Question:

John Howard of adventure race fame is from New Zealand near Christchurch. He is no slouch for speed either in the past having won overall several shorter than adventure race length races, such as a couple hour race.

Response:

Actually, there are three. 1. John Howard, Pan Am gold medal winning and Olympic cyclist, 1981 Ironman Hawaii winner, teacher extraordinaire, writer. 2. New Zealand’s John Howard, the best adventure racer of all time. 3. The dippy current Prime Minister of  Australia, a conervative, anti-Aboriginal dumpy witless fool Timothy Carlson .

Response:

John Howard of adventure race fame is from New Zealand near Christchurch. He is no slouch for speed either in the past having won overall several shorter than adventure race length races, such as a couple hour race.

The Ironman Champion one also went 152 MPH on a bicycle and covered 539 miles in one day. His bio didn’t mention if he washes windows. I doubt if he does windows.

Response:

Sorry folks, my error. What about Ron Howard? AKA Op – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – John Howard of adventure race fame is from New Zealand near Christchurch. He is no slouch for speed either in the past having won overall several shorter than adventure race length races, such as a couple hour race. The Ironman Champion one also went 152 MPH on a bicycle and covered 539 miles in one day. His bio didn’t mention if he washes windows. I doubt if he does windows.

Response:

    They are 2 different people-  I believe the adventure racing John Howard is from the Southern Hemisphere-  perhaps New Zealand??  I seem to remember seeing something on him that said he is either a) a a sheepherder when not racing or b) a window washer.  I also seem to remember seeing that he lived in either a small trailer or an old school bus which was packed full of various outdoor paraphenelia (bikes, tents, camping equip, etc).  I believe the biking John Howard lives in Ca.  From what I remember reading he is active in various cycling/triathlon camps (multisport out of the SD area??). I seem to remember reading in Velo News that he perenially wins his class in the NORBA nationals XC.  I also remember seeing him at the Helen Ga Norba race a few years back and noting that I had never seen any athlete (including elite marathoners) with smaller calves. Ben Reuter

Response:

: Are you sure? I saw the Eco Challenge also and really think they are the same : guy. The Eco Challenge JH appeared to be in his early 50’s which would make : it work out mathematically. I thought there was even a blurb on the Discovery : channel broadcast about him being a former IM winner.??? They are two totally different guys.   John Howard the Olympic cyclist and onetime triathlete is from the US and lives in San Diego, running cycling and triathlon camps, writing articles, selling vitamins and water bicycles, and generally kicking ass on the bicycle whenever the mood strikes him.   http://www.multisports.com/johnh.html John Howard the adventure racer is from Christchurch, New Zealand and is around 45 years old.  He was part of the adventure racing team Eco-Internet, which has probably split into several other teams since – can’t find an up to date web page for him but here’s his race resume as of 1996:      Two time winner, Raid Gauloises (and 2nd once)      NZ mountain bike champion      Seven time winner, Alpine Ironman        [probably not a triathlon]      Two time winner, Coast to Coast      1st Eco-Challenge, 1996      1st X Games, 1996      3rd Extreme Games, 1995      1st (unranked) Eco-Challenge, 1995      25 years mountaineering experience      Experienced kayaker, skier and horseman      Window Cleaner

Response:

I always figured that John Howard of Eco Internet / Team Greenpeace / Adventure Sport fame was the *same* John Howard who won IMH in ‘81 (I believe) and who was also a top Olympic cyclist. But recently, I caught a small pic of the latter and he didn’t look anything like the Eco John Howard. The picture was small, though, and could possibly have been inserted incorrectly. My question, then: are there two John Howard’s? And if so, what did the Eco guy do prior to the Raids and the Eco Challenge? — Shea Bennett Before you buy.

Response:

yep, two different guys.  I was confused as well until I saw the pic. — Andre Charlebois BPE in exercise science, MCSE, MCP + I, CNA, A+ webmaster for Triathlon New Brunswick http://members.tripod.com/~TriNB

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I always figured that John Howard of Eco Internet / Team Greenpeace / Adventure Sport fame was the *same* John Howard who won IMH in ‘81 (I believe) and who was also a top Olympic cyclist. But recently, I caught a small pic of the latter and he didn’t look anything like the Eco John Howard. The picture was small, though, and could possibly have been inserted incorrectly. My question, then: are there two John Howard’s? And if so, what did the Eco guy do prior to the Raids and the Eco Challenge? — Shea Bennett Before you buy.

