login
Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with?
-
No new posts
| General Discussion | Triathlon Talk » Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? | Rss Feed  |
|
 2009-06-26 6:58 PM |
Master 2460   |  Subject: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with?It's interesting - I see a lot of press about World-class champions in Kona, bike racing, or running, and frankly, I don't feel that much interest in what they're using to win in terms of gear, even though I love my gear and take triathlon seriously. I can't even remember what bike the last 3 Konas were won on in the mens division. However, there are a couple folks in my local triclub who are significantly stronger than me, but still clearly in the amateur division. I've become REALLY interested in what they use for training and racing. I think a lot of it is because I know that that level of performance is something that I can realistically strive for, and thus, their gear becomes very relevant to me. I definitely know more about their bikes, fueling strategy, and gear preferences than I do of the pros. Anyone else feel this way? Or are you a "pro-only" person? |
| 2009-06-26 7:05 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
Champion 5782   Northridge, California | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? None of the above. First consideration for me is what my own resources (both money and time) will permit, especially with gear. Then I like to look at objective research where it is available (as, for example, regarding hydration, about which there is a lot of bad information floating around among age groupers). Then I'll look at what people who are in my peer group who are having success might be doing or using...and that isn't just, say, men my age, but even guys my age who are strong runners working to get better on the bike. I really crave focused and specific information that fits with what I'm experiencing myself in training and racing, rather than conventional wisdom. |
| 2009-06-26 7:35 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
Pro 4675 Wisconsin near the Twin Cities metro | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? I just want to look good. |
| 2009-06-26 7:40 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
Member 136 | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? Yep, looking good is what it's all about!  Seriously though, money is probably the biggest factor for me. rb Edited by RalBorseth 2009-06-26 7:41 PM |
| 2009-06-26 7:46 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
Master 2355 Houston, TX | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? Yea. I mean I can talk to other guys at races and get their opinions on what they are using, and that can certainly play part in any decision I make. |
| 2009-06-26 8:05 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
Master 2491 | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? My eyes are always open, but my wallet doesn't always agree. |
 2009-06-26 8:26 PM in reply to: #2246595 |
| Subject: ... This user's post has been ignored. |
| 2009-06-26 9:10 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
Master 1810 Morse Lake, Noblesville, Indiana | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? I found out that if I get to the race early enough, and to the swim start late enough, I can slit enough of the fast guys bike tires to place pretty well on my old crappy equipment. Tacks around their rack also do wonders for running in and out of transition as well. |
| 2009-06-26 9:51 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Expert 2555 Colorado Springs, Colorado | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? No. The top local guys in my age group who consistently beat me also train harder than I do. I think a couple of them are more genetically gifted as well. Some of them are good enough to have been to Nationals and Worlds. I can't compete with that even if I bought exactly the same gear. |
| 2009-06-26 10:01 PM in reply to: #2246576 |
| Extreme Veteran 362 Security, CO | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? Birkierunner - 2009-06-26 6:35 PM I just want to look good. I just have to look good, I dont have to be clear Ditz ... Don Henley, Dirty Laundry. |
| 2009-06-26 10:14 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Champion 9600 Fountain Hills, AZ | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? This is one of the reasons ZOOT began the Ultra Team. It was an effort to find top, local AG'er and provide them with a degree of sponsorship and product so that they would represent those products in their local tri community where they have a degree of influence. I can say that many local people come to me for advice and recommendations. Some people do gravitate to that, some don't. My success or lack thereof is meaningless to someone else, but there is truth to the OP's question and the answer is yes, sometimes. |
| 2009-06-26 10:36 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Master 1853 syracuse | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? yes. |
| 2009-06-26 11:33 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Master 2460 | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? I know that I've never ever looked at Reynolds wheels before, but ever since the strong guys at the roadie club started using 'em, I've looked at 'em a whole lot online. I never would have even considered them had they not used them. |
