Originally Posted by
rpeterson
As a triathlete myself I get really annoyed by a lot of the participants. You know, the people who want to look like they're doing something active but don't really train, then brag that they finished a triathlon. The 13 hour Ironman finishers are the worst because they have a big tattoo and wear a finishers shirt everywhere. I see them once or twice a week at the pool, and maybe running laps around the park telling everyone about their last Ironman finish. I also see them at the back of the pack at local Olympic distance races. However unlike cycling this is what makes up the bulk of triathletes, people who aren't trying to win races or make it pro, just have a good time and maybe have something to tell the coworkers about Monday.
I have real mixed feelings about the boom in the number of people doing IM races. I did shorter triathlons for years and gradually did longer races until I felt like I could really "race" at that distance. Not saying I was a pro or anything like that, but I did qualify for Hawaii in my age group (at the time 26-30) and then raced in Kona 8 weeks after my qualifying IM in Canada. So, I guess I feel like I really earned it and I do get annoyed when someone who makes much less of an effort and just wants to finish ends up riding a slow bike ride and walking half of the marathon and then brags about being an Ironman. I'm glad for them on one level, but on another I think people like that undermine the essence of what the event is (or was) supposed to be.
Originally Posted by
david58
Being recently reunited with cycling, and peripherally attached to a college tri club (I make them breakfast on Sunday mornings sometimes, and take pics at races)......
I have found the local "hardcore" cyclists (not talking racers here, just the hardcore members of local clubs) to be insufferable. Whether equipment, the righteousness of cycling, or the evilness of all automobile drivers, they manage to turn me off and I have NO plans to join a local club.
On the other hand, the college kids and adults that I know that are doing tri's are welcoming, are enthused that you are interested, and in the case of the college kids are really excited that someone their dad's age (actually older) is interested in trying a tri. I actually went to the collegiate nationals this past spring, and had a blast - both watching the ten kids I knew and chatting with the other racers and spectators there.
Personally, my interest in tri is pointed toward getting my butt back in the pool (used to swim a mile a day before work), running a bit, and having an excuse to be fit. Prepping for a sprint or olympic is a great motivation for me to eat right, exercise beyond just commuting, and I like the idea of competing for me and not looking like I don't belong there.
I'm sure there are jerks in all competitive sports (cycling, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, mountain climbing....), just like the general population. And when you bump into folks at work that don't understand what a criterium is, just smile inside. And invite the trijerk in the office for a bike ride (or, if you do tri's, invite the bikejerk for a swim or run....).
Do it for YOU.
Good post and nice to hear.