Question:

Greetings, rec.runners. Please tell us about your training week and goals.

Mon:  40min aquarunning Tue:  40min with slightly increasing pace Wed:  1.5hrs steady state pace Thu   strength exercises, serious stretching Fri:  20min warmup, 20×80m (sic!), 20min easy Sat:  2.0hrs steady state pace Sun:  rest Feeling a bit strange; my leg seems to be fine, in fact better than ever, but somehow I don

Question:

I went to a camp Bodyzen put on in April 2002. The camp was awesome and so is Bodyzen. It was a mix of hard work and fun. I was totally impressed with the way everyone was treated. The coaches worked hard and I felt alot of individual training was given to me. Instead of focusing on the time they are holding the camp, try focusing on the fact they are having one. They are offering something that is truely special.

Response:

Stupid time to have it – after the kids are in school. On the othe other hand, maybe they are trying to attract only childless folk who don’t teach in schools or universities, or other ancillary folk, such as medical staff, who have school year duties. Dumb.

Response:

WOW, you sound like just the kind of person who needs to come to our camp. We have a whole section on how to think positive and stay focused. It sounds like you have a lot going on in your life and need a little vacation time to address some positive things. Many athletes don’t have kids and are flexible enough to attend our great camps and clinics. Maybe you could pass on to your kids some of your great wisdom or even use some of ours, for instance..if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all! I’d like to even extend you a discount to our camp in hopes that we can help you become a better athlete and person. Be well my friend and stay positive! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stupid time to have it – after the kids are in school. On the othe other hand, maybe they are trying to attract only childless folk who don’t teach in schools or universities, or other ancillary folk, such as medical staff, who have school year duties. Dumb.

Response:

Come join other multi sport enthusiasts for a six-day all-inclusive training camp catering to the middle and long distance athlete. Daily sessions will include swimming, cycling, running as well as mental skills training, proper biomechanics and nutrition. Each day will begin with breakfast on the house and end with a rejuvenating massage. We will take full advantage of the mountains in North Carolina and will ride the very same mountains where Lance Armstrong rode his best Tour Dupont. The highlight of the training camp will be a Body Zen Triathlon with a distance between Olympic and Half Ironman. The friendly and knowledgeable staff of BodyZen Multi Sport Coaching will host this unique training camp. All the coaches will be USAT/USCF Level 2 coaches. Price includes spacious room with view of the Great Smoky Mountains, breakfast each day, daily massage, unlimited Life O2 Super Oxygenated water, one box of Clif Bars per person, one pair of BodyZen Cycling Socks. Price: $650.00 per person Sign up by Aug. 1: $585.00 per person Sign up btwn. Aug 1 and Aug. 24: $625.00 per person Sign up btwn. Aug. 25-Sept. 6: $650.00 per person ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED-PAYMENT PLANS ALSO AVAILABLE Call or email us now to reserve your spot! 305-663-6148 or www.bodyzen.com

Response:

Question:

I recently tried both tops for the weekend of the American triple-t in Ohio for 4 races.  The T1 pullover came off easy by itself and ironically, the dos sleeveless top was more difficult.  What I started doing/discovered is as I’m exiting the swim, I actually grab the bottom of the dos top and do a quick dunk.  While I "dunk" myself once into the water, I open the bottom of the suit and the water pressure basically takes the top off in about half of a second as I pull it off at the same time.  The water pressure and motion actually does most of the work so you don’t have to be super strong or flexible.  I just run from the swim with it in one hand and pull the bib-john’s straps down as I jog to T1.  Overall, it is then as quick as any other suit to get out of but much more comfortable to swim in. email me for any other questions, nick

Response:

John, It took me 2 races and a few pool sessions to finally get it off but I found the key. As you leave the water just rip it up and bend over at the same time. Yes it took practice but I finally did it and now its no problem. And I am about as inflixible as you can get. Now that it comes off it really is the best wetsuit out there! Practice

Response:

Thanks,  I’ll try rolling up a few inches this next week after my long swim to see if I can get out of it without tying myself in a knot again. Ken

