Not that I am aware of.

There currently is no testing for AGers...but I've heard it's being considered for next year (by USAT).

I wouldn't worry too much about it though.

maybe down the line for age groupers. just keep your doctors note

Prednisone is a corticosteroid, not an anabolic steroid. As such, it is not performance enhancing. You could cross the finish line and tell the RD, "Man, I'm glad I'm taking Prednisone" and it wouldn't matter.

You can bet that there are still plenty of AG's who use questionable substances. EVentually the USAT will test, that is when it is affordable.

Matt Cazalas
Technical Writer
Network Cables

I think you'll be fine with a prescription from your doctor. Unless of course you cross the line before me at IMC, in which case I'm going straight to the media and demanding a full investigation into your apparent doping regime :).

How idiotic is it to take performance enhancing drugs as an AG'er?
You don't get a cash prize, you get a trophy or a medal.

I can't fathom the level of stupidity of someone who would do that?
I would love to hear the reasoning on that one. ;-)

beads: seems simple to me. Vanity, pride, greed, attention-seeking behavior. Glory is as valuable a commodity as gold is, perhaps even more. If an AG'er is close to the top and is convinced that a shot or a pill will push them over the top, it's a choice that will go through their head and test their character.

[quote=beads1985]How idiotic is it to take performance enhancing drugs as an AG'er?
You don't get a cash prize, you get a trophy or a medal.

I can't fathom the level of stupidity of someone who would do that?
I would love to hear the reasoning on that one. ;-)[/quote]
There is no reasoning.
I know people who have trashed marriages and careers in attempts to get a Kona slot. (How sad) If they thought banned substances would help get them there, they'd take them. I'm absolutely convinced that there are AG'ers using, especially in older age groups.

[quote=deepbluex]beads: seems simple to me. Vanity, pride, greed, attention-seeking behavior. Glory is as valuable a commodity as gold is, perhaps even more. If an AG'er is close to the top and is convinced that a shot or a pill will push them over the top, it's a choice that will go through their head and test their character.[/quote]

I guess it is simple, but I would imagine those who think that way are too.
They are risking too many side effects, and too much damage to your system with many performance enhancer.
I would rather be the mid pack performer that comes home to my family and shares the experience of the fun I had and how healthy I have become.

I will get my glory when I am around to win my age group as a 70 year old, or 80 year old, because of clean living.

+1, Scott.

[quote=deepbluex]beads: seems simple to me. Vanity, pride, greed, attention-seeking behavior. Glory is as valuable a commodity as gold is, perhaps even more. If an AG'er is close to the top and is convinced that a shot or a pill will push them over the top, it's a choice that will go through their head and test their character.[/quote]
Yep. People do all kinds of things that even they themselves know they shouldn't be doing. Very often, they will justify their illicit behavior and then start to live in denial. I can see someone getting mixed up with steroids if they think they will just use it temporarily to get through an injury or if they are convinced that others are doing it and they might not feel like they have any choice if they want to stay competitive. Pretty crazy, especially for an age grouper.

I would rather do my thing, the best I naturally can, and hang out with the fun/cool people in the middle or the back of the pack.

I still get my t-shirt, schwag, and hugs from my wife and daughters after it is over ;-)
What better glory is there, than that?