Response:

Are you sure? I saw the Eco Challenge also and really think they are the same guy. The Eco Challenge JH appeared to be in his early 50’s which would make it work out mathematically. I thought there was even a blurb on the Discovery channel broadcast about him being a former IM winner.??? Maybe Tracy K. or Slowtwitch could give us the real scoop. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – yep, two different guys.  I was confused as well until I saw the pic. — Andre Charlebois BPE in exercise science, MCSE, MCP + I, CNA, A+ webmaster for Triathlon New Brunswick http://members.tripod.com/~TriNB I always figured that John Howard of Eco Internet / Team Greenpeace / Adventure Sport fame was the *same* John Howard who won IMH in ‘81 (I believe) and who was also a top Olympic cyclist. But recently, I caught a small pic of the latter and he didn’t look anything like the Eco John Howard. The picture was small, though, and could possibly have been inserted incorrectly. My question, then: are there two John Howard’s? And if so, what did the Eco guy do prior to the Raids and the Eco Challenge? — Shea Bennett Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Ralph was a great friend and I shall sorely miss him. He and Katie have given so much to the sport and Ralph touched everyone he ever met. Ralph and Katie were as close as any two people can be. It was always a thrill to watch them both cross the finish line at Kona, hand in hand, with a big smile on their faces. I dearly love them both. When I first heard of Ralph passing the radio was playing "I Believe I Can Fly" and I immediately thought of Ralph flying to perhaps a better place. All who knew Ralph will will maintain a special place in their hearts for him. Cheers, Bernie Sher

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of the great gentlemen of the triathlon community passed away yesterday in St. Petersburg, Florida. Please keep him and his beloved Katie Knight-Perry, member of the USAT Board, in your thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, we would like to let our fellow Mad Dogs and friends know that Ralph Perry passed away in the early morning hours of December 16, 1999, after a valiant fight against cancer. Ralph was the co-founder of the St. Pete Mad Dogs triathlon club.  We will be having a "Celebration of Life" in Ralph’s memory at the home of Bill and Gemma Castleman on Sunday, December 19, 1999 from 2:00 – 4:00pm.  Dress very, very casual. 711 Boca Ciega Isle St. Pete Beach, FL

Response:

One of the great gentlemen of the triathlon community passed away yesterday in St. Petersburg, Florida. Please keep him and his beloved Katie Knight-Perry, member of the USAT Board, in your thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, we would like to let our fellow Mad Dogs and friends know that Ralph Perry passed away in the early morning hours of December 16, 1999, after a valiant fight against cancer. Ralph was the co-founder of the St. Pete Mad Dogs triathlon club.  We will be having a "Celebration of Life" in Ralph’s memory at the home of Bill and Gemma Castleman on Sunday, December 19, 1999 from 2:00 – 4:00pm.  Dress very, very casual. 711 Boca Ciega Isle St. Pete Beach, FL

Response:

Adios, Ralph. I never knew you, but good luck in the great beyond. You obviously touched those around you. Ken

Response:

Wish I’d known him. I’ve heard the club he co-founded is doing him proud and is the envy of most other tri clubs. Our sympathy, prayers, and best wishes to all who knew him from  the Tri Gulf Coast Tri club, which just got on it’s feet and probably wouldn’t exist if we hadn’t met a great group from St. Pete. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of the great gentlemen of the triathlon community passed away yesterday in St. Petersburg, Florida. Please keep him and his beloved Katie Knight-Perry, member of the USAT Board, in your thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, we would like to let our fellow Mad Dogs and friends know that Ralph Perry passed away in the early morning hours of December 16, 1999, after a valiant fight against cancer. Ralph was the co-founder of the St. Pete Mad Dogs triathlon club.  We will be having a "Celebration of Life" in Ralph’s memory at the home of Bill and Gemma Castleman on Sunday, December 19, 1999 from 2:00 – 4:00pm.  Dress very, very casual. 711 Boca Ciega Isle St. Pete Beach, FL

Response:

Question:

Hi there. I am about to set up my training schedule for my first triathlon, and I realize that I probably need a roadbike for my training. I was primarily looking for a Cannondale, and I got an offer – a R700 for USD $1200. Is this a good price? If you have a Tri-bike you want to sell, please contact me. Thanks. Mikkel

Response:

If you have a Tri-bike you want to sell, please contact me.

Mikkel,  I think here in Seattle I have seen them for less. What size are you looking for.  I have a Klein Quantum that is stiff like the Cannondale but made a whole lot better.  It is a pure road bike and it has Shimano 600STI on it . It has only 500 miles on it and it looks brand new.  I am asking $750.00.  I can through in some Scott aerobars, and the seat post can be turned around to get you forward almost 1.5".  Let me know what you think. Marc "the rookie"

Response:

97′ FELT B2TRI 56cm Ultegra drive train 8spd with 175mm crank 42/55 Profile carbon fork Dia-Comp BRS200 brakes Syntace bars, bullhorns Syntace aero bars Grip-Shift Hed. J2 wheels 24 spoke with Ultegra hubs Sub 18lbs. Bike has less than 600 miles on it, raced only (I have 3 bikes), very well maintained & super clean. Getting out of triathlons, ben competing for 18 years and I’m tired. Asking $1750 O.B.O.  Paid $2500 before taxes. Can send photo.

