Question:

I have a A3, and am unhappy. It doesn’t even tell time (I feel like an idiot when someone ask me the time, and I say I don’t know, even though I am wearing a watch). Also, if you blink when you check your average heart rate, it disappears, and you can’t recall it. I think the minimum functions need to be, in addition to heart rate, a zone alarm so you can hear if you are above or below your target rate, time of day, and a minimal memory function so you can stop the measuring when you get off the bike, and write down the average and max rate when you get to your notebook or log, and a stop watch. I now have a more sophisticated (S150), which may be overkill. But it sure is better than the brain-dead A3. Rick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text —— Original Message —– Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.racing,rec.running,rec.sport.swimming,rec.sport.triathlon Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2003 2:33 AM try looking at a-3 or an a-5 plodzilla I am looking to buy a heart rate monitor.  I am a mid-packer / Clydesdale athlete.  I don’t want one that the astronauts on the Space Shuttle would use, just one that will do a little more than the basic current heart rate. I also want to be able to replace the batteries, my own maintenance, etc. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Response:

I have a A3, and am unhappy. It doesn’t even tell time

Um, according to the Polar site it does. http://www.polar-usa.com/polar-a-series-comparison.html (I feel like an idiot when someone ask me the time, and I say I don’t know, even though I am wearing a watch). Also, if you blink when you check your average heart rate, it disappears, and you can’t recall it.

Are you sure about that?  I’d be astonished if there wasn’t a recall function. Tim —

Response:

Tim, I stand corrected. I have the F1, not an A3.  You are right. Rick

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a A3, and am unhappy. It doesn’t even tell time Um, according to the Polar site it does. http://www.polar-usa.com/polar-a-series-comparison.html (I feel like an idiot when someone ask me the time, and I say I don’t know, even though I am wearing a watch). Also, if you blink when you check your average heart rate, it disappears, and you can’t recall it. Are you sure about that?  I’d be astonished if there wasn’t a recall function. Tim —

Response:

try looking at a-3 or an a-5 plodzilla – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking to buy a heart rate monitor.  I am a mid-packer / Clydesdale athlete.  I don’t want one that the astronauts on the Space Shuttle would use, just one that will do a little more than the basic current heart rate. I also want to be able to replace the batteries, my own maintenance, etc. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Response:

This is a first.  I’ve never heard a jogger admit to being a mud packer before.  Maybe we’re moving forward as a species, after all.  Although I can’t for the life of me, understand why knowing what your heart rate is during a mud packing, is important.

Response:

I am looking to buy a heart rate monitor.  I am a mid-packer / Clydesdale athlete.  I don’t want one that the astronauts on the Space Shuttle would use, just one that will do a little more than the basic current heart rate. I also want to be able to replace the batteries, my own maintenance, etc. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

I’ve had a lot of luck with my S510 which I bought on closeout from either performance or nashbar (I don’t remember which one in this case but I use both: I only pick one over the other strictly on pricing – I believe I bought for around $140). The reason I chose it was primarily because it was the cheapest unit I could find that would talk to my computer.  It does so through the microphone, so you don’t have to pay extra for an IR link.  I must say that it’s not the best method, but it does work. The software helps me motivate myself to log my exercises. The bad thing is that I have a "dorito back" so my transmitter strap does not stay on my chest while swimming (unless I wear a wetsuit).  As soon as I push off the wall the strap slips to my waist/hips.  It doesn’t matter how tight I make it. I was quite impressed that it registered the entire swim (2.4 miles – with a wet suit) of my ironman race this year.  I expected it to loose transmission in the water, but that did not appear to happen. The added bonus for me is that it has bike functionality.  If I so choose I can add a cadence transmitter for another $30. Hope this helps. -CF

Response:

I am looking to buy a heart rate monitor.  I am a mid-packer / Clydesdale athlete.  I don’t want one that the astronauts on the Space Shuttle would use, just one that will do a little more than the basic current heart rate. I also want to be able to replace the batteries, my own maintenance, etc. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Response:

The functions you need depend on how you intend to use the monitor, and will determine the model you buy.  I have a Polar Xtrainer plus with cycle functions that I got 5 years ago, and I got the computer downlink also.  A model like that is great because you can download and graph your interval workouts and analyze them later.  In the past 2 years however, I haven’t done as much interval training and I’m now using a Polar Accurex IIa that I got on sale.  This model gives me target zone and average heart rate for the entire workout, which is plenty for me at this point.  After a while I found the computer part of it was unnecesary even for my interval workouts, but I did learn alot doing it that way for a couple of years.  I don’t need to graph my workouts anymore, and I found that its better to have a separate cycle-computer than to use the Polor cycle functions.  For me simpler is better.  But now I have my eye on the timex GPS thing that can be used for running too so who knows…. My advice is to buy a model thats on sale in one of the cycling catalogs. – Tony – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am looking to buy a heart rate monitor.  I am a mid-packer / Clydesdale athlete.  I don’t want one that the astronauts on the Space Shuttle would use, just one that will do a little more than the basic current heart rate. I also want to be able to replace the batteries, my own maintenance, etc. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Response:

Question:

I need to get a wetsuit but I have never used one before. I plan on renting one before I buy. Is there a FAQ on wetsuits and what to look for? If not, I would like advice on the purchase of a wetsuit. What should I look for, how much should I spend etc etc.  It will be used in fresh and salt water and probably a lap pool for training also. Thanks in advance.    -Jim-

  jkca1.vcf

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Response:

This month’s issue of Triathlete magazine has reviews/suggestions for purchasing a wetsuit.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need to get a wetsuit but I have never used one before. I plan on renting one before I buy. Is there a FAQ on wetsuits and what to look for? If not, I would like advice on the purchase of a wetsuit. What should I look for, how much should I spend etc etc.  It will be used in fresh and salt water and probably a lap pool for training also. Thanks in advance.    -Jim-

Response:

Question:

An athlete’s running, biking, and swimming speeds are almost completely independent of each other.

        Are they completely independant even if ignoring technique? I realize that someone who has no swimming experiance and jumps in the pool isn’t going to swim to the Aerobic potential. However is there no way of predicting potential assuming average technique? ~Matt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -So, any formula that tries to guess your Tri time based on only one leg, would be completely inaccurate, and pretty much useless.