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just tried on my New T1 DOS.    That is an experience.   it is the perfect size for me according to Emilio based on my body part measurements I sent him. Getting it on was taxing but doable with plastic bags.   Once on, I took a garden hose and filled it up by injecting water down the neck and arms. Everything moved into place where it felt comfortable or sort of.    The water inside did the trick by allowing the suit to slightly inflate and move about as I moved my arms. OK,  I can live with that and will add a garden hose to my triathlon kit. Now,  getting the thing off was something else.   I managed to get the top started but then got stuck.   I just could not get the thing to come up over my Lats where it hung.  I squirmed, twisted, pulled and wiggled but in the end had to have the wify rescue me. This is going to take some practice, a bit more flexibility, a nuclear device added to T1 gear and probably more practice.   I remember my good old one piece suit that just pulled off with a few well planted feet.    The john came off with no problem. Below is a discussion with information and a tip regarding ease of removal (note: this is a shortened version of a prior post below): With regard to removal, I have come to the conclusion that Wetsuits are in two distinct categories – Fast/Easy or Slow/Difficult. The fast and easy category seems to have zippers. And, the wetsuit with more, longer or sophisticated zippers are the easiest to remove. Unfortunately, (unless they are sleeveless and/or have calve length legs)they tend to be restrictive (i.e., high necks, ankle length) and pretty much uncomfortable for longer swims. Not to mention, they force you change your stroke length (as has been noted by DeSoto’s). Many of these issues seem to be tackled by the DeSoto T1. Unfortunately, the ease of removal can be considered a relative concept. To borrow a quote from a testimonial,- "Found when I just grabbed the hem of the top crossarmed I bunched the fabric in the back & couldn’t pull past the lump. Worked better when I first folded up 4in or so of the hem, to reduce bunching. Then I found something that worked better for me: pulled some of the L hem over my L elbow & used the strength of my deltoid to get the removal started; came off easier. You might want to have some others experiment with these or alternative ways to get past the strength problem some old athletes (I’m 65) & some women might experience." O.K., I’ve been a triathlete (17+ yr.) and use to many a discomfort, but to use the deltoid muscle to get the top off? The last thing I find easy to do is use your neck muscles, arms and deltoids to remove a top. After a long open water swim, I find the neck and shoulder muscles to be the MOST fatigued. So, from that perspective, a zipper could certainly be handy. In that sense, a zippered, sleeveless and calve length wet suit would make more sense for a sprint. It would have the best of "most" attributes needed for such a SHORT swim- 1) ease of removal (both from the leg and upper body standpoint) & 2) allows you to suffer the least from restrictive (ie.,neck rashes, tight chest/hindered breathing). And, the trade off seems to be loss of some bouyancy. On other hand, A T1 for a half-Ironman (and maybe a really tough I.D.) or longer may pay off from a comfort, stroke efficiency and buoyancy standpoint. In essence, transitions become less relevant. If I follow through on this logic, I need to own 2 wetsuits; one for sprints (maybe I.D. also) & one for half-IM’s or longer (i.e.,"Piel" and/vs. "T1"). Bottom line, try a Piel if you want speed and a near effortless removal.  On the other hand, a T1 is an excellent suit for triathlons where T1 speed is not important or you likes it flexibility and swim like stroke feel. FWIW  Joe

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just tried on my New T1 DOS.    That is an experience.   it is the perfect size for me according to Emilio based on my body part measurements I sent him. Getting it on was taxing but doable with plastic bags.   Once on, I took a garden hose and filled it up by injecting water down the neck and arms. Everything moved into place where it felt comfortable or sort of.    The water inside did the trick by allowing the suit to slightly inflate and move about as I moved my arms. OK,  I can live with that and will add a garden hose to my triathlon kit. Now,  getting the thing off was something else.   I managed to get the top started but then got stuck.   I just could not get the thing to come up over my Lats where it hung.  I squirmed, twisted, pulled and wiggled but in the end had to have the wify rescue me. This is going to take some practice, a bit more flexibility, a nuclear device added to T1 gear and probably more practice.   I remember my good old one piece suit that just pulled off with a few well planted feet.    The john came off with no problem.

Below is a discussion with information and a tip regarding ease of removal (note: this is a shortened version of a prior post below): With regard to removal, I have come to the conclusion that Wetsuits are in two distinct categories – Fast/Easy or Slow/Difficult. The fast and easy category seems to have zippers. And, the wetsuit with more, longer or sophisticated zippers are the easiest to remove. Unfortunately, (unless they are sleeveless and/or have calve length legs)they tend to be restrictive (i.e., high necks, ankle length) and pretty much uncomfortable for longer swims. Not to mention, they force you change your stroke length (as has been noted by DeSoto’s). Many of these issues seem to be tackled by the DeSoto T1. Unfortunately, the ease of removal can be considered a relative concept. To borrow a quote from a testimonial,- "Found when I just grabbed the hem of the top crossarmed I bunched the fabric in the back & couldn’t pull past the lump. Worked better when I first folded up 4in or so of the hem, to reduce bunching. Then I found something that worked better for me: pulled some of the L hem over my L elbow & used the strength of my deltoid to get the removal started; came off easier. You might want to have some others experiment with these or alternative ways to get past the strength problem some old athletes (I’m 65) & some women might experience." O.K., I’ve been a triathlete (17+ yr.) and use to many a discomfort, but to use the deltoid muscle to get the top off? The last thing I find easy to do is use your neck muscles, arms and deltoids to remove a top. After a long open water swim, I find the neck and shoulder muscles to be the MOST fatigued. So, from that perspective, a zipper could certainly be handy. In that sense, a zippered, sleeveless and calve length wet suit would make more sense for a sprint. It would have the best of "most" attributes needed for such a SHORT swim- 1) ease of removal (both from the leg and upper body standpoint) & 2) allows you to suffer the least from restrictive (ie.,neck rashes, tight chest/hindered breathing). And, the trade off seems to be loss of some bouyancy. On other hand, A T1 for a half-Ironman (and maybe a really tough I.D.) or longer may pay off from a comfort, stroke efficiency and buoyancy standpoint. In essence, transitions become less relevant. If I follow through on this logic, I need to own 2 wetsuits; one for sprints (maybe I.D. also) & one for half-IM’s or longer (i.e.,"Piel" and/vs. "T1"). Bottom line, try a Piel if you want speed and a near effortless removal.  On the other hand, a T1 is an excellent suit for triathlons where T1 speed is not important or you likes it flexibility and swim like stroke feel. FWIW  Joe

Response:

