Question:

Just wondering if there is anyone out there who has survived a water ditching?  Did the plane flip? Sink? Float for how long?  I fly over the big pond (Lake MI) on occasion and usually have those thoughts.  Your real life experiences would be appreciated. -Scott V N5271L

Response:

Just wondering if there is anyone out there who has survived a water ditching?  Did the plane flip? Sink? Float for how long?  I fly over the big pond (Lake MI) on occasion and usually have those thoughts.  Your real life experiences would be appreciated.

     Did one.  Plane did NOT flip over, floated for about three minutes.  Later heard we should have opened doors in the event the fuselage "warped" and jammed doors shut.  Opened the doors after we were in water.      Lou.

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Aviation writer Amy Laboda ditched her 210 off Key West earlier this year. Did not flip, everyone got out fine. It was covered in most aviation magazines (although she has not written an article about it yet that I am aware of). Bob Gardner

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just wondering if there is anyone out there who has survived a water ditching?  Did the plane flip? Sink? Float for how long?  I fly over the big pond (Lake MI) on occasion and usually have those thoughts.  Your real life experiences would be appreciated. -Scott V N5271L

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Go to equipped.com or maybe it is a .org. They have a couple stories of ditching along with common myths explained. Tyson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Aviation writer Amy Laboda ditched her 210 off Key West earlier this year. Did not flip, everyone got out fine. It was covered in most aviation magazines (although she has not written an article about it yet that I am aware of). Bob Gardner Just wondering if there is anyone out there who has survived a water ditching?  Did the plane flip? Sink? Float for how long?  I fly over the big pond (Lake MI) on occasion and usually have those thoughts. Your real life experiences would be appreciated. -Scott V N5271L

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Thanks, I’ll check that out. -Scott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Go to equipped.com or maybe it is a .org. They have a couple stories of ditching along with common myths explained. Tyson Aviation writer Amy Laboda ditched her 210 off Key West earlier this year. Did not flip, everyone got out fine. It was covered in most aviation magazines (although she has not written an article about it yet that I am aware of). Bob Gardner Just wondering if there is anyone out there who has survived a water ditching?  Did the plane flip? Sink? Float for how long?  I fly over the big pond (Lake MI) on occasion and usually have those thoughts. Your real life experiences would be appreciated. -Scott V N5271L

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     4.  Believe there was a Pan-Am Connie that ditched in the Atlantic off the coast of Newfoundland.  This was prior to 1950.  The Connie remained afloat for a couple days before the Coast Guard advised the Airline that the plane would have to be towed away or they would use it for deck gun practice as it was a "Hazard to Navigation".

I have heard a similar story about a Falcon 20 which ditched off the coast of iceland. As I heard it, the Royal Navy had to sink it, to prevent it becoming a hazard to navigation. Don

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changed my approach to the subject.  As one who flies over Lake Michigan frequently, I’m now more likely to aim for the water just off the shore rather than try to land on a rough or rocky beach.

When flying up the coastline (we used to live in Racine, WI, and made this trip often), especially up and across the Door Peninsula, and over to Mackinac Island, your ONLY option would be to ditch just off-shore. It’s either that, or onto the rocks, or into 75 foot tall trees… It always amazed me how ROUGH the engine would sound when over-flying such inhospitable terrain!  :) — Jay Honeck Iowa City, IA Warrior N33431

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Scott, "equipped.org" has the best information around on ditching. Approximately 89% of all ditchings, whether fixed or retractable gear airplanes involve all aboard the airplane getting out successfully. The success rate does not seem to be affected by whether the airplane has fixed or retractable gear.  

     A number of successful ditchings come to mind:      1.  Prior to 1950, Captain Ogg (don’t recall if it was Pan-Am or not) ditched a StratoCruiser alongside an Ocean Station Vessel.  Vessel was just about due west of L.A. and at about 130 or 135 West Longitude.      No major injuries, everyone got out of the plane and were aboard the OSV within minutes.  Can’t remember what the cause was.      2.  Northwest DC-7 was ditched offshore from Sitka, Alaska.  They had had 3 runaway engines and the Captain put the plane down near a Coast Guard Cutter that had been sent out from Sitka, AK.  All passengers and crew were aboard the Coast Guard Cutter within about 10 minutes after the plane hit the water.      Only injury was a woman wrenched her back stepping from the plane to the life raft.      3.  Either late 50’s or early 60’s, Air Force ditched a C124 in Cook Inlet near Anchorage.  He had been flying in ground effect; got to the Anchorage area and could not climb the 3- or 4-hundred feet to clear the bluffs and land at either Anchorage International or Elmendorf AFB      4.  Believe there was a Pan-Am Connie that ditched in the Atlantic off the coast of Newfoundland.  This was prior to 1950.  The Connie remained afloat for a couple days before the Coast Guard advised the Airline that the plane would have to be towed away or they would use it for deck gun practice as it was a "Hazard to Navigation".      Lou.

Response:

Try this story: http://www.clamback-hennessy.com.au/triathalon.htm

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just wondering if there is anyone out there who has survived a water ditching?  Did the plane flip? Sink? Float for how long?  I fly over the big pond (Lake MI) on occasion and usually have those thoughts.  Your real life experiences would be appreciated. Ditched on dry land lots of times – no problem…

Response:

A non-pilot friend of mine was in a plane that went down off the coast of Maine. It was a charter flight to Nova Scotia to pick up a boat that had been left there. In the front seat were the guy who’d organized the flight, in his 60s, at the controls. Beside him was the pilot-owner, in his 40s. In back were the owner’s wife, my friend (50s), and another sailor in his 60s or 70s. The engine went out and the windshield was covered with oil. The owner directed the guy at the controls to make for shore, and eventually for boats he could see, while he instructed the others to half-inflate their life vests and to open the doors just before the plane hit. I don’t know what type a/c it was, but I’m reasonably sure it was a low-wing, retractable-gear plane. It sank immediately. My friend went out the door, followed by the owner’s wife. The plane’s owner also got out. They were rescued almost immediately by the crew of a luxury power boat nearby. Survival in this case was strictly by age: the three people under 60 got out, the two men over 60 did not. Or you might figure that the two people closely involved with the airplane got out, plus my friend, who is stocky & able, the type you would expect to survive a bad experience. see the Warbird’s Forum at http://danford.net and message board at http://forums.delphi.com/annals/start/

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Scott, "equipped.org" has the best information around on ditching. Approximately 89% of all ditchings, whether fixed or retractable gear airplanes involve all aboard the airplane getting out successfully. The success rate does not seem to be affected by whether the airplane has fixed or retractable gear.  After reading that material, I’ve changed my approach to the subject.  As one who flies over Lake Michigan frequently, I’m now more likely to aim for the water just off the shore rather than try to land on a rough or rocky beach. All the best, Rick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just wondering if there is anyone out there who has survived a water ditching?  Did the plane flip? Sink? Float for how long?  I fly over the big pond (Lake MI) on occasion and usually have those thoughts.  Your real life experiences would be appreciated. -Scott V N5271L

Response:

Just wondering if there is anyone out there who has survived a water ditching?  Did the plane flip? Sink? Float for how long?  I fly over the big pond (Lake MI) on occasion and usually have those thoughts.  Your real life experiences would be appreciated.

Ditched on dry land lots of times – no problem…

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Question:

I decided to take a quantum leap and purchase a new tri bike. I’ve been racing for three years now with a cannondale road bike and I am ready to move forward.  I am starting to do some research on my own but I would love suggestions!  I am a 5′3" female. I appreciate any responses!

