Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am using weight lifting to build up some overall strength. I run and lift every other day. My lifting schedule is lower body (thighs, calves, hamstrings, abductor, adductor; plus abs, obliques, lower back, and stretching. Takes about 45 minutes) and upper body (chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps, wrists; plus the same abs…,) I have experimented with going lower, upper, whole, lower upper, whole. I seem to get better increases in muscle strength. Runs are about 2-2.5 miles. I would like some opinions on the lifting schedule in relation to the running. I realize this is a personal matter ultimately, learning what seems to work best. I have considered working out six days: upper/no run, lower/with run, alternating, taking one day of rest, but I seem to need that rest day more frequently. So opinions are welcome. Mark Soderstrom

I follow a schedule that is somewhat similar to the one that you are looking into.  I lift 3x weeek and run (about 2.5-3 miles) 3x week, alternating between the two and have one day of rest.  I usually follow up my running days with a few hours on the basketball court, which gives me an all around good leg/cardio workout. I have been following this schedule for about the past six months, and have seen some pretty good results.  You might want to think about adding another exercise that you enjoy on certain days to help roundout you workout. Hope this helps a little. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

I don’t do a weight workout because I mainly run and partake of swimming and cycling in preparation of a triathlon effort late this summer. Nevertheless, I would recommend that you try running/upper body, lower body/no run alternating days.  It sounds as if your weight regiment is tough.  Running and lower body on the same day may put you over the edge and cause the need for the extra rest. Good luck. — Rich S Visionary Computers http://viscomp.ppp.ripco.net | FAX 1-708-401-0110 Sales, Service, and Consulting: Computer Networks, Systems, Components, Software, Accessories. Chicago, IL VISA/MC/Cash | Leasing Available 7.75% Sales Tax IL/6.75% Sales Tax Other States

I am using weight lifting to build up some overall strength. I run and lift every other day. My lifting schedule is lower body (thighs, calves, hamstrings, abductor, adductor; plus abs, obliques, lower back, and stretching. Takes about 45 minutes) and upper body (chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps, wrists; plus the same abs…,) I have experimented with going lower, upper, whole, lower upper, whole. I seem to get better increases in muscle strength. Runs are about 2-2.5 miles. I would like some opinions on the lifting schedule in relation to the running. I realize this is a personal matter ultimately, learning what seems to work best. I have considered working out six days: upper/no run, lower/with run, alternating, taking one day of rest, but I seem to need that rest day more frequently. So opinions are welcome. Mark Soderstrom

Response:

I am using weight lifting to build up some overall strength. I run and lift every other day. My lifting schedule is lower body (thighs, calves, hamstrings, abductor, adductor; plus abs, obliques, lower back, and stretching. Takes about 45 minutes) and upper body (chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps, wrists; plus the same abs…,) I have experimented with going lower, upper, whole, lower upper, whole. I seem to get better increases in muscle strength. Runs are about 2-2.5 miles. I would like some opinions on the lifting schedule in relation to the running. I realize this is a personal matter ultimately, learning what seems to work best. I have considered working out six days: upper/no run, lower/with run, alternating, taking one day of rest, but I seem to need that rest day more frequently. So opinions are welcome. Mark Soderstrom

Response:

Question:

One way of helping to insure compliance might be to have a substantial sanction "deposit" fee that is returned only if all the requirements are met. If not, there goes the deposit.

Now that’s a great idea!  If you structure it right, to make it difficult to pass on the cost to the entrants, then it penalizes the RD without penalizing the participants.

Response:

Aloha Bruce, Well, I did mention "Vineman" in my post for one.   but of course, all you have to do is pull the application of any you chose from the IM web site and they list the age group distribution.  You will find many in the USA that discriminate.   I know of none in other countries that do, all are fair. any that are not a mirror image of the divisions at IMH fall into the age discrimination cat in.    as I said,  we pay the same but do not get the same equal opportunity to qualify.   Want more, I can provide it to you personally.   This became an issue with me a few years back when I entered a 1/2 im qualifier.   the race was advertised to have a slot im my category, 55 to 59.   on race morning while waiting for the start gun to go off the RD announced that the slot had been removed from my age group and that we would have to compete down.   there were 28 entrants in my group.  The RD gave my slot to another AG in which the ratio turned out to be one slot for each 8 people entered.   Would you call that fair and equal treatment.   Yes, I got my slot as I broke the course record for the age group 5 years down.   That will not happen very often.  It happened from being a hard head and a little angry.  Not a good way to race.    Race directors almost always agree but say, "it is WTC that identifies the allocation".   That may be, i do not know,  but who ever decides is the  perhaps not only unfair, but possibly in violation of the law.   Yes, I am sour grapes on this subject.  I hope all of the "over 55 guys get a little sour and speak out.    Triathlon is a wonderful peoples sport and IMH is the goal of many.  All should have an equal opportunity to be competitive in the qualifiers.   remember, we do pay the same entrance fee. + record) ,   IMH97 (1st in AG),   PowerMan Hawaii 98 (1st in AG + record) , Gulf Coast Half IM 98  (1st in AG) ,  1998 IMH (3rd in Age Group)     http://www.ironmantri.com/davico.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Seems to me that USAT has evolved into nothing more than a fund raising authority.   Those funds seem to support only a few individuals.    We do need a governing body like USAT but they need to recognize who is the majority in our sport.   They need to represent that majority rather than a chosen few.    They need to rethink "Sanctioning"  and only sanction those events that provide equality to all competitors. Which "sanctioned" events do not provide "equality", please name races since you are pointing fingers and define what you mean by "equality" while you are at it. The majority do not want drafting of any type,  so they should not sanction any event where it is allowed. Any sanctioned event must follow all USA Triathlon rules. Which means no drafting. ( unless an exception is granted) They should not sanction any event that fails to recognize age groupers as many do today.   Some events like Blackwater Eagleman and Buffalo Springs are very good and have IMH slots for all.   Others like "Vineman" discriminate against some age groups and do not provide IMH slots but still charge the same entrance fee to those who enter where slots do not exist. USAT should drop sanctioning of those events that practice Age Discrimination. WTC controls all Ironman slots, IMH is an invitational event and it is up to WTC not USAT , which races get to award slots. RD’s charge what they think they can get away with. its called dsupply and demand. And even with these high entry fees the races are selling out in record time. USAT is not listening to it’s members or the members are not expressing their wishes.   Let’s all send them our thoughts and desires and most important,  lets elect those that support us and get rid of those that don’t.  Just expressing my "Ideals". Bruce Platt Chairman, USA Triathlon Safety & Rules Committee USA Triathlon Cat 1 Official

Response:

I think what people aren’t realizing here is that it’s not a simple matter of sanctioning. The race directors have a moral obligation to the racers to enforce the rules as they need to be (as opposed to what they can get away with). The USAT tries their best.

I was agreeing up to here. <g   My point is that USAT doesn’t try their best to ensure that sanctioning means something. There is no system for verification that I know of or that anyone has explained to me. I don’t think it’s rocket science to figure out a way of verifying that rules are being enforced at a "sanctioned" race. That’s part of the obligations and duties of the sanctioning body. You set out some straightforward standards. You WILL have a USAT official present at the race to verify compliance of all obligations. You WILL meet such and such safety requirements. You WILL have n lifeguards every n distance.  You WILL have a pre-race meeting at which rules x, y, and z are specifically covered. You WILL have n number of bike marshalls on motorcycles. Etc.  You don’t want to do that? Fine, no sanction, no cheap insurance, no USAT name on the race ads. We hope you have a nice event, but it won’t be USAT sanctioned. EVERY legitimate sanctioning body does that. It’s not an onerous obligation, it’s what they’re supposed to be doing! One way of helping to insure compliance might be to have a substantial sanction "deposit" fee that is returned only if all the requirements are met. If not, there goes the deposit. Will it cost a bit more? Probably.  Or maybe USAT could fork over some of that precious Olympic money to help the majority of it’s members. Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" Ironman Canada ‘98 16:17:03

Response:

I think what people aren’t realizing here is that it’s not a simple matter of sanctioning. The race directors have a moral obligation to the racers to enforce the rules as they need to be (as opposed to what they can get away with). The USAT tries their best. The last thing we want is for anyone to sue anyone else except for where absolutely necessary. Once that starts happening, the entire picture changes and you might as well throw the whole amateur field out the window. As triathletes, we endure a lot of unfriendly stuff with the hopes that it’ll be a little more bearable down the road. Most of us know when to quit and when to stick it out. When the race gets so bad that it’s a problem, don’t do it next year. If you’re indeed not the only one with the problem, the race director will get the hint — the hard way. Just my two cents. Stephan "Can’t we all just get along?" Samuel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Great idea, but you’d have to pull sanctioning after the fact to enforce for execution, not just planning.  That creates some issues.  There are the racers who turned in a great time and entered hoping it would boost their standings, only to find out after the race that it won’t count. As for the insurance, I doubt you could legally deny insurance coverage after the fact unless it’s for a safety violation that directly contributes to a given claim.  DO you withhold sanctioning next year for the same event, and how does that impact when an RD shapes up and then has to cancel what would be a properly enforced event next year?  The only way to make it work is to set up a contract that lets USAT sue for monetary damages after the fact, and that may just drive up entry fees. You have the start of a solution here, anybody have ideas on how to make it work?

