As a former runner and one of the smaller female triathletes at 5'5'' and 105 lbs most of the other girls look big to me, but I wouldn't call them "meaty" or fat. It is just a different body type. I think most of the ITU women have bodies like elite middle distance runners--muscular and not quite as skinny as the long distance runners.

I'm guessing he's never done a triathlon or he would STFU

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-Jason

I believe cars are the new second hand smoke. -Dave Zabriskie

Does this mean that Swimfan is alive and well? Let's hope not!

I'll echo this thought:

"I don't think that they are big and meaty....they just look that way because you are such a scrawy undersized guy."

Actually I was a bit surprised that it seems like the triathlete women I've seen don't tend to be as lean as I'd anticipated before getting into the sport.

But it's still better than the hordes that show up to the humpty dumpty 5k... ;)

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justin

It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it. -Upton Sinclair

Ive said this before and people dont like to hear it but its true, a large number of participants in triathlons are far from athletic looking. If i had to throw a ballpark figure out there i would say less than 1/2 look like athletes and i dont mean ripped with muscle im saying relatively low bodyfat and healthy looking(TO ME). Im not going to trash the people who participate in the sport or enjoy doing it because i think its great they are doing something they enjoy but you're kidding yourself if you think what he's saying isnt true. I wouldnt say its more women than men either, its pretty equal on both sides.

The way I look at it, the whole country is meaty. Go to the supermarket, the schools, the 5k races, the pools, the marathons. Why would triathlons be any different? But of all people to criticize for their size, people who are participating in an active lifestyle are the last ones that should be given a hard time. For many it is a first step towards achieving a healthy body and life.

But to be honest, I feel pretty meaty when I'm at races and I'm not overweight. I get really intimidated by the 10% BF women. I can't imagine how I would feel if I was overweight. I give them a lot of credit for that.

Jodi

I agree with the country part but i think people get the perception of participants in a "grueling and demanding" endurance event when they think of triathletes. If you held that perception its understandable to see why they go to a race and see anyone thats not super lean and maybe be disappointed. Im not going to knock anyone because, again, i think its great they people are being proactive in attaining a healthy lifestyle. Im about as lean and as fit(physically) as i can get and i go to races and i see some of the 30-34, 35-39 badasses and almost start to question my fitness!

Those scrawny pencil necks on Letsrun have now idea what a real meaty woman is:

Ive said this before and people dont like to hear it but its true, a large number of participants in triathlons are far from athletic looking.
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I don't agree with you. "Most" people I see at tri's look in good shape to me. Even if they don't there willing to race....more power to them:)

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Train safe & smart
Bob

Yeah, um, my wife might fall into this category. She's about 5'9" 163ish lbs. She's bigger, but in no way "big." When we talk about "looking fit", I think we have to be very careful. What we mean by "looking fit" is very subjective, much like what "good looking" means. In the end, the best way to judge fitness is performance and/or results.

<StartOfBoast>My athena wife races age group in both triathlon, trail runs, and XTerra. At every race (except for XTerra Nationals in Nevada) she was on the podium. In fact, she placed first in at least two road triathlons this year. She might not look fit to people who don't know her, but she motors anyway. Rock on, wife. <EndOfBoast>

The way I look at it, the whole country is meaty. Meaty???? Try obese or plain old word fat.

This is from my masters swim ;)

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It hurts so bad, it feels good.

You are absolutely correct, and I think I have some idea why this is the case. This is just my opinion by the way...

1. Triathlons require a lot of endurance training.
2. Endurance training requires fuel (i.e. calories).
3. People go for a long bike ride or a long run and come back tired and the gas tank on E.
4. They eat WAY more than their body can handle at one time.
5. Their body digests and processes what it can, the other part... welllll.... let's just say it goes to other places (cough cough hips).

OR

1. They eat a HUGE breakfast with plans of working out later, and it ends up being just too much food for the workout they're going to do.

I was the same way. Once I changed my diet to smaller meals and no snacks bigger than 200 calories, I became a lot more lean. I still eat plenty of calories, just more spread out. I think too many people just over compensate for a 3 hour long bike ride and go crazy with the post workout food thing. Just my thoughts on the topic.

You just ruined my "feel-good" Sunday Brunch with that picture....

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Ego numquam pronuncio mendacium,
sed sum homo salvaticus

What we mean by "looking fit" is very subjective, much like what "good looking" means.
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Since I started running in 2001 my race wt avg was 143(I'm 5'8" 1/4). I raced last season in the high 140's. When I tell people I work with I want to drop 5lbs they look at me like I have an eating disorder.

PS: FWIW In the mid 90's my wt got into the 190+ range....very scary!

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Train safe & smart
Bob

I am always confused why "heavier" people always use triathlons as thier goal. I have triathlon set as an auto record key word on TiVo and it seems every week I am deleting an episode of the biggest loser or some show where a fat person wants to lose weight show because their goal is a triathlon.

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My Website
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I'm always confused as to why trialthletes would ever question, criticize or otherwise appear to discourage others from participating in triathlons, especially those who would clearly benefit from a heathier and more active lifestyle.

I'm always confused as to why trialthletes would ever question, criticize or otherwise appear to discourage others from participating in triathlons, especially those who would clearly benefit from a heathier and more active lifestyle.
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Well said!

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Train safe & smart
Bob

That is because of the "image" of a triathlete. It is considered the fittest and thoughest sport. Do you see anyone setting a personal goal playing the masters? Even though it is more impossible than finishing an Ironman. And they see the NBC coverage with all glammed up video, honestly it makes it lookm cool. I don't think anyone would be hyped after vatching Versus coverage of CDA, IMAZ or IMOO
And the training, people look at the training plans and say oh boy if she can do this I can too and I will lose 100LBS eat what ever I want. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. How many times have you seen, after a group run or ride people gorge themselves to food? Regardless of the distance they train everybody eats more than they supposed to. Due to cold, i've been running at the gym. They have Ellaptical machines and treadmils filled with people still trying to get rid of holiday weight.
They walk on the treadmill 30 minutes with a 32oz gatorade. And I bet they eat a "reward" food after that.

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It hurts so bad, it feels good.

Dont you live in california(i read socal in another thread)? Apples and oranges :P

[reply]I'm always confused as to why trialthletes would ever question, criticize or otherwise appear to discourage others from participating in triathlons, especially those who would clearly benefit from a heathier and more active lifestyle.[/reply]

Only on slowtwitch. Typical comments from a certain segment.

And why are we meaty? Better to kick ass.

clm

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Do they have a good personality?

70% of triathletes (and I am just estimating here) can lose 10-15 lbs, and would probably be better for it. Endurance training is not for FAT LOSS. You think just because you went out and rode for 5 hours at a 17mph pace, having at least 5 GUs along the way (high sugar)...probably some Gatorade (high sugar), that you can go home and have a 1000-1500 calorie meal? If you are eating clean (i.e. non-processed foods, low sugars/low GI foods, including NO alcohol), then it is hard to get in that many calories. And, you will probably stay at a deficit and lose some weight- and be leaner. You should not be 20%+ Body Fat as a woman and call yourself an elite triathlete. Don't get me wrong, just because you have low body fat does not make you fast- but, it does help to get you faster if that could be what is holding you back from getting to the next level. If your goal is just to "finish"- then, eat all you want, get fat and enjoy your long 6 hour rides at 15 mph and your 2500 calorie dinners. I, myself, am 5'6", 137 lbs, and 14% BF (as of last wee). I work hard at that, and, I do fairly well at races. I keep getting better each year, and also, a bit leaner.

Just don't call yourself a triathlete if you are going to let yourself get FAT just because you want to say you do this endurance sport- true reality is, if your FAT, say it. You are a FAT TRIATHLETE- and there is a book out there that describes what that is. Eat a bit cleaner, don't put so much in your mouth, cut back on those "sports" drinks/gels during your training, and you might surprise yourself. Running 15+ miles, or riding 5 hours might feel a bit easier.

Train Hard- Eat Smart.

erikalilley.blogspot.com

This subject has come up here at least a few times.

People become pretty sensitive when the subject comes up.. usually there is a portion of people that will state that yes, a good percentage of people competing can stand to lose some weight if their goal is to get to the finish line faster. Then the next group goes a bit overboard, calls group A elitist snobs and state that as long as people as happy then can do whatever they want.

Both groups are correct: a good portion of trigeeks (esp in the US) as well as regular folk can cut down their portion sizes, and it's also great that people are competing and getting healthier. I do think that a lot of people use training as an excuse to put down massive amounts of food but at the same time it doesn't change my day at all.

I hope this is a low fat burrito

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I'll be what I am
A solitary man

I don't think most women doing triathlons refer to themselves as "elite triathletes."

Also, I'm confused - are people who are fat not allowed to call themselves triathletes, or do they simply have to modify that with some kind of qualifier? Just want to make sure I get this right so as to not offend anyone. And I kind of like the idea of being more specific, actually. Think of how useful it'll be for us to be able to hang out with "our kind of people" if we're upfront about these things - no one is a "triathlete" - we have to go with descriptors: "fat triathlete," "lean triathlete," "lean and bitchy triathlete," "kind-of-mushy-in-the-middle triathlete," "assclown triathlete," "poser triathlete," etc. Brilliant idea. :-)

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http://thethighmasterroutetokona.blogspot.com

That's awesome - your wife is a rockstar! Here's hoping she keeps kicking ass.

And "black," congrats on taking up the "Swimfan" mantle. ;-)

As for me, I do take offense at the word "meaty." I think "beefy" is so much better.

Actually, this whole topic makes me wonder.....why do people care so much what other people look like? Who cares if there are fat people doing triathlons? At least they're working out. Good for them. Two of the coolest guys I've seen doing a triathlon were from 2 years ago, doing Stoneman when it was literally about 98 degrees, very humid, very tough day. But they were out there - two very big guys, obviously friends, walking the run course at that point because it was so damn hot, but moving along, cracking me up with their conversation as I went past them. "All right, we rock, we're doing this man, our first triathlon, we just have to keep moving. Two fat guys getting it done." "Hey, that would be a good name for a rock band." And so on. Why would anyone look down on them?

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http://thethighmasterroutetokona.blogspot.com

Gazelle wrote, "...Why would anyone look down on them?"

That's quite an easy answer, because it diminishes the magnitude of the achievement.

15 years ago, if you said you completed an Ironman, Joe Q. public would say,"You stud/studlette" that is quite an achievement, you must be quite special. Then you would smile because you would feel special.

Fast forward that to 2008. You say you completed an Ironman and Joe Q. public says either:

• "That's nice, did you win?"
• "That's nice, so did my aunt Mavis and cousin Brucie. And Fred quit bowling and started swimming on Wednesdays so he can do Lake Placid in July. And oh by the way, did you win?

All of a sudden "everyone" is doing Ironman and YOU don't feel special anymore. Especially since you are no idiot and know that Joe Q. Public doesn't know, or give a rat's ass the difference between a 10 hour finish or a 15 hour finish. Or between a mail slot and a Kona slot.

Furthermore, if you are 5'10 and 150 pounds OF COURSE you can do an Ironman. It takes a real special person to do it at 5'10 and 250 pounds. The "beefy folks" steal your glory.

If anyone can do it, what's the point? Time to get into bowling! At least THEY get to wear cool shoes.

That's why we Slowtwitchers look down on the beefy folks. If they can do it, we don't feel as special and that's what makes us go on 5 hour bike rides, 2.5 hour runs (no longer than that, right JohnnyO?) and breathe in pounds of chlorine at the pool.

Isn't it?

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http://www.fitspeek.com the Fraser Valley's fitness, wellness, and endurance sports podcast

There seems to be this weird sub-culture of triathletes who only do tris so that they can talk about themselves and their "great" accomplishment. If they see a person who does not fit their particular definition of a triathlete, it drives them nuts, because they then think that somehow, their accomplishments are diminished. I have never, ever, understood this. Its amazingly self-centered, and particularly unpleasant. Post something on here about a 250 lb chick who finished an IM in 16:58 and you'll get a whole slew of this species come out of the woodwork, proclaiming that she "isn't a real ironman" because she walked the run, or whatever. I truly feel sorry for these people...they can't seem to feel proud of what they did...they need to make sure that everybody understands that they are the real ironman because they "raced" it, and finished in sub-12, or whatever.

Spot

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Taco cat spelled backwards is....taco cat.

14% body fat is too low for estrogen production. Might be fine for your racing, but I hope if you are advising people you would not be telling women to aim for that. This is not just a reproduction issue (though certainly that could be affected) but adversely affects bone density.

Not everyone out racing is out to be elite.

If someone is out there training then they have already achieved a better fitness level than the majority of Americans. Most runners DO look too scrawny!

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cat
Sponsored by Suntheanine, Lycored and Celadrin
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>>I don't think most women doing triathlons refer to themselves as "elite triathletes."

Also, I'm confused - are people who are fat not allowed to call themselves triathletes, or do they simply have to modify that with some kind of qualifier? Just want to make sure I get this right so as to not offend anyone. And I kind of like the idea of being more specific, actually. Think of how useful it'll be for us to be able to hang out with "our kind of people" if we're upfront about these things - no one is a "triathlete" - we have to go with descriptors: "fat triathlete," "lean triathlete," "lean and bitchy triathlete," "kind-of-mushy-in-the-middle triathlete," "assclown triathlete," "poser triathlete," etc. Brilliant idea. :-) <<

Will you come to the Gals Weekend?????? You will fit right in!

clm, kind-of-mushy-in-the-middle-but-can-kick-ass triathlete ;-)

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

While I agree that it's unkind to label anyone meaty - and why should we care anyway - I will chime in with my personal experience on the matter. I have gotten much "meatier" since training for long distance tris. I am ~8 lbs heavier than I was as a runner who did some triathlons. I went into Kona this past year weighing what I did at 5 months pregnant. Yes, some of it is muscle. But not all of it, that's for sure.

I've discussed this with the women I train with, because it has happened to them as well. I tend to think that my body is living in a state of "God knows what she's going to do to me tomorrow - I'd better pack this away, just in case!" You don't see the lean muscle tone on the leading women in long distance triathlon that you see on the men. Our bodies like fat. And my body likes m&ms after long rides, so I agree that some of it has to do with what we're putting in when we're worn out :)

Also, I am of the opinion that the healthy fertility vs. body fat %age is an individual thing. I got pregnant and carried three healthy kids to term with <10% body fat.

Just my $.02.

RR

Dude you sound like a douchebag... worry about yourself. I do the sport because it's fun, not so I can brag to others about it.

I have not have it tested recently, but my body fat is less than 14%, probably less than 12, and I and my doctor think that I am perfectly healthy. I get my period regulary. I have several serving of milk, yogurt, and cheeses everyday. I would be willing to bet that my bone density is in excellent condition. PNWTSUT13's weight and body fat seem fine to me. I remember racing her at nationals last year and she looked perfectly healthy to me.

She was not saying that everyone should be at less than 20%. I think she was just saying that elites should not be at 20%+.

Hee hee.....I love your dry wit - the sheer irony and high camp of your reply made me laugh. Fred swimming on Wednesdays indeed! ;-)

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http://thethighmasterroutetokona.blogspot.com

I've been out of the 7th grade for far too long to give a rat's ass what Joe Public thinks of my accomplishments.

What I don't get is when did it become "everyone" can do an IM or marathon or whatever? 5 hours on the bike butt early on a Saturday morning takes a special person. This has very little to do with what size jeans you wear.

>> You should not be 20%+ Body Fat as a woman and call yourself an elite triathlete.<<

Who is calling themselves an elite triathlete?

You can just call me a triathlete who qualified for Kona but who is finding cyclocross and that crowd a lot more friendly and easy going

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

I think you forgot the pink text....

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Oh. My bad. I thought she was saying that if you're fat, you shouldn't call yourself a triathlete. Unless you qualify it, perhaps by wearing a sash? "Ms. Fat Triathlete" or something like that. I don't know where I got that idea. Oh, it could be from this quote of hers: "Just don't call yourself a triathlete if you are going to let yourself get FAT just because you want to say you do this endurance sport- true reality is, if your FAT, say it. You are a FAT TRIATHLETE." But maybe I'm misinterpreting that.

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http://thethighmasterroutetokona.blogspot.com

*Snort* - or the winking smilie. Though I appreciate others' indignation at Hydrosloth's "elitist" attitude, finely crafted sarcasm that it is.

And you know, I am planning a trip out to CA to visit my brother. Hmm, might have to check out that thread on when exactly the ST chicks' weekend is........ ;-) (Maybe I'll even bring my own "Lumpen-but-Asskicking-triathlete" sash!)

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http://thethighmasterroutetokona.blogspot.com

Dude, if you take anything said in this thread personally, good chance you probably can get a bit leaner. This will always be an ongoing debate- you know if you could lose some weight, and without getting too personal... I mean, can you stand to lose 10 lbs? 20% body fat is not THAT lean...

I am a clyde, always will be. 5'10" 218 (I carry it well or so I'm told). I was able to talk my wife into coming out because there were so many body types at any given tri. She was intimidated by some of the younger ladies in our masters group. She is 5' nuthin' and a 100 & xx pounds ( I don't know, I never asked her, I don't care, she looks amazing to me!). I turned 47 a couple of weeks ago, kids in high school, college and university, we both work long hours, I travel (still sitting in Austin), neither of us is ever going to look 18 again but we both train hard, run long, swim 3 times a week, bike etc. If some one wants to call me a meaty triathlete, I can live with that. There is however, one caveat: they had better be willing to say it to my face. We used to have a saying in wrestling, "the bigger man will always beat the better technician". (insert smiley face thingy here. Or not)
j

well said.

I am at about 18% body fat (possibly less) and this offends me.
There is a thread right now about anorexia. It often starts from comments like this from coaches, dance instructors, peers....
I treat women in my office with anorexia. I treat LOTS of women who cannot get pregnant (though they get their periods monthly). I also treat lots of women with low bone density - even ones you would hardly suspect - until they trip off the sidewalk and break both ankles.


Anyone getting out there and doing triathlons is a triathlete - who made you the tri police? Regardless of eliteness! Are you saying that no one who weighs more than you has ever beat you?

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cat
Sponsored by Suntheanine, Lycored and Celadrin
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Is that a bulge that I see down there???????

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It hurts so bad, it feels good.

  
I could totally stand to lose weight but choose to stay heavy just to remind you how average your accomplishments really are. :D

My God!! Is her faced touched up or what? This gal is totally freaking me out :)

Good grief - what a thread. I cant figure out what is personal or not, but really - who gives two hoots how big any one is.
Do concet pianists discuss which among them has fat fingers? And if it affects their performance playing Rachmaninov?
Did Sir Edmund Hilary concern himself about how fat or lean his sherpa's were?
Maybe Captain Scott selected dogs that were too lean and that was why is expedition failed? Maybe he was too concerned with Amundsen's body image and what others may think of him?
What if i looked a little too fat to ride a cervelo and my Zoot shorts were a little stretched at the seams? And i was over 40? Am i not a triathlete?
It is about personal acheivement and motivation and more power to anyone that is willing to exercise and try their best in competition. My hat is off to them. Anyone that has anything negative or derogatory to say based on accompishment, size, shape, fitnes or gender is simply displaying their inferior character for all to see. This applies to the use of words such as those that started this thread. What a pathetic descriptor.
More power to ST'ers and Triathletes of every size and shape!

Dude, if you take anything said in this thread personally, good chance you probably can get a bit leaner. This will always be an ongoing debate- you know if you could lose some weight, and without getting too personal... I mean, can you stand to lose 10 lbs? 20% body fat is not THAT lean...

Ah yes. The "you must be fat" if you don't agree with me argument. Nice.

FYI: I've met Gazelle, she's not a fatty.

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Awww, Katy's not all THAT evil. Only slightly evil. In a good way. - JasoninHalifax

Oh, don't worry, I'm not taking it personally, this idea of yours that we should all label or introduce ourselves appropriately with terms such as "FAT TRIATHLETE" so that we're not (gasp!) lumped into the same group as an elite triathlete such as yourself. Not at all. I'm just laughing at you. Dude.

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http://thethighmasterroutetokona.blogspot.com

Emarald and Gazele got it right.

Is the only reason you do triathlon to make others think you are special?

They might think you are special if you win. And the more "meaty" people that are out there there better shot you have at winning. If you only allow skinny elites to compete, then fat chance you have of winning...

I say good for them for getting out there - that's better than most Americans can/will do. A triathlete is not a higher being, we are all human. Heck, even elite triathletes are human. I guess I am one of those skinny almost-elites and I say let 'em race. Its a great lifestyle. It would be good for most everyone if more people would get off that couch and be healthier. Triathlon is just one of many ways to do that. However, if some not-so-lean aspiring meets attitudes like that, then the sport is hardly going to grow. I've certainly been beaten with people of a much higher BMI, especially early in my tri career (when I was even skinnier).

I don't need everyone around me to think I'm special because I do triathlons. Its how I feel about triathlons, not how everyone else feels about me doing triathlons, that's special.

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"When the going gets tough, get going!"

I don't need everyone around me to think I'm special because I do triathlons. Its how I feel about triathlons, not how everyone else feels about me doing triathlons, that's special."

Excellent choice of words.

Early entry in the worst post of the year competition.

I think you missed the glaring pink text.

A "fat-triathlete" doesn't take away from my accomplishments, but I sure am not calling them an athlete. Doing the bare minimum to just attain completion shows a weak character. I don't care what time this person finishes in. If you do something, you should do it right and well to the best of your ability. As long as you do that, it doesn't matter if you finish in 17, 18, or 19 hours.

Does this mean I have to preface all nouns with an adjective to define myself?

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The worst thing I can be is the same as everyone else. I hate that.

so someone who is fat could not have trained?
what about someone thin who just shows up and does it? and walks the marathon. are they an athlete?

I think anyone who is getting out there and training and is swimming, biking and running is a triathlete.

I do not think athletes are all of one build - even endurance athletes.

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cat
Sponsored by Suntheanine, Lycored and Celadrin
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A "fat-triathlete" doesn't take away from my accomplishments, but I sure am not calling them an athlete. Doing the bare minimum to just attain completion shows a weak character. I don't care what time this person finishes in. If you do something, you should do it right and well to the best of your ability. As long as you do that, it doesn't matter if you finish in 17, 18, or 19 hours.

Um, so which is? You're not an athlete if you're overweight or as long as you do the best to your ability it doesn't matter? Seems to be a bit of a contradiction.

Are you implying that someone who is heavier is just doing the bare minimum?

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Awww, Katy's not all THAT evil. Only slightly evil. In a good way. - JasoninHalifax

I have been avoiding this thread like the plague....


But (of course I give in)....I know a few people who refuse to lose weight so they can stay in the Clyd/Athena groups...they have great pride in a BOP time...and an instant weight excuse for their time...

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

I think you looked for an argument.

Being a triathlete does not make you an athlete. It makes you a "do-er" of triathlons. Less miss-leading would be "triathloner." Someone that doesn't make the effort to fully commit themselves as best they can is not an athlete. Twigs or massive gym-rats are not athletes because they walk a marathon. No one is an athlete because they compete. No one is an athlete because they weigh X lbs.

Someone who is not actively pursuing health (both sides of the weight fence) and achievement (personal or otherwise) is not an athlete. In the meantime, do the best you can until you achieve the physical side.


Edit for a few responses:

Is it really to the best of your ability to finish as a "fat" triathlete? I'm not arguing for a lean field of competitors. I believed we were talking about unhealthy weight... not a person with some extra weight or the average joe-shmoe. If you aren't healthy as a normal person on the street, you aren't an athlete on the course.

Great pride in a BOP time? How about great pride in doing the best you can (you may have meant that, but the wording makes a big difference)?


Double edit:

I think I moved away from the OP's intent: meaty does not a fatty make. I'd rather be meaty than skinny. The pic of Rasmussen shirtless makes me sick!

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The worst thing I can be is the same as everyone else. I hate that.

Someone who is not actively pursuing health (both sides of the weight fence) and achievement (personal or otherwise) is not an athlete.//

That is the smartest thing I have heard thus far in this thread- re: the pursuit of health. That is really what this boils down to. If you would spend as much time, effort, and money into the fuel that feeds your machine (body) that you do on your aero bikes, and other "tecky" stuff that is so commonly displayed and boasted about all over this Forum, maybe you would be a better triathlete.

I tried to, but that one was was just so irritating and condescending I couldn't help myself.

Dont you live in california(i read socal in another thread)? Apples and oranges :P
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Yes I live in SoCal.

Apples and oranges :P. Good point:)

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Train safe & smart
Bob

I Like Big Butts and I can not lie, you other brothers can't deny, that when a girl walks in with a little bitty waste and a round thing in your face you get sprung!...There is nothing better than a meaty, fit BUTT on a woman!

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It hurts so bad, it feels good.

Now that's what I'm talking about!

Did she pee on herself?

must have been on the bike leg (the real reason for no drafting ;)

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cat
Sponsored by Suntheanine, Lycored and Celadrin
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that when a girl walks in with a little bitty waste

Why do you like girls that carry garbage with them?

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Awww, Katy's not all THAT evil. Only slightly evil. In a good way. - JasoninHalifax

Get your head off the monitor! You are looking too close.

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It hurts so bad, it feels good.

You are right! My nose was touching the monitor. Is that not good? :)

Nice catch - I can't think of a funny retort, other than a pun for Junk in the trunk (junk being a synonym for waste.) Hasn't anyone ever staggered behind someone for a moment just to check them out even though their pace was slower? Don't lie!

Seeing that I know Erika Lilley pretty well, I think her point may have slipped out of her hands a bit. Weight is a difficult thing to bring up or talk about. Erika is by no means your long lean muscled triathlete. As a matter of fact, I don't think she is capable of looking like an elite 1500m runner or even an elite ITU triathlete. She carrys a strong frame with a lot of muscle.

Last year at this time, she weighed quite a bit more. While she was training her butt off, she still had extra butt. She has leaned down considerably, but knows that there is more molding and shaping to take time off before buying the latest and greatest ZIPP speed weaponary.

Erika may have had a few organic margaritas prior to her post, when describing the FAT Triathlete. I think she reflects on all of her years in triathlon, minus 2007, when she vents on the importance of body composition. All of the money and that has been spent on new bikes, wheels, massage, wetsiuits, coaching, power meters and heart rate monitors does not compare to the 12 pounds of unwanted fat and muscle tissue she finally got rid of in the past year.

Keeping it lean is a hard thing to do. I am always looking for the correct recipe. Please let me know when you find it!

pt

Easy solution - tape worm.

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

Paul, you da man!

Thanks for driving the point home, and yes- Paul Thomas helped me get lean.

Hi kblahetka.

• Maybe I've got it wrong, maybe I'm naive, but I think many (most?) triathletes do care, to one extent or another what other people think of their accomplishments. After all, modern North American culture is based on judging other people's accomplishments and behaviours (cult of celebrity) and so, being concerned about how others perceive your actions are of importance.
• Your second point is well taken. In truth, it does take a minimal amount of commitment to be able to complete a marathon, let alone an Ironman but after looking at this picture, then again, maybe not =-)
• http://www.atwillett.com/marathon_photos/start_nyc_marathon_vertical.jpg
  

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http://www.fitspeek.com the Fraser Valley's fitness, wellness, and endurance sports podcast

I'm one of those people. I have some weight to lose, but it's only about 20 lbs. That 20 lbs. puts me at around 190-195. Why wouldn't I keep an extra 5 on and race with the other guys who are built like me instead of the Levi Leipheimer types who are in my AG? It's hardly a level playing field, particularly in running.

My times aren't BOP at all. Even in cycling races where weight matters much more, I'm MOP.

Is that the same point at which women stop having their period as well? Maybe I don't have enough a background in endocrinology, but I think when your body halts one of its regular processes, that's time to reconsider what you're doing.

