Give it a Tri!

            I feel like all too often, people come up with excuses of why not to try a triathlon.  If you don’t like to swim, bike, or run, then I understand.  It’s a valid reason because I don’t see how you would enjoy it if you don’t like any of the three disciplines.  However, thinking that you are too old, don’t have enough time to train, don’t consider yourself an athlete, or think that you can’t because you don’t have the fancy gear– these are poor excuses.

Here are reasons why you SHOULD though:

-      Health benefits

-       De-stresser – enjoy the endorphins!
-       For the personal challenge
-       Sense of accomplishment
-       Meet new people
-       Bragging rights
-       Variety of training
-       To see what you are truly capable of
-       It’s for everyone, of every age and every ability level
-       It’s fun!

You don’t have to know everything or to train like a pro before ever doing your first triathlon.  The most important thing is just to do it, to experience it.  My first triathlon was a sprint.  I ran, biked, and swam a couple days per week.  I sidestroked the entire swim.  In fact, I had never worn goggles at that point in my life.  I borrowed a road bike after “training” on my one-speed.  And I ran a few days a week.  I basically had no idea what I was doing.  AND IT WAS OKAY.  The race was at the beginning of August, and I used the months of summer beforehand to prepare for it.  My friend, on the other hand, signed up two weeks beforehand and started training then.  She kicked my butt.  AND IT WAS OKAY.  It was okay because we had a blast.  It was super tough and exhausting, but it was rewarding and fun!  That’s what it is all about!

First Tri Ever - with my favorite girls from college!

            You don’t need to be a young kid.  You don’t need to be a former swimmer or cross country runner.  You don’t need expensive equipment.  (You’ll see even mountain bikes out on the course, sometimes cruisers).  You can spend as much or as little time training as you’d like, and you can take it as seriously as you’d like or just have fun with it.  So when you’re making your summer plans, throw a race into the mix.  Just a sprint, or maybe even a super-sprint.  Recruit a friend to do it with you.  And after you’ve crossed that finish line, you won’t have regretted it.  Be prepared though – you might have so much fun you’ll want to do it again ;)

            Need some gear?  If you’re in the Northwoods area, check out Mel’s Trading Post in downtown Rhinelander, a Trek retailer!  Cycling or triathlon apparel?  Check out Funkier apparel!  Need an adjustment?  Head to Timber Land Chiropractic.  Need a good recovery drink for after a hard day of training?  Reward yourself with some ice-cold chocolate milk!