Response:

Much of your decision making will certainly revolve around your budget.  I did some pretty extensive research on tri-bikes in the sub-$1500 range (street price, not MSRP) before I purchased a Cannondale Multisport 600. Below are what I believe to be the best five options in this budget range. I’ve estimated their suggested retail price and listed them in ascending order.  The good news for you is that the fall tends to be a great time to find a good deal because shops like to clear their inventory to make room for the new model year bikes. 1. Fuji Aloha ($1250):  http://www.fujibikes.com/html/main/frameset.htm 2. Quintana Roo Kilo ($1400):  http://www.rooworld.com/html/bikes/kilo.html 3. Cannondale Multisport 600 ($1500): http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/usa/model-1RM6.html 4. Cervelo One ($1600):  http://www.cervelo.com 5. Trek Hilo 1000 ($1700):  http://www.trekbikes.com A few tips about buying one of the above bikes: ++  Fit is the most imports factor.  Therefore, it is very important that you get a chance to ride these bikes.  Although you can certainly mail order some of these bikes, you would be better served setting up test rides next time you are in a major city.  For example, even though I ride a 58cm road bike, I ride a 54cm tri-bike (and I test rid some 55cm tri-bikes that felt to cramped; every brand is different). ++  Don’t forget to account for the cost of accessories in your budget.  If you don’t already own them, you will need to buy shoes and pedals (most tri-bikes do not come with pedals so that the rider can choose their preferred pedal type). ++  You can find better prices than the suggested retail prices I’ve listed above.  Get a copy of Triathlon Magazine and look at the mail-order ads. That will give you a good feel for "street price."  If you want to save some cash, you might consider buying last year’s model at a discount. Traditionally, October is a good time to buy a tri-bike because, like car dealers, bike dealers want to make room for the 2002 models. ++  If you’ve decided on a particular bike, you could also look for a used one.  There are two great sources for used bikes:  http://www.ebay.com and http://www.roadbikereview.com/market/bikes/ Let me know if I can be of further help. Best, Brian

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I decided to take a quantum leap and purchase a new tri bike. I’ve been racing for three years now with a cannondale road bike and I am ready to move forward.  I am starting to do some research on my own but I would love suggestions! I am a 5′3" female. I appreciate any responses!

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Especially if you are getting "fit" dialed in, go for adjustability! I’m a comfort junkie so the softride beam bikes appealed.  An unforeseen advantage is there is great movement available of the seat forward and back as well as up and down.  Add an ergo type stem and I can ride high and back at beginning of season…then move to more aerodynamic position as season progresses and I dial in. Just a thought.

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Question:

 a coach that i ask question said to me 2 weeks before reg work out ,, day 7 -one hour ,day6-one hour , day5-30 minutes , day4-30 minutes , day3-30 minutes ,day2-15/or lay off, day1-15 min/or lay off ,,, day of race run ,,,, did my best time in my marathon race’keep legs warm’roach – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Was just wondering about tapering for a race on Sunday, should I stop training now or continue until Friday?? How many days rest before a race should one have??? IMHO the need to taper means there’s something wrong with your training schedule. Training should support racing, not be counter-productive. Furthermore, a training need not be a 1:1 simulation of the actual race, only to strengthen your weak points, and build on your strong points. Typical weak points are: stamina, strength, mobility and co-ordination, while most runners train only for speed and endurance (long training runs and intervals). I’m told this means in longer distances their pace drops after a certain distance through lack of stamina, sustained dynamic strength and a smooth running style (mobility and co-ordination). While these things can be trained, they are often forgotten (or given very little attention) by popular books (and web sites) on running. I guess, this is because these things can’t be taught by books alone. And even if someone would write a good reference book, it will take for instance about a year to change/improve someone’s running style. Most newbee runners don’t seem to have so much patience. Rene van Belzen hurray [at] xs4all [dot] nl My Running Log http://www.xs4all.nl/~hurray/myrunninglog/

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Taking an unscheduled day of makes me anxious. To me "tapering" is running a 75% normal distance. Enough to get rid of the antsy feeling, but feels really light.  —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free (anonymous) Usenet News via the Web  —–   http://newsone.net/ — Free reading and anonymous posting to 60,000+ groups    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

Response:

Was just wondering about tapering for a race on Sunday, should I stop training now or continue until Friday?? How many days rest before a race should one have???

IMHO the need to taper means there’s something wrong with your training schedule. Training should support racing, not be counter-productive. Furthermore, a training need not be a 1:1 simulation of the actual race, only to strengthen your weak points, and build on your strong points. Typical weak points are: stamina, strength, mobility and co-ordination, while most runners train only for speed and endurance (long training runs and intervals). I’m told this means in longer distances their pace drops after a certain distance through lack of stamina, sustained dynamic strength and a smooth running style (mobility and co-ordination). While these things can be trained, they are often forgotten (or given very little attention) by popular books (and web sites) on running. I guess, this is because these things can’t be taught by books alone. And even if someone would write a good reference book, it will take for instance about a year to change/improve someone’s running style. Most newbee runners don’t seem to have so much patience. Rene van Belzen hurray [at] xs4all [dot] nl My Running Log http://www.xs4all.nl/~hurray/myrunninglog/

Response:

I am actually doing a sprint triathlon 400mtrs swim/10kbike/4krun and have been mixing my training between swim and run, unfortunately not a lot of cycling. I usually run about 8km thru the week and do a longer run at the weekend maybe 16km. Just wondered whether I should stop and rest now or two days before…

Stop?  In my opinion you should never take a day off immediately before a race.  If you really need an off day, schedule it two days before the race but run easy the day before. -jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Phil How long a race?  I am running a 10K next Sunday.  Will run today (Wednesday) and tomorrow (6 miles each) at a little over race pace. Will run an easy 4 miles Friday and rest Saturday. Hi all, Was just wondering about tapering for a race on Sunday, should I stop training now or continue until Friday?? How many days rest before a race should one have??? Thanks Phil — Regards, Dave I’d love to think that there’s an end just waiting right around the bend, but every turn’s a tunnel.        I descend I’m the running man… Edward Ka Spell and kEvin Key, The Last Man to Fly, 1991

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I am actually doing a sprint triathlon 400mtrs swim/10kbike/4krun and have been mixing my training between swim and run, unfortunately not a lot of cycling. I usually run about 8km thru the week and do a longer run at the weekend maybe 16km. Just wondered whether I should stop and rest now or two days before… Phil – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How long a race?  I am running a 10K next Sunday.  Will run today (Wednesday) and tomorrow (6 miles each) at a little over race pace. Will run an easy 4 miles Friday and rest Saturday. Hi all, Was just wondering about tapering for a race on Sunday, should I stop training now or continue until Friday?? How many days rest before a race should one have??? Thanks Phil — Regards, Dave I’d love to think that there’s an end just waiting right around the bend, but every turn’s a tunnel.        I descend I’m the running man… Edward Ka Spell and kEvin Key, The Last Man to Fly, 1991

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Depends on the distance and what you’ve done up ’til now.  Everyone responds differently.  I like to take 2 full days off before a big race, whatever the distance.  I think it’s better to err on the side of doing less than more. One rule of thumb for before and after a race is a day of taper/recovery for each mile raced.  So for instance for the marathon, I taper for 4 weeks before and build back up for at least for weeks after.  Tapering doesn’t mean doing nothing, but usually lowering mileage but maintaining intensity. I think that many runners would have better times if they tapered more. They somehow feel they’ll lose their edge though, if they taper too long. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, Was just wondering about tapering for a race on Sunday, should I stop training now or continue until Friday?? How many days rest before a race should one have??? Thanks Phil

Response:

How long a race?  I am running a 10K next Sunday.  Will run today (Wednesday) and tomorrow (6 miles each) at a little over race pace. Will run an easy 4 miles Friday and rest Saturday. Hi all, Was just wondering about tapering for a race on Sunday, should I stop training now or continue until Friday?? How many days rest before a race should one have??? Thanks Phil

– Regards, Dave I’d love to think that there’s an end just waiting right around the bend, but every turn’s a tunnel.        I descend I’m the running man… Edward Ka Spell and kEvin Key, The Last Man to Fly, 1991

Response:

Hi all, Was just wondering about tapering for a race on Sunday, should I stop training now or continue until Friday?? How many days rest before a race should one have??? Thanks Phil

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Question:

I caught the trash spitting episode from the kid on the bike also and thought it was out of line.

I’m sure you’re not surprised to learn that nobody really gives a fuck.