Ken, my wife had the same problem and ,after the fact, noticed in the directions to make sure the suit is wet when removing. She tried it on in the house and could not remove it without my help and that still took some doing. They recommend taking the top off as soon as exiting the swim because you need the water to ‘lubricate’ the removal. andy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just tried on my New T1 DOS.    That is an experience.   it is the perfect size for me according to Emilio based on my body part measurements I sent him. Getting it on was taxing but doable with plastic bags.   Once on, I took a garden hose and filled it up by injecting water down the neck and arms. Everything moved into place where it felt comfortable or sort of.    The water inside did the trick by allowing the suit to slightly inflate and move about as I moved my arms. OK,  I can live with that and will add a garden hose to my triathlon kit. Now,  getting the thing off was something else.   I managed to get the top started but then got stuck.   I just could not get the thing to come up over my Lats where it hung.  I squirmed, twisted, pulled and wiggled but in the end had to have the wify rescue me. This is going to take some practice, a bit more flexibility, a nuclear device added to T1 gear and probably more practice.   I remember my good old one piece suit that just pulled off with a few well planted feet.    The john came off with no problem.

Response:

Just tried on my New T1 DOS.    That is an experience.   it is the perfect size for me according to Emilio based on my body part measurements I sent him. Getting it on was taxing but doable with plastic bags.   Once on, I took a garden hose and filled it up by injecting water down the neck and arms. Everything moved into place where it felt comfortable or sort of.    The water inside did the trick by allowing the suit to slightly inflate and move about as I moved my arms. OK,  I can live with that and will add a garden hose to my triathlon kit. Now,  getting the thing off was something else.   I managed to get the top started but then got stuck.   I just could not get the thing to come up over my Lats where it hung.  I squirmed, twisted, pulled and wiggled but in the end had to have the wify rescue me. This is going to take some practice, a bit more flexibility, a nuclear device added to T1 gear and probably more practice.   I remember my good old one piece suit that just pulled off with a few well planted feet.    The john came off with no problem.

Response:

Question:

Thanks to all of those who responded on the board and to my e-mail account. I signed up for Ironman California today.  (I also swam much better during a lunch workout). EH

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So I’ve decided I’d like to try an Ironman next year.  Amy I crazy?  My goal will be to finish within the time limit, not to excel in anyway. I race bikes at a competitive Cat 3 level (the cycling distance is no problem).  I used to run competitively, and have been running 3-4 times a week for the past month (I’m convinced the marathon would be hard, but within the realm of possibility), but I am a pathetic swimmer.  In my first session this week I discovered I can barely swim 50 yards without being out of breath.  It’s not that I’m exhausted, it’s simply that I cannot breathe correctly. My questions are: 1.) If I figure out how to breathe properly, how long would it take for me to gain the swimming fitness to complete a 2.4 mile swim?  Is six months totally out of the question?  One year?  I’m a pretty driven person and in good shape otherwise. 2.) Where can I learn to breathe properly?  Should I hire a coach for a few sessions, or just take a class, or what?  I’m located in Portland, Oregon. Thanks for your responses. Eric

Response:

Eric –         Follow this link, http://www.barracudas.org         It is a Portland area (Beaverton) masters club.  Multiple coached workouts monthly, and if it’s not in your area I’m sure the coach can recommend a club in your area.  Slow people like me to Ironman qualifiers and finishers so the coaches should know what you need to get prepared. Good luck!! Frank – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to all of those who responded on the board and to my e-mail account. I signed up for Ironman California today.  (I also swam much better during a lunch workout). EH So I’ve decided I’d like to try an Ironman next year.  Amy I crazy? My goal will be to finish within the time limit, not to excel in anyway. I race bikes at a competitive Cat 3 level (the cycling distance is no problem).  I used to run competitively, and have been running 3-4 times a week for the past month (I’m convinced the marathon would be hard, but within the realm of possibility), but I am a pathetic swimmer.  In my first session this week I discovered I can barely swim 50 yards without being out of breath.  It’s not that I’m exhausted, it’s simply that I cannot breathe correctly. My questions are: 1.) If I figure out how to breathe properly, how long would it take for me to gain the swimming fitness to complete a 2.4 mile swim?  Is six months totally out of the question?  One year?  I’m a pretty driven person and in good shape otherwise. 2.) Where can I learn to breathe properly?  Should I hire a coach for a few sessions, or just take a class, or what?  I’m located in Portland, Oregon. Thanks for your responses. Eric

Before you buy.

Response:

So I’ve decided I’d like to try an Ironman next year.  Amy I crazy?  My goal will be to finish within the time limit, not to excel in anyway.

Nope, you’re not crazy. I call it a leap of faith. You think you’re going crazy, but in your mind you know you can do it. Congratulations on taking the leap. It’s a big step. I race bikes at a competitive Cat 3 level (the cycling distance is no problem).  I used to run competitively, and have been running 3-4 times a week for the past month (I’m convinced the marathon would be hard, but within the realm of possibility), but I am a pathetic swimmer.  In my first session this week I discovered I can barely swim 50 yards without being out of breath.  It’s not that I’m exhausted, it’s simply that I cannot breathe correctly.

You’ve found that swimming needs to be approached differently than cycling and running. My questions are: 1.) If I figure out how to breathe properly, how long would it take for me to gain the swimming fitness to complete a 2.4 mile swim?  Is six months totally out of the question?  One year?  I’m a pretty driven person and in good shape otherwise.

