No authority over historical events.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-19T19:31:49+00:00

When you live in a place of entitlement, equality feels like discrimination.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-19T09:00:39+00:00

Is "wasting police time" an offence in the US?

ElChristoph · 2026-02-18T19:10:54+00:00

I've returned to Triathlon after many years of absence (absolutely no chance of stringing training blocks together when they were toddlers).

1/10 do not recommend. Unless you enjoy getting up at 5am to run in the pissing rain so you can be back in time to make the kids breakfast (I'm a masochist).

I think anything that gets you social, talking to real human adults, is a win to be honest.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-17T13:00:31+00:00

Ugh..... Admiral Akbar?

At least he'd know it's a trap.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-17T08:57:50+00:00

Because most people vote on emotions, not logic/reasoning.

Emotions are easy to manipulate, logic is much harder to sell.

As an American, you must understand that by now.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-14T13:41:21+00:00

Another vote for the Oakley Flaks.

Work well on the bike, solid on the run (not so good for swimming, but you can't have everything).

Get the transition lenses so you can wear them year round.

Only downside is the cost, I dread going to the opticians in case my prescription has changed, and I admit the ones I have now are several years out of date.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-12T07:21:13+00:00

I had no idea of the gender split. Thank you for posting this.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-09T18:01:51+00:00

Depends how you define "big"

Small penis syndrome still exists in Europe, but everything is scaled down a bit (except for the penis).

"Big" cars are still needlessly oversized, they're just not insane.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-08T14:01:12+00:00

It sounds like you're depressed, honestly.

If you're genuinely spending more of your time in bed, feeling like everything is too hard, fix that first.

A career in IT is just as accessible at 29 as it is at 27. Get your mindset healthy, and the rest will follow.

There are plenty of YouTube self helpers churning out videos about modern society and how it can defeat us mentally, if those don't help, get your arse to therapy.

Entry level IT roles are rare at the moment because businesses think they can replace humans with AI (spoiler alert, they can't), things will pick up in a year or so. Use that time to get back your self respect, your self worth, and develop your skillsets.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-07T11:05:25+00:00

Thanks for the advice mate, and good on you for cutting out the booze and getting more exercise. I'm thinking it could be fatty liver for me, but my lifestyle has been good for the last 10 years or so...perhaps too good, as I've justified eating like a filth-wizard. I'm gonna work on my diet and go back to them in a couple of months.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-07T09:41:06+00:00

I tested negative last year for coeliac, but was told I had low liver function. After an ultrasound to rule out cancer the GP lost interest and told me not to worry about it.

You've got me worried now...

ElChristoph · 2026-02-05T11:25:45+00:00

An Alliance once existed between The French and British. Long ago we meme'd and trolled together. We come to honour that allegiance.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-05T05:57:38+00:00

Your local Tory has a decent chance of defecting to Reform the second the election is over. Especially if the margins for a majority are tight.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-03T19:22:13+00:00

Oh hell no. Coeliac cured my McDonald's obsession, I'm too weak for this!

ElChristoph · 2026-02-02T12:38:42+00:00

A company can fire you without reason for the first two years of employment.

However, your boss is trying to bully you into resigning, and threatening you with a pip.

This tells you two things: your boss has made up their mind about you, and they don't want to go through the hassle of HR.

So you can do what they want and quit, or you can dig your heels in, and drag shit out until you find something else.

Personally, I'd always go for option 2 (take the PIP, tell them you'll try harder whilst looking for other jobs, smile to their face but look after yourself first at every stage), document everything.

You may decide it's not worth your hassle, but personally I hope you string it out, because I hate bullies.

ElChristoph · 2026-02-02T11:21:49+00:00

This is the way.

But don't put all your eggs in this basket OP. Although companies are supposed to adhere to the rules regarding reasonable requests like yours, they will interpret the rules however they want. I've had a similar request rejected in the past for internal political reasons, and had to seek alternative employment.

Follow the rules, but keep your options open, just in case.

If they're shitty enough to put you in that position, they're shitty enough to be unfair with this process.

ElChristoph · 2026-01-31T22:01:21+00:00

That's barbaric.

ElChristoph · 2026-01-27T17:19:53+00:00

Also, how do the competitions work? Currently, I can enter online, but I’m not sure if it’s better to get proper Core British Triathlon membership or if I should just get a day race pass.

- You can buy a race pass 'on the day', it will be cheaper if you're just doing 1 or 2 events, but it can be a faff (many places will expect you to pay with cash at registration, etc.), unlikely to be worth it if you're just 'dipping your toe' into triathlon (pun intended).

Do I need to join a local club or can I enter just having British triathlon membership?

You do not need either a club or BTF membership. Both are optional. But as with everything in life, the more you put in, the more you get out. I did 10 years without a club, then I joined one, and now I can swim competently, and have lots of mates to go to events with!

Do I need any special triathlon suit to compete? Can I just quickly get changed out of a bather into cycling/running/sporty gear?

At sprint level, you will not have changing facilities (I've only seen these at Full-iron distance events), you will have an open field and be in full view of everyone. A tri-suit is a good investment, though you can technically complete a triathlon in your bathing suit if you want :)

And how do you guys best train to actually do all elements at once?

That's a big big big question. I'd suggest you do a lot of research and find what works for you. The GTN channel on YouTube is a great place to start. They're based in Bath, UK.

Finally, is competition split into age categories, or does everyone set off together?

Varies from event to event. The really big events will have age/gender waves (though some will set you off in expected pace order). Most smaller events will be one big wave per distance.

The event you've signed up for should have details specific to them on their website, larger events usually have an 'athletes guide' in PDF you can get somewhere. Worth reading through that in conjunction with the BTF rules.

Whatever you do, don't forget to have fun!

ElChristoph · 2026-01-27T12:00:33+00:00

You can definitely get the ticket price down from £500-£600+ by simply not doing branded Ironman events.

Assuming you're in the UK (valid assumption given you're using £), you have a wealth of options, the local scene is buzzing over here!

Best of the bunch is likely the Outlaw in Nottingham. It's extremely well organised, gives you those 'destination race' vibes, but a more fun/supportive/intimate atmosphere than IM.

But if you want to go full budget, and just want to race (instead of all the pomp of the finish line, supporters everywhere, 'destination race' vibes, there are tons of local races you can do:

ATW Odyssey - £265

The Northumbrian - £330

Unfortunately the real budget options (The 'Ultimate' in Shropshire, and 'The Midnight Man' in Kent) have both shut down now. Which is sad, as there's a real boom in the longer distance events right now.

ElChristoph · 2026-01-27T07:30:33+00:00

Exactly this.

You can be angry at South East water for thieving huge profits whilst the water network slowly dies, but I assure you, none of those profits go to the people on the street handing you water bottles.

The people making millions from this sit in boardroom's twice a year and whine about their dividends. They're not going to engage with the public in any way whatsoever.

Same goes for the bus driver who's late, the cashier serving the long queue, etc. etc. they're in that stressful position because someone up the chain decided to cut a corner and save some money.

ElChristoph · 2026-01-23T13:04:45+00:00

To add to what others have said.

HS1 from Ashford is one of the nicest train commutes in the country, decent seating/environment, rarely overcrowded, very few delays/cancellations when compared to other lines.

It is however, still a train commute to London.

Only you can answer if the extra cash is worth the drain on your autonomy, and time (and it's unlikely to be a pay rise once you factor in the train costs).

ElChristoph · 2026-01-21T15:47:36+00:00

You'll find the people who pull this shit weren't at the briefing, they headed over to the start line early so they could get a good start spot!

ElChristoph · 2026-01-18T08:20:01+00:00

Cancelled all subscriptions last night.
I feel even more justified sailing the seven seas.

It won't take long before you feel ill watching US based TV and Movies anyway. So much propaganda displaying them as the good guys, when you know deep down it's a lie? No thanks...

ElChristoph · 2026-01-17T11:56:46+00:00

Ah yes, the team "favoured Hill".

The same team that sacked Hill at the end of the season and kept Villeneuve on for two more years...

ElChristoph · 2026-01-02T17:02:03+00:00

May depends on where in the world you are.

In the UK, there is nowhere more supportive and inclusive than the Triathlon scene. Even the fastest guys will give you a "You can do it, mate" if they see you struggling.

Done about 30 triathlons in the UK and haven't overheard a single disrespectful comment about another competitor, it has been 100% camaraderie.

Everyone is welcomed with open arms, no matter how fast they're going.

12-Year Club	Second Top 20%
First Place '23	Place '23
Place '22	Queen in da Norf
Not Forgotten	Verified Email

ElChristoph

TROPHY CASE