Fred D Mentor Group Part III (Page 39)

tasr - 2012-10-22 1:00 PM Great site Marc.
 
I just searched the 4 drugs that I took.
 
All were Not Prohibited in or out of competition.  So I was clean. 

Me too.

Same here. But I plan to have this site next time I go to the doc so if he prescribes me something I am good.

I was kind of scared. I had burned myself the week before Florida 70.3 and used a prescription cream. I checked it out and it was not banned.

I have a question into WTC if the folks that have NOT Kona or Vegas qualified are subject to testing. I will let you know.

I can now see how a person could innocently be using a prescription and find out after it's a banned substance.

Interesting. In canada it's CCES and not triathlon Canada that does the testing. I asked the technical directory of Triathlon Quebec on who could test at IMMT and I don't think anybody knew the answer. I suspect the associations are wrapping their heads around this challenge.

All I know is with that app I can control what goes in my body and to date I am ok. I suspect the amount of testing at Kona and Vegas will go up substantially.

I've based my plans on Hal Higdon's intermediate plans.  Basically took them and made some minor tweaks, but the volume build up is generally the same.

If I was going to fully commit to a marathon, I'd like to try the Pfitzinger plan.  I'd probably opt for a blend of the 18/55 and the 18/70 plan.  My last marathon I peaked at 62 miles for two weeks and I don't think I want to run any more than that.

Well now, I was taking Advil Cold and Sinus when I was sick two weeks ago.  Advil Cold and Sinus contains Pseudoephedrine which is conditionally banned in competition based on dosage but not out of competition.  Based on the dosage I was taking, I likely would have been over the limit.  Good thing I didn't go in the 5k I was thinking about running with my wife!

If I'm not mistaken, isn't Pseudoephedrine in a ton of cold/sinus medications?

I actually agree with everything you have said.  I just think we are approaching a time where there needs to be a lot of decisions that need to be made.  How do we address testing, who pays for it, and how are medical advances now going to be viewed in the future.  I think it's obvious that a doping/drug policy needs to be constantly evolving, and my point simply was that modern medicine is reaching a point where the common person now has access to medicine that drastically improves their athletic performances.  We didn't have these problems 10-15 years ago because the medicine/drugs available to the average AG athlete was not as prevalent, and people were legitimately scared to take them.  That's not so much the case now, and I can't see that slowing down in the future as new substances become available and we learn more about potential side effects. 

The other side of the problem lies in that triathlon is now much more than ever a participant sport...and as has been mentioned, 90% of the participants don't care about doping.  This isn't like HS, Collegiate, or Pro sports where everyone really desires to compete on a level playing field.  So how do we please both side of competitors and participants?

So my point really wasn't about what is right or wrong.  Or what we should be or shouldn't be doing.  I just think as a society we are reaching a point where decisions need to be made on a lot of issues, and it will be interesting to see how things pan out.  I could see this going many different ways, including how you suggested that people have to make a decision for themselves about racing with an * or not taking a medication that will improve their quality of life.

It's only in the good stuff But, yes, it's in most decongestants.

James, I run along the D&R canal several times per week. I usually start out at Washington Crossing Park. It's flat, flat, flat but I really enjoy running along the path. The park/path is on my way home from work, so I like to break up the commute with a run. 

I'm with you, Fred, though I have to say that I only recently came around on this issue.  I guess I've lost my 'innocence', lol.  My feeling about testing AGers a while back was that it is ridiculous and insulting, because the assumption behind testing was (and, I suppose, still is) that some people are so ethically f&cked up that they'd cheat at a game that has basically zero consequences for them apart from bragging rights.  In my mind, this put testing AG athletes in a different category from disincentives to cheat in other arenas (school, business, pro sports, etc.), where the temptation is more understandable because of the potentially large benefit to the cheater.  The potentially larger benefits in those arenas doesn't make cheating right, of course -- my point is (or was) that it is easier to imagine someone having enough weakness of will to succumb to the temptation to cheat, in those circumstances.  But amateur sports?  I just couldn't abide the prospect of being suspected of being so low that I'd cheat in order to get a little plastic trophy, or whatever.

As I say, I've changed my tune.  I'm in favor of testing, and I'd pay for it.  At this point, I'd like to see at least the threat of testing at even local races -- and I'd like to see that threat carried out enough at least to make people think twice.

Michael, you are thinking like a balanced and rational adult. Having watched too many "grown-ups" behave like maniacs at their kids athletic events, I am not surprised at all. And the "prize" of things like KQ has put something on the table far more valuable (in their minds) than bragging rights. 

......

Kim

I was really lucky that my swim / water polo programs in high school were completely the opposite of that.  Very inclusive and great team dynamics.  And despite not having the "insanity" we produced some exceptional athletes who went on to be All Americans.

It's amazing what a positive atmosphere does for training.  When you get up in the morning and you WANT to be in the pool because it's fun, it's so much easier to reach your goals.

Good swim tonight.  Finished the 600y sets as

1x600
2x300
3x200
6x100
12x50

Increased the pace each set and was pretty wasted at the end.

x2. I wouldn't mess around with fit, esp if you have any discomfort at all. 

We've had some great fall running weather the past few mornings in CT.  I'm upping the running a little this week with a block of focus.  

I agree w/ all that AG PED stuff.  Enough said on that.  

Looks like everyone is doing well.  I feel like I end up missing a lot of threads.  

James, some great running on your end lately.  You feeling strong and smooth right now?  I love that feeling where you just have a rhythm locked in when your running well.

Jason, nice swim.  I need to hit the pool more but have been at least getting a little purple in my log the past few weeks.

Re: Marathon plans.  Agree on the Pfitzinger plan.  If you can handle the load, those plans are very straight forward to follow and they are good.  I know some very fast people who follow those plans and it doesn't over complicate things too much.  The biggest thing is if you can ramp up a bit and handle the 50mpw steady volume for a while.  You could even toss out the speedwork if you need to and just keep it to all good steady volume w/ some tempo finishes on some of them if you are worried about getting hurt.  

I headed off to DC to help spend your hard-earned tax dollars (National Science Foundation).  I'll try to make good decisions...

Any thoughts on where to run in DC (well, actually, Arlington)?  I've got one long run (12-14 miles) while I'm there, and I'd rather not do it on city streets the whole way.