What is the point of Women's Only Tri's? (Page 3)

Please explain the hypocrisy remark. I don't understand this characterization.

As for women events flourishing, YAY GIRL POWER! Is that a bad thing? I don't see men complaining because ladies dominate the nail salon. Why complain because we have fun tri-ing together?

I don't frown on men flocking to Hooters or nudie-booty bars or brutalizing 'sports' events or car shows or Nascar or Masters golf. You guys need your guy shtuff to feel all guy-y. It pricks me not in the least. Why does it give you offense that chicks like to tri together?

Eeew, who (besides Renee) would want anything to do with a men's only race?

Hmmm well, it seems you have described the leveling of the playing field but I don't see a case for how it is hypocritical.

Leisure activities/sports being "integrated" by women is about competition, pure and simple. If you can't compete you won't make the cut. Your gender should be irrelevant.

Employment opportunities, on the other hand, should continue to be equally available to both genders within reason. There are jobs that are physically demanding and the male body is better able to handle these demands. Again, it goes to who is capable of doing the job. I can't handle a jackhammer and never hope to; I'm perfectly happy letting men handle manual labor. However, there are women who are capable and happy to compete in these male dominated employment fields and if they can keep up, why keep them out?

I think maybe you are twisting - no, let me be more charitable - misinterpreting what I wrote. I didn't insinuate nor do I believe that you suggested that women should be excluded from any facet of society.

Is there any truth to the view that exclusive male organizations are sexist? Can there be a case made for suggesting that these organizations have, historically, been the chambers of power and deal-making to the exclusion of women? Have these organizations, historically speaking, effectively kept women out of the good-ol' boy network?

Do affluent white men (really, do you know any sharecroppers who are play with the Masters?) really need protection from women's groups?

Is there any truth to the view that exclusive women organizations are, in fact, empowering? Is this a good thing? Can you allow that women have historically been at a disadvantage and that women banding together is a good thing? Does it have to be inherently bad for women to support each other?

I still don't see the case for hypocrisy. Maybe I'm just dense.

While I was training with the Masters Swim team this past winter we had a couple of days when a new group of women joined us.  These women said they were training for Danskin.  I thought , "Great, more newbie female triathletes like me!", but when they started complaining to the coach that I was swimming too fast or brushing up against them when I flip turned and making too many splashes and waves... I was disapointed that we were nothing alike.  They whined and complained about how swimming was so hard, etc.  It's a good thing that there is a Danskin for women like these, where they can feel nurtured and comfortable.  They eventually left the team and never came back.

I know that these women don't represent the vast majority of those who choose to do Danskin, but after that experience I don't think I will ever want to do Danskin.

Kepola, that reminds me of a story from college. My sister and I took an elective Raquetball course together (gotta love the electives) and the other girls in our class told us they didn't like playing with us because - and I quote - "you guys play to win."

*blink* *blink*

Well, yeah! Why else would we play?

[I suppose I should add it was a co-ed class, we kicked the guys' butts too.]

Well, I haven't attended a women's only tri yet (first one this weekend!), but I'll let you know if I hear whining about exclusionary practices of men. I have a feeling I'll be hearing alot more of "Dang. Look at those choppy waves" and "Hey! Where'd you great that great tri top?" but I'll let you know if I'm wrong.

There are people who rightly assert that women are different and we should all stop being PC about it and simply acknowledge what is. The valid argument is that the genders are not created equal and we really are different, our muscle mass is different, our physiology is different. I personally enjoy our differences but let me not digress...

Then these same people complain that women, the softer, fairer, physically weaker sex want their own softer, gentler triathlons. The women who organize these events clearly see that we are different but these same men who say women are different resent that the women want to be treated differently in this case.

You can't have it both ways. You can't say women are different then complain because women want to create a different triathlon experience just for women. Well, one can but that would make one a hypocrite, wouldn't it? Inconsistent, at best.

Just saying... to no one in particular.

Ha ha ha!!!  Oh nelly, what other sports will you find Manskin, staying power, and foreskin all in the same thread?  Good stuff.  I like the idea of a hooters triathlon. 

I have no problem with the ladies wanting to get together and do their own thing.  If I were single, I know I'd volunteer for sure!  I don't think it's a double standard at all.  If men really wanted to we could do our own single-sex races, but who wants to have a total sausage fest with a bunch of dudes wearing tri-shorts?  Ugh. 

Another point...which actually I'm surprised wasn't mentioned.  (I admit, I skimmed page 2, these posts are long, but didn't see it).

Women have traditionally been the caregivers...we give to our husbands, children and families and many women feel guilty for taking time to themselves whether it be to work or exercise or train for a specific event.  I find this quite a bit in trying to get people just to walk for exercise as part of my job. At a women's only tri, women of all ages with similar responsibilities are understood for taking time for themselves.  They are understood that doing this for them makes them a better worker, mother, sister, friend, wife, etc. No one is saying they are a bad <<insert role here>> for taking the time they need to do something for them, to keep their identity as an individual female as opposed to mother, wife, caregiver only.

I think that most of the men on BT are supporters of beginners and are tolerant of women in races who are slower or nervous.  Heck, you help women on here all the time with pre-race jitters, what many think are silly questions (that we've all had) and are always encouraging. But there are many men out there who aren't. And for women that haven't found BT, they may feel reassured by a women's only race. Honestly, I didn't do a tri because I guy I knew from college won 1st overall last year and I didn't want him to see me (which of course meant he would judge me) race. Silly yes, but it effected my decision. I'm not secure enough in my triathlete identity to do that one (yet).

Sarah (self proclaimed feminista)