It is a bummer that someone gets to the point that they want to leave the sport … but I can relate. I got there in 2001. I had been running a triathlon club at Nike since day one of my introduction to triathlons. I raced approximately 35 triathlons of every distance and raced in four Ironman’s (Canada x2, Hawaii, Florida). I wouldn’t give up anything for those experiences, but I just reached the point (after Canada the second time in 2001) that it was time to move on. Why?
Well, as mentioned, it takes a huge amount of time to train and to train well if you want to improve. I didn’t have it in me to kick that up again in 2003 when I signed up for Canada again. I eventually dropped out about 3 months before the race. I was battling some injuries that just weren’t letting me get in the training, but I also knew that my heart was not in it.
Many of my friends continue to race … mostly ironman. Honestly, they all seem to be unhappy. Truly. I wonder why they do it. They are always tired and they are always complaining about the training, yet they continue to sign up for one or two or even three Ironman’s a year. I think in many way’s it becomes addictive. You become afraid to lose that fitness.
These day’s I still follow tri’s (obviously…I’m on here), but I haven’t been to one in 3 years. I play golf a lot these day’s. I lift 3 day’s a week in the gym and I am trying to get my running going again (still having some nagging injuries). When I get on the bike, I enjoy it and same with the pool. BUT - I think the biggest difference is that I do it all now if and when I want to, not because I have too. If I’m racing, I have to train - especially for Ironman.
Will I ever race again? Well, never say never. I toy with the idea of some sprints and olympics … even some off-road stuff. Ironman? I don’t know. I miss that level of endurance fitness, but not at the sake of giving up so much time.
I applaud those who continue to love this sport and race. But I also respect those that move on. I have made some really, really cool friendships in this sport (Hey Fleck!), but I know those friendships will continue whether I race or not. The sport is changing … some things better, but many things worse - overcrowded races, WTC and USAT going at it, USAT in general, more and more drugs or questions of drugs, higher and higher fee’s, more accidents … growing pains I guess. I hope we can figure it all out and make it all work. Overall it’s a kick ass sport and I still recommend it to anyone and everyone to try it out.
Dennis
