What to say to other competitors?
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amphibops posted 32 weeks ago.
Simple things like "good job" or "keep it up" can be really motivating. On a training ride on a road that I have seen only one other bike on, that one guy on the bike said "good job, you're looking good" as he blew by me. Somehow, that was encouraging to me even though he blew by me so fast!
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kylie posted 32 weeks ago.
Being passed I often say "good job" or "nice work" or similar, and when passing I sometimes say something and sometimes don't... depends on the feeling of the race. When I do say something, it is often "keep it up" or "nice work", or sometimes a comment on their race outfit... But I am definitely a talker at races -- Mike laughs at me when I finish and tons of people come up and say something to me or him because they have all talked to me at some point ;)
Miles of Life --- Powered by MarkyV
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Anton posted 32 weeks ago.
If I pass someone with an IM tat..."Whoa...My mom always told me I had a twin!"
Passing a woman who looks good in lycra: "Thank you for wearing spandex today!"
If someone passes me and says "Good Job!' I reply: "I'm getting paid?"
If I get a "Lookin' Good!" they get a "Feeling bad!" or the classic: "It's better to look good that to feel good!"
Or a favorite: "Man! I thought I looked good, but you...!"
Sometimes at on of the big races, like MCM, I'll pass one of those guys pushing their son or daughter in a chair, the child have some affliction. I say nothing, but simply pull along side place my had on their shoulder and squeeze a bit...always I get a squeeze back or a "thanks."
Sometimes it's actions that are the best: If I see someone is struggling I'll ask if I can run with them a bit, then stay with them and chat and help them get back on an even keel.
"A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men."
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Tamara posted 32 weeks ago.
I'm like Kylie -- "good jobs" or a personalized "great bike" or "cute outfit". If it's someone I've been leapfrogging back and forth with on the road, I'll comment "well, see you next time you pass me" (or vice versa). Late in the run I'll ask "are we done yet". Hopefully anything to elicit a little boost of energy or good mood in the other athlete.
Anton - you are a superstar.
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prendergi posted 32 weeks ago.
My last tri I was encouraging to just about everyone. I would clap and say "keep it up", or "doin good." There were a couple people with the same swimsuit I wear so of course I said something about their good taste in swimsuits. I found that time flys when I encourage other people. Probably because I try and think up a new saying each time. After about 5 people it gets increasingly harder to be original!
"The pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret" - Sarah Bombell
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Star posted 32 weeks ago.
My husband also laughs at me for chatting with people along the way. But the way I see it...it's all in your attitude. If I am friendly and supportive and smile at athletes and supporters, then I will get that in return (not always, but usually). I also believe in giving out Good Karma in a race: I give someone a couple of Endurolyte pills, a piece of gum, a gel..whatever. What goes around, comes around :)
"I'm more fun than an iPod!"
My blog:http://starsnextbigthing.blogspot.com/
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midpack_dude posted 32 weeks ago.
I try to go with the Craig Alexander approach -- basically offering words of encouragement. I heard him talk about it while being interviewed at Muskoka 70.3 last year. Idea being, pumping up other people also pumps you up (unless you're too self-absorbed, like Macca -- that's me saying that, not Crowie). Even if it's something simple. While watching the re-broadcast of the '08 Ironman, I noticed Crowie said something to Stadler when he passed him on the run. I couldn't quite make it out, but it was something along the lines of, "we've all been out here a long time." My take: Crowie noticed Stadler was cramping and struggling a little, and tried to offer something positive on the way to becoming a world champion. I could be wrong... maybe it was, "get out of my way, jerk - I'm going to win this thing." But I doubt it.
Even Stadler gave Llanos a slap on the butt when Llanos passed him (Llanos returned the gesture with a thumbs up). This surprised me a little, since I never really saw Normann as a good sport kind of guy (not that I know him at all, or anything). Regardless, I think being positive is the best way to go.
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zagfan posted 32 weeks ago.
midpack_dude wrote:
I try to go with the Craig Alexander approach -- basically offering words of encouragement. I heard him talk about it while being interviewed at Muskoka 70.3 last year. Idea being, pumping up other people also pumps you up (unless you're too self-absorbed, like Macca -- that's me saying that, not Crowie). Even if it's something simple. While watching the re-broadcast of the '08 Ironman, I noticed Crowie said something to Stadler when he passed him on the run. I couldn't quite make it out, but it was something along the lines of, "we've all been out here a long time." My take: Crowie noticed Stadler was cramping and struggling a little, and tried to offer something positive on the way to becoming a world champion. I could be wrong... maybe it was, "get out of my way, jerk - I'm going to win this thing." But I doubt it.Even Stadler gave Llanos a slap on the butt when Llanos passed him (Llanos returned the gesture with a thumbs up). This surprised me a little, since I never really saw Normann as a good sport kind of guy (not that I know him at all, or anything). Regardless, I think being positive is the best way to go.
