Impulsive Decisions Before Race Day

Athlete Acknowledgement of Risk, Release of Liability and Agreement:

I understand that this Acknowledgement of Risk, Release of Liability and Agreement is applicable to Bolton Endurance Sports Training, its coaches, associate coaches, employees, managers, members, affiliates, agents consultants and trainers (hereinafter the â€œReleased Partiesâ€), and I voluntarily enter this agreement. I am applying to participate in the Bolton Endurance Sports Training athletic training program and related activities (collectively referred to as â€œTrainingâ€) being fully aware that the Training involves risks. I accept all the risks of participating in the Training, even if they are created by the carelessness or negligence of a Released Party or anyone else. Risks of the Training include, without limitation, risks of bicycling, indoors or on roads and highways open to traffic, running, on roads, trails or treadmills, swimming in pools or in open water, lakes, oceans or other bodies of water, triathlon, duathlon, physical exertion, training and competing in large groups of people which may create the risk of falls, contact or other trauma, and other risks associated with intense physical activities. I understand these risks exist, that they are beyond the control of Bolton Endurance Sports Training and its employees, affiliates and/or coaches, and I voluntarily accept and assume these risks as part of the Training I will undertake. Additional risks are described on the accompanying List of Possible Hazards. I know there are other risks too that are not listed and I voluntarily accept them too. I fully release, discharge and waive any Claims I may have, now or in the future, against the Released Parties, even if such Claims are based on the carelessness or negligence of a Released Party or anyone ("Claims" as used in this document means any and all liabilities, claims, demands, legal actions, and rights of action for damages, property damage, personal injury or death) which are related to or in any way connected with my participation in the Training which I or my heirs or personal representative could make.

I AGREE NOT TO SUE THE RELEASED PARTIES FOR CLAIMS, EVEN IF THE CLAIMS ARISE FROM THE CARELESSNESS OR NEGLIGENCE OF A RELEASED PARTY OR ANYONE ELSE. I AGREE TO INDEMNIFY (REIMBURSE FOR ANY LOSS) AND HOLD HARMELSS EACH RELEASED PARTY, FROM ANY LOSS OR LIABILITY (INCLUDING ANY REASONABLE ATTORNEYS FEES THEY MAY INCUR) DEFENDING ANY CLAIM MADE BY ME OR BY ANYONE MAKING A CLAIM ON MY BEHALF, EVEN IF THE CLAIM IS ALLEGED OR DID RESULT FROM THE CARELESSNESS OR NEGLIGENCE OF A RELEASED PARTY OR ANYONE ELSE I UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING BELOW, I AM GIVING UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS AND RELEASING THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM LIABILITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT. I ACKNOLEDGE THAT I AM VOLUNTARILY GIVING UP THOSE RIGHTS, AND AM VOLUNTARILY UNDERTAKING THE INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

I am aware that there is no obligation for any person to provide me with medical care during the Training. If medical care is rendered to me, I consent to that care if I am unable to give my consent for any reason at the time that the care is rendered. I am aware that it is advisable to consult a physician prior to participating in the Training. If I have consulted a physician, I have taken the physician's advice. I grant my permission to Bolton Endurance Sports Training and to its transferees and licensees, to utilize any photographs, motion pictures, videotapes, recordings and any other references or records of the Training which may depict, record, or refer to me for any purpose, including commercial use, by Bolton Endurance Sports Training, its sponsors, associate coaches and their licensees.I understand that the Bolton Endurance Sports Training coaches, assistant coaches, members, trainers, agents and other affiliates are NOT physicians or health care professionals, and do not have medical training, and are NOT qualified to provide medical advice or consultation. I agree to consult my own physician in connection with any pain, ailment, injury, illness, reaction or other physical or medical condition that may be associated with the Training, and I specifically release and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all liability, costs, expenses or obligations in connection with any such physical injuries or issues.I agree to abide by the rules of Bolton Endurance Sports Training in any of its training camps. I acknowledge that, if I violate any of these rules, I may be removed from the training camp and the permission for me to participate in the Training camp may be withdrawn by representatives of Bolton Endurance Sports Training. Others may violate the rules of the camps, adding to the risks of participation. No warranties have been made to me about the Training.I intend that this document act as the broadest and most inclusive assumption of risk, waiver, release of liability, agreement not to sue and indemnity as is permitted by the laws of the State of New Mexico. If any portion of it is held to be invalid, I agree that the rest of it shall continue in full force and effect. The singular of nouns and pronouns in this document includes the plural and the plural includes the singular. I agree that this agreement was made in Santa Fe, NM and that the laws of the State of New Mexico shall govern its interpretation and enforcement.If the participant is under 18 years of age, the parent agrees to the following statements: As a parent or guardian of the participant, I authorize the child to participate. I also join in the statements and agreements made by the participant in this document. I agree that, in the event participant or anyone acting on his or her behalf should make any Claims, I will provide the indemnities described in paragraph 3. List of Possible Hazards The following is a partial list of hazards that are often associated with training for triathlon, duathlon, bike racing, running, swimming, cross country skiing, and other such endurance events: Falls resulting in broken bones, sprains, strains, contusions, and equipment damage. Collisions with other athletes or vehicles on the road or trail. Drowning during open water swimming.Saddle sores, crotch rash, neck and back pain, and hand numbness related to bicycle riding. Tendonitis and bursitis, muscle strains and/or tears, and trigger points. Upper respiratory infections associated with heavy training loads. Heart attack and other heart-related symptoms.Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipations (due to dehydration issues) Blood in urine or issues trying to urinate, high ketones or protein levels. Men: penile numbness, prostatitis, swollen testicles, and impotence from bicycling. Women: nipple pain from friction, vulvar swelling, groin and chest rashes, and yeast infections. Anemia, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and exposure to pollution, weight loss, immune system issues due to improper recovery and nutritional needs.Post goal race depression following your "A" race for the season. Reactions to chlorine, possible ear infections, excessive dry skin (worse in cold climates), change in hair color, and nasal infections.Heat stroke, sunburn, hypothermia, frost bite, or other conditions related to outdoor training or extreme weather conditions.

Impulsive Decisions Before Race Day
by
Coach Scott Bennefield

I regularly remind my athletes regarding what it means to be race ready. One basic component is: don’t do anything just prior to or on race day that has not been part of your routine or you have not practiced. This does not mean inflexibility, but rather don’t veer or venture into new territory by making impulsive decisions going into a race. I often refer to examples from my own race experience as well as others I know.

I love to cook out on my grill all the time. When we threw out the idea of doing a pancake breakfast following our group cycling workout on a recent Saturday I was excited because I had wanted to buy a griddle for my outdoor grill for some time. So I purchased one on the Thursday before, and thought how cool this was going to be. After all, I have made pancakes for years in the kitchen with a Teflon electric skillet. My wife had strongly suggested I do a trial run before the big morning. I heard what she said, however, there where may other things that were on my agenda and time was scarce. I thought a test drive of making pancakes was not needed. After all, how different could this be?

So the first time for me to try this new cooking equipment out was the Saturday morning after the team workout when the group was at my home. I had all the ingredients lined up, mixed and ready to cook. I was so excited to have all of our team over to my home. Prideful, like I was on a cooking competition on the Food Network, this was my chance to impress my friends. We were just back from a strong endurance ride and all were anticipating with growling stomachs. We are all on the patio talking and enjoying the friendships. With the imagined finesse of a Chef de Cuisine, I poured on four servings of batter on it knowing this is going to be so good. I was so hungry and excited, that in my rush, I had neglected to read the manual that said to spray the new cooking surface with non-stick spray.

Then I went to flip the first pancake. To my shock and surprise, it stuck to the new griddle. I tried to lift it and it broke apart leaving a residue of gummy remains. So did the other pancakes. Immediately my mind tries to reconcile what just happened. Maybe I miscalculated the heat. Maybe I mixed the batter incorrectly. Maybe this new piece of equipment was faulty! Hoping no one was watching too closely, I scraped the first set off as best I could and without further consideration, I quickly tried a couple of more servings. A big no go. Now I wasted most of the batter I had prepared. Why is this happening to me? What am I going to do now? How do I get out of this “sticky” situation? While all the team waited patiently, I retreated embarrassed indoors to make them the way I always have done it before. And there I was successful with the tools and routine that I was most familiar with from experience. I should have heeded my wife and my own coaching advice. Score it: Impulsiveness – 1, Scott – 0.

What’s the lesson?
DO NOT try anything radical on race day that you have not practiced. Don’t let shiny/futuristic new equipment entice you to question your readiness 48 hours before your race. Either you are ready to race or not. Maybe you saw something on social media that might make you look better or go faster and you feel pressure because that’s what all your friends are touting. Don’t do it. Don’t “waffle” on your training plan, nutrition plan, or any other radical action that may seem logical or harmless.
Trust me, in triathlon and in life, this is how it “stacks up”. When I make impulsive decisions, I tend to be the one who gets “pancaked”.
With much appreciation for my fellow athletes letting me demonstrate what not to do… for their benefit of course.

If you would like more information about working with Coach Scott Bennefield, he can be reached at [email protected].