You can get yourself to make the distance in 2.4 miles, although you still won’t find it easy on race day. Unlike cycling or running, technique is critical to swimming fast. You’ll need to know the proper positioning, technique and the proper way to breathe to get faster in the water. Since there is a lot to learn, you need to be very patient over time; you won’t see the improvement overnight. 2.) Where can I learn to breathe properly?  Should I hire a coach for a few sessions, or just take a class, or what?  I’m located in Portland, Oregon. Thanks for your responses. Eric

A coach is THE way to go to improve your swimming. You can read all about technique in books and such, but you’ll never learn them as fast and as effeciently as having someone experienced there showing you the technique. But don’t let that dash your Ironman plans. Swimming is only the first 10% of the race anyway; once you reach land, you’ll definitely be more at home on the bike and on the run. Good luck in your training.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMC’99: 10:45:03          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

Unless you’re prepared to put in a LOT of time yourself, get a coach. BTW a friend learnt how to swim after watching her man compete at Hawaii and the next year competed herself. Sue Ross Queenstown Eco Pursuits www.qep.co.nz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So I’ve decided I’d like to try an Ironman next year.  Amy I crazy?  My goal will be to finish within the time limit, not to excel in anyway. I race bikes at a competitive Cat 3 level (the cycling distance is no problem).  I used to run competitively, and have been running 3-4 times a week for the past month (I’m convinced the marathon would be hard, but within the realm of possibility), but I am a pathetic swimmer.  In my first session this week I discovered I can barely swim 50 yards without being out of breath.  It’s not that I’m exhausted, it’s simply that I cannot breathe correctly. My questions are: 1.) If I figure out how to breathe properly, how long would it take for me to gain the swimming fitness to complete a 2.4 mile swim?  Is six months totally out of the question?  One year?  I’m a pretty driven person and in good shape otherwise. 2.) Where can I learn to breathe properly?  Should I hire a coach for a few sessions, or just take a class, or what?  I’m located in Portland, Oregon. Thanks for your responses. Eric

Response:

Eric- sounds like me. I have done several mountain/road races and a few runs but the swimming part is what I worry about also. I’ve dreamed for a few years now of completing a triathlon, and last summer I decided that 2001 would be the year. My goal is a half Ironman. I’ve ridden several century rides and a couple 15k runs, but I’ve never swimmed farther than from where I crashed my wakeboard to the boat, and that wears me out. I did try to do some longer swims this past summer on a few outings but the breathing part is what is so tough. I think I may try to find a coach this winter and see if he or she can help me with my technique. Keep us posted on your progress… Mike Before you buy.

Response:

As a strong cyclist/pathetic swimmer I can feel your pain.  Good news is though with a few lessons from a competent teacher you should have no problem finishing the distance (with practice of course).  You will find just a few lessons will make huge improvments I think, the learning curve is steep at first.  As an adult swimer it is hard to get very fast though, IMO.  6-12 months is more than enough time for someone in your shape to get ready and even if you are  slow the distance is relatively short and you will reel them in on the bike leg.  To find a good swim teacher I would find out who is teaching you local swim teams, some of these teachers/kids have amazing talents or you could ask your local masters group, joining the masters group might help also.  With your background and some good training finishing in under the limit should be a piece of cake.  FWIW  I went from not being able to swim 25 yards to swimming 3 miles non-stop(slowly) in less than 6 months with just a couple lessons.  Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -So I’ve decided I’d like to try an Ironman next year.  Amy I crazy?  My goal will be to finish within the time limit, not to excel in anyway. I race bikes at a competitive Cat 3 level (the cycling distance is no problem).  I used to run competitively, and have been running 3-4 times a week for the past month (I’m convinced the marathon would be hard, but within the realm of possibility), but I am a pathetic swimmer.  In my first session this week I discovered I can barely swim 50 yards without being out of breath.  It’s not that I’m exhausted, it’s simply that I cannot breathe correctly. My questions are: 1.) If I figure out how to breathe properly, how long would it take for me to gain the swimming fitness to complete a 2.4 mile swim?  Is six months totally out of the question?  One year?  I’m a pretty driven person and in good shape otherwise. 2.) Where can I learn to breathe properly?  Should I hire a coach for a few sessions, or just take a class, or what?  I’m located in Portland, Oregon. Thanks for your responses. Eric

tim(dogspot1) buaidh no bas

Response:

So I’ve decided I’d like to try an Ironman next year.  Amy I crazy?  My goal will be to finish within the time limit, not to excel in anyway. I race bikes at a competitive Cat 3 level (the cycling distance is no problem).  I used to run competitively, and have been running 3-4 times a week for the past month (I’m convinced the marathon would be hard, but within the realm of possibility), but I am a pathetic swimmer.  In my first session this week I discovered I can barely swim 50 yards without being out of breath.  It’s not that I’m exhausted, it’s simply that I cannot breathe correctly. My questions are: 1.) If I figure out how to breathe properly, how long would it take for me to gain the swimming fitness to complete a 2.4 mile swim?  Is six months totally out of the question?  One year?  I’m a pretty driven person and in good shape otherwise. 2.) Where can I learn to breathe properly?  Should I hire a coach for a few sessions, or just take a class, or what?  I’m located in Portland, Oregon. Thanks for your responses. Eric

Response:

Question:

My wife is considering the St. Croix triathlon next year and we’re wondering if anyone whose been to it could let us know what they thought … worth doing? places to stay? costs? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