Response:

I’m the guy with arthritis that they filmed for the IM-USA broadcast. Due to the fact that I live in Canada, I have not yet had the opportunity to watch the coverage. I did not know before the race that I would be followed, and as to the littering shot, I am glad that someone noticed that it was at an aid station. Testament to my anti-litter attitude, I make it a regular practice of using my right rear jersey pocket as a garbage and can’t tell you how many times my hand comes out stickier than a fly catcher. During the race I disposed of all garbage as close to the aid stations as possible. Unfortunately, I did not finish the race due to an extra 8lbs of water that I was retaining and had to drop out on the run. However, I have signed up for both IM California and IM Canada for next year and have an incredible amount of respect for all those who cross the finish line, regardless of the time. I appreciate the fact that my ‘littering’ created a bit of a stir, and would share the same sentiments as those who believed that I was littering if I had in fact done so. I’m looking forward to the year 2000 races and hope to join the rank of ‘Ironman’ that so many of you share. Best of luck and happy training. Jordan Shapiro * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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Correct me if I am wrong on this but I thought that the WTC produces the entire show, sells all the advertising and then "buys" the time from ESPN.  Notice the link to all the advertisers and the sponsors of the race.  I think ultimately the WTC has control over content.  In order to sell ad space, they need to produce the show for a wider demographic.

Precisely right. All those bemoaning "ESPN’s" coverage are criticizing the wrong group. WCT produced it and is responsible for the content. ESPN does very little of their own programming anymore. They sell air time. How else do you think those Dog Shows get on? Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" Ironman Canada ‘98 16:17:03 Great Floridian ‘99, 15:??:??

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Stephen-Check out ironmanlive.com’s coverage(or tell your buddies) of the Hawaii 99 event. It will be very cool and should provide tri-geeks with wall to wall coverage…later

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Hey Jordan, way to go !! It was a story similar to yours that got my lazy butt off the couch a couple years ago…. even though you didn’t Finish, I hope your proud of yourself, you gave it a hell of a run !!! Maybe, one day, Ill have the guts to give an IM a try, until then, I’ll live vicariously through folks like you ! Good luck in your future IM attempts!!!! Brian Drake

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he’s a heck of a nice guy and deserves something for his efforts as 1st american, as do his sponsors. Sponsors get airtime by purchasing commercials.

This is true, but the other reason for sponsoring athletes is to get their name in front of the cameras when the athletes are shown. Which do you think is better, 3 thirty second spots on a show, or an elite athlete in front of the camera competing for almost an hour with their logo emblazoned across parts of the athletes body? For example, there is a pro golfer named Jesper Parnevik, who likes to wear his hats with the brim turned up. Well, this upset his sponsor, who (In the space of 1/2 a round of golf) got him a new hat that had the logo underneath the brim as well, so it could be seen when he flipped the brim up. If the ONLY reason sponsors got airtime was by buying commercials, why even bother sponsoring athletes? John "Ad astra per aspera" "A rough road leads to the stars"

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I didn’t see the coverage of the race but I can understand the frustration. It is however usually the opposite situation in sports broadcasting. Next summer watch the Olympic coverage in large field races (marathon, 10K.,ect.) and see how much time is given to non-American competitors. Tune in halfway through an event and you will think the American participant has the lead since that is who the cameras are on only to find that he/she may be minutes off the pace. Meanwhile all you may hear about the winner is their name and what country they are from when the award ceremony takes place. A bit more balance would probably make us all happy. Stephen

. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For the first IM in the US you thought they would give a wee bit of coverage to where the 1st AMERICAN finished!!!!!

Response:

Troy Jacobson did NOT race IMUSA. I saw him on a long run on the back side of the bike course, but he was there to cheer on his coaching prodigies only. He was prepping for IMC. Where he placed 7th I believe, and had the fastest bike split of the day. John

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: The only comment that I have on the coverage that was questionable was : the bike shot of Mr. Shapiro (the athlete with arthritis) where he was : opening his gel and spit the top out of his mouth onto the ground.  I Worse (as I recall it)!  He took it out of his mouth with his hand and then threw it to the side, so he wasn’t even getting the "efficiency" of a one-handed feeding!  I suspect he expended more energy flinging it than he would have tucking it into his jersey.  The only thing I could see that made me possibly less miffed was that he _might_ have been near an aid station, he did pass a few stationary people on foot at about that time.   But a casual viewer wouldn’t even guess that could be possible.  And what aid station volunteer wants to pick up Gu _tops_?  Picking up the packs is annoying enough. : no-no.  Don’t get me wrong, I know this happens all the time and I’m : kind of nit-picking, I just think it shouldn’t have been included in the : TV coverage.  I was wondering if anyone else caught that. Yeah, it’s nit picking but I caught it and was bothered too.  But I would rephrase the above to read "he shouldn’t have done it" rather than "shouldn’t have been included in the coverage".  To pretend it doesn’t happen won’t make the problem go away – I say embarrass us all, and maybe some will get the hint.   I’m no saint, I’ll discharge bottles and wrappers near aid stations, fling banana peels into the bushes, pee in the woods, etc.  But I certainly won’t throw sugar coated, colored foil bits in the middle of nowhere for wildlife to choke on.  I did a little 20 minute out and back run on Sunday morning on the Wildflower course this year, having done only the bike and run during the race due to an injury, and I picked up at least 40 gel/bar wrappers from a ‘pure trail’ part of the course, that could have been held for just another couple hundred yards and tossed close to civilization/at an aid station.  I was disgusted and decided I would be a little more responsible in the future. Wade

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I caught the trash spitting episode from the kid on the bike also and thought it was out of line.

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I was hoping to see some of Troy Jacobsen’s race, since I attended one of his workshops last spring.  I also wanted to see Peter Kotland and Jamey Yon, since they race here in North & South Carolina. They did give some nice coverage to Kristen Johnson. I also hoped to see Philip Carter, a 19-year old from Cary, NC, who was doing his 1st Ironman. — Bernie Hall                                            o                         __o          </_                         <        __ /       /o__      (0)  (0)           /

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he’s a heck of a nice guy and deserves something for his efforts as 1st american, as do his sponsors.

Sponsors get airtime by purchasing commercials.

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I have not seen the ESPN coverage. However, I was in Lake Placid for IMUSA and have worked in the past as a reporter for CBC TV in Canada on a number of triathlon races. Let me first say that triathlon races, in particular Ironman races are extremely difficult to capture on TV. First keep in mind that 8 plus hours of racing must be compressed into an hour or two on TV. Also camera’s are limited. This is not ABC Monday night football with 20 camera’s from every angle, so the range of shots that you will get out on the course is limited by the number of camera’s in use. Vaughn raises some good points, but with all due respect it is from the comfort of hindsight that we are seeing this. Before hand the producers will tend to go with the tried and true which tends to be the NBC-Hawaiian-model of focussing on a few pros and human interest stories and leaving the rest of the race/event out of it.This way when they are shooting on race day and then cutting editing and doing the sound-over commentary later on they know what they are dealing with. I am sure that they will try and cover extraordinary events should they arise(PNF dropping out at Lake Placid) and get film if and when they can. It’s tough too try and capture what’s going on all over an Ironman race course. It’s a bit unwieldy. Also, what to do when Hellreigel has a 25 minute lead? How do you make that exciting? All this being said though it is unfortunate that some athletes who had great races get next to zero coverage. Come from behind fast runners, such as Peter Kotland are often competely disregarded. I recall that a few years ago when Julie White finished second behind PNF at Ironman Hawaii, NBC completely ignored her. Her greateset race ever at the arguably biggest and most important race of the year and . .. nothing!! Of course we(the tri-crowd) would all like to watch the blow by blow race coverage live. Watch the pros. Watch the top age-groupers. Watch our friends. I don’t think that TV in North America will ever get there. May be in Europe. Here short of being there, the best bet is the Internet. Some of the "live" web coverage is impressive. Blow by blow text. Splits for the entire field within minutes of them finishing for each leg and sometimes even more splits during legs. Photos during the race and for some with the right computor equipment – live sound and video. John Litherland the Webmaster for the Ironman Canada website tells me that in a few years you will actually be able to make your own webcast of the race by putting together the digital images from all of the digital cameras out on the course. Steve Fleck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – figured i’d de-lurk a bit for this: i wasn’t at all surprised by the coverage, though i think their gratuitous use of kona footage was tiresome.   that said, i wasn’t satisfied, which is why i haven’t made watching the other IM events’ coverage a priority.  race-leader coverage is boring. i think following the three or four pro women involved in the action at IMUSA was good, however. the folks for whom i really feel bad are the pros who place anywhere from 3rd-10th.  these folks have good races, need support (see steve fleck’s comments about the state of the pro scene, re: isabelle gagnon) and could really use some tv time, which they deserve.  but the camera work is focused only on the leaders, so if you don’t get near enough to them, no airtime for you.   for example, peter kotland had one hell of a race, had his name mentioned for his killer marathon on a tough course, but never was seen.  he’s a heck of a nice guy and deserves something for his efforts as 1st american, as do his sponsors. an even better example is how invisible lothar leder has been at IMH, despite finishing 3rd the past 2 years. i was fortunate enough to be in this zone at IMUSA (i rode many miles with kotland before he dusted me on the run), but was totally invisible.  again, i wasn’t surprised, but the camerawork isn’t helping the people who could really use the airtime for sponsor incentives. anyway…the footage of the surrounding area hopefully tells you how great the area is for the race.  i hope to go back. cheers, vaughn — Vaughn Cooper                       Center for Microbial Ecology     Michigan State University             East Lansing, MI 48824     phone (517) 353-3953                   Head Coach, MSU Women’s Water Polo

