Question:

But in a *race*, it’s the amount of time you can *gain or lose* over the opponents that counts, not the total time per event. "Balance" in multisport means that the edge (in minutes) a good swimmer has over an average one is the same as the edge a good runner has over an average one, etc. Total time per event means nothing.

That would be a good criteria except for one thing.   The swimming average is brought down considerably by people who simply cannot swim.  I would say in any given race a good percentage of the people are doing the breast stroke.  This would be the equivalent of having a good portion of the people do the bike on roller blades, or walk the run.  Hell, in Chicago, I’ve seen people dog paddle.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – But in a *race*, it’s the amount of time you can *gain or lose* over the opponents that counts, not the total time per event. "Balance" in multisport means that the edge (in minutes) a good swimmer has over an average one is the same as the edge a good runner has over an average one, etc. Total time per event means nothing. That would be a good criteria except for one thing.   The swimming average is brought down considerably by people who simply cannot swim.  I would say in any given race a good percentage of the people are doing the breast stroke.  This would be the equivalent of having a good portion of the people do the bike on roller blades, or walk the run.  Hell, in Chicago, I’ve seen people dog paddle.

The classic statistical remedy for that problem would be to set the event lengths so that the median event times are roughly equal.

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Sounds to me like a simple ethical / philosophical matter.  Was drafting legal at the race and were all of the competitors informed of its legality?   If yes, no one can say she did anything unethical.  If it was a team event (like the Eco-challenge on TV), one could argue that she wasn’t pulling her weight.  The fact that drafting introduces an element other than raw physical power and endurance doesn’t change anything, since every other competitor also had the same opportunity to draft.   If anyone wanted a race to measure only raw physical power and endurance, they’d be doing time trial races on stationary bikes, treadmills, pools, that way, you’d eliminate any possible random effects from nature or any effects from other competitors (drafting, crowding, etc.). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi all: According to an Inside Triathlon race report, Michellie Jones won the St Anthony’s ITU race on the weekend, but ruffled feathers (see comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off. Any editorial comments out there? rich

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I’d tell everyone to shove it and if they don’t like it  they don’t have to race draft legal tri’s.

Not many pros have this option. Andrew http://www.andrewduncan.ws

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The beauty of Alcatraz is that for most people, each leg is roughly equal in time.  I think the average legs, excluding the .75 mile T1 run are 41m, 1:06, 1:08. Unfortunately, it would be hard to increase the number of more balanced events so long as most triathletes don’t like the OW swim.

But in a *race*, it’s the amount of time you can *gain or lose* over the opponents that counts, not the total time per event. "Balance" in multisport means that the edge (in minutes) a good swimmer has over an average one is the same as the edge a good runner has over an average one, etc. Total time per event means nothing. This is too bad, as a balanced event (by the above def.) still leaves the swim too short for my taste. Come on, even high-school kids can swim 10,000 yards every day of the week. Not many pro athletetes run daily marathons… Andrew http://www.andrewduncan.ws

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This makes me wonder about the possibility of real teams in draft legal triathlon… cycling is recognized as a team sport, I don’t see why draft legal triathlon may not evolve into a similar situation.  It seems only logical to have a team of 4 or 5 able to work to win through using constant attacks while saving the strongest runner. I know the purists in here will hate the entire idea, but consider the concept… Alex www.geocities.com/milktrout

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all: According to an Inside Triathlon race report, Michellie Jones won the St Anthony’s ITU race on the weekend, but ruffled feathers (see comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off. Any editorial comments out there? rich

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Well, she won – was a good idea on her part.  The others didn’t HAVE to pull her.  They should’ve peeled off and went behind her.

You must remember that real run specialists like Carol Montgomery can make up 2+ minutes in the run alone, if they’re in the chase pack then letting up for a second just isn’t an option for the strong riders. I must admit that I missed the women’s race at St. A’s this year… Alex Jones www.geocities.com/milktrout

Response:

but there are methods of getting rid of someone not pulling his/her weight.

Like how? I don’t think  you should cause a wreck or anything but short of some fairly extreme action how else could you get rid of a determined drafter? dd

Response:

Hi all: According to an Inside Triathlon race report, Michellie Jones won the St Anthony’s ITU race on the weekend, but ruffled feathers (see comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off.

    What a great story.  Michellie almost always sits back.  Why take a pull?  I’d tell everyone to shove it and if they don’t like it  they don’t have to race draft legal tri’s.  Any competitor who complains has absolutely no basis unless they want to physically pedal their scantly clad  posterior fast enough to lose the wheel suckers.

