I've pondered this topic of when you can call yourself a triathlete since i began in the sport. In the beginning my training was low, my technique poor, my times slow, and as a result I didnt like calling myself a triathlete. If someone asked, i'd say, "I do triathlons" not that "I am a triathlete." And again, i think its different for everyone.
Are you a triathlete after you've done your first sprint distance race? What if you never plan on racing again? What if you train daily in swimming biking and running, but never race a triathlon....you just train in those 3 sports cause you like to crosstrain are you a triathlete?
For me, i didnt eventually call myself a triathlete until i considered my training tough, my technique better and my times a little faster. I guess the issue for me was the reactions i'd get when people heard i did triathlons. In general, people still get really amazed that im a triathlete and always have something to say like "oh that sounds hard", "i could never do that," "you must be in good shape," etc. I didnt define myself as a triathlete, cause i wasnt that committed to it.
Im curious, when did others on this forum define themselves as a triathlete.
Want: 58cm Cervelo Soloist. PM me if you have one to sell
Vintage Cervelo: A Resource
Are you a triathlete after you've done your first sprint distance race? What if you never plan on racing again? What if you train daily in swimming biking and running, but never race a triathlon....you just train in those 3 sports cause you like to crosstrain are you a triathlete?
For me, i didnt eventually call myself a triathlete until i considered my training tough, my technique better and my times a little faster. I guess the issue for me was the reactions i'd get when people heard i did triathlons. In general, people still get really amazed that im a triathlete and always have something to say like "oh that sounds hard", "i could never do that," "you must be in good shape," etc. I didnt define myself as a triathlete, cause i wasnt that committed to it.
Im curious, when did others on this forum define themselves as a triathlete.
Want: 58cm Cervelo Soloist. PM me if you have one to sell
Vintage Cervelo: A Resource