Response:

At the top of my list would be a system of making the USAT "sanction" be a guarantee that ALL USAT rules will be followed and enforced – not just the ones the RD wants to bother with. That doesn’t mean using only USAT officials, but it does mean using some established number of officials, chase bikes, etc to enforce the rules. If an RD doesn’t comply, then no sanction, no cheap insurance. And a certifying official should be present at a race to make sure the RD is holding  up their end.  I can’t think of any legitimate sanctioning body that doesn’t insure enforcement of it’s own rules by having officials at an event. Self-policing doesn’t work.

Great idea, but you’d have to pull sanctioning after the fact to enforce for execution, not just planning.  That creates some issues.  There are the racers who turned in a great time and entered hoping it would boost their standings, only to find out after the race that it won’t count. As for the insurance, I doubt you could legally deny insurance coverage after the fact unless it’s for a safety violation that directly contributes to a given claim.  DO you withhold sanctioning next year for the same event, and how does that impact when an RD shapes up and then has to cancel what would be a properly enforced event next year?  The only way to make it work is to set up a contract that lets USAT sue for monetary damages after the fact, and that may just drive up entry fees. You have the start of a solution here, anybody have ideas on how to make it work?

Response:

–

Seems to me that USAT has evolved into nothing more than a fund raising authority.   Those funds seem to support only a few individuals.    We do need a governing body like USAT but they need to recognize who is the majority in our sport.   They need to represent that majority rather than a chosen few.    They need to rethink "Sanctioning"  and only sanction those events that provide equality to all competitors.

Which "sanctioned" events do not provide "equality", please name races since you are pointing fingers and define what you mean by "equality" while you are at it. The majority do not want drafting of any type,  so they should not sanction any event where it is allowed.

Any sanctioned event must follow all USA Triathlon rules. Which means no drafting. ( unless an exception is granted) They should not sanction any event that fails to recognize age groupers as many do today.   Some events like Blackwater Eagleman and Buffalo Springs are very good and have IMH slots for all.   Others like "Vineman" discriminate against some age groups and do not provide IMH slots but still charge the same entrance fee to those who enter where slots do not exist. USAT should drop sanctioning of those events that practice Age Discrimination.

WTC controls all Ironman slots, IMH is an invitational event and it is up to WTC not USAT , which races get to award slots. RD’s charge what they think they can get away with. its called dsupply and demand. And even with these high entry fees the races are selling out in record time. USAT is not listening to it’s members or the members are not expressing their wishes.   Let’s all send them our thoughts and desires and most important,  lets elect those that support us and get rid of those that don’t.  Just expressing my "Ideals".

Bruce Platt Chairman, USA Triathlon Safety & Rules Committee USA Triathlon Cat 1 Official

Response:

Seems to me that USAT has evolved into nothing more than a fund raising authority.   Those funds seem to support only a few individuals.    We do need a governing body like USAT but they need to recognize who is the majority in our sport.   They need to represent that majority rather than a chosen few.    They need to rethink "Sanctioning"  and only sanction those events that provide equality to all competitors. The majority do not want drafting of any type,  so they should not sanction any event where it is allowed. They should not sanction any event that fails to recognize age groupers as many do today.   Some events like Blackwater Eagleman and Buffalo Springs are very good and have IMH slots for all.   Others like "Vineman" discriminate against some age groups and do not provide IMH slots but still charge the same entrance fee to those who enter where slots do not exist. USAT should drop sanctioning of those events that practice Age Discrimination. USAT is not listening to it’s members or the members are not expressing their wishes.   Let’s all send them our thoughts and desires and most important,  lets elect those that support us and get rid of those that don’t.  Just expressing my "Ideals". – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Patti I can answer your question #2. There is no move to allow drafting in the age group races. <<SNIP Bruce… As I recall, there was no "move to allow drafting" in the pro races, either. In fact, it seems that most American pros were against the ITU stance on drafting and attempting to fight it. Then it was decided by the ‘powers that be’  that some pro races should be draft-legal so our pros could be competitive in this format. I suppose the Olympic cash cow was in jeopardy on the US front. Since ITU Worlds have never paid much attention to drafting in the age group races except when held in the US (since the host country is responsible for officiating), what should we think when our leaders talk in circles and the needs of the few pros that may go to Sydney seem to far outweigh the thousands of age groupers that drive this sport? What will our national policy be if the 9 loop bike course in Montreal turns into a criterium and the US is pretty much shut out of the medals? "Hmmm…maybe we should have a few draft-legal races to get our athletes tuned up for next year." The whole thing sucks as far as I’m concerned. I’m tired of hearing that these decisions don’t affect age groupers and we should just let it go. What happens in the pro ranks WILL affect the age groupers  because this is what the media presents to the masses (if they even pay attention) as triathlon. Those who are drawn to the sport will have this picture in mind as to how to race. When they are penalized or DQed they will leave as fast as they come. Some race directors WILL allow drafting, even if they lose their sanction, to satisfy their customers (the participants ARE the customers to the RD. He/she is running a service business and he/she needs customers to stay in business. Number 1 rule in a service business is "the customer is ALWAYS right". Rule number 2 is "if the customer is wrong, see rule number 1"). I’m not arguing for or against drafting. I am arguing for a federation that is consistant in it’s position. Draft-legal triathlon is a whole different game than non-drafting. I think everyone at least agrees on this. The same federation can’t promote one sport for the pros and another for the age groupers. If USAT wants to accept that draft-legal triathlon is simply another multisport variation like duathlon, adventure racing, or paddle, bike, run tris, then so be it. It should be fair game for any RD who wants to put one on. If the racers show up, they race. If they don’t, the RD knows it wasn’t a good idea and probably won’t do it again. I can understand why some of us would be anti-draft or pro-draft as individuals, but how can the federation take a stance that drafting is OK for one faction but totally forbidden to another. I do running races that don’t even have a swim or bike. I even bowl and have been known to play golf (poorly). I would probably even try a draft-legal race if one was put on (even though I boycotted ESM for the whole season that they allowed drafting. That was then, this is now.). I see no sense in using the same treasury to promote one sport as the Olympic ideal in triathlon, funding training and development for that sport, hoping to expand and grow the sport, and then denying the majority of the membership the right to participate in that sport. The pros have a choice to draft or not. So should the age groupers. Let us vote with our entry fees. However, if age group racing is going to remain a pure draft-free sport then it should develop its own governing body. Either scenario works for me, not the current one. cheers, Andrew — Andrew Peabody/Karen Fisher Coconut Grove, FL

Response:

Why have there been only 2 "USAT Report" postings for 1999 on the USAT website? Something to hide? Technologically inept? Don’t care that the masses are kept out-of-the-loop? According to the USAT website: "The Report is intended for those interested in current issues and developments within the sport of triathlon and its national governing body–USA Triathlon." USAT is not doing a good job of providing easy access to info. Bill Mason USAT#128190

Response:

One of our USAT Board of Directors asked me to provide some issues that age groupers are concerned about so that they can be presented to the board. I personally have been hammering about the lack of communication from USAT to age groupers and the apparent or perceived indifference to age group issues.