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I hate drafting but this is what draft legal racing is about.    She was within her right to suck wheel the entire race if possible.    Those ahead of her are pros and should know the tricks of dropping her or getting her to take her turn at the front.   They didn’t and they lost,  fairly and squarely.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all: According to an Inside Triathlon race report, Michellie Jones won the St Anthony’s ITU race on the weekend, but ruffled feathers (see comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off. Any editorial comments out there? rich

Response:

You all are right and that’s what draft legal racing is about. They need to make mhep pull more if they’re unhappy. I was at the race and happen to have a great picture of her pulling the whole pack (how ironic), I also have a great picture of her running. If anyone wants some just let me know! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hate drafting but this is what draft legal racing is about.    She was within her right to suck wheel the entire race if possible.    Those ahead of her are pros and should know the tricks of dropping her or getting her to take her turn at the front.   They didn’t and they lost,  fairly and squarely. Hi all: According to an Inside Triathlon race report, Michellie Jones won the St Anthony’s ITU race on the weekend, but ruffled feathers (see comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off. Any editorial comments out there? rich

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That’s why we have duathlons, if you don’t want to swim, why are you doing a tri in the first place? I’d imagine that for a lot of people doing a du would get boring. You get to run twice. (And sometimes the exact same course.) Doing a tri mixes it up a little, and gives you another sport to crosstrain (or train) into. Personally, I’d rather do a tri over a du. It’s not that we have hydrophobia or anything. (Or maybe we do…) Some people do prefer swimming, although they dislike open water. Who knows?

So we have a group of people who a) don’t like to swim in open water, and b) get bored with just running and biking, so the rest of us who truly enjoy all 3 aspects of the sport get shafted with itty bitty swims.  That about sum it up? James

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In Germany they have this kind of format, at least for one event in their "first league". Un-fortunately (!?) they just decided to ban aerobars for this event, which caused quite a stir over there…. The funniest complaint: The sponsored athletes would be forced to rebuilt the front ends of their bikes at "considerable" cost. Thew most valuable complaint: In cycling team trials aerobars are legal. Another brick in the wall. trInIc

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This makes me wonder about the possibility of real teams in draft legal triathlon… cycling is recognized as a team sport, I don’t see why draft legal triathlon may not evolve into a similar situation.  It seems only logical to have a team of 4 or 5 able to work to win through using constant attacks while saving the strongest runner. I know the purists in here will hate the entire idea, but consider the concept… Alex www.geocities.com/milktrout Hi all: According to an Inside Triathlon race report, Michellie Jones won the St Anthony’s ITU race on the weekend, but ruffled feathers (see comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off. Any editorial comments out there? rich

Response:

There was no rule violation involved was there?  She may have pissed off the others but it is their responsibility to get rid of the person not pulling through.  That does not mean flicking them or doing anything to harm them, but there are methods of getting rid of someone not pulling his/her weight. I have had discussions with folks at USAT about methods for using this strategy and methods to counteract it and I know that at least former USA Cycling National Team coach has had similar conversations.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All athletes play on the edge of the rules without breaking them (usually). She did what was allowed and won.  Can’t fault her for that. Hi all: According to an Inside Triathlon race report, Michellie Jones won the St Anthony’s ITU race on the weekend, but ruffled feathers (see comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off. Any editorial comments out there? rich

Response:

Ahh, there’s the rub, isn’t it.  You as long as a) drafting is illegal, and b) the bike is the longest portion of the race, it’s a bike race. Personally I don’t care which one changes.

The beauty of Alcatraz is that for most people, each leg is roughly equal in time.  I think the average legs, excluding the .75 mile T1 run are 41m, 1:06, 1:08.   Unfortunately, it would be hard to increase the number of more balanced events so long as most triathletes don’t like the OW swim.   — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

Response:

The beauty of Alcatraz is that for most people, each leg is roughly equal in time.  I think the average legs, excluding the .75 mile T1 run are 41m, 1:06, 1:08.

It’s a better ratio than many, but still less than 25% swim.  That race is definantly on my todo list. Unfortunately, it would be hard to increase the number of more balanced events so long as most triathletes don’t like the OW swim.

That’s why we have duathlons, if you don’t want to swim, why are you doing a tri in the first place? James

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That’s why we have duathlons, if you don’t want to swim, why are you doing a tri in the first place?