Response:

Never seen a comparison but I usually do 1/2 IM in 5:10 to 5:20 and full IM’s in 11:30 to 11:50.   You must remember that conditions have a greater affect on triathlon than in running.   Kona wind variations often have a 30 minute impact on time there.   Put a little wave action into the swim and major things happen to ones time. Ken DaVico

        It would make sense that the same % chart would apply to running a 1/2 maraton to a full as would a 1/2 iron to a full. Messing around with a pace calculator I found putting your 5:20 time in as a 1/2 marathon your full finish would be 11:11, fairly good for a ballpark. However I was wondering if you could predict Tri times from ones running or biking ability? ~Matt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Forgive me if I posted this already. I meant to but can’t seem to find it if I did. I have several charts that predict marathon time based on 10K or 5K times and I’m assumeing that there must be similar charts for biking and swimming. Is there such a chart fro Irons or 1/2 irons based on running or biking etc? I realize they would be siginificantly less accurate thanthe running to running comparison however if one was looking for a ballpark figure it would be usefull. ~Matt

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Never seen a comparison but I usually do 1/2 IM in 5:10 to 5:20 and full IM’s in 11:30 to 11:50.   You must remember that conditions have a greater affect on triathlon than in running.   Kona wind variations often have a 30 minute impact on time there.   Put a little wave action into the swim and major things happen to ones time. Ken DaVico It would make sense that the same % chart would apply to running a 1/2 maraton to a full as would a 1/2 iron to a full. Messing around with a pace calculator I found putting your 5:20 time in as a 1/2 marathon your full finish would be 11:11, fairly good for a ballpark. However I was wondering if you could predict Tri times from ones running or biking ability? ~Matt

An athlete’s running, biking, and swimming speeds are almost completely independent of each other. So, any formula that tries to guess your Tri time based on only one leg, would be completely inaccurate, and pretty much useless.

Response:

You could predict you Tri time using a formula but you might as well call Ms. Cleo and ask her.  It would be just as accurate. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Never seen a comparison but I usually do 1/2 IM in 5:10 to 5:20 and full IM’s in 11:30 to 11:50.   You must remember that conditions have a greater affect on triathlon than in running.   Kona wind variations often have a 30 minute impact on time there.   Put a little wave action into the swim and major things happen to ones time. Ken DaVico It would make sense that the same % chart would apply to running a 1/2 maraton to a full as would a 1/2 iron to a full. Messing around with a pace calculator I found putting your 5:20 time in as a 1/2 marathon your full finish would be 11:11, fairly good for a ballpark. However I was wondering if you could predict Tri times from ones running or biking ability? ~Matt Forgive me if I posted this already. I meant to but can’t seem to find it if I did. I have several charts that predict marathon time based on 10K or 5K times and I’m assumeing that there must be similar charts for biking and swimming. Is there such a chart fro Irons or 1/2 irons based on running or biking etc? I realize they would be siginificantly less accurate thanthe running to running comparison however if one was looking for a ballpark figure it would be usefull. ~Matt

Response:

For a recent sprint triathlon (400 meter / 0.25 mile swim, 6 mile bike, 3 mile run) with mostly local competitors, the competitors’ performance on individual events was related as follows: Both men and women rode the bike 2.3x faster than they ran.  Relative standard deviation (RSD) was 10% – 12%.  Total bike times included the first transition times, thus biking speed ratios would probably be slightly higher for longer races or those with separate transition times. Men swam at 0.23x their running speed with an RSD of 16%. Women swam at 0.25x their running speed with an RSD of 19%. For an individual, the only value of this data is to determine strengths and weaknesses.  For example, the average male 7-minute mile runner would ride at an average pace of 19.7 mph and swim at 1.97 mph. Any deviation from the predictions represents a strength or weakness for that individual. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I believe there is a coach in Northern California who can predict your overall time based on your times in individual events, He has a book and I bought his training program software, but frankly, I’m not competitive enough to be concerned about it. If you would like, I can dig up the title of the book and the name of the coach who is also the author and post it. Forgive me if I posted this already. I meant to but can’t seem to find it if I did. I have several charts that predict marathon time based on 10K or 5K times and I’m assumeing that there must be similar charts for biking and swimming. Is there such a chart fro Irons or 1/2 irons based on running or biking etc? I realize they would be siginificantly less accurate thanthe running to running comparison however if one was looking for a ballpark figure it would be usefull. ~Matt

Response:

I believe there is a coach in Northern California who can predict your overall time based on your times in individual events, He has a book and I bought his training program software, but frankly, I’m not competitive enough to be concerned about it. If you would like, I can dig up the title of the book and the name of the coach who is also the author and post it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Forgive me if I posted this already. I meant to but can’t seem to find it if I did. I have several charts that predict marathon time based on 10K or 5K times and I’m assumeing that there must be similar charts for biking and swimming. Is there such a chart fro Irons or 1/2 irons based on running or biking etc? I realize they would be siginificantly less accurate thanthe running to running comparison however if one was looking for a ballpark figure it would be usefull. ~Matt

Response:

MJURIC: Here’s another hint: When Andrew the analytical gives up on developing a formula for something, it can’t be done! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wildflower is my first 1/2 ever.  I’m basing my target time in each event on some historical training and racing data, combined with wanting to finish in top 15% of my age group.  It of course also depends on conditions, and how I feel on race day.  Interesting note: Same distance over different courses have a huge effect:  top 15% in 40-44 age group at WF in ‘01 was around 5:35.  At Vineman (flatter, faster), it was 5:00!  Ah hell, I’m calling Miss Cleo for her guess now. You could predict you Tri time using a formula but you might as well call Ms. Cleo and ask her.  It would be just as accurate. Never seen a comparison but I usually do 1/2 IM in 5:10 to 5:20 and full IM’s in 11:30 to 11:50.   You must remember that conditions have a greater affect on triathlon than in running.   Kona wind variations often have a 30 minute impact on time there.   Put a little wave action into the swim and major things happen to ones time. Ken DaVico It would make sense that the same % chart would apply to running a 1/2 maraton to a full as would a 1/2 iron to a full. Messing around with a pace calculator I found putting your 5:20 time in as a 1/2 marathon your full finish would be 11:11, fairly good for a ballpark. However I was wondering if you could predict Tri times from ones running or biking ability? ~Matt Forgive me if I posted this already. I meant to but can’t seem to find it if I did. I have several charts that predict marathon time based on 10K or 5K times and I’m assumeing that there must be similar charts for biking and swimming. Is there such a chart fro Irons or 1/2 irons based on running or biking etc? I realize they would be siginificantly less accurate thanthe running to running comparison however if one was looking for a ballpark figure it would be usefull. ~Matt

