Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Why Tri? Why now?

I don't think that people are born triathletes. I think that for most people something happens that changes their perspective on life, or inspires them, or challenges them. For many it is watching the Ironman championships on TV (anyone who isn't inspired by that needs to have their head examined). For some it is a personal tragedy, or health problem. And some people have always looked for a new challenge and landed themselves in the world of triathlon. Why do you tri?

For me, I had always thought about it because of my background in swimming and a new interest in running and biking. But there was definitely something that pushed me into the sport head first. A couple of months ago I went through a break up that really shook me up. I realized that someone that I thought that I knew and loved and trusted was actually a very sick and deceitful person. At that point I knew that there were two things that I could do. I could lay in bed and be depressed and wonder how I could learn to trust people again, or I could go out there and kick some ass. I could meet some people that push themselves to be the best they can be; that look for the best in others; that believe in the power of the human spirit; that get satisfaction out of seeing their friends and competitors succeed; that I can be proud of. I could learn to see the best in myself; to think positively; to never give up; to set goals and not back down; to always see the best in everyone.

So far this has been such a great experience for me. I have met some really wonderful people and have gained a lot of confidence in myself. I can't wait to see what else the summer has to bring.

9 comments:

Rachel said...

Great post. I tri because it keeps me balanced and clears my head. It makes me feel centered and confident, even when nothing else seems to be going my way. It makes me feel strong and like I can leap over mountains in a single bound. (Sorry. I just saw X-Men.)

Trisaratops said...

Great post! Hey, I was at the GCT training day too--probably stood right next to you or something! :) Welcome to blog-land!

Papa Louie said...

I think we were all born and raised as triathletes. Remember as a kid; we swam in the pool all day getting sunburned or purple lips from the cold water, biking up and down the neighborhood and in the park with family and friends, and running up and down the street playing freeze tag, and hide & seek? See, we did all 3 as kids for fun. And as a big kid we do it for sanity and health and some fun.

Unknown said...

Why Tri? Great post! I agree, watching the IM on TV is truly inspiring. Then somehow that inspiration posses me and soon I find myself on a long ass bike ride. Keep it up and have a great season and keep blogging!

Janet Edwards said...

Funny, I was just trying to explain it to a friend over the weekend who just could not grasp why we would put ourselves through such demanding exercise. I train to stay in shape, remain focused, clear stress, & my health. I truly appreciate seeing results, going out of my comfort zone and trying different things with new people and enjoying all the new experiences and new friends along the way!

qcmier said...

Thanks for sharing!!!

Trifrog said...

Catching up on blogs and saw that you had one. You have written a lot in a short time that I could make a dozen comments to, but this post touched my heart. It is refreshing to here from the soul of the 'newbie' and be taken back again to remember what it was like and encouraged to have that much fun with it again myself.

Thanks for opening youself up and not being afraid to get out there and try something new. Nice meeting you yesterday, too.

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