Question:

Tell us about your training week and goals.

Response:

Tell us about your training week and goals.

15 weeks until my first marathon. Monday          6.2 miles     9:33 pace Tuesday          8.2 miles     9:29 pace Wednesday     DNR  Thunderstorms Thursday         6.2 miles     9:30 pace Friday             Off Saturday         13.6 miles     9:57 pace Sunday           DNR Week total      34.2  miles — Skip Chervak Farmington, Connecticut Osan    TDY      1968 NKP     456 MMS  1969 Danang  366 MMS  1970 Charter member of TLC Brotherhood http://www.tlc-brotherhood.org/ VFW Post 10249, Udorn http://www.khonkaen.com/vfw/ American Legion China Post 1, In Exile http://www.chinapost1.org/

Response:

Mon – 17km Tues -DNR Wed – DNR Thurs – 6.2km Fri – 6.2km Sat – 3km Sun – 12km Total – 44.4 km @ 5′05 min/km + some gym workouts Skept a LSD to heal some blisters and right foot probs. Aiming for Quebec marathon on August 25th

Response:

Since my May 12 marathon, I’ve ballooned up to 195 lbs. My goal is to gradually come down to 183 lbs  for my September marathon. Here’s my week. Monday: 10k/ 46:16 Tuesday: 17.5k 1:19:24 Wednesday: 17.5k 1:19:23 Thursday: 17.5k 1:18:37 Friday: 17.5k 1:18:04 Saturday: 13k 1:00:05 Sunday: 22k 1:40:25  warm Total: 115km – 71.4 miles —  Bernard     O    ///   / …./ GOTTA RUN! To reply by e-mail remove SPAM

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tell us about your training week and goals.

Response:

Goals for the past week: rest a little bit; easy miles leading up to 5K this weekend.  Keep babying the neuroma in hopes that it will continue to get better. Future goals: miles, miles, miles.  10K on July 4. M: 3.5 "hills" (there are no hills in Florida, but we found a quarter-mile-long bump in the road) T: dnr W: 5 easy R: 3 easy F: dnr Sa: 3 easy Su: 3.1 (5K, described in excruciating detail in another thread) Total: 17.6 miles Karen

Response:

Since my May 12 marathon, I’ve ballooned up to 195 lbs.

You must be eating like a horse, to gain weight with the amount of kms you’re doing (quite quick kms too, if you’re aiming at 4′10 race pace?)

Response:

Tell us about your training week and goals.

Goals:  To improve on 5K time and prepare for longer races (10and up).  Next race I will be running will be July 26th…Tim Horton’s Downtown Dash in Burlington. I’ve been suffering from a shin splint on the left side.  So, I’ve been doing more rest as a result. Sunday– Rest Monday–Rest Tuesday—400m splits; 1:31.74; 1:47.25; 1:58.40; 1:50.66; 1:45.79  Preceded by a 1.5km there, 400m slow pace in between, then 1.5km back Wednesday–easy 5km; 30 min Thursday–easy 5km, 30 min Friday–200m splits; 42.91; 39.90; 41.38; 42.15; 45.58; 38.82  preceded by 1.5km to track; 200m slow pace between splits, then  1.5km back Saturday–rest, and ice Sunday– rest I am not getting as much mileage under my feet as I’d like, but I need the body to heal… Brian in Hamilton

Response:

Goals: – some summer "corridas", just for fun – maybe a mountain race (13km, +1000m) in July – maybe do first 100km race, at Millau in September: target, sub 10h NB Distances now rounded to nearest half km/mile, so as to at least half follow Doug’s method :- <pre Mon  0h52   9.5k   6.0mi   Recovery at 5′28/km (8′47/mi) Tue  OFF Wed  0h45  10.5k   6.5mi   20′ Up, drills, lines                             7 * 500/125 in 1′47/1′00                             6′ Down Thu  0h42   8.0k   5.0mi   Recovery at 5′23/km (8′39/mi) Fri  OFF Sat  0h38   7.0k   4.5mi   28′ Up at 5′30/km (8′51/mi)                             5 * 200/100 in 45"/40"                             4′ Down Sun  1h45  24.0k  15.0mi   22′ Up, drills, lines, stretching                            Half marathon in 1h22m43s (new PB by 2m22s)      4h40  59k    37mi </pre

Response:

My goal for the year is a sub-20 5K, but I don’t seem to be progressing at the moment. I think I am going to focus my training towards a 10K in late September, then make my 5K attempt in early November. Tue – 45 min. cycling Wed – 5K cross-country race in 23:08, 1 up, 1 down Sat – off Total: 29 miles (46 km)

Response:

You must be eating like a horse, to gain weight with the amount of kms you’re doing (quite quick kms too, if you’re aiming at 4′10 race pace?)