Response:

Question:

Nah…  he’ll come out first in the water, but I know his biking sucks. He’ll never be able to do 112 miles with the big boys.  I’ll be there passing him at Richter pass and then my Great Floridian experience will carry me thru the run.  Unless this guy gets out there on the saddle, he’ll never finish. He’s not a biker.  He’s a swimmer.  Oh, and I guess maybe a runner. Ed ‘I’ll kick his butt on the bike’ May

Response:

I thought as I read this race report that you were a normal human. You are on about the same training plan I’m on for a marathon in February. I figured you were a regular person like me, except that I have a definite preference for cycling. So I read the report, and your insights into the last six miles I thoughtwould be really useful in helping me understand what I’m up against. Then you had to dash it all by telling us your time: 2:55, or some such. It turns out that you are not human after all. Sigh.

good report snipped. Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

Response:

such. It turns out that you are not human after all. Sigh.

        He isn’t, he is obviously a machine. There is no other possibility. I’ll bet you he didn’t train at all! Fortunately, Rick, there is a special rule in triathlon that allows you to trip people like this. The humans must be protected, we can’t have machines winning the races. But an otherwise great report. The guy who almost died on his first marathon David Barclay IMC 1997: 11:55.59 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

Response:

I want to preface this story with a little background.  This is my first full year of triathlon (if you don’t count that one I did in 1980).  I am not a natural athlete. If I had to choose, I’d say I was a swimmer.  I did run x-crountry in high school (I was very average)  but I would not call myself a runner. I started swimming again after I began putting on the pounds in 1993.   Several of my friends have done IMC, and I figured I’d give it a try when the short-distance Tris I did this year went better than expected.  Since the run was definately a part of an Ironman that scared me the most I wanted to do a marathon before I encountered one in Penticton. My training was a little on the light side.  I did one 20 miler (race), 2 – 16 mile runs, a few 12 14 mile runs and a ten mile run (race).   That was in addition to my normal 5-7 mile runs three days a week before work that I probably got in about 80% of the time due to travel, weather, etc. I also swim four days a week for between 15-20K yds per week.  My biking was non-existant the month before my marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon was on October 26.  It is a flat course with the only thing resembling a hill at mile 25.9. Based upon my first running event,  a 20 miler, and my second, The Army Ten-Miler, I selected a pace range that I thought I could hold through the marathon. I gave myself a broad pace range because I worried about the infamous Hains Point (Mile 19-22 where there are no spectators to help you emotionally).   The day of the marathon, the weatherman was predicting rain starting about noon.  That was OK since I figured If I wasn’t done by then, I’d be real close.  Actually the rain started at 8:30 as we were getting ready to start and continued all day long, sometimes coming down in buckets.  Note for future reference don’t wear a cotton t-shirt when its raining. The howitzer fires and we’re off, so to speak.  I cross the start line thirty seconds after the howitzer and I’m thinking, "Wow, I’m doing a marathon, and its really starting to get wet, and there are  thousands of people here (15,000 or so), and it seem like half of them are taking a leak along the road in the first mile."  I plod along. The first mile passes and I am at the top end of my pace range, not bad, I think, considering the traffic.  After the first mile, the pack thins out and I’m able to run at my own pace.  The course is lined with spectators which is really incredible.  They’re all cheering, even for me.  Still on my planned pace, I plod along, Splash, slosh, splash.   At Mile 5 I take the first of my planned Gel shots. Raspberry HammerGel is tasty.  Note for future reference: next time wait till you actually see the water stop, I need water to help wash it down. After Mile 8 the crowd starts to thin out as we cross the Key bridge to Georgetown.  My pace holds, amazingly close to what I figured.  I seem to be passing a few people. At Mile 10, Some sectators yell out to the three women just ahead of me they are the 4, 5, and 6 place women.  Or at least it seemed that’s what they said.  "That can’t be right, maybe they are talking about something else."  I take another hit of Gel right before the water stop this time. Still on my pace, I plod along, splash, slosh, splash. At the 13.1 miles the clock shows that I am well on my way to finishing at my goal, but the second half of a marathon doesn’t start till mile 20.  "Don’t get over confident, Hains Point is coming up."   At Mile 14 I feel a gust of hot air, we must be near the Capitol.  I look around and sure enough we are.   I’m still holding my pace.  Splash, slosh, Splash. At Mile 15 I do another shot of Gel near the water stop.  I’m getting good at this. At mile 16.5 I hear someone call my name.  Or at least I think someone is calling my name. Maybe they said  "Go Mike" not "Go Mark."  Apparently the guy running besides me is named mike.  Bundled up in their raincoats I can’t tell if I know this person or not.  Oh well, I acknowledge the cheer and continue on. At Mile 17, my friend, Warren (also doing IMC ‘98) appears beside me and  says he will run with me for a mile or so.  That’s good because I’m starting to not have as much fun anymore and I need something to occupy the mind.  I run and talk with Warren for the next mile and he gives me the pointer in taking the shortest line around the course  I try to concentrate on that.  Still on my pace, I plod along. Splash, Slosh, Splash At mile 18 Warren leaves and I continue to the dreaded Hains Point, where all rookie marathoners go to die.  At this point though I thinking there’s only 8 miles left.  That’s just the distance of the loop I train on all the time.  I can do 8 miles, no problem. Yeah, right. At mile 19 we enter Hains Point.  I grab a PowerGel packet. I look at it and the package looks strange.  I look closer and see it’s the new Tropical fruit flavor.  I put it in my pocket in case I need it later.  Still on my pace, I plod along. At Mile 20 I am amazed that the clock shows that I am only one minute behind my finish time for the 20 mile race.  In the back of my mind though is that this is only the first half of the marathon. There’s only a 10K left.  But now my legs are starting to stiffen up.  A guy that had been running beside me for the last few miles starts to pull away.  "That guy has a lot of nerve pulling away from me."  Why does this strike me as strange?  I think back to the previous 20 miles and realize this is the ONLY guy who has passed me.  Maybe I’m not doing so bad after all.  "Heck, let him pull away I don’t want to chase him and crash and burn on the bridge at mile 23."  I take another  shot of Gel. Mile 21 is a little slower, as is Mile 22.  Now I am outside of my pre-planned pace range, but I really don’t care.  I just want to hold it together for 4.2 more miles.  "That’s it, just 4.2 measly miles.  Just get across the bridge at Mile 23". At mile 24 the crowds start to pick up again.  This is good.  I need all the help I can get.  My legs are really starting to get stiff now, this is definately not fun anymore.  At the Mile 24 waterstop I fish out the packet of Tropical Fruit PowerGel.  It’s yummy.  Going through the waterstop I notice there aren’t many cups on the ground, very few in fact.  I figure the Marines must be really efficient to pick up all those cups as fast as they get dropped.   I continue on. Splash, Slosh, Splash. At Mile 25 I look at my watch.  "Ok, I can walk the last mile or so and still finish under my goal time." But the  crowds are really getting thick.  In fact the crowd has packed the Pentgon tunnel so there is just a 5 foot passage between the crowd on either side.  "Everybody is cheering, I can’t walk now.  There’s just 1.2 miles left"  I continue on. At mile 25.9 I make a left and face the "Hill."  Actually this is a short stretch that probably isn’t more than 100 yards long.  But at mile 25.9 it seems big.   I’m looking for the mile 26 marker.  I don’t see it, "Where’s the finish line, its got to be here somewhere. The Mile 26 marker most not be out.  Damn, there is is.  That means 285 yards left or is it 385 yards."  I don’t remember and I don’t really care at this point.  The crowd is  lined up along the last bit. They are really yelling.  I hear footsteps coming up behind me.  I don’t look back.  I figure anyone who can sprint home a marathon can finish ahead of me if they want. I see the finish line. Over the curb and across the grass to the finish line I go.  I’m done. Clock says 2:54:20 gross time, for a chip time of 2:53:48.  Overall place 107th. And so ends my first marathon. Mark Swanlund "I’m just a swimmer geek"