At the top of my list would be a system of making the USAT "sanction" be a guarantee that ALL USAT rules will be followed and enforced – not just the ones the RD wants to bother with. That doesn’t mean using only USAT officials, but it does mean using some established number of officials, chase bikes, etc to enforce the rules. If an RD doesn’t comply, then no sanction, no cheap insurance. And a certifying official should be present at a race to make sure the RD is holding  up their end.  I can’t think of any legitimate sanctioning body that doesn’t insure enforcement of it’s own rules by having officials at an event. Self-policing doesn’t work. Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" Ironman Canada ‘98 16:17:03

Response:

Wade… Many good points. I agree w/ you 100%. Especially like the video idea.  We must find a way to make our representatives answerable to the membership that they represent, regardless of what the ITU, OSOC, or anyone else tells them once they are in office. We voted for them based on what they said they stood for and expect them to maintain these beliefs or give us a damn good reason for changing. I’d like to see who is voting, and how, on these key issues that come up. Minutes of meetings should be in our newsletter. Maybe even poll the membership on important policy decisions that are pending. Our newsletter should be more news oriented, then there would be less "gossip and inuendo". cheers,Andrew – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bernie, : I mentioned that I would try and get input from RSTers since most are USAT : members and almost all have some serious concerns with the national : organization. BTW. one board member indicated that he doesn’t bother with : RST because it only contains "gossip and innuendo." And whose fault is that?  Maybe Mr. I’m-too-sexy-for-my-constituents could deign to contribute some facts and constructive dialog from on high to help the signal to noise ratio he so laments?   Can you at least email me his name, I’d like to be sure not to vote for him again, if I accidently did .  But I digress…  enough whenging. Off the top of my head: —— Board minutes and full financials online in a timely manner. More age-group related content in the newsletter (in general). Require officials, including draft marshals, at ALL sanctioned races. Make this easy for RDs – use some dues money to pay or at least subsidize the stipends for the officials.  The implication of us paying dues is that we want well run races – use the dues for that along with the insurance.  Raise the dues $5-10 a year if you have to, as long as the money goes back into the amateur side of the sport. Strictly enforce the requirement for sanctioned races to turn in usable results to USAT and make results available to participants. Publish an always-up-to-date calendar on the web, with links. (this seems to be well underway, not sure how complete it is though). Make this a feature of being sanctioned that will have high appeal to RDs (if it’s complete, people will start there, and find sanctioned race web sites, and register). Give some uniform, easy to read, eye-catching rules literature to one-day-license purchasers – provide this to RDs, _require_ that it be distributed directly to those one-day license purchasers (Charlie’s rules flyer, maybe with some graphics & color and other added value such as a sponsor coupon, explanation that one day license can be converted to annual, etc) Develop a simple statement of racing ethics and incorporate it in the standard race waiver to be signed by participants – not just "I won’t sue anybody" but "I will race fairly within the spirit and the letter of the rules" ie I PLEDGE to abide by Rule 3.3 and by extension all the rules. Put Board of Directors contact info back on the web page!!!! (require each director to have an email address – not necessarily their personal email, but at least an address that will reach them, which might be spam-filtered at the USAT office). Facilitate contact between clubs, perhaps by running an "official" email list among club representatives. Profile age groupers (and not just elite ones) on the USAT home page.   And my favorite idea, which I’m sure is not new: Develop a simple, up to date age-group racing instructional "How to" video that can be distributed through clubs, played at expos by RD’s and vendors, etc, that emphasizes rules and also basic race format, basic transition techniques, etiquette, with some humor injected to make it worth spending the 10-15 minutes to watch it.  We tape club races all the time, the footage is both hilarious and very educational – a little Warren Miller style voice over and people would KNOW what drafting is, know not to do it, know a basic layout for setting up their spot, know not to move other people’s stuff, know that a wetsuit on the rack probably means the person is out warming up on the bike, know to have their helmet buckled, to take their swim cap off, and also see examples of the awesome camaraderie among competitors that is one of the great things about triathlon (seeing racers encouraging eachother etc).   Show the high zoot gear along with the beginners’ basics, demonstrate that it’s not just the equipment that makes one competitive or makes the event fun, but acknowledge the fast boys & girls and their toys too. We want new participants to know the ropes, and you can help us SHOW them in living color, every 15 minutes all expo-day (along with the beginner clinics that some races hold), it should not be too expensive. (relatively speaking).  It should NOT be a quick cutting, out of focus MTV video.   It would pay for itself eventually if done well. If it’s got enough content and humor people could use it for an intro when speaking to kids sports teams, or running or swimming or cycling clubs trying to generate interest in triathlon, could be shown to sponsors, community officials when trying to get permits, etc. etc. If it was good enough, clubs and sponsors would probably show it at expos, the RD would not even have to spring for the TV and VCR. There might even be ways to get the initial production subsidized by sponsors _without_ turning it into too much of an advertisement. It could also be shown by RDs to volunteers!!  Many possible benefits and venues. Wade Blomgren Triathlon Club of San Diego/UCSD Masters Triathlon Team USAT #141622 San Diego, CA

– Andrew Peabody/Karen Fisher Coconut Grove, FL

Response:

Patti I can answer your question #2. There is no move to allow drafting in the age group races.

<<SNIP  Bruce… As I recall, there was no "move to allow drafting" in the pro races, either. In fact, it seems that most American pros were against the ITU stance on drafting and attempting to fight it. Then it was decided by the ‘powers that be’  that some pro races should be draft-legal so our pros could be competitive in this format. I suppose the Olympic cash cow was in jeopardy on the US front. Since ITU Worlds have never paid much attention to drafting in the age group races except when held in the US (since the host country is responsible for officiating), what should we think when our leaders talk in circles and the needs of the few pros that may go to Sydney seem to far outweigh the thousands of age groupers that drive this sport? What will our national policy be if the 9 loop bike course in Montreal turns into a criterium and the US is pretty much shut out of the medals? "Hmmm…maybe we should have a few draft-legal races to get our athletes tuned up for next year." The whole thing sucks as far as I’m concerned. I’m tired of hearing that these decisions don’t affect age groupers and we should just let it go. What happens in the pro ranks WILL affect the age groupers  because this is what the media presents to the masses (if they even pay attention) as triathlon. Those who are drawn to the sport will have this picture in mind as to how to race. When they are penalized or DQed they will leave as fast as they come. Some race directors WILL allow drafting, even if they lose their sanction, to satisfy their customers (the participants ARE the customers to the RD. He/she is running a service business and he/she needs customers to stay in business. Number 1 rule in a service business is "the customer is ALWAYS right". Rule number 2 is "if the customer is wrong, see rule number 1").  I’m not arguing for or against drafting. I am arguing for a federation that is consistant in it’s position. Draft-legal triathlon is a whole different game than non-drafting. I think everyone at least agrees on this. The same federation can’t promote one sport for the pros and another for the age groupers. If USAT wants to accept that draft-legal triathlon is simply another multisport variation like duathlon, adventure racing, or paddle, bike, run tris, then so be it. It should be fair game for any RD who wants to put one on. If the racers show up, they race. If they don’t, the RD knows it wasn’t a good idea and probably won’t do it again. I can understand why some of us would be anti-draft or pro-draft as individuals, but how can the federation take a stance that drafting is OK for one faction but totally forbidden to another. I do running races that don’t even have a swim or bike. I even bowl and have been known to play golf (poorly). I would probably even try a draft-legal race if one was put on (even though I boycotted ESM for the whole season that they allowed drafting. That was then, this is now.). I see no sense in using the same treasury to promote one sport as the Olympic ideal in triathlon, funding training and development for that sport, hoping to expand and grow the sport, and then denying the majority of the membership the right to participate in that sport. The pros have a choice to draft or not. So should the age groupers. Let us vote with our entry fees. However, if age group racing is going to remain a pure draft-free sport then it should develop its own governing body. Either scenario works for me, not the current one. cheers, Andrew — Andrew Peabody/Karen Fisher Coconut Grove, FL

