Thread: Why did you decide to do a tri?

HI ALL,

I'm a first time poster who has been gleaning lots of triathlon tips from this site for the last few weeks. Thanks to you all for sharing your experiences on line so a newbie like myself can hopefully avoid some pitfalls along the way to my first tri.
I was an average runner 25 years ago in high school who started running again 5 years ago when my daughter asked me to coach her community ed. cross country team. I'm glad she did because it made me realize how NOT in shape I was and that I really missed running. About a year ago I considered doing a tri, but my swim is so weak that I talked myself out of it. After a muscle pull in a fall race forced me to do more cross training and less running I decided that maybe I can improve my swimming enough so that I don't totally embarrass myself(or at least not drown). So I am preparing for a sprint tri in June and will go from there depending on my experience.
This brings me to my title question. Why did YOU decide to do a tri? I'm sure that this isn't a unique thread, but thought that it would be a good one break the ice with. I look forward to your stories and gleaning more tips from experienced tri-athletes. Hopefully I will be able to offer some advice myself sometime in the future.

Thanks for your reply and for being such a regular poster on this site. I've seen the NBC IM coverage too and if that doesn't inspire a person to get moving I don't know what would. There are so many great stories about people who have overcome more than most of us have to face so that they can compete in an event that is almost too hard to comprehend. I've ran 2 marathons and can't imagine starting one after already being out on the course for hours like an IM requires. Any one leg by itself is an accomplishment for most people. Thanks again and good luck in whatever you have planned for 2007.

I think triathlons have a little bit for everyone. The atmosphere of race day will feed your competitive spirit for months afterwords. The social aspect is a mix of a carvnival, a night club and the gym. Lots of pretty people in tight clothing!!!
Seriously, there's something for everyone and the sport allows your personal goals to grow as you become more experienced.

I saw IM hawaii about 20 yrs ago on Wide world of sports i think and thought that would be cool.All I can remember is i think is was Scott vs Allen I guess it was a lifetime goal for me to try a Tri so 2 yrs ago i signed up for a sprint, I cant swim a lick , bike and run is fair to decent I breast stroked 1/2 mile biked 12.5 and ran 3 in my first sprint ran 1 more sprint 1 month later and then stopped training 1 yr hiatus due to new employment and I'm coming back with a vengence unfortunately the weather in CNY w/ 2-3 ft of snow and near sub zero temps have my training slightly impeded but i hired a swim coach and want the podium for my age group within 2 yrs I am presently 40 so the competition will be stiff. my oldest brother Runs tri in the N.C. region and I run them in CNY so i thank him for renewing my interest. I refuse to join a gym to workout so i will wait for the weather to break to continue my endeavor. Good Luck all maybe I'll see you at a 1/2 IM somewhere down the road i know I have Lake placid in my sites in 1 or 2 yrs Good Luck Rhino

I initially started doing tri because a guy at my work was bragging about how good he was. I thought that I had to do it and beat him just to burst his bubble. I started training for a week and did a sprint tri which I did in 1:30
since then I couldnt get enough of it and cant wait for the season to start again. Its just unfortunate that it's such an expensive sport.

Its amazing how many past basketball players take up triathlon. I played until I was 31, then a herniated disc in my back stopped the game. Now triathlon takes all my spare time...

It is always inspiring to hear stories. I could read these stories for hours and not get bored. I did my first spring tri in July and first 1/2 marathon in Sept. I decided to tri after I discovered that I could do a spinning class and run for three miles after that. I certainly look nothing like some of the pictures on this website (5'8", 150 lb female) and still have cellulite. I never competed in anything in high school. I lacked any athletic ability and confidence in that area. Frankly, I didn't understand why anyone would want to run around following a ball, tackling people, or hitting things with sticks. In fact, I avoided gym class as much as I could in high school. Fortunately, I had a gym teacher that believed me when I told her that I couldn't run and that I always had my period when the swim sessions were scheduled. I giggle to recall how I had to participate in special gym classes when I was in elementary school to help develop coordination.

The best thing about completing my first tri is that it gave me confidence and allowed me to practice the discipline that I had developed in studying throughout high school, college, and grad school. I come from a very sedentary family where athletics were never encouraged nor were they discouraged. My children are young but I hope that they will find something athletic that they can compete in and feel good about. One of the greatest things about my newfound athleticism is that it doesn't matter how many people finish ahead of me or behind me. When I crossed that finish line and saw my family cheering for me, there was no better feeling in the world. Your suggetion to have others write a few words on why they began this journey is great. I will check often to read other people's stories. Good luck with your endeavors,

Back of the pack.