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Any broadcast of triathlon whatsoever is a major fix for this tri-head.  I fasten on to each detail hungrily, noting the athlete, his/her position, the equipment, the sweat, especially the gorgeous swim shots.  I enjoy every minute of it.  But the other guy on the couch fell asleep.  So I unscrewed my tri-head, replaced it with my more sober mind, and took a considerably less knowledgeable look. The announcer, excellent Phil Ligget, said 1500 athletes: who are they? are they all professionals? how come it includes one person with a physical disability? why is he walking when the famous person can’t walk and has to be carted away in an ambulance? What are those wooly-looking sleeves for?  Is it cold? Is the wind blowing? Is it uphill or down? Who are those not-so-good-looking athletes toward the end?  Have they been in the race from the beginning? They know they can’t win against the half-dozen athletes we’ve seen, so why are they there?  How many winners are there?  Two?  What do they get for it? What do the other 1488 racers get?  Again, why are they there and who are they?  And, does this game have any rules?  Like position foul or blocking?  Do they get time off for eating, peeing? Are they allowed to scatter wrappers on the landscape? There were not as many commercials as I would have expected and they didn’t make it clear to me who the target audience is, but I would be surprised if they were reached by such an uninformative and unsuspensful program.  How can you clutch your seat in anticipation if you’ve only been told once at the beginning what the distances are and you don’t know at any point how far they’ve gone. Are there really spewing volcanoes in New York state? Ruth Kazez

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Correct me if I am wrong on this but I thought that the WTC produces the entire show, sells all the advertising and then "buys" the time from ESPN.  Notice the link to all the advertisers and the sponsors of the race.  I think ultimately the WTC has control over content.  In order to sell ad space, they need to produce the show for a wider demographic. Yes, indeed we are a captive audience but probably only make up a small % of the overall audience.  The advertisers pay for exposure to more than our small demographic.  They want to capture all of those armchair quaterbacks who were watching NFL preview, then interrupted by this crazy sport where we all run around in our speedos all day.  The hope being that some of them become inspired, get off the couch and start training.  The purpose of the ads are to link our lifestyles with the products they are selling.  If it works then we will soon be joined by ex armchair qb’s driving Isuzus, eating Ironman bars and working out at Bally’s wondering where all those babes from the commercials are. I’m not knocking it, I hope it is working, the more people involved in triathlon the better! The only comment that I have on the coverage that was questionable was the bike shot of Mr. Shapiro (the athlete with arthritis) where he was opening his gel and spit the top out of his mouth onto the ground.  I was in a room filled with athletes when this happened and we all cringed simutaneously.  (It was kind of funny)  We all know that littering is a no-no.  Don’t get me wrong, I know this happens all the time and I’m kind of nit-picking, I just think it shouldn’t have been included in the TV coverage.  I was wondering if anyone else caught that. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good comments – BUT – think of the reason for putting IMUSA on TV. It’s so ESPN can gain an audience for their commercials. I would think ESPN would have a hard time selling commericial airtime if they were to sell it like this – "we’ll show alot of people that no one knows about, talk alot about things nobody but triathletes understand or care about, and cover the people in the middle of the pack alot, who are less interesting than the people up front and the people in the very back". It’s not about what you individually want to see, they know guys like you and me are captive audience, and will watch no matter how it’s covered – they need to get to the people who won’t normally watch – and featuring the mutant superfriends up front is what the masses like to watch. I’d have loved to see the age groupers, and the nearly up and comers, but I doubt ESPN can sell coverage like that. NBC maybe can. figured i’d de-lurk a bit for this: i wasn’t at all surprised by the coverage, though i think their gratuitous use of kona footage was tiresome. that said, i wasn’t satisfied, which is why i haven’t made watching the other IM events’ coverage a priority.  race-leader coverage is boring. i think following the three or four pro women involved in the action at IMUSA was good, however. the folks for whom i really feel bad are the pros who place anywhere from 3rd-10th.  these folks have good races, need support (see steve fleck’s comments about the state of the pro scene, re: isabelle gagnon) and could really use some tv time, which they deserve.  but the camera work is focused only on the leaders, so if you don’t get near enough to them, no airtime for you. for example, peter kotland had one hell of a race, had his name mentioned for his killer marathon on a tough course, but never was seen.  he’s a heck of a nice guy and deserves something for his efforts as 1st american, as do his sponsors. an even better example is how invisible lothar leder has been at IMH, despite finishing 3rd the past 2 years. i was fortunate enough to be in this zone at IMUSA (i rode many miles with kotland before he dusted me on the run), but was totally invisible.  again, i wasn’t surprised, but the camerawork isn’t helping the people who could really use the airtime for sponsor incentives. anyway…the footage of the surrounding area hopefully tells you how great the area is for the race.  i hope to go back.

Response:

I caught the trash spitting too, but then noticed that it appeared to be at one of the aid stations, where we all threw our cups and other wrappers too. I kind of thought it was OK to do that at the aid stations, because they had trash removal crews picking up that kind of stuff. However, you had to watch really closely to discern that it was at an aid station (it might not have been but it looked that way to me). I cringed at bit when I first saw it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only comment that I have on the coverage that was questionable was the bike shot of Mr. Shapiro (the athlete with arthritis) where he was opening his gel and spit the top out of his mouth onto the ground.  I was in a room filled with athletes when this happened and we all cringed simutaneously.  (It was kind of funny)  We all know that littering is a no-no.  Don’t get me wrong, I know this happens all the time and I’m kind of nit-picking, I just think it shouldn’t have been included in the TV coverage.  I was wondering if anyone else caught that. Good comments – BUT – think of the reason for putting IMUSA on TV. It’s so ESPN can gain an audience for their commercials. I would think ESPN would have a hard time selling commericial airtime if they were to sell it like this – "we’ll show alot of people that no one knows about, talk alot about things nobody but triathletes understand or care about, and cover the people in the middle of the pack alot, who are less interesting than the people up front and the people in the very back". It’s not about what you individually want to see, they know guys like you and me are captive audience, and will watch no matter how it’s covered – they need to get to the people who won’t normally watch – and featuring the mutant superfriends up front is what the masses like to watch. I’d have loved to see the age groupers, and the nearly up and comers, but I doubt ESPN can sell coverage like that. NBC maybe can. figured i’d de-lurk a bit for this: i wasn’t at all surprised by the coverage, though i think their gratuitous use of kona footage was tiresome. that said, i wasn’t satisfied, which is why i haven’t made watching the other IM events’ coverage a priority.  race-leader coverage is boring. i think following the three or four pro women involved in the action at IMUSA was good, however. the folks for whom i really feel bad are the pros who place anywhere from 3rd-10th.  these folks have good races, need support (see steve fleck’s comments about the state of the pro scene, re: isabelle gagnon) and could really use some tv time, which they deserve.  but the camera work is focused only on the leaders, so if you don’t get near enough to them, no airtime for you. for example, peter kotland had one hell of a race, had his name mentioned for his killer marathon on a tough course, but never was seen.  he’s a heck of a nice guy and deserves something for his efforts as 1st american, as do his sponsors. an even better example is how invisible lothar leder has been at IMH, despite finishing 3rd the past 2 years. i was fortunate enough to be in this zone at IMUSA (i rode many miles with kotland before he dusted me on the run), but was totally invisible.  again, i wasn’t surprised, but the camerawork isn’t helping the people who could really use the airtime for sponsor incentives. anyway…the footage of the surrounding area hopefully tells you how great the area is for the race.  i hope to go back.