Response:

Bernie,

: I mentioned that I would try and get input from RSTers since most are USAT : members and almost all have some serious concerns with the national : organization. BTW. one board member indicated that he doesn’t bother with : RST because it only contains "gossip and innuendo." And whose fault is that?  Maybe Mr. I’m-too-sexy-for-my-constituents could deign to contribute some facts and constructive dialog from on high to help the signal to noise ratio he so laments?   Can you at least email me his name, I’d like to be sure not to vote for him again, if I accidently did .  But I digress…  enough whenging. Off the top of my head: —— Board minutes and full financials online in a timely manner. More age-group related content in the newsletter (in general). Require officials, including draft marshals, at ALL sanctioned races. Make this easy for RDs – use some dues money to pay or at least subsidize the stipends for the officials.  The implication of us paying dues is that we want well run races – use the dues for that along with the insurance.  Raise the dues $5-10 a year if you have to, as long as the money goes back into the amateur side of the sport. Strictly enforce the requirement for sanctioned races to turn in  usable results to USAT and make results available to participants. Publish an always-up-to-date calendar on the web, with links. (this seems to be well underway, not sure how complete it is though). Make this a feature of being sanctioned that will have high appeal to RDs (if it’s complete, people will start there, and find sanctioned race web sites, and register). Give some uniform, easy to read, eye-catching rules literature to  one-day-license purchasers – provide this to RDs, _require_ that  it be distributed directly to those one-day license purchasers (Charlie’s  rules flyer, maybe with some graphics & color and other added value  such as a sponsor coupon, explanation that one day license can  be converted to annual, etc) Develop a simple statement of racing ethics and incorporate it in the standard race waiver to be signed by participants – not just "I won’t sue anybody" but "I will race fairly within the spirit and the letter of the rules" ie I PLEDGE to abide by Rule 3.3 and by extension all the rules. Put Board of Directors contact info back on the web page!!!!  (require each director to have an email address – not necessarily  their personal email, but at least an address that will reach them,  which might be spam-filtered at the USAT office). Facilitate contact between clubs, perhaps by running an "official" email list among club representatives. Profile age groupers (and not just elite ones) on the USAT home page.   And my favorite idea, which I’m sure is not new: Develop a simple, up to date age-group racing instructional "How to" video that can be distributed through clubs, played at expos by RD’s and vendors, etc, that emphasizes rules and also basic race format, basic transition techniques, etiquette, with some humor injected to make it worth spending the 10-15 minutes to watch it.  We tape club races all the time, the footage is both hilarious and very educational – a little Warren Miller style voice over and people would KNOW what drafting is, know not to do it, know a basic layout for setting up their spot, know not to move other people’s stuff, know that a wetsuit on the rack probably means the person is out warming up on the bike, know to have their helmet buckled, to take their swim cap off, and also see examples of the awesome camaraderie among competitors that is one of the great things about triathlon (seeing racers encouraging eachother etc).   Show the high zoot gear along with the beginners’ basics, demonstrate that it’s not just the equipment that makes one competitive or makes the event fun, but acknowledge the fast boys & girls and their toys too. We want new participants to know the ropes, and you can help us SHOW them in living color, every 15 minutes all expo-day (along with the beginner clinics that some races hold), it should not be too expensive. (relatively speaking).  It should NOT be a quick cutting, out of focus MTV video.   It would pay for itself eventually if done well. If it’s got enough content and humor people could use it for an intro when speaking to kids sports teams, or running or swimming or cycling clubs trying to generate interest in triathlon, could be shown to sponsors, community officials when trying to get permits, etc. etc. If it was good enough, clubs and sponsors would probably show it at expos, the RD would not even have to spring for the TV and VCR. There might even be ways to get the initial production subsidized by sponsors _without_ turning it into too much of an advertisement. It could also be shown by RDs to volunteers!!  Many possible benefits and venues. Wade Blomgren Triathlon Club of San Diego/UCSD Masters Triathlon Team USAT #141622 San Diego, CA

Response:

…<snip… There is no need to rally the troops to keep age group races sanctioned by USAT draft free, because there IS NO MOVE TO MAKE THEM DRAFT LEGAL.  I dont think I can make that any clearer, We have won that fight, lets channel our energies in doing something constructive and lets move forward.

  OK then (and agreed), but in answer to Bernie’s original question and with respect to moving forward, there is still more to be done here. Although I don’t doubt that there are exceptions to this, it is certainly my personal experience that the USAT races which are closest to being draft free are those in which USAT refs are present. If the board wants to know what I am interested in seeing it do, one big thing is actively promoting the Officials Program. (Note that I’m not saying they are not now, I am saying that I want them to know that this is important to me.)    Increasing the number of officiated races can only directly come about because of actions of USAT members but the board can certainly do things to help. What do I mean about members (i.e., "us")? First, race directors need to *want* refs so they need to know that their customers value this expenditure of their funds. I am fortunate to live in an area where there are lots of officiated races to choose from and I "vote with my feet." Last year and this I’ve only done or plan to do races that were/are refereed (between my wife and I, we did about 11 races such last year). And, I tell the RDs that this matters whenever I have the opportunity. The other thing that we USAT members need to do is make sure that there are enough certified USAT Officials to fill the need. Become one! I recently have and can testify that it is neither difficult nor necessarily all that time consuming. I’m finding that it brings a sense of fulfillment different from but quite complimentary to the others I derive from our sport.     Yea, yea, yea… but what about the board? They have two kinds of resources: money and visibility. I don’t know all the things that might be preventing some RDs from using officials (and if by chance the board hasn’t asked, they should…) but if subsidizing the cost would help, I’d see that as a good investment of funds. Also, I suggest featuring races that have officials in Triathlon Times, on the web site, etc. Add visibility to the RD’s races as a consequence of their investment in ensuring fairness. With respect to increased participation of members in the Officials Program, the same thing. Use these media tools to highlight the benefits of the program and as a recruiting tool. The rst post from David Schoonmaker they published last year was great. I suggest more. (If they are looking for space, they can cut the recurring stuff telling me how I should embrace draft legal pro racing. Talk about making it clear how out of touch with me some parts of USAT have become…) New (and ongoing) officials means Official’s Clinics, and the board should (or should continue) to make sure that the financial resources necessary for these to take place throughout the country are available.    Bernie, please tell your friends all this.   — Chuck    Department of Biology,  University of Alabama at Birmingham             http://www.uab.edu/uabbio/amsler.htm

Response:

I can answer your question #2.

Why can’t we get an answer for question 1?  Is this info on finances available publicly? IS NO MOVE TO MAKE THEM DRAFT LEGAL.

I think that is a lot different than stating that drafting will never be allowed in AG races.  I think the AGs would feel better and this issue would be put to rest if Tri fed would stop using political speak .  That may be cynical but that is what I think the people need to hear. toddzi sandiego

Response:

 Maybe we are alone in our idealism.

  IF THIS IS SO LET IT BE SO. We, Americans, invented this  sport of triathlon, and we should be able to run it on a time trial format if we so please. Damn the rest of the world, ITU and IOC. Lets compete in OUR sport OUR way! Perry

Response:

Patti I can answer your question #2. There is no move to allow drafting in the age group races. In fact just the opposite occured this winter as my committee, Charlie Crawford and an Ad Hoc Athletes Committee re-examined the position foul rules. The rules were modified to clarify the rules and to tighten up the enforcement of position violations.  We have moved to further crack down on drafting and I think Charlie’s Officials do an excellent job of dsicouraging drafting. Your statement that if nothing is being done to keep triathlon " draft -free", then action needs to be taken. Is just the sort of thing that gets some of us ( OK , atleast me) riled up. There is no need to rally the troops to keep age group races sanctioned by USAT draft free, because there IS NO MOVE TO MAKE THEM DRAFT LEGAL.  I dont think I can make that any clearer, We have won that fight, lets channel our energies in doing something constructive and lets move forward. — Bruce Platt Chairman, USA Triathlon Safety & Rules Committee USA Triathlon Cat 1 Official