Response:

Question:

Hello everyone,   You were all helpful in my decision on a bike and i decided to get a Kilo this december.  I am currently on a Cannondale and would like to know how some people train in the winter .  I’m in Newfoundland, Canada and we get about 9 months of untrainable biking weather.  Also what wetsuits do people reccomend i tried a Trimax Performance or Performance Triax and loved it is there anyone selling these i wasn’t able to ffind anyone.  What wheels does everyone like i am thinking about getting a set of hed jets for the kilo how do these compare to the rest?  thanks a lot. —

Response:

Hey Fred, You’ll find your wetsuit and lots of other stuff at www.performancebike.com.  I’ve bought quite a few items from them both by mail and from their local store here in California.  They operate a chain of stores but I don’t know if you’d have one close by.  I’m pleased with their price, selection, and service.   Regards, Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone, snip —

Response:

Question:

well i just had a simular experience as well.  i got to spend a weekend with Lori Bowden last week and she is the coolest and cutest tri-chick ever, not to mention she is freakin fast!!  she is awesome, and pretty motivating as well. i really enjoyed her, to bad she is 10 years older me and engaged… oh well

MMmm…and Wendy’s engaged, too, if I’m not mistaken. Chaz

Response:

Would you teasers quite talking about the hotties, and post some of their pictures?

Some pics of Wendy on: http://www.slip.net/~leeway/local.html go to her file. And yes, she is engaged. Lee Lee Rudin San Francisco Bay Area Triathlon Training Sites http://www.slip.net/~leeway/

Response:

Would you teasers quite talking about the hotties, and post some of their pictures?  If you prefer, you can email them to me.  Thanks!! "Life’s a brick" "Drafting is not a four-letter word" "I’m overtrained and underworked, would’nt have it any other way" PS  Maybe there is an alt.binaries.pictures.triathletes.female?  If so, what’s the server?? … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy all– I was just at the multisports expo picking up my race packet for Mrs. T’s and who do I see at a stand for a running shoe shop but the Wingnut herself. She was signing autographs and wasn’t too busy so we had a  chance to chit-chat for a bit.  She seems really cool and is quite attractive.  (Actually, I think I have a bit of a crush on her now.)   I also saw Michellie Jones (who is taller than I imagined) and the next queen of Kona, Alexandra Paul (heavy sarcasm intended).  I didn’t see any male pros, but the whole shebang was pretty motivating for me.  I can hardly wait for tomorrow. joel falk Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.  USA I’ve always had a crush on Wendy, especially after I saw her in that silver TYR bathing suit at last year’s IMH.  And yes, she is VERY attractive. I am similarly affected by Holly Nybo after meeting her at the AVAC sprint tri in March.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy all– I was just at the multisports expo picking up my race packet for Mrs. T’s and who do I see at a stand for a running shoe shop but the Wingnut herself. She was signing autographs and wasn’t too busy so we had a  chance to chit-chat for a bit.  She seems really cool and is quite attractive.  (Actually, I think I have a bit of a crush on her now.)   I also saw Michellie Jones (who is taller than I imagined) and the next queen of Kona, Alexandra Paul (heavy sarcasm intended).  I didn’t see any male pros, but the whole shebang was pretty motivating for me.  I can hardly wait for tomorrow. joel falk Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.  USA I’ve always had a crush on Wendy, especially after I saw her in that silver TYR bathing suit at last year’s IMH.  And yes, she is VERY attractive. I am similarly affected by Holly Nybo after meeting her at the AVAC

sprint tri in March. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

You’re right, Lori has definitely got to be the hottest tri-chick i’ve ever seen. She’s even got an Ironman symbol pierced on her belly. cute. Freakin’ fast too. Swm, she happens to be engaged to Peter Reid. I don’t think you’d have a chance with her. She stayed at the home of one of my friends the other week. This kid tried to put the moves on her, but she just tossed his ass.

Response:

well i just had a simular experience as well.  i got to spend a weekend with Lori Bowden last week and she is the coolest and cutest tri-chick ever, not to mention she is freakin fast!!  she is awesome, and pretty motivating as well. i really enjoyed her, to bad she is 10 years older me and engaged… oh well

Response:

Howdy all– I was just at the multisports expo picking up my race packet for Mrs. T’s and who do I see at a stand for a running shoe shop but the Wingnut herself.  She was signing autographs and wasn’t too busy so we had a  chance to chit-chat for a bit.  She seems really cool and is quite attractive.  (Actually, I think I have a bit of a crush on her now.)   I also saw Michellie Jones (who is taller than I imagined) and the next queen of Kona, Alexandra Paul (heavy sarcasm intended).  I didn’t see any male pros, but the whole shebang was pretty motivating for me.  I can hardly wait for tomorrow. joel falk Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.  USA

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy all– I was just at the multisports expo picking up my race packet for Mrs. T’s and who do I see at a stand for a running shoe shop but the Wingnut herself.  She was signing autographs and wasn’t too busy so we had a  chance to chit-chat for a bit.  She seems really cool and is quite attractive.  (Actually, I think I have a bit of a crush on her now.)   I also saw Michellie Jones (who is taller than I imagined) and the next queen of Kona, Alexandra Paul (heavy sarcasm intended).  I didn’t see any male pros, but the whole shebang was pretty motivating for me.  I can hardly wait for tomorrow. joel falk Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.  USA

I’ve always had a crush on Wendy, especially after I saw her in that silver TYR bathing suit at last year’s IMH.  And yes, she is VERY attractive.

Response:

Question:

The cutoff weight is either 190 or 200 pounds, depending on the race. The bigger races that cater to mortals seem to be more likely to have a clydesdale category. I’ve seen them in about one in ten races. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one? Do most races have this division? I will buy the may issue of Inside Triathlon when it comes out. Thanks Brian

Response:

What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one? Do most races have this division? I will buy the may issue of Inside Triathlon when it comes out. Thanks Brian

Brian, Most races have 200 weight limit, however the Publix/Gatorade series put on by Exclusive Sports Marketing in the southeast has three catagories, 185-199, 200-240, and over 240. Can;t remember what the women ctagories are. These races are not USAT sanctioned, however they are fun, the food is good and the music is great if you like rock’n roll, very well organized at the ones I attended last year. gil gilliland

Response:

The weight for Athena, Thoroughbred, and Clydesdale doesn’t seem to be a standard one in my 5 years of experience. Race Directors are most likely responding to previous year’s registrations or to athlete’s requests. For the women, I have seen Athena categories of: 140+, 145+, and 150+. Personally, as my weight seems to vary from 143-148 I would like to see a standard established. I do race Athena when I can, for as Tri-Baby has so eloquently noted, it is more fun to compete against women of similar physical pre-disposition. Just my $.02, thanks. Kathy Beneficial currents, tailwinds and the fruits of the labors of assistant coaches Ben & Jerry helped create the tri-goddess here today…Trinlif!!  Headin’ 4 Vineman!