The official St. Croix Website that includes lodging and hotels are here: http://www.ecani.com/vi/sc/main.htm They also have a subsection on the St. Croix Triathlon here: http://www.ecani.com/vi/sc/triath/default.htm One small problem with the triathlon site…they haven’t updated it to the 1999 event yet. Check periodically and hopefully they will change it. Hope this helps.                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

My wife is considering the St. Croix triathlon next year and we’re wondering if anyone whose been to it could let us know what they thought … worth doing? places to stay? costs? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Response:

Question:

The new Peak 1 X-series stoves look very interesting, especially with the crushable canisters that you can recycle along with your Coke cans.  One question: what is the likelihood that in a couple of years, Coleman stops manufacturing their X-series canisters, thus rendering the stoves useless (they use a non-standard connector)?  Anybody out there with a few years of perspective on the stove industry?  Or inside info? Or an ability to predict the future

No predictions here…but I have a Garcia Gaz cannister backpacking stove I bought from REI in the 70’s. I can still buy the gaz either from REI or a local outfitter. The newer ones have a different cartridge (lower profile) but the old cannisters are still being made.

Response:

… One question: what is the likelihood that in a couple of years, Coleman stops manufacturing their X-series canisters, thus rendering the stoves useless (they use a non-standard connector)?  Anybody out there with a few years of perspective on the stove industry?  Or inside info? Or an ability to predict the future

My crystal ball says that someone will begin producing adaptors to then-standard canisters, maybe that outfit which makes gizmos to refill the throwaway canisters now. Or the Israeli outfit that makes Gaz lookalike canisters will also make them for the Coleman. If there’s a demand, someone will fill it. (Now where can I get some more 8-track tapes for my car stereo?) — Jeff ORBS – Outdoor Recreation Buyers & Sellers http://home.pacbell.net/orbs The Web’s biggest, busiest collection of free outdoor classifieds

Response:

Proposed: The more specialized the hardware, the shorter its commercial lifetime. MSR stoves have been screwing onto those cute little aluminum bottles for at least a decade now. I’d much rather bet my money on that system being supported in five years, than on some crushable canister. Simple re-use is a more efficient form of recycling anyway. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The new Peak 1 X-series stoves look very interesting, especially with the crushable canisters that you can recycle along with your Coke cans.  One question: what is the likelihood that in a couple of years, Coleman stops manufacturing their X-series canisters, thus rendering the stoves useless (they use a non-standard connector)?  Anybody out there with a few years of perspective on the stove industry?  Or inside info? Or an ability to predict the future Bruce

Response:

The new Peak 1 X-series stoves look very interesting, especially with the crushable canisters that you can recycle along with your Coke cans.  One question: what is the likelihood that in a couple of years, Coleman stops manufacturing their X-series canisters, thus rendering the stoves useless (they use a non-standard connector)?  Anybody out there with a few years of perspective on the stove industry?  Or inside info? Or an ability to predict the future Bruce

Response:

   Look at the face of the next mountianbiker you see whizzing by….if he or she is not smiling it’s probably the person who lost the watch.    I know I’d be very upset to lose a $300 watch…but I would never wear it mountian biking in the first place.    James

Missing Person

Click here to visitmy website.

Response:

Funny, as a triathlete I also do some off-roading from time to time. Many of these so-called rebel bikers tell me road biking sucks. After ripping by them on a few trails, they tend to shut up. Some say, real cyclist can do tricks. My reply is silly faggot, Trix are for kids! I get pretty much the same thing from snowboarders, who say skiing is for pussys! Funny thing is I used to Windsurf, so I picked up snowboarding in a jiffy – you know it is much easier to snowboard in powder than with skis and I found it quicker to master. Now whose the pussy. It is like one of my friends here, who says these specialist at off road biking, climbing, etc. act like bad asses. At the end of the day he can afford a nice dinner, drinks, and return to his $180,000 house in South Florida in his four door Explorer XLT. And as for those mushrooms, I buy top quality from overseas since with two CompSci degrees and a nice job, I can afford them! Yeah, I agree I love Mountain Bikers – what a bunch of cake boys! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – they’re always whizing along way to fast, to notice all the good mushrooms along the trail. Hehehe. Cubensis are hard to spot at bicycle speed anyway. Also, they tend to drop cool stuff … last year I found I usually just find reflectors, Gu and PowerBar packets and water bottles. J — Shadow boxing in the dark. [www.bongoboy.com]

Response:

they’re always whizing along way to fast, to notice all the good mushrooms along the trail.

Hehehe. Cubensis are hard to spot at bicycle speed anyway. Also, they tend to drop cool stuff … last year I found

I usually just find reflectors, Gu and PowerBar packets and water bottles. J — Shadow boxing in the dark. [www.bongoboy.com]

Response:

Most all of them I see  seem like nice folks … but the number 1 reason I would rather met a mountain biker on the trail than another hiker: they’re always whizing along way to fast, to notice all the good mushrooms along the trail. Also, they tend to drop cool stuff … last year I found a $300 watch (which they haven’t claimed yet), which was most likely owned by a mountain biker Thank you very much! John John Watson NASA Ames Research Center http://george.arc.nasa.gov/~watson HOMEBREW NAKED!

Response:

Question:

Have’nt had a problem with mine.  not all the bells and whistles the others have. for the price it great Tim

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I hate to have to ask people to repeat things said in previous messages but here I go anyway: I am asking for opinions on the Nashbar HRM it is only 52$ and seems decent. Has anybody had good/bad experiences with this monitor? I know we already had a thread on this topic but I didn’t read those messages in much depth and last week I cleared out all old messages from my hard drive! Hopefully my search for a decent well-priced HRM should be over soon. many thank you’s from a cash straped college student, Ravi Raman ORN: a brisk and hilly 6.5 miles with the Penn State Univ. Triathlon Club

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Question:

NEWSFLASH! NSW State Cup – Rnd 2 – Drummoyne Cancelled! The second round of the NSW State Cup at Drummoyne in Sydney, NSW has been cancelled following a shark scare within 200 metres of the swim course, set down for Sunday next, February 9, 1997. – A rowing scull was attacked and bitten by a seven to nine foot shark and organiser of Sunday’s race, Triathlon NSW have decided to cancel rather than risk the near 500 competitors likely to have entered. Competitors are being progressively mailed information re their entry fees and an option to transfer to other forth-coming State Cup events We recommend two great series for competitors still wanting to compete this weekend. The Brooks Series is held at Kurnell – contact (02) 9523 598 and / or the Maxim Series is conducted at Narrabeen – contact: (02) 9981 1495… You can also check out the Triathlon NSW presence at the annual Channel 7 Sports Expo at Darling harbour commencing on Thursday 6 February (noon to 6 pm) through to Sunday 9 February (10am to 6pm) –  Come along and say Hello! Regards Nick Munting

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -NEWSFLASH! NSW State Cup – Rnd 2 – Drummoyne Cancelled! The second round of the NSW State Cup at Drummoyne in Sydney, NSW has been cancelled following a shark scare within 200 metres of the swim course, set down for Sunday next, February 9, 1997. – A rowing scull was attacked and bitten by a seven to nine foot shark and organiser of Sunday’s race, Triathlon NSW have decided to cancel rather than risk the near 500 competitors likely to have entered. Competitors are being progressively mailed information re their entry fees and an option to transfer to other forth-coming State Cup events We recommend two great series for competitors still wanting to compete this weekend. The Brooks Series is held at Kurnell – contact (02) 9523 598 and / or the Maxim Series is conducted at Narrabeen – contact: (02) 9981 1495… You can also check out the Triathlon NSW presence at the annual Channel 7 Sports Expo at Darling harbour commencing on Thursday 6 February (noon to 6 pm) through to Sunday 9 February (10am to 6pm) –  Come along and say Hello! Regards Nick Munting

  Au contraire. mon frere. With a shark in the water, there’s certain to be some swimming PR’s. Imagine: suddenly worrying about getting kicked in the head becomes rather trite when you find out you’re drafting off a guy with a fin sticking out of the water. Wait a minute! That’s not a guy! Aughhh!!! <grin Chaz

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Question:

Hi All: Well, I can substantiate that the recently reported bird attacks have moved to the St.Simons Island, GA area. I went on a 8-miler across the causeway at 5 p.m. Sunday (heat index at 95+, no shade, 2 high bridges  - my punishment for not having a very good triathlon on Saturday). As I was passing some bushes, I felt a hard slap on the back of my head. My first thought was that some runner I knew had just caught me and was playing around, but of course there was no-one there…… It was THE BIRD. A red-winged black bird, specifically. The same kind that has attacked other runners further north! Coincidence? I think not!!

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Well, I can substantiate that the recently reported bird attacks have moved to the St.Simons Island, GA area. I went on a 8-miler across the causeway at 5 p.m. Sunday (heat index at 95+, no shade, 2 high bridges  - my punishment for not having a very good triathlon on Saturday). As I was passing some bushes, I felt a hard slap on the back of my head. My first thought was that some runner I knew had just caught me and was playing around, but of course there was no-one there…… It was THE BIRD. A red-winged black bird, specifically. The same kind that has attacked other runners further north! Coincidence? I think not!!

Jeez. Now I have another reason to fear running in Madison’s Arboretum. The red-winged black birds are thick as flies in there (and the flies aren’t much fun either…honking ones that dive bomb runners and bite them). Although I must admit I feel more threatened by the huge glossy crows. They perch in groups up in the trees and start cawing (that a word?) as runners go by…it’s like they’re looking for fresh meat. doomed, Julia

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Hi All: Well, I can substantiate that the recently reported bird attacks have moved to the St.Simons Island, GA area. . . . It was THE BIRD. A red-winged black bird, specifically. The same kind that has attacked other runners further north! Coincidence? I think not!!

Nesting red wings are also much more numerous and seem to be more aggressive than usual in my part of rural Southwestern Ontario. The back road where I usually get attacked by one red wing now is patrolled by at least four dive-bombing males. The two "scientific" explanations the deep thinkers give for natural aberrations around here are "global warming" and "stress." Dunno if that explains the blackbirds but I’m sure both are excellent excuses for my inability to run any faster.

