Why I Tri

It’s been 2 months since IMLP.  I’ve recovered from my race and have made numerous attempts to weave aspects other than training and triathlon into my life.  I’ve tried video gaming. I’ve tried reading.  The amount of garbage on TV sickens me!   I’ve even mastered Angry Birds.  I’m all caught up with the stack of magazines in the corner and now I suck at drinking! These are all things that used to occupy my time.  I’ve even tried taking up fishing.   It’s been a fight but I’ve come to the realization that...

 in my leisure time, that is every ounce that I can squeeze out of every day, there is currently nothing I would rather do than train to race.

“Now hold on!” you say!  “There’s a big difference between a little exercise to stay fit and a 15-20 hr/wk training regimen to prepare for an Ironman!” You’re right and to that, I have no argument. 

While I still struggle with the “why Ironman” question, one thing I do understand is that athletics have been a major part of my upbringing and a source of enjoyment for nearly my whole life.  Whether it was competitive swimming since age 6, Sports School every Summer, 6am practices in high school or the camaraderie of riding the team bus to a football game, those experiences all contributed to who I am today.

And then it all came to a screeching halt.  I went away to college, got lazy and gained a bunch of weight.  I ate like crap, I drank and I smoked.  I was unhealthy, out of shape and miserable.

Luckily, before the slope got too slippery, I graduated and started to run.  In the beginning, I was running from my former self.  The lazy, alcoholic, college kid.  The average Joe that didn’t know whether he was coming or going, nor cared for that matter.  I was running towards something better.  I was running to get healthy and to return to an active lifestyle that has been always been a huge part of who I am.

So now, it’s been 10 years.  I’m still at it, but today I train and race for the sense of achievement and reward that comes from working hard towards a goal.  So far, I’ve found this sense of enjoyment comes to me most easily through sport. 

And that is why, I Tri.