Response:

An athlete’s running, biking, and swimming speeds are almost completely independent of each other.    Are they completely independant even if ignoring technique? I realize that someone who has no swimming experiance and jumps in the pool isn’t going to swim to the Aerobic potential. However is there no way of predicting potential assuming average technique? ~Matt

I’d imagine you could build in factors for that. Then you could add factors for salt vs fresh water. Then one for wetsuit vs not. Then a variable one for surf conditions. Presence or absence of jellyfish and quantity thereof (some folks swim slower to avoid them, some faster to get it over with). Distance from swim to T1, and what surface you have to run on. whether you got a good or bad spot in the transition area. Wind. Whether you got a flat. Whether you over swam and have to spend the first 5 min on the bike in recovery mode. Number of turns or hills on the course. Road conditions. Presence or absence of traffic. traffic jams at T2. Rain. Leg cramps. Number of aid stations on the run. Whether or not you shaved. Hot or cold temperatures. Whether you sped up to make sure you got some of the free beer at the finish line. Whether you were able to concentrate on your effort throughout the race, or instead allowed you mind to drift into meaningless questions like this one. Of course, then you’d spend all of your time doing math and none training. Damn! That’s another factor…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -So, any formula that tries to guess your Tri time based on only one leg, would be completely inaccurate, and pretty much useless.

Response:

An athlete’s running, biking, and swimming speeds are almost completely independent of each other. So, any formula that tries to guess your Tri time based on only one leg, would be completely inaccurate, and pretty much useless.

For a beginner, I suspect you could create a function with limited value. It doesn’t take too much practice or training to swim or bike at a pedestrian level, it just takes stamina.  They need to be cycyling at a decent clip whree the bike model becomes more important.  Swimming can vary, but the distance is usually so short that it doesn’t matter.  So I think you could take 10k times and make some predictions for sprints.   — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

Response:

I agree with the other posters that there is no reliable correlation between time / pace for the different events.   The first issue is how does one event affect another  I think if you did enough practice runs and / or research, you could effectively predict this, but only for a particular race.  For example, let’s say you run 3 miles in 21 minutes from a fresh start.  Throw in a 500 m swim and a 10 mile bike before hand and that same 3 mile run might take you 23 minutes.  Try setting up mathematical models for this, and you’ll quickly see that there are multiple approaches, some simple and some could get complicated.  You might start by comparing 3 mile run times in a particular triathlon (with the run at the end) to those of a 3 mile run race, preferably at the same location and using the same athletes. The other issue is how does the distance of an event affect the pace of the event.  The simple answer to this is look at the records and calculate the average pace of each event.  As an example, you might find that winner’s average pace for a 10K was 10% faster than that of the marathon.  That doesn’t mean the marathon winner could run the 10k at a 10% faster pace than he runs the marathon, but it does give you a ballpark estimate of the effect of distance on average pace.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Forgive me if I posted this already. I meant to but can’t seem to find it if I did. I have several charts that predict marathon time based on 10K or 5K times and I’m assumeing that there must be similar charts for biking and swimming. Is there such a chart fro Irons or 1/2 irons based on running or biking etc? I realize they would be siginificantly less accurate thanthe running to running comparison however if one was looking for a ballpark figure it would be usefull. ~Matt

Response:

Wildflower is my first 1/2 ever.  I’m basing my target time in each event on some historical training and racing data, combined with wanting to finish in top 15% of my age group.  It of course also depends on conditions, and how I feel on race day.  Interesting note: Same distance over different courses have a huge effect:  top 15% in 40-44 age group at WF in ‘01 was around 5:35.  At Vineman (flatter, faster), it was 5:00!  Ah hell, I’m calling Miss Cleo for her guess now. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You could predict you Tri time using a formula but you might as well call Ms. Cleo and ask her.  It would be just as accurate. Never seen a comparison but I usually do 1/2 IM in 5:10 to 5:20 and full IM’s in 11:30 to 11:50.   You must remember that conditions have a  greater affect on triathlon than in running.   Kona wind variations often have a  30 minute impact on time there.   Put a little wave action into the swim and major things happen to ones time. Ken DaVico It would make sense that the same % chart would apply to running a 1/2 maraton to a full as would a 1/2 iron to a full. Messing around with a pace calculator I found putting your 5:20 time in as a 1/2 marathon your full finish would be 11:11, fairly good for a ballpark. However I was wondering if you could predict Tri times from ones running or biking ability? ~Matt Forgive me if I posted this already. I meant to but can’t seem to find it if I did. I have several charts that predict marathon time based on 10K or 5K times and I’m assumeing that there must be similar charts for biking and swimming. Is there such a chart fro Irons or 1/2 irons based on running or biking etc? I realize they would be siginificantly less accurate thanthe running to running comparison however if one was looking for a ballpark figure it would be usefull. ~Matt

Response:

Forgive me if I posted this already. I meant to but can’t seem to find it if I did. I have several charts that predict marathon time based on 10K or 5K times and I’m assumeing that there must be similar charts for biking and swimming. Is there such a chart fro Irons or 1/2 irons based on running or biking etc? I realize they would be siginificantly less accurate thanthe running to running comparison however if one was looking for a ballpark figure it would be usefull. ~Matt

Response:

Never seen a comparison but I usually do 1/2 IM in 5:10 to 5:20 and full IM’s in 11:30 to 11:50.   You must remember that conditions have a greater affect on triathlon than in running.   Kona wind variations often have a 30 minute impact on time there.   Put a little wave action into the swim and major things happen to ones time. Ken DaVico – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Forgive me if I posted this already. I meant to but can’t seem to find it if I did. I have several charts that predict marathon time based on 10K or 5K times and I’m assumeing that there must be similar charts for biking and swimming. Is there such a chart fro Irons or 1/2 irons based on running or biking etc? I realize they would be siginificantly less accurate thanthe running to running comparison however if one was looking for a ballpark figure it would be usefull. ~Matt

Response:

Question:

How do they propose to enforce this?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the US several states and cities tax professional athletes for a share of their income derived from playing in that town. don’t know about australia, but in those places that i know income taxes are due only after 180 days of residence per calendar year. this is pretty much standard. pete Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

Response:

I’ve not heard anything about this. Sounds like a load of crap to me.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

Response:

don’t know about australia, but in those places that i know income taxes are due only after 180 days of residence per calendar year. this is pretty much standard. pete – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

Response:

Why should they be?  They started out in 1896 as elitist games.  The reason amateurs were barred so they wouldn’t compete with upper and middle classes.

No, that’s why *professionals* were barred. — — Bye,                 James

Response:

In the US several states and cities tax professional athletes for a share of their income derived from playing in that town.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – don’t know about australia, but in those places that i know income taxes are due only after 180 days of residence per calendar year. this is pretty much standard. pete Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

Response:

It is true, but my local newspaper reported an Aussie official as saying that the Aussies would not pursue it.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve not heard anything about this. Sounds like a load of crap to me. Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

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Aaah, I was not referring only to the host city but also the different organizing committees.  Even though they are fictionalized see the Steve Prefontaine movies.  The Olympics leave a bad taste in my mouth.  Both from a historical account and the current doings of the IOC.  I do love the actual competition.  I would gladly pay to see it on the tube or web. Watching the bastardized NBC coverage (read American athletes only) where they switch to soap opera stories in the middle of competition and don’t explain the moves in the longer events.  I am almost tempted to go to Canberra and watch the TV coverage from there.  I can’t afford the AUD 1000 for front row seats.  I did pay the AUD 8.95 for the Australian 5 dollar athletics commerative coin my last visit down under.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I point you to David Martin’s book "The Olympic Marathon" for some Olympic history.  The Games were not a money maker until Los Angeles ($225 million profit I think).   Before that the IOC had no clue about marketing or selling the brand (now the most recognizable brand/logo in the world). Politics have played a role in the Olympics for a long, long time.  In 1956, the Hungarian v Soviet Union water polo match was pretty political.  The African nations threatened to boycott in 1968.  All that said, I would prefer that athletes not be punished for the transgressions of its country since the athletes rarely have anything to do with the decisions of its government (except maybe when Princess Anne competed in equestrian in Montreal). The Olympics will always be "elitist" in one sense or another just as the Army Rangers are elitist. Why should they be?  They started out in 1896 as elitist games.  The reason amateurs were barred so they wouldn’t compete with upper and middle classes. Until recently, everyone was making (Except Montreal) out of the Olympics except for the athletes themselves.  The hypocrisy of the Olympics is amazing.  1980, significant amounts of people were saying it’s wrong to inject politics in the Olympics when the USA boycotted the Olympics. These same people kept silent or agreed on the ban of South Africa. dennis Well I can understand charging taxes on something as routine as baseball or something, but I had always thought the Olympics were supposed to be special. -jeff

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I thought it was the opposite. Proffesionals were banned. you had to be an amateur to compete, and the rules on this were very strict. That’s why it’s only recently that proffesional cyclists were able to compete, due to a change in the rules on this. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why should they be?  They started out in 1896 as elitist games.  The reason amateurs were barred so they wouldn’t compete with upper and middle classes. Until recently, everyone was making (Except Montreal) out of the Olympics except for the athletes themselves.  The hypocrisy of the Olympics is amazing.  1980, significant amounts of people were saying it’s wrong to inject politics in the Olympics when the USA boycotted the Olympics. These same people kept silent or agreed on the ban of South Africa. dennis Well I can understand charging taxes on something as routine as baseball or something, but I had always thought the Olympics were supposed to be special. -jeff

Response:

Jeff, You are absolutely correct. As an Australian lawyer (and runner), I can tell you that, while Australia’s tax laws on a strict interpretation would require payment of local taxes, in practice those taxes will never be collected, and I don’t expect that any attempt will be made to collect them. In addition, my understanding is that, as Sam has pointed out, this position is no different from tax laws in the US and most countries. Ross PS Thanks to David Owers for his contribution to international diplomacy. Before he makes comments about other people’s genetic deficiencies, he might want to learn how to spell and write grammatical sentences. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I couldn’t imagine Australia actually collecting these taxes.  The Olympics provides the host the chance to showcase their country and I don’t think taking half of an Olympian’s money makes a very good impression.  It just makes me wonder what is wrong with the country?  Do they actually need the extra couple million this might bring in for them?  and need it so badly that they are willing to steal from what are basically international athletic diplomats? Hopefully this is just based on some Australian lawyer’s literal interpretation of the law and not on what the Australian government has actually decided to do. -jeff Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

Response:

Corrected Post: Why should they be?  They started out in 1896 as elitist games.  The reason amateurs were barred so they wouldn’t compete with upper and middle classes. Until recently, everyone was making money (Except Montreal) out of the Olympics except for the athletes themselves.  The hypocrisy of the Olympics is amazing.  1980, significant amounts of people were saying it’s wrong to inject politics in the Olympics when the USA boycotted the Olympics.  These same people kept silent or agreed on the ban of South Africa. dennis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I can understand charging taxes on something as routine as baseball or something, but I had always thought the Olympics were supposed to be special. -jeff