I’d imagine that for a lot of people doing a du would get boring. You get to run twice. (And sometimes the exact same course.) Doing a tri mixes it up a little, and gives you another sport to crosstrain (or train) into. Personally, I’d rather do a tri over a du. It’s not that we have hydrophobia or anything. (Or maybe we do…) Some people do prefer swimming, although they dislike open water. Who knows? –Vincent

Response:

All athletes play on the edge of the rules without breaking them (usually). She did what was allowed and won.  Can’t fault her for that.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all: According to an Inside Triathlon race report, Michellie Jones won the St Anthony’s ITU race on the weekend, but ruffled feathers (see comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off. Any editorial comments out there? rich

Response:

err your, typo.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’re "Yea" infers that I share your opinion.  I assure you, I do not. Yea Drafting Sucks ! If it ever becomes legal in the little leagues I’m out ! Any editorial comments out there? She won.  Must have been a good strategy.

Response:

Draft legal might make for easier video, but it sucks as a sporting event. Make the swim longer so the strong ones there don’t lose the current advantage that drafting gives.

Ahh, there’s the rub, isn’t it.  You as long as a) drafting is illegal, and b) the bike is the longest portion of the race, it’s a bike race. Personally I don’t care which one changes.

Response:

comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute.

They could have slowed down the pace – common in races where this sort of issue is present. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off. Any editorial comments out there?

Draft legal might make for easier video, but it sucks as a sporting event.   Make the swim longer so the strong ones there don’t lose the current advantage that drafting gives.   — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

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Any editorial comments out there?

She won.  Must have been a good strategy.

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Yea Drafting Sucks ! If it ever becomes legal in the little leagues I’m out !

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any editorial comments out there? She won.  Must have been a good strategy.

Response:

You’re "Yea" infers that I share your opinion.  I assure you, I do not.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yea Drafting Sucks ! If it ever becomes legal in the little leagues I’m out ! Any editorial comments out there? She won.  Must have been a good strategy.

Response:

Hi all: According to an Inside Triathlon race report, Michellie Jones won the St Anthony’s ITU race on the weekend, but ruffled feathers (see comments by Sheila Taormina in the IT article) by not pulling her weight on the bike: she apparently sat in the back of the lead pack to start the run with fresh legs, winning by almost a minute. Strikes me as a smart strategy for a run specialist – though perhaps I can also see why Taormina and others would be pissed off. Any editorial comments out there? rich

Response:

Question:

You want honesty?  You really want honesty??? OK then: we’re all too tired, too worn, too enervated to have another ranting thread about True Triathlon vs all the pretenders.

Wussy. I think I’ll go and have a lie down.

Old wussy. Getting all the loud, painful, badly behaved snowboarders to go to the US and leave the alpine slopes to the skiers for a week or so?

Old wussy fussbudget. Most of the ones I’ve come across couldn’t straighten up long enough to be able to focus on the bottle.

Bitter old wussy fussbudget.

Response:

So, everyone went nuts because Triathlete magazine did an issue about adventure racing and that isn’t triathlon. Personally, it didn’t bug me too much because I’m always behind in my reading and I got to take that issue "off."

What’s the problem? They don’t call it "Triathlon", they call it adventure racing. It’s a different sport with great crossover appeal and a good option for cross training. And it looks like a lot of fun! Hoping to try one this year. I noticed they did some stuff about the winter triathlon championships (run, mountain bike, freestyle cross-country ski). Did this bug people as much as the adventure racing stuff? Also, there’s apparently talk of putting winter triathlon in the Olympics. Thoughts? -Harold

Whatever. Name them whatever you want. Adventure racing, winter triathlon, International triathlon, draft legal tri, traditional tri, "real" tri (whatever that is). There will only be one form of the sport that truly tests the individual athlete’s ability against that of his/her competitors in a swim/time trial/run contest. It’s a shame the pros work for all those years in one format, and then end up competing for gold in something entirely different, IMHO. Tom

Response:

So, everyone went nuts because Triathlete magazine did an issue about adventure racing and that isn’t triathlon. Personally, it didn’t bug me too much because I’m always behind in my reading and I got to take that issue "off."

How did I miss that one?  Too many people here need to live somewhere else, perhaps where there are only three seasons.  Multisport is multisport.   I’m going to have fun with the Hitec series at least once this year.   Also, there’s apparently talk of putting winter triathlon in the Olympics. Thoughts?

XC, shooting, and ???  Ski jumping, perhaps? — Jason O’Rourke www.jor.com

Response:

So, everyone went nuts because Triathlete magazine did an issue about adventure racing and that isn’t triathlon. Personally, it didn’t bug me too much because I’m always behind in my reading and I got to take that issue "off." I noticed they did some stuff about the winter triathlon championships (run, mountain bike, freestyle cross-country ski). Did this bug people as much as the adventure racing stuff? Also, there’s apparently talk of putting winter triathlon in the Olympics. Thoughts? -Harold

Response:

So, everyone went nuts because Triathlete magazine did an issue about adventure racing and that isn’t triathlon. Personally, it didn’t bug me too much because I’m always behind in my reading and I got to take that issue "off." I noticed they did some stuff about the winter triathlon championships (run, mountain bike, freestyle cross-country ski). Did this bug people as much as the adventure racing stuff?

