- Before you get to the starting line, make sure you know the reason you are racing triathlon. Write it down; remember it. when things don't go as planned, this will be your source of hope. As Nietzsche's triathlete second cousin once said, "he who has a why to race a triahlon can bear with almost any how."
1. I race because it's hard.
I once read that runners like to push up against walls - be it speed, endurance, hills, mental barriers, or pain. Yes, in a strange way I do like to push against and beyond my own walls. Each time I race I consider that I have a choice to face these walls with bold courage or timidity.
2. I race for the focus and structure it brings to my training.
I love to train! But without a goal, without a target, my training would lose meaning and importance. Any goal will do - it may not even be a race, it may be rehab or base building, but some focus is crucial for me.
3. I race to be around other racers.
The energy from others is contagious and encouraging. Through this shared experience great friendships have blossomed.
4. I race to be reminded that age really is just a number.
Yeah, I admit I do get a kick out of passing the 20- and 30-somethings. Triathlon is a bit of an equalizer as it rewards the grit and toughness that comes with age.
5. I race for my kids.
I want my kids to know that I know what it's like to put yourself out there, to deal with nerves and butterflies, and to handle uncertainty. I want them to witness how consistent effort can get you to a goal. I want them to see how to race your own race and to do so with joy, gratitude, perspective, humility, and reflection.
Notice that I don't have "fun" listed as a reason I race. It's fun to cross the finish line, and there are some moments of fun and even playfulness along the course, but overall I'm not sure I can honestly say the actual race itself is fun. Yet I'm inexplicably drawn to it. Is this strange? Do others feel this way?
Well, even without fun as a reason, I still have five other meaningful reasons. Thanks, Jeff Matlow, for this reminder. When the body is complaining and the mind is faltering at the next race, I will think back to this list of reasons that I am there. I have my "why" and will bear the "how." I'll simply scrape up my courage and look for the next 20- or 30-something victim to pass :-)
Please share your comments!