Clydesdale Gripe...

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=47207&posts=40&start=1

Nobody's saying that the guy did anything illegal or should have been excluded.  He fit the category within the rules at that time.

On the other hand, there is a huge difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law.  The category was made for a reason, and I'm going to venture a guess and say that it was NOT created for guys like that to compete in.

He has every right to compete as a Clyde if that's what he qualifies as.  It's his decision and something he has to live with.

waskelton - 2006-06-30 2:15 PM

cheesyincident - 2006-06-30 10:56 AM I am going to have to disagree here. The definition of a clydesdale is over 200 pounds, period. Until any other factor is legally brought into play, anyone over 200 pounds regardless of their fitness level, body fat percentage or experience can be excluded form the clydesdale group.

So did we get you fired up about something enough to register and post or are have you created a new username to post anonymously?? only kidding.. I agree with you.. i'm not trying to run anyone out of competing as a clyde if they quailfy as over 200... I'm not even upset with the guy for entering as a clydesdale.. i just find a little humor in he and I being in the same division and that that division is based on weight. I actually got to thinking about the clyde's group and wondered if it was in fact created for fit people who had gotten to the peak of their physical conditioning but were just too big to be able to compete against all the tiny folk instead of the firsttimer overweight peeps like myself.... maybe so.. i don't know.. maybe we need a new division called.. "The Pork Fat Division" you aren't the dude in the photo are you? eek Will

Actually, that picture is me....JUST KIDDING.  I am barely 200, 6'3" and 11.7%+ body fat.  I have decided not to enter as a Clyde anymore, even though technically, I qualify for this division.  In the past 2 races I competed in, I would have taken first in the division by more than 8 minutes.  In the last race I would have taken third by 10 seconds.  As much as I would like to bring home a trophy or medal, I would not feel good about winning by more than 8 minutes.  Here is how I look at it.  I check out the entry list to see names of top clydes that I know, and see their time from last year's race.  If they are fast, then I will enter as a CLYDE just for that race.  If I get down to 195 or 197, I will not put on weight intentionally just to race that division.  Believe me, it is much easier to run fast if I am under 200lbs as opposed to being 217lbs when I started this whole triathlon thing 5 years ago!

An Athena here - I think the reason for the division is that it makes it a differant race to move more weight the same distance.  My friend Annie smokes me on all but the swim, and I tease her about having to wear a 60 lb pack next time and we will see what's what. 

I don't think the Clyde/Athena division was created for the first timers overweight peep.  But it has taken on the name of a spirit of determination for us.  We find commaradarie and inspiration.    A clyde is big and powerful and Athena is a goddess, ergo we rock!  Good for morale, good inpiration for reaching our goals.  Good inspiration for those on the couch still that they too can get out there and do it!  That is what we feel is the spirit of the division, and of the sport itself. 

When I see a super fit Athena - I just see inspiration.  I will never be less than 140, but I CAN be 150 and well trained.

How about a PORKFAT race - we can organize a race where you HAVE to be carrying at least a certain percentage of fat, either on your person or in a pack of porkfat!