Response:

Schwing, I didn’t expect to see, or even request, footage of MOPers.  I’d like to see some of that, sure, but it’ll never happen.  What I’m saying is that there was a damned fine race for  3rd-10th places in the pro divisions, and these athletes were invisible to the viewing audience.  They usually are, and a good example of this is Leder, whom I mentioned previously.   I actually think seeing some of the action I saw in the top 10 of the men’s field would be exciting for the viewers, if only in 15 second snippets.  No doubt the women’s race was pretty good as well.  Passes during the marathon are usually pretty dramatic, as far as triathlon goes.  This would include the "mutant superfriends up front," and as a side effect help their pro careers. Cheers, Vaughn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good comments – BUT – think of the reason for putting IMUSA on TV. It’s so ESPN can gain an audience for their commercials. I would think ESPN would have a hard time selling commericial airtime if they were to sell it like this – "we’ll show alot of people that no one knows about, talk alot about things nobody but triathletes understand or care about, and cover the people in the middle of the pack alot, who are less interesting than the people up front and the people in the very back". It’s not about what you individually want to see, they know guys like you and me are captive audience, and will watch no matter how it’s covered – they need to get to the people who won’t normally watch – and featuring the mutant superfriends up front is what the masses like to watch. I’d have loved to see the age groupers, and the nearly up and comers, but I doubt ESPN can sell coverage like that. NBC maybe can.

– Vaughn Cooper                   Center for Microbial Ecology     Michigan State University             East Lansing, MI 48824     phone (517) 353-3953                   Head Coach, MSU Women’s Water Polo

Response:

Good comments – BUT – think of the reason for putting IMUSA on TV. It’s so ESPN can gain an audience for their commercials. I would think ESPN would have a hard time selling commericial airtime if they were to sell it like this – "we’ll show alot of people that no one knows about, talk alot about things nobody but triathletes understand or care about, and cover the people in the middle of the pack alot, who are less interesting than the people up front and the people in the very back". It’s not about what you individually want to see, they know guys like you and me are captive audience, and will watch no matter how it’s covered – they need to get to the people who won’t normally watch – and featuring the mutant superfriends up front is what the masses like to watch. I’d have loved to see the age groupers, and the nearly up and comers, but I doubt ESPN can sell coverage like that. NBC maybe can.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – figured i’d de-lurk a bit for this: i wasn’t at all surprised by the coverage, though i think their gratuitous use of kona footage was tiresome. that said, i wasn’t satisfied, which is why i haven’t made watching the other IM events’ coverage a priority.  race-leader coverage is boring. i think following the three or four pro women involved in the action at IMUSA was good, however. the folks for whom i really feel bad are the pros who place anywhere from 3rd-10th.  these folks have good races, need support (see steve fleck’s comments about the state of the pro scene, re: isabelle gagnon) and could really use some tv time, which they deserve.  but the camera work is focused only on the leaders, so if you don’t get near enough to them, no airtime for you. for example, peter kotland had one hell of a race, had his name mentioned for his killer marathon on a tough course, but never was seen.  he’s a heck of a nice guy and deserves something for his efforts as 1st american, as do his sponsors. an even better example is how invisible lothar leder has been at IMH, despite finishing 3rd the past 2 years. i was fortunate enough to be in this zone at IMUSA (i rode many miles with kotland before he dusted me on the run), but was totally invisible.  again, i wasn’t surprised, but the camerawork isn’t helping the people who could really use the airtime for sponsor incentives. anyway…the footage of the surrounding area hopefully tells you how great the area is for the race.  i hope to go back. cheers, vaughn — Vaughn Cooper Center for Microbial Ecology Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824     phone (517) 353-3953 Head Coach, MSU Women’s Water Polo

Response:

Was it  me or did the ESPN showing of IM USA leave something to be desired? For the first IM in the US you thought they would give a wee bit of coverage to where the 1st AMERICAN finished!!!!!  I think they need to sorely revamp their formula for broadcasts…..they’re losing their appeal. —

Response:

I think maybe you’re expecting a lot. As one of the participants I was enthused to see the place where I earned the title "Ironman". I was amazed at the mess that was the swim start and couldn’t believe I was in the middle of all that thrashing yet only came into contact with a few people. It was fascinating for me to see the swim and the broadcast was the only way for me to even get a glimpse of the people that were in the front of the race! Hellreigel was finishing just as I was getting off of the bike. It wasn’t NBC’s broadcast of Hawaii but if that’s what you were expecting then you haven’t seen too many ESPN Ironman broadcasts. They did race leader coverage, not age group coverage. No matter what you thought of it, you _did_ watch, so as far as ESPN is concerned you watched the commercials too – they were successful in their attempt to get an audience. My girlfriend had a few valuable comments: 1. She couldn’t believe she was actually interested in watching a triathlon on TV. 2. She thought it was a waste to show so many head shots of the leaders, and wanted more technical info – how fast were they going? What gears did they use? How did they train? What was the temperature? She wanted more long shots of the leaders with people behind them, not just the side view of their face. I’ve gotten so used to seeing the standard coverage that my expectations kept me from wanting those other things. Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Was it  me or did the ESPN showing of IM USA leave something to be desired? For the first IM in the US you thought they would give a wee bit of coverage to where the 1st AMERICAN finished!!!!!  I think they need to sorely revamp their formula for broadcasts…..they’re losing their appeal. —

Response:

figured i’d de-lurk a bit for this: i wasn’t at all surprised by the coverage, though i think their gratuitous use of kona footage was tiresome.   that said, i wasn’t satisfied, which is why i haven’t made watching the other IM events’ coverage a priority.  race-leader coverage is boring. i think following the three or four pro women involved in the action at IMUSA was good, however. the folks for whom i really feel bad are the pros who place anywhere from 3rd-10th.  these folks have good races, need support (see steve fleck’s comments about the state of the pro scene, re: isabelle gagnon) and could really use some tv time, which they deserve.  but the camera work is focused only on the leaders, so if you don’t get near enough to them, no airtime for you.   for example, peter kotland had one hell of a race, had his name mentioned for his killer marathon on a tough course, but never was seen.  he’s a heck of a nice guy and deserves something for his efforts as 1st american, as do his sponsors. an even better example is how invisible lothar leder has been at IMH, despite finishing 3rd the past 2 years. i was fortunate enough to be in this zone at IMUSA (i rode many miles with kotland before he dusted me on the run), but was totally invisible.  again, i wasn’t surprised, but the camerawork isn’t helping the people who could really use the airtime for sponsor incentives. anyway…the footage of the surrounding area hopefully tells you how great the area is for the race.  i hope to go back. cheers, vaughn — Vaughn Cooper                   Center for Microbial Ecology     Michigan State University             East Lansing, MI 48824     phone (517) 353-3953                   Head Coach, MSU Women’s Water Polo

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Question:

Does a nice German mate could tell me where i could find a list of races in the country of Ironmen. Does the handbook of the Deutch Triathlon Federation has already been released? Could you give me the address of the Deutch Federation? It’ll be nice Thanks in advance…

Response:

Does a nice German mate could tell me where i could find a list of races in the country of Ironmen. Does the handbook of the Deutch Triathlon Federation has already been released? Could you give me the address of the Deutch Federation? It’ll be nice Thanks in advance…