It should, if they’re honest. Also, there’s apparently talk of putting winter triathlon in the Olympics. Thoughts?

Screw the Olympics.  It’s just a media circus.   Know what the best thing about adding snowboarding to the winter Olympics was? They had a sport where the best of the best had no interest in the Olympics, and instead went to the winter X games.  Granted, it was because they couldn’t pass the "fill the bottle" test, but it’s still a hoot.

Response:

So, everyone went nuts because Triathlete magazine did an issue about adventure racing and that isn’t triathlon. Personally, it didn’t bug me too much because I’m always behind in my reading and I got to take that issue "off." I noticed they did some stuff about the winter triathlon championships (run, mountain bike, freestyle cross-country ski). Did this bug people as much as the adventure racing stuff? It should, if they’re honest.

You want honesty?  You really want honesty??? OK then: we’re all too tired, too worn, too enervated to have another ranting thread about True Triathlon vs all the pretenders. Also, there’s apparently talk of putting winter triathlon in the Olympics. Thoughts?

I think I’ll go and have a lie down. Screw the Olympics.  It’s just a media circus.

Change the channel. Know what the best thing about adding snowboarding to the winter Olympics was?

Getting all the loud, painful, badly behaved snowboarders to go to the US and leave the alpine slopes to the skiers for a week or so? They had a sport where the best of the best had no interest in the Olympics, and instead went to the winter X games.  Granted, it was because they couldn’t pass the "fill the bottle" test, but it’s still a hoot.

Most of the ones I’ve come across couldn’t straighten up long enough to be able to focus on the bottle. Mark M

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Question:

In my latest sprint triathlon, my front tire (actually inner-tube) blew about 10 minutes into the bike segment.  (I am pretty sure it wasn’t a puncture). I think I inflated the tire to about 110PSI, and the tire (Vittoria) says I can go up to 130PSI. What do others inflate their tires to?  Temps were in the high 70’sF. At what point of inflating does the ‘law of diminishing returns’ come into play (where I am in the danger zone of getting a blowout vs. the benefit of a rock hard tire. It was on a  Campy Vento aero wheel. Also, what are the better/preferred inner-tubes used out there? Thanks in advance, Mario Before you buy.

Response:

I normally run Conti tires that have a max psi of 120.  I keep them at 120 and have never had any unexplained flats or blowouts.  And I ride in lots of 100+ degree weather. You might just have had a defective inner tube with a weak spot in it.  A tube blew out on me a while back and I found that the rubber was membrane thin where the hole was. IMO, you’re best off to keep them pumped up to the max psi. Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my latest sprint triathlon, my front tire (actually inner-tube) blew about 10 minutes into the bike segment.  (I am pretty sure it wasn’t a puncture). I think I inflated the tire to about 110PSI, and the tire (Vittoria) says I can go up to 130PSI. What do others inflate their tires to?  Temps were in the high 70’sF. At what point of inflating does the ‘law of diminishing returns’ come into play (where I am in the danger zone of getting a blowout vs. the benefit of a rock hard tire. It was on a  Campy Vento aero wheel. Also, what are the better/preferred inner-tubes used out there? Thanks in advance, Mario Before you buy.

Response:

I have a piar of clinchers that are Hutchinson they say to put in 110 I put in 140 just to make sure that the tire won’t pinch at all. Plus it gives a better feel for the road. Also 700 or 650 * 20 mm has a better tendency to flat than by a 700 0r 650 by 23mm Chuckie G – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my latest sprint triathlon, my front tire (actually inner-tube) blew about 10 minutes into the bike segment.  (I am pretty sure it wasn’t a puncture). I think I inflated the tire to about 110PSI, and the tire (Vittoria) says I can go up to 130PSI. What do others inflate their tires to?  Temps were in the high 70’sF. At what point of inflating does the ‘law of diminishing returns’ come into play (where I am in the danger zone of getting a blowout vs. the benefit of a rock hard tire. It was on a  Campy Vento aero wheel. Also, what are the better/preferred inner-tubes used out there? Thanks in advance, Mario Before you buy.

Response:

In my latest sprint triathlon, my front tire (actually inner-tube) blew about 10 minutes into the bike segment.  (I am pretty sure it wasn’t a puncture). I think I inflated the tire to about 110PSI, and the tire (Vittoria) says I can go up to 130PSI. What do others inflate their tires to?  Temps were in the high 70’sF. At what point of inflating does the ‘law of diminishing returns’ come into play (where I am in the danger zone of getting a blowout vs. the benefit of a rock hard tire. It was on a  Campy Vento aero wheel.

