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2005-09-07 5:03 PM

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Subject: When do you become a triathlete?
I was at a wedding this weekend, and the girl I'm seeing kept on telling people I was a triathlete, to which I would correct her that I was a triathlete in training. We then started to debate when you become and can refer yourself as a triathlete.

Her point:
If you spend 15-30 hours a week in the gym/pool/race track, you can consider yourself a triathlete because you are working hard in all 3 discipline.

My point:
You only become a triathlete when you complete 1 race. Like a pilot, you can read books, but until you fly a plane your not a pilot.

So what is it? (the "loser" buys lunch.... am I'm hungry!!!)


2005-09-07 5:06 PM
in reply to: #242288

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Champion
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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?

I agree with you.  Until you sign on the dotted line, you're not officially a triathlete.  Which is not to disparage those who haven't completed a race quite yet.

One of my most favorite quotes (but I can't remember who said it): The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry form.

2005-09-07 5:19 PM
in reply to: #242288

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Expert
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Flower Mound, TX
Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
I think most people would agree that you should complete a triathlon before calling yourself a triathlete.   Ironically, however, the training is what defines the lifestyle and is often more difficult than the race itself.

-David
2005-09-07 5:40 PM
in reply to: #242288

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Champion
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Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
When you put the race bib# on and finish...than you are a Triathlete.
2005-09-07 6:13 PM
in reply to: #242310

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2005-09-07 6:18 PM
in reply to: #242324

Elite
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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?

This reminds me of a thread from a few months ago. I believe it was Triple Threat (sorry if I'm wrong) That said, are we (weekend warriors) really triathletes or just people who do triathlons? I play hockey but wouldn't consider myself a hockey player. I tell people I do triathlons. If they want to call me a triathlete, I'm not going to correct them

just something to think about



2005-09-07 6:34 PM
in reply to: #242288

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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
My second season is winding down, but I think you can call yourself a triathlete if you have a race marked on the calendar and are training for it.

In the end, it probably has everything to do with when you cross the line, mentally, from training to finish a race to swimming, biking and running because that is what you do. The races only serve to keep your training honest.
2005-09-07 6:38 PM
in reply to: #242288

Champion
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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
Kinda like the question "are you a runner or a jogger"?
2005-09-07 6:39 PM
in reply to: #242288

Master
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Virginia Beach, VA
Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
I've completed 4 tri's and still have trouble calling myself a triathlete. I usually describe myself as a runner that does triathlons, but that's just me.
2005-09-07 6:46 PM
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2005-09-07 7:01 PM
in reply to: #242327

Pro
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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
madcow - 2005-09-07 4:18 PM

This reminds me of a thread from a few months ago. I believe it was Triple Threat (sorry if I'm wrong) That said, are we (weekend warriors) really triathletes or just people who do triathlons? I play hockey but wouldn't consider myself a hockey player. I tell people I do triathlons. If they want to call me a triathlete, I'm not going to correct them

just something to think about



Yeah but you can't play hockey against the pros however you can race a triathlon against the pros. I don't usually tell people that I am a triathlete, but I do call myself that when I visit the doctor, the podiatrist, etc.

Jen


2005-09-07 7:06 PM
in reply to: #242288

Master
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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
Bummer...I won't be a triathlete until next spring. I just started training in July and have a long way to go!
2005-09-07 7:07 PM
in reply to: #242339

Expert
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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?

PTinVA - 2005-09-07 7:39 PM I've completed 4 tri's and still have trouble calling myself a triathlete. I usually describe myself as a runner that does triathlons, but that's just me.

I'm the opposite.  I'm a triathlete that runs a little.

2005-09-07 7:11 PM
in reply to: #242288

Master
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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
Triathlon 101 by John Mora has a section with the unwritten rules of the sport, including the T-shirt rule(if you don't finish the race you can't wear the shirt). One of these "rules" is the "license to call yourself a triathlete rule." The rules stipulates you must compete in one triathlon a year in order to refer to yourself as a triathlete (of course if your friends can refer to as whatever they see fit since they are not bound by the rule). No matter how much swimming, running, and biking you do in training you must prove your mettle on the race course once every 365 days to retain that license. There is one notable exception to this rule "the lifetime Ironman license" which states that anyone who completes an Iron distance triathlon you are here by awarded the right to call yourself an triathlete even if you never get off the couch again.

2005-09-07 7:19 PM
in reply to: #242288

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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
Thanx everyone, I think I'm going to go for a long run, and then maybe go to the local steak house. Hey, she's paying, so I better order the biggest meal, yhea lots of protein... steak and lobster...ahhh.

(Ah... remember I said I was seeing this girl... that might end shortly, maybe I should just order water...)
2005-09-07 7:26 PM
in reply to: #242350

Coach
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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
jeng - 2005-09-07 7:01 PM
madcow - 2005-09-07 4:18 PM

This reminds me of a thread from a few months ago. I believe it was Triple Threat (sorry if I'm wrong) That said, are we (weekend warriors) really triathletes or just people who do triathlons? I play hockey but wouldn't consider myself a hockey player. I tell people I do triathlons. If they want to call me a triathlete, I'm not going to correct them

just something to think about

Yeah but you can't play hockey against the pros however you can race a triathlon against the pros. I don't usually tell people that I am a triathlete, but I do call myself that when I visit the doctor, the podiatrist, etc. Jen

Very True. Triathlon is among the few sports that you can go head to head with the pros and even beat them. (IMLP 2005 comes to my mind).  As for me… I like to think I am a triathlete on the making



2005-09-07 7:32 PM
in reply to: #242353

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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
southwestmba - 2005-09-07 7:11 PM

Triathlon 101 by John Mora has a section with the unwritten rules of the sport, including the T-shirt rule(if you don't finish the race you can't wear the shirt). One of these "rules" is the "license to call yourself a triathlete rule." The rules stipulates you must compete in one triathlon a year in order to refer to yourself as a triathlete (of course if your friends can refer to as whatever they see fit since they are not bound by the rule). No matter how much swimming, running, and biking you do in training you must prove your mettle on the race course once every 365 days to retain that license. There is one notable exception to this rule "the lifetime Ironman license" which states that anyone who completes an Iron distance triathlon you are here by awarded the right to call yourself an triathlete even if you never get off the couch again.



And also the one unwritten rule that you do not wear Ironman branded hats or shirts until you finish an iron distance tri... does that go for fuel belts too? Or i presume it's just hats and shirts. *sigh* my IM cap is still hanging on my wall, waiting for another 6 weeks
2005-09-07 7:43 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?

southwestmba - 2005-09-07 8:11 PM Triathlon 101 by John Mora has a section with the unwritten rules of the sport, including the T-shirt rule(if you don't finish the race you can't wear the shirt). One of these "rules" is the "license to call yourself a triathlete rule." The rules stipulates you must compete in one triathlon a year in order to refer to yourself as a triathlete (of course if your friends can refer to as whatever they see fit since they are not bound by the rule). No matter how much swimming, running, and biking you do in training you must prove your mettle on the race course once every 365 days to retain that license. There is one notable exception to this rule "the lifetime Ironman license" which states that anyone who completes an Iron distance triathlon you are here by awarded the right to call yourself an triathlete even if you never get off the couch again.

That's the best description I have heard yet. Tri racing is so much different than a long ride as part of a bicycle tour, a Master's swim practice or a lunchtime run. The race is where you have to take the day that you get and do your best with it. It's something that you can't do ieveryday.

2005-09-07 7:46 PM
in reply to: #242288

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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
I been learning how to play the violin for about 15 years now (on and off)… Would I call myself a ‘violinist’? Probably not. But I would say that ‘I play the violin’. I also sing everyday, in the shower. Am I a singer? You bet I am. I don’t make a living at it but I sure like to sing. I never ran a Triathlon but I’m working hard at it. When can I call myself a triathlete?? I’m not sure but I will be more comfortable with it once I get a bike. HA! And you know for the amount of work that most of us put into ‘being’ triathlets we should be able to tell anyone we want what we do. THEN once we finish our first triathlon we should shout it from the rooftops!

Rice
2005-09-07 11:06 PM
in reply to: #242353

Elite
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San Diego
Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?

southwestmba - 2005-09-07 5:11 PM Triathlon 101 by John Mora has a section with the unwritten rules of the sport, including the T-shirt rule(if you don't finish the race you can't wear the shirt). One of these "rules" is the "license to call yourself a triathlete rule." The rules stipulates you must compete in one triathlon a year in order to refer to yourself as a triathlete (of course if your friends can refer to as whatever they see fit since they are not bound by the rule). No matter how much swimming, running, and biking you do in training you must prove your mettle on the race course once every 365 days to retain that license. There is one notable exception to this rule "the lifetime Ironman license" which states that anyone who completes an Iron distance triathlon you are here by awarded the right to call yourself an triathlete even if you never get off the couch again.

Tonight I was telling my wife that I don't consider myself a triathlete, but I am and always will be an Ironman.

2005-09-07 11:15 PM
in reply to: #242288

Veteran
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Cypress, Tx
Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
BT descrip seems to be finish one and your in the club.
USAT says finish 3 each year and we'll rank you as a triathlete.
Slowtwitch says if you do 20 Ironman races in your life...you can SAY you "train" for triathlons.


2005-09-08 12:41 AM
in reply to: #242347

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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
courtney_leone - 2005-09-07 12:46 PM
PTinVA - 2005-09-07 6:39 PMI've completed 4 tri's and still have trouble calling myself a triathlete. I usually describe myself as a runner that does triathlons, but that's just me.


Ditto


sort of the same for me - have done one, my next is in Oct, but i'm really just a slacker who got a fire lit under his butt for some reason.*



















*ok fine, a woman. but even if she's not in my life, i'm still gonna do this, dammit!!
2005-09-08 9:28 AM
in reply to: #242288

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Baton Rouge, LA
Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
Well, I was ready to call myself a triathlete (after finishing my first race) but Katrina totally messed that up. Now I'm still just training to be one.
2005-09-08 10:37 AM
in reply to: #242480

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Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
Cmikul - 2005-09-07 11:15 PM

BT descrip seems to be finish one and your in the club.
USAT says finish 3 each year and we'll rank you as a triathlete.
Slowtwitch says if you do 20 Ironman races in your life...you can SAY you "train" for triathlons.


yeah, ST athletes are borderline insane with their training intensity, even though their volume isn't much different from us BTers. Plus, they really love their bikes...
2005-09-08 1:28 PM
in reply to: #242288

Expert
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Los Gatos, CA
Subject: RE: When do you become a triathlete?
Let's not lower the bar on this one...after that Wall Street Journal artcile, we need standards, or we devalue the term, nobody will care.....racing is different than training as those who race know....this is my first year, I completed a handful of races and a few more to go, started feeling all good about myself as a triathlete and then I spoke to somebody who finished Ironman Canada in 10.5 hrs. His bike average for the 112 mile leg was 25 mph.....it's all relative isn't it?
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