Response:

What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one? Do most races have this division? I will buy the may issue of Inside Triathlon when it comes out. Thanks Brian

There is little uniformity for Clydesdale and Athena divisions.  Right now only about 1/3rd of races have weight classes.         TEAM CLYDESDALE is something you might be interested in.  WE are a not-for-profit organization aiming to get standardization in races for BIG athletes.  We also offer race information, trining tips and comradery.  A goal is to get weight classes recognized at more races, eventually a Kona Clydesdale class.           If interested, send me you mailing address (postal type) and we’ll get you a copy of our newsletter and a list of races offering weight classes (the list is fairly new, and we invite anyone to send us info on more).         Watch for our website, coming in mid-May…Eric

Response:

What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one?

I think the cutoff weight is 200lbs.

Response:

What is the cutoff weight to be considered in the clydesdale division, if there is one? Do most races have this division? I will buy the may issue of Inside Triathlon when it comes out. Thanks Brian

Response:

Question:

Hi there – I’m thinking about doing my first tri in Seattle, WA at the Danskin’s Women’s Triathlon.  Anyone done this before or know anything about it?? I’m a lousy swimmer and am mainly concerned about that section of the race.  I know it is in Lake Washington, but don’t know what to expect in terms of temperature, entrant numbers, organization etc.  And of course, I want a cool t-shirt! Any and all opinions welcome.  As are suggestions on how to finish one of these things. Cheers Megan Verchere —

Response:

Hi Megan, I can’t comment on the Seattle course, as I’ve only done the Danskin’s in southern California.  I can comment on the quality of the race though. Definitely do it!  This is the best first timers tri to do.  It was my first years ago.  You’ll love it.  There is a lot of support.  I think there were around 700 entrants at the last one I did, but the organizers worked very hard to relax the competitors.  In one race with particularly big waves, participants could use fins or opt out of the swim, starting the bike when their wave came out of the water if they wished.  Of course they couldn’t compete for age group placings and I would think also missed that great feeling of satisfaction that you did the whole thing, but it was nice that they had an option other than complete failure. On the swim, stay at the back of your wave and to the outside of the turn buoys.  This way you are less likely to have people swimming over you. You may also want to give the rest of the pack a few seconds to start swimming and then carry on at your own pace.  Try to do a few open water swims before hand.  It’s different than the pool.  Expect to be disoriented and apprehensive on race day.  It’s part of the excitement.  Just relax and do your swim.  Most importantly, have fun!  It’s a blast and you’ll have a great time. Nancy Wilkins-Diehr former first-timer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there – I’m thinking about doing my first tri in Seattle, WA at the Danskin’s Women’s Triathlon.  Anyone done this before or know anything about it?? I’m a lousy swimmer and am mainly concerned about that section of the race.  I know it is in Lake Washington, but don’t know what to expect in terms of temperature, entrant numbers, organization etc.  And of course, I want a cool t-shirt! Any and all opinions welcome.  As are suggestions on how to finish one of these things. Cheers Megan Verchere —

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Question:

Interesting that you got the penalty for blocking.  An acquaintance of mine came from Costa Rica for this event and we warned him to avoid drafting at all costs (especially after all of the penalties handed out at St. Anthony’s) but we never thought about blocking and I’m sure his English isn’t good enough for him to have understood it if he did happen to attend the meeting before the race.  Sure enough, he was knocked out of 2nd place for his age group and lost his chance for an Ironman spot. Don’t get me wrong!  I’m just relaying a sad story.  Personally, I loved the event and have no complaints whatsoever.  Anyone who was there should agree that the course was wide enough and straight enough that there should have been no mistaking the drafters from the real men!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – :  Charlie Crawford annouced that there would be no warnings before a : penalty was assessed.  He said they don’t give you a warning card in the : NBA before you’re given a personal foul.  They don’t slap your hands in : the NFL when you jump off sides and say if you do this again…then we : might just have to give you a penalty.  They simply give you the penalty : and if you argue enough, you get a technical or DQ’d.  Rock and Roll. : The marshals did a great job.  This race was an example of USA Triathlon : taking a tough stance on the rules of the game and following through. Thanks, Jon.  I heard enough gripes from people after the race, it’s always good to hear from the supporters. -CharlieHey harlie,

I participated in Gulf Coast and I have never seen as good a job of officiating in my tri career (over ten years). Keep up the great work. Cheers, Bernie Sher

Response:

Another suggestion that I heard was making men who are penalized wear a mini-skirt for the entire run .  In defense of a few of the people who got dinged…I got it last year for the following reason that I was oblivious to at the time:  I was riding by my lonesome on the left side of the right hand lane because the road was smoother.  This was a 2:00 position (blocking) penalty.  I missed the pre-race meeting or I would have known this and I suspect that there were others this year who did the same thing.  I did see a couple of drafters this year but it wasn’t too bad.  One guy in particular w/a red aero helmet was a big wheel sucker so hopefully he got nailed.  One final comment on the officiating.  Charlie Crawford annouced that there would be no warnings before a penalty was assessed.  He said they don’t give you a warning card in the NBA before you’re given a personal foul.  They don’t slap your hands in the NFL when you jump off sides and say if you do this again…then we might just have to give you a penalty.  They simply give you the penalty and if you argue enough, you get a technical or DQ’d.  Rock and Roll.   The marshals did a great job.  This race was an example of USA Triathlon taking a tough stance on the rules of the game and following through.  

