Fred D Mentor Group Part III (Page 38)

I know what you mean Fred.  I played an indoor soccer match with a friend's team last weekend and a couple things struck me:

1) I really miss soccer.  But I shouldn't even be playing these pickup games due to my knees, so it's probably a one time thing.

2) There's something to be said for skill sports, versus endurance sports.  Take whatever supplements you want, I can still beat you on 1-on-1.

But that said, triathlon has been a blessing to me by adding some balance to my life (I'm a software engineer), improving my fitness, and finding a lot of friends in the running and cycling communities.  I can't control what other people do so I'm not going to worry about it.  I compete pretty well as an honest participant and aside from Canada this year, I've improved in every race.

I suppose my perspective comes from a different angle, as I am not, nor will I ever be, competing for a KQ slot, so I have less at stake.  If I were, I would feel as Fred does, because that is a huge sacrifice to make, and it must be maddening to give up so much while others seemingly look for shortcuts.

I do this for the fun, the training, the odd small race clyde podium, the camaraderie, and the endorphins.  If someone else wants to [insert applicable cheating mechanism here - dope, cut the course, draft, use outside assistance, etc], then there is not a whole lot I can do about it, and frankly I try not to give it any mental energy. 

I agree Chris, and I'm certainly not as fast as Fred.  I don't know if I'll ever get there.

Same here.  I am sure I would feel different if I was a FOP athlete but I am not and what happens up there is not an issue for me.  I just try and improve within myself.  I have enough going on in my head space to worry about doping.  That being said, I don't get why one would do it.  Especially if you are only going to be doing this as a non-pro.  I guess some folks just need to feel important or have that external gratification perhaps

I guess this is what I don't see.  Is that true, that podiumers are generally suspect in the tri community?  I've never felt or heard that.  What about us big old Clydes??? 

Fred, one thing that makes me feel better is seeing people race clean and do well.  Look to your close friends.

True, we can never be 100% sure of what someone is doing in the privacy of their own home.  But I have a couple friends I know and trust who have KQ'd.  One's in the F25-29 category, which is impressive right there as you have to be pretty much top 3.  Maybe it's good genetics, but I know they also train their butts off.

No doubt.  I'm just saying that it isn't that difficult obtain.  On the other hand, from the ST discussion, it sounds like a TUE for testosterone is difficult to obtain.

Hey guys...somewhat brief race report is up. No PED's or drafting here ;)

...man, those things take a while to do. I plan on coming back and providing a few more details here, but already blew through lunch trying to get the report done.

In summary, I fell short of my goals (which included representing the Fred D Mentor Group Part III in the pointy end of the field), but made the most of an off day. Mentally, the race was very tough since it did not go as planned. I can usually count on a bad swim, or some pain during the run, but the bike is generally predictable for me. So when the bike leg immediately began to unravel, I was in uncharted territory and had to make a very concerted effort to focus on the rest of the day.

The pre-race encouragement, inspires and PM's from this group helped get me out of that fog and on with the race. Thank you all...I'll shoot back in shortly with some additional thoughts and questions for you guys.

Btw, back to training discussion: if you guys want to see what *consistent* running can do, pay attention to Adrienne (asalzwed) on the other mentor thread.  She's one of my Seattle neighbors - check out her RR

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=465485

AAAARGH! I thought only I was allowed to pimp her out!

But I wholeheartedly agree. Do check out her RR. She's an extraordinary athlete because she's made herself one, over and over and over again.

Congratulations to the racers this weekend!  Great job out there and the PR’s. 

I have to keep folks informed on what happens in this corner of the country :D

I have though about this for before.  My last Lake Placid as guys in my AG passed me on the run all I could think was it clean.  A couple just looked too strong, and I though it must be me. 
 
Know this, if I every KQ I will know that I did it clean.  To me that is all that matters, right!

Fred, I totally understand your point of view currently.  But I also think we are approaching a crossroads in terms of testosterone use.  I will fully admit to not being well educated on the subject, but as far as I know, it's something that is actually safe and helpful to a man's overall well being.  But if I'm wrong or missing something, please correct me.

So that said, where do we split the use of testosterone from improving quality of life and keeping competitive sports "clean".  I understand anabolic steroid use being banned because they are being used in a way that is not safe or prescribed.  But with testosterone, will it one day be considered something part of everyday medicine?

Think of what if would have been like to compete in triathlons 400 years ago.  Before ibuprofen, arthroscopic surgery, or even before ice was readily available.  Think of how many modern medicine (or modern society) resources we use on a daily basis and how much of an unfair advantage it may seem we have over those who lived 300 years ago.  How many of us would even be able to compete in triathlons today if it were not for the help of modern medicine.

Now, I'm not trying to condone testosterone use today.  Nor am I trying to condone it for the future.  I'm just saying that society advances, and I would not at all be surprised if 10-20 years down the road, testosterone is viewed in a much different way than it is today. 

It will be interesting to see how sports handles this down the road.  Not just in triathlon but in all sports.

This whole PED think is wild.

When I got my Vegas spot I signed a consent for out of competition testing. I didn't quite understand what it implied. I am starting to understand.

In my research I found an web-page/application that you enter a medication name and it spits out if it is banned. Just for hoots I typed in the scientific name of a medication my wife use to take. Sure enough, it's a banned substance. Wild ! It is considered a diuretic and masking agent. It's not a PED but it is banned. I started typing in names of medications I took over the last year. Thank god, none were banned substances.

I sent some questions to WTC and got some first answers. What isn't clear is if they can test anybody. I know they can test me because I signed that consent to get into Vegas. Anyone that qualifies for vegas or kona is subject to testing.

Apparently a TUE for TRT is almost impossible to get. Apparently you would have to be producing almost no testosterone in order to get a TUE.

Bottom line is, if you get into Vegas or Kona, double check everything that goes in your body. Because they can test you and if they do even what would appear as non PED would cause a fail.

here is the web application

http://www.globaldro.com/

I would be dead a couple times over, had I been born in an earlier generation.

I think the bottom line with PED prescriptions is defining NEED.  The sports world knows that there are doctors out there who are willing to prescribe off-label usage or things the patient may not really need.  That's why the TUE is hard to get.

I don't see a problem with testosterone usage becoming more common, but a competitive athlete can and should be held to a higher standard.  I think the TUE should put the burden of proof on the athlete requesting it, and require him to demonstrate a legitimate need.

I think Shane mentioned this in another thread.  However unlikely, it looks like if you enter a USAT sanctioned event, you are subject to testing:

How are athletes chosen for testing?

USADA works with USA Triathlon to develop a plan for testing, which at a competiton can often include specific place finishers as well as random selections from the field. So, just as an example, that plan may be the top finishers in given categories, and then places such as 10^th, 12^th, 15^th , 18^th, 25^th, 42^nd, 87^th, etc. All athletes, however, should understand that they are subject to testing.

http://www.usatriathlon.org/audience/athlete-resources/anti-doping.aspx

Marc...that's a really cool site.

Thankfully for me, I don't take any medications.  I think ibuprofen, cortizone 10, and DZ Nuts are the closest things to medications that I use.