Rey, the handbook has already been released. I don’t know how requests from abroad are handled, but perhaps you can contact the distributor MEYER www.meyer-meyer-sports.com) The DTU (our federation) runs a www site (www.dtu.org), but many of the links (including the race list) are not yet activated ( You can also get some more information about races in certain regions of Germany on the www-sites of our regional federations: Baden Wuertemberg: home.t-online.de/home/bwtv-triathlon Bremen: home.t-online.de/home/bremer.triaverband/index.htm Nordrhein-Westfalen: www.elisa.de/wtv Sachsen Anhalt: www.sachsen.anhalt-sued.de Rheinland-Pfalz: www.uni-trier.de/infos/triathlon/rtv.htm Bavaria (will be launched within the next few weeks): www.baytria.de this list is not complete but perhaps better than nothing ! Have fun coming to Germany, the REAL home of the iron(wo)men Burkhard — Triathlon in North Bavaria: http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/1219/index.htm

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Hi, I’ll try to give you the information you need. First of all the Adress of the Deutsche Triathlon Union e.V. Otto-Fleck-Schneise 12 D-60528 Frankfurt http://www.dtu.org Perhaps you could get a list of races there. If you dont, ask at to send you the November/Dezember-issue of the Magazine "Triathlon Duathlon". There you’ll find all German races. Could you by the way tell me any adress where I can get the french races, including the small ones?

Response:

Hello triathlon friends in Europe http://www.dtu.org is a nice address, but there’s almost an empty The European calendar of the most important events is available on: http://www.etu.org For Switzerland, here two good sources: http://www.trisuisse.ch http://www.ironman.ch Best wishes Philippe MARTIN – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’ll try to give you the information you need. First of all the Adress of the Deutsche Triathlon Union e.V. Otto-Fleck-Schneise 12 D-60528 Frankfurt http://www.dtu.org Perhaps you could get a list of races there. If you dont, ask at to send you the November/Dezember-issue of the Magazine "Triathlon Duathlon". There you’ll find all German races. Could you by the way tell me any adress where I can get the french races, including the small ones?

–                         _\|//_                        (‘ 0-0 ‘)  | Philippe MARTIN         Netz und Netzdienste             |  | COOP Schweiz            Tel ++41 61 825 40 32 (41)       |  | Muttenzerstrasse 143    Fax ++41 61 825 40 11            |

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Question:

did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up!

That is quite a decision based on one race performance. If we all gave up just because we had a bad race there would be no triathletes at all. If your life seems too full to train for tris, maybe you should give up teaching the aerobics classes to have that time for your training. You are just in a slump. Big deal. It happens. Ken

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I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week.

Wow. I’m impressed. What a schedule. Too bad you can’t compete in this venue. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it.

This attitude is important if this is the way you *really* feel A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards.

OK. What did you do to prepare for the race. How many hours/day/week do you work on tri-specific exercises? Looks like a lot of mini-brick workouts to me. With these distances I think your training might need to be pretty specific for you to perform well and finish the race with a smile on your face. If your goal is a top % finish, then feeling like crap afterwards is sometimes the price you pay. Depends on what you really want. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training,

Don’t give up! It takes a while to learn this game. What are you doing in training? Given your schedule, it’s gotta be fun for you too. I use my training to give the brain a break. Fitness and triathlon are just nice benefits. Attitude is key. Jeff.

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I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it.

1)  You are amazing. 2)  Keep your last 7 words above in your mind at all times.  They run headlong into your subsequent words, "I did a lousy time…and felt like crap afterwards."  If you are doing the race for fun, what difference does your time make?  Then you also talk about "I’m not achieving my full potential."  Really sounds like you just need to get your priorities settled. My $.02:  Don’t do "Double Super-Sprints".  The entire purpose of such an event is to "see who can go the fastest!"  Such races are all about speed, not about the fun of participating and finishing.  The focus on speed puts a lot of pressure on you to "perform", not participate and enjoy.  Who needs that pressure?  Certainly not you, you have an extremely full (and obviously fulfilling) life already.   Do regular sprint-distance events (the 750/20/5 you spoke of sounds great) and don’t put any pressure on yourself.  Do it to finish, to enjoy the thrill of completing the distance.  If that is not enough to satisfy your competitive urges, then it sounds like you might want to make some choices about exchanging some of those aerobic classes you’re teaching for a few extra tri-specific workouts. Good luck! Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www-leland.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

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No pearls of wisdom, but here’s my .02 for you… Don’t judge your potential from your experience with a Double Super-Sprint. IMHO these things are designed with one thing in mind, to make you feel like crap (especially the second swim!) and are not directly comparable. Stick with the "traditional" format races for the time being, as they are easier to design/schedule your training program around. Hope that helps — but don’t give up!! — MB. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it. A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potential. Obviously, I’m in a bit of a mess! Does anybody have any pearls of wisdom for me??  THANKS!!!

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I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it. A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potential. Obviously, I’m in a bit of a mess! Does anybody have any pearls of wisdom for me??  THANKS!!!

Let’s just say I know how you feel. My daughter is seven weeks old. 1997-98 was to be my third season of racing – the one where I finally determined to overcome my fear of open water swimming.  With all the stuff I’ve been through in the last eight months – new job, move to Sydney from Canberra (with four months apart from my then-pregnant girlfriend and weekly Sydney-Canberra commutes on the weekend), *really* hopeless training over winter with the associated weight gain (7-8kg), low-level injury (slight achilles tendonitis) related to training with the extra weight. I’ve never raced anything longer than a 750/20/5 (Canberra Saucony race 1997) and rarely finish higher than 1/3 of the way down the field (and likely never will).  My swimming leaves a *great deal* to be desired and I have my doubts that I will be really ready for my only tri of the season (Sri Chinmoy Sprint on Feb 21).  I *do* intend to try to complete the PowerMan Australia (8/60/8) at Bowral on March 8 – at least there’s no swim! My training currently is not great, but is improving.  I’m finding it hard to swim (simply because I’m a crappy swimmer) and hard to run (‘cos the tendonitis hurts) but not having too much of a problem with the bike work. Fitting this in around what I see as my responsibilities to the baby and Alli (my partner) in terms of trying to take a load off once I finish work in the evenings is pretty tough (I tend to use my guilt over not caring for the baby as an excuse not to train despite the fact that Alli gets on my case about training and the fat I’ve gained). I guess what I’m trying to say is I know how you feel and know where you’re coming from in terms of the low motivation.  All I can say is keep at it – even in a small way.  I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I’m going to have a low-key, low-achieving season, but that I *really* need to boost my training attitude regardless in order to have a worthwhile winter and 1998-99 season. Good Luck! Steve PS Call or e-mail me anytime for some motivation.  Hopefully I’ll motivate myself in the process. |                Stephen "Trib" Collins               | |      Website Analyst/Programmer – Tech Pacific      | |    55 Mentmore Avenue ROSEBERY NSW 2018 Australia   | | Ph +61 2 93816618 Fx +61 2 99186699 Cel 0418 251865 | | Do a Tri, try a Du!  o    The best view of one’s    | |             __o     <|   soul is from beyond the   | |           _ < _    _     edge, looking back…    | | __^o_    (_)/ (_)    /       DRAFTING SUCKS!        |

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but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potentia

Don’t sweat one race,, it gets to all of us,, I had a rather disappoint year once,, but I just liked doing tri’s and the people doing tri’s so I hung in.. I work nights 10 hrs and have two very active and busy daughters to watch, plus a house to take care of.. here’s a couple of tips that worked for me.    Try for quality workouts not to worry so much about distances and quotas.. a hard workout gets you more than several easy ones. Rest.. yea you need it and deserve it. Working out when you’re exhausted is a waste of time. Eat well,,even when you run around a lot. Get a running stroller and spend time with your child..Kids love it !!  And mostly,, go on with life,, you have the rest of your life to race. Me personally,, I plan to be the best 100 yr. old there is..Maybe some of my competition will drop out by then.. Al Kormesser ps.. Good Luck and Have fun !

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I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it. A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potential. Obviously, I’m in a bit of a mess! Does anybody have any pearls of wisdom for me??  THANKS!!!

