Frequently "Axed" Questions

What is the mission statement of LFO?  We don't really have one, but if we did, it would sound like this: "The mission statement of LFO is to be a conduit for information within the Lafayette area distance running & triathlon community.  The primary focus is on notification of upcoming races and posting of race results.  Periodically, race reports, interviews with local athletes of interest, and other features are posted.  The site serves as the host for the three best local races, all expertly produced by Russell Bex - the CajunMan Triathlon (September), the Cajun Country Half Marathon (December), and the Opelousas Rotary Sunrise Duathlon (March)."

Who runs the site?  I do (see below).  Louis Leblanc began the site in 1997 and I have been webmaster since taking his place in late 1999.  Elbridge "Smitty" Smith is the assistant webmaster.  His primary role is cheering for me at races as I stagger in minutes or hours after him, though he graciously fills in when I am out of town.

Ben Hawn post-race, Panama City Beach, 2005.

Why isn't there a forum? I dunno.  I am mulling this one over. When I want to get on a triathlon forum I go to Slowtwitch, the most informative triathlon forum on the web, though not without its irritants.

When will you have the results of the (fill in the blank) race posted? As soon as I can get my hands on them.  The bigger races are typically scored by professionals such as Farrel LeBoeuf, who e-mails me the results the minute he finishes with them.  The smaller races prove the most troublesome.  Many times I have been promised the results of a 50 person 5k, only to be let down.  If  am in a good mood, I'll even key in the results of a hand scored race, though that gets old.  If you want to be sure the results of your race of interest get posted, tell the race director to e-mail them to me.

Is this is a running site or a triathlon site?  What's the deal? It used to be mostly running, with multisport events as a sideline.  But in 2001 I met a girl who did triathlons, and the rest is history.  I became addicted to triathlons.  Part of the appeal was learning how to swim.  Five years later, I am still working on that.  The Cajun Road Runners Club is a good local site that is purely for runners.  To some extent, the site will always reflect my personal, changing interests.

I know of a worthy cause - can you put on a race for me?    No, I don't do that.

Can you help me put on a race? See above.  My tip for you is get with someone who's done it before and pick his brain.

Will you post this merchandise for sale? From time to time I will post notice of a bike, race wheels, whatever, for sale.

Do you take advertising or not?  Sometimes, but usually only if you're a friend.  And then, I typically charge little to nothing.  So, befriend me.

Man, your graphics are so dated - you need to improve the look of this place. You're probably right.  There are quite a few things I don't do well, and presenting things in an aesthetically pleasing way is one of them.  My spreadsheets at work are not much better.  If there are any graphic artists out there who want to help me update the look of the site, let me know. But in the end I am all about function over style.