Lost: Handheld walkie-talkie at WILDFLOWER !

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Categories: Leukemia

Question:

Want to chime in with Eric on this one. I heartily applaud the Team in Training concept. I do think it would behoove the organization, however, to ensure that its participants are trained in the *rules* of the event in which they’re going to participate, as well as physically trained for the effort. Their sheer numbers shouldn’t lead them to regard a competitive event as their personal group picnic (though I understand and encourage the *spirit*). It’s just that it’s always in good form to know and be prepared to follow the rules wherever one goes. Being in a big group doesn’t mean you get to make up your own rules! Go, TnT! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One more question for you folks How do YOU feel about their having coaches with them on the course, giving them outside assistance in the form of food , water, other necessities? How do YOU feel about the exclusivity of not adhering to the same set of standards as YOUR race. I’m serious, and would like to know. Lynne <gritting my teeth I’m happy to have them part of the event. I honestly admire (1) the nobility of doing something for a cause and (2) the leap these folks take as far as doing something they probably had trouble imagining doing. But they do a different event than the rest of us. As you mention about rule adherence, outside support… they even get special awards (noticed the Olympic Distance athletes getting medals). My .02: I think it is marginally tolerable until they get in the way. Query: were any of the TIT cited for violations, or perhaps there was even an understanding that they were not to be cited???

– Tri-Baby _ – o ’ – __o – </_ ` ‘ – < – __/ /o_ – (()) (()) - / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon? Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips: http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html

Response:

The group rode in a highly problematic fashion during the Wildlfower Olympic Distance race, as if they were out on a Sunday afternoon cruise. As long as your group intends to do

Lynne- Thanks for the advice. I agree, we need to do a better job of making sure our athletes know the rules. My team from Va.(25 athletes), was briefed on the rules before the race for sure. I can’t speak for the Calif.(200 athletes) or N.J contingent(30 athletes). That seems to me to be a small percentage of the total athletes at the race, but maybe it was a high percentage of the people riding on the left side of the road? -I agree, I think that TNT needs a bit more direction in this area and hopefully we can do better next year. -All of the Va. Chapter folks each raised $3200 to come out and do this event….and part of the Luekemia’s strategy to motivate people to help raise money is to treat them to a good challenge and take care of them at the event. – I am a professional coach and charge for my services, but I donate my time, services and expertise for this good cause. All told, the Wildflower TNT group raised over $500,000 for Luekemia…. ( I wish everyone did sporting events for an underlying cause and not just for selfish reasons, in my opinion.) -So, to address your question of having coaches support the athletes, it is the same as having your family at the race and helping you as an individual… -Cheering for you on Beach hill. -Giving you some water if you are about to die. -Being there for you right after the event. -Getting your gear for you and helping to organize your pre-race and get you back to the camp ground after your race. I just don’t see that how this is really any different from any of the other support each individual can get IF they have their own support crew. Do you? – I saw plenty of families and friends of other racers(not with TNT), giving just as much,(if not more) support to their racer. -Granted, most other athletes are a bit more experienced, so they are a bit more organized to begin with and probably more familiar with the rules too, however of the 5000 athletes at Wildflower, there WERE probably just as many support personnel for those folks….. and we were such a relatively small group compared to the whole…. -I kinda have a feeling that many athletes were jealous of the support that we gave our TNT athletes and were wishing that they had that same support. I know that quite a few people(non-TNTers) commented to me that they wished they had such caring and competent coaches for them before, during and after their race. -Again, sorry for any inconvenience we caused, and hope we can do better next year. By the way, know anyone who found the radio? Hunter Allen Nutritional and Training Consultant Team in Training Coach -Va. Chapter 540-586-5663

Response:

Go get em Lynne – I attended the event, should probably seen how I could assisted the referees BUT I had a blast assisting the AG folks I new and zipping up the pro’s. I was only too disappointed to have not raced the event and will have to try it next year. As for TnT, them and their prison camp! Ugh! While I don’t mind who and what they do, I would not recommend that they have the ability to go head to head in such a awe-struck course. They could create their own! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This might be an appropriate time to discuss triathlon USAT Rules of Competition with you and your Team in Training. The group rode in a highly problematic fashion during the Wildlfower Olympic Distance race, as if they were out on a Sunday afternoon cruise. As long as your group intends to do USAT-sanctioned Triathlon events, you are obliged to adhere to these rules during the course of the race. We suggest you make arrangements to furnish your athletes with a copy of the Rules of Competition. In Triathlon those Rules specifically relating to your group, and included in my personal observations and violations, as Head Referee, included : 5.10 (f) Position and Passing Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, ALL CYCLISTS SHALL KEEP TO THE RIGHT OF THE PRESCRIBED COURSE, unless indicated. Your riders rode, as a matter of course, on the left causing many, many instances of blocking the right of way of racers clearly abiding by the Rules of Competition. 5.10 (d) Blocking Cyclists who have established the right of way must NOT BLOCK OR OBSTRUCT the progress of another participant. Since you are a coach, I would be happy to furnish you with contacts to obtain the proper materials. We appreciate your attention and compliance. — Lynne Fonda-Kosorek Cat II USAT Official USAT SW Board of Directors TEAM USA ‘97,98 Track Coach, Monterey High Hunter Allen Team in Training Coach- Va. Chapter Nutritional and Training Consultant 540-586-5663ph.