Yes, I did eat like a horse, a big horse. I am now trying hard to control the amount of food I eat. Also, I’m trying to slow down training pace to run even more. Bernard     O    ///   / …./ GOTTA RUN! To reply by e-mail remove SPAM

Response:

Great race, Steve. Congrats on the PB. —  Bernard     O    ///   / …./ GOTTA RUN! To reply by e-mail remove SPAM

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Goals: – some summer "corridas", just for fun – maybe a mountain race (13km, +1000m) in July – maybe do first 100km race, at Millau in September: target, sub 10h NB Distances now rounded to nearest half km/mile, so as to at least half follow Doug’s method :- <pre Mon  0h52   9.5k   6.0mi   Recovery at 5′28/km (8′47/mi) Tue  OFF Wed  0h45  10.5k   6.5mi   20′ Up, drills, lines                             7 * 500/125 in 1′47/1′00                             6′ Down Thu  0h42   8.0k   5.0mi   Recovery at 5′23/km (8′39/mi) Fri  OFF Sat  0h38   7.0k   4.5mi   28′ Up at 5′30/km (8′51/mi)                             5 * 200/100 in 45"/40"                             4′ Down Sun  1h45  24.0k  15.0mi   22′ Up, drills, lines, stretching                            Half marathon in 1h22m43s (new PB by 2m22s)      4h40  59k    37mi </pre

Response:

M    DNR T    6 miles with hills. W    4.5×1 mile repeats 400m recovery (did OK)  Got there late because of work so it should have been 5. last part poured it on.  After that did the Sprint up Brady (1/4 mile) in 1:37. F    DNR S    1 mile fun run in 6:28 good enough for 2nd place.  Ran with the lead female for almost 4 minutes before speeding up. S    13 miles in 1:54  Showed signed of dehydration again.  HR went way up, arms were dry and shortly after the run, I noticed my pants were even dry. Note to self, stay away from margaritas the night before. Total: 31 miles, but if counting light poles and dividing by 4 (won’t mention any names) then I ran about 78 miles.  ;-) Goal:  Beat 38:58 in a 5 mile race next Saturday.  I’ve got to be doing better this year.

Response:

Tell us about your training week and goals.

Main Goal: Scotiabank Marathon, Sept 15 Races along the way: 10k on June 25                                            5k on August 10 ——- Mon  

Question:

Can some of you please give me an idea of your training.  I have just started training and I want to get an idea of what others are doing and the frequency.  I am not a professional athlete (I have to work for a living and I’m a single dad to a 6 year old boy).  I did compete in martial arts (vale tudo) for several years but I’m getting more mature and don’t like being hit every day.  I would like to start with a sprint triathlon and then go from there.  I have read several articles but I just want to know what is really being done "in practice".  An example of a typical training day would be great. Thanks to all of you.

Response:

Hi Bill — Head over to trinewbies.com — I believe that they have sample training schedules that will give you some ideas. A typical week will be more useful for you than a day.  In training for a sprint triathlon, large volume is not necessary.  Focus on shorter, technique oriented sessions and build your endurance gradually while learning good technique. Cheers, g

Response:

Question:

Hi I am thinking of buying a second hand rear spinergy rev-x  and was hoping that someone would be able to give me some advice on  weather or not these wheels are prone to cracking and if so what and where to check. thank you steve

Response:

I’ve had one since they first came out and it’s still going strong. I don’t think you’ll have any problems.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I am thinking of buying a second hand rear spinergy rev-x  and was hoping that someone would be able to give me some advice on  weather or not these wheels are prone to cracking and if so what and where to check. thank you steve

Response:

Check out this web site for horror stories. You may need to check from other users. I wouldn’t buy not because they are definetly going to break, but because the fear of them breaking is enough to worry about. Besides, they are not very light nor aerodynamic as it is. Mark http://home.interlynx.net/~pjdu/

: I’ve had one since they first came out and it’s still going strong. : I don’t think you’ll have any problems. : : Hi : I am thinking of buying a second hand rear spinergy rev-x  and was hoping : that someone would be able to give me some advice on  weather or not these : wheels are prone to cracking and if so what and where to check. : thank you : steve : : : :

Response:

they are not very light nor aerodynamic as it is.   On the aero part..I have read multiple articles in the magazines, including an extensive test report of many aero wheels in Bicycling Magazine showing that Spinergy’s are aero…so, that is untrue…now the possible breaking is another issue I wont’ go into. Before you buy.

Response:

I wouldn’t put much faith in results of any test done by Bicycling magazine.  Just about every "test" they do is somehow fundamentally flawed.  The only true test of wheel aerodynamics is in the wind tunnel and to my knowledge, Bicycling has not done any testing there. To the best of my knowledge, the SPOX are the least aero wheel available.  I wouldn’t recommend those wheels for anything but training.  And who buys $450 training wheels? The Rev-X probably falls somewhere in the middle of all the aero wheels.  I say probably because I haven’t seen impartial testing doen by a competent third party recently.  The Rev-X probably comes in near the Cosmic Elite, Rolf Vector, etc., far behind the HED3, Campy Shamal, Zipp 440, etc. Personally, I would never buy a set due to durability concerns, and the questionable crosswind behavior of the front wheel. John "If you’ve got the cash, buy the 909" Royal they are not very light nor aerodynamic as it is.   On the aero part..I have read multiple articles in the magazines, including an extensive test report of many aero wheels in Bicycling Magazine showing that Spinergy’s are aero…so, that is untrue…now the possible breaking is another issue I wont’ go into. Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

I wouldn’t put much faith in results of any test done by Bicycling magazine.  Just about every "test" they do is somehow fundamentally flawed.   The Rev-X probably comes in near the Cosmic Elite, Rolf Vector, etc., far behind the HED3, Campy Shamal, Zipp 440, etc.

I’ve never used Rev-X wheels, but to say any test "Bicycling" mag does is flawed and then state your own belief the Rev-X is far behind the Shamal, 440 ect…  in aerodynamics seems a bit ridiculous.  How is it you know so much more than Bicycling? tim(dogspot1) buaidh no bas

Response:

I do not consider myself an expert on wheel dynamics but have used the Spinergy on many occaisions.    I found that the Spinergy handles the crosswind far superior to my Specialized trispoke when used on the front.   I rode the Specialized rear, Spinergy front to two Ironman age group first place finishes.   One in NZ the other at Kona.   I found that the Specialized / HED is very fast and stiff but extremely difficult to manage in crosswinds when placed on the front.   The Spinergy has a much nicer ride and is far less affected by crosswind. I have had no problem with the Spinergy Rev-X in any way.   I’m not endorsing them, just stating my personal experience. My wheels were 700C sewups.  the Spinergy requires an adapter for the stem and the Specialized requires a very short and small pump head for inflation. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I wouldn’t put much faith in results of any test done by Bicycling magazine.  Just about every "test" they do is somehow fundamentally flawed.  The only true test of wheel aerodynamics is in the wind tunnel and to my knowledge, Bicycling has not done any testing there. To the best of my knowledge, the SPOX are the least aero wheel available.  I wouldn’t recommend those wheels for anything but training.  And who buys $450 training wheels? The Rev-X probably falls somewhere in the middle of all the aero wheels.  I say probably because I haven’t seen impartial testing doen by a competent third party recently.  The Rev-X probably comes in near the Cosmic Elite, Rolf Vector, etc., far behind the HED3, Campy Shamal, Zipp 440, etc. Personally, I would never buy a set due to durability concerns, and the questionable crosswind behavior of the front wheel. John "If you’ve got the cash, buy the 909" Royal Besides, they are not very light nor aerodynamic as it is.   On the aero part..I have read multiple articles in the magazines, including an extensive test report of many aero wheels in Bicycling Magazine showing that Spinergy’s are aero…so, that is untrue…now the possible breaking is another issue I wont’ go into. Before you buy. Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

