Hi everyone! Thanks a lot of accepting my request to join. Happy to be here.
My name is Bart, I am 27 years old and for the past 6 months I started to take my triahtlon training more serious. Let’s see what my body can achieve.
Last Sunday I attended my local event here in the east of the Netherlands. Had a great day with sunny but cold weather. Very happy with my time.
The reason I joined here today is because I try to find more likeminded people. Tried getting all my friends to do a triathlon, but no success. So yea, hi…
I have even filmed my event last Sunday. If you enjoy a good race report slammed together by a beginner video editor, this is exactly for you 
You can check it here on Youtube if you want.
I look forward to reading what everyone of you is up to these days. And what plans you have for winter.
Cheers,
Bart
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From one Bart to another, welcome.
Bart
Welcome. At 27, you should have lots of potential ahead of you.
I would be interested in what the triathlon scene is like where you are. I live outside of Las Vegas, which means it’s hot, really hot, 3-4 months a year, and very dry. There are only a couple of locations close to me that can host the swim portion, so I often travel to attend different events.
Thanks Bart! Lovely name. Do you also refer to The Simpsons to clarify your name instead of repeating it?
Thanks a lot! I hope so, not being 17 when finding out a passion for endurance sports is scary sometimes… haha
And interesting question! I guess triathlon scenes can differ a lot based on climate and location! I will make a video about the scene here in the future. But essentially winters are too cold for events so there is a clear season. It starts in spring and ends roughly in September. In winter people tend to grind on indoor trainers or go out on mountainbikes. For events I don’t have to travel too far. The Netherlands is really densely populated and so are events. Over the past year I could go by bike to 2 triathlon events in my city. I travelled by car once for 45 minutes and once for 1h15 minutes. But there are closer events but the were sold out.
And next to triathlon events I can attend a lot of running events. And there is a winter triathlon event in January where they replace swimming with ice skating!!
I really enjoyed your story and video; it’s great that you have all these race opportunities in NL. Here in Italy the weather for triathlon is possibly better, but going to races often requires driving a lot. I’m twice your age, triathlete since 1994
Hi I’m Bart
Mark?
No, Bart.
Barb? That’s a strange name.
No, Bart. Like Bart Simpson.
Who?
-_- You’ve never the The Simpsons?
Ohhhhh!
I was almost 8 years older than you when I started with endurance sports. I was never particularly talented either, so it’s a mental struggle doing something I enjoy but something I’m not particularly good at especially since I have a competitive personality.
I think it’s great you’re getting into it 
Your video was great, fun, and give me a shot of inspiration to keep going.
I think I have all of you beat. Only started triathlon four years ago, after I turned 51. Already finished one FIM and two HIM.
And TriBart, I can totally relate. I should absolutely not being doing triathlon. I am completely the wrong build. I’m not even very good at mediocrity. Last HIM I did just a couple weeks ago I finished 35th in age group!
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Wow that’s incredible - but you finished, and that’s what’s so great. It gives me a huge boost to hear your story Jen, thank you 
I used to think I have to be fast to do triathlon, but I’m trying to convince myself I just need to be fast enough.
It’s hard. I’m naturally a very competitive person. And when I was younger, I was competitive in the things I did. But now I have to be OK with watching just about everybody pass me, and being OK with any time under the cut off.