Question:

Don; 1) Go out with a group ride… it’s safer, more motivating, and you have someone to help with flats. 2) Pack the bike in the car and drive out of the city to ride 3) The more time on the bike will cause you to worry less about traffic 4) All aspects of being ON the bike are part of bike training… cornering, potholes, rough rough, nasty climbs, steep decents… It’s all better than working! g – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Organization: http://groups.google.com/ Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon Hi: I got a Trek 2200 and hope to excute my triathlon training plan. My main problem is with bike training. I can’t think of a safe, comfortable place to ride my bike other than on bike trainer. To ride on the road, you have to be alert with situation, so you can’t really concentrate on training, no mention the rough surface. So could anyone please share with me your training methods? Thanks, Don

Response:

And don’t forget rain, wind, roadkill, and dump trucks (they will suck you onto the road if not careful) jojo

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Don; 1) Go out with a group ride… it’s safer, more motivating, and you have someone to help with flats. 2) Pack the bike in the car and drive out of the city to ride 3) The more time on the bike will cause you to worry less about traffic 4) All aspects of being ON the bike are part of bike training… cornering, potholes, rough rough, nasty climbs, steep decents… It’s all better than working! g Organization: http://groups.google.com/ Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon Hi: I got a Trek 2200 and hope to excute my triathlon training plan. My main problem is with bike training. I can’t think of a safe, comfortable place to ride my bike other than on bike trainer. To ride on the road, you have to be alert with situation, so you can’t really concentrate on training, no mention the rough surface. So could anyone please share with me your training methods? Thanks, Don

Response:

I got a Trek 2200 and hope to excute my triathlon training plan. My main problem is with bike training. I can’t think of a safe, comfortable place to ride my bike other than on bike trainer. To ride on the road, you have to be alert with situation, so you can’t really concentrate on training, no mention the rough surface. So could anyone please share with me your training methods?

You must live near me in south FL.  Roads are dangerous but so is life.  I mix up Road riding, mountain biking and indoor training.  If you try mountain biking beware you may in love with it.  I save intervals for indoors so I can fully concentrate on hurting myself.  Do the long distance stuff on the road, just be careful even if it means interrupting your workout alot.  Mountain biking might help you overcome your uncertianty on the road, it  has helped me a great deal. Tim buaidh no bas

Response:

Hi: I got a Trek 2200 and hope to excute my triathlon training plan. My main problem is with bike training. I can’t think of a safe, comfortable place to ride my bike other than on bike trainer. To ride on the road, you have to be alert with situation, so you can’t really concentrate on training, no mention the rough surface. So could anyone please share with me your training methods?

I would suggest two things: 1) Pack up your bike into the car and drive to a less inhabited area. But remember that even that is not fool proof even if it is safer than the city. I live in a rural area and there is occassionally some dumb ass hick in a pickup truck that almost clips you with his side mirror when passing, but usually there is little traffic on the road.. 2)Get one of those little mirrors that attaches to the side of your helmit for rear vision. I use one during my training/pleasure runs and like it a lot.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got a Trek 2200 and hope to excute my triathlon training plan. My main problem is with bike training. I can’t think of a safe, comfortable place to ride my bike other than on bike trainer. To ride on the road, you have to be alert with situation, so you can’t really concentrate on training, no mention the rough surface. So could anyone please share with me your training methods? You must live near me in south FL.  Roads are dangerous but so is life.  I mix up Road riding, mountain biking and indoor training.  If you try mountain biking beware you may in love with it.  I save intervals for indoors so I can fully concentrate on hurting myself.  Do the long distance stuff on the road, just be careful even if it means interrupting your workout alot.  Mountain biking might help you overcome your uncertianty on the road, it  has helped me a great deal. Tim buaidh no bas

Hi Tim: I live in Northern California. Life is dangerous everywhere. Once I was almost striked when someone open the door suddently from their parked car. And I find as you fatigue, you become less alert. Mountain bike is an excellent idea, and group riding is also great. Thanks for the input. Don

Response:

Another alternative (if you are stuck inside) is to train on rollers. It takes a while, but once you get the hang of it, you bike handling skills will improve dramtically. Your times may increase as well, since you will learn to travel in a near perfect straight line. Rollers require tremedous concentration, balance and technique. — Steve Dannenbaum

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi: I got a Trek 2200 and hope to excute my triathlon training plan. My main problem is with bike training. I can’t think of a safe, comfortable place to ride my bike other than on bike trainer. To ride on the road, you have to be alert with situation, so you can’t really concentrate on training, no mention the rough surface. So could anyone please share with me your training methods? Thanks, Don

Response:

Bike riding is not suppose to be safe and comfortable. You just need to ride. It does not matter as much as where ypu ride but how you ride. Intensity and effort are the key. Go hard and short one day  then easy or longer the next. Simple.

Response:

Get a HRM mount for your aerobars and a cadence/speedometer. The point is to lower your heart rate for your speed/cadence. good luck! If you can’t monitor these two then you need to stay on a trainer or go to place where you can monitor. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi: I got a Trek 2200 and hope to excute my triathlon training plan. My main problem is with bike training. I can’t think of a safe, comfortable place to ride my bike other than on bike trainer. To ride on the road, you have to be alert with situation, so you can’t really concentrate on training, no mention the rough surface. So could anyone please share with me your training methods? Thanks, Don

Response:

Get a HRM mount for your aerobars and a cadence/speedometer. The point is to lower your heart rate for your speed/cadence. good luck! If you can’t monitor these two then you need to stay on a trainer or go to place where you can monitor.

Damn!! You mean I wasted my first ~20 years of training? Oh, if only I’d gotten your advice sooner… Andy Coggan

Response:

 Bike Training can be fun… make it virtual Check out: www.fitcentric.com — Posted from cbl093.pool018.ch001-riverside.dhcp.hs.earthlink.net [24.41.82.93] via Mailgate.ORG Server – http://www.Mailgate.ORG

Response:

roads, but there’s nothing wrong with putting in a lot of miles on a trainer.  Boredom is the biggest problem there, but it does let you focus on doing intervals exactly as you want, without being interrupted by the hill, stopsign, or cluessless volvo driver ahead.

Agreed, though I only use trainers in the winter and prefer spin classes because of the boredom problem.  The original post was looking for both an alternative to roads and trainers.  I was aruguing for roads, not against trainers per se. James

Response:

Hi: I got a Trek 2200 and hope to excute my triathlon training plan. My main problem is with bike training. I can’t think of a safe, comfortable place to ride my bike other than on bike trainer. To ride on the road, you have to be alert with situation, so you can’t really concentrate on training, no mention the rough surface. So could anyone please share with me your training methods? Thanks, Don

Response:

I do all of my triathlon training on the road.  The conditions you describe are the exact conditions you will find when you race so why train under different conditions?  Almsot all triathlons take place on roads, many of which have a "rough surface".  Many triathlons are not closed to traffic so you need to be just as alert for cars/other bikers as you will in training. I find the best way to train is to find group rides.  Around here there for memorial day to labor day there are organized group rides just about any night of the week.  I usually participate in two of them, one is in a more remote area with long flat farm roads and little traffic.  Another is a hilly traffic laden ride through the burbs.  Each is about 25-30 miles I get a lot out of both.  On weekends here we have a group that organzizes longer rides called the Bicycle Fun Club. If you are hell bent on avoiding roads, many areas have bike paths, but my experience with these is: 1.  Often too many pedestrians or "recreational bikers" that are 3 across and take up the entire lane. 2.  Always seem to be flat. 3.  Often have streteches of gravel. 4.  Never one in your back yard, ususally have to travel a good ways to get to it, makes it easier to skip the ride. James

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi: I got a Trek 2200 and hope to excute my triathlon training plan. My main problem is with bike training. I can’t think of a safe, comfortable place to ride my bike other than on bike trainer. To ride on the road, you have to be alert with situation, so you can’t really concentrate on training, no mention the rough surface. So could anyone please share with me your training methods? Thanks, Don

Response:

I do all of my triathlon training on the road.  The conditions you describe are the exact conditions you will find when you race so why train under different conditions?  Almsot all triathlons take place on roads, many of which have a "rough surface".  Many triathlons are not closed to traffic so you need to be just as alert for cars/other bikers as you will in training.

But many races are closed off, or at least have the benefit of race volunteers and more alert drivers.  You can get away with more brain farts then you could riding in commute traffic at dusk.   Since you train more distance than you race, avoiding rough surfaces may be healthy.   It’s no different than training mostly at an aerobic pace, rather than the all out you would for a race.  You need to train some of the time on real roads, but there’s nothing wrong with putting in a lot of miles on a trainer.  Boredom is the biggest problem there, but it does let you focus on doing intervals exactly as you want, without being interrupted by the hill, stopsign, or cluessless volvo driver ahead.   — Rec.scuba strokes pics page: www.jor.com/strokes Aquashot page: www.jor.com/dive/aquashot

Response:

Question:

well, there’s timex.com…. but you may get the same instructions as came with the watch.

If there was a plain English version available on the website, it was too well hidden for me.  All I found was a pdf version of the supplied instructions. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i, too, found the instructions quite cryptic. i’ve fussed with it and have learned things bit by bit. when i recently had a new battery put in it at a watch shop, i stood in awe as the watch expert just wizzed through all the functions…. he eventually explained, in very brief terms, how the thing worked. i think i picked up more that day than from those stinking instructions. refer to them, revise them, whatever. mode is obvious. the recall and stop buttons advance and back up (respectively) the numbers (times) for intervals. most other functions work without hassle. i’ve had my watch for a few months now and i’m STILL figuring it out. but i’ve (nearly?) mastered the functions that i need the most. good luck Cam

Pleased to hear I’m not the only thickie posting here! Tim ps.  I’ve just had another look at their website and I *still* can’t find any plain English version.

Response:

Hmm, I bought mine in the Netherlands so it didn’t even come with English instructions – I can still use it OK, you just have to play with it till you work out what does what. — Regards, Barry Running & Stuff: http://distancerunner.tmfweb.nl "The woods are lovely, dark and deep; but I have training logs to keep; and miles to run before I sleep".

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In search of a running watch with more than a 10 lap memory I was beguiled into buying a Ironman triathlon with a 100 lap memory. My balloon of my joy at the ownership of said watch was instantly punctured when I pulled it out of it’s box and sat down with the instructions.  These have *got* to be some of the worst watch instructions I have ever come across.  Poor instructions in a basic function watch I can cope with but these were simply appalling considering the capabilities of this watch. Am I spectacularly thick (don’t feel you have to answer that one or have other folk had difficulties with these instructions?  I dare say that once mastered it’s not too difficult to work out all the functions but as my age increases, my patience decreases. It may be a good watch but I’m returning mine pronto just to show my disgust. Tim

Response:

well, there’s timex.com…. but you may get the same instructions as came with the watch. i, too, found the instructions quite cryptic. i’ve fussed with it and have learned things bit by bit. when i recently had a new battery put in it at a watch shop, i stood in awe as the watch expert just wizzed through all the functions…. he eventually explained, in very brief terms, how the thing worked. i think i picked up more that day than from those stinking instructions. refer to them, revise them, whatever. mode is obvious. the recall and stop buttons advance and back up (respectively) the numbers (times) for intervals. most other functions work without hassle. i’ve had my watch for a few months now and i’m STILL figuring it out. but i’ve (nearly?) mastered the functions that i need the most. good luck Cam

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In search of a running watch with more than a 10 lap memory I was beguiled into buying a Ironman triathlon with a 100 lap memory. My balloon of my joy at the ownership of said watch was instantly punctured when I pulled it out of it’s box and sat down with the instructions.  These have *got* to be some of the worst watch instructions I have ever come across.  Poor instructions in a basic function watch I can cope with but these were simply appalling considering the capabilities of this watch. Am I spectacularly thick (don’t feel you have to answer that one or have other folk had difficulties with these instructions?  I dare say that once mastered it’s not too difficult to work out all the functions but as my age increases, my patience decreases. It may be a good watch but I’m returning mine pronto just to show my disgust. Tim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tim- Don’t return the watch…  the 100 lapper Ironman is a kick ass watch in my book.  It’s the only digital watch that I actually replaced the battery on… Usually when the battery goes, I just get a new watch! What has you stymied with the instructions?… I don’t recall much about them really, but I thought the watch was pretty easy to figure out without them… Lemme know what’s got you hung up… I can walk you thru it… But keep the watch!  Seriously!

Too late.  I was so disgusted with them I returned the watch witin hours.  Call me impetuous if you like but there really is no excuse for manufacturers for providing such appalling instructions.  If nobody protests then  there’s no motive for a company to try and improve things.  I did try to give the company the benefit of the doubt and checked their website before I returned it but all I could find was a pdf version of the same instruction sheet I already had. It really did smack of a company trying to spare every expense when it came to instruction provision. In addition, the strap and buckle were quite the cheapest and nastiest items I’ve seen on a watch in a long time. I’ve since bought a cheap Casio that admittedly doesn’t have half the functions of the Ironman but *does* come with a commendably clear instruction sheet. To give Timex their due, I e-mailed them at the same time as I posted here and they did respond very quickly with plain English instructions.  Too bad they didn’t think to include them with the watch. Tim

Response:

     Tim,      Timex has online instructions for each watch on their website (www.timex.com).  They’re actually written in full-sentence English, unlike the ones that come with the watch, which are one word/phrase in English, same word in German, French, Japanese, Swahili, etc., and then the next word/phrase in English, and so on.  If you already have the English version, well, you’re on your own.  Anyway, most running watches have very similar lap-counter controls — a chronograph is a chronograph…      I agree with Chazzer.  I’ll be definitely replacing the battery on this one (when time comes)!  The only feature that I don’t particularly like is that the split time (unlike the total time) is shown in very small numerals, though this only presents a problem in poor lighting.      Michael – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In search of a running watch with more than a 10 lap memory I was beguiled into buying a Ironman triathlon with a 100 lap memory. My balloon of my joy at the ownership of said watch was instantly punctured when I pulled it out of it’s box and sat down with the instructions.  These have *got* to be some of the worst watch instructions I have ever come across.  Poor instructions in a basic function watch I can cope with but these were simply appalling considering the capabilities of this watch. Am I spectacularly thick (don’t feel you have to answer that one or have other folk had difficulties with these instructions?  I dare say that once mastered it’s not too difficult to work out all the functions but as my age increases, my patience decreases. It may be a good watch but I’m returning mine pronto just to show my disgust. Tim

Response:

        I agree, hide the directions and play!         I’ve been a loyal Timex ironman wearer for my entire 11 year running career, starting with the 8-lap and moving to the 50-lap, which I love.  I get to buy a new one today since my venerable 4-year-old one just died by leaking in the rain on a run last night (back had been off twice, you think they could make these resealable by now!).           Timex is a good company too.  My last one died mysteriously a week out of warranty, and I sent the company an email praising their product’s function but voicing my disappointment in my last one.  They emailed me back that they’d send me a package to mail my watch in and they’d repair/replace it for free.  The free one they returned had a non-functional button, whcih they promptly apologized for and finally sent me the working new one that has held up to a belligerent amount of abuse over the past four years.  RIP, old friend         Andy

Response:

Hide the instructions.  Play around with the watch first.  Hit some buttons try to get it to do what you want it to do.  You might get a few of the function right, then you can get out the instructions. I have two Timex Ironman watches and they are both pretty easy to operate even without the instructions.  My 100 lap lets you download stuff from the computer and my 50 lap will save multiple races. *HOWEVER* if you got the Timex Ironman with the HRM and it does not say anything about "laps" on the watch, you were screwed royally.  I hate those watches because they look like it stores laps but it won’t recall any.  You have to buy either the 50 or 100 lapper for that and I haven’t seen a store yet that sells anything but the 0 lap Ironman with the HRM. Thanks,         Roger – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In search of a running watch with more than a 10 lap memory I was beguiled into buying a Ironman triathlon with a 100 lap memory. My balloon of my joy at the ownership of said watch was instantly punctured when I pulled it out of it’s box and sat down with the instructions.  These have *got* to be some of the worst watch instructions I have ever come across.  Poor instructions in a basic function watch I can cope with but these were simply appalling considering the capabilities of this watch. Am I spectacularly thick (don’t feel you have to answer that one or have other folk had difficulties with these instructions?  I dare say that once mastered it’s not too difficult to work out all the functions but as my age increases, my patience decreases. It may be a good watch but I’m returning mine pronto just to show my disgust. Tim

Response:

Tim- Don’t return the watch…  the 100 lapper Ironman is a kick ass watch in my book.  It’s the only digital watch that I actually replaced the battery on… Usually when the battery goes, I just get a new watch! What has you stymied with the instructions?… I don’t recall much about them really, but I thought the watch was pretty easy to figure out without them… Lemme know what’s got you hung up… I can walk you thru it… But keep the watch!  Seriously! -Chazzer

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In search of a running watch with more than a 10 lap memory I was beguiled into buying a Ironman triathlon with a 100 lap memory. My balloon of my joy at the ownership of said watch was instantly punctured when I pulled it out of it’s box and sat down with the instructions.  These have *got* to be some of the worst watch instructions I have ever come across.  Poor instructions in a basic function watch I can cope with but these were simply appalling considering the capabilities of this watch. Am I spectacularly thick (don’t feel you have to answer that one or have other folk had difficulties with these instructions?  I dare say that once mastered it’s not too difficult to work out all the functions but as my age increases, my patience decreases. It may be a good watch but I’m returning mine pronto just to show my disgust. Tim

Response:

In search of a running watch with more than a 10 lap memory I was beguiled into buying a Ironman triathlon with a 100 lap memory. My balloon of my joy at the ownership of said watch was instantly punctured when I pulled it out of it’s box and sat down with the instructions.  These have *got* to be some of the worst watch instructions I have ever come across.  Poor instructions in a basic function watch I can cope with but these were simply appalling considering the capabilities of this watch. Am I spectacularly thick (don’t feel you have to answer that one or have other folk had difficulties with these instructions?  I dare say that once mastered it’s not too difficult to work out all the functions but as my age increases, my patience decreases. It may be a good watch but I’m returning mine pronto just to show my disgust. Tim

Response:

Question:

I was wondering if anyone could supply me with some information on any tri’s in the MI/OH/IN area.  Any type of info is welcome(i.e. web site, publications,etc…). Thanks in advance. Chuck

Response:

Chuck, If you are in Ann Arbor you might consider a couple of Tri’s out Windsor/Leamington way. The Casino Windsor Tri is August 15th (800m/32k/6k) and the Leamington (45 min from Windsor) Tri is June 27th (I believe its Olympic distance). As soon as I can find web sites for these I will post the links at: www.mnsi.net/~sanjay (nothing about these two Tri’s there right now but plenty of other stuff on running, cycling and the masters swim at the U). Also with a 50 cent exchange advantage between the $, the entry fees may seem that much more attractive. HTH. Sanjay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone could supply me with some information on any tri’s in the MI/OH/IN area.  Any type of info is welcome(i.e. web site, publications,etc…). Thanks in advance. Chuck

Response:

I was wondering if anyone could supply me with some information on any tri’s in the MI/OH/IN area.  Any type of info is welcome(i.e. web site, publications,etc…). Thanks in advance. Chuck

There’s going to be a mountain bike tri there in september.  part of the xterra series. Mark Linenberg                                        o                       __o            </_                       <           __/    /o_           (()) (())           /

Response:

There’s going to be a mountain bike tri there in september.  part of the xterra series.

sept 10-12, ann arbor, mi Mark Linenberg                                        o                       __o            </_                       <           __/    /o_           (()) (())           /

Response:

Actually I saw on the xterra site that the Michigan race was moved to IL for the sept date. -Scott USAT Level I coach http://www.enduranet.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There’s going to be a mountain bike tri there in september.  part of the xterra series. sept 10-12, ann arbor, mi Mark Linenberg                                        o                       __o            </_                       <           __/    /o_           (()) (())           /

Response:

The great thing about this area is that we have a ton of races to chose from. I know plenty of races but only a few dates as of right know (listed below). If you are a Tri Fed member you should recieve a copy of the Mid East Triathlete publication. Or you can contact the Ann Arbor Triathlon Club.  I don’t have a phone number He is a friend and member of the club and can probably get some information you need. Here are some positive dates that I now off as of today: Grosse Ile Duathlon-May 8 Ann Arbor Tri-June 13 Waterloo Tri-July 25 Muncie 1/2 IM-July 10 Any other questions let me know Jay

Response:

I was wondering if anyone could supply me with some information on any tri’s

in the MI/OH/IN area      If your into MTBing try www.tailwind.net for some listings of Du/Tri’s.      There’s also the Bally’s tri, Aug 1, I believe out at Metro Beach look at www.rooworld.com      The Seahorse Tri in Grand Rapids area I believe, July 11??? www.seahorsetriathlon.org      Or check through Inside Triathlon web site at: http://www.greatoutdoors.com/insidetri/ and look under the Calender section      Mr’s T’s Tri in Chicago is quite nice thats in August: http://www.caprievents.com/triathlon/index.html Hope this helps Pauly

Response:

There are Tri’s just about every weekend up in the Upper Peninsula starting in May going through the end of August.  Many are pretty low key with only 30 to 40 competitors, but talk about a hoot of fun!  Most don’t even use racks for the bikes (my mom holds my bike usually) I will post the schedule when it is published later this month!! Hope this helps! Ron "Ironwill" Williams Prescott – Arizona – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone could supply me with some information on any tri’s in the MI/OH/IN area.  Any type of info is welcome(i.e. web site, publications,etc…). Thanks in advance. Chuck

Response:

Question:

I’ve never done a triathlon before, but plan to try one in June.  I’m a pretty good swimmer (good form at least) in the pool, but I’m afraid I’ll have problems with the waves in open water.  I don’t want to practice in the lakes because I know a girl that was hit by a boat and paralyzed.  What’s the best way to prepare myself for the open water while practicing in the pool.  (i.e. Should I always lift my head and look straight ahead to practice sighting the finish?  Should I wear something to increase the drag to improve my strength?) Any suggestions are appreciated.  Thanks.

One thing I have those I coach do is swim head-up as a drill every other workout.  It helps especially those who usually don’t have high head position, but it also builds strength and gets you used to the mess that the initial start can be. I always used to be surprised how much head-up swimming I do in the first 200m of tris.  Now, I’m more comfortable, though getting kicked in the face at Chicago (requiring stitches) keeps me from ever being too content.   One thing to keep in mind: with a wetsuit, head-up swimming isn’t as hard, so practicing sans wetsuit will be more difficult. If you are a good swimmer, the head-up practice might allow you to clear the mess quickly and make the first pack. One more thing: try to practice in 50m pools if you can.  Halving the turns exposes all your weaknesses, which is a good thing . Good luck, Vaughn — Vaughn Cooper PSSB A364 Michigan State University E. Lansing, MI 48824

Response:

I’ve never done a triathlon before, but plan to try one in June.  I’m a pretty good swimmer (good form at least) in the pool, but I’m afraid I’ll have problems with the waves in open water.  I don’t want to practice in the lakes because I know a girl that was hit by a boat and paralyzed.  What’s the best way to prepare myself for the open water while practicing in the pool.  (i.e. Should I always lift my head and look straight ahead to practice sighting the finish?  Should I wear something to increase the drag to improve my strength?) Any suggestions are appreciated.  Thanks.

I think you’ll find it easier than you imagine. Since you’ve been concentrating on form, you’ll go relatively straight, reducing the need for navigation. (Every 6-10 strokes might be reasonable.) And good body position stroke allow one to look forward without raising the head too much. That said, a wetsuit would be a real confidence builder. You float so much higher in the water that waves are less of a problem, and looking forward becomes very easy. About the only thing I’ve found it worthwhile to practice in the pool is breathing on either side. (I don’t bilateral breathe; it’s too long between breaths for me to stay relaxed and well oxygenated.) With the ability to breathe on either side, you can adapt for wave direction and course markers. Other than that, I train until I can comfortably do 1-1/2 times race distance. That way, I know on race day that it’s no problem. The nice thing about the swim leg of a triathlon versus practicing in open water is that there’s so much company. (Well, that can be a negative if overdone.;) The trick (occasionally realized) is to find someone who goes straight, navigates well, and swims about your speed. Then just hang about a foot behind his or her toes. The final, and maybe most important, thing to remember about the swim is that the race is _never_ won there. I think of it as a warm-up for biking and running–the goal being to get through without expending much energy. (This is probably a self-fulfilling prophecy, since I’m a slow but dogged swimmer–as opposed to being a slow but not dogged runner.) Anyhow, good luck, and keep us posted. David Schoonmaker

Response:

Could you get somebody with a boat or a canoe to ride next to you in the lake? It would make your swimming there safer. I made the jump without too much problem. Lifting my head up every 30 seconds or so is what I do in a race, I already swim looking forward, so just picking up the head isn’t too bad. Also I try to (when possible) orient myself with the course and shoreline distance and try to keep that about the same, and check on it every breath or so. I never realized how much looking around I could do while doing normal breathing until I was forced to. Getting a tri-wetsuit helps immensely, the extra floatation is wonderful, and when you get people grabbing at your feet you need every bit you can get. The worst for me is the crowds at the start. Try starting in the back if it’s not a wave start, and out to the side. You can swim outside the "pack" and avoid most collisions with other swimmers. I hate swimming over top of others, but truthfully it’s usually others swimming over top of me. I also notice in an open water swim that I’m crampy/sore at the beginning for 6-8 minutes, then it goes away. I never notice this in the pool. I’m sure it happens, I just don’t notice. Always have this temptation to start looking for the safety boat, then realize I must be a loser and go on. Good luck. It’s not that bad. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve never done a triathlon before, but plan to try one in June.  I’m a pretty good swimmer (good form at least) in the pool, but I’m afraid I’ll have problems with the waves in open water.  I don’t want to practice in the lakes because I know a girl that was hit by a boat and paralyzed.  What’s the best way to prepare myself for the open water while practicing in the pool.  (i.e. Should I always lift my head and look straight ahead to practice sighting the finish?  Should I wear something to increase the drag to improve my strength?) Any suggestions are appreciated.  Thanks.  

Response:

To go from the pool to the open water, some factors need to be addressed: 1) Less-than-perfect conditions of open water vs. perfect conditions of the pool; 2) Sighting and navigating in open water 3) Keeping your stroke straight in open water vs. relying on lane lines in the pool. 4) Fear factor of open water swimming. For #1, strength training in the pool is a must. I’ve discovered that a good, strong, sound stroke in the pool translates well in open water. I’ve have some pretty big waves slamming me in some races, but it didn’t affect my stroke. Strength is key. For #2, the sighting requires you to lift your head out of the water to look. This does require more energy expenditure, so you need to practice this. In the pool, I place two brightly colored kickboards on each side of the lane I’m in. On every 4-6 strokes, I lift my head out of the water and try to focus my sight on the boards. Focusing is just as important as lifing the head; sometimes, when my concentration lapses a little, I just lift the head and nothing else. That is wrong. You will need to focus in a race, so try to do it in the pool. For #3, like I said, lifting your head requires some effort. So, the result is that you want to sight as little as possible. That means you need to stay straight for those times that you are not lifting your head. This was a problem of mine in my early years as a triathlete. without the lane line on the bottom, if you favor one arm, you can literally swim in circles. I took advice from an early issue of Triathlete Magazine got splendid results. The trick is to close your eyes in the as you push off the wall. Keep them closed as you swim. Put tissues in your goggles if you tend to "cheat". You know you’re not swimming straight when you get tangled up in the lane lines! After repeating the workout over and over, you start to compensate little by little until you’re actually swimming straight. For #4, a lot of people have this innate fear of swimming. This is emphasized in the open water. If you do go open water swimming, bring a buddy with you always. It’s much safer. Aside from that, the only way to alleve yourself of this fear is to just go out there and do it. After a number of open water swims, the fear should subside. Hope this helps. — "Iron Pete" Priolo IMC’96: 10:36:37 IMC’97: 10:42:53 ‘98 Gulf Coast Tri, IMC’98

Response:

Question:

Anyone heard of or even better used an Axiom Heart Rate Monitor from Performance?  They seem to be significantly cheaper then Polar and Cardiosport, are they worth the money? Okay and for question number 2, are there any heart rate monitor books that specifically deal with Triathlon or multi-sport training? Thanks for your help and have a nice day, Craig

Response:

Anyone heard of or even better used an Axiom Heart Rate Monitor from Performance?  They seem to be significantly cheaper then Polar and Cardiosport, are they worth the money? Okay and for question number 2, are there any heart rate monitor books that specifically deal with Triathlon or multi-sport training? Thanks for your help and have a nice day, Craig

Craig, I run a company specialising in heart rate training.  You will find me at http://brianmac.demon.co.uk More to the point in choosing a heart rate monitor make sure it has the following features: 1) Ability to record heart rate for the length of your chosen event.   This will help your analysis latter – very important if you intend to improve. 2) Upper and lower training limits, with alarm to save you continually looking at the monitor. 3) A good stopwatch, with lap splits, to save you wearing two wrist units when racing. As to a book try "SERIOUS Training For Endurance Athletes", by Sleamaker and Browning,  

Question:

Well, after Roth does anyone want to bet AGAINST a German?:) I’m hoping Dave will get mad about his record being broken and go out and run 2:37 and win number 7 at age 42. Well, maybe not…but hey!!!!

Response:

Well, after Roth does anyone want to bet AGAINST a German?:) I’m hoping Dave will get mad about his record being broken and go out and run 2:37 and win number 7 at age 42. Well, maybe not…but hey!!!!

After a 7:57, it’s difficult to argue that Lothar is the leading contender at this time.  One never knows, however, which way the lava will flow and the winds will blow come October. — Marty Miller Proprietor of The Triathlete’s Web http://w3.one.net/~triweb

Response:

Well, after Roth does anyone want to bet AGAINST a German?:) I’m hoping Dave will get mad about his record being broken and go out and run 2:37 and win number 7 at age 42. Well, maybe not…but hey!!!!

Go Dave, Go! Shirer

Response:

Question:

Has anybody out there done the Minnesota Border to Border?   Am interested in doing it, but the  price seems a bit high.   $400 for two people and it looks like all they provide is 4 evening meals, maps, and a finishers award.   Is it true they don’t provide any food or water stops during the week??  Also, how tough is the 50 miles in a canoe?   I saw they can rent you a racing canoe; what do the charge for that?   Any advice would be appreciated.

Response:

Has anybody out there done the Minnesota Border to Border?   Am interested in doing it, but the  price seems a bit high.   $400 for two people and it looks like all they provide is 4 evening meals, maps, and a finishers award.   Is it true they don’t provide any food or water stops during the week??  Also, how tough is the 50 miles in a canoe?   I saw they can rent you a racing canoe; what do the charge for that?   Any advice would be appreciated.

I haven’t done it personnally, but a friend of mine has done it 4X. $200/person doesn’t seem high at all for a 4 day event.  I’m sure there are a lot of county fees (for police/sheriff) services that they need to pay… The 2 person team is a relay format.  While you are riding your bike (your teammate is going along in a car/van).  You can switch off any way you like– so you need to do some strategizing.  One of my former girlfriends used to drive a support vehicle for my friends team.  She was definitely burnt by the end.  You probably want a van so you can stretch/sleep on your rest break. With this said, maybe one of the hardest parts is finding someone who’ll drive the support vehicle for you. 50 mi of canoeing is tough.  You need to be in tremendous shape and have pretty good technique.  On most recreation canoe trips, you do good to get in 20-25 mi a day.  My friend’s team spent lots of time training for the canoe portion.  You should call the race director and find out what some of the canoe splits were from last year. Regards, Pat    W.Patrick Brug, Ph.D.  _-           -_    Los Alamos National Lab -__       __-                                       /    cis:      72410,3372        /  

Response:

Question:

I need some advice on how to cure and prevent this irritating and painful disability.  For three years in a row, I have developed a strong pain in either my lateral hip area or in my lateral knee area.  In ‘93 it was in my right lateral hip; ‘94 was in my right lateral knee; ‘95 it returns , but this time in my left lateral knee area.  In ‘93 and ‘94 I went to the doctor, was referred to an orthopedict doctor, and then referred to a PT for treatment.  Both times the pain went away with treatment. yes, I continued my stretching routine throughout the year. It seems to always occur in March or April, even though I haven’t changed my training much at the time. I have tried a few different pairs of shoes, but that hasn’t seemed to make a difference.  It mainly affects my running, though sometimes biking does irritate it.  This year it developed during a half marathon that I was well trained for.  I didn’t run for two weeks, but when I tried running about 7 miles I got a sore knee.  Then I waited another 10 days before running again.  After a 8 mile run, I had some knee pain but it didn’t last too long.  After a 7 day rest period, I tried to run 4 miles, but had to quit at about 3.5 because of excrutiating knee pain that has lasted for many days now.  Monday I call the Doctor to once agian seek referrals and treatment. Any ideas will be appreciated.  I am beyond frustration at this point and want the problem to cease so I can get on with enjoying training and racing. Thanks for reading all of my bablings. Help! Andrew Butler —             *                                                      *             *  Once in a while you get shown the light             *             *  In the strangest of places if you look at it right. *

Response:

I need some advice on how to cure and prevent this irritating and painful disability.  For three years in a row, I have developed a strong pain in either my lateral hip area or in my lateral knee area.  In ‘93 it was in my

Hi Andrew, Sorry to hear about your problems. I had a really bad period of ITB that knocked me out for over 5 months a few weeks ago (been back running 2 months now) I had physiotherapy, ultrasound, ice, heat, you name it; nothing seemed to work, then someone suggested a sports masseur. Having nothing to lose, I gave it a shot and basically, he linked the ITB + knee problems to tight quads/hamstrings, and we did a couple of subjective tests, and indeed, when I looked at it like that, certainly, my affected left (outer knee) hamstring was tighter than the right. What did he do? WEll, I just went on a course of massage, that really worked at loosening up the quads/hamstrings. He also treated it with a machine that blasted magnetic waves at the knee (though I am a little sceptical of the latter’s part in the cure). Result: Some 4-5 weeks later (after 4 months of problems and differing diagnoses) I was running again. I ran 19 miles last Sunday, 8 weeks aftter starting running again. Now, I see him every week to get a complete leg massage, as a preventative measure – as he says himself, too many athletes wait until the problems start, whereas if they took some precautionary measures – massage etc on a regular basis they might be injured less. : treatment.  Both times the pain went away with treatment. yes, I continued : my stretching routine throughout the year. It seems to always occur in March Time out here. I am fast becoming a bit of a sceptic of stretching. Consider this: if you are INJURED and you continue to stretch the affected areas, then what chance are you giving these areas a chance to heal? This is what my sports masseur (as opposed to physio, remember) recommended, and after he said it, it kinda makes sense. I can’t back this up with medical fact since I ain’t a doctor, but stopping the long ITB stretches worked for me. Tissue that is healing and is weak all of a sudden is asked to stretch out. Think of it like a perished elastic/rubber band – it’s weak and will snap if extended again. (strange analogy, I know, it was the only thing I could think of!!) Nowadays, I NEVER stretch before a run or bike. IN the case of running, I start all my runs with 10-15 mins of easy, HR < 145 jogging (I am 23, with an anaerobic threshold of about 180) – this is hard work, going so slow!!! By all means, stretch AFTERWARDS (though not when injured) which is what I do, and I have found a new lease of life! : Any ideas will be appreciated.  I am beyond frustration at this point and : want the problem to cease so I can get on with enjoying training and racing. : Thanks for reading all of my bablings. Help! No problem, Good Luck, there is light at the end of the tunnel, believe me. I have been where you have been and I know how bad it is. IMHO: Go see a masseur!! And to everyone else: Prevention is better than cure!!!! ORN: Hitting the track tonight for intervals… Yikes… Massage Wednesday Lunchtime! Howard – in sunny Scotland! http://alpha.mic.dundee.ac.uk/glynn.html 7/5/95 Forfar 15 miles "Great Angus Run"

Response:

Funny you should ask. I just got back from the Dr. for the exact same reason. While he is not a sports medicine specialist, he is a 3 time ironman finisher and one time age group winner so I think his advice is based on knowledge of the sport. He suggested several things (Please remember I am not a Dr. and I am only passing along what he told me. Be sure to talk to your own Dr. …other disclaimers, etc.) Stretch using stretchs that target the band. Back off distances and especially back off hills. Running downhill is especially bad. Run on flat surfaces (flat side to side i.e. not on the side of the road where there is a grade). If you must do quality (intervals) work, run them straight, not on a track. Be sure to wear good motion control shoes to eliminate excessive pronation. Use Ice after workouts. Don’t use heat. Take a NSAID like asprin to help with inflamation. He put me on Daypro (oxaprozin). Consider working with a massage therapist. There was also a good article in the February Inside Triathlon with many of the same suggestions. Tim Andriesen Decatur, IL "If you can’t run with the big dogs, train harder"

Response:

Hi Andrew: I can relate. However I am not sure I will be telling you anything you already don’t know. Stretch, ask for some ITB stretches from your PT. Ice as much as you can. Also I would have your feet checked to see if orthotics can help. Run on soft surfaces, and by no means run on the track. The turns will certainly cause more irritation. Run at the track when healthy. I get more injuries in the early season as well. Sometimes is caused by cold weather and jump in miles. Who knows really. Good luck Luis Vargas

Response:

I posted this a while ago and received some non-flaming criticism.  In the two months since my posting and the action described therein, I have not suffered from my regular ITB irritations (normally 4-5 days every two weeks last year).  Thus, for me my actions contributed to a virtual elimination of the problem.  Anyone not sure should see a doctor for advice.  Net advice does not qualify from anybody! Brief Summary of Condition: My left foot pronates more than my right foot (verified by numerous and repeated measurements).  This has caused my left leg to be shorter than my right leg (again verified by measurement).  In turn my pelvis has tipped DOWN on the left to compensate.  I believe this pelvis tipping has stretched ITB band on right side and causes chronic irritations.  Leg length discrepancy and pelvic tilt verified by X-ray at chiropractor.   Discrepancy is about 1/4 to 1/3".   *MY* Solution for *ME*: –Take this for what is worth and as food for thought only.– I made a small lift out of heavy "sole" material approximately 1/4" thick.  I installed the lift under orthotic in left shoe.   This lift is cut so that it lies below the heel section of orthotic **AND NOT ON TOP OF THE ORTHOTIC**.  The lift does not interfere with the function of the orthotic – limiting my overpronation.   I stretch regularly and gently these days. I warm up for long periods and try not to run hard on turns or on pavement.   Have run and biked alot of miles with the lift and my condition continues to improve.  Plus, I feel smoother while running or cycling. YMMV… -Rolf — Rolf Arands, Ph.D.          |                             |

Response:

Question:

what would you consider to be the most aerodynamic wheel set-up (for general racing)? e.g.: deep rim front/disc rear, tri-spoke front and rear… the brand isn’t as necessary as the combination of type of wheel. mucho thanks. eric.

Response:

rear disk/deep rim front or spinergy front (under most conditions) —   Marty Miller (aka The Noodle) Proprietor of "The Triathlete’s Web" http://iac.net/~miller/triathlon-home.html

Response:

Dump the Spinergy! Its not a good Aero wheel (or even road race wheel). Use HED or Zipp or even Campy Shamal on the front. Disk great for the rear Rockford, IL

Response:

Question:

Could someone tell me what the difference is between the Polar Accurex and the Accurex 2? Does one have advantages over the other. I have a chance to get the older Accurex. Also, what is the going price on the Accurex 2?

One difference I remember is that the Accurex II stored 44 lap splits while the orginal Accurex stores 3. I suggest looking around for a deal on the Accurex II. It’s been replaced by a ‘nightvision’ model; deals should be available. I recently saw the Accurex II advertised for $139 in the Performance Bike (out of Chapel Hill, NC) catalog. Other mail order shops to call, all have 800 numbers available from 800 info (1-800-555-1212): Triathlete Zombies (San Diego) Creative Health Products (Michigan)- they have a free HRM product guide worth reading Colorado Cyclist (Colorado Springs, CO) — Tom Carminati U S WEST Technologies

Response:

Could someone tell me what the difference is between the Polar Accurex and the Accurex 2? Does one have advantages over the other. I have a chance to get the older Accurex. Also, what is the going price on the Accurex 2? One difference I remember is that the Accurex II stored 44 lap splits while the orginal Accurex stores 3.

 The Accurex 2 has average heart-rate for each complete run. I don’t think the original Accurex has this feature. (Someone please correct me if I’m wrong here).  paul

Response:

Could someone tell me what the difference is between the Polar Accurex and the Accurex 2? Does one have advantages over the other. I have a chance to get the older Accurex. Also, what is the going price on the Accurex 2? Thanks. — Ken Firestone, N3JBU     | If you look at things right, its best not to know                          | to anybody who doesn’t know who he really is                          | actually happens to somebody else. So it makes no                          | difference at all. — Nelson Algren.  

Response: