So there I was racing along - some guy comes riding up next to me and asks “I ejected my water bottle - can I have a sip of water - I’m really thirsty”. Or something like that. Aid stations were every 10 miles - its a full IM. I’m not sure how far the next aid is. I have plenty of water. They were handing out plastic water bottles that were a bit smaller than your bike bottle so they were pretty easy to eject.
I say “thats illegal - you could get disqualified”. At least I think its illegal to assist other racers. I wasn’t sure if I would get penalized or not. He still wanted the water.
Were you or he in the hunt for any type of award? If so, then it’s a no-brainer. If you’re not (projecting from my own position, here), but you don’t know about them, do you have any clues-- or is it still very early in the race? I’d probably ask them if they were in contention for anything or if they knew how far it was to the next aid station. If they were not in contention and seemed to truly be in some sort of heat stress/dehydration (as opposed to just whining), I’d probably give it to them.
I had a cup of water, with the top folded over on the run at the Georgia RocknRoll Half, and there was this guy on the ground rolling around. He and his friend were trying to help him with severe leg cramps, I am guessing dehydration. Funny how he did not seem to mind drinking from a strangers cup!
You ever seen the movie “The Three Amigos”? There is a great scene where Chevy Chase, Martin SHort, and Steve Martin are in the desert and Short and Martin are all out of water and practicly dying of thirst. Chevy Chase pulls out a full bottle of water and proceeds to pour some in his mouth, gargle, pour it on his face, and tosses the remaining water on the ground. The other two stare at him in disbelief as he then applies lip balm and offers them some lip balm.
Thats what I would do. Including the lip balm part.
In IMAZ, I guess Monk was having a tough day with blisters. I saw him on an “out and back” section on the run. I just so happened to have a cold gatorade cup of water too in hand… I wound-up and hit him right in the gut. I said " Thats for Demerly!"…and took off running as fast as I could.
I used to race in a cycling jersey and carry a third bottle in the back middle pocket in case i lost a bottle between aid stations. I’ve given it away a few times in races to guys who lost their bottles b/c of ejections. If the race officials want to DQ both of us for that i’d say let them try it… they have a lot bigger things to worry about then water being passed from racer to racer.
That is the coldest response I have ever heard. There is something way wrong even questioning someone if they ask for water. But to even thinking to deny it because of “the rules” you should be shot on the spot. I think there are forgivable “sins” and giving water to someone that has none is pretty much on the leader on the “do the right thing” list.
Did you really even give it some thought?
That is the coldest response I have ever heard. There is something way wrong even questioning someone if they ask for water. But to even thinking to deny it because of “the rules” you should be shot on the spot. I think there are forgivable “sins” and giving water to someone that has none is pretty much on the leader on the “do the right thing” list.
Did you really even give it some thought?
What are you talking about?! I agreed with Tom about giving up the water. Read much?
I believe it’s only illegal to “accept” outside assistance. Providing assistance doesn’t appear to be grounds for disqualification. So not an issue - especially since he already faces disqualification for the water bottle he left on the course (intentionally or accidentally doesn’t matter).
Outside assistance is just that, help from a non-participant or non volunteer. I helped several people on the bike at IMFL. I gave away a tube, helped another get his rear wheel back on, and helped another change a flat. No one seemed to mind. Including those racers passing me as I stopped to help, race marshals, and least of all the people that I helped. It added some time to my race but made the IM experience even more incredible.
Giving water to a thirsty man on a hot day is a simple question to answer.
I’m glad that wasn’t me. I probably would have spit in your face if I got a response like that. Of course, that would have to mean that I wasn’t so thirsty that I didn’t have any spit left. Then I probably would gone looking for you after the race in the parking lot with my crowbar.
Technically, it’s not legal under the USAT Competitive Rules. The rule says, “No participant shall accept from any person (other than a race official) physical assistance in any form…”
In actual practice, we are reluctant to punish acts of kindness. I wouldn’t cite this unless two competitors were team members, for example collegians.
Further, from a purely practical standpoint, we’ve got better things to do.
I’m glad that wasn’t me. I probably would have spit in your face if I got a response like that. Of course, that would have to mean that I wasn’t so thirsty that I didn’t have any spit left. Then I probably would gone looking for you after the race in the parking lot with my crowbar.
That’s just my 2cents though.
Exactly when did I become responsible for your comfort and safety in a race. Now that I know I am though, I’d like to schedule an appointment so I can come over and review your equipment and race prep. Knowing you think it’s my job to bail you out of your problems, I want to do everything I can to insure you have a safe and successful race. My first suggestion would be to carry 2 water bottles on the frame, 2 behind the seat, a jetstream, and a camelback.
If someone wants to share water, that’s fine and to their credit. Anyone who feels entitled to that generosity should start taking responsibility for themself.
