Going the Distance, My Decision to Take on the Triathlete Lifestyle

Are you tired of being average? Tired of the same old workout routine that's been leaving you feeling unfulfilled? Want to be part of an exclusive club where people say things like "I don't know how you do it" and "I could never do that"? Then it's time to join the triathlete cult. First, let's define what a triathlete is. A triathlete is a masochist who enjoys swimming, biking, and running in succession, often in the same day. That's right, you get to suffer three times the amount of pain in one day. What's not to love?

It's not just about pain and suffering, it's also about feeling like a superhero. Imagine the feeling of crossing that finish line after hours of training and pushing yourself to the limit. The sense of accomplishment is unlike anything else. And the best part? You get to do it all over again next weekend. But the true beauty of triathlons lies in the community. Triathletes are a unique breed, and when you join the club, you'll be part of a group of people who understand your pain and suffering. They'll be the ones cheering you on during the race and the ones who will understand when you say "I'm too sore to move."

In reality, though, I was searching for a way to challenge myself and find a new sense of purpose, and that's when I discovered the world of triathlons. I was immediately drawn to the sport for its physical challenges, but it was the great deal of training and dedication required to become a triathlete that really peaked my interest. You see, triathletes are a special kind of athlete. They are not content with just running, biking, or swimming. Oh no, they want it all. And to get it all, they have to train and dedicate themselves in a way that most of us mere mortals can only dream of.

Training for a triathlon requires discipline, focus, and a willingness to suffer. It means waking up early for a swim before work, squeezing in a bike ride during lunch, and then running until your legs feel like Jell-O. It means sacrificing social events, saying no to that extra glass of wine, and missing out on that extra hour of sleep. But, let me tell you, it's all worth it when you cross that finish line.

The dedication required to be a triathlete is not just limited to the physical aspect of training. It also encompasses the mental aspect. Triathletes have to be mentally tough. They have to be able to push through the pain and keep going when their body is telling them to stop. They have to be able to block out the negative thoughts and focus on the task at hand. It's not just about being in shape, it's about being in the right mindset. It’s one of the ultimate battles of the mind. It's a constant push and pull between wanting to quit and knowing you can push through. For me, I love finding those techniques to conquer this mental battle. One of my favorite military sayings describes it best, embrace the suck. Triathlons are hard, and that's what makes them so rewarding. I embrace the struggle, and let it motivate me to push through. I try not to let negative thoughts take over. The mind can be a powerful tool, but it can also be your worst enemy. Allowing negative thoughts to creep into your head can be a recipe to ruin your race. I’ve learned to love the pain. We’ve all heard of the saying, pain is just weakness leaving the body. Of course it’s cheesy, but it is a sign that you're working hard. By embracing the pain, I can let it push me to the finish line. Finally, I constantly remind myself why I started. When the going gets tough, I try to remember why I started competing in triathlons in the first place, it allows me to keep my end goal in mind.

But, let's not forget the fun aspect of triathlons. It's not all about the suffering, there's also the camaraderie and the sense of accomplishment. When training for a triathlon, the journey can be a solitary one. Hours spent swimming, biking, and running can take their toll on the body, and the mental fortitude required to push through the pain is immense. But when race day finally arrives, the sense of unity among competitors is palpable. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time triathlete, the nerves and excitement are the same. And as the starting gun fires, the camaraderie among competitors becomes even more evident as they push themselves to the limit, side by side. I have found that the sport provides a sense of camaraderie and community that I had been missing since leaving the military. The shared experience of pushing yourself to the brink, both physically and mentally, creates a deep understanding and appreciation for one another that is hard to replicate. It is a bond that is built through shared struggles and triumphs, and one that is truly special and unbreakable.

The mere thought of swimming, biking, and running for miles on end can make even the most seasoned athlete break out in a sweat. But for those who have the courage to take on the challenge, the sense of accomplishment that comes from pushing yourself to the limit and crossing the finish line is second to none. However, for me, it’s not just about crossing the finish line, it's about the personal growth and development that occurs during the training process. Setting a goal, developing a plan, and putting in the work to achieve it is a process that can be applied to all areas of life. And when you finally cross that finish line, the sense of accomplishment is not just about the race, but about the progress and growth you've made as an individual.

As a combat veteran, in a special operations unit, I had always been in good shape, but I wanted to push myself to new limits. I was looking for a way to channel the same sense of discipline and focus that I had developed during my time in the military, and I knew that triathlons would provide that for me. With this mindset I made the crazy decision to compete in Ironman races. An Ironman race is the ultimate triathlon challenge. It's like the Mount Everest of endurance events, and just like climbing Mount Everest, it requires months of preparation, mental fortitude, and a willingness to push yourself to the limit. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

First and foremost, there's the distance. A full Ironman race consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. That's like swimming the English Channel, biking from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and running a marathon, all in the same day. Talk about a workout! Then there's the time limit. Athletes have 17 hours to complete the race, which means you have to move quickly and efficiently. It's not just about finishing, but finishing within the time limit. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of an Ironman race is the mental game, it's the mental toughness that separates the Ironman finishers from the Ironman quitters.

An Ironman race is like a buffet of pain. There's the swimming portion, which is similar to a giant pool party where everyone is trying to drown each other. Then there's the biking portion, where you're basically just trying to avoid getting hit by others while your legs feel like they're made of Jell-O. And finally, there's the running portion, where your feet feel like they're on fire and your lungs feel like they're about to explode. However, I love all of it. I love the feeling of pushing my body to its limits and coming out victorious on the other side. And I hope that by competing in Ironman races, I can inspire others to do the same.

So, if you're looking for a new challenge in your life, I highly recommend giving Ironman a try. It may be painful, but trust me, the sense of accomplishment you'll feel at the end will be worth it. And who knows, you may just find that you love the buffet of pain as much as I do. Just don't forget to train properly and stay healthy, otherwise, you'll end up being the buffet of pain. So go ahead, take the plunge with me (literally) and join the triathlete cult. Your average days are behind you.