does it right, slack is a pain. — Chris D. Combs

Response:

Hi there;         Been useing the Syntace/Gripshift option for 2 years and love it. It gets my vote as the best working setup. Wayne

Response:

Hi Tim, First of all, thanks for using Syntace.   The situation you described has come up before.  There is, however, one more option that you did not mention:  if you have an Aerolink on top of the bar, you can mount your computer up there, right in the center.  This will work well in concert with the Aeroshift. You may run into problems with the length of the computer’s wiring harness, so check to be sure before you install anything.  Some manufacturers offer longer harnesses for just this type of situation. Some people have called us to say that they simply spliced in some wire to do the job. Let us know if you have any questions. Good Riding, Syntace1

Response:

I am looking to move my shifters from the downtube to my aerobars. I am riding Syntace C2’s. There seems to be 3 choices; bar end shifters on the end of the aerobars, gripshift on the aerobars; or the Syntace shifter mounting system between the aerobars. I’m not very excited about the third choice because that is where my computer is mounted and I would like to keep it there. Any suggestions or preferences? Regards Tim Andriesen Decatur, IL

Response:

I’ve got the Syntace Aeroshifters and love them!  You barely have to move your hands to shift because its right where you grip the bars.  I’ve tried the grip shifts and it didn’t have the precise shift feeling and with the round grips it’s hard to visually see what gear you’re in..With shift levers you become familiar what gear you’re in by the angle of the lever. Bar ends seem a long way to reach each time you need to shift although it wouldn’t matter that much on flat courses. The shifters also bother me peering over the Aero link.  As for the mounting of the computer,  there’s a cheap mount that can be attached to the bars further on down wear the tubes narrow or anywhere else for that matter.  I plan to move them up above the shifters so I can get the a Jetsteam bottle installed. IMHO

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