Question:

He’s over at rec.sports.triathlon these causing the same scene that we dealt with earlier. I guess sales are down. You’re right, it is rubbish. — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "You can’t burn out if you’ve never caught fire." http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jon, will you quit posting the same rubbish with a slightly revised first couple of paragraphs every couple of months – we’ve already done this article to death here. Just go read the archives and imagine you have something new to say.

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we’ve been thru’ this here before. less than a couple of months ago. jobs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thought this would provoke the usual outrage. If anyone wants to print this

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Jon, will you quit posting the same rubbish with a slightly revised first couple of paragraphs every couple of months – we’ve already done this article to death here. Just go read the archives and imagine you have something new to say. — Regards, Barry Running & Stuff: http://distancerunner.tmfweb.nl "The woods are lovely, dark and deep; but I have training logs to keep; and miles to run before I sleep".

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thought this would provoke the usual outrage. If anyone wants to print this unpublished article, or reproduce it on a website, please send me a note. I will be most obliging. ****** 9 August 2001 The End of the British Empire: Why a Brit (Black or White) Will Never Again Hold a Distance Running Record By Jon Entine When the gun goes off for the men

Question:

I currently live in a multi-unit dwelling. Therefore I am considering trying to quiet down my indoor trainer so that I don’t disturb my neighboors, which will allow me to use it at any time of the day/night  :) The trainer itself is not loud, its the sound that vibrates through the wood floors that I am concerned with. I am considering getting a thick mat of rubber (1" thick or so) to place under the trainer so that some of the noise will be absorbed. Does anyone have any other ideas/suggestions?

This isn’t really what you were asking about, but I saw in "Bicycling" (or "Triathlete"?) that you can get headphones for a discman/walkman that cancel outside noise (it’s a technology pioneered by the Navy for submarines, I believe, where it senses the sound and broadcasts the opposite sound wave. Since sound waves add together, they cancel out and you get no noise at all. The headphones do *not* cancel the music you are listening to, though, just outside sound). So, while this doesn’t help your neighbors, it might make your training less noisy for you. -Harold

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Steve, I think you’ve got a pretty good idea.  All I would add to it is that you get a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood to set over the pad.  This will keep your trainer from compressing the pad to the floor and transmitting the vibration despite your efforts.  It also will give your trainer a more stable platform that won’t be as wobbly as putting the trainer directly on the pad.  (I wish you’d been my upstairs neighbor when I was an apt. dweller!) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I currently live in a multi-unit dwelling. Therefore I am considering trying to quiet down my indoor trainer so that I don’t disturb my neighboors, which will allow me to use it at any time of the day/night  :) The trainer itself is not loud, its the sound that vibrates through the wood floors that I am concerned with. I am considering getting a thick mat of rubber (1" thick or so) to place under the trainer so that some of the noise will be absorbed. Does anyone have any other ideas/suggestions? Thanks

– Rick Teichler (Louisville, Colorado)

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I currently live in a multi-unit dwelling. Therefore I am considering trying to quiet down my indoor trainer so that I don’t disturb my neighboors, which will allow me to use it at any time of the day/night  :) The trainer itself is not loud, its the sound that vibrates through the wood floors that I am concerned with. I am considering getting a thick mat of rubber (1" thick or so) to place under the trainer so that some of the noise will be absorbed. Does anyone have any other ideas/suggestions? Thanks

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Just to brainstorm a bit… * Make sure you make your neighbor aware that you are taking measures to be considerate and that they should feel free to report in shortcomings in your solution. * Fans, Magnets, or Fluid?  Not all are equal.  My magnetic unit is pretty quite – - compared to fans. * When I lived in a condo, I had front & back porch – - I also live in the south.  I had an upstairs too. * Train with a buddy at an alternate location, unless this requires too much structure. * Depending on you relationship with your neighbors, you may offer to buy them a "white-noise" machine.  I have a room humidifier that does the same thing.  I noticed that I sleep better because I don’t wake up to the furnace fan cranking up. Good Luck, rsquared – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I currently live in a multi-unit dwelling. Therefore I am considering trying to quiet down my indoor trainer so that I don’t disturb my neighboors, which will allow me to use it at any time of the day/night  :) The trainer itself is not loud, its the sound that vibrates through the wood floors that I am concerned with. I am considering getting a thick mat of rubber (1" thick or so) to place under the trainer so that some of the noise will be absorbed. Does anyone have any other ideas/suggestions? Thanks

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Question:

I would say that, without a doubt, running is the best background for triathlon. It helps develop your lungs as well as your tolerance for painful workouts (not that swim workouts are painless–they’re just not pounding on your legs). This isn’t to say that a swimmer can’t become a great triathlete (I know they’re out there…), but considereing the proportional representation of each discipline in a triathlon, a strong swimmer (assuming he/she’s a weaker runner) is at a comparative disadvantage (unless it’s a draft-legal race, where getting out of the water earlier makes a big difference). Of course, maybe this is my opinion simply because I’m a crappy swimmer…  Jim

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I agree, Jim. Clearly swimming is not the favored sport, for all the points you mentioned, but mainly that, proportionally the swim-leg is too short. I have a very hard time determining who is at a greater advantage:  the cyclist or the runner.  I think there is good case to be made for either. However, I think with cycling, overcoming wind resistance is a big factor. Basically, you have to be a LOT better rider in order to get a substantially better speed, because once you get up into 20 mph+, most of your effort is wasted on overcoming the wind. So, I’d have to say that it’s the run that’s the favoured leg, Badman notwithstanding.

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Hi Wade – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : but hey, no-one ever : won or lost an Ironman in the water! "ever" is an awfully long time.  Just a cursory glance shows: 1998 Hawaii Ironman Pro Women: 1 Badmann, Natascha    :56:02  5:13:24  3:14:50  09:24:16 2 Bowden, Lori        1:01:43  5:18:33  3:07:03  09:27:19                         -5:41                       -3:03 1996 Hawaii Pro Women: 1 Paula Newby-Fraser     :55:30  5:01:34  3:09:45  09:06:49 2 Natascha Badmann      1:00:41  4:53:47  3:16:51  09:11:19                           -5:11                       -4:30

Yes point (half) taken. These and other results do not really give a fair indication of a "whole" Ironman. What I mean by this is, take a look at the difference in times in each discipline for the top ten overall finishers. For example, in 1998:                 Fastest         Slowest         Difference Pro Men:  Swim           0:48:48         0:55:12         0:06:24  Bike           4:44:39         4:58:02         0:13:23  Run            2:44:58         3:08:34         0:23:36 Pro Women:  Swim           0:49:11         1:01:43         0:12:32  Bike           5:13:24         5:37:43         0:24:19  Run            3:04:02         3:38:54         0:34:52 That is to say, you could be the slowest swimmer and slowest runner in the whole of the top ten, but if you are the fastest runner then you are likely to win or be very near the top. The race definitely favours those who can run the best after the swim/bike. All of that said, however, the race is normally won by the athlete who has the best overall combination of the three rather than a stellar effort in a single discipline. Which just goes to show that their are lies, damn lies and statistics. Kind Regards Paul (PB) Wilson "International Man of Mystery"

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I never did Total Immersion, but here’s a trick I picked up in my swimming days.  Try breath-hold swims (swimming a fixed difference without allowing yourself to breath), starting with 25s without breathing then moving up to 50s (those are much harder, trust me).  These are mostly sprinter’s drills, since they work you anaerobically by the end (oxygen-debt, big-time in the 50s), but after doing them a bit you’ll feel the difference a smooth, long stroke makes as opposed to the "thrashing" that so many swimmers do to try to go fast.  A few of these (no more than 200-400 yards) a couple of times should be enough to get the idea.  Don’t try any farther than a 50, though. A girl I knew did a 100 on a dare, then passed out for two hours afterwards. Anyways, just passing along some swimming lore.  Best of luck in 99′ Paul Berman

It’s good sound advice Paul. An alternative solution is a special snorkel that has the pipe going out in front of your face instead of the side of your head. I forgot who makes them right now (mine was hand crafted by my coach but I’ve seen them in triathlon magazines) but this will eliminate your need to breathe out your sides, concentrating on making your stroke symmetrical and smooth. I would guess that the snorkel could be used for "overexaggeration of your glide and extension" exercises with ease also. I know not many people use this type of snorkel, but for me it’s a pretty effective tool for keeping my swim stroke in line. Good luck,                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   IMNZ, IMC ‘99 IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

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Wow !! I wish I could get there … My stroke count is 16-17 for 25yds. Consistently. But more like 90 seconds per 100… 67 sec per 100 for a mile, that’s sub 20 minutes ! Not in my wildest dreams.. One tip, I learned this from some Olympians during a clinic. Practice overexagerating your glide and extension. Try to cross the pool in the absolute fewest strokes possible without sinking. See if you can get under 7. ( My PB! ) you get a tremendous feel for streamlining. Al Kormesser

I never did Total Immersion, but here’s a trick I picked up in my swimming days.  Try breath-hold swims (swimming a fixed difference without allowing yourself to breath), starting with 25s without breathing then moving up to 50s (those are much harder, trust me).  These are mostly sprinter’s drills, since they work you anaerobically by the end (oxygen-debt, big-time in the 50s), but after doing them a bit you’ll feel the difference a smooth, long stroke makes as opposed to the "thrashing" that so many swimmers do to try to go fast.  A few of these (no more than 200-400 yards) a couple of times should be enough to get the idea.  Don’t try any farther than a 50, though. A girl I knew did a 100 on a dare, then passed out for two hours afterwards.  Anyways, just passing along some swimming lore.  Best of luck in 99′ Paul Berman

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I know the key to distance swimming is efficiency, efficiency and efficiency.  I’m just wondering how efficient most people are… For 25 yds: 17-19 strokes (approx 9 stroke cycles) in training [33-36 sec per 50 yds] Ave 67 sec per 100 yds in a mile race and usually 19 strokes per length (18 strokes during a really good race).

Wow !! I wish I could get there … My stroke count is 16-17 for 25yds. Consistently. But more like 90 seconds per 100… 67 sec per 100 for a mile, that’s sub 20 minutes ! Not in my wildest dreams.. One tip, I learned this from some Olympians during a clinic. Practice overexagerating your glide and extension. Try to cross the pool in the absolute fewest strokes possible without sinking. See if you can get under 7. ( My PB! ) you get a tremendous feel for streamlining. Al Kormesser

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I know the key to distance swimming is efficiency, efficiency and efficiency.  I’m just wondering how efficient most people are…

For 25 yds: 17-19 strokes (approx 9 stroke cycles) in training [33-36 sec per 50 yds] Ave 67 sec per 100 yds in a mile race and usually 19 strokes per length (18 strokes during a really good race). Find myself CONSTANTLY working on dropping the stroke count.  I count the strokes I take for at least half of the freestyle I do in each workout.  Can get down to 15 strokes per length pretty easily but lose the speed – 17 seems to be my most efficient s.p.l. currently but would like to get lower! -hug

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Thanks for clearing that up.  I was beginning to wonder how he got stroke counting for athletes out of that other site!  I have only recently begun the stroke counting thing myself, having read about it on the excellent Total Immersion web site

(www.totalimmersion.com). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Better check that URL, Paul %^).  Try www.totalimmersion.net instead. Take Care, Zack Jones

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: but hey, no-one ever : won or lost an Ironman in the water! "ever" is an awfully long time.  Just a cursory glance shows: 1998 Hawaii Ironman Pro Women: 1 Badmann, Natascha    :56:02  5:13:24  3:14:50  09:24:16 2 Bowden, Lori        1:01:43  5:18:33  3:07:03  09:27:19                         -5:41                       -3:03 1997 Hawaii M 25-29: 1 Tobias Behle          52:17  5:05:08  3:06:50   9:04:15 2 Troy Jacobson         59:48  5:02:34  3:07:09   9:09:31                         -7:31                       -5:16 1997 Hawaii M 35-39: 1 Daniel Dethier         58:17  5:08:27  3:12:12   9:18:56 2 Michael Hagen        1:00:29  5:13:23  3:06:12   9:20:04                          -2:12                       -1:08 1996 Hawaii Pro Women: 1 Paula Newby-Fraser     :55:30  5:01:34  3:09:45  09:06:49 2 Natascha Badmann      1:00:41  4:53:47  3:16:51  09:11:19                           -5:11                       -4:30 1996 Hawaii W 30-34: 1 Donna Kay-Ness        1:03:39  5:16:26  3:42:19  10:02:24 2 Kara Hughes           1:06:08  5:21:57  3:34:49  10:02:54                           -2:29                       -0:30 1996 Hawaii M 50-59: 1 Bruce Buchanan        1:06:17  5:52:40  4:24:32  11:23:29 2 Toyomi Taki           1:19:05  6:11:40  3:56:44  11:27:29                          -12:48                       -4:00

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 I have only recently begun the stroke counting thing myself, having read about it on the excellent Total Immersion web site (www.totalimmersion.com).

Better check that URL, Paul %^).  Try www.totalimmersion.net instead. Take Care, Zack Jones

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Hi Sal When I do my distance swims (1 mile), I average about 48 sec per 50 yd lap taking about 18 strokes per length (25 yd).  (NOTE: when I push off of the wall I usually come up at or right before 5 yard flags)The lowest I can get my strokes down to is 16 strokes per lap, but I can’t keep that up for more than one or two hundred meters.

  I have only recently begun the stroke counting thing myself, having read about it on the excellent Total Immersion web site (www.totalimmersion.com). On my long swims I take – on average – 17-18 strokes per lap. Like you, I can get to 16, but not very "efficiently" (ie, small glides between each stroke instead of a smooth stroke). With drills I aim to keep reducing my stroke count one at a time. As for speed, I travel at around 55-58 sec per 50m. Slow, but hey, no-one ever won or lost an Ironman in the water! Good luck with your training Regards, PB Paul (PB) Wilson

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I know the key to distance swimming is efficiency, efficiency and efficiency.  I’m just wondering how efficient most people are… When I do my distance swims (1 mile), I average about 48 sec per 50 yd lap taking about 18 strokes per length (25 yd).  (NOTE: when I push off of the wall I usually come up at or right before 5 yard flags)The lowest I can get my strokes down to is 16 strokes per lap, but I can’t keep that up for more than one or two hundred meters.  I was wondering about how many strokes do you guys take per link (25 yd) on your distance swims.  Could you also please tell me your average time per lap or your best mile time… I just want to know where I stand as far as triathletes…  so I know how far I have to go. Thanks!! —  Salvador Santolucito III

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I swim in a 25 meter pool so that may account for some difference, but I can’t seem to get below 20 strokes per lap (usually I’m at 21).  I wish I could cover the distance in 16-18 strokes.  Oh well, maybe I should make consistent sub-20 stroke lengths one goals for this year. Swimming like a fish (a flounder!), Yakabo

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Sal, It depends on the day, but my "norms" is as follows: 25 yard  – 13-14 strokes 50 yard — 40-42 seconds Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know the key to distance swimming is efficiency, efficiency and efficiency.  I’m just wondering how efficient most people are… When I do my distance swims (1 mile), I average about 48 sec per 50 yd lap taking about 18 strokes per length (25 yd).  (NOTE: when I push off of the wall I usually come up at or right before 5 yard flags)The lowest I can get my strokes down to is 16 strokes per lap, but I can’t keep that up for more than one or two hundred meters.  I was wondering about how many strokes do you guys take per link (25 yd) on your distance swims.  Could you also please tell me your average time per lap or your best mile time… I just want to know where I stand as far as triathletes…  so I know how far I have to go. Thanks!! —  Salvador Santolucito III

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Question:

Does anyone know the phone number so I can suscribe to Inside Triathlon.  I let my subcription slide and i cannot find the magazine at any area book stores. Thanks John

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Does anyone know the phone number so I can suscribe to Inside Triathlon.  I let my subcription slide and i cannot find the magazine at any area book stores. Thanks John

There website is www.insidetri.com, i’m sure you can get any info you need there Tim Hignett Buaidh No Bas -Seeking HQ GD and JGB tape trades,YLGM-

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The number given in the magazine is (303)440-0601 or fax (303)444-6788.

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Question:

What is Triathlete Zombies?  Do they have a website?  TIA Sean Kern 2d Lt, USAF Colorado Springs, CO "If your mind believes, your body achieves!"

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Triathlete Zombies is a triathlete store in California.  There website Kendall

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Triathlete Zombies has them on sale brand new for under $70. I got a mailer today with them advertised as such. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A PAIR OF SPLIT SEC AERO BARS WITH **BRAND NEW PADS**  OUTSIDE ELBOW PAD POSITION REMOVED FOR MORE HAND SPACE ON TOP.  OTHERWISE GOOD CONDITION. ASKING $90..SHIPPING INCLUDED —

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A PAIR OF SPLIT SEC AERO BARS WITH **BRAND NEW PADS**  OUTSIDE ELBOW PAD POSITION REMOVED FOR MORE HAND SPACE ON TOP.  OTHERWISE GOOD CONDITION.   ASKING $90..SHIPPING INCLUDED —

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Question:

Hi. Can someone *clarify* for me all the ways to qualify for IMH?? As far as I know they are: 1) Race a domestic qualifier…basically win your age group!! 2) Race an *official* Ironman distance race…pick up one of the slots available in your age-group. Outside of this, how does the LOTTERY work?? How do you sign up, and what are the odds of getting a slot this way?? Thanks, Bryan Maxwell IMC ‘91 Bryan Maxwell MS2, The University of Health Sciences at Kansas City, College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Hi. Can someone *clarify* for me all the ways to qualify for IMH?? As far as I know they are: 1) Race a domestic qualifier…basically win your age group!! 2) Race an *official* Ironman distance race…pick up one of the slots available in your age-group. Outside of this, how does the LOTTERY work?? How do you sign up, and what are the odds of getting a slot this way?? Thanks, Bryan Maxwell IMC ‘91

Bryan:      Both of the choices you have down is right. In order to be more specific, there is an annual magazine from Inside Triathlon that is dedicated to qualifying in Kona. I think it mentions the lottery also.      The lottery…I don’t know the address of where to get an application, but I remember it’s quite easy to get. Anyway, if you want to participate in the lottery next year, be sure to get an application next January and mail it out by March 1. Of course you need to pay the enormous fee that goes with applying ($200+), but most of that (minus a processing fee) is refunded back if you don’t make the lottery.      The lottery is held May 1 and you will know soon afterward if you’re in. The Ironman holds extra slots for Passport members, which means you have to pay an extra $50 if you want a chance at those slots. When you receive the application, it’ll all be there. Just follow the instructions and you’re in! Iron Pete Professional Rumor-Monger At Large Sub 10 hour IMC’97

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Question:

During a routine physical, my docotor told me that it was his experience that long distance runners tended to get arthritis earlier and tended to need things like hip replacements more frequently.  Thus, he advised me, that, at age 47, with eight marathons behind me, to think seriously about not doing any more. Comments?  ( Especially from MDs, sports medicine people, etc )

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During a routine physical, my docotor told me that it was his experience that long distance runners tended to get arthritis earlier and tended to need things like hip replacements more frequently.  Thus, he advised me, that, at age 47, with eight marathons behind me, to think seriously about not doing any more.

An a Stanford Medical School sports medicine study said there was no difference.

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During a routine physical, my docotor told me that it was his experience that long distance runners tended to get arthritis earlier and tended to need things like hip replacements more frequently.  Thus, he advised me, that, at age 47, with eight marathons behind me, to think seriously about not doing any more. Comments?  ( Especially from MDs, sports medicine people, etc )

Not an MD but Sports Psych background and coaching marathoners for 22 years. If you are not conscious of running lightly over the ground and using your thinking body to learn that long distance running is a dance which can be accomplished gracefully and need not be clumsily done nor sloppy plodding, then you can rest assured that the aches and pains of the lower body will catch up with you.  Dixie Webb as she turns 60 continues to do 100 milers.  Sally Byram who has been running since she started to run with her kids over 20 years ago is still marathoning at 62.  She inspired her daughter Teresa several years ago by finishing the Iron Man.  The next year Sally and Teresa both finished the Iron Man Triathlon. I also know numerous runners and friends whose compulsive behavior over the past 20 years have forced them to stop running altogether because of what has happened to their knees and hips and backs.  Somehow testosterone has an effect which allows men to complete at all costs what they have started to do.  Somehow, they don’t listen to the thinking body…knowing that it’s going to be around as long as their brain is around…and needs to be lovingly nurtured at the same time one is honing one’s athletic ability. Go for the grace and listen to the thinking body and arthritis and hip replacements need not be.   George Sheehan started running again at 47 and it was testicular cancer that took him at 70some.  George kept telling runners to talk to people who are running and doing it.  He was cautious about what non running doctors had to say to runners. — In health and on the run, Ozzie Gontang Maintainer-rec.running FAQ Director, San Diego Marathon Clinic,  est. 1975

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During a routine physical, my docotor told me that it was his experience that long distance runners tended to get arthritis earlier and tended to I also know numerous runners and friends whose compulsive behavior over the past 20 years have forced them to stop running altogether because of what has happened to their knees and hips and backs.  

Excellent point.  I deliberately take days off and do not over-train. If something hurts, I slow down. If it keeps hurting, I stop.  No injuries to speak of in ten years of running.  "Don’t go too fast, but I go pretty far". Go for the grace and listen to the thinking body and arthritis and hip replacements need not be.

Beautifully put.  Thanks!

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During a routine physical, my docotor told me that it was his experience that long distance runners tended to get arthritis earlier and tended to need things like hip replacements more frequently.  Thus, he advised me, that, at age 47, with eight marathons behind me, to think seriously about not doing any more. An a Stanford Medical School sports medicine study said there was no difference.

Bob: I’d consider finding a doctor who is more widely read. 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:

If you tell them of your frustration with the plastic piece breaking and  irritating your skin for the rest of your workout, they will just send you one. I went through two, and within a few days, they sent me two, free. Regards, Lee Rudin SF Bay Area Triathlon Training Sites http://www.slip.net~leeway/

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I had the same misfortunes as you all. My strap buckle  broke last year so got out the neddle and thread and really  put a good stich on it and has worked well every since.  Just make sure you do not lose alot of weight which  will make you have to redo the stich. Mark

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To make things easier on yourself just call 800-227-1314 and get a new strap, the cost is about $6.00 plus ship&handling.  Someone also said that Creative Health Products at 800-742-4478 carry stuff for Polar HRMs.  Good luck!! Carol Kinney .

s.walltech.com!news.his.com!news.akorn.net!imci5!pull-feed.internetmci. om!n

Question:

We are a new company founded by triathletes trying to gain a foothold in the triathlon market. You may have seen or ads in Triathlete, Competitor, Fitness Swimmer, Runners World or Inside Triathlon. If not, we make a line of hair and skin care products specifically for people who train. We count a number of rst’rs among our customers. We have a very important test going in 35 General Nutrition Center stores in the western part of the country. Our goal is to help GNC sell as many of our PRO Christmas Packs (Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Lotion) as possible before Christmas. We need your help and we’re willing to help you in return. We would like encourage rst’rs who are close to these stores to head on in and buy as much PRO as you need, or want to give as gifts. Here is the good part. If you purchase a PRO Christmas Pack and send us the flap from the front of the box, we will rebate you  $10 off of your first race entry of the season. Just send us a copy of the completed entry and the box flap and we’ll drop you a check for the $10. near you. Below is a list of the states where we are testing. We will continue to support the sport in 1996 by sponsoring events, athletes and by conducting a sampling program with USA Triathlon. Thank you for your help. States where we are testing: CA, CO, IL, MN, UT, MO, WI and HI. Scott Zagarino

Response:

Here is the good part. If you purchase a PRO Christmas Pack and send us the flap from the front of the box, we will rebate you  $10 off of your first race entry of the season. Just send us a copy of the completed entry and the box flap and we’ll drop you a check for the $10. near you. Below is a list of the states where we are testing.

I’ll make it a multiple choice.  For each (box top?) whatever that proves you bought a Xmas pack, we’ll take $10 off your purchase of a QR wetsuit. My wife bought 5 of these at the Carlsbad Mall in San Diego over the weekend, as they are easily shippable for Xmas presents to those who are distant.  So if you are a friend of hers you’re likely to have clean hair for a couple months courtesy of JulieAnne. QRman

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Question:

In a race in 1993 coming down a steep hill, windy hill at 80km/h,  with my weight forward and my arms on a pair of Profile Aero II’s,  I came off and went over a cliff I was flown out by rescue helicopter.  Only now a year and a half later have I got over 65km/h on a downhill.  I have now got up 85km/h just 2 weekends ago, using my butt right back, pedals at 3 and 9 o’clock, knees touching top tube and my hands near the break levers on a pair of Scott Extreme bars.  This position I have found to get quicker and quicker every descent with practice at cornering as I can get a good aerodynamic position easily.

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I was wondering is it more beneficial to put your weight forward over your tri bars (back flat & pedals horizontal with knees holding top tube) or place your weight back on the seat with arms extended forward . The reason I ask is that I was watching a show called ‘Personal Best ‘ that covers triathlon training. They recommended a weight towards the back strategy. However I have noticed some good riders who place their weight forward. Is it a matter of stability ,cornering ? Thanks in Advance — Paul Yeung , Ottawa, Canada   SplisH SpLAsh !

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NOTE:  This is from my own experience.  It works for me.        Do not forget the proverbial grain of salt when reading! When descending an easy hill (straight with good visibility and no obstructions), I will stretch out on the aerobars and push my butt WAYYYY back on the saddle.  I tuck in as tightly as I can and my arms, head, back, and butt form a long straight flat plane. I feel this reduces wind drag alot and typically I outcoast my friends on hills.  I listen to the whoosh of the air and adjust my position until it sounds smoothest and quietest (laminar flow).   Pedals at 3 and 9 o’clock, knees pressed against top tube for stability, eyes looking forward (obvious but often forgotten!).   On more difficult hills (steep, twisty, or low visibility), I will descend with my hands on the brake levers of my normal roadie handlebars and push my butt way back.  The weight shifted back gives you more maneuverability at speed than weight forward.  I like the control on difficult hills offered by conventional roadie positions.   This is why I switched to clipons.  I also practice slaloming on easy hills to get a feel for weight shifting at speed.  Press knees against top tube for stability.   I also use my body to "air brake", as the pads/wheel/tire can get quite hot on long descents.  Saves the pads alot.   Bombs away! -Rolf — Rolf Arands, Ph.D.          |                             |

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