Team Hippo Challenge

Team Hippo is gearing up for the USAT winter challenge. In order to get people on board We are doing a scavenger hunt/ membership call. If you are interested in what is probably the only tri club who focuses on the Clyde Athena world while accepting everyone we are here.

The scavenger hunt list begins today and runs from now until December 1st. This is part of the annual team hippo challenge. Here's how it works- you take a photo of everything on the list and mail it to teamhipomultisport@gmail.com. We'll post them to our facebook group (yes we are on facebook). The more stuff you send the better it is. Any picture that you are in is worth double points. Additionally logging 10000yd swimming, 100 miles on the bike and 12 miles on the run is worth 100 points. Here's the List (notice there are 31 items so 1 a day plus a freebie)

10 points (everything is a picture)
A Dinosaur
A Kangaroo
A Hippo
A Giraffe
A plane
A Firetruck

15 Points
Helicopter
Yellow Car
A Street Sign from Maine St in any town
your desk (or whatever you refer to as your desk i.e. table)
a Twinkie (or something similar)
A Turkey

25 Points
A home for sale sign - indicating it was SOLD
A Pool
A Crashed car- it doesn't matter when it was crashed just that it was
A dump truck
A can of AMP
Your favorite coffee shop

30 Points
A police Car
A forklift
An ambulance
A school bus
A scarecrow
A bear

50 Points
A blimp
A hot air ballon
A Jack o' lantern
A Nintendo Wii
Your bike
The clock on your phone or TV at 5amv (We know triathletes get up early)

100 Points-
A picture of you in an official Team Hippo T-Shirt

And remember other than the official team hippo picture all pictures with you in them are doubled.

Just email your pics to us here and we plan on migrating them to our facebook page. Yes we are on facebook. This is the prelude to get everyone psyched for the USAT winter club challenge Swim in December, Bike in January, Run in February. I'm working on getting some team sponsors but in order to do that we need to show them that we have a team and it's worth their time. So help us help you.

Team Hippo Multisport

Rules Discussion #6 rule 5.10 Position Fouls

This section is about position fouls on the bike. These are the most commonly cited penalties. Rule #1. If you hear a motorcycle and you think you are close... pass. Rule #2 If the official is riding next to you writing down things... do something different.

5.10 Position Fouls. In accordance with the Rules as set forth in this section, a participant is not permitted to position his bicycle in the proximity of another moving vehicle so as to benefit from reduced air resistance. While on the cycling course, participants shall not work together to improve performance, efficiency, or position by teamwork or other joint conduct. A variable time penalty shall be imposed for any violation of this section.

a. Illegal Positioning. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, while on the cycling course, no participant shall permit his drafting zone to intersect with or remain intersected with the drafting zone of another cyclist or that of a motor vehicle. With respect to a motor vehicle ( including authorized race vehicles), it is the athlete’s responsibility to move out of the vehicle’s drafting zone or to continually communicate to the vehicle to move away.

b. Definition of Drafting Zone. The term "drafting zone" shall refer to a rectangular area seven (7) meters long and two (2) meters wide surrounding each bicycle. The longer sides of the zone begin at the leading edge of the front wheel and run backward parallel to the bicycle; the front wheel divides the short side of the zone into two equal parts. With respect to a moving motor vehicle, the "drafting zone" is a rectangular area extending 15 meters to each side of the vehicle and 30 meters behind the vehicle.

c. Right-of -Way. A participant is generally entitled to assume any otherwise proper location on the cycling course provided that the participant arrives in the position first without contacting another participant. When taking a position near another participant, however, a cyclist shall not crowd the other participant and shall allow reasonable space for the other participant to make normal movement without making contact.

d. Blocking. Cyclists who have established the right of way must not block or obstruct the progress of another participant.

e. Passing. A participant who approaches another cyclist from the rear or from another unfavorable position bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul even if the cyclist being approached alters speed. A participant must not attempt to pass another cyclist unless adequate space is available and the athlete is confident of his/her ability to pass the other cyclist. All passing is to be done to the left of the cyclist being overtaken unless otherwise specified.

f. Position. Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all cyclists shall keep to the right of the prescribed course unless passing.

g. Being Overtaken. When the leading edge of the front wheel of one cyclist passes beyond the front wheel of another cyclist, the second cyclist has been "overtaken" within the meaning of these Rules. A cyclist who has been overtaken bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul and must immediately move to the rear and out of the drafting zone of the passing cyclist. The overtaken cyclist shall first move completely out of the drafting zone of the other cyclist before attempting to re-pass the other cyclist.

h. Exceptions. A participant may enter the drafting zone without penalty only under the following conditions:
(1) When entering the drafting zone from the rear, closing the gap, and overtaking all within no more than 15 seconds.
(2) When cyclist reduces speed for safety reasons, for course blockage, for an aid station, for an emergency, when entering or exiting a transition area, or when making a turn of 90 degrees or more; or
(3) When USA Triathlon or the Head Referee expressly excludes a section of the bicycle course from the position foul rules because of overly narrow lanes, construction, detours, or a similar reason.

This section is the one that everyone hears about but it's important to understand the nuances of what is happening on the course so you can avoid penalties. I have heard many competitors talk about working together on the course and saying it's smart racing. As noted in the first paragraph it's cheating.

...participants shall not work together to improve performance, efficiency, or position by teamwork or other joint conduct

If you are working with someone the other riders know it and they know you are cheating. The problem that arises is that there is no specific penalty for that as far as time goes. However admitting to that probably constitutes a violation of Rule 3.6

3.6 Penalties and Prohibited Conduct. Penalties, including disqualification and suspension, may be imposed upon race participants and/or members of USA Triathlon who violate any of these Competitive Rules or who solicit, encourage, or assist a violation of these Rules. Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the specific penalty to be imposed in any given case shall depend on the nature and severity of the violation as determined by the Head Referee or USA Triathlon. The following penalties may be imposed for a violation of these Rules:
a. Assessment of a time penalty
b. Disqualification
c. Written reprimand or censure
d. Monetary fines
e. Suspension from membership in USA Triathlon (including retroactive suspension), and
f. Permanent expulsion from USA Triathlon

If you are wearing matching jerseys and a ref sees you doing the 14 second draft pass thing you can't get a time penalty until you break a rule with an associated time penalty however you are playing with fire. This is how it might play out. Let's say you and your friend finish 1-2 and you were working together to "legally draft". Numbers 3-4-5 come up to the ref and are freaking out. One of them may demand that you get a DQ for violation of 3.6. You may admit to working together assuming that you didn't violate the draft, overtaken or position rule but get DQ'ed anyway. A lot could be riding on those spots. The closer you get to the podium the more likely it is that you are going to get flak. Depending on the race there could be money, prizes, world championship slots etc...

5.10a is drafting. As I mentioned this is a bit nuanced. I'll explain it from the officials view. it's hard to tell drafting from the back. You really need to be on the side to see if they are too close. However as you come upon riders who are close together it's important to know how they got there. Riders inside the draft zone may be drafting, overtaken and dropping back or passing. You cannot call drafting unless you know how they got where they are. When you are on the course you see drafting but it's easier to tell as you are going a similar speed and in a direct line of sight not diagonally. When you enter the draft zone YOU HAVE TO PASS. No other option. You have 15 seconds to get your wheel in front of theirs. As soon as your wheel crosses theirs you have passed. They must drop out. This means that when you enter in the draft zone the other rider can sprint off and cause you to be penalized. That's legal and smart but that would make some people angry. Be courteous at all times and try to avoid sucking people in to punish them.

5.10b is the drafting zone. This is important. Notice that it STARTS at the front wheel which means it's the front bike for 1 length and then 2 empty lengths then you. Not The front bike plus 3 (that is true for WTC races). Additionally the zone extends 1 meter to each side of the bike. So you could pass on many courses without ever entering the draft zone.

5.10c You may not crash into someone else nor should they crash into you. Keep this is mind when re-entering the course from the woods or aid stations. People going straight have right of way just like in a car.

5.10d blocking- this occurs when you are riding somewhere other than to the right of the lane. Exceptions occur due to objects in the road, passing, bad pavement and cornering to name a few. Just stay to the right when you can and you'll be fine. This means you cannot ride side by side with your friend (even though you are not in the draft zone).

5.10e passing- if you are passing you must not cause a position foul. You are not allowed to force the other rider off the road, crash into them or cross the yellow line while passing. If you can't do it safely you can't do it.

5.10f This goes with blocking but is cited for just riding to the left. When I am descending at high speed (>45mph) I move to the middle of the lane for my safety. I want options if something happens at that speed. The faster I go the more towards the center I go. If someone has the need to pass me at greater than 50mph near the center line... good for them but that may net them some penalties.

5.10g overtaken- This is a big one. Once the front wheel of another rider crosses yours you need to drop "to the rear and out of the drafting zone". It doesn't matter what happens you need to get out of the zone even if the person who passed you drops down to 3mph. You won't likely get a penalty for that but you may so keep that in mind. Here's an example of the last time I called this penalty. 3 Riders are together when I came up from the back. Rider 3 decides to make a move and passes rider 1 and 2. Rider 2 sees the opportunity and jumps right on the wheel of rider 3 passing rider 1 also. Now the clock started when rider three's front wheel crossed rider 2's. Rider three passed rider one and continued on while rider two did the same. However rider 2 did not wait for 3 to go and was not able to drop out of the draft zone in less than 15 seconds therefore was overtaken. Use coins on the table if you need to think this one through. Sometimes riders are stunned to be passed and immediately try to take the position back. This also results in overtaken. This is rarely called on uphills and never called in corners. If for some reason the rider who passed you suddenly jammed on the brakes for something coming up that would also likely not triger the penalty.

5.10h is pretty self explanitory. If you have questions. Ask them. No question too small. The best time to ask is now but before a race is pretty good too. The worst time to ask is after your name gets on the pink sheet.

Team Hippo Roll Call

Hey if you're a member of Team Hippo I/we want to hear from you. Leave a comment of send an email so I can see who is reading. In that email please let me know more of what you want to hear about or if you want to write a blog entry that is good too. This blog is only as good as we make it so let's make it the best.

Do I need... MORE GEAR?

One of the biggest issues that a new triathlete encounters is the problem of "Do I need___________________?". The answer is Yes, Maybe and No.

In yes we have few needs:

(swim)
Swimsuit of some type (sports bra for the ladies)
Swim Cap (unless provided)

(Bike)
Bike Helmet (CSPC approved)
Bicycle of any type or age that is safe to ride.

(run)
Sneakers
sunblock

Seriously that is all you NEED to complete a triathlon. Clearly there are other items that will make things a lot better they are called maybe (which means after your first one or two it's a yes):

(swim)
Wetsuit
Swim Goggles/mask
Body Glide
Tri shorts, tri top/ trisuit

(Bike)

Road Bike
Clipless pedals/shoes (MTB or Road are both fine)
sunglasses
sun block

(Run)
Hat (consider headsweat)/visor
Fuel belt (for longer distances)

Now on to the the no part of the needs analysis.
You do not need an aero helmet, ZIPP Zedtech wheels, a Cervelo or carbon fiber water bottle cages. You don't need tubular tires, aerobars and powertap. If you WANT these items go ahead and buy them. If you think saving 40 seconds or so off of your bike leg is worth $4,000 feel free to spend it on the best wheels you can buy. if you are going for the podium then it may make enough of a difference. However if you are BOP work on getting to the MOP before making massive investments in this sport. Yes everyone wants to spend their children's college fund on the new SRAM Red but sit back have fun and keep some money in the bank.

I would agree it's cool to have a $10,000 bike but when you do the math you are going to have to keep it a LONGGGGGGGGGGGGG time to get your $ per mile back. Your car likely costs 40-50 cents a mile to operate. So you'd only have to ride 20,000 miles on the bike to make it even money. Considering the average rider does 2,000-3,000 per year it's going to be awhile. Additionally if you aren't over 20mph you probably aren't getting any real advantage anyway. Look at it this way. Instead of a $10K bike buy a $3000 bike and spend $7000 on a personal trainer/ nutritionist who can help you get to the lowest weight possible. That will be a much greater performance enhancer than the bike anyway.

as long as you can admit the difference between need and want you are on solid ground with whatever you do. Just remember for 99.9% of us this is a hobby and hobbies are supposed to be fun!

I wanna become an Elite athlete

This is just an interesting article that I figured I'd put out there. I always wondered what it took to be an elite and now I know. From the USAT website here's the criteria:

Qualification criteria: Any athlete who chooses to compete as an elite triathlete must meet at least one of the six (6) criteria listed below:

CRITERIA A:
Finish within 8% of the winning elite time (onsame course as elites) in three USAT sanctioned events that offer an elite/ pro prize purse.

CRITERIA B:
Finish top- 10 overall and within 8% of the winner's time at ITU Age Group World Championships.

CRITERIA C:
Finish top- 10 overall in the amateur field at Ironman World Championship.

CRITERIA D:
Finish top-5 overall and within 8% of the winner's time at the USAT Age Group National Championships.

CRITERIA E:
Finish top-5 overall and within 8% of the winner's time at USAT Collegiate Natinal Championships.

CRITERIA F:
Finish top-3 overall in the amateur field at an Elite Qualifying Race. The list of Elite Qualifying Races is determined by the AAC each year and published on USAT's website. Please find the list below.

Elite Qualifying Races for 2008:
· Columbia
· Memphis in May
· Wildflower – Olympic and Long Distance only
· Chicago- International distance only
· St. Anthony's
· Lifetime Fitness- Intermediate distance only
· NYC
· Escape from Alcatraz
· BoulderPeak Triathlon
· 5430 Long Course Triathlon
· Buffalo Springs
· IronmanAZ
· Ironman Kona
· IronmanWI
· Ironman Coeur d’Alene
· Ironman Lake Placid
· IronmanFL
· 70.3 Oceanside
· 70.3 Vineman
· 70.3 Clearwater, FL

Currently there are only 345 people who have elite/pro cards through the USAT and that includes Tri, DU and Off road. Contrast this with the approximate membership of Beginner Triathlete of 40,000 and 100,676+ USAT ANNUAL memberships. That's not the one day licenses so assume that number might be doubled. Roughly .3% of USAT members have elite cards. As you can see it's extremely difficult so when you meet a pro you have to know that they are very talented and very rare. I must will say it's very cool to see Karen Smyers in transition prior to your race and get to have a conversation with Tim Snow about race nutrition. However the people I'm most looking forward to racing with is Team Hoyt. To me nothing says triathlon like Dick and Rick Hoyt. I'm going to feel like a groupie but I'll be needing a pic. Next weekend Team Hippo meets Team Hoyt!

Rules Discussion #5 Rule 3.5 and 3.8

After seeing this one in the process of being broken in a public forum I figured I'd cover it. The scenario was someone was attempting to sell their race number for a very large upcoming race that was no longer offering transfers.

3.5 Unregistered Participants.
a. Any person who participates in any portion of a sanctioned event without first properly registering and paying any required registration fee shall be suspended or barred from membership in USA Triathlon and barred from participation in any sanctioned event for a period of up to one year.
b. Any person who in any way assists another athlete to violate Section 3.5a by providing or selling a race number to that athlete shall be suspended or barred from membership in USA Triathlon and barred from participation in any sanctioned event for a period of up to one year. Any second violation of this Section shall result in a lifetime suspensionor ban from membership in USA Triathlon.

I will almost guarantee that if the RD finds out that you broke this rule you are going to be punished. You are putting a lot of people in a potentially bad spot that they are not going to tollerate. If you buy a race number and compete as another person that is a fraudlent activity and exposes the organizers to potential legal liabilities. If you are injured you will not have signed the waiver and that will get messy.

So buying the number is a violation of 3.5(a) and selling it is a violation of 3.5(b). If there are transfers available it's done through the RD. If not, and many races have a no transfer/no refund policy, that's life. I would think it to be significantly better to lose $250 dollars (more likely $50-80) on a race than risk suspension. Read this carefully. A second violation of this results in a LIFETIME BAN.

Secondly section 3.8 lists suspendable events.

3.8 Acts Warranting Suspension. In addition to other penalties which may be imposed at the discretion of USA Triathlon, the following acts may be grounds for suspension for a period of time designated by USA Triathlon:
a. A flagrant or willful violation of the Competitive Rules;
b. Gross or continued unsportsmanlike conduct;
c. Physical violence directed toward a race official, participant, volunteer, spectator, or other person;
d. Any fraudulent act, such as falsifying name or age, filing a false affidavit or protest, or providing false information to USA Triathlon, the Board of Hearings and Appeals, or race officials;
e. Intentionally participating in an event despite failure to register;
f. Repetitive or recurring violations of the Competitive Rules;
g. Failure to notify a race official after withdrawing from a race;
h. Violation of the Medical Control Rules as set forth in Article VIII;
i. Refusal to abide by the final determination by USA Triathlon of any matter relating to these Rules or the sport of triathlon; and
j. Any act which disgraces or brings discredit to the sport of triathlon.

It's also listed here at 3.8e. I doubt that this would be enforced for indavertent acts but it would be hard to claim inadvertent acts of this nature. The bigger events make you show a license and a USAT card at packet pickup so you'd have to go get your packet and transfer it to the other person. At most larger events there are photographers. Imagine the shock of some of the people that "you" beat when they check the photos to see how you looked and it's not you. Almost everyone has Google nowdays and not much hides from Google.

In summary don't break this easy to follow rule. Many race directors are flexible and can offer partial refunds, 1 year deferrals, Aquabikes or even transfers. Just ask. If they say no you are free to make whatever decision you want on the race but whatever you do just make sure it's the right thing.

Rules Discussion #4 Swimming (4.1-4.9)

Today I'll talk about the rules surrounding swimming. The swim seems to imtimidate most new triathletes but you'll see the rules make it pretty friendly.

Article IV
Swimming Conduct

4.1 Permissible Strokes. Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves
through the water and may tread water or float.

As noted anything goes as long as you get through the course in the time provided.

4.2 Bottom Contact and Resting. A participant may stand on the bottom or rest by
holding an inanimate object such as a buoy, boat, rope or floating object.
Excluding the bottom, a participant shall not use any inanimate object to gain
forward progress. A violation of this section shall result in a variable time
penalty, unless the Head Referee in his/her sole discretion determines that (i)
the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or (ii)
the violation constituted endangerment under Section 3.4(1).

You can and should grab objects if you need to rest while swimming. As long as you don't use them to make forward process. This rule becomes a little difficult to enforce when there is a current and swimmers are hanging onto kayaks. If the kayaker can't stop the forward progress and it's inadvertent you will probably be ok. But if you are hanging on kayaks and manage to come out of the water in the top 10 you very well may be DQ'ed. If you are unable to swim the distance without stopping and you manage to beat a significant number of swimmers it's likely that you had assistance. What the referee will do I can't be sure but if they don't act in that case the other competitors are going to be freaking out.

4.3 Emergencies. A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance
shall raise an arm overhead, and pump it up and down, and call or seek
assistance. A swimmer who has received official assistance, whether voluntary or
involuntary, must retire and withdraw from the remainder of the race unless such
assistance did not aid the swimmer in making forward progress. No swimmer shall
return to the race if the official rendering assistance requests that the
participant withdraw from the race or receive medical assistance.

This is important. If you swallow some water (get kicked in the face etc...) and start to freak get some assistance. As long as you aren't assisted in making forward progress and can continue you will most likely be able to. However if the guard makes the call that you cannot/should not continue you are done. They understand what's at stake but safety is paramount. If you DNF it's ok you can race again. If you drown there aren't second chances. If you need to stop racing stop for us triathlon is a HOBBY relax and enjoy it.

4.4 Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit
without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a
water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is
greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group
participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that
participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be
eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits
in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The
wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes
Advisory Council.

The Wetsuit policy for elites is 72 or cooler. The basic rule for water from 78 to 84 is is you wear a wetsuit you are racing for your time only. No awards and nothing will be reported to the USAT for rankings. Be honest with yourself. If you need the wetsuit for buoyancy and don't feel you can make the distance without it then use it. Water over 84 would make you overheat so that's why they aren't allowed. If you can't make the swim without a wetsuit take the DNS and go home safely.

4.5 Notice Of Wet Suit Policy. The wet suit policy for any particular race shall
be included on all race literature that is intended for distribution to
potential participants. The wet suit policy shall conform to Section 4.4, unless
a change is granted in compliance with Section 1.4. The wet suit policy on such
literature shall include the following information, if applicable;
a. Any
changes from Section 4.4;
b. Any specific restrictions on equipment;
c.
Any disparity between the wet suit policy for age group athletes and the policy
for elite athletes.

This is pretty self explanatory.

4.6 Measuring Water Temperature. It is recommended, but not required that the
water temperature for a race be finally determined by a measurement made within
2 hours of the race start. Measurements should be made in at least three
locations on the swim course, spaced so as to divide the entire swim course into
approximately equidistant segments, and measured at a depth of 18 inches below
the surface of the water, at points where direct sunlight can strike the water.
The water temperature for the race should be determined by averaging the three
temperature measurements taken. A water temperature measurement should also be
taken prior to any pre-race meetings in order to forecast to the athletes as
early as possible the likely water temperature on race day and the likelihood of
whether wet suits will be allowed on race day.

The basic issue here is at regular events is the water under 78 and at elite events is it under 72. This is a political hot button many people (who hate to admit it) don't like swimming without their wetsuit. If wetsuits aren't allowed some people will be forced to DNS/DNF. Rarely does water in the Northeast reach this temp but I'm sure down south and out west this is not rare. You should have an idea before you race of the approximate water temperatures and if in doubt mail the RD.

4.7 Official Equipment. If provided by race management, a swimmer shall wear the
proper official swim cap corresponding to his wave. The penalty for an
infraction of this rule is a variable time penalty. For safety reasons if no
official cap is provided, all swimmers should wear their own brightly colored
swim cap.

They are usually provided and help identify the waves. If not then remember it's easier for a life guard to see a white, orange, green, yellow or red swim cap disappear than a dark blue/black one.

4.8 Goggles. Swimmers may wear, but shall not be required to wear, swim goggles
or face masks.

Most people prefer goggles to not having them and I always wear them but it's a choice.

4.9 Illegal Equipment. Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device,
including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any
kind shall be disqualified. Please see the previous post (Rules Discussion
#3) on legal vs. illegal equipment.

The swim should be fun. If you have any questions please write and ask.