| 2009-06-26 11:34 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Extreme Veteran 419 San Jose, CA | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? agarose2000 - 2009-06-26 4:58 PM It's interesting - I see a lot of press about World-class champions in Kona, bike racing, or running, and frankly, I don't feel that much interest in what they're using to win in terms of gear, even though I love my gear and take triathlon seriously. I can't even remember what bike the last 3 Konas were won on in the mens division. However, there are a couple folks in my local triclub who are significantly stronger than me, but still clearly in the amateur division. I've become REALLY interested in what they use for training and racing. I think a lot of it is because I know that that level of performance is something that I can realistically strive for, and thus, their gear becomes very relevant to me. I definitely know more about their bikes, fueling strategy, and gear preferences than I do of the pros. Anyone else feel this way? Or are you a "pro-only" person? Well, I have a # of tri friends who are age group winners, up and comers, etc so I do listen to their advice on nutrition, things to try, tactics, etc. Not because of their "status" in the tri world per se but because they are successful athletes and friends who I trust. |
| 2009-06-27 7:52 AM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Pro 6011 Camp Hill, Pennsylvania | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? I pay attention to what the more experienced & successful triathletes say and do, but I try to keep it in perspective. As a relative beginner, I think training at the same volume and intensity as someone who recovers quicker because of genetics and has many times the number of years experience that I have would result in overtraining at best and injury at worst. What the speedy peeps do in general can be helpful, but I've come to the conclusion that virtually everything about this sport should be adjusted to what works for us as individuals. This even applies to the equipment used. |
| 2009-06-27 10:02 AM in reply to: #2246718 |
| Veteran 160 GA | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? tjtryon - 2009-06-26 9:10 PM I found out that if I get to the race early enough, and to the swim start late enough, I can slit enough of the fast guys bike tires to place pretty well on my old crappy equipment. Tacks around their rack also do wonders for running in and out of transition as well. One of the funniest things I've heard in a little while. To be honest, I love triathlon, and my skills are improving, but I am not concerned with what the pros are using. I don't really have the time to. Also, its nice to look at all their pictures/ads in magazines, but it is out of my reach as far as my skill level/finances are concerned. I'll just work on the engine. On another note, those triathletes within my community...the ones I compete with...the ones that beat me...I am eager to listen to them (with a grain of salt) and learn what I can. Interestingly enough...I've been seeing a guy lately around town/base training...on the same exact bike as me, and same shoes. His looks stock with aerobars, and I've got a profile basebar/carbon stryker tri seat set-up. Whenever I see him training, I know I'll race him (probably at the Pacific Grove Triathlon)...and it just pushes me to train harder. I haven't gotten the chance to talk to him yet, but the day after I saw him riding up the biggest/steepest hill in Monterey, I was doing the same thing! I love competition. |
| 2009-06-27 10:03 AM in reply to: #2247083 |
| Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? No. Not when it comes to equipment. |
| 2009-06-27 10:25 AM in reply to: #2247086 |
| Champion 6539 South Jersey | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? No. I just go with what I am comfortable with. For instance I will not race on race wheels or a different tire than what I use in training. I am very confident in my abilities to quickly change a flat on my training wheel and tire set up, since I change tires frequently (switch between trainer and road tire like once a week all winter long). Other tires that might be tougher to get on the rims or having to use a valve extender or crack pipe thing, etc., kinda freak me out. I should get over my fear, especially for sprints or Olys in which I know my race is "over" when I get a flat anyway, so what does it matter if it takes me 3 mins or 13 mins to change? But for IM or HIM, I want to know that I can have a stress-free tire change and then get moving again. My next Oly is not wetsuit legal, and I am considering a swim skin or something, but not sure yet. Need to decide soon since I only have a few weeks. |
| 2009-06-27 11:01 AM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Pro 4277 Parker, CO | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? when it come to equipment, no. Tri has been a part of my life for years but I know if the fast guys show up I will never hang with them no matter what equipment I use. I just do the best I can with what I have. However, I do look at the fast guys for traiing advice. I may not always agree...but definately like to hear about there workouts and what has been working for them. |
