Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you mind spending $128 + shipping?  That’s what the full-length swimming tights go for in the Kiefer catalog.  Using a regular swimsuit is by far the cheapest option.  Spend $10 or $15 more, and you can get one (either shorts or briefs) that is padded specifically for triathlons.         Where do you get them? Any particular places online? The cheapest place I’ve seen to pick up a padded brief is actually at the above mentioned Keifer ( www.kiefer.com ).  They have grab bag men’s suits with tri-pad for only $12.00 — a singlet is also only $12.00.  If you search on the word "triathlon" on their front page it should be the first entry that comes up. De Soto Sport ( www.desotosport.com ) is also a good place to check. They regularly close out last year’s styles and colors for 50% off of their usual prices. Happy shopping! russell Many local swim shops often have a small rack of triathlon gear.  If you happen to catch them when they’re selling off last year’s styles, you can usually get a better deal than mail order. Also, you might try:   www.sportsbasement.com They carry some Desoto stuff and other brands, but not usually the full line of anything.  They’ve got a  $20 minimum order, but no shipping charge for regular mail.  And if you’re a USAT member, you can get a 10% discount.

        Sorry, Just pick up my Kiefer catalog, they’re right next to the IM suits. No pictures though. ~Matt

Response:

You do not need to wear a "speedo" style swimsuit, if that is what you are asking. For practice, a longer suit can ad drag, which can be good. For racing you can wear a tri style suit. Wear what you want. But just go ahead and show up for swim practice in a speedo. It is not that big of a deal. Tim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Group, Being completely new to Triathlon I am wondering if the swimming suit is REALLY necessary for me at my level. COULD I do with a pair of swimming tights? Looking forward to feedback. /Jakob

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you mind spending $128 + shipping?  That’s what the full-length swimming tights go for in the Kiefer catalog.  Using a regular swimsuit is by far the cheapest option.  Spend $10 or $15 more, and you can get one (either shorts or briefs) that is padded specifically for triathlons.         Where do you get them? Any particular places online? The cheapest place I’ve seen to pick up a padded brief is actually at the above mentioned Keifer ( www.kiefer.com ).  They have grab bag men’s suits with tri-pad for only $12.00 — a singlet is also only $12.00.  If you search on the word "triathlon" on their front page it should be the first entry that comes up. De Soto Sport ( www.desotosport.com ) is also a good place to check. They regularly close out last year’s styles and colors for 50% off of their usual prices. Happy shopping! russell

Many local swim shops often have a small rack of triathlon gear.  If you happen to catch them when they’re selling off last year’s styles, you can usually get a better deal than mail order. Also, you might try:   www.sportsbasement.com They carry some Desoto stuff and other brands, but not usually the full line of anything.  They’ve got a  $20 minimum order, but no shipping charge for regular mail.  And if you’re a USAT member, you can get a 10% discount.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you mind spending $128 + shipping?  That’s what the full-length swimming tights go for in the Kiefer catalog.  Using a regular swimsuit is by far the cheapest option.  Spend $10 or $15 more, and you can get one (either shorts or briefs) that is padded specifically for triathlons.         Where do you get them? Any particular places online? The cheapest place I’ve seen to pick up a padded brief is actually at the above mentioned Keifer ( www.kiefer.com ).  They have grab bag men’s suits with tri-pad for only $12.00 — a singlet is also only $12.00.  If you search on the word "triathlon" on their front page it should be the first entry that comes up. De Soto Sport ( www.desotosport.com ) is also a good place to check. They regularly close out last year’s styles and colors for 50% off of their usual prices. Happy shopping! russell Many local swim shops often have a small rack of triathlon gear.  If you happen to catch them when they’re selling off last year’s styles, you can usually get a better deal than mail order. Also, you might try:   www.sportsbasement.com They carry some Desoto stuff and other brands, but not usually the full line of anything.  They’ve got a  $20 minimum order, but no shipping charge for regular mail.  And if you’re a USAT member, you can get a 10% discount.

Thanks All I’ll Check them out. Strange I have several Kiefer catalogs never saw the tri stuff though. ~Matt

Response:

Hi Group, Being completely new to Triathlon I am wondering if the swimming suit is REALLY necessary for me at my level. COULD I do with a pair of swimming tights? Looking forward to feedback. /Jakob

Response:

Hi Group, Being completely new to Triathlon I am wondering if the swimming suit is REALLY necessary for me at my level. COULD I do with a pair of swimming tights? Looking forward to feedback.

What are swimming tights? Oh, and I usually do the swim in triathlon shorts, which are basically bike shorts with a lighter pad.  Especially if you’re wearing a wetsuit, it has no effect, and even without, the amount of drag is minimal. Cheers, Walter R. Strapps

Response:

I’d personally be afraid of the tights bunching up when I bike. But depending on how much you fear chafing, putting pressure on THOSE regions, etc, you may be able to do a sprint distance tri with swimming tights. (I don’t think you’d have a problem wearing them on the run.) I’ll say that you CAN do a tri with swimming tights. It’s legal by USAT rules and no one will laugh at you for it. What you want to race in is just personal preference. –Vincent

Response:

I’d personally be afraid of the tights bunching up when I bike. But depending on how much you fear chafing, putting pressure on THOSE regions, etc, you may be able to do a sprint distance tri with swimming tights. (I don’t think you’d have a problem wearing them on the run.) I’ll say that you CAN do a tri with swimming tights. It’s legal by USAT rules and no one will laugh at you for it. What you want to race in is just personal preference. –Vincent

What is all of this talk about swimming tights? what are you talking about?? long tights for swimming? why not go for the hooded Marion Jones signature speedsuit? I believe that is legal under USAT rules as well. Not sure if you will get teased or not- depends on how big you are.