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I point you to David Martin’s book "The Olympic Marathon" for some Olympic history.  The Games were not a money maker until Los Angeles ($225 million profit I think).   Before that the IOC had no clue about marketing or selling the brand (now the most recognizable brand/logo in the world). Politics have played a role in the Olympics for a long, long time.  In 1956, the Hungarian v Soviet Union water polo match was pretty political.  The African nations threatened to boycott in 1968.  All that said, I would prefer that athletes not be punished for the transgressions of its country since the athletes rarely have anything to do with the decisions of its government (except maybe when Princess Anne competed in equestrian in Montreal). The Olympics will always be "elitist" in one sense or another just as the Army Rangers are elitist. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why should they be?  They started out in 1896 as elitist games.  The reason amateurs were barred so they wouldn’t compete with upper and middle classes. Until recently, everyone was making (Except Montreal) out of the Olympics except for the athletes themselves.  The hypocrisy of the Olympics is amazing.  1980, significant amounts of people were saying it’s wrong to inject politics in the Olympics when the USA boycotted the Olympics. These same people kept silent or agreed on the ban of South Africa. dennis Well I can understand charging taxes on something as routine as baseball or something, but I had always thought the Olympics were supposed to be special. -jeff

Response:

Why should they be?  They started out in 1896 as elitist games.  The reason amateurs were barred so they wouldn’t compete with upper and middle classes. Until recently, everyone was making (Except Montreal) out of the Olympics except for the athletes themselves.  The hypocrisy of the Olympics is amazing.  1980, significant amounts of people were saying it’s wrong to inject politics in the Olympics when the USA boycotted the Olympics.  These same people kept silent or agreed on the ban of South Africa. dennis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I can understand charging taxes on something as routine as baseball or something, but I had always thought the Olympics were supposed to be special. -jeff

Response:

Why should they be?  They started out in 1896 as elitist games.  The reason amateurs were barred so they wouldn’t compete with upper and middle classes. Until recently, everyone was making (Except Montreal) out of the Olympics except for the athletes themselves.  The hypocrisy of the Olympics is amazing.  1980, significant amounts of people were saying it’s wrong to inject politics in the Olympics when the USA boycotted the Olympics.  These same people kept silent or agreed on the ban of South Africa.

Too right about the politics issue.  Too bad, too… On the taxation issue, though, I guess I’ll have to be prepared to get an Australian tax levied on my salary earned during my next business trip to Australia…

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Well I can understand charging taxes on something as routine as baseball or something, but I had always thought the Olympics were supposed to be special. -jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Actually this occurs in the US.  Many cities can (and do I bet) send professional athletes a tax bill for income earned in that city even as a visiting athlete.  For instance, the Atlanta Braves (a baseball team) travel to New York twice a year to play the Mets.  That is probably 6 games of 162 game schedule.  Those 6 games represent about 4% of the schedule.  A player making 4 million dollars (US) per year would then owe taxes on $160K (4% of 4 million). I couldn’t imagine Australia actually collecting these taxes.  The Olympics provides the host the chance to showcase their country and I don’t think taking half of an Olympian’s money makes a very good impression.  It just makes me wonder what is wrong with the country?  Do they actually need the extra couple million this might bring in for them?  and need it so badly that they are willing to steal from what are basically international athletic diplomats? Hopefully this is just based on some Australian lawyer’s literal interpretation of the law and not on what the Australian government has actually decided to do. -jeff Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

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Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

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What do you expect they were colonised by crooks it’s obviously still being a crook in there DNA. Dave Owers

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

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Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home.

What about their own medal winners?

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How are they planning on collecting this money? Hold the athlete hostage until he or she pays up? A lot of gold medal winners will high tail it out of Australia, never to return!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

Response:

I couldn’t imagine Australia actually collecting these taxes.  The Olympics provides the host the chance to showcase their country and I don’t think taking half of an Olympian’s money makes a very good impression.  It just makes me wonder what is wrong with the country?  Do they actually need the extra couple million this might bring in for them?  and need it so badly that they are willing to steal from what are basically international athletic diplomats? Hopefully this is just based on some Australian lawyer’s literal interpretation of the law and not on what the Australian government has actually decided to do. -jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

Response:

Actually this occurs in the US.  Many cities can (and do I bet) send professional athletes a tax bill for income earned in that city even as a visiting athlete.  For instance, the Atlanta Braves (a baseball team) travel to New York twice a year to play the Mets.  That is probably 6 games of 162 game schedule.  Those 6 games represent about 4% of the schedule.  A player making 4 million dollars (US) per year would then owe taxes on $160K (4% of 4 million).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I couldn’t imagine Australia actually collecting these taxes.  The Olympics provides the host the chance to showcase their country and I don’t think taking half of an Olympian’s money makes a very good impression.  It just makes me wonder what is wrong with the country?  Do they actually need the extra couple million this might bring in for them?  and need it so badly that they are willing to steal from what are basically international athletic diplomats? Hopefully this is just based on some Australian lawyer’s literal interpretation of the law and not on what the Australian government has actually decided to do. -jeff Australia may impose tax on foreign medal winners. Sydney — Medals at the Sydney Olympic Games may come with something extra — a tax bill. International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. More…from the Globe and Mail at: http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/OtherSports/20000817/SOLYM.html. Ken Ken Parker Runner’s Web http://www.runnersweb.com/running.html A running and triathlon resource site

Response:

Question:

I am looking for a used 47-49cm bike for tri’s, etc. and can’t find many. Would I be able to get a bigger frame (50-52+) and put 650 wheels on it to put it in my size range?  Are there other problems with doing this? Thanks, Andrea

Andrea,     I don’t know if this helps, but I just bought a 49cm Cannondale frameset (650c) for my sister, and it costed around $550. However, it has road geometry.

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NO, doesn’t work that way. Top tube is what’s important, not stand over height. Steve’s Multisport – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a used 47-49cm bike for tri’s, etc. and can’t find many. Would I be able to get a bigger frame (50-52+) and put 650 wheels on it to put it in my size range?  Are there other problems with doing this? Thanks, Andrea