There are two possibilities. One, the tire bead disengaged from the rim’s hook.  This happens generally with tires well over their rated inflation limit or to rims without a bead-catching hook.  The Vento / Vittoria combo shouldn’t have this problem. Two, the tube was pinched between the rim and tire during installation.  If you heard the tube "pop", this is what happened.  If a tube fails inside the tire and rim, it will be largely silent (other than the rush of wind through the spoke and stem holes). My guess is #2.   Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles http://www.cynetfl.com/habanero/ Home of the $695 ti frame

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I had a pair of Vento’s and I had a couple of flats and it was caused by the sharpness of the drilled spoke holes.  I even used kevlar rim tape.  If you look closely at your rim tape I bet that you will notice little slits and indents at each hole.  Make sure that you use only the best rim tape.  Hope this helps. DD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my latest sprint triathlon, my front tire (actually inner-tube) blew about 10 minutes into the bike segment.  (I am pretty sure it wasn’t a puncture). I think I inflated the tire to about 110PSI, and the tire (Vittoria) says I can go up to 130PSI. What do others inflate their tires to?  Temps were in the high 70’sF. At what point of inflating does the ‘law of diminishing returns’ come into play (where I am in the danger zone of getting a blowout vs. the benefit of a rock hard tire. It was on a  Campy Vento aero wheel. Also, what are the better/preferred inner-tubes used out there? Thanks in advance, Mario Before you buy.

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I’ve raced on Conti’s inflated to 150 psi with no problems. Inflate the blown tube and run your fingers on the inside of the tire and see if there’s a sliver of metal sticking thru. If the hole is on the inside check the holes for the spokes. I’ve had the lightweight wheel liners crack and pinch the tube at high pressure. I like the cloth liners (Velox). And I’ve had tube open at the seam. Not much you can do about that one except complain and change brands (Very large famous German company). Or change to tubulars and really cry when you get a flat $$$$… Al Kormesser

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Thanks fr the reply, I have the Velox rim tape already on the Vento.  I won’t be able to inflate the tube since it is a six inch slit/hole! I will check where the spokes are for sharpness. What are the better inner tubes?  Which is the one that has that pink/bubble-gum color? Thanks again to all for the replies. Mario – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve raced on Conti’s inflated to 150 psi with no problems. Inflate the blown tube and run your fingers on the inside of the tire and see if there’s a sliver of metal sticking thru. If the hole is on the inside check the holes for the spokes. I’ve had the lightweight wheel liners crack and pinch the tube at high pressure. I like the cloth liners (Velox). And I’ve had tube open at the seam. Not much you can do about that one except complain and change brands (Very large famous German company). Or change to tubulars and really cry when you get a flat $$$$… Al Kormesser

Before you buy.

Response:

Thanks fr the reply, I have the Velox rim tape already on the Vento.  I won’t be able to inflate the tube since it is a six inch slit/hole! I will check where the spokes are for sharpness. What are the better inner tubes?  Which is the one that has that pink/bubble-gum color? Thanks again to all for the replies.

One more thing to consider.  You say this happened in a race.  There was a discussion here last year about the high number of inexplicable blowouts on race day, with some trying to pin the blame  on the hot sun.  I think it was Rick Denney who pointed out that this never seemed to happen in training, and that it was likely due to pre race nervousness causing mistakes while mounting, inflating, or topping off tires just before a race.  Get everything set with your tires a few days before the race, then go for a good long ride to make sure they’re OK, then DON’T MESS with them until after the race.

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Thanks fr the reply, I have the Velox rim tape already on the Vento.  I won’t be able to inflate the tube since it is a six inch slit/hole! I will check where the spokes are for sharpness.

Don’t bother…  Velox tape just doesn’t allow the tube to contact teh spokes unless it’s scrunched up to the side.  A six-inch slit pretty much proves the problem was that the tube got outside the tire by being pinched during installation. What are the better inner tubes?  Which is the one that has that pink/bubble-gum color?

That would be a latex tube.  Lighter and theoretically less prone to punctures from road debris (since it’s more pliable), but even harder to prevent from getting pinched between the rim and tire. Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles http://www.cynetfl.com/habanero/ Home of the $695 ti frame – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks again to all for the replies. Mario I’ve raced on Conti’s inflated to 150 psi with no problems. Inflate the blown tube and run your fingers on the inside of the tire and see if there’s a sliver of metal sticking thru. If the hole is on the inside check the holes for the spokes. I’ve had the lightweight wheel liners crack and pinch the tube at high pressure. I like the cloth liners (Velox). And I’ve had tube open at the seam. Not much you can do about that one except complain and change brands (Very large famous German company). Or change to tubulars and really cry when you get a flat $$$$… Al Kormesser Before you buy.