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good Idea:  some questions:  1)Can we see a financial statement?  I’d like to see where the $ go.  2)What is being done to ensure ag triathlon stays "draft free".  If the answer is "nothing" perhaps we need to look at dividing USAT, as previously suggested, or looking for a different governing body for age groupers.  The board member you mentioned also has stated that he is "too busy" to respond to specific questions.  He also gets personally insulting as a way to "red herring" one off topic.  Patti One of our USAT Board of Directors asked me to provide some issues that age groupers are concerned about so that they can be presented to the board. I personally have been hammering about the lack of communication from USAT to age groupers and the apparent or perceived indifference to age group issues. I mentioned that I would try and get input from RSTers since most are USAT members and almost all have some serious concerns with the national organization. BTW. one board member indicated that he doesn’t bother with RST because it only contains "gossip and innuendo." Let me make it clear that I have no official standing and am doing this to get some of the items discussed on this newsgroup to those who can do something about it.  Further, I thought I would include QRMans recommendation that the NGB be split into Pro and Age group divisions each funded separately. Post as a thread or to me directly. I  personally like the thread since it acts as an electronic brainstorming session. QRman hinted that we should be putting our money where our mouth is. Here’s an opportunity to do just that. Cheers, Bernie Sher

Response:

Good Idea:  some questions:  1)Can we see a financial statement?  I’d like to see where the $ go.  2)What is being done to ensure ag triathlon stays "draft free".  If the answer is "nothing" perhaps we need to look at dividing USAT, as previously suggested, or looking for a different governing body for age groupers.  The board member you mentioned also has stated that he is "too busy" to respond to specific questions.  He also gets personally insulting as a way to "red herring" one off topic.  Patti – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of our USAT Board of Directors asked me to provide some issues that age groupers are concerned about so that they can be presented to the board. I personally have been hammering about the lack of communication from USAT to age groupers and the apparent or perceived indifference to age group issues. I mentioned that I would try and get input from RSTers since most are USAT members and almost all have some serious concerns with the national organization. BTW. one board member indicated that he doesn’t bother with RST because it only contains "gossip and innuendo." Let me make it clear that I have no official standing and am doing this to get some of the items discussed on this newsgroup to those who can do something about it.  Further, I thought I would include QRMans recommendation that the NGB be split into Pro and Age group divisions each funded separately. Post as a thread or to me directly. I  personally like the thread since it acts as an electronic brainstorming session. QRman hinted that we should be putting our money where our mouth is. Here’s an opportunity to do just that. Cheers, Bernie Sher

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of our USAT Board of Directors asked me to provide some issues that age groupers are concerned about so that they can be presented to the board. I personally have been hammering about the lack of communication from USAT to age groupers and the apparent or perceived indifference to age group issues. I mentioned that I would try and get input from RSTers since most are USAT members and almost all have some serious concerns with the national organization. BTW. one board member indicated that he doesn’t bother with RST because it only contains "gossip and innuendo." Let me make it clear that I have no official standing and am doing this to get some of the items discussed on this newsgroup to those who can do something about it.  Further, I thought I would include QRMans recommendation that the NGB be split into Pro and Age group divisions each funded separately. Post as a thread or to me directly. I  personally like the thread since it acts as an electronic brainstorming session. QRman hinted that we should be putting our money where our mouth is. Here’s an opportunity to do just that. Cheers, Bernie Sher

Bernie…  Since ITU/Olympic triathlon is shaping up to be a completely different animal than age group triathlon, I believe that split federations, such as suggested by Dan Empfield, are inevitable. Perhaps USAT can handle the Olympic and Junior programs (since the Juniors have also adopted the draft-legal format) and the age group issues could be handled by a revived TriFed/USA. I, too, would like to hear from Lew Kidder on this.  Communication is a big issue. Why don’t they (USAT) post their reports to RST, even if we are a bunch of gossips (maybe there would be less to gossip about if we had the official word available). This may be difficult, as the website shows only 2 reports in 1999 (it’s June, already). I’ve subscribed but never received anything by email.  Instead of an elite Junior program (or in addition to it) why not promote the sport to the high schools or colleges? Start a youth movement in the age group ranks by doing this and showing that one can compete without Olympic aspirations.  I would like our NGB to relate to us the opinions of other NGBs regarding issues like drafting, uniform rules, bike standardization, etc. Maybe we are alone in our idealism. If so, how long before these issues do trickle down to the age group ranks. Will the US be the only place where draft-free triathlon will exist?  If the Olympics do succeed in attracting new participants, I see a rash of penalties, DQs, and disappointments, as these new racers attempt to emulate the sport that drew them in, only to find out that it only exists on the elite level. What’s the point, here? It’s like saying that tackle football is only allowed in the NFL. This is REAL FOOTBALL. Everyone else must play touch football, however, unless in a college program intended to groom potential pros. Also, that all football is regulated by the NFL. The whole thing is awful silly. Cheers(running late, gotta go to work), Andrew — Andrew Peabody/Karen Fisher Coconut Grove, FL

Response:

One of our USAT Board of Directors asked me to provide some issues that age groupers are concerned about so that they can be presented to the board. I personally have been hammering about the lack of communication from USAT to age groupers and the apparent or perceived indifference to age group issues. I mentioned that I would try and get input from RSTers since most are USAT members and almost all have some serious concerns with the national organization. BTW. one board member indicated that he doesn’t bother with RST because it only contains "gossip and innuendo." Let me make it clear that I have no official standing and am doing this to get some of the items discussed on this newsgroup to those who can do something about it.  Further, I thought I would include QRMans recommendation that the NGB be split into Pro and Age group divisions each funded separately. Post as a thread or to me directly. I  personally like the thread since it acts as an electronic brainstorming session. QRman hinted that we should be putting our money where our mouth is. Here’s an opportunity to do just that. Cheers, Bernie Sher

Response:

one board member indicated that he doesn’t bother with RST because it only contains "gossip and innuendo."

Well, now, isn’t that just dandy. The masses are just down here gossiping, while he concerns himself with the monumental concerns of his office.

Response:

Question:

Could someone please suggest the best web sites for: 1) finding the most extensive triathlon results, and 2) the most extensive calendar of triathlons

here’s some of my favorite’s http://www.coolrunning.com http://www.cftsommersports.com http://www.usatriathlon.org/ http://www.ziplink.net/~brianj http://www.firm-racing.cnchost.com/ http://www.nytc.org/ Tim Hignett Buaidh No Bas http://members.aol.com/hignett/index.html

Response:

Could someone please suggest the best web sites for: 1) finding the most extensive triathlon results, and 2) the most extensive calendar of triathlons

Well, for results, you can try my not-quite-ready-for-prime-time (but nearly) http://www.triathloncentral.com/rpdir/main/s_races_chron Thanks, Katherine Williams

Response:

Lee,      This one is high on my list (http://www.extremetri.com/home.html) for 1) and 2). Steve Bean

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Could someone please suggest the best web sites for: 1) finding the most extensive triathlon results, and 2) the most extensive calendar of triathlons Any help would be deeply appreciated. Lee

Response:

Could someone please suggest the best web sites for: 1) finding the most extensive triathlon results, and 2) the most extensive calendar of triathlons Any help would be deeply appreciated. Lee

Response:

Question:

  This pretty much sum’s it up I’d have to say.   Then again, I’m looking at triathlon with almost 20 years of history   in the sport.  Save it to say, both myself and the sport has grown   during this time.     Those who’ve been competing for many years probably remember early   triathlons where there were very few rules and in some cases, the   race director knew less about the sport than most of the competitors.     And competitors back then never considered drafting.  So, in this   respect, I feel fortunate I was able to develop as a triathlete in an   element that had very few distractions from the simple swim/bike/run   design of of the sport.   Fortunaltely the sport has continued to grow in popularity, and   competitiveness.  But with that, people will always look to find   an edge.  Some ways legal, others not.  It’s the "not" part that   needs to be looked at.   As a suggestion;     Perhaps USAT could have some "no drafting" banners and logo’s     printed up that races could purchase.  I believe the use of visual     aids goes a long way to educate the uniformed and reinforce the rules     of the race.  I think a few well placed banners in the transition area     and "no drafting" logo’s on the entry form would really help those     who might not fully understand the nature of a draft-free triathlon.  Home Page: http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~twm/TTH.html