First of all, I said "probably".  The only definitive statements I made were in regards to the ineptitiude of the writers at Bicycling magazine. I based my ASSUMPTION on the fact that the Spinergy rim is of similar depth to the other wheels I mentioned.  Also, you will note that the LEW website puts the Rev-X in this ballpark (Note: I do not believe all the information at the LEW site, I just use it for general comparison purposes).  Where did you get your information from?  What did you base your assumption on? Regarding my knowledge versus Bicycling magazine, based on what I have read in that magazine I would say that I probably have a wider and deeper knowledge than most of their writers.  But that is no great feat.  The vast majority of the information they provide is based on myths and half truths.  Just like the junk that Dane Bittenbender writes for Triathlete magazine*. Just because someone has something in print doesn’t mean that they know what they are talking about. * – Note:  I have found articles by our own Rick Denney and Dan Empfield to be much better thought out and more accurate.  I do not mean to trash all the writers at Triathlete.  Just one. P.S. Regarding the crosswind handling situation, the Rev-X does handle slightly  better than a Specialized/HED Tri Spoke.  But that doesn’t say a whole lot.  A front Rev-x is still much more susceptible to sidewinds than a regular deep rim such as a Zipp 404 or HED Aero.  That’s why you see so many of the pro bike riders running a regular wheel on the front and a Rev-X on the rear. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I wouldn’t put much faith in results of any test done by Bicycling magazine.  Just about every "test" they do is somehow fundamentally flawed. The Rev-X probably comes in near the Cosmic Elite, Rolf Vector, etc., far behind the HED3, Campy Shamal, Zipp 440, etc. I’ve never used Rev-X wheels, but to say any test "Bicycling" mag does is flawed and then state your own belief the Rev-X is far behind the Shamal, 440 ect…  in aerodynamics seems a bit ridiculous.  How is it you know so much more than Bicycling? tim(dogspot1) buaidh no bas

Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Does anyone out there know of any books on deep breathing exercises for cyclists?  I read that this was one of the first things Greg Lemond’s coach had him practice when he turned pro.  Any valuable insight would be appreciated. Thanks, -Ed

Response:

Does anyone out there know of any books on deep breathing exercises for cyclists?  I read that this was one of the first things Greg Lemond’s coach had him practice when he turned pro.  Any valuable insight would be appreciated.

Don’t waste your time. Ventilation is rarely limiting to athletic performance, and breathing exercises (deep breaths, or even sustained hyperventilation against resistance) do little or nothing to improve your ability to ventilate (unless you have COPD, that is). Andrew Coggan

Response:

There is a very interesting book called Body, Mind and Sport by John Doulliard that talks a lot about breathing while exercising.  I don’t believe much of what he says, but it is extremely though-provoking. JT

Response:

What about those swim snorkles? I got one and was told it would help my form and help me control my breathing. I had a hard time at first going very far with it, but now it is easier to use and I think it has helped me in my regular swim breathing. D.J.    "IRONKID" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Don’t waste your time. Ventilation is rarely limiting to athletic performance, and breathing exercises (deep breaths, or even sustained hyperventilation against resistance) do little or nothing to improve your ability to ventilate (unless you have COPD, that is). Andrew Coggan

Response:

Unfortunately, the doc. you spoke to appears not to know much about the effect of exercise on vital capacity, the test you describe; there isn’t any. — Rod. Discoveries are made every 15 years. Yours is particularly good; it hasn’t been made for 150 years. "The Doctors Dilemma" GB Shaw

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Surely the swimmming training for a triathlete would give you all the breath training you need. If you feel the need to extend your breaths then try breathing after more strokes, that should do the trick. A good place to start might be to find out the capacity of your lungs, a simple test where you breath out very fast but keep on breathing out for as long as you can. This can be done at your doctors normally, I had one done when I had difficulty breathing but still had 6.9 ltr capacity, which the doc said proved I had done training.

Response:

Question:

Try Mission Bay in Elgin, Ill. I live in the Lake Geneva, WI area, kind of between Milwaukee and Chicago, and I’m in the market to buy a used Tri Bike.  Would prefer to ride the bike prior to buying.  Any suggestions of dealers or individuals would be greatly appreciated.