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Andrea, we seem to need the same frame size. I have a 28" inseam and I’m 5′5" small.  I have had/ do have the following bikes:  Litespeed Blade in 51cm, Aegis Swift in 48cm, and Softride Powerwing in 48cm. All had 650 wheels, which were perfect for that small of a frame. Of all three bikes, the Blade was the best/fastest in the aero position, however uncomfortable for training upright, and the 51cm frame was too big, I should have had a 49. The Aegis was definitely the most nimble, most enjoyable bike to ride, and the Powerwing the most comfy for really long rides. I always found the small frame/650 wheel combo to be just about right. I don’t think someone of my stature really will ever benefit from 700 wheels, the bikes of my size are proportioned better with 650’s, or so it seems to me. Ever see a 48 cm frame with 700 wheels – it even looks strange, all wheels, no frame. Even with the small wheels, on the Aegis there was a tiny bit of overlap, but if I had to choose between one of three bikes all over again I’d go for the Aegis in a moment. Keep looking, you’ll find what you’re looking for. The Aegis Swift is marketed primarily at the female marketplace, I would highly suggest their bike – www.aegisbicycles.com Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a used 47-49cm bike for tri’s, etc. and can’t find many. Would I be able to get a bigger frame (50-52+) and put 650 wheels on it to put it in my size range?  Are there other problems with doing this? Thanks, Andrea

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I am looking for a used 47-49cm bike for tri’s, etc. and can’t find many. Would I be able to get a bigger frame (50-52+) and put 650 wheels on it to put it in my size range?  Are there other problems with doing this? Thanks, Andrea

Response:

Smaller wheels would give the bike a lower stand-over height, but your pedals would be closer to the ground than is normal, thus increasing the odds that you’ll scrape one while going around a turn. You’d also have a problem getting the pads of your aero bars low enough, something that is often a problem even for average-sized individuals riding larger bikes. A larger frame will also be longer, meaning that the reach to the handlebars would likely leave you too stretched out. Of course, all of this is really a bit of a moot point, as in most cases it is impossible to use 650C wheels with a frame and fork designed for 700C, as the brake pads can’t be lowered enough to reach the rims. I don’t know where to recommend you look to find a used tri-bike in the size you need, but for the reasons mentioned above I don’t think the retro-fit approach you suggest is a good idea (even if you could cobble something together). Andrew Coggan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a used 47-49cm bike for tri’s, etc. and can’t find many. Would I be able to get a bigger frame (50-52+) and put 650 wheels on it to put it in my size range?  Are there other problems with doing this? Thanks, Andrea

Response:

Most Tri bike companies have smallerframes available and some can build custom frames to suit your sizing. To get a reasonable bike  in 47-49cm  you would most likely need 650c wheels to avoid front wheel overlap etc. One of the most important aspects of fitting is toptube length so just going to a bigger seattube may make the bike far to long. Have a look at the following sites and see what they recommend. I know Elite Bicycles has 47cm frames available as I just sent them some at 6.30am this morning ! http://www.slowtwitch.com http://www.cervelo.com http://www.elitebicycles.com http://www.curloo.com http://www.bicyclesports.com Lloyd — Deewal Pty Ltd. web:          http://www.deewal.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a used 47-49cm bike for tri’s, etc. and can’t find many. Would I be able to get a bigger frame (50-52+) and put 650 wheels on it to put it in my size range?  Are there other problems with doing this? Thanks, Andrea

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Used bikes in that range are at a premium. Women use them, as do young triathletes. There are some new ones that can run around $800, Cannondale and others, with 650 wheels. With a LBS you can get free lifetime adjustments on most new bikes, which is good for a new triathlete/cyclist. They would also fit you properly, in theory. In the long run, it is sometimes cheaper to spend more money on a decent inexpensive bike to begin with, rather than getting a used one that doesn’t fit, and then later having to get one that does. Tim www.tri-team.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a used 47-49cm bike for tri’s, etc. and can’t find many. Would I be able to get a bigger frame (50-52+) and put 650 wheels on it to put it in my size range?  Are there other problems with doing this? Thanks, Andrea

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Question:

I heading down from rainy Portland with several Nike Team Endorphin members for My first ever Tri ( hell of an intro HUH).  I hope all those miles in the rain are worth something.  I’ll be the one on a flourescent orange Softride can’t miss me.  Thanks to everyone for all the tips on RST to get me to Wildflower!!!!!! Kendall Shapiro – Tri Virgin

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Tricia, Add me to the list of "people who know what  the long course is really like, but signed up anyway"  At least this year I have a pretty good start on the training, but Wildflower has a habit of humbling all of us (at least it has set me back in my thinking about how good of condition I’m in for the last three years).  First time for the long course for me but, hey, after doing IMC ‘98, how hard can Wildflower be? We’ll know in about 4 weeks!! John Hall All right, now that Judgement Day is a mere

three-and-a-half weeks off, I – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -reckon it’s about time to start takin’ names. Who’s goin?  Which race are you planning on doing?  Post or email and I’ll track the list.  I’ll start with: TriBaby Joe "Studmuffin" Foster John Welch Ron Renwick Wade & Cathy Blomgren — Tri-Baby                                     _                                  -    o     ‘             –  __o       –    </_ `     ‘         –    <         – __/   /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips: http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html

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Mark Rinaldi (Long Course) I am bringing 22 of my Inland Inferno teammates with me. Just hope it isn’t as windy as it was last weekend up there. Mark Rinaldi Inland Inferno Triathlon Club http://members.aol.com/infernotri/home.htm

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I’m going ! Racing Saturday, Head Ref on Sunday. Hey Larry, are you one of my newbies?  Welcome ! We are VERY glad to have you ! Congratulations for stepping into the arena of Service to Your Sport ! Lynne

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I’m heading down to check out the Water Temp and will report back, this weekend. Anyone else going this weekend? Our Carmel Valley Tri Club goes every year just prior. Lynne

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<< I reckon it’s about time to start takin’ names. Who’s goin?  Which race are you planning on doing? <<TriBaby Princess Carla and I are both going long again this year.  We rode the course on 4/3 and it was freezing cold and windy as hell.  Lets hope for better weather on race day Gary McMurtrey Inland Inferno Triathlon Club http://members.aol.com/infernotri/home.htm

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Yes, Lynne, I’m one of your newbies.  I’m looking forward to seeing the sport from a different angle and meeting some new folks as well.  It looks like an exciting weekend.  See you in a few weeks. Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going ! Racing Saturday, Head Ref on Sunday. Hey Larry, are you one of my newbies?  Welcome ! We are VERY glad to have you ! Congratulations for stepping into the arena of Service to Your Sport ! Lynne

Response:

We’ve got about 28 or 30 coming down from Sonoma Mountain Triathletes. See you all there – look for our banner and come say hi! Doug Kraus Tri-turtle (yes, I’m still alive) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All right, now that Judgement Day is a mere three-and-a-half weeks off, I reckon it’s about time to start takin’ names. Who’s goin?  Which race are you planning on doing?  Post or email and I’ll track the list.  I’ll start with: TriBaby Joe "Studmuffin" Foster John Welch Ron Renwick Wade & Cathy Blomgren — Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html

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All right, now that Judgement Day is a mere three-and-a-half weeks off, I reckon it’s about time to start takin’ names. Who’s goin?  Which race are you planning on doing?  Post or email and I’ll track the list.  I’ll start with: TriBaby Joe "Studmuffin" Foster John Welch Ron Renwick Wade & Cathy Blomgren — Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

Response:

Gordo Byrn – Long Course (wife Angela backin’ me up) Coming all the way from Hong Kong!

