I have had the chance ( I would say luxury but I don't think it is) of meeting/spending time with some of the best athletes/coaches in the 'regular' sports, if you will. I have spent time with Johnny Bench, Orlando Pace, Kevin Randleman (NCAA wrestling champion and Ultimate Fighting Challenge Champion), Mark Aker (professional baseball), Kenny Monday (wrestling World Cup and Olympic champion) and many more that people would not recognize their names. I even had the opportunity to coach two athletes that have enjoyed professional careers. I once had the opportunity of working the 1990 National League Championship Series and the World Series as a Media Runner. Before one of the games between the Pirates and the Reds, I had the opportunity of going on the field. Being a college player with every intention of going pro, it was a dream come true to me. It was quickly deflated as Barry Bonds and Eric Davis were talking close to home plate and Eric Davis called me over by yelling, "Hey white boy!" As I pointed to myself in disbelief that he was talking to me, he once again yelled, "Yea you, white boy." I smiled and didn't think much of it and then he yelled, "Where did you park my car? Make sure my car is washed for after the game." He and Barry Bonds preceded to laugh in my direction. What a couple of assholes.
I have been in the sport of triathlon for almost two years. I am, in this sport, unlike any other sport that I played in my life, below average. But, I have never had so much fun in two years as I have had with this sport. I have had the opportunity of meeting some professional triathletes that NEVER act like they are better than you in any way. Within one week, I have had the LUXURY of spending time with Sergio Marques, Olaf Sabatschus, Jonathan Caron, Kimberly Hager and Francois Modave. An Ironman Champion and some others who could very likely have a championship or at least a very high placing in their future. Do you think they treated me like I was a below average triathlete? No way. I also have spent time with upper level AG'ers that have either qualified for Hawaii or are going to this year (ironclm...no pressure Jaylew, Desert Dude, Marisol, etc.) and some excellent coaches that have a ton of knowledge (SAC, Desert Dude) and also a ton of people that are way better than me in this sport (Armored Avenger, Relax2dmax, etc.) Do you think that I have ever felt like I was below average? No way. Not for a second.
Consider me in this sport hook, line and sinker. Thank you to everyone that has helped me enjoy this sport as much as I do and making the first race that I signed up for a blessing instead of a mistake (I was sweating profusely on active.com the first time I ever entered a race). Even though we may disagree on things like religion, politics, who's hot and who's not, 99% of the people on this forum are great people that I would consider my friends. Thank you to slowman for a site like this that enables someone like myself to learn something new every day. I feel honored to participate in a sport that provides me so much pleasure instead of sports like baseball, football and basketball that provide such grief.
Happy training to all and thank you....for everything.
I have been in the sport of triathlon for almost two years. I am, in this sport, unlike any other sport that I played in my life, below average. But, I have never had so much fun in two years as I have had with this sport. I have had the opportunity of meeting some professional triathletes that NEVER act like they are better than you in any way. Within one week, I have had the LUXURY of spending time with Sergio Marques, Olaf Sabatschus, Jonathan Caron, Kimberly Hager and Francois Modave. An Ironman Champion and some others who could very likely have a championship or at least a very high placing in their future. Do you think they treated me like I was a below average triathlete? No way. I also have spent time with upper level AG'ers that have either qualified for Hawaii or are going to this year (ironclm...no pressure Jaylew, Desert Dude, Marisol, etc.) and some excellent coaches that have a ton of knowledge (SAC, Desert Dude) and also a ton of people that are way better than me in this sport (Armored Avenger, Relax2dmax, etc.) Do you think that I have ever felt like I was below average? No way. Not for a second.
Consider me in this sport hook, line and sinker. Thank you to everyone that has helped me enjoy this sport as much as I do and making the first race that I signed up for a blessing instead of a mistake (I was sweating profusely on active.com the first time I ever entered a race). Even though we may disagree on things like religion, politics, who's hot and who's not, 99% of the people on this forum are great people that I would consider my friends. Thank you to slowman for a site like this that enables someone like myself to learn something new every day. I feel honored to participate in a sport that provides me so much pleasure instead of sports like baseball, football and basketball that provide such grief.
Happy training to all and thank you....for everything.