Things that triathlon has taught me - JP Fitness Forums

Kevin Littler · 02-16-2007, 04:42 AM

This week trifuel.com posted an article on the '17 things that triathlon has taught me about life' and thought it would be interesting to hear what others have learnt from swimming, biking and running.

Here are some of the things that I have learnt:

1. A bad day on the bike is still better than a good day in meetings (unless there is free food, then maybe it's a tie).
2. Being lapped in a pool every 5 laps by some 11 year old kid sucks.
3. Hitting the bitumen at 20+miles per hour hurts.
4. My overweight workmates think it's unfair that my lunches are twice as large as theirs, but my waist only three-quarters of theirs (I've offered to show them the 'secret', but so far no takers!).
5. No matter how much food I've eaten on a long ride, I can still come home and clean out the fridge.
6. That no matter what language you speak, no matter what lap you are on, everybody you meet on the run of an Ironman somehow becomes your best friend, even if it is only for the short time you run together.
7. That half the above involved food, which is pretty good, since I think about food more than half the time.

What I'm yet to figure out:
1. Why is a 30 minute conversation with a boring colleague about their tedious existence infinitely more difficult than a 2 hour run. In the rain. While bonking after 90 minutes.
2. Why do others think that triathlon/cycling clothes look funny?
3. Why do I feel abnormal when I have hairy legs?

I look forward to hearing about what the endurance lifestyle has taught you!

FishrCutB8 · 02-16-2007, 08:01 AM

Why do others think that triathlon/cycling clothes look funny?

Because they are....

Ogedei · 02-16-2007, 08:50 PM

No posting the guys in the red...

FishrCutB8 · 02-17-2007, 06:22 AM

1) I got no quit in me.
2) Some people don't get it--that's okay
3) I miss my bike
4) The will to win is important. The will to prepare is essential. (Joe Paterno)
5) I'm tougher than I thought.
6) I'm not a very good swimmer.
7) I have the power to inspire people, just as I have the power to be inspired by people.

emartin10 · 02-19-2007, 12:47 PM

1. Shaved legs just look cooler - they do.
2. When I go to heaven, I'll be riding a bike on a nice summer day. Then I'll jump off and go run.
3. All I want to do is get people involved in this sport, and so many can't get through the first week of training.
4. Like Fish, I'm a lot tougher than I thought.
5. The mind is a VERY powerful tool. Mine got me through my HIM, not my body.
6. I love being active.
7. I hate rest days.
8. There is no better feeling than going to sneak in a workout before meeting friends.
9. A good massage trumps almost anything but sex.

E

finboy · 02-19-2007, 01:30 PM

1. A lot of great people do triathlons - fun to hang out with for the most part.
2. I'm not as tough as I thought!

3. But I am tougher than some people.

4. I, too, am not a very good swimmer

ODB · 02-19-2007, 01:51 PM

1. In a triathlon, being a good swimmer is fleeting.
2. It's important to practice tying your shoes.
3. Having "jelly legs" is not as funny as it sounds.
4. No matter what, there is always someone older, younger, bigger or smaller that will pass you.
5. Passing someone older, younger, bigger or smaller than you feels good.

FishrCutB8 · 02-20-2007, 07:41 AM

The mind is a VERY powerful tool. Mine got me through my HIM, not my body.

Good one!!!

caffer · 02-20-2007, 08:20 PM

1. It is really easy to drop weight while training for one.
2. People look at you like you are crazy when you tell them you are doing one.
3. I look forward to my training time even though it may be on a bike on a trainer
3. People pee in the lake during the race.....

rgv · 02-21-2007, 07:29 AM

haven't actually done it yet but what i've noticed in the last three months of training so far:

1. you will eat everything in sight and even a few things that aren't.
2. it is incredibly hard to maintain weight while training (this one blew me away actually).
3. blisters are war wounds until they become a permanent callous.
4. your coworkers will never understand why you don't join them for lunch at pizza hut.
5. lastly, it is impossible to explain why you are doing this to anyone.

The conversation one is definitely a biggie. I just can't find the energy to sit through someone's explanation of why they need to have their tires re-aligned because they hit a speed bump at 40mph that weekend.

FishrCutB8 · 02-21-2007, 07:55 AM

"Because I have to" is the best explanation I've given--it precludes the need for further conversation. People who don't get it shut up, and those who do get it need no further explanation.

rgv · 02-21-2007, 08:02 AM

Fish you're from the middle of PA!? are you by chance doing a race towards the end of may?

Ogedei · 02-21-2007, 08:05 AM

The journey is at least as important as the destination.

FishrCutB8 · 02-21-2007, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgv

Fish you're from the middle of PA!? are you by chance doing a race towards the end of may?

Got the Nerve, if I get a bike...

rgv · 02-21-2007, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishrCutB8

Got the Nerve, if I get a bike...

oh wow, awesome. I'm from west chester PA and was planning on doing the same one. ironically enough, I also need a bike.

FishrCutB8 · 02-21-2007, 08:59 AM

It's very well run, good course, challenging.

rgv · 02-21-2007, 12:26 PM

thats awesome, if you do run the race we should get together.

FishrCutB8 · 02-21-2007, 01:21 PM

Done and done! BTW--have you checked out www.beginnertriathlete.com? Good info, good people, fwiw...