saw a guy die at triathlon this weekend
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Brea, CA
Posts: 70
Bikes: 2010 Cannondale CAAD 9.5; 1987 Centurion Ironman Retro Roadie (5800); 1985 Centurion Cinelli Project Retro Roadie (6700)
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wonder what the number of deaths are in pure open water swim events. Many have the same mass starts and are usually more than 1 mile. I know of several open water swim deaths from the past year or two, but they involved very long solo swims, very hot, or very cold water. By nature these races are mostly made up of athletes with swimming as their main sport.
I see plenty of people at tri-races that are putting on their wetsuits for the very first time, swimming in a lake or ocean for the first time, and really did very little swim training. The mental anxiety of swimming in dark water cannot be ignored. I have seen plenty of above average pool swimmers completely freak out in lake and ocean swims. I would think that this anxiety on top of the pre-race anxiety, adrenaline, and the chaos of the swim start would get the heart racing.
I tell anyone that is thinking of getting into triathlon to not underestimate the swim. I try to get them into our masters program and out for at least 2 ocean/lake swims. Sadly most non-swimmer first time racers think of the swim leg like it is a swim at the pond on the 4th of July.
No matter the cause, these are tragic events. My thoughts and prayers to him and his family. Be safe out there!
I see plenty of people at tri-races that are putting on their wetsuits for the very first time, swimming in a lake or ocean for the first time, and really did very little swim training. The mental anxiety of swimming in dark water cannot be ignored. I have seen plenty of above average pool swimmers completely freak out in lake and ocean swims. I would think that this anxiety on top of the pre-race anxiety, adrenaline, and the chaos of the swim start would get the heart racing.
I tell anyone that is thinking of getting into triathlon to not underestimate the swim. I try to get them into our masters program and out for at least 2 ocean/lake swims. Sadly most non-swimmer first time racers think of the swim leg like it is a swim at the pond on the 4th of July.
No matter the cause, these are tragic events. My thoughts and prayers to him and his family. Be safe out there!
#27
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Southern California, Los angeles,ca
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sipe?
What is "SIPE"? Re DVT: does asprin or blood thinner help with this? Is there a "test" to determine if your genetically disposed to DVT?
That is a very good point about DVT. I travelled from Taiwan-East Coast North America four times in one summer...on the 4th flight...developed DVT which broke off and formed an embolism in my right lung. I'm was 36, healthy and fit. Turns out my genes for "protein s" make me susceptible to clots.
However, in many cases, SIPEs are not related to blood clots. Instead, swimming deaths in triathlon seem to be related to water temperature, pressure from the suit, adrenalin in the body pre-race, and going out hard to clear the pack. Fitter athletes have a higher rate of death from SIPEs than less fit athletes.
There will always be risks. To manage the risks...get in the water before the swim if possible and put your wetsuit on last minute. Too much standing around fully zipped up in high ambient temps...then a plunge into cold water and a massive and sudden increase in physical exertion...that is not a good thing regardless if it ends up being the cause of SIPEs or not. Warming up in the water will help. Race directors should also let athletes start from the water so that the body can adjust more slowly to the temp difference. And I always try to keep my pace down for the first few hundred meters until I can feel my respiratory needs increasing and I know my body is clicking over into performance mode. Sometimes means I can stuck a little at the front edge of the pack...but hey...part of what I love about triathlon is the chaos of a group swim! If I go out hard...I'm such a porpoise in the water I won't get that experience!
However, in many cases, SIPEs are not related to blood clots. Instead, swimming deaths in triathlon seem to be related to water temperature, pressure from the suit, adrenalin in the body pre-race, and going out hard to clear the pack. Fitter athletes have a higher rate of death from SIPEs than less fit athletes.
There will always be risks. To manage the risks...get in the water before the swim if possible and put your wetsuit on last minute. Too much standing around fully zipped up in high ambient temps...then a plunge into cold water and a massive and sudden increase in physical exertion...that is not a good thing regardless if it ends up being the cause of SIPEs or not. Warming up in the water will help. Race directors should also let athletes start from the water so that the body can adjust more slowly to the temp difference. And I always try to keep my pace down for the first few hundred meters until I can feel my respiratory needs increasing and I know my body is clicking over into performance mode. Sometimes means I can stuck a little at the front edge of the pack...but hey...part of what I love about triathlon is the chaos of a group swim! If I go out hard...I'm such a porpoise in the water I won't get that experience!
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Incheon, South Korea
Posts: 2,836
Bikes: Nothing amazing... cheap old 21 speed mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You can also die in your sleep when you're old having lived an unfulfilled life.
I'm sure given the option anyone would choose to live over dying.
Further specify that you can live to 100 if you never engage in any risky behavior whatsoever, or you can live your life and die at any moment, and I'm sure most will choose the latter.
I'm sure given the option anyone would choose to live over dying.
Further specify that you can live to 100 if you never engage in any risky behavior whatsoever, or you can live your life and die at any moment, and I'm sure most will choose the latter.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MN.
Posts: 239
Bikes: A MTB and something else with 2 pedals.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just because you "Think" you can do something doesn't mean you "Should" do it! IMHO, most triathletes and marathoners are morons. Pushing yourself to the point of losing control of your bodily functions or even death is pure insanity.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MN.
Posts: 239
Bikes: A MTB and something else with 2 pedals.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've done my "challenges". Against AK-47's and RPG's. BTDT. (been there, done that for the uninitiated).
At least mine were for the right reasons. IMHO Tri's and marathons are for morons.
P.S. Ever heard of spell-check??
At least mine were for the right reasons. IMHO Tri's and marathons are for morons.
P.S. Ever heard of spell-check??
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Liked 83 Times
in
44 Posts
Purposely made up a word sweetie. And while I am not a vet, and realize that the risks of combat are not to be compared to anything here in the good ol USA, best believe that I put my ass on the line for society every day. Well every work day. I'm RDO today.
#33
Senior Member
most likely it was undiagnosed heart disease. His genetics probably pre-disposed him to it. His fitness regime was not and is not a guarantee. We see high school kids die at football practice. I was this guy at 56 and was 95% blocked in my left main coronary artery. I had bypass surgery but I know that every time I get on a bike or go for a hike I could die. I could also die in my sleep. My take is that life without risk is no life at all. I am 70 now and have not missed much but what a miserable life I would have had if I lived in fear and avoided the risks that I have taken.
#34
Senior Member
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Liverpool, England
Posts: 50
Bikes: R J Quinn road bike with Reynolds 531cs tubing, Lombardo Hiker 6061 aluminium tubing, Dawes road bike 531c, Dawes road bike 531st, Peugeot road bike reynolds 753
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
could be that more people are dying in triathlons because more people are taking part and more older people are taking it up, i wonder how it compares to other sports
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,550
Bikes: Wilier Izoard XP (Record);Cinelli Xperience (Force);Specialized Allez (Rival);Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (Centaur); Colnago AC-R Disc;Colnago V1r Limited Edition;De Rosa King 3 Limited(Force 22);DeRosa Merak(Red):Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Hydro(Di2)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 276 Times
in
144 Posts
All I know is that if I die in the manner that I want...I have explicit instruction not to have them wipe the grin off my face
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Posts: 6,159
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
People cry for the departed elderly too. Death is always sad. Some of die young. Some of us die so very young. Few of us live long enough.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Annandale, VA
Posts: 522
Bikes: Fuji Rubaix 1.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rich
__________________
..life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. ― Andy Rooney ...enjoy what's left!
..life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. ― Andy Rooney ...enjoy what's left!
#39
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,625
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3868 Post(s)
Liked 2,560 Times
in
1,574 Posts
Interesting point.
I was just talking to a neighbor at our Iowa home. She was a host to Ragbrai riders back when the ride went through her town, maybe 10 years ago. She came out of her house in the morning and one was on her porch swing, dead.
I like long rides. But not long hard rides in the stinking heat.
I was just talking to a neighbor at our Iowa home. She was a host to Ragbrai riders back when the ride went through her town, maybe 10 years ago. She came out of her house in the morning and one was on her porch swing, dead.
I like long rides. But not long hard rides in the stinking heat.
Deaths on RAGBRAI (or any event requiring physical activity) always get some attention, but when you watch any 15-20,000 people for a week, there's a real chance that someone might go. It's statistics -- who's to say that the same people might not have still expired if they were at home watching TV instead?
__________________
RUSA #7498
Originally Posted by noglider
People in this forum are not typical.
Last edited by ThermionicScott; 08-03-14 at 01:12 AM.
#40
Senior Member
Swimming-induced pulmonary edema - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thanks to Taipei325 for suggesting the alternative. It's worth reading, in my opinion, especially the bit about aspirin as a possible contributory cause...
As to DVT, yes, there is a test for genetic predisposition to it. If you have any doubts or a family history, get it checked. Aspirin can help, but if you do have a predisposition, there are other management issues that are needed, especially if the patient travels by air a lot.
As to the other rubbish posted by the resident troll... well, make of it what you will... which in my case, is nothing.
#41
rebmeM roineS
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,216
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 653 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
225 Posts
Aspirin is sometimes given to prevent VTE in patients who have joint replacement surgery. (Hips/knees) Graduated compression stockings or intermittent compression devices are also used to prevent VTE.
I'm most familiar with prevention of VTE in hospital settings - not so much otherwise.
I've taken to wearing compression stockings on plane flights, even though my flights have never been that long.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#42
Uber Goober
I've never triathlonned and no desire to, cycling is just fine, thank you.
But everything you do has risks, some higher some lower.
Sometime back, I went with a friend to a couple of her half-ironmans. I was very impressed by the number of volunteers around and the help that was given to people that needed it. It looked to me like everything that could reasonably be done to make it safer was being done.
On the cycling end of it, as best I could tell, cycling in general is about as dangerous PER HOUR as driving. Well, you'll hear of people getting killed cycling and people say "And that's why you shouldn't cycle!" But I've had friends killed while driving and never heard anyone say "Guess I'll stop driving. It's just too dangerous!"
My mom died in 1980 at the age of 50 from complications of diabetes, mainly from being overweight. If she had gotten interested in triathlons, she'd probably be alive today.
But everything you do has risks, some higher some lower.
Sometime back, I went with a friend to a couple of her half-ironmans. I was very impressed by the number of volunteers around and the help that was given to people that needed it. It looked to me like everything that could reasonably be done to make it safer was being done.
On the cycling end of it, as best I could tell, cycling in general is about as dangerous PER HOUR as driving. Well, you'll hear of people getting killed cycling and people say "And that's why you shouldn't cycle!" But I've had friends killed while driving and never heard anyone say "Guess I'll stop driving. It's just too dangerous!"
My mom died in 1980 at the age of 50 from complications of diabetes, mainly from being overweight. If she had gotten interested in triathlons, she'd probably be alive today.
__________________
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
#43
Jeff Vader
I'm 24 with no real concern of heart issues. But what I'm more interested in is that people are experiencing things like this without having any at all. The shortness of breath mentioned in the article about this guy makes me think it may have been another case of Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE for short).
__________________
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,866
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
I'd guess that shorter distance races are more likely to attract beginners doing their first race ever. Some people are very unprepared for the swim portion and get bad advice ("You don't have to know how to swim well - your wetsuit will let you float through the swim leg!").
And add in those who figure they will suffer but get through it. Figure on a mile swim people actually train and if they do fail they still have something left.
Back when I was swimming competitively 400 yards was the minimum for the warm up to start a workout.
Also for longer distances the race organizers are more apt to anticipate some will have problems. At 400 years one does not and there might not even space for any safety boats.
#45
Senior Member
Back on track....
Tragic death. Many events are with implied risk. Watching baseball, swimming in open water, riding at night (like I do). It would suck to spend life on the couch not taking calculated risks.
#46
Senior Member
Boy isn't that the truth! It's difficult to feel concerned with you don't feel signs of an issue or you haven't been stung with people around you having a problem.
#47
Jeff Vader
If you wanna do triathlon, follow this guy:
Athlete/Author Rich Roll
__________________
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
We are all a litter of piglets in the barn fire of life - Piney McKnuckle
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MN.
Posts: 239
Bikes: A MTB and something else with 2 pedals.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Please don't have kids. Please please let your personality be enough birth control.
Back on track....
Tragic death. Many events are with implied risk. Watching baseball, swimming in open water, riding at night (like I do). It would suck to spend life on the couch not taking calculated risks.
Back on track....
Tragic death. Many events are with implied risk. Watching baseball, swimming in open water, riding at night (like I do). It would suck to spend life on the couch not taking calculated risks.
#49
Senior Member
Serving in conflict does not allow you to then call others morons. Notice how you are reacting when people aren't liking your actions? It's the same back to you. Ping and pong and so on. And what possible consequence would you speak of? Going to type in all caps or something?
Yes I'm an unarmed opponent. Another fine phrase. Are you going to say "He's your sign!" next? Or maybe "You are a special kind of stupid, aren't you son?" That's another one that takes little thought to spew.
Head on back and play paintball so you can get your aggressive fix.
#50
Senior Member
Yup... And since the 'food industry' controls the science, the facts are muddied enough to make things complicated.
If you wanna do triathlon, follow this guy:
Athlete/Author Rich Roll
If you wanna do triathlon, follow this guy:
Athlete/Author Rich Roll