               Steve Fredericks                Oceanside, CA

Response:

i have a 96′ softride powerwing 700c, it is a size 58cm which fits a 54cm-60cm rider b/c of the beam adjustment.  I have a picture if you are interested

Response:

I live in the Lake Geneva, WI area, kind of between Milwaukee and Chicago, and I’m in the market to buy a used Tri Bike.  Would prefer to ride the bike prior to buying.  Any suggestions of dealers or individuals would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ron

Response:

Question:

Be patient.  DOn’t try to rush thinbgs.  I’ve been working on my wife for 21 years.  No success yet.  She’s gone on a few trips,

Whoa!  I’d say after a few years, leave her at home, all warm and snuggly.  She’ll love it and she’ll love letting you go out and do ‘the man thing’ (even though there are other women in the group..)

Response:

I thought that all you had to do was zip in a storm flap and you’d have a 4 season spouse.

4 Season Spouse?  Where does one find these?  Maybe an REI employee? Sheese, the one i’m with now, you mention 40

Question:

Oh sure Joe … like I am going to fall for that trick! Besides, I don’t have time to get lost on Wildwood trail with you, I only have 48 more day’s to buy a bike and start training . DOH! Speakin’ of bike .. I need to stop goofin’ off here and get out and riiiiiiiidddde! Dennis A bike? I need a bike for Ironman Canada? Damn, why didn’t someone tell me this before…

No joking gentleman. A friend of mine who is doing IMC this year, just did by a bike and rode it for the first time in over two years last weekend. He says that he has a bit of work to do between now and the end of August! Steve Fleck

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oh sure Joe … like I am going to fall for that trick! Besides, I don’t have time to get lost on Wildwood trail with you, I only have 48 more day’s to buy a bike and start training . DOH! Speakin’ of bike .. I need to stop goofin’ off here and get out and riiiiiiiidddde! Dennis A bike? I need a bike for Ironman Canada? Damn, why didn’t someone tell me this before… No joking gentleman. A friend of mine who is doing IMC this year, just did by a bike and rode it for the first time in over two years last weekend. He says that he has a bit of work to do between now and the end of August! Steve Fleck

Will probably ride a 5:02:XX!! Good Story, Joe Joseph C. Foster

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oh sure Joe … like I am going to fall for that trick! Besides, I don’t have time to get lost on Wildwood trail with you, I only have 48 more day’s to buy a bike and start training . DOH! Speakin’ of bike .. I need to stop goofin’ off here and get out and riiiiiiiidddde! Dennis A bike? I need a bike for Ironman Canada? Damn, why didn’t someone tell me this before… No joking gentleman. A friend of mine who is doing IMC this year, just did by a bike and rode it for the first time in over two years last weekend. He says that he has a bit of work to do between now and the end of August! Steve Fleck Will probably ride a 5:02:XX!! Good Story, Joe

Joe, The 5:02 bike split is unliklely. However, watch out for the guy on the run. He’s an ultra-distance type who can knock off a 3:20 run in his sleep. Steve Fleck

Response:

In case you have not checked your calender: You now have *50* trainning days left. "Bwahahahaha . . . " Good Training, Good Racing, and it’s really to *30*, "if" your tapering .. . . Joe

IF you’re tapering???   anyone who isn’t – you have much to learn, grasshopper. for the rest – you still have much to learn, but you’re on the right track. good luck everyone of ya. — Tim Hartley SFU Kinesiology

Response:

No joking gentleman. A friend of mine who is doing IMC this year, just did by a bike and rode it for the first time in over two years last weekend. He says that he has a bit of work to do between now and the end of August! Steve Fleck

Steve, the owner of the Hog’s Breath in Penticton did his first triathlon EVER Sunday… yesterday. he was dead last, but still game. his next race?  IMC. I would guess his motto goes something like "go hard or go home" — Tim Hartley SFU Kinesiology

Response:

: the owner of the Hog’s Breath in Penticton did his first triathlon : EVER Sunday… yesterday. : he was dead last, but still game. : his next race?  IMC. I heard the Hog’s Breath is for sale too?  Hmmm, I better get his name…maybe we can work something out in the course of the run.  ;-) Jason "training is overrated" — Jason Mayfield     Arlington, VA "Do or do not, there is no ‘try’"  - Yoda     40 Days Until Ironman Canada ‘98