Response:

Hi Group, Being completely new to Triathlon I am wondering if the swimming suit is REALLY necessary for me at my level. COULD I do with a pair of swimming tights? Looking forward to feedback. /Jakob

Do you mind spending $128 + shipping?  That’s what the full-length swimming tights go for in the Kiefer catalog.  Using a regular swimsuit is by far the cheapest option.  Spend $10 or $15 more, and you can get one (either shorts or briefs) that is padded specifically for triathlons.  

Response:

Hi Group, Being completely new to Triathlon I am wondering if the swimming suit is REALLY necessary for me at my level. COULD I do with a pair of swimming tights? Looking forward to feedback. /Jakob

What do you mean by tights?  This is unclear. The words most are familiar with are : 1) swim suit or also called briefs, ie. speedo, etc. 2) bicycling shorts 3) full body suits as worn by some Olympic swimmers. 4) wet suits. eg. 2mm neoprene Are you asking if a wet suit is necessary and you can swim in just a swim suit?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Group, Being completely new to Triathlon I am wondering if the swimming suit is REALLY necessary for me at my level. COULD I do with a pair of swimming tights? Looking forward to feedback. /Jakob Do you mind spending $128 + shipping?  That’s what the full-length swimming tights go for in the Kiefer catalog.  Using a regular swimsuit is by far the cheapest option.  Spend $10 or $15 more, and you can get one (either shorts or briefs) that is padded specifically for triathlons.

        Where do you get them? Any particular places online? ~Matt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Group, Being completely new to Triathlon I am wondering if the swimming suit is REALLY necessary for me at my level. COULD I do with a pair of swimming tights? Looking forward to feedback. /Jakob What do you mean by tights?  This is unclear. The words most are familiar with are : 1) swim suit or also called briefs, ie. speedo, etc. 2) bicycling shorts 3) full body suits as worn by some Olympic swimmers. 4) wet suits. eg. 2mm neoprene Are you asking if a wet suit is necessary and you can swim in just a swim suit?

The misuse of definite articles would indicate we are dealing with a language barrier here. Perhaps, Jakob, you could tell us what your primary language is and someone here might be fluent enough to clear up these translation issues.  Also, describe the items you speak of, since your terms for them are not the ones in common English use.

Response:

Do you mind spending $128 + shipping?  That’s what the full-length swimming tights go for in the Kiefer catalog.  Using a regular swimsuit is by far the cheapest option.  Spend $10 or $15 more, and you can get one (either shorts or briefs) that is padded specifically for triathlons.         Where do you get them? Any particular places online?

The cheapest place I’ve seen to pick up a padded brief is actually at the above mentioned Keifer ( www.kiefer.com ).  They have grab bag men’s suits with tri-pad for only $12.00 — a singlet is also only $12.00.  If you search on the word "triathlon" on their front page it should be the first entry that comes up. De Soto Sport ( www.desotosport.com ) is also a good place to check. They regularly close out last year’s styles and colors for 50% off of their usual prices. Happy shopping! russell

Response:

Question:

need a 24 or 25 cog? Thanks Sam

Response:

i am planning to take 25cog * 39 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – need a 24 or 25 cog? Thanks Sam

Response:

In my five races there I used a 39/54 front with a 12/21 rear 8 spd and had no problem.   This is on a 700 bike.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – need a 24 or 25 cog? Thanks Sam

Response:

You should be fine with a 12-23.  Go minimal spoked wheels in the front and deep dish in the rear (avoid front trispoke at all costs – trust me).  And train like mad.  Good Luck. Regards, Carlos Torres de Navarra Coral Gables, Florida IMF 2001 Keauhou Kona Triathlon 2002

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – need a 24 or 25 cog? Thanks Sam

Response:

Question:

XTerras are great, are they not. I am hoping to see someone stage a 1/2 IM XTerra, or even an IM length one.

Response:

Hey Mossy,  are you doing Maui this year??

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – XTerras are great, are they not. I am hoping to see someone stage a 1/2 IM XTerra, or even an IM length one.

Response:

My intention is to do XTerra Keystone again and qualify there. Then I’ll look at the prices for going to Maui. Last year could not get a good price and passed on it. Maui itself is OK once you’re there. It’s that damn expensive airfare that gets me, not to mention the exhorbitant bike fee. Oh, I guess I could try the USAT travel desk, but don’t hold much hope there. Those free USAT bike passes are only good for that agency.