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Question:

    I too have this craving for a new frame, the old one is almost a year     old now… what do you expect?     Anyway, I want to switch to a tricycle and was wondering if anyone     had any experience with Cannondale frames.  Specifically an R700.     Any good experiences, any bad experiences, ever see one spontaneously     combust, that sort of thing…     Any suggestions would be appreciated… I purchased an R700 with all the geeky stuff on it last June (‘93).  I can’t comment on whether it’s better than _this_ or _that_ frame because I’m still in my first year of tris, which includes my first year of serious cycling (and swimming).  Suffice to say I’m impressed.  A word of advice is to _ride_ an R700 of the proposed frame size before ordering/procuring one.  Typical bike stores just take an inside leg measurement and decree a frame for you.  The R700 does _not_ have the traditional road bike geometry.  I had to change the head stem (is that what it is?) to a an MTB-like one (Syncros) – the bars were too low.  Now perhaps I wasn’t used to TT style riding, but I’m still riding with the longest Profile extenders on my armrests (AirStykes) eight months later.  In retrospect, I should’ve tried out one larger and smaller frame at the time. I’ve got a 56/42 Hyperglide chainring pair up front, can’t remember what the rear cluster is.  I rarely go into the top two gear settings, given that I’m getting used to spinning at ~ 100+ rpm when cruising these days.  Wish I could though  Be careful about getting chainrings which are too small.  I had a 52/42, and ran out of gears before I whinged.  The original R700 had a 56/42 combo, they’ve now gone to 52/42 or 54/42.  Remember, the default is a 26" wheel on the R700. Be also careful about all the bicycle jewelry which can tempt you and your bank balance.  While keeping the engine (me) in tune, I’ve also been trimming the bike weight down, yes, I’m a sucker!  I’ve got the Syncros (Ti) bottom bracket, (Ti) Seat Post and (Al) Head Stem, and Time Ti/Mg Pedals (which have had excess weight trimmed off from pedalling through hairpin bends).  And no, I don’t have a bike rack, it sits _inside_ my Landcruiser!  I get nervous just adding up what the bike costs  Not satisfied, I’m now looking at the Magic Motorcycle (Al) chainrings and cranks/BB which are now coincidently being touted by Cannondale.  Funny, since that’s the first thing I thought of changing, but wasn’t financial enough at the time. All in all, I consider the frame of sufficient quality to warrant the other gadgetry.  The only complaint, if it can be considered one, is that the paintwork chips a little too easily for my liking.  Well you can always go for the up market buffed Aluminium TT model (the 2000?).  You pay a mint and don’t get wheels either! As for spontaneous combustion, well I’ve heard that Excocets and Aluminium are like a house on fire, so an Aluminium Excocet should be even hotter!! They certainly look mean and feel likewise, especially on the occasional 50kph+ adventure.  As for descents being a disadvantage for light bikes (and riders), well, compared to ‘experienced’ roadies who are conditioned to uphill tortures, I’ve always been able to whizz pass them on the downs, while struggling to keep with them on the way up.  I don’t know what it is, maybe the geometry (ergo less wind resistance), but I just scream past them at high speeds.  This is in tris, comparing riders with aero bars etc.  Maybe I’m just addicted to the thrill of 50kph+ speeds and want to stretch it out as long as possible.  The R700 is wicked in this sense, it does nothing to discourage you from continuing, quite the contrary.  There’s a certain point beyond which things ’seem’ to get easier. Just make sure you can withstand the temptations, or you don’t mind a huge dent in your bank account.  Good luck.   Paul Menon,   Dept of Computer Science,   Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology,   124 Latrobe Street,   Melbourne 3001,   Victoria, Australia. ph:    +61 3 660 3209/2348 fax:   +61 3 662 1617

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: (todd.r.jensen) says: : How much of a difference does a triathlon (as opposed to a straight : road) bike make?

     In my experience, it makes a lot. The main reason is the way the body      is positioned on the bike during a triathlon vs. regular road riding.      In triathlon, aerodynamics is key, and aero bars are critical.      Very few if any conventional road frames are designed specifically      for aero bar riding. Conventional frames are designed for conventional      riding: riding on the drop bars, on the top of the brakes, etc…      As a result, I have discovered conventional frame top tubes are      too long for real comfort when riding aero bars.   – Drift-off

     My dream bike?  Schwinn Black Phantom for style                      ????? for speed -richd

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Hi folks, Since people are complaning about the lack of traffic here I thought I would start a little discussion. What kind of bike would you buy?  I am NOT talking dream bike. What would you really buy if you were using REAL money and could only buy one bike. (Not a "race only" bike, one that you wouldn’t be ashamed to ride for general rides). Let say that you were willing to spend $2,000-3,200. What would you buy??? Some ideas… Kestrel (200,km40,500) Trek (5×00) Quintana Roo 26" Serrotta (tri-colorado)26" Titainium? Zipp (are you sure.. a little radical?) What would it be …. (and want about wheel size too?) John K.

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What kind of bike would you buy?  I am NOT talking dream bike. What would you really buy if you were using REAL money and could only buy one bike. (Not a "race only" bike, one that you wouldn’t be ashamed to ride for general rides). Let say that you were willing to spend $2,000-3,200. What would you buy???

If I spent $2000+ on any bike I wouldn’t be ashamed to ride it at any time. 8^) Yesterday I was at Straight Up Cyclery and it looks like I’ll be getting a Davidson Basic Truth frame (sorry, this is strictly a TT frame handmade in Seattle, WA) and a set of 26" Zipp deep rim wheels.  Profile AirStryke aero bars and Dura-Ace components will round out the package. Todd Jensen                                  o AT&T Bell Labs             ___^o_    __o    <| (708) 979-1254                     _ <_    

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(todd.r.jensen) says: Kruempelstaedter) writes: What kind of bike would you buy?  I am NOT

talking dream bike.  What would you really buy if you were using REAL money and could only buy one bike.  (Not a "race only" bike, one that you wouldn’t be ashamed to ride for general rides).   Let say that you were willing to spend $2,000-3,200.   What would you buy??? If I spent $2000+ on any bike I wouldn’t be ashamed to ride it at any

time.  8^) Yesterday I was at Straight Up Cyclery and it looks like I’ll be getting a

Davidson Basic Truth frame (sorry, this is strictly a TT frame handmade in Seattle, WA) and a set of 26" Zipp deep rim wheels.  Profile AirStryke aero bars and Dura-Ace components will round out the package. — I’m drooling.  Seriously though, How much of a difference does a triathlon (as opposed to a straight road) bike make?  I’m relatively new to this sport.  I raced all last summer on a standard geometry road bike (with clip on bars) and did reasonably well in my age group.  I’ve been toying with the idea of shelling out for a tri bike.  My question is, how much difference do these bikes make?  What exactly are the differences?  Steeper seat tube?  What else? Can anyone reccomend a good brand/make of tri bike to buy?  (I think my buget limmit will be about $1500). I guess my question is, are these bikes worth the money, or would I be better off buying a heart rate monitor or something (for a lot less Jeff Mitchell Penn State University

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:     As a result, I have discovered conventional frame top tubes are :     too long for real comfort when riding aero bars.   : Same here…  I am currently riding a 62cm TREK 2300 – Something else I realized; it seems like the larger the frame, ie:

     60cm, 62cm, etc…, the longer the top tube, and the more stretched      out the rider feels.  This, as opposed to a rider on a 52cm, 54cm, or      56cm bike. Short riders don’t seem to experience the same discomfort      taller riders feel.  I think it has something to do with frame design      and keeping it proportional from a geometrical perspective. -richd

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – :     As a result, I have discovered conventional frame top tubes are :     too long for real comfort when riding aero bars.   : Same here…  I am currently riding a 62cm TREK 2300 – Something else I realized; it seems like the larger the frame, ie:     60cm, 62cm, etc…, the longer the top tube, and the more stretched     out the rider feels.  This, as opposed to a rider on a 52cm, 54cm, or     56cm bike. Short riders don’t seem to experience the same discomfort     taller riders feel.  I think it has something to do with frame design     and keeping it proportional from a geometrical perspective. -richd

My guess is that the riders of larger frames are more likely to have long legs and short torsos.  I mean everybody is not proportioned the same.  Take my wife and myself as an example.  I wear a 30 in inseem and she wears a 36 inch inseem yet she is only 1/2" taller than me.  I ride a 52cm frame and find it cramped while she rides a 56cm frame and complains about being stretched out.  Oh well, can’t please everybody. Tom Moritz .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . Programmer/Analyst                           Voice: (607) 255-7343 College of Arts & Sciences                   Fax:   (607) 255-1454 356 Goldwin Smith Hall Cornell University Ithaca, New York    14853 "If toast always lands butter-side down, and cats always land on their feet, what happens if you strap toast on the back of a cat and drop them?"  Adams

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    As a result, I have discovered conventional frame top tubes are     too long for real comfort when riding aero bars.  

Same here…  I am currently riding a 62cm TREK 2300 (carbon fiber + alum. lugs and chain stays) equipped with Shimano Ultegra STI and a Profile AirStryke.  I bought the bike before I got into TRIs, and now I need a new one: the TREK is uncomfortable in the aero position (I feel too stretched), STI shifting is more of a problem than an advantage for riding on the aero-bars, and the steering is too quick for the aero position. I signed up for this year’s Ironman Canada and need something that really fits.  So I just went to a TRI bike shop on Monday, and I’m in love with the ZIPP 2001.  My only concern: 70-year-old guys on rusty Schwinns flying by me in races! Kostya Vasilyev                                         swim-bike-run SYMANTEC Corporation, Bedrock group                     eat-drink-eat 10201 Torre Avenue                                      program C++ Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 446-7165

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— I’m drooling.  Seriously though, How much of a difference does a triathlon (as opposed to a straight road) bike make?  I’m relatively new to this sport.  I raced all last summer on a standard geometry road bike (with clip on bars) and did reasonably well in my age group.  I’ve been toying with the idea of shelling out for a tri bike.  My question is, how much difference do these bikes make?  What exactly are the differences?  Steeper seat tube?  What else? Jeff Mitchell Penn State University

I raced last season on a standard road frame also and did fairly well, but I am gladly switching to a time-trial (triathlon) type frame this year. The main difference is the positioning.  The steeper seat tube puts you more on top of the pedals.  Ex-runners (vs. pure cyclists) always seem to do better with steeper seat tubes, and so do triathletes.  The steeper angle probably allows you to recruit your hamstrings during more of the pedal stroke.  Also, the front end is usually a few centimeters or more smaller, so you can get your arms lower which results in your back being more parallel to the ground and less upright.  Take a look at pictures of Chris Boardman (the cycling world hour record holder) for great body position on a bike.  Of course, he has also developed great flexibility in his back and has a bike custom built for him. Plus some of the tri-bikes offer little things not normally found on standard frames.  Davidson puts braze-ons for the BikeStream tube.  Some framesets have allen bolts behind the seat for an extra bottle cage. Todd Jensen                                  o AT&T Bell Labs             ___^o_    __o    <| (708) 979-1254                     _ <_    

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