Why more runners don't do triathlons?

They actually have a lot of those...they are called aquathlons are are sometimes just separate divisions in races. They are officially recognized, with their own world championships, by the ITU (the IAAF of triathlon).

Triathlons are gay.

reply to:

If they had biathlons where you ran and swam, I'd do those all the time. I don't think swimming is any more difficult than running...just different. The bike part is what never got me interested in triathlons...too much crap to buy and maintain. For a running and swimming biathlon all I need are my shoes and my speedo!

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So truers words were ever spoken, bikes stuff is very very expensive. But training on the bike, racing on the bike and looking like you have some kind of space machine to ride is priceless.

Hey Mequon Man, its nice that you have the time to train for triathlons, but how many kids do you have and are you married? Do you have a full time job or do you still live with your parents and have them do everything for you? Just because you do triathlons does not mean you're a better athlete than us runners. And don't call us lazy. I usually observe that runners who switch to triathons usually do so becuase they can't run fast anymore or they get lazy and get a fat ass so they turn to a bike. The guys I see training on the bike paths usually have beer guts and fat asses. Maybe I've seen you out there. So here's some advice for you - get off your fat ass and start running again. I'm tired of passing people like you who are out joy riding on the weekend.

Dear Mr. Adam Smith,

I have 2 kids, hold a full-time job and I have a wife. I just have good time management skills, except for now when I'm chatting here instead of working.

And yes, you are right most triathletes are fat. I am not and neither are you, so lets go and thrash some triathlons.

Thanks for the reply. I now have more respect for you. Sorry for calling you fat.

Cool! I did not realize that. I searched briefly, and it seems like they're more plentiful on the west coast than out here on the east coast where I have always lived. Currently I'm in Washington DC, and that one in Glen Echo was the first and only one I'd ever seen.

What does this quote mean?

"Do you take your lactate and drink it for breakfest?"

I pointed out to some triathlete friends that when they put Triathlon in the Olympics they added changing to the olympics! Something weird about the clock still running while a guy is taking a suit off and putting his shoes on. THat and the crazy expensive bikes. I still say if someone dropped a bunch of bikes and built swimming pools in Kenya, there is a Kenyan guy who could win the olympic Triathlon in his jeans!

Other reasons since that was the thread originally:

Too dangerous to bike in this town; drivers are crazy.

Pool water too cold.

Bike shorts look unconfortable

"comfortable"

Oh how wrong you are.

Kenyans cannot swim, most African decendents can't - it has something to do with their muscle composition, they don't float well. Thus, as a lifeguard in my earlier years, we use to call them "Sinkers" - No I Am Not A Racist ! Just the facts.

Plus, bike shorts are Comfortable.

Cold pools are good, warm pools are bad for swimming.

Mequon Man wrote:

Sorry, my friend I've done several IM's and um-teen shorter ones and am probably faster than you on the run. USAT actually gave me an Elite/Pro license last year. So I am pretty good at all 3 sports, you just suck at one sport.

You're among the elite of people who are average at all 3 sports? Weeee.

As a swimmer and a better runner in high school, and a runner in college- I take issue with your comment swimming is harder- no way.

A hard track workout versus a hard swim workout- sure the cardio may be a Little tougher- but not much. The soreness and lingering discomfort is very possible from a hard track workout and not in swimming(unless poor form causes shoulder pain)- that alone makes running harder in my opinion.

But your theory should be expanded. More runners should get into cross country skiing is they can in the northern states. It is FAR more difficult than running or swimming could ever be- and Far more difficult than what triathletes go through. A runner or swimmer, with practice and improved technique- could be a very good cross country skier.

Good reply,

Yes, XC skiing is very tough too. But I did not want to list all the activities more difficult and more rewarding than running, they might feel bad.

mequonman wrote:

Oh how wrong you are.

Kenyans cannot swim, most African decendents can't - it has something to do with their muscle composition, they don't float well. Thus, as a lifeguard in my earlier years, we use to call them "Sinkers" - No I Am Not A Racist ! Just the facts.

Plus, bike shorts are Comfortable.

Cold pools are good, warm pools are bad for swimming.

Looks like the430miler is now does tris

I totally agree about the xc skiing. I raced cross country a bit in high school and placed fairly well largely due to the endurance from running.

As far as the 'African's can't swim' thing I think it's more 'African's don't have pools'. I'm pretty sure an African american made the US olympic swim team in 2004.

There are huge barriers to entry at the world level to triathlon; I know not really relevant to the OP who is talking about guys on these boards.

mequonman wrote:

I have 2 kids, hold a full-time job and I have a wife. I just have good time management skills, except for now when I'm chatting here instead of working.

* How much time do you spend a week working out?

* How many workouts a week?

* How many in each discipline?

Reply to:

* How much time do you spend a week working out?

* How many workouts a week?

* How many in each discipline?

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I'm glad you asked that question.

I workout now 12 hours a weeks, not much.

I do 4 swims - 15,000 yards, 5 runs 30+ miles, and 4 bike 120+ mile workouts per week, not much.

Join us in the hard coreness of endurance sports my friend. If you are a good runner, you'll smoke em all.

buck the trend wrote:

A runner or swimmer, with practice and improved technique- could be a very good cross country skier.

To a certain extent, although I've found the best runners just can't cut it in nordic racing because they don't have the upper body power needed. That's aside from technique issues.

They'll be 'good' but there's a reason most nordic skiers are bigger guys- Kris Freeman is a good example.

Mequonman,

Triathlete gear heads are insufferable. I can't tell you how many threads on slowtwitch there are about wind resistance and yaw angles of Zipp 303, 404, 808, etc.. Yeah, it's important if you're a pro and fighting for every second- but for these weekend warriors with too much money for their own good- c'mon. Your 40k time will drop quicker if you spent more time on the roads and less time polishing your wheels.

jesus H....

I hate triathletes.