Ironman Arizona

[update: June 24, 2006]

I couldn’t help but check out your new bike…. TOTALLY sweet. I bought the “old” aluminum Chrono about 2 months before they debuted the carbon one…. and I’m kicking myself. How’s it run? What kind of setup do you have on it?

Got any tips for the IMAZ course? I’m registered for it this year, and it looks a far cry from the only other IM i’ve done (IMC). Matt

Hi Matt,

Thanks for asking, I love my new bike! It runs very smoothly, and everything I put into it moves the bike forward. I have also been impressed with the professionalism of the company and the people involved.

Arizona, yes it is quite different than IMC. I have also done both. The swims are similar. although Arizona was quite choppy on the way in, so expect that in the the second half. The water was pretty cool and a wetsuit was a nice thing to have on! Arizona is pancake flat on the bike with strong, strong headwinds. Last year we did three city loops so we had the wind three times, I think they are changing the bike course for next year, is that correct? If so , expect strong tailwind on the way out and strong! headwind on the way in.

The run was also challenging but very interesting and pretty. There were many surface changes throughout, one mile on pavement, one mile on trail, 1/4 mile on sand, etc….it seemed to be changing quite often but I really enjoyed the run. Not quite as undulating as Canada but several steep short climbs that can hurt, espcially on the second go around. There is enough trail though so your legs stay relatively fresh feeling through the first loop.

In general, I really enjoyed the course and if they do change the bike course, it will be even more fun.

I hope this info helps, I will see you out there! I am competing next year as well.

Finding the right bike?

[update: June 24, 2006]

First of all i’m very very excited about your new website, i have been a huge fan since i watched you compete at IMAZ 2005. i have been competing in triathlons (sprint and olympic) for a couple years and am competing in my first half ironman in march in san diego. i’d really like to invest in a new triathlon bike sometime in the next year, because i’d like to do an ironman sometime in 2006 or early 2007. i get so confused and frustrated because all bikes are so complicated and different. i would love if you could just give me some pointers on where to start. what are specific things you like about your bike or you look for in a new bike? i know bikes are very specific to the person, and i would need to go test ride any bike i choose. i’m just looking for basic things? thank you so much for your time i look forward to watching you compete in 2006, i hope you have a great season, good luck with all your training! Katy

HI Katy,

Thank you for writing, I know how difficult choosing a tri bike can be, it doesn’t feel like all that long ago that I was there myself! Here is a short list of things to consider to get you started:

1) Establish your price range. Decide how much you are willing to spend on the bike and components. If you are going with Shimano component line, there is a huge difference in price between Dura Ace (the better quality, more expensive) and Ultegra(dtill great quality, cheaper). If I could suggest something here, it is probably better to go with a more expensive bike and Ulterga components, if available, if you are trying to cut cost corners. In my opinion the Ultegra groupo is very good and will allow you to get a higher end bike, this is the route I chose for my first tri bike.

2) Consider what you want your bike to be made of. Again, this will largely depend on what you are willing to spend. You will find bikes made from aluminum (usually the cheapest), titanium, steel (more rare these days), aluminum mixed with carbon, and all carbon. My Guru Crono is all carbon and had Dura Ace components. The bike I was riding previous to this one was aluminum. I notice a huge difference between the two bikes; the flex in the frame. Obviously when riding a bike especially if there is wind, you want all energy you are putting into the bike to propel you forward. On my Crono, the frame is so stiff there is no energy loss. However because the bike is made of carbon, it is extremely light and still very nice for climbing hills. When you are looking at bikes, test the flex in the frame by placing your hands on both brakes and your shoe on top of the place where the crank meets the frame, and giving it a good push! You will be able to see how the different bikes respond to this test, hence s howing the frame flex ion. Ideally you want a bike that is both light and stiff. Another difference between carbon and aluminum is the pick up of road vibrations, I can ride on a very bumpy road with my Crono and it doesn’t seem that bumpy, which is obviously perfect for long rides. I was picking up much more road vibration with the aluminum bike, this is often the main complaint people have when riding aluminum.

So, point being, if you can afford carbon, or even a mix of carbon, go with carbon. If you would rather stick with Aluminum or titanium, give it the flex test and decide.

3) Get a bike fit and go for some test rides. Most bike shops are very nice about giving a demo bike out to ride or to borrow for a day. Do not be afraid to ask for this! Bike feel is extremely personal and what feels good to you may not to someone else…..so get out there and test drive! Also, make sure you find an experienced fitter, one who measures your inseam, torso, etc. The last thing you want is a bike that is too big or too small. Ask around to acquire names of experienced bike/tri shops and bike fitters. If you are buying a bike from a shop they should measure you before putting you on a bike. You cannot tell what size someone is by looking at them because often tall/short people have long legs or short torsos and vice versa.

4) Make sure you have a comfortable saddle and the correct saddle height. It took me a long time to find a saddle that worked for me. There are some great women’s saddles out there made by Fisik, Terry and Trans Am. I have opted for a saddle with a cut out as I find it much more comfy. This is also something you should ask to test ride. You want to make sure your “sit” bones are receiving the weight of your body and not various other important parts! Go out with an allen key on your test ride and play with the saddle height a little. It is amazing how a small adjustment in saddle height can make a world of difference in comfort. Mark the height once you’ve got it!

5) Compare comfort. Ultimately the best match for your bike is one that is comfortable and fast. You could be really comfy on a beach cruiser but you might be losing some speed here. Guru makes custom fit bikes, my bike was made specifically for my body so naturally it is comfortable! You want to feel very good down in the aero position and much of this will have to do how the bike is fit. You want to have a very nice 90 degree angle in you elbows when down in the aero bars so the weight of your upper body is evenly distributed. Let me know how the choosing is going! top

The Physical Ideal?

[update: June 09, 2006]

I wonder if you can talk about the pressures (either perceived or real) for women to fit a certain “physical ideal” in the sport of triathlon. I am hoping to do a Masters in Sport Psychology and would like this to be my area of research. I know this applies to men as well, I am fully aware of how much they scrutinize their bodies too, it is just that much more emotionally-charged for women (I believe). I would love to hear your thoughts. Nicole

Hi Nicole,

Very interesting question and I am sure you will find this to be an intriguing thesis topic. I have to say that the pressure to be thin and lean in this sport is huge. Not only are we racing in front of crowds or cameras consistently scantily clad, there is the fact that being light and thin is closely equated with fast racing. In my sport there is a tricky balance because to bike and swim fast you have to attain muscle mass. My quadriceps, hamstrings, biceps, lats and triceps are all a lot more developed since I switched from pure running to triathlon. Often times this has been hard for me as my clothes fit tightly around my legs, and dresses and shirts fit differently as well. Conversely, viewing this issue from a pure runner’s standpoint, if you look at the top marathoners in the world, they are usually pretty gaunt, adding proof to the perceived theory that the thinner/leaner you are the faster you will run. However, in triathlon you have the two other sports which require strength and muscle mass, so it can be a difficult and confusing balance. I try to handle it the best way that I can, eating a well rounded, healthy diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, chicken and fish. For carbs I try to stick with whole grains and stay away from almost all processed foods, especially in season. I eat often and throughout the day, never letting myself get too hungry or too full. As for the mental side of this issue, I try very hard to stay within myself and my own mind without getting too caught up in the way other athletes look, etc. During season I have to say it is a daily struggle top