Response:

The race was Sunday, distance 1K-30k-10k.  It was at Oleta State Park, site of my last Triathlon, 3 days short of exactly 2 years ago.  2 years ago I bought a mountain bike and the next day entered an off-road tri w/o ever having rode offroad before.  I figured being a strong cyclist I would do great instead I crashed and broke my femur and some other assorted bones.  This time I practiced first.  The morning started of relatively brisk with 80 degree temps and 90% humidity but would quickly warm.  The waters bathtub warm in the intracoastal so no wetsuits, bad for me, a poor swimmer who’s swam less than 10000 yards this year.  I take the swim easy avoiding the crowds and come out in 20 minutes, not great for a 1/2 mile!  I look behind me to see about a dozen swimmers left with the remaining 100 or so up ahead.  After a short sprint we enter singletrack (tight, twisty technical trails).  We had about a foot (maybe a little less:-)) of rain the night before so there was no shortage of mud and worse, evil wet roots.  I was however picking off riders quite well (having started so far back).  Trouble is there is little room to pass with only an ocassional fire road to get by on.  Fortunately my competitors(the fish) were very polite and when I asked to get by they would make room.  At one pass I hit a wet root and went down hard landing and twisting my bum leg, the leg cramped and all the images of my last race came rushing back to me.  I exaggerated the pain in my head and was for a short time scared I had redamaged my leg which is held together with misc. metal parts.  It was fine and I regained my wits and carried on.  Around mile 12 My 70 oz camelback made that slurping sound way to early. Drank it all in about an hour, not good.  It’s very very hot and humid, no cooling storms this morning. .  I would pay later for not having an additional bottle.  I finish the bike leg in about 1:35 and am seriously thrilled to be in one piece (though a little bloodied and alot muddy).  I refill my camelback with a 32 oz gatorade (Yeah I know, not enough).  I spend about 2 minutes fumbling with the muddy straps while 2 cute girls laugh at me. I figure I’ll just coast the run as I’m tired and dehydrated but as I leave the transition I count only 13 bikes.  Having been in the 30-34 age group for 2 weeks shy of 5 years I know the magic number for placing top 3 in my age group is usually around 12 overall and I have a terrible weakness for accumalating cheesy medals.  Number 12 is just ahead and I decide I want to catch him.  We run together for the first 2 miles and joke about how it feels like it’s cooling down now we are OUT of the shade.  I try to drink as much of the gatorade as possible but my stomache is already pissed off and telling me "too late".  At 2 1/2 miles severe belly sickness kicks in but a friend is there telling me I’m half way (If he hadn’t lied I would have walked) but his "1/2 way" inspired me.  I drank the last of my gatorade and promptly brought it back up.  At mile 4 "Mount Oleta" loomed, ya’all would laugh at this, Mt Oleta is actually a man made mound of dirt the local trail builders made for mtb’ers. About 50 feet elavation.  Never the less it is in the blazing sun, it is steep and my legs haven’t seen a hill in 3 years, since I lived in New England.  The hill is killing me.  I’m screaming at the top of my lungs feeling like I could keel over.  Going down the hill is almost worse, beating by body up with a horrible force.  Funny though I realize is noone has passed me and I’ve passed a couple, I’m doing 8 minute miles if I’m lucky but apparentely there are alot of others suffering in the woods also.  I think I have about 1/2 mile left and this thought keeps me going in spite of the fact I’ve never felt so bad while racing since my 14 mile death march at the end of GFT 1997.  I was wrong, it was longer.  It was like that dream were you are trying to run away from something but are making  no progress.  The edge of the woods just sat there not getting any closer.  You know that guy (there’s always 1) who screams and grunts and groans during a race but continues on?  That always irritated me, but today I was that guy.  I could slow down, I could walk, but there was no way in hell I was going to, I was within that magic number of 12 and wanted that cheesy medal! (yes I know, it’s a sickness).  The final corner finally came near, but no!!!  The route takes a left instead of the right towards the finish line.  I am really pissed off, I feel like punching the race director. The anger fuels my fire.  There’s a stream crossing, the volunteer assures me it will feel great and I’m almost there.  I hate her.  I feel like a truck has run me over as I force my body through the 4 foot deep water.  I reach the beach, I can see the finish line, it seems like miles.  I can remember each step of that 1/4 mile run on the beach.  The pain was unbearable, only memories of my last races’ pain get me to the finish.   I collapse in the shade.  50 minute 10k.  I finish 3rd in my age group, I’m thrilled as I writh in painful cramps.  36 hours later I almost have my body water back to were it belongs.  What a blast!  Xterra, almost as hard as an IM.  Next week a nice short road Triathlon, I’m back! Tim buaidh no bas

Response:

Question:

May I ask a question?  You stated in your first message that you are a quadriplegic.  I believe the definition of that is that you cannot use any of your four extremities, similar to Christopher Reeves.  I am curious how you can do any of these events if you are a quadriplegic? I’m not doubting you or questioning your resolve and abilities, far from it, I applaud it.  I’m just wondering if maybe I don’t understand the term "quadriplegic". John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, thanks for your words of support and encouragement. After thinking it through and talking to other important people in my life. I have decided that of all my goals the only one truly out is IM California. The others provided I stay reasonably (I will be rolling wounded) healthy are still doable. So, after consulting with my calendar and my deepest innermost thoughts and desires, this is what I have decided. May        Gulf Coast Triathlon           (May 5) June       Golden Horseshoe Marathon (x5)  (June 5 – 9)            Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon (June 25) July       Peterborough Half-Ironman      (July 29) August     Ironman Canada                 (August 27) October    Ironman Hawaii (If I Qualify)  (October 14) Peterborough is optional — Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby PS To those who offered support, I will be thinking of you come January in the snows of Canada. When I will want to escape south.

