Saddle selection is obviously a very individual endeavor. What works for me may not work for you; however there are certain characteristics I think everyone should look for in a saddle. These attributes are all found on the Fizik Arione CX K:ium saddle that can currently be found on all of my bikes.

Q: Doing Wisconsin this year. It’s my first full iron. I can’t find anything about aid stations on the website. I am sure there are fluids available on the bike but what about food? If I carry enough food for a six hour bike race, my bike will weigh a hundred pounds.

Q: “Something I just heard from a friend — her coach has told her not to eat or drink any calories on her base riding miles this winter in order to train her body to use its glyco-whatever stores. Could that make sense? I can’t figure it out.“

Q: "I have been having shin splints. My doctor recommended that I take it slow and cut out the speed work. By warming up slowly and stretching, I’m finally able to run again in zones 1-2 and even some in zone 3. I’m in the base phase right now and am wondering what to do for the form workouts instead of the speed work. Any help would be much appreciated.

Q: "I have a training friend who has seen a max HR in the range of 205, she is about 35. The good old rule of thumb would put her at about 220-35 = 185. I understand that is really only a laymans guideline, but I have never seen a reference to anybody in their mid 30's with a max hr in the 200's.

Q: "I recently signed up for Ironman Florida and I was wondering if I need to get a tri-bike? Currently I have a Cannondale road bike that I've done a few Olympic tris as well as 3-4 days of consecutive 50-90 mile bike rides. Will a tri bike help conserve more energy and make me more efficient? Thanks in advance for your help."

Q: "This year I'm planning to race several triathlons (with one Olympic-distance A race) as well as several road races and criteriums (with a weekend crit series as my other A race). I am setting up my own training plan. I've currently set my plan as 3 swims, 3 bikes, and 3 runs per week.

Q: "Is there a specific technique for the start of the swim wave? I am getting caught up in the wave and it is taking me 300 to 400 meters to battle through the crowd to get to clean water. Overall, I am a pretty strong swimmer and I usually finish in the top 5%."

Q: "My question is, I used to run in the 7 minute range and now I'm in the 8.5 range, even worst I can't seem to train at a pace better than 9 to 10 per mile. I'm hoping its because I haven't been running or my location (Iraq) but its not hot any longer so why the higher heart rate and slower times. I'm 35, and trying to be a triathlete.

Q: "I am training for Chicago and have recently gotten sick. I am not out for the count, but my motivation is gone and I feel really sluggish. I am drinking fluids, taking multivitamins, etc., but I want to know what to do about my final weeks of training! Help!"