Response:

One more question for you folks How do YOU feel about their having coaches with them on the course, giving them outside assistance in the form of food , water, other necessities? How do YOU feel about the exclusivity of not adhering to the same set of standards as YOUR race. I’m serious, and would like to know.

It stinks. Pure and simple. I have no idea what Team in Training is, but from the context, it sounds like some sort of charitable thing – I gather that either they raise funds for some cause or their competitors are people who for some reason (disability, for instance) one would not expect to be racing. That’s just wonderful, but if triathlon is to be a competitive event, then there has to be one set of rules for everyone. If you can’t comply, then don’t participate. No "protected classes." A lot of people go out and bust their butts training and then follow the rules. My impression was that most people’s response was to the public chewing out because someone from that group raised their head here to try and recover some lost equipment. That should have been handled privately, but yes, it definitely should be addressed.

Response:

Uh, Lynne, did you get too much sun at Wildflower? Lighten up!!! The man is asking for help and you hit him with a sledgehammer. All athletes new to any sport need gentle encouragement and education – not a slam in the head. Yes, when we get into a new sport, we are responsible for learning the rules but even folks who buy a one day license probably don’t even get a USAT rule book. Usually, they are working hard to obey what is posted in the pre-race instructions, such as "no drafting", "start in your own wave"…. I think what Team in Training is doing is excellent for the individuals competing, for the sport of triathlon in general and for the Leukemia Society in particular. It would sure be nice to see the USAT officials work to make future participation by TNT a win-win for all. I realize what I am about to say is harsh but I truly believe that anyone is a position of perceived power who is so freely willing to blast someone, especially in an open forum, needs to reconsider their personal motivations for being in their position. Patti Sponsler

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This might be an appropriate time to discuss triathlon USAT Rules of Competition with you and your Team in Training. The group rode in a highly problematic fashion during the Wildlfower Olympic Distance race, as if they were out on a Sunday afternoon cruise. As long as your group intends to do USAT-sanctioned Triathlon events, you are obliged to adhere to these rules during the course of the race. We suggest you make arrangements to furnish your athletes with a copy of the Rules of Competition. In Triathlon those Rules specifically relating to your group, and included in my personal observations and violations, as Head Referee, included : 5.10 (f) Position and Passing Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, ALL CYCLISTS SHALL KEEP TO THE RIGHT OF THE PRESCRIBED COURSE, unless otherwise indicated. Your riders rode, as a matter of course, on the left causing many, many instances of blocking the right of way of racers clearly abiding by the Rules of Competition. 5.10 (d) Blocking Cyclists who have established the right of way must NOT BLOCK OR OBSTRUCT the progress of another participant. Since you are a coach, I would be happy to furnish you with contacts to obtain the proper materials. We appreciate your attention and compliance. — Lynne Fonda-Kosorek Cat II USAT Official USAT SW Board of Directors TEAM USA ‘97,98 Track Coach, Monterey High Hunter Allen Team in Training Coach- Va. Chapter Nutritional and Training Consultant 540-586-5663ph.

Response:

Help- I lost one of the Leukemia Team in Training’s handheld walkie-talkie at Wildflower on Sunday ! It was a Black Kenwood personal smart talk or something like that…. I lost it near the swim exit , I think… If you found it, please contact me. Thanks Hunter Allen Team in Training Coach- Va. Chapter Nutritional and Training Consultant 540-586-5663ph.

Response:

This might be an appropriate time to discuss triathlon USAT Rules of Competition with you and your Team in Training. The group rode in a highly problematic fashion during the Wildlfower Olympic Distance race, as if they were out on a Sunday afternoon cruise. As long as your group intends to do USAT-sanctioned Triathlon events, you are obliged to adhere to these rules during the course of the race. We suggest you make arrangements to furnish your athletes with a copy of the Rules of Competition. In Triathlon those Rules specifically relating to your group, and included in my personal observations and violations, as Head Referee, included : 5.10 (f) Position and Passing Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, ALL CYCLISTS SHALL KEEP TO THE RIGHT OF THE PRESCRIBED COURSE, unless indicated. Your riders rode, as a matter of course, on the left causing many, many instances of blocking the right of way of racers clearly abiding by the Rules of Competition. 5.10 (d) Blocking Cyclists who have established the right of way must NOT BLOCK OR OBSTRUCT the progress of another participant. Since you are a coach, I would be happy to furnish you with contacts to obtain the proper materials. We appreciate your attention and compliance. — Lynne Fonda-Kosorek Cat II USAT Official USAT SW Board of Directors TEAM USA ‘97,98 Track Coach, Monterey High – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hunter Allen Team in Training Coach- Va. Chapter Nutritional and Training Consultant 540-586-5663ph.

