We’ve seen all the claims that have been made by many late night real estate informational gurus. They all talk off making thousands of dollars when you buy a property. But is it really possible? Is it really possible to buy a house and pay no money down and walk away with cash at the closing table?

It’s because of these late night infomercials that no money down real estate to pull cash out at closing has become one of the most sought after topics on the net and late night television. Most everyone has seen these commercials or even bought these real estate investing courses. Most of these courses get filled with dust, then to only find their way to the yard sale. Now, you may be asking, ” is it really possible and if so, how’s it done?”

Honestly, the one technique that gets talked about the most is the least creative way to do a deal and the most risky. There are many more profitable ways to real estate investing without the personal risk and the liability. See, what happens is you find an undervalued property, then you go to the bank to acquire financing. Many lenders will loan 80% of the appraised value on real estate investments. Many investors will then borrow the 80% even if they only paid 65% of the fair market value of the property. The crucial factor that investors must realize is that this is borrowed money and you can’t live off of borrowed money. Also, you are personally guaranteeing that you will pay back the loan. Therefore, if something goes wrong, then you are on the hook with the bank.

Not only is this very possible to pull cash out when you buy, this one method to real estate investing could be the single worst mistake that investors make when buying properties. It’s a financial disaster waiting to happen. See, when you buy to pull cash out at the closing table, you are pulling the equity out of the deal. The equity is the value of the property beyond what is owed against the property. When an investor buys a property using this method, they are truly risking their financial stability because they trust that properties will always go up in value. This myth couldn’t be farther from the truth. Most don’t even care to think about “what if the fair market value goes down? Or what if the tenants that I have completely destroys the home?”

So, are there other ways to create profitable real estate deals?

The answer is a very loud “YES”. There are numerous ways to hedge your risk of these scenarios while you avoid personal liability and financial risk all together. You should seek out a mentor or a trainer that will show you the ins and outs to real estate investing without costing you a fortune. Also, when you decide to use a mentor or buy a course of any kind, you should look at what the guru’s previous students have to say before you decide to give up your hard earned money. We’ve outlined the most popular real estate gurus and allow real life consumers to give reviews on many of the top real estate investing programs selling today. To read these reviews, then go to www.101Gurus.com.

Healthcare professionals term a swollen prostate gland benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. Put simply this means that the prostate, a mass similar in shape to a walnut located just below the bladder and wrapping the urethra, becomes bigger this can impair and even block urinary flow. The prostatic gland enlarges with maturity and can result in symptoms for example difficulty in urination, weakened urinary stream, and also a feeling of failing to empty the bladder fully after urination. Frequent night time micturition and recurring urinary tract inflammation can additionally be result from a swollen prostatic gland.

So What Is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia? An enlarged prostate gland is considered one of the more commonplace medical conditions of males in their sixties. Current Guidelines are that men over the age of fifty are examined by their doctors on a yearly basis, regardless of the occurence of any problems, for the upkeep of prostate gland health. Look For medical intervention at once if blood appears in the urine or if unable to micturate.

Surgery or drug therapy are common interventions for an enlarged prostate. Unfortunately, surgical operations can result in further symptoms for example erection difficulties and even incontinence. Hypertension therapies and drugs to shrink the abnormal prostate are frequently given for better prostatic health, however, medicine will often result in negative repercussions. What alternatives are recommended? Enlarged Prostate Troubles? A Alternative Way to Reach Better Prostate Health

To assist in the reduction of any symptoms caused by prostate gland enlargement and in addition to further improved prostate fitness, a few alternative treatments can aid in the management of the symptoms. Inflammation is greatly controlled by Afican pygeum, alleviating a lot of any more disagreeable symptoms. The remedy African Pygeum has been extensively prescribed for quite a few years in Europe as a therapy to encourage better prostate health, it is produced by a tree indigenous to southern Africa. Dietetic factors such as decreasing the intake of fats can also improve symptoms, so will excercising more, pressure in the prostate gland should also be relieved by ejaculating often, it is also recommended to avoid sitting still for a long time. Use of over the counter anti-histamines and decongestants can increase the symptoms of a swollen prostate gland, use these with care. Additional suggestions also include not drinking close to retiring for the night to cut down on trips to the bathroom overnight, the reduction of alcoholic beverages and drinking much less coffee and tea can reduce symptoms.

There are additional holistic treatments used to improve prostate gland function — such as saw palmetto, Borago officinalis oil capsules, the chemical element selenium, and lycopene, a chemical obtained from tomatoes. Before you commence that holistic treatment regime take care to check with your medical care professional.

Why do people consolidate their debts or enter into IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements)? People in debt may be looking for a debt solution that can reduce their monthly debt repayments and help them get out of debt at a rate they can afford.

Debt consolidation loans and IVAs can both do this, but they’re very different debt solutions, suitable for people in very different situations. Neither is better or worse than the other – it’s a question of which is more suitable for the individual in debt.

Debt consolidation loans are, in theory, available to anyone – everyone has the right to take out a new loan that’s large enough to pay off their other unsecured debts.

Second, there’s the total debt to consider. IVAs are normally only suitable for people who owe at least £15,000, although this figure isn’t set in stone.

There’s no minimum amount that makes someone eligible for a debt consolidation loan – if they think it’ll improve their financial situation, they’re free to consolidate their debts if they want to, as long as they can find a loan.

Third, there’s the impact on the individual’s credit rating. By simplifying their finances and reducing their monthly debt repayments, a debt consolidation can help them avoid late / non-payments, which should help them keep their credit rating from suffering.

An IVA, on the other hand, is a form of insolvency – it’s not regarded as being as serious as bankruptcy, but it will have a serious impact on someone’s credit rating, and probably make credit harder to obtain and more expensive. It’ll stay on their credit report for six years, although this won’t really be an issue for the first five of those years (the normal length of an IVA), as people aren’t normally allowed to borrow money while their IVA is in progress.

Fourth, there’s the potential impact on the borrower’s home (if they’re a homeowner). Many people choose to consolidate their debts with a secured loan, securing their new loan against their house. This should get them a better rate of interest than they’d get with an unsecured debt consolidation loan, but they’re potentially putting their home at risk – if they don’t keep up their monthly payments, the lender could repossess their home (although lenders do see this as a last resort and will try to find another solution to the problem).

Fifth, there’s the question of writing off debt. With an IVA, the individual basically agrees to pay off as much of the debt as they realistically can over the next five years. They commit to making regular, fixed payments – the maximum they can afford once they’ve taken their essential monthly expenses into account. In return, the creditors agree to write off any outstanding debt at the end of that period – as long as the borrower has kept up with their payments.

If you’re wondering whether a debt consolidation loan or IVA could be the debt solution for you, contact a professional debt adviser.

Massage therapy is something else to consider when preparing for you first Ironman Triathlon. For some reason, there are those who benefit more than others from massage. I have tried it, but found it a bit expensive to be able to include it as a weekly part of my training. I used it more as a reward after 6 or 8 weeks of hard training.

Should you decide to include massage therapy as a regular component of your training, be sure to find someone skilled in “sports massage” which in many cases is a deeper massage than most people are used to.

There’s no doubt that a massage can do wonders after a long bike or run session, but I wouldn’t recommend it too soon “before” a planned long training day. I always found that I was so relaxed, I didn’t want to do anything after a massage.

It’s for this reason I would “never” get a massage too soon before a major race day like the Ironman Triathlon. If you want a pre-race massage I would highly recommend getting it several days before the big race.

If you only have one massage all year, there is one you must make a point of not missing out on. It’s the free one you get right after they put that Ironman Triathlon finishers medal around your neck. Just tell that volunteers who are “supporting” you that you would like to go to the massage tent. They will make sure you find your way there. Get there as soon as can after crossing the line as if tends to be pretty busy depending on your race finish time. You may have to sign in and take a seat, but normally you won’t be left waiting too long.

Different things work for different people and possibly your best option is to give sports massage a try and see if it enhances your recovery and training. If so, and if its financially viable, you may want to make it part of your Ironman preparation. At the very least, treat yourself to a massage once in a while as a reward for all your hard work.

The name of my site is “Ironstruck”

The address is http://www.triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com/.

Spain’s notorious Bullfight is one of the most famous customs upheld by the Spanish. It draws attention worldwide from people who just love the sport, and also from many others who are agains’t this barbaric onslaught.

I hasten to add that this kind of entertainment is not for me, but for many thousands that travel to watch a Bullfight they get to mingle with the dedicated locals who have a tradition to uphold. This is a sure sign that they do not feel the way I do.

Stuffed like sardines into a jam packed arena, avid enthusiasts who in support of this sport continue to excite each other with roars of encouragement for the Bullfight to commence. Cheers of Ole is how excited spectators greet this mighty powerful bull as he makes his grand entrance and presence known to all.
Confused and not sure as to why he was the center of attention, the bull decides to take advantage of his new famed popularity by giving a priceless perfomance to the maddening crowd. He would do this by digging his hoof into the ground beneath him sending dust clouds swirling into the air while at the same time from his steaming nostrils an encore of snorts.

Looking more like a riot at football match the cramped stadium and all the commotion makes the beast very nervous.
Why he was summoned here today he did not know – but he was soon to find out.

What on earth is the Bull thinking?

Sheer jubilation among the crowds as the adrenalin began to pump, as it was only minutes away before the Bullfight.

Picadores armed with lances announce there presence into the arena on horseback to a stadium of screaming fans. All mounts blind folded.
These men (Picadores) and their job is to tantalise and maim the bull before slaughter. This is done by following orders that on departure from the ring, that they leave all weapons behind and they do just that.

Pierced in-between the shoulder blades of a very frightened Bull.

What on earth is that Bull thinking now?

This is just the beginning of the end. Stunned dazed and hurting, the bull now with so many body piercings still manages a few breathless snorts. The reflection of his image is like that of a voodoo doll. Not a pretty sight.

The efforts of the Picadores were never enough at a bullfight, you have the Banderilleros whose mission is to distract the bull, and how they would do this is to run in circles in and around the animal thus making him tired and dizzy.

How do you distract a dying bull with so much blood loss? not a hard job, the bull’s options for escape are zilch.

Stabbed and drained of his almighy strength and unable to raise his head due his injuries. Makes the bull an easy target for any Matador.

In all his finery the murderer oops sorry Matador enters the arena. Black beret, jewelled bolero red cape and breeches buttoned at the knees. This sight alone was enough to scare any bull.

Spurred on by the cheering crowds to cast the fatal blow, the Matador provokes his dying opponent to charge. All attempts made by this sad oh so sad disoriented bull to retaliate to the words TORO, were not that of a fully charged up angry irate bull. Amenesty is given to the bull should the Matador miss his target. A slayer is called in to put the beast out of his misery by cutting the spinal cord with a dagger. Has this bull not had enough stabbings for the day? This action can go terribly wrong leaving the bull conscious paralysed and in severe pain.

Remove the lances and spears

Replace the blood loss with a transfusion

Give the bull back his pride

Now throw the Matador back in in to the ring 100% hero of the day THE BULL

Want to know what the bull was thinking (What did I do to deserve this)

To think a couple of hours before the Bullfight this bull was chewing the cud in fields of green.

Kacy

Hi Kacy is my name and I am about to take another route in my life. I know it is a challenge but what the heck. Life is all about challenges.
Kacy

http://www.benidormbeaches.com

Every four years a World Cup will come along and occupy a football fan’s thoughts and time for weeks. Game after game, the best footballers in the world will parade their skills in front of thousands at the stadium and millions watching on the TV back in their homes.

Players

Players generally make the World Cup what it is. If there were not great players we would certainly not be watching this tournament in the vast numbers that we do. In previous World Cup finals we have seen the emergence of some great talents, talents that we would not normally be able to see.

History

Which players did the world discover after displaying their skills in previous World Cups? There would be far too greats many to be able to list in detail and there has always has always been heated discussions about who is the greatest player of all time, with two players always at the forefront of the debate.

Lets look at these players’ credentials.

Diego Armando Maradona [Argentina]

[World Cup Honours : 1982, 1986 (winner), 1990 (2nd), 1994]

Maradona is a flawed genius, no-one has ever had his sublime talents and been able to hit the self destruct button with such great effect. Never before has a player been credited with winning the World Cup trophy single handed as he did in Mexico 1986. Even in the infamous 1986 quarter final and scoring what is widely regarded the best goal that has ever been scored in the Finals. After picking the ball up in his own half he managed to dribble hi way through a quality England side before slotting the ball past Peter Shilton, the England keeper on the day.

The Argentinean team that he played with in this tournament were all excellent players but possibly not quite good enough to lift the trophy. However, with Maradona at the height of his powers there could only be one team that could possibly win.

Maradona also helped his nation to the final of the World Cup in 1990 in Italy and only lost to a German penalty scored by Andy Brehme.

However, after failing a drug test in 1991 his career was on a downhill path and then came his final appearance on the greatest stage in the game of football.

In 1994, the World Cup in USA when he scored in Argentina’s first game against Greece anyone that watched his celebration knew that it was not only adreneline that powered the little magician. Eyes glaring into the camera, the hearts of all Argentineans knew that drugs were fuelling their talismanic captain. A drug test followed and the inevitable positive result ended Maradona’s tournament and effectively his career.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento – Pele

[World Cup honours : 1958 (winner), 1962 (winner), 1966, 1970 (winner)]

The only similarity between Pele and Maradona is that they hail from the same continent. Pele was the original World superstar, enjoying a career that can be regarded as a being a model professional.

Pele’s credentials are there for all to see, he set up goals, he was an instrumental leader on and off the field and he also scored goals. In fact the amount of goals that he scored is a substantial feat in itself.

His record is phenomenal, scoring five goals in a game six times, four goals 30 times and three goals 90 times. These are numbers the modern player can never dream of matching. In his illustrious playing career he scored a stunning total of 1283 goals. In his international career he scored an amazing 77 goals in 92 appearances. However, there was much more to Pele than ‘just’ goals.

He will also be remembered as being the only player in history for winning the world Cup on three occasions, a feat that is unlikely to ever be repeated. Only an injury in 1966 in England stopped him from possibly winning the World Cup on four consecutive occasions, allowing a fine England side to become World Champions for the first time.

He was captain of the greatest team of all time, the 1970 Brazil side that won the tournament so convincingly in Mexico. Anyone who has watched the final game of that tournament, which Brazil defeated Italy by four goals to one, will be amazed at the skill and vision of the original total footballing side.

Given that Pele hung his playing boots up over 20 years ago and is still revered by football fans that never saw him in his prime is testament to the great man’s passion and skill for the greatest game of all.

Other Great Players

Many others have graced the greatest tournament that is the World Cup, but both of the players named above are by far heralded as the greatest two. But who would make the top ten complete?

Gordon Banks, Eusebio, Puskas, Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini, Franz Beckenbauer, Garrincha and the Johann Cruyff to name but a few. In fact many modern day critics may have Cruyff as the greatest modern player, a player who helped to mould the game into the style of play that you see today.

Then there are players that did not manage to show their talents in the World Cup, the most notable being the late, great George Best from Northern Ireland. The other most notable absentee is Alfredo Di Stefano. There are actually many Latin Americans that would hail the ‘Blonde Arrow’ Di Stefano as the greatest player that the world has ever seen.

Among those still playing, Czech Republic playmaker Pavel Nedved, of Juventus, Manchester United’s Dutch predator Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ukrainian goal-machine Andrey Shevchenko, of AC Milan, would top the list. But all three will appear at Germany 2006, barring late injuries, and will probably write some new headlines too.

We look forward to this year’s event with great enthusiasm and hopefully it will be remembered as being one of the greatest tournaments of all time. Let us all hope!

Joe Kenny writes for Football Talk, an online football news and discussion site. Discuss this year’s World Cup in Germany in our football forums. With the latest football news on the World Cup, transfers and more.

Visit Football Talk today: http://footballtalk.org

Derbies held in the north and the midlands will end all square and Manchester United could take a step closer to ripping the Premiership title out of Jose Mourinho’s greasy mitts. But more importantly, this could be the weekend Sunderland win at the Stadium of Light to finally give their masochistic season ticket holders something to cheer about writes David Walker.

Saturday 8 April 2006

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
Tottenham are clinging onto fourth place at the moment but could face an attack of nerves against Manchester City in this lunchtime offering. White Hart Lane has generally been a happy hunting ground for the Citizens with them winning once and earning a draw twice in their last four meetings. Spurs won this fixture last season 2-1 but a stalemate could be in the offering this time around.
Walker’s Word: Get on the draw at 13/5.

Charlton Athletic vs Everton
The Addicks are in solid home form at present and the last time they suffered defeat at the Valley was on Boxing Day to Newcastle United. Everton, on the other hand, have not win away from home since beating Portsmouth 1-0 on 14 January.
Walker’s Word: A slender home win at 13/10.

Portsmouth vs Blackburn Rovers
Portsmouth have a great chance of Premiership survival this season. Not only are they on a run of three straight wins, they also have more home games left to play than their relegation rivals. Unfortunately, this won’t be one that Harry Redknapp’s side will capitalise on. Blackburn Rovers have won three of their last four visits to Fratton Park in both the Premiership and drew the other. The home side’s recent run has seen Rovers price increase which makes it all the more attractive.
Walker’s Word: Blackburn Rovers at 7/4.

Sunderland vs Fulham
It’s been a long old season for Sunderland and after the way they stormed the Championship last term not even the most pessimistic supporter could have anticipated such a poor season. After 12 home defeats and a miserly nine goals to cheer, this could be the week Sunderland do the impossible and win at the Stadium of Light. The players showed tremendous heart in earning a 2-2 draw at Everton last weekend and who else to go one better against than Fulham, a side almost as bad on the road as Sunderland are in general? Chris Coleman’s team have not won away all season and have lost 13 of the 17 matches on the road. The Black Cats won’t get a better opportunity this season – and check out those odds!
Walker’s Word: Finally, a home win at 12/5.

Wigan Athletic vs Birmingham City
Wigan have not won a Premiership fixture at the JJB Stadium since they beat Manchester City in an epic 4-3 battle. Since then they have lost to Blackburn, West Brom, Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham but managed a draw with Everton somewhere in between. They have a great opportunity to get back to winning ways against a Birmingham side who have lost seven of their last eight matches on the road and scored just one goal in their last seven league and cup matches. A goalless draw against Chelsea does not suggest a major turnaround is on the cards.
Walker’s Word: A first home win of the year for Wigan at 10/11.

Sunday 9 April 2006

Aston Villa vs West Bromwich Albion
In the first of two midday kick-offs, West Brom need three points to pull away from the relegation zone but the fact it’s against local rivals Aston Villa, who are themselves just one place above the Baggies in the table, adds more spice to the fixture. Villa have lost four of their last five including heavy defeats at Arsenal and Everton, putting manager David O’Leary under intense pressure. West Brom themselves have lost five of their last six so this match has all the characteristics of a draw, a result both sides could do without.
Walker’s Word: Derby day stalemate at 9/4.

Chelsea vs West Ham United
Despite a massive gulf in class in recent seasons, Chelsea have won just five matches in 11 Premiership encounters at Stamford Bridge against the Hammers. While I fully expect a Chelsea side who are unbeaten at home and have won 15 out of 16 this season there is no value whatsoever in the stingy odds offered by the bookmakers. This one should be left to the big hitters only but if you are going to get involved, remember it kicks off at 12pm.
Walker’s Word: No value in it, but Chelsea at 2/7.

Liverpool vs Bolton Wanderers
Liverpool are keeping the pressure on Manchester United for second place and have won four Premiership matches on the spin. They should make it five on Sunday against a Bolton side that they have beaten in six out of seven league meetings at Anfield. Added to this, the Trotters have not won away since hitting four without reply against Everton last December.
Walker’s Word: History dictates a home win at 1/2.

Middlesbrough vs Newcastle United
Newcastle ended a run of three successive league defeats last Saturday by beating Spurs while Middlesbrough have won their last two Premiership matches. Both sides could do with a win to keep their run going but this could end another derby day draw. Newcastle have had the better of previous meetings, winning five out of nine at the Riverside Stadium although three matches have been draws, surprisingly 2-2 on each occasion and that’s what I’ll be going for.
Walker’s Word: Try the draw at 9/4 and if you are feeling lucky get on the 2-2 correct score result at 14/1.

Manchester United vs Arsenal
United are making a real fist of the title race this season and have cut Chelsea’s lead to just seven points. With the Blues facing West Ham who they are expected to beat, this clash at Old Trafford becomes all the more important. Since losing 4-3 at Blackburn on 1 February, United responded magnificently with eight league wins in a row. Arsenal have hit form also, winning their last four in the Premiership. Both sides need a win, United for obvious reasons and Arsenal to close the gap on the top four. With all the matches the Gunners have played recently and with United strikers Louis Saha and Ruud van Nistelrooy in scintillating form, the home side could just about edge this one.
Walker’s Word: It will come down to who wants it the most, but I’ll predict a narrow United win at evens.

David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker’s Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.

Are you concerned about who is dating your little girl? Should you not make sure that your business partner does not rip you off? Have any questions about your renter or employee? If you are worried about any situation above, then you might want to consider running background check search on the individual you have in mind.

If you want to take a closer look at a person’s story, you don’t have to employ detectives and wait a long time for feedback. Now it’s only a matter of grabbing your PC, access your web browser and find an on-line criminal record check service.

When you do an on-line background search, you will discover quite a bit of info – included in this is address details, employment history, wedding particulars, court and arrest records and other information on the individual. You’ll be struck with how much information can be discovered. Obviously these businesses will charge for their services, nevertheless it isn’t pricey.

All the records cited can be accessed from many government offices but getting them all together in a user friendly arrangement is decidedly a bother. Fortunately, there are actual databases that supply one-stop service so that you get instant feedback on the subject. If you are looking for instant results, it is a good idea to do a national background check.

vegas sports bet

Most betting devotees should have found the expression “offshore sports betting”, but might not be totally in the know what that refers to. An overseas betting site essentially functions out of the administration of a particular country but alternatively it can mean a world wide web based sports betting website which places its servers within the borders of a state in which PC accessible wagering is not at this time proscribed. In short therefore, it is a betting web site functioning extraneous of the supervison of the country of the gambler. Web based betting world wide web sites are by and large modulated through three organisations. These corporations are the OSGA (the Offshore Gaming Association), the IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) and finally the Fidelity Trust Gaming Association (the FTGA).

The Offshore Gaming Association is an unbiased watchdog body that audits the overseas betting business with a duty to also deliver gamers the capacity to quickly discover honorable internet organizations to play games of chance with. It tries to maintain the concerns of customers, also they charge no membership charges. The agency is a proficient not to mention neutral third party association which expresses nonpartisan assessments, advised by customer feedback, objective analysis, phone discussions, insider prompts moreover offers industry information.

The IGC are a non-profit-making council. The agency was designed to provide an arena for involved people to address controversies furthermore to further collective interests in the world-wide web-based gambling industry, to ensure honest and also stable trade precepts and practises that enhance end user trust in web based gaming products and utilities, also to work as the gaming trade’s inclusive procedure advocate and in addition the council provides a data clearing house.

The IGC have built up a distinction for advocating dependability, consistency and also solidity by virtue of the scrupulous standards it demonstrates, and also its appeal for legitimate sites. The Interactive Gaming Council regulates overseas sports betting through championing a distinctive 10-step set of precepts and also charges sports gambling websites a license fee for the use of the council’s logo. Unfulfilled customers may moreover state any of their conflicts to the Interactive Gaming Council.

The FTGA was established in a venture to compose a benchmark which will improve the policies of web based betting web sites. The council understand that doing business entirely with credible partners, they can cultivate a union of the most honest and most professional offshore gambling operations internationally.

So, in brief these are agencies that supervise the transactions of networked sports gambling and which should with luck help to mitigate a few of the trepidation experienced by numerous gamers. Internet based gambling internet sites are entirely free from risk, in that private details are not required and also the payouts not to mention the odds are consistently exactly as uniform and fair as in a standard Vegas-type wager. These websites wipe out travel expenditure, but still retain of a casino, but nowadays you can wager in your own house.

There are several run-equipment choices I feel can help you quite a lot in your quest for your first Ironman Trathlon finisher medal.

SHOES- Of course well fitting shoes are a priority. I’ve tried every sort of shoe you can imagine over the years and have come to this conclusion:

You can train just as well and stay just as injury free in $50 shoes as you can in $150 dollar shoes. For instance, what if an outlet has a brand new 2005 model shoe on sale for $69, and sells the new, improved (same shoe) 2006 model for $149. Does that mean the older model was no good and will hurt your feet? Of course not! In order to stay competetive, manufacturers have to continually make small changes and/or improvements in their product to stay in step with the competition.

The change from one year to the next may just be in the color, or new lacing system or a bit more build-up in some part of the shoe. Sometimes the change is really small.

Just shop around. See whats out there and in your training try several different types of shoes and when you find the one that just feels great, fits perfect, and never gives you blisters no matter how far you run—then that’s your race day shoe. Try and make your choice for a race day shoe the lightest of all your shoes.

Remember: Whatever you do, don’t go out and buy some fancy shoe for Ironman day because it looks really great. Go with the old shoe that got you there. Don’t make any late changes.

I heard this story years ago and have never forgotten it and it’s just a great example of what I’m talking about.

It’s 1960, Rome Olympic Games. An African from Ethiopia shows up for the games. He is running in the marathon. He has no shoes. He didn’t train in shoes. He trained back home by chasing rabbits for miles in his bare feet. A major shoe distributor at the games gave him a brand new pair of shoes to wear. He put them on. They hurt his feet. He took them off. Said “No, thank you”. He ran the marathon in bare feet. Twenty miles were over the cobblestones of Rome.

HE WON THE GOLD MEDAL!!

Now the shoe manufacturer really LOVES him and gives him shoes to train in at home.

FLASH AHEAD 4 YEARS TO THE NEXT OLYMPIC GAMES–

This African runner from Ethiopia shows up at the Olympic Games. He is entered in the Marathon again. He is wearing shoes that he trained in at home. They don’t hurt his feet now.

HE WON THE GOLD MEDAL!! AGAIN!!

HIs name is Abibe Bikila. The first African to win olympic gold–now they are a dynasty.

The moral of the story is:

If he had worn the shoes for the 1960 Olympics, not only would he have not won gold, he would have trashed his feet. Just imagine the blisters. He wasn’t accustomed to wearing shoes.

If he had not worn shoes in the 1964 Olympics, not only would he have not won gold, he still would have trashed his feet. He wasn’t accustomed to bare feet anymore and his feet would not have the same toughness as the previous olympic games.

So I repeat: Go with the footwear that you’ve done lots of training in. Don’t make any late changes. When I found a pair of racing shoes I just loved, I wore them training until they were nicely broken in. I put those elastic, lock laces on them, so I never had to tie them again and I put them away. I wore them for 5 Ironman races. In that last transition, it was like putting on a favorite pair of slippers. I NEVER had blisters or foot problems. I ran one Ironman marathon in 3:34 in those same shoes.

FUEL BELT-I was so glad to see these come on the market. It used to really bug me to run a long distance in training with a water bottle on my hip. I just seemed out of balance. For that reason, I never bothered taking a water bottle out on an Ironman run course. You should really make a fuel-belt a part of your Ironman run-equipment for training and racing. The belt I prefer holds 6 smaller containers. They are spread out around your waist so you don’t feel out of balance and you hardly know they’re there during your runs. These are a particularly good idea for the Ironman marathon because you can use them for your favorite fuel if its not being supplied on the course. The belt also has reflectors built in for night running.

HEART MONITOR- I really feel that everyone training for an Ironman should make use of a heart monitor. It’s just a really important piece of run-equipment. See my page on training with a heart monitor.

WEAR A CAP- I’m not sure why some Ironman Triathletes don’t wear hats. They provide protection from the sun of course–but more than that–they are ideal for putting cold water in(or ice) at aid stations to keep you cool. On extremely hot days you just HAVE to do everything you can to keep your body cool.

CLOTHING- For training of course, you have to dress for the weather in your part of the world. For race day however there are a few ways you can go.

TRISUITS are a really good idea. You wear the trisuit under your wetsuit and you’re good to go for the other two events. Usually they dry out pretty quickly, but you may be cool in the early portion of the bike ride.

A second option is tri-shorts and a seperate top. The shorts are padded for the bike and like the trisuit, you just wear the shorts and top under your wetsuit.

A third option is just wear a swimsuit under your wetsuit and make a complete change into clean, dry, and warm cycling clothes. Then make another complete change at transition two into running clothes.

In my later races when time was more of a factor for me, I went with the second option. I preferred a seperate top, because I had pockets(similar to a cycling jersey)sewn into the top to hold food. Normally trisuits don’t come with pockets and its not really the type of material you can sew a pocket onto. Also, if I felt like changing into running shorts at the second transition it was a simple operation. Just wear the same top and change shorts.

For your first Ironman the run-equipment you choose can make a big difference in how you perform on the day.

The clothing you choose will make a difference to your comfort level on race day. I would recommend for your first Ironman Triathlon, that you take your time and go with clothing option number three. Just wear a swimsuit under your wetsuit, make a complete change into cycling clothes, and make a complete change into Your favorite running clothes and shoes for the marathon.

Visit “Ironstruck”. The site created for the beginner triathlete and novice Ironman. Its full of training and racing tips that cover every aspect of the Ironman Triathlon. triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com