| 2009-06-27 5:55 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Coach 10487 Boston, MA | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? agarose2000 - 2009-06-26 6:58 PM It's interesting - I see a lot of press about World-class champions in Kona, bike racing, or running, and frankly, I don't feel that much interest in what they're using to win in terms of gear, even though I love my gear and take triathlon seriously. I can't even remember what bike the last 3 Konas were won on in the mens division. However, there are a couple folks in my local triclub who are significantly stronger than me, but still clearly in the amateur division. I've become REALLY interested in what they use for training and racing. I think a lot of it is because I know that that level of performance is something that I can realistically strive for, and thus, their gear becomes very relevant to me. I definitely know more about their bikes, fueling strategy, and gear preferences than I do of the pros. Anyone else feel this way? Or are you a "pro-only" person? For equipment not at all, some pros/fast AGers might be fast in spite of their equipment choices. Some of the people I like to learn from in terms of equipment sometimes happen to be fast athletes (like A Coggan or Tom A for cycling) but mainly I listen to people like that because they have a lot of experience on the subject (i.e. I rather listen to John Cobb in terms for aerodynamics and he is not a top AGer). For training, maybe - if they (pros or AGers) have a coach I rather talk to them. Again, some athletes are fast in spite of their training (good genes). I rather listen to coaches or sports physiologists, if they are athletes and fast ones, that's a plus but not really relevant for me. |
| 2009-06-28 8:17 PM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Expert 1123 Falls Church, VA | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? agarose2000 - 2009-06-26 7:58 PM It's interesting - I see a lot of press about World-class champions in Kona, bike racing, or running, and frankly, I don't feel that much interest in what they're using to win in terms of gear, even though I love my gear and take triathlon seriously. I can't even remember what bike the last 3 Konas were won on in the mens division. However, there are a couple folks in my local triclub who are significantly stronger than me, but still clearly in the amateur division. I've become REALLY interested in what they use for training and racing. I think a lot of it is because I know that that level of performance is something that I can realistically strive for, and thus, their gear becomes very relevant to me. I definitely know more about their bikes, fueling strategy, and gear preferences than I do of the pros. Anyone else feel this way? Or are you a "pro-only" person? I'm with you, a local guy around here went from a couch-potato to a podium finish his AG in under 5 years, qualifying for XTERRA worlds, much more for me to learn there than from a pro who's been doing this thing a good portion of their life. |
| 2009-06-29 7:44 AM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? Yeah, about training techniques. What does the athletes rise through the ranks have to do with equipment???? Equipment does not make the athlete, training makes the athlete - ask them how much they train. If they had a coach, then perhaps THAT would be the person to actually speak with about the improvements. |
| 2009-06-29 8:00 AM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Master 2460 | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? I found that the following "equipment" info was very helpful, as I wasn't experienced with it: - Fueling on long (4+ hr) workouts. How to carry stuff on the bike, and what solids/liquids to use (maltodextrin!) Practical ways to avoid a nutritional bonk is still a really big step for me, and seeing how the local guys do it has been really helpful. As for the bike, shoes, wetsuit, I agree it's all in the human engine. |
| 2009-06-29 9:36 AM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Extreme Veteran 418 Pittsburgh | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? I'm more influenced by *how* other people are training than what gear, etc. they have. I like to look at the more-experienced people's logs and ask them how they train, then try to adapt what they are doing to suit my own, lesser level of fitness  Other peoples' gear doesn't really affect me that much: part of it is that I can't afford to buy a lot of fancy stuff, and part of it is that my gear-ogling is mostly bike-focused, but I'm oddly-proportioned enough that the majority of the bikes I see don't even come in a size that would fit me. (I do, however, envy everyone their nice Garmins...) |
| 2009-06-29 9:48 AM in reply to: #2246525 |
| Champion 9600 Fountain Hills, AZ | Subject: RE: Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? You guys are all dead on correct that it's all about the training. When I see someone's log and they can ride 100 miles or run 20, I think that's great. When I see someone who rides 100 miles @ 22mph, that's when I sit up and really take notice and want to see what they are doing for their training to have tose kind of results. The gear question the OP was positing is that he is more likely to be interested in an equptment choice of someone he is more familiar with as opposed to a pro in a magazine. |
| General Discussion | Triathlon Talk » Are you influenced by what stronger amateur athletes are training/racing with? | Rss Feed |
|
|
|
|
View profile
Add to friends
Go to training log
Go to race log
Send a message
View album
CONNECT WITH FACEBOOK