So, just curious, How many of you out there are Triathletes?
Hi, My name is @/!, and I’ve been a triathlete for 4 years, but I haven’t done a tri in 7 monthes.
Yup, I’m a triathlete:
Can I legitimately call myself a triathlete if I have a hamstring injury and can’t run right now? (I’m not entirely joking; when you get depressed over an injury, you start asking yourself questions like that.)
I can’t say that I consider myself to be good enough (or train enough) to call myself a “triathlete”. I think I have more dues to pay before I can use that term to describe myself. I consider myself a person that really enjoys the sport of triathlon. It’s a fine distinction, but a valid one, I think (for me, at least). I’m scheduled to do my first Half IM this fall. Maybe after that I will feel that I’ve earned the right to call myself a “triathlete”. However, let it be clear that I have no problem with anyone else using the term to describe him/herself.
Not at all. I’m probably a recreational triathlete, if that makes sense? But I like the sport so much that I’m involved in and using way to much time in our team and putting up races here in “Ultima Thule” and of course hanging around here.
Two hours to our release party for our team clothes. Better get in character.
The answers to this post show what is wrong with our sport. Anyone who signs up for a triathlon, regardless of distance, is a triathlete.
I’ve never been involved in a sport where elitism and looking down on others because they don’t do “real” distances, “real” workout hours, etc is so rampant. I bet we scare off more newbies this way than any other. No wonder the Danskin races are so popular – at least the women in our sport don’t seem to cast judgement so quickly.
Never done an Ironman but want to wear the shirt? Go ahead. I’ve never played football for the Packers, either, but I’ll wear the jersey. Are you a slow biker but love Litespeed’s bikes? If you can afford it, go for it! I say live it up and enjoy it!!
Triathlon racing and training should be fun!! Not a constant gnashing of teeth over whether you are a “real” triathlete. Real life is much too serious to take your triathlon “hobby” that seriously>
Sorry – I don’t mean any disrespect to anyone – just felt like venting. This topic has a tendency to set me off.
David (Triathlete)
Anyone who signs up for a triathlon, regardless of distance, is a triathlete.
I think that sums it up.
I became a triathlete when I ran down the beach and splashed into that lake at my first sprint race in July 1991.
Happy trails,
Chris