Response:

John, Technically, a "quad" is anyone that has paralysis in all 4 limbs, or damages their spinal cord at the cervical (neck) level. Each injury is different and in my case I have most of my muscles from the chest up, except for my hands, they are non-functioning. Reeves damaged his cord at a higher level than I did. Swim is done pretty much the same as you, however, I always get to wear a wetsuit so that my legs float. The bike is completed on a handbike. And the run is done in a racing chair. — Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby OSN     : OBN     : 40k ORN     : Weights : In article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – May I ask a question?  You stated in your first message that you are a quadriplegic.  I believe the definition of that is that you cannot use any of your four extremities, similar to Christopher Reeves.  I am curious how you can do any of these events if you are a quadriplegic? I’m not doubting you or questioning your resolve and abilities, far from it, I applaud it.  I’m just wondering if maybe I don’t understand the term "quadriplegic". John Hi all, thanks for your words of support and encouragement. After thinking it through and talking to other important people in my life. I have decided that of all my goals the only one truly out is IM California. The others provided I stay reasonably (I will be rolling wounded) healthy are still doable. So, after consulting with my calendar and my deepest innermost thoughts and desires, this is what I have decided. May        Gulf Coast Triathlon           (May 5) June       Golden Horseshoe Marathon (x5)  (June 5 – 9)            Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon (June 25) July       Peterborough Half-Ironman      (July 29) August     Ironman Canada                 (August 27) October    Ironman Hawaii (If I Qualify)  (October 14) Peterborough is optional — Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby PS To those who offered support, I will be thinking of you come January in the snows of Canada. When I will want to escape south.

Response:

oh. I’m an idiot. Sorry. — TriathRon                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_ `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / (ASCII art blatantly plagiarized from TriBaby’s sig . . . ) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ummm…Ron….you might want to read David’s original post a little more carefully before warning him about ITB, piriformis, and worn-down stubs…. <:l While I echo the sentiments of the others in congratulating you on your chutzpah to consider this, I think you should really discuss this with a healthcare professional before you commit to it. I would think you’d be exposing yourself to all kinds of overuse injuries; ITB, piriformis, etc. One marathon beats up your body enough; 5 in 5 days brings visions of worn-down stubs for legs (at least to my mind). While you may have a great feat to tell the grandkids about, make sure that you’re not going to pay too high a price for the story. My $0.02 — TriathRon Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby — Tri-Baby                                     _                                  -    o     ‘             –  __o       –    </_ `     ‘         –    <         – __/   /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips: http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html

Response:

Dear David, Personally I’d like to find out where your motivation comes from. If there is ANYTHING I can offer in the way of support, pledges etc. just shoot me an e-mail. It’s all about attitude and yours shines through! Wendy "boy am I inspired" in St. Pete Beach

Response:

While I echo the sentiments of the others in congratulating you on your chutzpah to consider this, I think you should really discuss this with a healthcare professional before you commit to it. I would think you’d be exposing yourself to all kinds of overuse injuries; ITB, piriformis, etc. One marathon beats up your body enough; 5 in 5 days brings visions of worn-down stubs for legs (at least to my mind). While you may have a great feat to tell the grandkids about, make sure that you’re not going to pay too high a price for the story. My $0.02 — TriathRon                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_ `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / (ASCII art blatantly plagiarized from TriBaby’s sig . . . )

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

Response:

Ummm…Ron….you might want to read David’s original post a little more carefully before warning him about ITB, piriformis, and worn-down stubs…. <:l – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While I echo the sentiments of the others in congratulating you on your chutzpah to consider this, I think you should really discuss this with a healthcare professional before you commit to it. I would think you’d be exposing yourself to all kinds of overuse injuries; ITB, piriformis, etc. One marathon beats up your body enough; 5 in 5 days brings visions of worn-down stubs for legs (at least to my mind). While you may have a great feat to tell the grandkids about, make sure that you’re not going to pay too high a price for the story. My $0.02 — TriathRon Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

– Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

Response:

I second that emotion…. BTW, love your moniker! Allie "Tri-envy" Moreland – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear David, Personally I’d like to find out where your motivation comes from. If there is ANYTHING I can offer in the way of support, pledges etc. just shoot me an e-mail. It’s all about attitude and yours shines through! Wendy "boy am I inspired" in St. Pete Beach

Response:

Hi all, thanks for your words of support and encouragement. After thinking it through and talking to other important people in my life. I have decided that of all my goals the only one truly out is IM California. The others provided I stay reasonably (I will be rolling wounded) healthy are still doable. So, after consulting with my calendar and my deepest innermost thoughts and desires, this is what I have decided. May        Gulf Coast Triathlon           (May 5) June       Golden Horseshoe Marathon (x5)  (June 5 – 9)            Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon (June 25) July       Peterborough Half-Ironman      (July 29) August     Ironman Canada                 (August 27) October    Ironman Hawaii (If I Qualify)  (October 14) Peterborough is optional — Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby PS To those who offered support, I will be thinking of you come January in the snows of Canada. When I will want to escape south.

