this post was submitted on 04 Jul 2023
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Showerthoughts

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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.

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[–] LachlanUnchained@lemmyunchained.net 30 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (11 children)

While hippos are known for their speed both on land and in water, they would face insurmountable difficulties during a the biking portion.

Hippos have short, stout legs relative to their bulky body size. Even if we entertain the hypothetical scenario of a hippo magically being able to ride a bike, these short legs would severely restrict their pedaling efficiency.

Their weight, coupled with the slow biking speed resulting from their short legs, would most likely cause any lead from the swimming and running stages to dissipate rapidly.

Additionally, despite their intimidating size and strong jaws, hippos are not carnivorous by nature, but rather herbivores with a diet primarily composed of grasses. While they can be aggressive if they perceive a threat, they don't typically target humans as food. Therefore, the scenario of a hippo eating a competitor during a the other stages is extremely improbable.

All things considered, a relatively fit human athlete would still have a considerable edge in a triathlon competition against a hippo.

[–] Luovahulluus@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

While hippoes are surprisingly agile in water and surprisingly fast runners, they are not known for their endurance.

Hippoes would probably have an advantage while swimming due to a body adapted to water.

Hippoes don't sweat and have a very thick skin, so they would overheat quickly when running. The same thing applies to cycling, but with a bike designed for their body, I'd think they'll do better cycling than running. Their hind legs are about 70cm long (according to ChatGPT), so not that short. Shorter crank arms are required. The hind legs are super strong, so that would be a significant advantage, especially when the bike is holding their body weight.

[–] LachlanUnchained@lemmyunchained.net 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Maybe the bicycle could be a treadmill bike, with some form of water tank adapted, to keep them cool.

[–] Aggravationstation@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Is that AI generated or do you have a hippo and a hippo's bike rig

[–] LachlanUnchained@lemmyunchained.net 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Let’s leave it to the imagination haha

I'm imagining that you are that hippo and are browsing Lemmy on your phone (phablet, obvs) whilst using your exercise bike

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