The general consensus is that women should keep their body fat above 14% to maintain healthy levels of hormones and yes, continue to menstruate regularly. However, it is quite common for elite female athletes to be around 12% body fat.The direct relationship between fat and healthy ovulatory cycles is still being researched. Some researchers believe that fat itself is the trigger, with hormone production shutting down when body fat is too low, others believe that fat loss is just another variable happening concurrently with hormone production changes. Whatever the reasons, it is an important consideration for female athletes.

It is quite common for elite female athletes to be around 12% body fat.

One important thing to keep in mind with this whole body fat discussion is how variable the measurements can be. If you are using a scale, you are probably a couple % points above what it says. If you've had a pinch test you can't compare it to other individual's body fat percentages, you are only supposed to compare it to later pinch tests that you have done on yourself (again because of error). Body fat measurements are not taken to compare to other individual's body fat, as there are so many imporant variables involved that cause fluctuation. You take these measurements to monitor your own fat gain/loss.

oops I posted the thing about elite athletes twice. Sorry. I wasn't trying to drive home a point.

You're looking at it all wrong. Most of Amercia isn't up runninng at 5am before work in the cold. Most of America isn't willing to spend the large sums of money that most people here do on a sport that they will never suceed in at a pro level. Sure the field at NYC or the Chicago marathons are jam packed, but it really is a small percentage of the population.

I'm not by any means a gifted athlete. 5 years ago I weighed over 400 pounds. I've lost a lot and I'm sure I could stand to lose more. I've also got a crap load of loose mushy skin that my doctor feels won't go away without surgery. As I got into shape I did a 5k. At 310 pounds a 5k was insane. I did a marathon last year and I don't think I was nearly as sore as I was after that first 5k despite my marathon pace being faster. I'm sure there were plenty of people feeling better about themselves at my expense that day and honestly I could care less. I belonged out there, it was a pretty important step in changing my life.

It's been a few years sisnce that first 5k. I don't have a super lean body. I usually finish somewhere around the MOP. I'm happy with that. My fitness base was build running but I'm finding that I'm strongest on the bike. My swim form is getting better. I just bought a bicycle that cost more than my first car. I'm well aware of what I could be doing with my spare time and I'm also aware of what example I'm setting for my kids. They say obesity is a cycle, well if that's so I'm breaking the cycle.

So why am I telling you all this? The next time you're at a race and you see the big fat guy or gal you need to keep in mind that they are doing thier thing. Building their own set of accomplishments. They're not out there to steel from you or anybody else.

when women stop menstruating is not necessarily directly related to fat percentage - it is partly stress on the body - so some women will stop menstruating at higher body fat and some lower.
I specifically did not mention menstrual cycles because of that. the stress of training and racing alone can throw cycles off - plus travel.....

I am more concerned with long term affects - for AG athletes - who are NOT doing this as a career - you should be concerned with long term effects like bone health.

Some women will be able to get pregnant with very low body fat - and some women can run marathons whilst pregnant. Most cannot do either. Fertility is affected long before the lost of menses - which makes sense on a teleological level - if the organism is stressed the first thing to go is reproduction.

There is data to suggest that it may be a weight issues rather than body fat in terms of menstruation. More consistent data exists for bone health in the long run. So just as anabolic steroids adversely affect bone health so does body fat percentage below 15%. And those women will think they are fine - until they are in their 50s or so.

In the end of this discussion - have fun, stay safe and remember why you are doing this.

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cat
Sponsored by Suntheanine, Lycored and Celadrin
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wow keep up the good work!

Nice post, too many people make assumptions about where we've come from and instead judge us on a moment in time.

There's another thread here where Devashish Paul explains his commitment to family life and work "prevents" him from going sub-10 in Ironman. I would say he's doing his best and enjoying what he's got.

People want lean and fast triathletes? Then go join the Olympic team. Let us "triathloners" enjoy our training and our races.

that is just super!
amazing!
You mention most of america does not get up at 5 am to run,etc. So true. Keep in mind that 'we' have a different perspective and so what we'd call 'meaty' is actually 'normal' compared to the rest of the country.
Sometimes I do wonder why people seem to 'use' ironman as a sort of weight loss program. This does kinda disturb me as I don't think it is the best way to lose weight! I really think you should have been doing tris and be close to a good weight before trying Im training as it is demanding and it is hard to eat well and train at the same time, you have to get in the right nutrition and someone who is quite overweight already has a lot to deal with besides the IM training. It is hard enough to be disciplined in training without adding the stress of trying to 'diet' also. There is a thread here right now I find kinda disturbing about someone who wants to use Nutrisystem, as I think 60 pounds to lose, and oh yea btw is doing first IM this year! wtf??? Ok to each their own, what do I care. blah blah but sometimes I have to admit that rather than thinking "wow good for you!" when I see an obese ( and I am talking OBESE not just meaty) attempting ( I have never seen an obese person cross the line but I have seen many at ironmans, all stopping and different points) IM, I think: "wtf are you thinking?" So dangerous, and not a good weight loss program...and would set someone up for disppointment.....Ironman isnt a diet.

I agree IM shouldn't be a weight loss program at all. When you start looking for ways to eat while biking you can't really be thinking about shedding pounds.

just look the other way when I come lumbering over the finish line in 16:59:59, my good friend. have a lovely day!

Puleeze...maybe fat=dead weight on the elite circuit, but not for most age groupers.

I'm 5'6" and 145 lbs....does that make me meaty? At size 4-6, I don't think so. Muscular, certainly, and proud of it. Athletes who obsess about weight alone are not thinking of the whole picture. Me and most of my girlfriend triathletes who weigh more than, i.e., Emma Snowsill are proud to show off their fit a** and bigger assets.

Can I see????? :)

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It hurts so bad, it feels good.

Perhaps this offseason, you can work on your tact. It wasn't what you said, its how you said it. It was offensive.

Congrats on leaning yourself out, but who is to say that in 2 or 3 years those so-called "Fat Triathletes" aren't going to do the same. They deserve at least some respect for going out there and trying.

Cheers

Holy Crap! That thing looks like Michael Jackson with his head stuck in one of those card board photo props!!

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Azby

OK, I'll bite. When I was obese (by the medical definition), I used triathlon (sprint distance) as my goal because it was something above my ability level at which I had a decent chance of success if I worked my tail end off, and a real chance of failure if I didn't. In a discussion at Weight Watchers, I referred to this as "using a credit card to buy motivation to exercise" -- I didn't want to DNF or forfeit the $$ I'd spent on my entry fee. Triathlon also sounded interesting: I loved to swim, I liked biking, and I could walk 5K relatively quickly.

My doctor and I discussed triathlon before I started training, and she recommended I do a 5K instead. I explained that I probably wouldn't train consistently for a 5K because there was not a question about whether I could finish the distance before the finish line closed. Almost anybody can finish a 5K, even if they have to walk, and I sometimes pass joggers when I'm walking.

By Race Day, my BMI was low enough that I was no longer overweight, and the next time I saw my doctor, she conveniently forgot her recommendation about the 5K.

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"Real winners aren't content with yesterday's victories"

Yes, it's called a penoris. (from large doses of Test)

I do agree that Ironman isn't a diet..i agree and say it is dangerous......but overweight or obese participants should be encouraged to take part in shorter distances...
I don't understand why people are so offended that heavy people are participating in a sport and making changes to their lifestyles. Instead, we should encourage it and make sure they start right - share tips, knowledge and encourage.

If you take as an example, Disney Land altering one of their rides to accommodate larger riders, we can agree to say that obesity in the USA and Canada is becoming a pressing issue. So why knock on people who are trying? Makes some of you seem like a bunch of haters -----> NOT A GOOD IMAGE FOR THE SPORT.

but to refer to the original thread that started this discussion - meat is muscle...so call me meaty any day..a healthy body isn't consisted of skin and bones.....a fit and athletic body is so much better....

This is what he means!

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It hurts so bad, it feels good.

You want to check the "Commentary: Extra seats for the obese" under http://www.cbc.ca/22minutes/ (Canadian TV show "This hour has 22 minutes)!
It is the 8th clip.

Fred.

One of my favorite people is an obese woman who started losing a lot of weight training for her first triathlon. And she's continuing to train. She has the best personality and really inspired those who trained with her. I am happy to see "meaty" people out exercising, because at least they have one part of the equation, even if they are still eating a lot. It's progress.

The number of toxic people and their comments on this thread is pretty disturbing. I see nothing wrong with being proud of your accomplishments and even being a little elitist. But the degree to which some of you are worrying about others' bodies, others' perception of the sport, etc. - god, get a life! Or move on to a more "competitive" sport. No wonder single sporters, bike racers, etc. think triathletes are so pathetic. After reading this thread, I think it's kind of true. Thanks for the inspiration.

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"tri" is not a verb!

You trash people who judge other peoples bodies, telling them to get a life. Yet at the end you throw out, how single sporters judge participants of triathlon and you can see where they're coming from. Too funny.

Man, I am surprised it took you 21 posts to figure it out.

But, you are 100% dead on. Too bad, there are lots of great down to earth folks in our sport.

Dave

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Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep

Yeah, hilarious. I have no problem judging some triathletes on their toxic way of thinking. Get a life !!!

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"tri" is not a verb!

Haha. Pretty raw thread here. And I thought I'd seen nasty...!

I really value the great people I've met, whether talented or struggling, trim or large. This sport can bring out the awesome as well as the ugly out of people. And that's why I do triathlons.

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"tri" is not a verb!

Right. As long as your acknowledge youre a jackass hypocrite labeling an entire sport(now you say "some") thats fine. Youre no different from the "toxic thinking triathletes". Theres nothing special about a fat person working out. In fact i say its not as impressive as someone whos been doing it day in and day out for years. The pointy end of the field in triathlons is very competitive fyi, if you spent some time there you might notice.

I always smile when the attacks start when some reads posts and ALWAYS find ways to read them in a negative
way. They must be fun to live with.

Dave

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Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep

I am not a "jackass hypocrite" as you say. I love triathlons. But, some triathletes need to get a fucking life. And you're just pissed because clearly, you are one of them.

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"tri" is not a verb!

Lesson 1 for ST, ignore these type of comments!!!

Dave

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Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep

I have a friend who was pouting while someone was sharing with the tri team about the inspiration they had to raise money for a charity, thinking that person was totally insincere. It was someone she felt competitive with. Then she cried for days when that same person kicked her ass in the race. It was pathetic. Boy was she hard to live with.

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"tri" is not a verb!

Amen.

It never ceases to amaze how many triathletes think they are the end all, be all when it comes to fitness. I would bet that most of us got into this sport with a public goal of "being healthy" and a private goal of looking good naked.

Looking around on race day, and I include myself here, most of us are failing miserably on the private goal.

*

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The Outdoor Journey: latest article - Profile of SlowTwitcher: Dr. Jodi Thomson

It must be nice the fairy tale world you live in, you claim to be understanding and accepting of all yet in the drinking thread you talk about the reason you dont drink is because youre not like everyone else "drinking to fit in". Biggest hypocrite on this forum, get off your high horse youre nothing but mediocre.

I have always said I was BOP, so there is no horse to get on.

Dave

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Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep

You obviously didnt read the thread, i dont care about triathlon participants or what size or shape they race in. I think its ridiculous, however, when people like to pretend they are neutral or unbiased but throw some lame ass slam in at the end of their posts. If you feel a certain way, just say it. Dont dance around it and then say "no wonder....". H20fun seems to do that on a regular basis.

Years ago I asked if I was a triathlete. They said NO. I was swimming, running and biking regularly. maybe even more than an average triathlete. I didn't understand. A person who runs is a runner. A person who bikes is a biker. A person who swims is a swimmer. Why not a triathlete for someone who does all? They said because I didn't do any races yet.
Today I look around during race, and see almost half of the field is not racing. They have paid their fee, started but walking, chatting carrying a phone or camera or ipod. Some stop on the bike and talk strech kiss family member. They are out there, god knows they are having fun but it is not racing. Call it whatever you want, participating maybe but not racing. So I guess the definition of a triathlete has changed. (This comment is nothing to do with weight! just for your "competitive" sport comment)

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It hurts so bad, it feels good.

i have learned in triathlon not to judge how fast women are by how they look. Yes, the elites have very low body fat etc. However, i am just over 5'9" and 140-141 lbs, and at powerman ohio this fall, a girl with thighs that were almost twice as big as mine finished significantly ahead of me, on a duathlon course with a very hilly run. on the other side, there have been women that are really small/thin that i were sure would beat me and didn't.

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"What am I on? I'm on my bike busting my ass for six hours a day. What are YOU on?" - Lance Armstrong

Well said,I give props to anyone out there participating but there are not many people out there actually racing(Ironman that is)As for the overweight people competing,I say good on ya!It is a brave thing to front up in transition and face all those skinny greyhounds when you look like a lycra sausage.You just never know were a person is in their life so please ,all of you,think hard before making fun of the wobbly person next to you at the bike racks.One thing though,can all the fat guys please stop wearing speedos'?It just 'aint right! ;)

Silly me, mustve been someone else :)
" Yep, fully agree with you. But, it is a question I have heard at races for the last ten years.
10 years ago I was on the BOP side of the fence and thought some of the FOP should not be racing
as AGers. Now that I am more of a FOP person, I have given it some thought that folks like me
should really be racing in some field type other than AGer, IMO. But, since there is not a USAT process for this,
I can only race what types are given.

Dave "
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/..._string=fop;#1647391
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/..._string=fop;#1539546
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/..._string=fop;#1559147
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/..._string=fop;#1577252

Sure they're racing: They're racing the clock. At the extreme BOP, the question is "Can I finish while the finish line is still open?" ;-)

Of course, I think those you have described should be DQed because using an ipod during a race is against the rules, but that belongs in the "Participants who refuse to follow the rules shouldn't be participating" topic...

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"Real winners aren't content with yesterday's victories"

"Is that the same point at which women stop having their period as well? Maybe I don't have enough a background in endocrinology, but I think when your body halts one of its regular processes, that's time to reconsider what you're doing."

--------------------------

from my research and talks with doctors (i have had problems with this myself) it is more the lack of food, than the training. Many elite female athletes that are lean from training, but still eat a heathy amount of food to support their training, and are usually ok. you better belive chrissy wouldn't have won the ironman if she had eating issues. It is usually the women who are just shy of elite, and think (or are told) that if they lose 5,10,15 lbs they can GET to that level, that have the issues. they are thin because they aren't eating enough for their training, and that is where the mensteural problems start. also know, that going without a period for 3+months is usually treated aggressively by doctors because of the risks involved -think hormone injections (NOT fun) and being put on the pill.

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"What am I on? I'm on my bike busting my ass for six hours a day. What are YOU on?" - Lance Armstrong

I am a lycra sausage. :D

damn, so much anger. it's a little weird.
i never claimed to be unbiased.

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"tri" is not a verb!

But when you have major races now saying yes please do not use the Ipods since it is against the rules,
but we will not enforce the rule, what message does this give? I wonder if Boston will enforce the rule this year?

Dave

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Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep

The quoted poster is talking about Ironman, not triathlon in general. Most sports med doctors don't recommend a marathon to those who can't finish in sub 4:30...it's too taxing on the body to go much longer. Ironman, for even a REALLY fit individual, is nearly twice that long. For anyone not in prime physical shape, I think triathlon is wonderful, but Ironman should absolutely never be considered. It's dangerous. The human body hasn't been designed for that kind of exertion, and it takes near excessive amounts of training to properly cope. Anything less (and you could make a case for this applying to the elite athletes) and it's too great a stress for the body.

No need to get all defensive because one person said IM should be for the very top athletes. All Ironmen are triathletes, but not all triathletes are Ironmen.

I agree with you in terms of IM but a lot of the comments in this thread seemed targeted to "meaty" people doing not just IM but triathlons in general.

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"tri" is not a verb!

I wasn't sure at first what your point was but now I think I do...
I understand that there are people who compete in the race, whether or not it's IM, and there are people who don't. I don't see any point in bashing the people who are there to participate and finish more than race. I just don't care. I find it inspiring seeing people who are out of shape attempting to any activity at all, more, a triathlon.

But I know there are lots of people who don't agree with that, and are clearly bent out of shape at the perception of triathlon, so I'm just saying, if it matters that much to you, then get involved in a sport that makes no bones about being elitist, like road cycling, running, etc. - that's what I mean by more "competitive" sports.

I just think it's a waste of energy to be soooo freaking angry about the issue of triathlon's perception. It is what it is. My bike racing teammates who have never done triathlons often bash triathletes in front of me. I just say "if you did triathlons, you wouldn't be saying those things. and you know what, triathlons are fun and you are totally missing out." And I truly believe that. I just don't care that much about what other athletes think because they really have no idea.

Plus, there's plenty of opportunity to be elite and competitive in triathlon. If there were not, then I would understand the anger. But there is, so I don't get it. Save your anger for something more worthy or see a therapist. Life's too short to worry about that shit. When I say "get a life," I really mean that - find a life where things like how fat people are, how people view tri, etc etc that don't matter. That's a life worth living.

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"tri" is not a verb!