Response:

Yep,   You’re nuts!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

Response:

Not me, but I’m rootin’ for you! Ray Plotecia Male Amateur, 50-54 Ruxton, MD

…snippage… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

Response:

Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

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Dave,  You’re more of a man than I am just for thinking about 5 in 5 days.I would think that for anyone that would be a bit much. I would highly recommend against it. Perry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yeah, but it’s not the typical tri-crazy question. My tri season was shot this year when I was asked by the director of rehab at the hospital where I spent 7 months "adjusting" to life as a quadriplegic. The deal was to push 180km over 8 days in an everyday chair to raise awareness and money for a patient centered resource center. To those who don’t know pushing 180km in an everyday wheelchair is the akin to doing an IM bike leg in a tricycle that your kids use. I said yes because it was important and the center is badly needed. Well, I just got back from a meeting to discuss next years event. Going in I was going to solely offer advice as a *former* participant. I was NOT going to be an athlete in that sense. I wanted to take next year and devote it to 1) Do IM California, 2) Do IM Canada, and 3) if circumstances permitted to tackle Kona. Tonight I was asked to participate next year since the event was being changed. Next year the plan is to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls, in 5 days, doing 42km (a full marathon) per day. I am allowed to do it in a racing chair, REAL running parallel. By the way, the event will be early June, negating plans to do California, and probably Canada, I could do Buffalo Springs to qualify for Kona. The question is this if any of you were asked to run 5 marathons in 5 days would, could you perceive doing it, knowing you had all of these other goals and dreams? Any thoughts? Dave "Tri-Abled" Helsby

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Question:

Anyone know what the date for the 1999 Keauhou Kona 1/2 Ironman?  It was on 5/24 last year…….also, an email address for a contact would be great. Train Well! Tom Livingston, Clydesdale Portland, OR

Response:

The dt is set for the 30th this year. We (Tri-Altitude Multi-Sport) are getting a group together to go to the race. GREAT race, I went two years ago. Olympic and 1/2. Any questions just e-mail me. Thanks Mike Gordon Xtreme Nduranz

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This may sound like a stupid question, but being a native Calif. I just have to ask… Those of you who race in FLA, LA and the other swamp states, what to you all do about alligators? Seems like one of those puppies could chomp right through a wetsuit. Ggreg Snyder I have been living and training in Clermont Fl. this winter and swimming in the lakes.  The locals tell me that the gators dont really like people and will avoid you if at all possible. However, I don’t see many of the locals swimming in the lakes. I have taken the tact of swimming only close to shore ( for a quick getaway and/or so rescuers wont have far to go to rip me from the jaws of a hungry gator). The advantage is that I find swimming in these lakes does make me swim faster, and my vision has become very acute ( I can spot a pollywog up to 200 yards away- in the water.) Hope that helps.   Duane

P.S. I think if the gators can meander up into a yard and chomp on the      occasional Yourkshire Terrier they stay pretty happy and wont bother     the distasteful humans.

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This may sound like a stupid question, but being a native Calif. I just have to ask… Those of you who race in FLA, LA and the other swamp states, what to you all do about alligators? Seems like one of those puppies could chomp right through a wetsuit. Ggreg Snyder

I have been living and training in Clermont Fl. this winter and swimming in the lakes.  The locals tell me that the gators dont really like people and will avoid you if at all possible. However, I don’t see many of the locals swimming in the lakes. I have taken the tact of swimming only close to shore ( for a quick getaway and/or so rescuers wont have far to go to rip me from the jaws of a hungry gator). The advantage is that I find swimming in these lakes does make me swim faster, and my vision has become very acute ( I can spot a pollywog up to 200 yards away- in the water.) Hope that helps.   Duane

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This may sound like a stupid question, but being a native Calif. I just have to ask… Those of you who race in FLA, LA and the other swamp states, what to you all do about alligators? Seems like one of those puppies could chomp right through a wetsuit. Ggreg Snyder

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        Chain mail. Just a sage Canadian David Barclay IMC 1997: 11:55:59 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

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This may sound like a stupid question, but being a native Calif. I just<BR have to ask… Those of you who race in FLA, LA and the other swamp states,<BR what to you all do about alligators? Seems like one of those puppies could<BR chomp right through a wetsuit.<BR <BR Ggreg Snyder<BR

Actually Greg all the  triathletes from the bayous and swamps of Lousiiana and Florida are so tough that the gators leave us alone!!

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This may sound like a stupid question, but being a native Calif. I just have to ask… Those of you who race in FLA, LA and the other swamp states, what to you all do about alligators? Seems like one of those puppies could chomp right through a wetsuit. Ggreg Snyder

We do have a race called the "Lake Charles Gatorman" in September. We put the elites and those competing for prize money in the first wave – that way, the age groupers can swim by while the gators are pre-occupied with the 1st wave. Diane http://MultiSweatRacing.org http://tri-specialties.com

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Geez, I have to say,  this is a comforting thought after just booking my entry and travel to Lake Minneola in Clermont, FL. Is knowing gator behavior, for Floridians , like knowing Shark behavior for Californians??? Shall I begin including strong garlic or jalapenos in my diet ’til June??

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We have the gaters here in Texas as well. They definately prefer the "well seasoned" athletes. Chuck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This may sound like a stupid question, but being a native Calif. I just have to ask… Those of you who race in FLA, LA and the other swamp states, what to you all do about alligators? Seems like one of those puppies could chomp right through a wetsuit. Ggreg Snyder We do have a race called the "Lake Charles Gatorman" in September. We put the elites and those competing for prize money in the first wave – that way, the age groupers can swim by while the gators are pre-occupied with the 1st wave. Diane http://MultiSweatRacing.org http://tri-specialties.com

Response:

Geez, I have to say,  this is a comforting thought after just booking my entry and travel to Lake Minneola in Clermont, FL. Is knowing gator behavior, for Floridians , like knowing Shark behavior for Californians??? Shall I begin including strong garlic or jalapenos in my diet ’til June??