I got a chance to talk with Crowie at Boise 70.3 and the majority of the conersation was him talking up the competition, whether it was Lieto for the next day's race or the rest of the field in Kona this year. He's an amazing athlete and even better guy it seems, I wouldn't doubt that he gave every pro he passed some words of encouragement. I'm sure Stadler is a good guy, unfortunately we all think of him acting like a 12 year old girl who's parents won't buy her an iPhone as he cries and throws his bike into the lava fields.
"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." Lance Armstrong
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beads1985 posted 32 weeks ago.
I just start chatting them up and that helps the time go by. I am always encouraging.
If it is a marathon I bring up the story of Pheidippides, and mention the fact that it killed him, so what are we doing out here?
'Nothing to it, but to do it!'
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orangedog posted 32 weeks ago.
at a race last year some guy who could lap me at will pulled up next to me, looked at me, yelled "blast off" and was gone.
www.theorangedog.net
skills>> spirits>> speed>>
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Anton posted 32 weeks ago.
About chatting...I don't mind chatting...ask Beads. Humorous, insightful, obscene, punctuated by periods of quiet... a conversation. HOWEVER, I always get miffed by those guys who just prattle on and on and sometimes they aren't running with anyone, just out there jaw-bonin' away like they're your blood relation and this is a family reunion... They could obviously be running far faster than they are...Jeepers they bug me!
I...tnink I need another cup of tea...
"A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men."
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jtrimom posted 32 weeks ago.
I have said, upon passing a woman 20 years my senior that I hope to be doing as well as she is at her age. and I meant it
Taper Naked
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KitKat posted 32 weeks ago.
I usually give out words of encouragement and if the timings right I'll make a joke.
I only wish I could get a 25-29 girl to pass me on the run and tell me to HTFU :), now that would be motivating.
**Pain is weakness leaving the body**
*Smile, it does a body good*
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TryScott posted 32 weeks ago.
Anton wrote:
Passing a woman who looks good in lycra: "Thank you for wearing spandex today!"
I'm never sure if women will take it as a compliment or think "I'm dying here and this jerk tosses out a bad pickup line as we pass..." It should be assumed that in a race, it's a compliment. In a bar, there are other intentions.
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TonisTri posted 32 weeks ago.
TryScott wrote:
Anton wrote:
Passing a woman who looks good in lycra: "Thank you for wearing spandex today!"
I'm never sure if women will take it as a compliment or think "I'm dying here and this jerk tosses out a bad pickup line as we pass..." It should be assumed that in a race, it's a compliment. In a bar, there are other intentions.
Frankly, I think most women love those kind of comments, even if they won't admit it. Toss a line like that at me in a race and I'll be smiling for the rest of the day.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." -T. Roosevelt
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knemyer posted 32 weeks ago.
My first IM was 2004 Wisconsin. I left the transition area to start the run, feeling tired, worn out, etc, only to immediately come face to face with the biggest, loudest, most boisterous FANTASTIC crowd of cheering, yelling spectators I've ever seen or heard. They were yelling out my name (how the %^&$ do they know my name, I thought for a second, before remembering it's on my race number bib!!), race number, fist-bumping me. I've never gotten so pumped up during a race in my entire career! Even now, when I think back about it, I get goosebumps. And, just like it did back then, it always inspires and motivates me.
P.S. I always root for Wisconsin sports teams now!
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bes5920 posted 32 weeks ago.
Anton wrote:
Passing a woman who looks good in lycra: "Thank you for wearing spandex today!"
LMFAO! I would never have the guts. Plus, if she was offended there's a very good chance I couldn't outrun her and most girls could beat me up.
I used to say to just about everyone, "Who's idea was this anyway?" Then my wife pointed out to me that I say it all the time. I'm trying to think up something else.
When approaching the aid stations and they should "water" or "heed" I shout out "Guinness". Wish someone would hand me one, would sure make the race better.
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orangedog posted 32 weeks ago.
bes5920 wrote:
When approaching the aid stations and they should "water" or "heed" I shout out "Guinness". Wish someone would hand me one, would sure make the race better.
Brilliant!
Think it would hold up well in a water bladder? ha ha
www.theorangedog.net
skills>> spirits>> speed>>
Being passed, or passing people: do you say anything? I apologized in the water for bumping, and joked with a guy about watching more tdf then actually training.