Response:

In case you have not checked your calender: You now have *50* trainning days left. "Bwahahahaha . . . "

50? Bring it on man! I’m HUNGRY for this race!                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

*50* more day’s until Ironman Canada?!!! Cool, I still have *49.5* days to get ready!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Dennis McMinn

Response:

Dennis, my friend, I know this great little run in Portland that might be PERFECT for preping . . . Good Training, Good Racing, 28 Days of "IM Push" – yes, the "Quickening" – left!!! Joe

Oh sure Joe … like I am going to fall for that trick! Besides, I don’t have time to get lost on Wildwood trail with you, I only have 48 more day’s to buy a bike and start training . DOH! Speakin’ of bike .. I need to stop goofin’ off here and get out and riiiiiiiidddde! Dennis

Response:

Oh sure Joe … like I am going to fall for that trick! Besides, I don’t have time to get lost on Wildwood trail with you, I only have 48 more day’s to buy a bike and start training . DOH! Speakin’ of bike .. I need to stop goofin’ off here and get out and riiiiiiiidddde! Dennis

A bike? I need a bike for Ironman Canada? Damn, why didn’t someone tell me this before…                           |26      | IMC’96: 10:36:37          |   Fe   |   ‘98 IMC, GCT, BSLT IMC’97: 10:42:53          |        |                  "THE BEST ELEMENT OF RACING"

Response:

In case you have not checked your calender: You now have *50* trainning days left. "Bwahahahaha . . . " Good Training, Good Racing, and it’s really to *30*, "if" your tapering .. . . Joe Joseph C. Foster "There will come a point in the race, when you alone will need to decide. You will need to make a choice. Do you really want it? You will need to decide." – Rolf Arands

Response:

Ouch!! Like I did not have enough butterflies prior to this sobering reality check. Do you think they would be willing to move it back a few weeks while I prepare? Keith – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In case you have not checked your calender: You now have *50* trainning days left. "Bwahahahaha . . . " Good Training, Good Racing, and it’s really to *30*, "if" your tapering .. . . Joe Joseph C. Foster "There will come a point in the race, when you alone will need to decide. You will need to make a choice. Do you really want it? You will need to decide." – Rolf Arands

Response:

Dennis, my friend, I know this great little run in Portland that might be PERFECT for preping . . . Good Training, Good Racing, 28 Days of "IM Push" – yes, the "Quickening" – left!!! Joe Joseph C. Foster "There is more to life than increasing its speed."-  Mahatma Gandhi who was never a  Triathlete.

Response:

Question:

        Just a question regarding the Presidents Choice Muskoka Triathlon on June 21. (2/55/15 km) I know some of you out there have done it, and I am wondering if you can give me a description of the bike course. I have heard it is hilly, but I am wondering to what extent. Thank for any help David Barclay IMC 1997: 11:55:59 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

Response:

David: The Muskoka course is hilly in that it doesn’t allow you any rest. It continuously goes up and down. The climbs are very short in general, but there’s always a next one. Sincerely, Gerard Vroomen, Cervelo Cycles, http://www.cervelo.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         Just a question regarding the Presidents Choice Muskoka Triathlon on June 21. (2/55/15 km) I know some of you out there have done it, and I am wondering if you can give me a description of the bike course. I have heard it is hilly, but I am wondering to what extent. Thank for any help David Barclay IMC 1997: 11:55:59 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

Response:

Ontario is flat.  The highest point in the whole province is probably 1,000 feet (Collingwood).  There may be a series of rolling hills, but none bigger than 4-800 vertical.  It’s not B.C. See you there.

Response:

The bike is a 2 loop deal with some hills, but nothing too bad (and that from a lousy biker).  Most of the hills are preceded by a downhill in which you can get some momentum.  There are a couple technical points in town: tight turns, climbs after a turn, etc.  Save a little for the run.  Especially if it’s hot. Augie Calabrese http://www.frontiernet.net/~kona – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         Just a question regarding the Presidents Choice Muskoka Triathlon on June 21. (2/55/15 km) I know some of you out there have done it, and I am wondering if you can give me a description of the bike course. I have heard it is hilly, but I am wondering to what extent. Thank for any help David Barclay IMC 1997: 11:55:59 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

Response:

  I have my President’s Choice program open to page 19 and it says: Bike:  Challenging, hilly course, closed roads – "NEW ONE LOOP COURSE" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The bike is a 2 loop deal with some hills, but nothing too bad (and that from a lousy biker).  Most of the hills are preceded by a downhill in which you can get some momentum.  There are a couple technical points in town: tight turns, climbs after a turn, etc.  Save a little for the run.  Especially if it’s hot. Augie Calabrese http://www.frontiernet.net/~kona         Just a question regarding the Presidents Choice Muskoka Triathlon on June 21. (2/55/15 km) I know some of you out there have done it, and I am wondering if you can give me a description of the bike course. I have heard it is hilly, but I am wondering to what extent. Thank for any help David Barclay IMC 1997: 11:55:59 Triathlon: "Swim, Bike, Crawl"

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Just a side note the course is new as it is only one loop. If you know the area here are the tri’s description and map http://www.pcathletics.com/muskoka.htm http://www.pcathletics.com/muskoka_courses.htm Bernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I have my President’s Choice program open to page 19 and it says: Bike:  Challenging, hilly course, closed roads – "NEW ONE LOOP COURSE" The bike is a 2 loop deal with some hills, but nothing too bad (and that from a lousy biker).  Most of the hills are preceded by a downhill in which you can get some momentum.  There are a couple technical points in town: tight turns, climbs after a turn, etc.  Save a little for the run.  Especially if it’s hot. Augie Calabrese

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Question:

| | |   This ‘Pressing the T’ idea sounds interesting, but I | have a few words of caution. | | 1)  Body position in the water is EVERYTHING!  One must |     get the body position correct first, and then improve/ |     correct other stroke mechanics. | 2)  Don’t press the T and screw up your body position. |     Remember to keep your head up.  You should have the |     waterline on your forehead and you should be looking |     approximately 45 degrees in front (i.e. 45 degrees from |     the bottom of the pool) | | Pressing the T’ is designed to IMPROVE body position. Please | explain how it would "screw" up my position.  I am already | swimming faster with less effort as I ‘press the T’.  Help | me understand what you are talking about in the above comments. | | John K. Hi again,      Sorry John, maybe I should have explained my point a little better. I wanted to make sure that people didn’t drop their head/shoulders just to get their hips and legs up in the water.  Getting your hips up is a good thing, but not at the expense of bad head or shoulder position. I guess I didn’t want people to worry so much about getting their hips way up in the water that they would mess up their upper torso position in the water.      Glad to hear that you are having success!  Keep it up and good luck! Chuck

Response:

Hi again,      Sorry John, maybe I should have explained my point a little better. I wanted to make sure that people didn’t drop their head/shoulders just to get their hips and legs up in the water.  Getting your hips up is a good thing, but not at the expense of bad head or shoulder position. I guess I didn’t want people to worry so much about getting their hips way up in the water that they would mess up their upper torso position in the water.

Ahhh, ok.  Probably good advice to make us both happy is for people to seek the advice of their coach to work with them on body position. And try "pressing the T" with guidance from their coach so that they don’t over compensate.   How’s that?  I would have to agree that if people were doing it on their own there is a chance that they may be pushing their head and should down (which is incorrect). John K.

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John & Chuck: If I can add a little clarification, since I am a coach, probably have done more to spread this gospel of "pressing the T" than anyone, and teach it to about 600 triathletes a year: The term arose from Bill Boomer, a retired coach from the Univ. of Rochester. I learned it from him about 5 years ago and have been teaching it at my adult swim camps ever since. Bill was little known small college coach who happens to be a genius on the art of swim technique and on learning to swim faster with less effort. I wrote articles about him for Swimming World and Swim Technique magazines after which the Stanford men’s and women’s coaches (also the head mens and womens coaches for the 96 US Olympic team invited him to come teach technique to their teams. Ever since he’s been traveling around the country teaching the leading college coaches and their teams about technique and is beginning to cause quite a stir in the swimming world. I began teaching it to triathletes and Masters swimmers 5 years ago and have also taught many coaches around the country and written about it in SWIM and Inside Triathlon. Bill and I have both been asked to teach technique (focused mainly on how to reduce drag) at the Olympic Development Camps at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs over the next 2 years. Both of us were out there teaching Dec. 14-18, working with teenage swimmers who have been identified as prospects for our Olympic team. The basic idea is the your #1 objective in building a stroke is to get the body balanced and centered. No other part of the stroke can be optimized unless you do that first as your foundation. Head position is used to help press the T and is definitely secondary to getting the body balanced, though you must get the head position right in order to balance the body. For more info, see my posting TI Swim Lesson #1. I’ll be posting subsequent "lessons" in the next day or two which will clarify this further. Good luck and Happy Laps, Terry Laughlin, Total Immersion Adult Swim Camps

Response:

  This ‘Pressing the T’ idea sounds interesting, but I have a few words of caution. 1)  Body position in the water is EVERYTHING!  One must     get the body position correct first, and then improve/     correct other stroke mechanics. 2)  Don’t press the T and screw up you body position.     Remember to keep your head up.  You should have the     waterline on your forehead and you should be looking     approximately 45 degrees in front (i.e. 45 degrees from     the bottom of the pool)

Pressing the T’ is designed to IMPROVE body position. Please explain how it would "screw" up my position.  I am already swimming faster with less effort as I ‘press the T’.  Help me understand what you are talking about in the above comments. John K.

Response:

Hi,   This ‘Pressing the T’ idea sounds interesting, but I have a few words of caution. 1)  Body position in the water is EVERYTHING!  One must     get the body position correct first, and then improve/     correct other stroke mechanics. 2)  Don’t press the T and screw up you body position.     Remember to keep your head up.  You should have the     waterline on your forehead and you should be looking     approximately 45 degrees in front (i.e. 45 degrees from     the bottom of the pool) 3)  Make sure you have a good shoulder roll. 4)  It’s good to keep the hips up, and it sounds like pressing     the T can help.  I also suggest to use a pull buoy to     help improve your body position.   Well I hope some can find this helpful. Chuck Higgins

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Question:

FYI… Gary Johnson (Albuquerque, NM) won the Republican gubernatorial primary just a few days back.  Gary is also a top New Mexican multi-sports athlete (men’s 40-44).  His company, Big J Enterprises, has been sponsoring the New Mexico State Duathlon Championsips for the last few years.  In ‘93 and ‘94, it has been designated as a world qualifier (last years men’s champion was Matt Brick and Maddy Tormoenen (sp?) holds the women’s course record). This year’s race is Aug 27 or 28th.  If you are a good climber, this is a race that you can qualify at.  It is also run very well; however, has been plagued with fairly small fields over the past few years. Anyway, I think its great that a multi-sports athlete has a real shot at being governer.  I wonder if we’ll get those additional bike trails now… — Pat Brug, Ph.D.   Los Alamos National Laboratory "Home of the TriATOMICS" compuserve:  72410, 3372        

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Brug) writes:

Pat: Interesting. Can you give me a phone number where I can reach this person? — Jeffrey Justice

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Brug) writes: Pat: Interesting. Can you give me a phone number where I can reach this person? — Jeffrey Justice

Regarding Gary Johnson, Albuquerque, who won the Republican nomination in the state’s gubernatorial primary election this spring… Incidentally, Gary’s company, Big J Enterprises, has sponsored the New Mexico State Duathlon Championships (now Big J Duathlon Championship) for the last couple of years.  This race has been a world qualifier for the ‘93 and ‘94 season.  Also, due to Gary’s generosity the "race goodies" are of extremely high quality.  For example, the race t-shirts are actually polo shirts (with collars) and the list goes on… If you think this might be a worthwhile blurb in your magazine, I can suggest the following contacts: Barry Field (Big J race director) (505) 262-0565  home Gary Johnson / Big J Enterprises (505) 821-1500  work Art Gardenswartz / Gardenswartz Sportz (505) 884-6787 work — Pat Brug, Ph.D.   Los Alamos National Laboratory "Home of the TriATOMICS" compuserve:  72410, 3372        

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