Response:

"Benifit" of a rock hard tire??? didn’t know there was one… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my latest sprint triathlon, my front tire (actually inner-tube) blew about 10 minutes into the bike segment.  (I am pretty sure it wasn’t a puncture). I think I inflated the tire to about 110PSI, and the tire (Vittoria) says I can go up to 130PSI. What do others inflate their tires to?  Temps were in the high 70’sF. At what point of inflating does the ‘law of diminishing returns’ come into play (where I am in the danger zone of getting a blowout vs. the benefit of a rock hard tire. It was on a  Campy Vento aero wheel. Also, what are the better/preferred inner-tubes used out there? Thanks in advance, Mario Before you buy.

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Question:

     I’d really like to be able to run again, because it was the only truly effective way I had to lose weight.  Now, way overweight, with doctor’s orders to run no more, I’m wondering what it could hurt to run.  There is no cartilage left in my knees at 44, and my doctor says that this is probably genetic at this age.  He trimmed a torn meniscus in each knee.  So, before surgery my knees hurt and crunched when I bent down.  Now they hurt and crunch when I bend down.  SInce they hurt a lot off and on no matter what I do, and I’m far overweight, what else could go wrong with them if I run through the pain anyway in order to lose weight?  I’m asking seriously because I can’t do any other exercise that helps my weight either.  It hurts to cycle as well.  It hurts to use a rowing machine.  ANything that uses my knees hurts, even pushing off the wall in the pool, so I I don’t see that I have anything great to lose if I run in spite of the pain.  What do you think?  Thanks. Ken

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I’m 44 too and while not overweight have been forced to take it slower recently due to some knee pain.  As a triathlete my experience has been that cycling is MUCH easier on the knees than running and swimming is even easier.   IF you find swimming painful I’d strongly recommend going to a doctor for evaluation as that is not NORMAL.

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I also broke the "inside ankle bone" in January.  ( I think it’s called the "medial malleolus).  I was casted for six weeks and splinted for two. I spent lots of time in the weight room while the cast was on.  I started ez swimming and cycling when it came off.  The cycling in particular really seems to "loosen up" the joint and makes walking easier after.  Do your PT exercises (BAPS board is particularly good, I feel).  Running has come back hardest, I can still only jog for fifteen or twenty minutes at the moment.  Most pain now is not the fracture, it’s all the other weak and inflexible connective tissue. Don’t despair, it WILL come.  My orthopedist said this is a notoriously slow-healing part of the anatomy because of blood flow.  Good Luck

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As of two weeks ago I broke my right inside ankle bone? Ain’t real sure what it is called but it’s the one that when you look at the inside of your ankle it is the "bump" that sticks out.

It sounds like the tibia (ie the thicker bone in the lower leg that runs down the front from the knee to the inside of the ankle). Anyway I broke it at the top of the bone and two days ago the doctor put a 2" bolt in it to hold it in place. Before I broke it I was running six-eight miles daily with the two day break on the weekend. I consistently run an eight minute mile over a eight mile stretch. The doctor says that in six weeks the the cast should come off. I know I can’t do much with it in the beginning, mainly pool work to strengthen my legs then I ain’t sure what to do next. Anybody got any Ideas?

If you only broke a bone with no soft tissue damage my guess would be that once the fracture is healed you should be able to get back into it without too much delay. 3 months is something like the time it takes for the bones to be back to full strength, although light weight bearing is possible earlier. I did a fracture dislocation of tibia and fibia last year at the end of June (the X-ray pics are available at http://tltsu.anu.edu.au/~dgb900/xrays.html in gory detail). What can delay the recovery is soft tissue damage (muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc) and associated scar tissue from any operation or other internal damage – in my case from the nearly 90 degree dislocation of my ankle and the insertion of a plate and 10 screws. I can’t stress enough the importance of getting a good physiotherapist (I was visiting twice a week for a while) and doing exercises to restore strength and flexibility (I was doing up to two hours a day on this). I didn’t have health insurance (visits were about $AUD40), but it is far too important to neglect. It took me over 6 months before I could run again, although I went telemark skiing again after 3 months, obviously a fairly tentative sort of trip, not full on XCD slope shredding . I don’t quite have full range of moment yet, but fairly close to it. I’m still doing exercises to restore flexibility and break up scar tissue. I found it very useful to set recovery goals, but you need to be able to handle setbacks. I lost two weeks because I tried to wean myself off the compression bandage a bit too early and did a physio session when my ankle was quite swollen – I could barely walk out of the place afterwards. I got into swimming fairly early on while still on crutches – about 2 months after the accident. The first session I did less than 500m, but built up over about 8 weeks to swimming 1.5-2kms 2-3 times per week. A major goal was to complete a triathlon which I did in mid February (500/20/5) – 7.5 months after the original injury. Now I’m hooked on them, ride to work every day, etc. I’ve become a full on training junkie Major injury is a big setback psychologically as well as physically, but it can be motivation for a major lifestyle change if approached positively. David. — Head, Teaching and Learning     URL:   http://tltsu.anu.edu.au/~dgb900 |   Technology Support Unit       phone: {intl+61+6+ | (06)} 249 5026    | Australian National University  FAX:   {intl+61+6+ | (06)} 249 3992    |