Response:

So I guess this means you won’t be returning his walkie-talkie… On a more serious note, I was actually a bit surprised to see this posted in the newsgroup. Public flogging may not be the best way to accomplish the objective. Both his phone number and email address were included in his post. This might have been the "appropriate time", but not necessarily the appropriate place — and possibly not even the appropriate party, given the individual nature of the sport of triathlon. — Mark

Response:

How do YOU feel about their having coaches with them on the course, giving them outside assistance in the form of food , water, other necessities? How do YOU feel about the exclusivity of not adhering to the same set of standards as YOUR race.

I’m always for anything that brings new people to the sport and there’s no denying that Team In Training is a great organization, but if we have different rules for different people then where do we draw the line? Besides, the frustration of trying to get up those hills without crossing the center line is still fresh in my mind . Steve Fredericks Oceanside, CA

Response:

Way to go Lynne. I am a big supporter of Team in Training but feel like they sometimes present the glossier side of marathon / triathlon competition! Wendy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This might be an appropriate time to discuss triathlon USAT Rules of Competition with you and your Team in Training. The group rode in a highly problematic fashion during the Wildlfower Olympic Distance race, as if they were out on a Sunday afternoon cruise. As long as your group intends to do USAT-sanctioned Triathlon events, you are obliged to adhere to these rules during the course of the race. We suggest you make arrangements to furnish your athletes with a copy of the Rules of Competition. In Triathlon those Rules specifically relating to your group, and included in my personal observations and violations, as Head Referee, included : 5.10 (f) Position and Passing Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, ALL CYCLISTS SHALL KEEP TO THE RIGHT OF THE PRESCRIBED COURSE, unless indicated. Your riders rode, as a matter of course, on the left causing many, many instances of blocking the right of way of racers clearly abiding by the Rules of Competition. 5.10 (d) Blocking Cyclists who have established the right of way must NOT BLOCK OR OBSTRUCT the progress of another participant. Since you are a coach, I would be happy to furnish you with contacts to obtain the proper materials. We appreciate your attention and compliance. — Lynne Fonda-Kosorek Cat II USAT Official USAT SW Board of Directors TEAM USA ‘97,98 Track Coach, Monterey High Hunter Allen Team in Training Coach- Va. Chapter Nutritional and Training Consultant 540-586-5663ph.

Response:

<gritting my teeth I’m happy to have them part of the event. I honestly admire (1) the nobility of doing something for a cause and (2) the leap these folks take as far as doing something they probably had trouble imagining doing. But they do a different event than the rest of us. As you mention about rule adherence, outside support… they even get special awards (noticed the Olympic Distance athletes getting medals). My .02: I think it is marginally tolerable until they get in the way. Query: were any of the TIT cited for violations, or perhaps there was even an understanding that they were not to be cited???

Response:

brought my own rotten tomatoes. Here ya go.

Lynne, I understand your frustration, having been at Wildflower, and having a terrible problem during the swim. The road was all but immpassable. By the way, I saw you from a distance, but never got a chance to say hello. Maybe next time. Steve Fredericks Oceanside, CA

Response:

brought my own rotten tomatoes. Here ya go.

I prefer to use eggs. Team In Training is GREAT and it is exciting to see the Team In Training involved with triathlon. But Lynne was right about the rule violations, it was a real problem and impacted the event, though I don’t think it was just Team In Training that was guilty. Maybe some of the expert, motivated folks like Lynne can work with the Team In Training organization in advance of future events. Rules should be part of the training, right? ….

Response:

Thanks very much for the vote of confidence, Bill. I try to be as gentle and reasonable as completely possible, while retaining my responsibility of Rules Enforcement. Keep up the good work ! Lynne Thanks to you, too Steve ! Hope to see , and meet you ,soon. I will always appreciate the offer you made to my son. You are a peach; a very thoughtful man and an asset to our sport !

Response:

brought my own rotten tomatoes. Here ya go. Lynne, I understand your frustration, having been at Wildflower, and having a terrible problem during the swim. The road was all but immpassable. By the way, I saw you from a distance, but never got a chance to say hello. Maybe next time. Steve Fredericks Oceanside, CA

I for one thought that the officials did a good job of "being gentle" with the throngs of folks out on Sunday who didn’t seem to have a clue–Starting in the 8th wave, I had to work my way through a lot of them (especially on the hills, ESPECIALLY ON BEACH HILL!) and there were a lot of folks going real slow way out from the right and more than a few who were way out near the yellow line. It seemed that many of the folks who were the furthest out were having the hardest time holding a straight line–If I passed one person on the right on those hills (often the only alternative to stopping and getting off the bike!) I must have passed a hundred (and I did pass more than 1 believe me). The fact that there were only 20 or 30 blocking penalties (and no penalties for passing on the right) testifies to the fact that the officials were using a large amount of discression and understanding. But this brings up something I would like to see happen more often…at the Tri at Pacific Grove (also a Tri Cal production) there was a big sign as you went in the transition area outlining some of the more "obvious" rules–sure there were folks who probably didn’t read the sign and others who read it and than "forgot", but at least it showed an attempt to educate the inexperienced. Good racing to all, See you at S. Bay on the 16th. Bill

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