Heh, heh, heh. I love this topic. Us southern boys enjoy scaring the bejabers out of y’all yankees with some gator stories…. But the truth is, gator attacks on humans are very rare and almost always involve circumstances where the gator has lost it’s natural fear of humans. Usually by people feeding them table scraps, etc. Lake Minneola has a public swimming area and you may rest assured they have an active relocation program for gators who have grown too big or too brave. In all the many tri’s I’ve done in Florida, they’ve never been a problem. I’ve never even seen one near a tri. Well, except for that ONE time …..  <g Mike "TriBop" Tennent http://www.gate.net/~wbrunner/ WebRunner Running My Model Railroad ‘98 Ironman Canada IronVirgins Site

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I am going to Escape from Alcatraz in May and was wondering if the same stick I use pry open the jaws of attacking gators will work on great white sharks? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This may sound like a stupid question, but being a native Calif. I just have to ask… Those of you who race in FLA, LA and the other swamp states, what to you all do about alligators? Seems like one of those puppies could chomp right through a wetsuit. Ggreg Snyder

Response:

But the truth is, gator attacks on humans are very rare and almost always involve circumstances where the gator has lost it’s natural fear of humans. Usually by people feeding them table scraps, etc.

Now there’s a smart move… Let’s feed the alligator. Always good to get your hands as close to its mouth as possible. Lake Minneola has a public swimming area and you may rest assured they have an active relocation program for gators who have grown too big or too brave.

Maybe we can start a similar shark relocation program in CA. Actually, what I always tell people who say "What about the sharks?" is "What about the cars?" I’ve never known a triathlete to be attacked by a shark, but I’m sure a lot of you can bear witness that a car usually takes about one triathlete for every 2-3 races. Maybe we need an active bad driver relocation program. Ggreg Snyder http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/5054

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Maybe we can start a similar shark relocation program in CA. Actually, what I always tell people who say "What about the sharks?" is "What about the cars?" I’ve never known a triathlete to be attacked by a shark, but I’m sure a lot of you can bear witness that a car usually takes about one triathlete for every 2-3 races. Maybe we need an active bad driver relocation program.

Hey!!! How about relocate those drivers to the same place as the gators and sharks? David reply to wuth – family – atlanta (remove spaces) at att dot net

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writes: I’ve never known a triathlete to be attacked by a shark, but I’m sure a lot of you can bear witness that a car usually takes about one triathlete for every 2-3 races. Maybe we need an active bad driver relocation program.

Maybe we can send them to New York as cabbies

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Question:

Someone’s attitude at the Columbia Triathlon really disturbed me.  I noticed a group of cyclists riding a little too closely, so I pointed out the drafting rule to them.  I didn’t see them again for quite some time, but then I started seeing them repeatedly as they caught me on the flats and gentle downhills.  On one of these occasions I spotted Joe (not his real name) blatantly hop on the wheel of someone else in the group.  Not quite as politely as earlier, I yelled at Joe, "Get off his wheel!"  In addition to some unrelated expletives, Joe said, "Everyone does it!  So can you!" This really annoyed me.  Joe believed that it was OK to cheat just because he believes that everyone else cheats.  Well, hearing the opinions here on RST and among my friends, I know that not everyone cheats.   So I had an idea how to show the Joes of the world that not everyone cheats.  I thought I would put it forth here to see what others think of it.  Here goes:     At race registration, let people voluntarily sign a "draft-free"     pledge stating that they will not knowingly draft on the     bike.  Mark the bike numbers of these people in an obvious     manner (perhaps color the background yellow with a highlighter?)     so they can publicly show everyone on the bike course that     they’ve signed the pledge.  Give them a summary of the drafting     rules. I wish the officials could be everywhere, but that just isn’t reality. Officials can only do so much.  And since we can’t protest someone else drafting (judgment calls cannot be protested), I want to find some other way (peer pressure) to have some influence on keeping the races fair. Any comments or suggestions?  If I feel there is much chance that this could have any effect, I might be willing to try it at nationals in August.                                         — John PS – While I will do my best to follow this thread on RST, my net access is extremely restricted since I switched jobs six months ago.   So I would appreciate it if you would cc me in any responses. Thanks! — John Walker        Yurie Systems, Inc., Lanham, Maryland WWW URL:   http://xenon.stanford.edu/~walker  

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very good idea about the bike tags but how do you enforce it. It comes down to one person against another. John Schiller

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Great Idea !!!!! – D

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It’s a means of self-enforcement. It forces competitors to acknowledge to the other racers that they read the rules and promise to abide by them. If you see them drafting, then they can’t say "Everyone else is doing it" or "What’s drafting?". All they can say is "I lied." Most who now use those excuses are, in fact, lying. But they can hide behind feigned ignorance and deny their dishonesty to themselves and us. The pledge would strip away the mask. Wonderful idea. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – very good idea about the bike tags but how do you enforce it. It comes down to one person against another. John Schiller

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Morning, all, In this context, there is a small race here in Ft Lauderdale, USAT sanctioned, which has a requirement stated on the application form, as follows : "All athletes must sign their finishing cards swearing completion of all three courses and state that they did not cheat or draft or break the rules". Whether anyone actually reads the card when they sign it, I don’t know, but it certainly makes people aware that they have competed in an event that does have rules, and their conscience will surely be pricked if they did not abide by those rules. FWIW. Cheers Barry

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Question:

"… type A behavior. If you are looking for that "balls to the wall", I have to "burn, baby, burn" at every step try swimming or biking." Being both type-A and a triathlete, I love that line, especially if you take it out of context. Thanks for the smile! Paul Gimbel "Try-athlete’

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Mike Tennent asked: | | Is this the only running you will be doing? That is, are all your | workouts going to be intervals? | Michael Behr replied: | yep.  Somewhere along the line, I got the idea that interval training was | best for building up speed.  Actually, I got that from a number of sources | that I can’t remember.  The only thing I _do_ remember is that Men’s | Health said interval training burns fat at 9 times the rate of either | regular running, or walking.  Of course, that doesn’t mean all that much | to me.. |   Mike Tennent suggested: | If so, go ahead and prepay your medical expenses….  ;-0 | Michael Behr replied: | hmm…I didn’t think about the inuries. | | My mentality doesn’t allow me to do that.  If I’m going along at a doable | speed,  I get bored in about 15 seconds.  I have to push myself to the | limit, and the intervals are the only way I’ve found so far that I can do | that.  Of course, I didn’t do all _that_ much research, so maybe there’s | another way. Can you spell injury? Unless you want a short lived  running career you had best tuck away the youthful exuberance and or type A behavior. If you are looking for that "balls to the wall", I have to "burn, baby, burn" at every step try swimming or biking. At least they are non-impact sports and possibly do less damage. Let’s do an analogy. When a body builder wants to increase his biceps does he do curls every day of the week? I think not. Like all sports, you tear down  muscles and they need time to repair and get stronger.  If you do nothing but tear down, make your appointment today with an orthopod or podiatrist – they usually have long waiting periods. As Mike Tennent pointed out, even the elites do at best two hard workouts. And to withstand these grueling days, they have months and years of slow base and hills. The vast majority of injuries in running are due to running too much(mileage), too fast(pace), too quickly(time). As with most things in life, it’s your choice. Sermon over but the best of luck.     — Doug Freese  All opinions are mine. IBM Tele: 8-293-8098

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Is this the only running you will be doing? That is, are all your workouts going to be intervals?

yep.  Somewhere along the line, I got the idea that interval training was best for building up speed.  Actually, I got that from a number of sources that I can’t remember.  The only thing I _do_ remember is that Men’s Health said interval training burns fat at 9 times the rate of either regular running, or walking.  Of course, that doesn’t mean all that much to me.. If so, go ahead and prepay your medical expenses….  ;-0

hmm…I didn’t think about the inuries. Few experienced runners do more than two speed sessions a week. Most do one. You need to work up gradually and easily to speed/intervals workouts.

My mentality doesn’t allow me to do that.  If I’m going along at a doable speed,  I get bored in about 15 seconds.  I have to push myself to the limit, and the intervals are the only way I’ve found so far that I can do that.  Of course, I didn’t do all _that_ much research, so maybe there’s another way. The routine you came up with sounds OK, just don’t do it every time you run. You need to build a base of longer, slower runs, with interval, speed, and other types mixed in.

which routine?  The one that keeps the interval program and increases time, or the one that increases the number of fast laps I do until I do a -Mike

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday, I went on the treadmill at my gym and tried out an interval program, just to see what I could do.  It was: walk a lap at 3 mph, jog one at 6 mph, walk one at 3 mph, run one at 8 mph, and then start all over again.  Each lap was 1/16 of a mile, and I did this for 15 minutes, which ended up totalling just under a mile.  I felt really good at the end of this – breathing harder than normal, but still able to carry on a conversation. My feeling was that 3mph was slow, 6 was comfortable, and 8 was fast, but it was really nice to be able to let loose like that.  So I revised the because I had already done the run before, but by the middle of the last lap, I was half dying, and the 1 lap at 3 mph was not enough to let me catch my breath. Now, assuming I find a program that I can run at for 15 minutes, how do you all suggest that I get to my goal of an 8 mile hour?  There are two ways that I can think of: 1) I keep this program up, 3 or 4 times a week, adding 5 minutes of running per week until I’m up to an hour, and after that, increase the number of 8mph laps I do by 1 every other run. 2) I run 3 or 4 times a week, increasing the number of 8mph laps I do until I can run for 15 minutes at 8 mph, and then add a minute or so to every other run I do.

Time Out…… Is this the only running you will be doing? That is, are all your workouts going to be intervals? If so, go ahead and prepay your medical expenses….  ;-0 Few experienced runners do more than two speed sessions a week. Most do one. You need to work up gradually and easily to speed/intervals workouts. The routine you came up with sounds OK, just don’t do it every time you run. You need to build a base of longer, slower runs, with interval, speed, and other types mixed in. Mike "TriBop" Tennent WebRunner Running Page — Southeast USA Race Calendar 200+ listings. Beginner’s FAQ, Software Download the WebRunner Racing Utilities   http://www.webrunner.com/webrun/running/running.html