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Hey, who cares about qaulifying ? I’m going anyway .. if I can find the date .. didn’t see it on Triathlete magazine’s page. Anyone know ?? Thanks, Richard

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, who cares about qaulifying ? I’m going anyway .. if I can find the date .. didn’t see it on Triathlete magazine’s page. Anyone know ?? Thanks, RichardSaturday, Oct 26

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Hey, who cares about qaulifying ? I’m going anyway .. if I can find the date .. didn’t see it on Triathlete magazine’s page. Anyone know ??

According to the application, it’s Oct 26th. Jim Bodoh PGP key available upon request

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The Date for IRONMAN 1996 is oct 26…

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Ironman Triathlon WORLD Championship Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Dates: October 11, 1997 October 3, 1998 October 23, 1999 October 7, 2000

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October 26, 1996 is the date of the Ironman for this year.

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As a former swimmer and current triathlete I have been watching the results of the olympic swim trials from Indy. A certain Shelly Ripple has been finalling in the womens events and I am wondering if  shee is the daughter of Jan Ripple (mother of three)? It seems that swim talent runs in the family as I remember that jan’s brother Rich was an olympian. Anyone out there know? Tom Price

Yes,  she is Jan Ripple’s daughter.  She qualified for four events in the trials. She’s been kicking everybody’s butt in the pool down here in Baton Rouge for several years, and she’s only 15 years old!

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As a former swimmer and current triathlete I have been watching the results of the olympic swim trials from Indy. A certain Shelly Ripple has been finalling in the womens events and I am wondering if  shee is the daughter of Jan Ripple (mother of three)? It seems that swim talent runs in the family as I remember that jan’s brother Rich was an olympian. Anyone out there know? Tom Price

Jan Ripple does have a daughter named Shelly. — JJ Jeffrey Justice Oceanside, CA

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Skylands tri which is a sprint is offering over $5,000 in agegroup prize money and overall money.  There are no pro’s allowed for the money.  If you want mor info contact us via e mail or voice /fax us at 609-468-0010.  This is also the finale of the Pnee-Jersey Triathlon Series. Linda and Mark of Lin-Mark Computer Sports

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Skylands tri which is a sprint is offering over $5,000 in agegroup prize money and overall money.   (snip) This is a fun little race out in the boonies of western New Jersey. .5 swim in a large reservoir, two waves starting simultaneously on parallel swim tracks, lots of safety canoes, zodiacs, etc., wetsuits permitted. Transition run is 200-250 yards depending on the level of the reservoir. Fire truck sprays the sand/mud off competitors as they exit the beach. Well-secured transition area with lots of spectator room alongside. Bike is 22k. Starts flat on country roads for 1st 3 miles, suddenly gets very technical with sharp blind turns into climbs, etc. Two hills are VERY steep, a lot of people pushing their bikes, Last couple of miles are flat to down & very fast. Ride this one the day before if you can; the course will cost you minutes if you do not ride it correctly. Bike to run in same transition area. Run is 5k & dead flat along asphalt park roads. Water at the beginning, middle, end. The course is well marshalled by troopers, local police & volunteers. Very nice post race picnic, none of your bagel & Gatorade stuff here, real pasta & dogs & burgers. Good T-shirt. Real money prizes for age-groupers: $100, 50, 25. Some of the larger groups went 5-deep. Fun picnic/festival atmosphere. The race is put on by the Hunterdon County Rotary & you get the sense that these people are having a ball doing it. They draw athletes from NJ, Penn. & NY by being both a great season-ending race & the finale of the Penn-Jersey Triathlon Series. Ken