Response:

No pearls of wisdom here, but hopefully some helpful feedback. First off, keep up the great work! Remember that you do these things for "the fun of it".  The fact that you are able to even complete a race with such a hectic schedule and so many responsibilities is an accomplishment in itself. I don’t know from experience, but many of my friends have told me that training is a completely different experience once there are children in the picture. I personally can’t even imagine how that’s possible.  I admire anyone that is able to work, raise a child, and find _any_ time to train, whether it’s triathlon or some other sport. On another note, we all have bad races once in a while.  In fact, for some of us its an ongoing thing .  Going through the process of having a bad race, sulking over it a while, analyzing it, and finally laying out a plan to assure that the same mishap doesn’t happen again, for me, is all part of the sport. Perhaps you do need more training, maybe with all your commitments you should lower your expectations a little, possibly establish a reward system, read some motivational sayings, etc., etc.  My point is that there are so many different aspects to doing triathlons and motivation, and athletics in general, that focusing on one small race isn’t worth the concern.  Instead look at the big picture:  your reasons for doing triathlons. I believe that everyone, sooner or later, goes through a race during which they have to think to themselves:  "Why am I doing this? I know that I have, in fact there was a race I can remember where I asked myself this and I couldn’t answer the question.  That was a horrible day, but I finished and it helped with my motivation in the future.  After that race I was able to refocus on what was important to me and my experiences have all been positive in the post-disaster race time period. It sounds as though this may have been that sort of race for you.  The fact that you finished speaks volumes about your character.  You want to do this, not to race against other, or perhaps even against the clock.  You must enjoy the satisfaction that is derived simply from finishing.  Remember this, it will help to keep the other things in perspective. I just think that sometimes we forget how much dedication it actually takes to do this activity.  Not just in training physically, but mentally, especially with all the other commitments that we have.  Don’t forget that, rejoice in it, use it as an additional boost. Well, enough of my ramblings, I hope this is of some help to you and anyone else who is reading it. I would also like to get some good therapy out of this myself. I would like to hear others opinions on motivation, and the like. Specifically: How many of you have asked yourself during a race:  "Why am I doing this?" How many times (in the past couple of years)? What did you answer (if you could)? Did you finish the race? Thanks in advance for any input. Jeff Larson University of Wisconsin-Madison Triathlon Team says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m an Aussie Tri geek looking for some advice. I’m in about my 3rd season of doing little races, (300/8/2 or a little longer…) I have a full time job, a 20 month old baby, and I teach 7 Aerobics classes a week. I try to squeeze in what training I can, but more or less I race for the fun of it. A few days ago, I completed my first "Double- Super-Sprint", 300/8/2/300/8/2… It was a lot harder than I expected, I did a lousy time, (finished in the last 25%, where last year I would have been in the top 30% os so…) and felt like crap afterwards. I had planned to try my first longer race , (750/20/5) in a few weeks time, but now I just feel like giving the whole thing up! I know I’m probably not doing enough in training, but I don’t feel like doing it if I know I’m not achieving my full potential. Obviously, I’m in a bit of a mess! Does anybody have any pearls of wisdom for me??  THANKS!!!

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Question:

The August 9 event in Buffalo may be an invitation event. There is prize money. Check out the Buffalo Multi Sport web page for details. www.transitiontimes.com/b/bmssrace.htm The Buffalo Triathlon Club also has a web page. e-mail the president at: Ed

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As luck would have it, I’ll be in Rochester NY on the weekend of August 10 on business (yes, I have to do something to stay busy between workouts!) and will miss the North Carolina Triathlon at home.  Any chance of a tri or du in the Rochester area that weekend?

Aug 9 in Buffalo – the WNY super sprint triathlon championship. Visit the Buffalo Triathlon Club’s web site at: www.transitiontimes.com/bmss.htm for more details on this race and others in WNY. See you there.

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As luck would have it, I’ll be in Rochester NY on the weekend of August 10 on business (yes, I have to do something to stay busy between workouts!) and will miss the North Carolina Triathlon at home.  Any chance of a tri or du in the Rochester area that weekend?

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As luck would have it, I’ll be in Rochester NY on the weekend of August 10 on business (yes, I have to do something to stay busy between workouts!) and will miss the North Carolina Triathlon at home.  Any chance of a tri or du in the Rochester area that weekend?

Marty, I hope this helps.  Sorry for the spacing, I just cut and pasted. Mike BUFFALO MULTI-SPORT SERIES                                                         4779 NORTH BAILEY AVENUE                                 AMHERST, NY 14226 RACE HEADQUARTERS: PHONE (716) 862-9336                                                    EMAIL: WESTERN NEW YORK BTC SUPER-SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP and BMI TRI-PRIX triple SPRINT 0800 am / elite: 09:00 am                                                   Location: Evangola State Park, Evans, NY                                                Super-Sprint: BTC RACE 500m S, 14k B, 3k R                                                   Sr. Youth: .300m Swim, 10k Bike, 2k Run                                           Distances: Elite-BMITRI-PRIX SPRINT championship                                            ELITE: stage I: 200m S-100m R-200m S, 8k.B, 2k R                                                 stage II: 2k R, 200m S-100m R-200m S, 8k B                                                 stage III 8k B, 2k R, 200m S-100m R-200m S                                                                Schedule of Events                               Friday, 08 August, packet pick-up and registration 4-8 PM House of Wheels.                        Saturday, 09 August, packet pick-up and registration at House of Wheels from 10-6 PM.                                                         Sunday, 10 August, Race Start:                                              Buffalo Triathlon Club Super-Sprint begins: 0800                                                           Elites – stage I : appx.:0900                               Stages II and III: Begins 10 minutes after final competitor crosses finish line.                                            -ELITE Field limited to ~20 qualified entrants!!! M/F                                                         -ELITE race is drafting legal!!!                -FAST, BURNING ACTION!!! Watch the elites and learn how they do it. Ask the elites after the race- tri. clinic.                                        -Camping available at Evangola State Park: 1-800-456-CAMP                                                         -Great Beach Party and awards

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Question:

I’m planning to go training to Lanzarote or To Fuerteventura next February for two weeks. Have someboby been there ? Are there roads safe enough ? Is it good place for Triathlete to ride a bike ? I’m not very interested about swimming there, only the cykling. Please give some advice where to go to train in February or march.

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Bjarne Riis trained there before TdF…it is certainly a nice place to improve then )) I have an address at home concerning facilities to train there, hotels, food etc… I can mail it tomorrow if you wish… Francois PS nonetheless I have heard that in february it is often very windy… — *** Any opinion expressed above is strictly my own. *** Disclaimer: I said this. My company didn’t.

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Question:

Shea, this may seem crude but it works for me. I stop, bend over towards the side that hurts. With both hands, grab as much as your skin and innards as you can (just below the rib cage). Hold for several seconds and then resume.This may be psycological, but I feel like I’m squeezing the gas out of the painful spot. Hope it works for you. You may be able to help me now. In the first 26.2  mi. marathon, the race was from Windsor Castle to Whitecity Stadium (the king’s reviewing box was inside the stadium). Is Whitecity Stadium still in existence? If so, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. Any thoughts? ER, AMTV, Triathlon! http://www.cisfi28.demon.co.uk/

it located in London? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. Any thoughts? ER, AMTV, Triathlon! http://www.cisfi28.demon.co.uk/

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. Any thoughts? ER, AMTV, Triathlon! http://www.cisfi28.demon.co.uk/

– I had a running instructor in college suggest that I take one breath from the chest and the next breath from the abdomen.  I have a fairly steady rhythym now, but if I start developing a stitch, I try to hold air in my abdomen longer, and work to release it very slowly; there is still pain as it slowly subsides but it’s bearable.

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Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. Any thoughts?

