The Triathlon thread

[melisjeff]

I will be there for the 70.3 as well. This will be my second FL70.3. I have also completed two Sept Disney triathlons.

Does anyone have any concern over the water due to last Sept triathlon issues. I didn't hear of anyone getting sick but there was a concern due to some deaths in Florida waters that summer. Then again how would we know if anyone did get sick. Disney might not even be aware if anyone got sick after leaving property. I also notices the kids splash and dash will not be a part of the event this year. It looks like they are going to have a duathlon of some sort instead. This sounds similar to the Sept race when they had the water concerns. I would like to know if Disney really knows about the water quality.

 

[ironz]

I think the issue with the amoeba from the water is of concern after the lakes have had more time to warm up, and then have stayed warm for a longer period of time. It is a condition that you see in the later part of the summers/early fall, it seems, from the reports I have seen. The cases in TX and FL last year were later in the summer, I am pretty sure.

Though the water is plenty warm (low 80s) by May, I think the amoebas may not yet be as established/populous as later in the year. You could always wear a nose plug if it makes you feel more comfortable.
I've done the 70.3 race out there 3 times (as well as several races in TX lakes) and don't sweat it too much. It's good to be aware, but just be smart. Main thing is to not snort water or get a big splash up your nose, as this condition is from the amoeba getting up in your nasal passages. So I just think...exhale, exhale, exhale in the water....and inhale through my mouth.

 

[laxdef69]

New to the boards, new to tri.

Did a full duathlon last summer (5 mile run, 40 mile bike, 5 mile run) in 4:00:17...

Training for a 1/2 IM this summer, starting the second week of 20 week training program.

Looking forward to chatting with you folks, and in becoming a lean, mean, triathlon machine!

What kind of amoeba are we discussing here?

Also, for the earlier post regarding swimming, I read a book called "Open Water Swimming"...the technique she described has really helped me, and I am by no means a swimmer. Of course, I stink at running and biking...why am I doing this again?

Mike

 

[melisjeff]

I didnt want to scare anyone but this was a real issue. It concerned me and still does! I was just looking for feedback from fellow Triathletes on this issue. Especially from people that competed in Sept at Disney.

I am a self confesed hypocondriac so maybe its just me but this is real. Its best to make a informed decision when entering into these events.

The amoeba issue is "Floweri Naelgie" forgive my spelling. It grows in the warmer fresh water lakes with temps over 80deg for extended periods. The amoeba attaches to a nerve in the sinuses and travels into the brain and kills you within 1-2 weeks. Swimming and other activities put you at risk. Waterskiing and wakeborading maybe even more due to water being forced up your sinuses when you wipe out. This is very rare but it is a possibility in the warmer periods. This is not a new issue but was very publicised last year. There were several unfortuanate deaths,maybe six in Florida,Texas,Arizona. This appears to affect children more than adults due to some factors not totally understood. Now this is not a large number of deaths compared to the huge amounts of watersports taking place in these states every day. However our hearts go out to those families affected.

Disney still held its Sept triathlon 2007 with some precautions,such as nose plugs. The kids event was cancelled for 2007. However they still held the Waterski championships in the lake at Downtown Disney in Sept 07. The 2008Sept Tri is on the shcedule but under a different name and Sponsor. The Ironman 70.3 in May is on the schedule. The kids event is once again not including a swim(makes you think). These events are held on Disney property so the risk must be minimal to null. Disney also has the Sammy duvall waterskiing on the lake. I would hope that Disney wouldnt allow watersports on property if they had a problem. This past Sept they assured us the water was tested and just fine but urged us to use nose plugs.

YES I was nervous in Sept. YES I will be there for the 70.3 in May.

 

[laxdef69]

Good lord...I won't complain about how cold Lake Michigan is anymore!

 

[sk8ingmom]

I'm in! I just signed up for my second tri - Yorktown (VA) in June (650m/12M/5K). My first was the Gold Nugget Women's Tri in Anchorage last spring (500m/10M/4.1M). No amoebas in Alaska - pool swim. I'm a little nervous about the open water swim I'll have to do for this one. I've never done it before.

I think I come to tris backward! I work in non-profits, so I've been sponsorship coordinator and race director for several, including one of the few Alaskan races with an open water swim and a December event where studded mountain bike tires are strongly engcouraged. That one was bike/run/pool swim so we didn't send wet people out into Arctic temps.

Anyway, I'm wierd. Swim - great. Bike - no problem. Run - ICK!
I don't run. I hate running. Running is evil.
I joke that I only run when I am 2/3 through a triathlon and it is too late to turn back.

Thanks for starting this. I'm glad there's a tri thread!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Tri's....question for those of you experienced with the Sprint distance. About how long *should* it take me to cover the 800M swim? I have nothing to base it on...so just figure that I'm an average swimmer with good RUN and BIKE endurance and will have a full 2 months to train in open water, both lake and ocean. I was NOT on HS/College swim team but have been a decent swimmer all my life. I have no clue how long that distance should take to cover assuming I'll take it pretty conservatively and go out easy.

As for training...I did manage a 500M swim the other day since I *FINALLY* had access to a pool. It felt great to get in the water but I definitely need to get a swim cap and goggles since the annoying hair in the face was starting to drive me crazy. Finished the 500M feeling good...then did a few laps breast stroke to cool down .