Response:

Olympic — Paul MacKenzie from Benicia, CA 1/2  – Lynne MacKenzie – same place

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Chuck  "The Lurker" Willen is doing the Long course.  I hope to meet everyone there.

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Put me down for racing the long course and doing my first USAT gig at the short course. Larry

All right, now that Judgement Day is a mere three-and-a-half weeks off, I reckon it’s about time to start takin’ names. Who’s goin?  Which race are you planning on doing?  Post or email and I’ll track the list.  I’ll start with: TriBaby Joe "Studmuffin" Foster John Welch Ron Renwick Wade & Cathy Blomgren — Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html

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Hi all, See y’all there, working the race on Saturday, racing on Sunday. Monday? Hmmmmm… Kathy *I’m a woman of action.*

Response:

Add to that: Meika SIlva Matt Pope (We’re both doing the Olympic) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All right, now that Judgement Day is a mere three-and-a-half weeks off, I reckon it’s about time to start takin’ names. Who’s goin?  Which race are you planning on doing?  Post or email and I’ll track the list.  I’ll start with: TriBaby Joe "Studmuffin" Foster John Welch Ron Renwick Wade & Cathy Blomgren — Tri-Baby                                     _                                  -    o     ‘             –  __o       –    </_ `     ‘         –    <         – __/   /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips: http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html

Response:

Emilio De Soto.  After proving myself against the youngsters on the Olympic course last year (3rd overall) I am doing the long course this year again. Mark Montgomery and I have a case of imports on the race.  We have been racing this race now for about 10-12 years?  I don’t know I lost count. Will there be a meeting of RSTers?  Let us know! Emilio Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

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I’ll be doing the long course for my second time.  Hope to see everybody! Everitt Chock

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Randy Lexvold – Long course and I’ve pulled my girlfriend and roommate into the tri-fold, they’re going to be doing the MTB course. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All right, now that Judgement Day is a mere three-and-a-half weeks off, I reckon it’s about time to start takin’ names. Who’s goin?  Which race are you planning on doing?  Post or email and I’ll track the list.  I’ll start with: TriBaby Joe "Studmuffin" Foster John Welch Ron Renwick Wade & Cathy Blomgren — Tri-Baby                                     _                                  -    o     ‘             –  __o       –    </_ `     ‘         –    <         – __/   /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips: http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html

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I’ll be coming up from Orange County to do the Olympic course. Ron Urman

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I’ll be there. I’m signed up for the Olympic. -Gail DeCamp

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Racing both days–MTB Saturday, Olympic distance Sunday.  (Last year I heard there are a few crazies who, not finding the half-Ironman challenging enough , race the half-IM Saturday, then the Olympic distance Sunday.  Anyone on RST willing to admit to doing that?) –Steve Gregg

Response:

the UCSB Gauchos will be there, olympic of course… we will try and keep the noise to a minimum on friday night see ya there Scott, UCSB triathlon

Response:

Steve, One year 1992 I did an olympic on saturday in Los Angeles and the long course on Sunday.  They actually used to have it on Sunday.  Finished 10 th overall! Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

Man Emilio, you are an animal!  I can’t wait to meet the man, the myth, the legend at Wildflower this year. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Steve, One year 1992 I did an olympic on saturday in Los Angeles and the long course on Sunday.  They actually used to have it on Sunday.  Finished 10 th overall! Emilio De Soto II Triathlete/President and Designer De Soto Sport Triathlon Clothing Email me for a free catalog

Response:

Fred Huxham – long course (my first attempt at a 1/2 ironman) Heading down from Ross, Ca (Marin County) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All right, now that Judgement Day is a mere three-and-a-half weeks off, I reckon it’s about time to start takin’ names. Who’s goin?  Which race are you planning on doing?  Post or email and I’ll track the list.  I’ll start with: TriBaby Joe "Studmuffin" Foster John Welch Ron Renwick Wade & Cathy Blomgren — Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I enjoyed the draft legal format two years ago in the DTS series and I will go back to it when the age-grouper finally except the fact that only the pro’s will be allowed to draft.  Z Why only the pro’s?  If drafting is good for the sport, then isn’t drafting good for the sport?  Are we age-groupers being offered a watered down race because of some inherent limit to our abilities?  Or is the drafting race watered up, so to speak?  Why doesn’t anyone say that drafting or not drafting  is good because…. and therefore is good for everyone?  If we age-groupers need a different set of rules, we must insist on a different race.  If it’s our money that is needed, get it through donations or what-have-you, not entry fees that require we have a different sport on the same course. Ruth Kazez

Drafting is dangerous, especially with aero bars.  If the pros decide to draft, that’s their right, because it’s their livelihood.  I have enough problems with cars on my regular rides.  I don’t need the added danger in a race.  Besides that would increase insurance costs, race fees, etc. Or where you just being cynical? — Louis J. Savastani "The wrinkles only go where the smiles have been." — J. Buffett

Response:

Or where you just being cynical?

Yes, I was.  In a roundabout way I was saying that if drafting is a good thing for anyone, why limit it to pro’s.  No one, not the most enthusiastic pro-drafter has come up with a simple statement that drafting helps the sport of triathlon. Ruth Kazez

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Or where you just being cynical? Yes, I was.  In a roundabout way I was saying that if drafting is a good thing for anyone, why limit it to pro’s.  No one, not the most enthusiastic pro-drafter has come up with a simple statement that drafting helps the sport of triathlon. Ruth Kazez

I agree (as you can probably tell from my last post). — Louis J. Savastani "The wrinkles only go where the smiles have been." — J. Buffett

Response:

 I enjoyed the draft legal format two years ago in the DTS series and I will go back to it when the age-grouper finally except the fact that only the pro’s will be allowed to draft.  Z

Why only the pro’s?  If drafting is good for the sport, then isn’t drafting good for the sport?  Are we age-groupers being offered a watered down race because of some inherent limit to our abilities?  Or is the drafting race watered up, so to speak?  Why doesn’t anyone say that drafting or not drafting  is good because…. and therefore is good for everyone?  If we age-groupers need a different set of rules, we must insist on a different race.  If it’s our money that is needed, get it through donations or what-have-you, not entry fees that require we have a different sport on the same course. Ruth Kazez

Response:

this is not a change of oppinion on my part- in my past postings I have said that a boycott of St. Anthony’s is the only way to send a message to the race director that you do not want to attend a draft legal race.  If enough athletes do this the race director will have no other choice but to get rid of drafting, since the bottom line is always money.  This is documented history as we dropped our draft legal elite division format after the 1995 series (GTS) because of the many letters and phone calls that we received from triathletes who were boycotting our series because of drafting.  I am not in favor of a boycott against St. Anthony’s or USAT.  I know how a boycott can hurt a race and I would not want to see it happen to any race director.  The future of the professionan side of triathlon is a draft legal format.  Age-groupers might not like it but they will have to get use to it, becuase it is here, for good.  I enjoyed the draft legal format two years ago in the DTS series and I will go back to it when the age-grouper finally except the fact that only the pro’s will be allowed to draft.  Z Tom Ziebart – Exclusive Sports Marketing

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Question:

        Hey everyone,         I would like to have your opinions on running outside on the street, sidewalk, etc.. as opposed to running on a indoor track where the ground is a much softer and more pliable material. I’ve heard rumours that running outdoors on the asphalt is harmful to the knees, is there any truth to this?         Please let me know.. thank you!         Ryan — Ryan A. Rowe – Montreal, Quebec       Aspiring IronMan Triathlete
aka CyberEyes, Rubik’S Cube         |                 __o         o
WWW – http://www.cam.org/~cyberia  | __/o_       (_)/(_)       /
My Life’s Epitome – July 15th, 1998 |  swim          bike       run

Response:

       Hey everyone,        I would like to have your opinions on running outside on the street, sidewalk, etc.. as opposed to running on a indoor track where the ground is a much softer and more pliable material. I’ve heard rumours that running outdoors on the asphalt is harmful to the knees, is there any truth to this?

There’s a tradeoff. Asphalt is harder than a suspended track, and concrete sidewalks are harder still. Cold weather makes asphalt even harder. But an unbanked track can be hard on knees (eg. Iliotibial Band) plus, indoor air quality can be questionable, and I’ve found indoors to be uncomfortably warm sometimes. Good shoes are probably more important than running surface. There are a lot more people running outdoors than in, even here in the frozen north. Try the trails on Mount Royal or the cycling path down by the harbour. Runs all the way to Lachine. Dave Aggett

Response:

   Hey everyone,    I would like to have your opinions on running outside on the street, sidewalk, etc.. as opposed to running on a indoor track where the ground is a much softer and more pliable material. I’ve heard rumours that running outdoors on the asphalt is harmful to the knees, is there any truth to this?

Ryan: I run on an indoor track when I have to and outside whenever I can (preferably asphalt rather than concrete) and for me it’s a trade off; indoors may be softer but the turns tend to be tight which puts an entirely different kind of strain on your knees. It probably is a question of personal biomechanics, but I suspect outdoors is the best. Kelly

Response:

        Hey everyone,         I would like to have your opinions on running outside on the street, sidewalk, etc.. as opposed to running on a indoor track where the ground is a much softer and more pliable material. I’ve heard rumours that running outdoors on the asphalt is harmful to the knees, is there any truth to this?

The harder the surface, the more strain/impact problems it causes on your ankles, shins, knees and hips.  Asphalt is Hard.  Concrete is HARDER. Shoes with good shock absorbtion – Gel, Air, Grid, etc. can eliminate much of this shock.  An indoor track is usually softer, but has many turns (some as much as 40 in a mile) which cause knee strain. Treadmills vary dramatically in their firmness.  However, because of the action between your feet an the treadmill, they can cause shin and knee problems.  (Just feel the bottom of your sneakers after a treadmill session.  It will be HOT) The best thing to do is mix up you running sessions.  One day treadmill, one day track, one day outside.  Depending on where you live, running outside in the winter CAN be done.  I live in Philadelphia and plan on doing about 12 miles tomorrow in 25-30f.  (This is about my limit, and I can usually make it outside 1-2 times a week for all but 2-3 weeks in the winter.)  The trick, of course, is layering.  Also, at temps this low, a little vasoline on the exposed parts is also recommended.   Finally, when you can’t run, I suggest you hit the bike or swim a little harder.  Either intensity or just concentrate on form.  Another option is hitting the weight room. –Eric   My $.04 (Inflation)   Failure Is Not The Inability To Succeed;         Rather, The Unwillingness To Put Forth The Effort.                 Just Tri iT!

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Question:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

they have a 90 day price guarantee Bruce Platt

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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Question:

I’m going to be entering my first triathlon in June and I have a few questions to ask.  First off it’s a short triathlon that I plan on entering.  Should I take any food with me to eat on the bike and if so what kind of food would you suggest? Also I’d like to know what kind of stretching if any is done between the events.  I’m particularly interested in the bike-run transition. After riding the bike for 20 miles my legs feel wooden. Thanks for your help. Keith.

Response:

Keith, Without knowing the distance of your race, it’s hard to say whether you should bring food on the bike.  However, since you describe it as a "short" one, it’s a pretty safe bet that you will not need solid food on the bike for this distance.  Personally, I only use solid food on the bike in races of 1/2 Ironman distance or longer.   For a short course (International/Olympic distance or shorter), water on the bike should be just fine. Good luck, have a great time, and welcome to the sport! Cory H.

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