Response:

Very well put Ruth. I agree totally. Our accompolishments in the Triathlon world only need to satisfy our inner self. Most people could care less how fast you,  who you beat, or who beat you.  After 6 Ironman Hawaii’s, I did as well as I could do under the circumstances at each one and that is whats important. It is the total package that is meaningful. The training, the qualifying, the good and the bad, all of the emotions, desire, comitment, passion, and personal  accompolishments is what makes triathletes special. You are living in a fantasy world if you try and go as hard as you can year after year. We must plan to have hard and easy years. Our sport is too demanding to train at maximum intensity or long durations continuously. You need to rest and not have the pressure of training and racing at high levels. As Dave Scott says," rest needs to be active" not static. Plan to have hard and easy years just like planning your workouts on a weekly basis. When we intelligently plan to have a fun easy year we feel good with the rest mentally and physically instead of feeling guilty about missing workouts or being un- motivated.  Belive me it is a lot more stimulating to know that after a hard training cycle that I am going to ease up and spend time with my family and recharge my motivation batteries and heal up the body from all the pounding and training. As long as I plan for this it then becomes the most important part of my lifetime of training. Staying fit must go on  forever. Burning out is not an option. Intelligent training is the key to a liftime of physical and mental fitness A few personal view points. Alan  

Response:

Question:

What to do, what to do. I’ve been watching the postings on Lauren Alexander and the Vineman race.  I must admit, I don’t know more than a brief tidbit about it, and didn’t really care until this weekend.  Doesn’t concern me, I’m just out there for my own personal satisfaction. Now I care.  This weekend, at the Kansas Sizzler triathlon, the short course, I led until the first mile of the three mile run, where I was passed by the eventual third place athlete, I think Brad was his name.  I placed fourth.  How could that be, having only been passed by one athlete?   the run was a simple out and back, and it seems that a volunteer at an aid station (which was manned only after we had passed it) had taken it upon himself to make that aid station the turn around.  The volunteer had misdirected two athletes by telling them to turn around early.  He screwed up, no doubt about it.  I yelled at the guy and said the turnaround was another half-mile back.  Then I caught the third guy he had turned around and told him he missed the turnaround.  He backtracked about 200 meters, but he followed the rules. however, that doesn’t bother me so much as what went on next, and it is not just becuase I didn’t get the plaque I rightfully deserved.  Both of the guys who were misdirected willing admitted it, but the first place guy would not give up his placing or be DQ’ed because it would affect his Tri-Fed ranking. So I wind up 4th, which means I actually won my age-group, but I don’t get that either becuase they went ahead and awarded it before sorting this mess out. And the RD’s solution?  Let it stand as it is.  The two guys were misdirected by a volunteer.  Tri-Fed rules specifically state that each athlete is responsible to know the course. I mean, how could you possibly mistake running 1 mile for running 1.5 miles?  In fact, both broke the world record for the 5000, so who needs those kenyans!   That’s what pisses me off.  they both knew that they hadn’t run 1.5 miles and that it was a three mile race.  it is their responsibility to know that!  then, the RD would not make the correct decision and DQ them because it would hurt their tri-Fed standing.  What the hell is this?  If they want to operate and benefit within the Tri-Fed system, then shouldn’t they be held accountable? the amount of morality running through this really pisses me off.   mike

Response:

Been there, done that before, I did a race once were on the bike when the course came to a "T" and you had to turn right or left, the people at the turn told me to turn left and the course actually was supposed to go right. What to do, go were I know the course is supposed to go, or go were the marshalls are telling me to. My only thought was that maybe something happened up ahead and we were being redirected. I was leading the race at the time. After a mile or so, and now getting the feeling that I was out in the middle of nowhere, I guy pulls up beside me on a moped and tells me I made a wrong turn. We turn around and he tries to motorpace me back to the course. By the end of the race I finish in about 12th place, bad considering the run is my strongest event, and I already had the race won midway thru the bike. Bad part was that there was prize money involved. The race directors solution was that after we discussed it and I agreed with his solution, the results would stand as they were, but I was also awarded prize money equal to what the official winner got. I only agreed to this when the race director assured me that it would not hurt the race finacially.  By the way, the race director was Charlie Crawford! I do not tell this story to slight Charlie in any way, quite the contrary, I think it was a responsible decision for him to make, not because of it being right or wrong, but because it made all involved happy. Mike Plumb

Response:

Ben & Jerry’s for all…!

pass some Chunky Monkey this way Kathy…….Cheers Mike Plumb

Response:

I get so mad sometimes with the drafting thing during a race that I feel like I want to beat the shit out of the drafters.  And if I wasn’t actually in the race at the time, I would. Maybe that’s what we need, to get really mad as hell and not take it anymore.

May I humbly and politely suggest that you take a break from the sport?  You sound quite rattled by events within a recreational activity.  For me, this would be a strong hint to give it a rest… (a polite tone is intended…) -Rolf — Call me IronMac …                         … I tri …                                          … I prefer Macintosh! IMC ‘94 – 14:06:47   IMC ‘95 – 11:58:35    IMC ‘97 – 10:45:00

Response:

Ain’t it amazing how easy it is for us to take the officials for granted until the need for fairness affects us directly? The reason for officials doing their job is to ensure a fair race for those who follow the rules. When a RD doesn’t get officials for the race, then he assumes the responsibility for ensuring a fair race. As long as everyone behaves themselves and doesn’t screw up, then everyone thinks you can put on a good race without officials. Then something like this happens, and the RD hasn’t been in position to properly deal with it, and has to suck wind. And the victims are always those who followed the rules. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What to do, what to do. I’ve been watching the postings on Lauren Alexander and the Vineman race.  I must admit, I don’t know more than a brief tidbit about it, and didn’t really care until this weekend.  Doesn’t concern me, I’m just out there for my own personal satisfaction. Now I care.  This weekend, at the Kansas Sizzler triathlon, the short…

Response:

Question:

Hi there,    I have no clue about triathlons but I’d like to try one in the    near future. And here’s the question : Can you use a mountain    bike or is there any rule that says it’s not allowed. Of course    you’d have a disadvantage if everybody else is using a racing    bike. But I wouldn’t have to get a new bike …    Sorry if that is a really dumb question. – werner

Response:

Hi there,    I have no clue about triathlons but I’d like to try one in the    near future. And here’s the question : Can you use a mountain    bike or is there any rule that says it’s not allowed. Of course    you’d have a disadvantage if everybody else is using a racing    bike. But I wouldn’t have to get a new bike …    Sorry if that is a really dumb question. – werner

Actually, I have done exactly ONE triathalon in my life — and it was a pretty short one.  BUT, I did it on a mountain bike!!!  I think that you have to do it on whatever you have to find out if you like it or not.  If yo uare concerned, talk to the people that run the race.  I was EXTREMELY NERVOUS doing my first tri on a MTB — I thought I would look stupid. Tomy surprise, however, about 1/4 to 1/2 of the field was on a MTB!!! I’ve got my second one in two weeks and I will ride my MTB for that one too — so what if I look dumb….I’ve caught the bug now!!!  If I only had                                 –The Catwoman     LAZLO’S CHINESE RELATIVITY AXIOM:   *   "No one will ever win the           No matter how great your        *    battle of the sexes.         triumphs, or how tragic your    *    There’s too much fraternizing               defeats, approximately one      *    with the enemy!"         billion Chinese couldn’t        *         care less.                      *               — Henry Kissinger

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m getting ready to do IMC ‘98 and have read several articles regarding weight training.  I have never lifted before as part of my training. This will be my first IM and an looking for some good advice.  I have done several 1/2’s and shorter over the last three years.  I don’t want to stop swimming/biking/running during the winter.  Does anyone have any training plans that incorporate weight training in preparing for an IM? Should I be doing it?  If so, how often? Thanks in advance, Mike 3sport attached here are articles of mark allen’s weight training beliefs and program.  hope this helps. —

I’ve seen Mark Allen’s Weight Training program on Outside Magaizines web page before and was wondering how effective it is? Matt

Response:

I’m getting ready to do IMC ‘98 and have read several articles regarding weight training.  I have never lifted before as part of my training.   This will be my first IM and an looking for some good advice.  I have done several 1/2’s and shorter over the last three years.  I don’t want to stop swimming/biking/running during the winter.  Does anyone have any training plans that incorporate weight training in preparing for an IM?   Should I be doing it?  If so, how often? Thanks in advance, Mike 3sport

Response:

Does anyone have any training plans that incorporate

weight training in preparing for an IM?  Should I be doing it?  If so, how often? Mike, I have not done an Ironman distance.  And until now i have not done any weight training before.  But now i am following the training schedule in the book "Swim, Bike, Run" by Glenn Town and Todd Kearney.  They have you weight train three days a week during your base training, two days a week during intensity training,  and one day a week as "mainteance" during the peak and race training.   Now for the actual strength training part i am using the video "Strength Training for Triathletes" by Diane Buchta that features Mark Allen and PNF.  The video guides you thru 5 distinct phases 1.  Acclimation 2. Strenght/Endurance 3.  Power/Endurance 4. Peak Power and 5. Maintenance which correlates well with the "Swim, Bike, Run" book.  The video tells you exactly what exercies to do and in what order.  So it makes it relatively easy for folks like us that have never been in the gym before to pump iron. You might want to check out the video and see what you think.  IMHO it is a great guide.  If you have this feeling that you want to weight train but dont know where to start give the video a shot.  I purchased the video from Nytro.  I am not sure of their web site…but try www.nytro.com. Hope that helps. Rob

Response:

i tried to respond to you directly but the address is undeliverable. check it and let me know kirk

Response:

I will be nitpicky, but you did not stop ALL weight training, you just reduced and shifted. Also, many national and elite triathletes weight train–of course some have more time than we mere mortals do.  Weight training can help prevent injuries and correct imbalances that develop. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi.. I stopped all weight training…I do only pull-ups, dips, and crunches now. I feel a million times better and have more time too… Mike i tried to respond to you directly but the address is undeliverable. check it and let me know kirk I got your message.  You should be getting the email soon…  Please forward the undeliverable message that you got to me and I will investigate. Thanks

Response:

i tried to respond to you directly but the address is undeliverable. check it and let me know kirk

I got your message.  You should be getting the email soon…  Please forward the undeliverable message that you got to me and I will investigate. Thanks

Response:

hi.. I stopped all weight training…I do only pull-ups, dips, and crunches now.  I feel a million times better and have more time too… Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i tried to respond to you directly but the address is undeliverable. check it and let me know kirk I got your message.  You should be getting the email soon…  Please forward the undeliverable message that you got to me and I will investigate. Thanks

Response:

This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Content-Type: text/plain; charset=big5 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I’m getting ready to do IMC ‘98 and have read several articles regarding weight training.  I have never lifted before as part of my training. This will be my first IM and an looking for some good advice.  I have done several 1/2’s and shorter over the last three years.  I don’t want to stop swimming/biking/running during the winter.  Does anyone have any training plans that incorporate weight training in preparing for an IM? Should I be doing it?  If so, how often? Thanks in advance, Mike 3sport

attached here are articles of mark allen’s weight training beliefs and program.  hope this helps. — Agreements welcomed.  Constructive criticism considered.  Flames ignored. Content-Type: text/plain; charset=big5; name="allen-strength.txt" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Disposition: inline; filename="allen-strength.txt" [HOME]                         [Sponsored by REI]  Fitness ‘97, February 1997  Strength  Because you’re not just getting bigger. You’re getting better.  Like many of us, Mark              [Image]  Allen used to think                            Are We        [Image]  that the gym was simply a rumpus room for      There Yet?  narcissists hopped up on protein shakes.       Two decades of  For more than a decade, even while winning     fitness  the Hawaii Ironman five times and the Nice     grail-seeking,  Triathlon–the world’s most prestigious        including a misstep  short-course event–ten consecutive years,     or two from the  Allen avoided strength training entirely.      master himself  Then came an event that, at least for a  top-flight professional athlete, could be  called traumatic: In January 1993, Mark        1993  Allen turned 35.                               Maybe it does, maybe                                                 it doesn’t: Mark  The chronological wake-up call caused          Allen adds  Allen to review his results from the           low-impact  previous few seasons–and to come to grips     plyometrics to his  with a harsh reality. His strength simply      training regimen,  wasn’t coming back after those long, lazy      then stops. "I think  winters the way it used to. The big clue       it was probably  was his speed, or lack thereof: While in       good," he says, "but  years past his times had steadily improved     I can only do so  over the course of the February-to-October     much."  season, he now found that he was  plateauing in early summer. Since he had       Citing low ratings,  tried a number of other remedies without       ABC drops the New  success, he suspected that the solution        York Marathon.  could be found in the weight room.                                                 Red-meat-eating,  Still, Allen found himself floundering.        weight-lifting Mark  He’d go to the gym, mess around with a few     Allen wins  dumbbells, and leave without any inkling       fifth-straight  of what he’d actually done or exactly why      Ironman in record  he’d done it. "I remember looking around       8:07:46.  the gym and thinking, ‘If I’m Mr. Ironman,  supposedly the fittest guy in the world,  and I don’t know what I’m doing in here,  then 95 percent of the other people don’t      1994  either.’ "                                     We really hope this                                                 doesn’t work: The  Allen sought counsel from Diane Buchta,        DaVinci Body Series,  who has also trained, among others,            a nude exercise  eight-time Ironman champion Paula              video for the  Newby-Fraser. Buchta quickly confirmed         "renaissance man of  Allen’s hunch, telling him that the loss       the 90’s," is  of lean muscle mass, a natural part of the     released.  aging process that kicks in around age 30,  was sabotaging his speed. She put him on a  program that involved performing ten core  exercises–lat pulldowns, bench presses,       1995  squats, leg extensions, leg curls, biceps      To Load or Not to  curls, triceps pushdowns, back extensions,     Load, Chapter Four:  dumbbell pullovers, and upright                Experts begin to  rows–twice a week. Given that Allen’s         suggest that a  focus was performance and not bulk, Buchta     low-fat,  notes that the routine was the same one        high-carbohydrate  she’d recommend for any recreational           diet may contribute  athlete. Its basic structure remains           to obesity.  constant throughout the 16-week cycle and  requires no more than about an hour and a      We sprint,  half per week. The program is, however,        therefore…? A  divided into four distinct phases, each        study of 17,300  defined by a specific goal and thus            Harvard graduates  employing a different strategy.                over a span of more                                                 than 20 years  Adaptation: Weeks 1-3                          indicates that only  The first part of the program is a             vigorous exercise,  high-rep, low-weight phase that serves to      and not nonvigorous  prepare joints and tendons for the harder      activity, reduced  work to come. For each exercise, use about     the risk of dying  60 percent of the maximum weight you can       during the study  lift, doing three sets of 12 repetitions,      period.  with 30 seconds of rest between sets.  Harking to his own experience, Allen says      After skipping the  the hardest part is to not dwell on the        race a year earlier  highs and lows of these early weeks. "At       to try marathoning,  first I thought I was doing great because,     Mark Allen wins his  well, I was sore," he recalls. But then,       sixth Ironman.  as his muscles grew accustomed to the  exercises, the soreness dissipated and all  he had to show for his effort was a  sluggishness that hampered his endurance       1996  work. "My initial euphoria," he says, "was     To Load or Not to  replaced with profound skepticism.             Load, Chapter Five:  Thankfully I stuck with the program            A spate of  anyway."                                       best-selling                                                 books-Dr. Atkins’  Endurance: Weeks 4-10                          New Diet Revolution,  The next training block is the weight-room     Healthy for Life,  equivalent of Allen’s long, slow               Protein Power, The  cardiovascular workouts. Here you’ll do 15     Zone-frown on  reps for each exercise, bumping up the         carbohydrates,  weight by 5 percent each week for the          touching off a  upper body and 10 percent for the lower        full-blown war of  body. With this increased weight, you’ll       words that continues  have to avoid the temptation to rush           to rage.  through the sets. In fact, Buchta  recommends that you contract the muscle on     Mark Allen retires  a two-count but take twice as long to          from racing, begins  relax it. "You’re most at risk for injury      drinking green tea;  when you’re lowering the weight," she          so far, thinks he’ll  explains. "That’s why you should take it       stick with both.  slow."  Power: Weeks 11-14  This third phase is where major strength gains occur, and as you might  imagine, it’s been known to spook an endurance athlete or two. "You  start to feel awkwardly bulky,” Allen admits. "Suddenly you’ve got two  more pounds of muscle mass on your body, and you feel like Arnold  Schwarzenegger. The first year I almost made the mistake of stopping the  program right here. But keep in mind that once you get past this phase,  the next one trims you back and hones the strength you’ve built." The  key to the power phase is to split your core exercises into two groups,  with one consisting of those that work your lats and triceps (lat  pulldowns, dumbbell pullovers, triceps pushdowns, and upright rows) and  the other made up of exercises that work your legs, chest, and biceps  (squats, leg extensions, leg curls, bench presses, biceps curls, and  back extensions). The idea is to "power" Group A on the first  day–increasing the weight an additional 20 to 30 percent, doing sets of  ten, eight, and then six repetitions (going to failure on the final rep  of each set), and allowing three to four minutes of recovery–while  running through the remaining exercises the same way you’ve been doing  them in the endurance phase. Then, on the other strength-training day,  you simply reverse the order, powering Group B exercises and doing A’s  in endurance fashion.  Chisel: Weeks 15-16  In the spirit of honesty, Allen will be                          [Image]  the first to admit that the cycle’s final  segment is poorly named. "It doesn’t tell you what the benefit is," he  acknowledges. "But what it does is help you with anything that requires  short, explosive bursts, like a hill climb or a surge in a road race.”  In essence it’s taking strength and sculpting it into power-defined,  Buchta explains, as "strength applied quickly." During these final three  weeks, you’ll return to lighter weights, about the same as at the start  of the endurance phase, and do two sets of 12, lifting as before but  lowering on a speeded-up two-count. Pause with the weight at the top of  the lift, Buchta says, and make sure not to let the weight bottom-out on  the other end. In other words, the exercises should be done fast but not  sloppy.  Finally, Allen recommends that you add five hard minutes of abdominal  exercises to every session, no matter what phase you’re in. But make  sure to keep it to that and no longer. "A lot of people overdo it,”  says Allen. "What happens is they become so ripped