Response:

:  Charlie Crawford annouced that there would be no warnings before a : penalty was assessed.  He said they don’t give you a warning card in the : NBA before you’re given a personal foul.  They don’t slap your hands in : the NFL when you jump off sides and say if you do this again…then we : might just have to give you a penalty.  They simply give you the penalty : and if you argue enough, you get a technical or DQ’d.  Rock and Roll.   : The marshals did a great job.  This race was an example of USA Triathlon : taking a tough stance on the rules of the game and following through.   Thanks, Jon.  I heard enough gripes from people after the race, it’s always good to hear from the supporters. -Charlie

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 505 DAVID BATTISON          29 M SUDBURY                   ON   12:00   66 CHARLES COOLEY          34 M CANTON                    GA    8:00  545 SCOTT GREEN             28 M MORGAN CITY               LA   10:00  452 SCOTT HILBURN           37 M ATLANTA                   GA    8:00

Since most were given 2:00 minute penalties, does this mean that these guys got penalized multiple times or were their penalties just more severe. If it was the former, and say and individual was penalized more than 4 or 5 times in a given race for drafting, then they should be forced (by the NGG) to wear a blaze orange number for the rest of the season or at least during championship races.  Now, talk about a deterrant! Pat    W.Patrick Brug, Ph.D.  _-           -_    Los Alamos National Lab -__       __-                                       /    cis:      72410,3372        /  

Response:

                                                                      Page 1  BOARDWALK RESORT GULF COAST TRIATHLON              Swim 1.2 miles * Bike 56 miles * Run 13.1 miles               Saturday, May 11, 1996 – Panama City Beach, FL          Race director: Jerry Lynch *** Timing: CFT/Sommer Sports Here are the penalties assesed by Charlie Crawford and his super group of marshalls at the Gulf Coast Triathlon! —       Time Penalties Assessed — NO.  FIRST NAME LAST NAME    AG S CITY                      ST PEN   33 JEFF ABRAHAM            30 M TAMPA                     FL    2:00 1101 AL AITKEN               52 M CHARLOTTE                 NC    2:00  701 SARAH ALHOLM            18 F USAFA                     CO    4:00   37 RANDY ALLEN             31 M DAWSONVILLE               GA    2:00  302 GUSTAVO ARNAIZ          36 M PALM COASTACH             FL    2:00  505 DAVID BATTISON          29 M SUDBURY                   ON   12:00  222 TIMOTHY BOLEN           30 M TEMPE                     AZ    2:00   50 CARL BONNER             33 M GREENVILLE                NC    2:00  514 BARRY BRUCKMAN          29 M DALLAS                    TX    2:00 1503 JULIE CALHOUN              F BOCA RATON                FL    2:00 1408 RAYMOND CAMPEAU         34 M RIDGEFIELD PK             NJ    2:00   59 BRITT CANADA            31 M CHATTANOOGA               TN    2:00  960 ERNESTO CARAVEO         23 M NEWPORT NEWS              VA    4:00  721 DIANE CARLONI           19 F USAFA                     CO    2:00  212 STEPHAN CASSIDY         33 M BRANDON                   FL    2:00 1141 CHRISTOPHER CHAPPELL    44 M KISSIMMEE                 FL    2:00  461 FRANKLIN CHAVARRIA      36 M MIAMI                     FL    6:00  964 ROBERT COLTMAN          24 M GAINESVILLE               FL    4:00  319 PATRICK CONNOR          38 M CHICAGO                   IL    2:00   66 CHARLES COOLEY          34 M CANTON                    GA    8:00   67 MARK CORLEY             34 M CEDAR FALLS               IA    2:00  727 CONNIE CORSON           48 F NEW ORLEANS               LA    4:00   70 GLENN COTTRILL          33 M PANAMA CITY               FL    2:00  533 SEAN DINGESS            27 M RALEIGH                   NC    2:00  535 CHARLES DUKE            29 M CHARLESTON                SC    6:00  538 JAMES DWANE             29 M CHARLOTTE                 NC    2:00  851 KRISSY FERRY            33 F WEST PALM BCH             FL    2:00   88 CHRISTOPHER FRANK       31 M CHATTANOOGA               TN    2:00  334 DAVE GARRETT            39 M LYNN HAVEN                FL    2:00 1173 PHIL GATES              41 M CHATTANOOGA               TN    2:00 1511 STEVE GAUDING              M ORLANDO                   FL    2:00   96 LARRY GIDDENS           32 M LAKELAND                  FL    2:00  545 SCOTT GREEN             28 M MORGAN CITY               LA   10:00  627 WESLEY GRISHAM          26 M BATON ROUGE               LA    2:00  756 SHANA GRITSAVAGE        20 F ANNAPOLIS                 MD    2:00 1046 ROBERT HALL             23 M P C BEACH                 FL    2:00  454 EDDIE HENSLEY           36 M FROSTPROOF                FL    4:00  452 SCOTT HILBURN           37 M ATLANTA                   GA    8:00  351 BILL HINTZE             36 M ATLANTA                   GA    6:00  111 CHARLES HORTON          34 M PACE                      FL    2:00  357 ALLEN HURD              27 M LITHONIA                  GA    2:00  553 KEITH HUSTON            27 M RICHMOND                  VA    8:00 1199 RICHARD HYRE            49 M FORT WORTH                TX    2:00  773 PEGGY JOHNSON           23 F GAINESVILLE               FL    2:00  362 ROB KIMBROUGH           37 M MILTON                    FL    2:00  563 WILLIAM KLARER          27 M PARKER                    FL    4:00  995 JEFF KRONE              20 M ANNAPOLIS                 MD    4:00 1212 AL LAMONTAGNE           52 M SIGNAL MOUNTAIN           TN    2:00  781 JANA LANDRY             42 F HOUSTON                   TX    4:00  567 DAVE LARSEN             25 M PORTLAND                  TX    2:00  225 JAMES LEFEBURE          32 M KENNESAW                  GA    2:00  126 GUY LEMIRE              32 M FAYETTEVILLE              NC    4:00  127 LARRY LENHART           32 M RICHMOND                  VA    2:00  128 LANCE LEOPOLD           33 M GREENVILLE                SC    2:00  370 SALVADOR LOPEZ          37 M MEXICO CITY               DF    2:00  372 PAT MACLEOD             36 M DUNWOODY                  GA    2:00  376 GEORGE MAYFORTH JR.     36 M NEPTUNE BEACH             FL    2:00  379 JAMES GREGORY MCDONALD  36 M MONTGOMERY                AL    2:00 1551 ERIN MCGUIRE                 LYNN HAVEN                FL    2:00  578 SCOTT MCLEAN            26 M DEATSVILLE                AL    2:00  579 KARIM MELLA             28 M FAYETVILLE                NC    2:00  580 DAVID MENTELL           28 M PENSACOLA                 FL    2:00  142 JOSEPH MEYERS           30 M RUSTON                    LA    2:00 1237 DAVID MINKOFF           47 M CLEARWATER                FL    2:00  582 BARRY MISSNER           28 M CHICAGO                   IL    2:00  148 DON MURPHY              34 M BOWLING GREEN             KY    4:00  798 LINDA NEARY             32 F JUPITER                   FL    2:00 1326 THOMAS NOBLE, JR.       43 M GRETNA                    LA    2:00  151 RICH ODASH              33 M FRIDLEY                   MN    2:00  590 JOSEPH OSTROWSKI        26 M FORT EUSTIS               VA    2:00  155 GREGORY PORTER          34 M GAINESVILLE               FL    2:00  644 JOHN POULSON            28 M MARIAM                    FL    2:00 1423 WALLACE RANDELL         42 M TALLAHASSEE               FL    2:00  161 CHRIS REILLY            30 M AUGUSTA                   GA    2:00  164 GREGG ROGERS            31 M RINGGOLD                  GA    2:00  599 JUSTIN ROMAN            26 M SARASOTA                  FL    2:00  635 MICHAEL ROTHERMEL       29 M PANAMA CITY               FL    2:00  177 MARIO SOUZA             32 M RUTHERFORD                NJ    2:00  182 JOHN SZALINSKI          32 M PITTSBURGH                PA    2:00  615 GARY TAYLOR             26 M LYNCHBURG                 VA    2:00  617 TIMOTHY TOBIK           29 M FT. WALTON BEACH          FL    2:00  827 JO ANN TOMLINSON        25 F OCALA                     FL    2:00 1023 CARSON UTECH            18 M MARIETTA                  GA    2:00  427 DANNY WALKER            38 M ATLANTA                   GA    2:00  833 ERIN WELLER             31 F SPRINGFIELD               IL    2:00  193 TIM WILLIAMS            34 M LITTLETON                 CO    2:00  460 RUDY WILSON             39 M PENSACOLA                 FL    2:00 1030 MICHAEL WISECUP         21 M ANNAPOLIS                 MD    2:00  433 JOHN WOODRUFF           35 M ST PETERSBURG             FL    2:00  194 DARRELL WRIGHT          34 M PALM BAY                  FL    2:00  201 CHARLES WYZARD          32 M PANAMA CITY               FL    2:00    5/11/1996  5:36PM

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Question:

I was just curious if anyone knew what has happened to Patrick Gilbert of Northwind Promotions in Aptos, California?  Last I heard he was in rehab for something.  I’m asking because I entered the HammerHead Triathlon, which he promoted,  and it never happened.  Anyway I’m still trying to get my money back ($65).  I know he owes 18 other people money, as well.  

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Rumer has it, Patrrick Gilbert is in prison for break’n the law. funpig

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