The amoeba thing freaks me out BTW...don't have to worry about that in the chilly northeast waters thank goodness. But something to keep in mind if I ever decide to do a tri in warmer climate.

 

[AmyBeth68]

oh no...seems i've killed yet an other thread.

 

[JimB.]

Just an FYI - to help resurrect this thread (since I'll need the help. Soon)

The amoeba thing - It is really not an issue except in warm, stagnant water. Usually smaller, not-used-very-often ponds fit this bill. Also the little buggies (if there) usually reside in the muck on the bottom.

Bay Lake is a pretty big, active body. I think the risk is rrrreeeeeeeeally minute of ever having any problems there.

Since I am going to do the AFAC Tri in September, I guess I'll find out the hard way.

 

[laxdef69]

Saturday was a 90 minute ride...today was a 50 minute run, 4.5 miles...felt good to run outside again!

Now for almost 48 glorious hours off!!!

 

[chimera]

The amoeba thing - It is really not an issue except in warm, stagnant water. Usually smaller, not-used-very-often ponds fit this bill. Also the little buggies (if there) usually reside in the muck on the bottom.

Bay Lake is a pretty big, active body. I think the risk is rrrreeeeeeeeally minute of ever having any problems there.

Since I am going to do the AFAC Tri in September, I guess I'll find out the hard way.

Just to add to what Jim said, every natural body of water is a microenvironment filled with all kinds of microorganisms no one wants to know about. It's kinda like Horton's dust speck containing all the Whos in Whoville. Most folks with decent immune systems will be fine. I would only worry about anyone who might have an immune problem or is taking immunosuppressants like transplant patients or someone on long-term steroids.

Besides, I dont think the amoebas bother the alligators in Bay Lake at all
And there's all the heavy metal contamination from the fireworks

 

[sk8ingmom]

Hi Tri's....question for those of you experienced with the Sprint distance. About how long *should* it take me to cover the 800M swim? I have nothing to base it on...so just figure that I'm an average swimmer with good RUN and BIKE endurance and will have a full 2 months to train in open water, both lake and ocean. I was NOT on HS/College swim team but have been a decent swimmer all my life. I have no clue how long that distance should take to cover assuming I'll take it pretty conservatively and go out easy.

As for training...I did manage a 500M swim the other day since I *FINALLY* had access to a pool. It felt great to get in the water but I definitely need to get a swim cap and goggles since the annoying hair in the face was starting to drive me crazy. Finished the 500M feeling good...then did a few laps breast stroke to cool down .

The amoeba thing freaks me out BTW...don't have to worry about that in the chilly northeast waters thank goodness. But something to keep in mind if I ever decide to do a tri in warmer climate.

How long did it take you to do the 500M? You could base your guess on that.

ETA: If you think you are a pretty average swimmer, you could also look at the race results from last year and see how long it took the people in the middle of the pack from your age group. That's how I'm setting my goal time - I'm a lousy runner, so my goal is to come out of the swim in at least the top 1/3...and then slide...slowly...backwards...

 

[Trigal]

Ok all you amoeba worry warts. The amoebas generally are near the bottom of the lake in all the muck. Kids have problems because of there "little" immune systems and the kids like to dive down deep in the water. So unless you plan on swimming along the bottom of the lake you should be fine. I have a friend who works at Disney Sports and they are very tuned into the water quality in the lakes. Now about the gators.

 

[JimB.]

Now about the gators.

Could be worse................


Could be Seminoles........


Or even Bulldogs............

 

[laxdef69]

Ok all you amoeba worry warts. The amoebas generally are near the bottom of the lake in all the muck. ...So unless you plan on swimming along the bottom of the lake you should be fine. ....

Doesn't the muck get stirred up by lots of people running into and out of the lake?

 

[JimB.]

Doesn't the muck get stirred up by lots of people running into and out of the lake?

Not really. The entry/exit ares are pretty sandy. The evil muck is in deeper water.....................

 

[gatorphipps]

DUDE! I have lake issues anyway....even without the little buggy things! Gearing down..or up for my tri on March 29th...let me say "POOL SWIM"! Yes the swim is in the pool! Very fun tri! Did it 2 years ago. Then, if I live through that, I am signing up for the "Over The Mountain" Tri...yes, you bike over the mountain...won't do that one for time. It is an olympic dist.....Bunch of friends are doing it and I am a sucker for "group events".

I suck on the swim
I am average on the bike
I ROCK the run

 

[laxdef69]

I suck on the swim
I am average on the bike
I ROCK the run

Interesting.

I nearly drown on every lap during the swim workouts.

I'm scared to ride in the city on the bike since I got rear ended two years ago on my motorcycle.

I make up for it by all being slow on the run!

 

[chimera]

Interesting.

I nearly drown on every lap during the swim workouts.

I'm scared to ride in the city on the bike since I got rear ended two years ago on my motorcycle.

I make up for it by all being slow on the run!

That's hardcore!

So if I'm a slow runner, does that translate at all to the bike? Or can I hope to discover my long lost link to Lance once I hop on some wheels?

 

[sk8ingmom]

Could be worse................


Could be Seminoles........


Or even Bulldogs............

...or worse yet Buckeyes.

Those nuts can be brutal.