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Yesterday, I went on the treadmill at my gym and tried out an interval program, just to see what I could do.  It was: walk a lap at 3 mph, jog one at 6 mph, walk one at 3 mph, run one at 8 mph, and then start all over again.  Each lap was 1/16 of a mile, and I did this for 15 minutes, which ended up totalling just under a mile.  I felt really good at the end of this – breathing harder than normal, but still able to carry on a conversation. My feeling was that 3mph was slow, 6 was comfortable, and 8 was fast, but it was really nice to be able to let loose like that.  So I revised the because I had already done the run before, but by the middle of the last lap, I was half dying, and the 1 lap at 3 mph was not enough to let me catch my breath. Now, assuming I find a program that I can run at for 15 minutes, how do you all suggest that I get to my goal of an 8 mile hour?  There are two ways that I can think of: 1) I keep this program up, 3 or 4 times a week, adding 5 minutes of running per week until I’m up to an hour, and after that, increase the number of 8mph laps I do by 1 every other run. 2) I run 3 or 4 times a week, increasing the number of 8mph laps I do until I can run for 15 minutes at 8 mph, and then add a minute or so to every other run I do. Just in case the extra info helps: I’m 20 years old, 160 lbs, in fair shape, lift weights 3 times a week, and my left knee had 1/3 of the lateral meniscus removed six years ago after the cartilage was mysteriously torn.  No heart ailments, or other history of injuries. I’m not running primarily to lose weight or to become more fit or for any health benefits (those are secondary…  nice things if they happen along the way, but…) I’m mostly doing it because I can’t right now.   -Mike

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        If my goal was to run eight miles in an hour, I’d work on runs of 3.5 to 5 miles until I could do them at the goal pace (7:30 minute miles).  I would then throw in some longer runs once a week of 10 miles at about 9:00 per mile pace.  After three weeks of this, I’d find a moderately inclined hill and run 6 x 1:30 up the hill at a pace which left me breathing hard after 1 minute.  I’d do this (the long runs on Sunday and the hill repeats on Wednesday) for two weeks, then take two easy days and attempt the 8 miles in an hour.                                                         – Bret Jensen

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Question:

Did anyone see the letter from the guy going to worlds in the latest Triathlete (see page 7)?  He gave great praise to QR for going above and beyond the call to meet him at LAX on his way to Worlds, replace his defective QR frame, take him to dinner, and get him back to the airport in time for his flight out. Don’t get me wrong.  I wish more of the top names were as concerned about their customers as Dan (aka QRman) is.  But I was wondering if Triathlete sold QRman that ad next to the letter knowing it would be there. Keep up the great work, Dan.  I really enjoy reading your tips here on r.s.t, and anytime I buy a product from now on I will certainly keep QR as one of the top considerations.  Good honest respect and support for people and customers is what makes sports like triathlon work.  (Hold on, let me get out my flag so I can wave that too!) Stacy J. Hills Newport, RI

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<<Don’t get me wrong.  I wish more of the top names were as concerned about <<their customers as Dan (aka QRman) is.  But I was wondering if Triathlete <<sold QRman that ad next to the letter knowing it would be there. I knew the letter was going in, but I didn’t know where my ad would be. In fact, I always request that my ads not appear adjacent to any editorial about us, as that always looks contrived (to me). QRman

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Question:

I know this is a triathlon newsgroup and not a biathlon one, but here goes. I’ve recently started competing in summer biathlons (running + shooting), and I’d like to get my own rifle.  Does anyone have any recommendations for the .22 rifle?  If possible, I’d like to get some kind of a kit to assemble the .22 rather than purchasing it ready-made. Thanks for any and all pointers. cheers, dave sims — Dave Sims                     I’m an anarchist, and I vote. <A HREF="http://cnn.acsys.com:5050/~sims/"my home page</A

Response:

I’ve recently started competing in summer biathlons (running + shooting), and I’d like to get my own rifle.  Does anyone have any recommendations for the .22 rifle?  If possible, I’d like to get some kind of a kit to assemble the .22 rather than purchasing it ready-made.

Good idea.  A couple of suggestions: 1) Get a rifle that is as aero as possible. 2) Go for light weight, especially the parts that move: trigger and bullet. 3) Attach a drinking system to the stock so that you can rehydrate    yourself while squeezing off rounds. 4) Dump the shoulder strap and get the new clip-on system.  You simply    clip the rifle into the holder which is strapped to your back.    Some serious biathletes have the holder surgically attached. 5) Get a speedo with little bullet compartments. Hope this helps!  

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writes: I think kestrel makes a good one but I would outfit it with campy rather than the stock shimano parts. try reading what is discussed on the board before posting , I dont think you’ll get anything but sarcasm here.

Response:

writes: The .22’s in biathlon are specially-designed target rifles. There are all sorts of regualtions so you should call the USBA, which is located in Vermont somewhere. They have a newsletter that has all the info you need. Also Runner’s World usually prints a big story on summer biathlon each year, maybe someone there can connect you to the right source.

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try reading what is discussed on the board before posting , I dont think you’ll get anything but sarcasm here.

Hey BD… Take it easy. One of the things I like about this group (and triathletes in general) is the willingness to help with *any* multi-sport pursuit (as evidenced by TG’s post), regardless of individual athletic ability. If you want to flame this guy or be sarcastic, take it to rec.bicycle.racing. TMS

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writes:

  You don’t have to worry about carrying your rifle during the biathlon, so for practice just get a bolt action .22 with a peep sight.  You may try calling your local gun-club and ask for help, or the biathlon organizer may be able to aim you in the right direction (ouch !! sorry …) tony

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