… read more »

Response:

How much do people work out during the training season?  I don’t want to kill my muscles so that I can’t train as hard as I would want to. Thanks, Michael

In a few weeks I’ll be wrapping up my strength phase and will go to 2-3 x a week, lower weight, high-rep maintenance work.  Right now it’s 3x a week for 1.5hrs.  I don’t lift during the last 1-2 weeks of taper. oh yeah, if you’re feeling really trashed, don’t lift.  it can put you over the edge with overtraining (as can anything). my $.02, V — Vaughn Cooper Center for Microbial Ecology, Michigan State University East Lansing MI 48824 (517) 353-3953/3955 voice/fax

Response:

How much do people work out during the training season?  I don’t want to kill my muscles so that I can’t train as hard as I would want to. Thanks, Michael

Last year I did no weight training but this year I am in a 45 minute group class that uses low weight/high reps and works all the major muscle groups. Tough workout!!  As a 40 year old I believe it is necessary to continue weight training to not lose any muscle as I age. Plus it has to help in all three sports.  I just make room for it in my schedule and cut back a little on the other three. gil (weights are my middle name) gilliland

Response:

How much do people work out during the training season?  I don’t want to kill my muscles so that I can’t train as hard as I would want to. Thanks, Michael

Response:

Question:

Both UltraCoach and PCCoach are available in Australia – but I’m not going to shell for either until I’ve evaluated the demos and heard some user tales

The Athlete’s Diary is also available in Australia; check our Web page for distributor information as well as a free trial version you can download in reasonable amounts of time (it’s one-tenth the size of competitive software). Steve Patt Stevens Creek Software   http://www.stevenscreek.com

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m finally going to pop for some software for a log book.  Anyone had good results with their’s? Thanks, Tod Meinke I’d appreciate similar advice. Both UltraCoach and PCCoach are available in Australia – but I’m not going to shell for either until I’ve evaluated the demos and heard some user tales Steve

I have an excellent resource for you. Try Velocipede.  It can be found at: http://www.fysel.unit.no/dahls/dahls.html   You can log your training and racing.  I’ve been a user for a year now and can give you more specific recommendations if you wish.  Inexpensive at $50 for full version.  Download the demo which is good for 100 entries. Good luck, Enrique Garibay

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m finally going to pop for some software for a log book.  Anyone had good results with their’s? Thanks, Tod Meinke I’d appreciate similar advice. Both UltraCoach and PCCoach are available in Australia – but I’m not going to shell for either until I’ve evaluated the demos and heard some user tales Steve — |               Stephen "Trib" Collins              | |Analyst/Programmer/Webmaster, Computer Law Services| |13 Curtin Place CURTIN ACT 2605 Australia (GMT +10)| |        +61 6 2826888  Fax:   +61 6 2828282        | |     TRIATHLON!    o  "The best view of one’s      | |            __o   <|  soul is from beyond the     | |          _ < _  _   edge, looking back."        | |   __^o_ (_)/ (_)  /                               |

I have had good luck with ProTrainer. Look at http://www.indy.net/~pauld/HomePage.html

Response:

I’m finally going to pop for some software for a log book.  Anyone had good results with their’s? Thanks, Tod Meinke

I’d appreciate similar advice. Both UltraCoach and PCCoach are available in Australia – but I’m not going to shell for either until I’ve evaluated the demos and heard some user tales Steve — |               Stephen "Trib" Collins              | |Analyst/Programmer/Webmaster, Computer Law Services| |13 Curtin Place CURTIN ACT 2605 Australia (GMT +10)| |        +61 6 2826888  Fax:   +61 6 2828282        | |     TRIATHLON!    o  "The best view of one’s      | |            __o   <|  soul is from beyond the     | |          _ < _  _   edge, looking back."        | |   __^o_ (_)/ (_)  /                               |

Response:

I’m finally going to pop for some software for a log book.  Anyone had good results with their’s? Thanks, Tod Meinke

Response:

I’m finally going to pop for some software for a log book.  Anyone had good results with their’s? Thanks, Tod Meinke

Tod      I have never used any training software but there is a web site somewhere by Ultracoach, I think .  It’s has mike pigg as a sponsor.   Anyway I’ve never used it but you can download a free trial of it onto your computer and give it a go.  Sorry I don’t know the website but it is in the back of Triathlete mag. TriVet

Response:

Question:

Kind of off your subject but I had to comment on the pre- and post- race meals at Gulf Coast.  How would like to get Mrs. T’s 2 nights in a row? We had ‘em at Gulf Coast.  OK the first night but when they appeared the night after the race, I was a little miffed.  Oh well, my taste buds were still slightly anesthestized from the free Bud Light available all afternoon. Suzanne Roat

Response:

Since the energy that we put into our training comes directly from our diet, I was wondering what all you folks eat… I mean on  a regular basis.. It used to be pasta pasta pasta.. But I’ve heard tons that you should not eat too many carbohydrates since after a limit, they are converted to fat, anyhow… questions: 1. How much carbos do ya’all eat 2. How much protiens do ya eat 3. How much FAT SHOULD YOU EAT??  Should we avoid at all costs the tempting items such as ice cream, chocolate, etc? any words would be appreciated… ..Rob Connelly —           __o     o     |  Rob Connelly, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo         _ <_    .(    |  CP Academic Computing Services    `^o_  (_)/(_)    <    |  CP Triathlon Club, SLO Roadrunners          SWIM   BIKE     RUN    |  http://www.calpoly.edu/~rconnell

Response:

Question:

Since I am fairly new to the Internet, I need help with how to clean up a few messages I had posted.  I have gotten the information needed and now want to clear it up and make room for other messages.  Can someone out thewre in triathlon land help me so we can keep the message board as up to date as possible? Thanks,  IronMark

Response:

writes: Click on the Update graphic, it will clear out everything .

Response: