What is it with this whole Triathlon thing?!
For most of my adult life, my only exposure to this sport was once catching a weekend TV show, covering the grueling Ironman competition in Hawaii. I remember thinking as I wolfed down my Little Debbie Zebra Cakes and Diet Coke that these people were frickin crazy!
That was then; this is now.
In 2000, there were 21,341 members of USA Triathlon, the ruling body for the sport and what you join in order to do Triathlon events. Today there are well over 100,000 members. The sport has grown by ordinary people like me (and you) becoming interested.
You guessed it! I gave up the Zebra Cakes, and decided to start running. Then I was given a bike, and began cycling. I eventually taught myself how to swim at the local YMCA pool, and began doing triathlons. Oh yeah, and I was over 40 years old when all this started.
So, the bottom line is this: If a middle-aged man addicted to Zebra Cakes who doesn’t own a bike or know how to swim can do a Triathlon, so can you! (Hey, if she did it, you can.)
Every person has their reasons for wanting to. From my own experience, there are 5 reasons why you’ll be glad you did a Triathlon:
Reason #1: It’s the difference between existing and truly living.
Reason #2: You’ll be healthy and fit.
Reason #3: Triathletes are the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Reason #4: Triathlons are fun… really!
Reason #5: An abundance of all new sights, sounds & experiences.
I’m over 40 years old, but I don’t give up easily. It wasn’t too long ago that I was exploring the idea of doing my first triathlon. If I can do it, you can too! I’m proof that with a little determination and training, you can get a great deal of fulfillment participating in marathons, triathlons… even ultramarathons.
