One more reason to NOT do triathlons!

It doesn't appear to be triathlons per se, but rather open water swimming and the number of people involved. If the same number of people were drawn to open water swims, the same problem would exist. I've seen experienced swimmers suffer irregular heart rhythms in meets and practices. If these same swimmers had been in open water, the consequences would have been severe. Those drawn to just open water swims tend to be experienced swimmers and those that are acclimated to cold water. Inexperienced swimmers and those not acclimated to cold water tend NOT to show up for open water swims. They do, unfortunately, tend to show up for triathlons, thinking that they can "just get through the swim." Perhaps the problem is that those focused mainly on running or biking underestimate how strenous swimming actually is. I've seen too many runners and bikers say they are using a swim to "recover" from a hard bike or run (I'll admit I've been guilty of claiming I'm using a swim to recover from a hard run.). There is a mentality among runners and bikers that swimming is easy. This is a dangerous mindset and perhaps leads to the number of deaths we are seeing in triathlons. Personally, I have found it less draining on my body to put in 12 hours a week of triathlon training than 12 hours a week of swimming. Anybody who for a minute doubts their ability to get through the swim should ask for a special colored cap. Most triathlon events have these available. Also, anybody with a problem that affects his/her heart should request a special colored cap. Open water swimming is dangerous and needs to be undertaken with that understanding. I hope any swimmer out there that has any condition that affects his/her heart will not let pride get in the way of wearing a special colored cap. Another problem is that triathletes tend to think it is weak, not smart, to DNF. I'm proud of the fact I DNFed at a triathlon in Tennessee in 2005. When I was taken to the hospital, I was told it was a good thing I stopped when I did. Stop if you feel bad - better to DNF and be alive.

As if the whole running thing wasn't enough: Study: Triathlons can pose deadly heart risks March 28th, 2009 By MARILYNN MARCHIONE , AP Medical Writer (AP) -- Warning to weekend warriors: Swim-bike-run triathlons pose at least twice the risk of sudden death as marathons do, the first study of these competitions has found. www.physorg.com/news157482153.html So far, in the last 20 years (or so), I have witnessed 3 deaths occurring during training sessions (none during an actual event): - 1 Cyclist that got hit by an 11 rider paceline. The poor father did not look on both sides prior crossing the formula one race track that we often use as a cycling time trial course. - 1 44yo man that died as a result of an indoor treadmill session (in a gym). The poor man wasn't even running. He was just walking. - 1 48yo man died while stretching out after a weight lifting session. Still, I like the quoted study. It outlines the fact that jumping in cold water can be very dangerous for those with a pre-existing heart condition. Would have been even more informative to know the average age of these 15 people/1 million as well as their level of experience in doing triathlon.

It is my belief that having a wetsuit for many triathletes makes them feel they can handle the cold water and lack of training. What most of these triathletes need is more time in the water, both in the open under different conditions and in the pool. I hope that the message gets out.

Top reasons not to participate: 5. Your more likely to suffer a heart attack. Actually, the folks reading this probably wont...but you may witness or have to assist someone who does (!). 4. The crowds....people love these things. what can you say. 3. The time to train. In order to be competetive, it takes 12-15 hours minimum/week. Time to get a good divorce lawyer... 2. The lack of athletes. While there are some very inspiring athletes that are triathletes, the vast majority are not now nor ever were an athlete in their past. I just have a hard time getting inspired. 1. The fees! After nearly 125 cycling races (road track and cyclocross), plus years of masters swimming, I was not prepared for the cost just to race...just to enter. What a rip off. Some go to charities but most go into someone's pockets. Quick, run 20 minutes, swim 20 minutes and bike 20 minutes...congratulations, you just completed a triathlon. NOT HARD.

It is my belief that having a wetsuit for many triathletes makes them feel they can handle the cold water and lack of training. What most of these triathletes need is more time in the water, both in the open under different conditions and in the pool. I hope that the message gets out. Would I be safer in a black & yellow polkadot suit?

1. I would rather die in the water hammering it than on the couch eating bacon flavored cheese curls. 2. I feel as though a lot of these "studies" are aggresively studied by those looking for a reason for why they can never do what we can. 3. I was a apart a 2 long distance tri's last year where they cancelled the swijm because of 2' waves. Many of these athletes thing they are entitled to a life changing sporting feat. However, they want to do it within 3 months and then they need rescued from death or ruin the event for those that put the time in. 4. If you can't swim, don't. Be a duathlete. It's also very respectable.

The cold temp, not pool temp, can be a great shock to those who do so on poor training.

My wife read the post and informed me that they(bacon flavored cheese..) are probably dog treats so I made no point. Anayway, maybe if they made a bacon flavored powerbar... No wonder I couldn't find 'em the store --- wrong aisle.

Wasn't this study like 15 people out of 1 million participants. I mean, how many people die daily in a city with one million inhabitants? I would venture to say it is well within this general range. Also, what other factors are taken into consideration? Age, experience level, hours trained prior to event? People should be smart about proper training and medical screening - especially for those type of people who do a triathlon as part of their "bucket list"! Just a thought!

Top reasons not to participate: 5. Your more likely to suffer a heart attack. Actually, the folks reading this probably wont...but you may witness or have to assist someone who does (!). 4. The crowds....people love these things. what can you say. 3. The time to train. In order to be competetive, it takes 12-15 hours minimum/week. Time to get a good divorce lawyer... 2. The lack of athletes. While there are some very inspiring athletes that are triathletes, the vast majority are not now nor ever were an athlete in their past. I just have a hard time getting inspired. 1. The fees! After nearly 125 cycling races (road track and cyclocross), plus years of masters swimming, I was not prepared for the cost just to race...just to enter. What a rip off. Some go to charities but most go into someone's pockets. Quick, run 20 minutes, swim 20 minutes and bike 20 minutes...congratulations, you just completed a triathlon. NOT HARD. 5. The same thing can and has happened in masters swim workouts and swim meets. 4. The more, the merrier. 3. Many, if not most, elite masters swimmers train this much between the swim practices and the dryland workouts. 2. Really? I've seen some Olympic swimmers who could not keep up with the top of the pack in a triathlon. Somehow, I think it takes an "athlete" to run a 15 minute 5k on the end of a triathlon. 1. If you are halfway decent, you can win money and/or prizes worth more than your entry fee. Masters meets don't offer these awards. So what if somebody can call themselves a triathlete for competing for the time you mention? At least the people are setting goals and training for something instead of living the couch potato lifestyle.