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Hi runners, I will be in San Jose next week, and im looking for buying a Polar accurex II pulse-rate watch. What is the GOOD street price on that in this area, and where do I go to get it. I was told that I can get 1 for 179$. What about 5 – then I can bring some back for my friend…..:-) Tanks for any recommendations Tom Jakobsen

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What is the GOOD street price on that in this area, and where do I go to get it. I was told that I can get 1 for 179$. What about 5 – then I can bring some back for my friend…..:-)

$179 sounds pretty low for a street price on an Accurex II — even buying in quantity that’s leaving little if any room for dealer profit, and in the quantities I buy there’d be no profit at that price. Consider anything less than $200 an excellent price and keep in mind that Polar’s suggested retail is $229. —  /     Running tips, HRMs, writing ….. Ponytail under construction

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What is the GOOD street price on that in this area, and where do I go to get it. I was told that I can get 1 for 179$. What about 5 – then I can bring some back for my friend…..:-) $179 sounds pretty low for a street price on an Accurex II — even buying in quantity that’s leaving little if any room for dealer profit, and in the quantities I buy there’d be no profit at that price. Consider anything less than $200 an excellent price and keep in mind that Polar’s suggested retail is $229. —

You may be able to get an Accurex II for $179 or better via mail order. When I was looking for a HRM (about Jan/Feb 94) I saw the Accurex II advertised for $189 mail order (including a book and bike mount). It was then one model down from the top-of-the-line for Polar. Since it’s been replaced by the Accurex NightVision, you may be able to find it on clearance. At one time I saw it advertised for $139 from Performance Bikes. Try these mail order houses. All have 800 numbers available from 800 info (1-800-555-1212). Creative Health Products (Michigan): good info sheet explaining models and features. Prices competitive but not as low as next two. Triathlete Zombies (San Diego): Colorado Cyclist (Colorado Springs): Performance Bikes (North Carolina): normal prices aren’t as good, but may be on sale. — Tom Carminati U S WEST Technologies

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Performance Bikes currently has the Accurex II on sale for $169.00 Tony

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just completed my first (mini-)Triathalon, 4 km run, 22 km bike, and 200 m swim, in that order. I stretched before and after the event. I trained a bit for it but found that I started to cramp a little towards the end of the bike, when I hopped off the bike "bang" my calfs locked up, I undid my shoes etc and started to run towards the pool (~400m), this felt OK so I proceeded to hop in the pool but again "bang" I locked up again!!. I had to stand in the pool for about 1/2 min holding my leg above the water to stretch it, then I proceeded carefully to the end, got out and ran the 300m to the finish. My calfs stayed sore for the rest of the day but by the morning the pain was gone. I have done many runs/bikes before but have never cramped !!. I had a chocolate bar on the ride (as usual) and had a isotonic drink in my bottle (Carboblast). What could be the reason for this cramping and how can I avoid it in the future?? Any comments? Thanx in advance….. Rob.

Cramping is often caused by dehydration, so that may have been the cause. With an event that short, all you should need is water (the chocolate bar and energy drink won’t help all that much and much of your blood will be headed towards your stomach instead of your muscles).  Perhaps you didn’t drink enough before the race. When I race, if the race is going to be less than an hour and 15 minutes, all I’ll take is water.  If it’s between 1:15 and 2:00 or so, I’ll just take some energy drink.  Only if it’s gonna be over 2 hours will I take something to eat. I had a biathlon this summer when I didn’t take enough to drink (it started out with an 8k run and 40k bike).  In the last 2-3k of the bike leg, my calves started to cramp.  I didn’t have any more fluids on my bike, so when I got into the transition station, I slammed about 5 cups of water.  I stretched my calves a little bit when I was drinking, and I still managed to make up the time on the guy who passed me when I was stopped and win the race. He started to cramp during the last 5k and was reduced to running a 20:00 leg. All this aside, good luck! Bill

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I have just completed my first (mini-)Triathalon, 4 km run, 22 km bike, and 200 m swim, in that order. I stretched before and after the event. I trained a bit for it but found that I started to cramp a little towards the end of the bike, when I hopped off the bike "bang" my calfs locked up, I undid my shoes etc and started to run towards the pool (~400m), this felt OK so I proceeded to hop in the pool but again "bang" I locked up again!!. I had to stand in the pool for about 1/2 min holding my leg above the water to stretch it, then I proceeded carefully to the end, got out and ran the 300m to the finish. My calfs stayed sore for the rest of the day but by the morning the pain was gone. I have done many runs/bikes before but have never cramped !!. I had a chocolate bar on the ride (as usual) and had a isotonic drink in my bottle (Carboblast). What could be the reason for this cramping and how can I avoid it in the future?? Any comments? Thanx in advance….. Rob.

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