Personally, if I need to leave at a minimum 90 minutes after eating. But I normally leave about 2 hours and it is rare that I get a stitch. If I left 60 minutes I could guarantee myself a stitch. I normally run before dinner so it is easy for me, I just don’t eat after 3:00 at work. I’d recommend trying a run after 2 hours after eating and seeing how that goes. Also the fitter you get, the less stiches you get. Cheers… — Tommy Haywood;

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| | Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in | the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I | generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but | even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. | This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few | minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. | | Any thoughts? Only based on experience and not scientific study, I find that a wait of at least three hours after eating is needed to avoid the nasty stitch.  With that I never have them.  When I’ve slipped up on occasion, I get ‘em. Dick Chimenti

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | | Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in | the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I | generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but | even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. | This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few | minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. | | Any thoughts? Only based on experience and not scientific study, I find that a wait of at least three hours after eating is needed to avoid the nasty stitch.  With that I never have them.  When I’ve slipped up on occasion, I get ‘em. Dick Chimenti

There can be several reasons for stitches.  But the most common one is speed. Next time when you go on your run, and start feeling that strange feeling that you are going to get a stitch, reduce your speed.  Run at that speed for sometime, and see how it feels.  It is my experience that it generally feels much better.   If it does not help, try this:  when you are having a stitch, generally on the left side just below your ribs, exhale while landing your right foot.  Try this drill for sometime.  If the stitch continues, stop.  Dig your fingers into the stitch hard, and bend forward.  Stay there for a while (like 10 seconds).  It helps. Last summer, while I was increasing my miles and speed for my marathon training, initially I frequently had stitches after about an hour into run.  I tried all the steps listed above but no luck. Then I realized that the reason for the stitches is that I was dehydrated.   In your case, if you are not getting those late in the run, try some of these tricks.  As a long term goal, try strengthening your abs, it will help you. Ashutosh

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | | Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in | the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I | generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but | even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. | This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few | minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. | | Any thoughts? Only based on experience and not scientific study, I find that a wait of at least three hours after eating is needed to avoid the nasty stitch.  With that I never have them.  When I’ve slipped up on occasion, I get ‘em. Dick Chimenti

I’ve heard/read more about the causes of stiches than I care to mention. The bottom line is this:  In *my opinion* the root cause is too much food in the stomach for the run.  Even if you wait several hours after eating, if you ate a lot of high fat foods you’ll still get them because most of it is still in the stomach.  I, personally, have never gotten a stitch on an empty stomach, regardless of the pace. —- JAM

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A friend of mine who is an avid runner suggested that to avoid a stich, inhale into that portion of your somach where you feel a stich starting. When I inhale into my stomach from the start of the run, I have always avoided painful stiches. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | | Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in | the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I | generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but | even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. | This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few | minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. | | Any thoughts? Only based on experience and not scientific study, I find that a wait of at least three hours after eating is needed to avoid the nasty stitch.  With that I never have them.  When I’ve slipped up on occasion, I get ‘em. Dick Chimenti There can be several reasons for stitches.  But the most common one is speed. Next time when you go on your run, and start feeling that strange feeling that you are going to get a stitch, reduce your speed.  Run at that speed for sometime, and see how it feels.  It is my experience that it generally feels much better.   If it does not help, try this:  when you are having a stitch, generally on the left side just below your ribs, exhale while landing your right foot. Try this drill for sometime.  If the stitch continues, stop.  Dig your fingers into the stitch hard, and bend forward.  Stay there for a while (like 10 seconds).  It helps. Last summer, while I was increasing my miles and speed for my marathon training, initially I frequently had stitches after about an hour into run.  I tried all the steps listed above but no luck. Then I realized that the reason for the stitches is that I was dehydrated.   In your case, if you are not getting those late in the run, try some of these tricks.  As a long term goal, try strengthening your abs, it will help you. Ashutosh

Response:

Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. Any thoughts? ER, AMTV, Triathlon! http://www.cisfi28.demon.co.uk/

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Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in

Shea- How long have you been running? How far/how fast do you go?You might try slowing down-on a normal training workout, you should have enough wind to be able to talk.  Any faster and you’re doing an anaerobic workout, not aerobic. You may not llok like an Olympic marathoner when going slow, but it gets the job done. Pick up the pace as your aerobic capacity improves.  If it’s occasional, you might try taking the fold of skin between your nose and upper lip and pinching it between your thumb and forefinger-it’s an accupressure point or something. It works for some people.  Hope this helps.  Stay with it! Scott Hoffman no sig today.

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Shea, this may seem crude but it works for me. I stop, bend over towards the side that hurts. With both hands, grab as much as your skin and innards as you can (just below the rib cage). Hold for several seconds and then resume.This may be psycological, but I feel like I’m squeezing the gas out of the painful spot. Hope it works for you. You may be able to help me now. In the first 26.2  mi. marathon, the race was from Windsor Castle to Whitecity Stadium (the king’s reviewing box was inside the stadium). Is Whitecity Stadium still in existence? If so, where? If not, where was it located in London? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Probably 2 out of every 3 times I run, I get a fairly painful stich in the side of my stomach. Does anyone know how stiches can be avoided? I generally wait at least 60 minutes after eating before running, but even on days when I’ve waited a lot longer, I still get a nasty stich. This evening it was so painful I had to stop running for a few minutes, and towards the end of the run I felt a bit dizzy/sick. Any thoughts? ER, AMTV, Triathlon! http://www.cisfi28.demon.co.uk/

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It has allso been my experience that speed is the couse of my stich problem. When I run hard and my breathing gets out of control I sometimes get them. My sugestion is reduce your speed or PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BREATHING !! Good luck Abraham

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Only based on experience and not scientific study, I find that a wait of at least three hours after eating is needed to avoid the nasty stitch.  With that I never have them.  When I’ve slipped up on occasion, I get ‘em. Dick Chimenti I’ve heard/read more about the causes of stiches than I care to mention. The bottom line is this:  In *my opinion* the root cause is too much food in the stomach for the run.  Even if you wait several hours after eating, if you ate a lot of high fat foods you’ll still get them because most of it is still in the stomach.  I, personally, have never gotten a stitch on an empty stomach, regardless of the pace. —- JAM

Then again, there are those of us who don’t get stitches based on food in the stomach. I can run after a moderate meal with no problems whatsoever. My stitches are related to breathing patterns and intensity. Go figure. TriBop 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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Question:

 Anyone out there do the New England Ironman race in September?  I think  this race replaced the Martha’s Vineyard and I was interested in how it  went, what the course and weather was like etc.  Any help would be  appreciated.  Thanks.

Hi There,         Well I was there so here goes.         Well race morning was a bit chilly even by NE standards in September, it was in the mid 30’s, burrrrrrr! but that made the water feel all the warmer being at the mid to upper 60’s depending on who you got the temp. from. As you can tell by the temps. a fog delay was unavoidable, the 7AM stard was delayed til about 8:10. We were all COLD by the time we went off. Just to make it fun whan the fog lifted the wind picked up for a nice chop on the water. After the cool start the day turned out nice with the temp in the 65 to 70 deg. range.         All you can say about the bike coarse was it is hilly, but nice trees and stuff, a real nice coarse. Me I packed it in about 70 miles or so with a flat, and blew my spare with my co2 cart. Oh well.         The "kinder gentler run" although  I didn’t do it was not any kinder than the old Endurance run of 1991, just my oppinion.         Only 175 athletes did the Endurance and another 600 or so I am told did the other 2 races. Rich Havens puts on a nice event.         Thinking about next year? See ya Wayne

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Anyone out there do the New England Ironman race in September?  I think this race replaced the Martha’s Vineyard and I was interested in how it went, what the course and weather was like etc.  Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

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I was at the New England Triathlon Festival up at Lake Sunapee, NH two weeks ago for the races. Time-out Productions put on three separate races, an Olympic, a long (1 m sw, 45 m b, 9.3 m r), and the Ironman. The Ironman started about an hour late due to fog on the lake, and the first swimmer was out of the water in just over 48 minutes, with a *huge* lead on the rest of the pack. I raced the long course, so I’m not sure how the rest of the Ironman race went. The bike course was a very hilly 5 loops around the lake, and the run consisted of a long 2+ mile incline on the way back to the finish at around mile 16-18. I did see the two leaders on the run, at about mile 20, and it was still pretty close, although I don’t know who eventually won. John Martinez

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