Love Being an Athena/Clyde [Newbie] Because

get to use my super human clyde strength to open those little skinny peoples water bottles and tear their gu packets for them

Great responses so far - I love this thread! 

Mine - the Clydes and Athenas are in my experience the most fun and sociable people to talk to before the race - it calms my pre-race jitters. 

And I love the expression of shock and awe on people's faces when I answer the question:  So do you have any hobbies? 

I just posted this in my log yesterday....

I love it because I get to constantly amaze myself with what my body can actually do!  A year ago I would've never believed that I could swim free for a half mile....now I can do more than that and then go bike and run afterwards!

The fact that I get to eat more than before and still lose weight b/c I'm training so much is a fun benefit too!

I totally agree with lots of the other ones posted here....especially about surprising ppl with my being a triathlete.  Any time I hear comments about my size I can smile and think to myself "And how many tri's have you done?"

Great thread!

x(N+1) on being able to make such dramatic performance gains.

Appreciating the progress you have made because it is so tangible where you were (e.g. with weight loss, performance, how you feel, etc).

Of course my comments above are coming from the "I'm a clydesdale but I shouldn't be" perspective.

My favorite quote from my triathlon this past weekend...the water was pretty rough and a bunch of us were out testing it. I was talking to a lady near me about it and she said:

"I'm an athena...I can do anything"

My response: "Rock on, sister" 

Gotta love the confidence...having a title like that just lends itself to it.

I like starting farther back in a "wave" start.  Gives me more people to pass on the bike.

You surely must be joking, Mr. Builtlikealinebaker.  It'd be like someone challenging Jim to a game of hoops.

That's right.   I have NO FEAR of mass swim starts...... 

Athena Pace Booty!!!!  

other than that I'll have to give this some more thought.

MtnJay - 2007-07-27 5:59 AM Let's see ... -> I get my money's worth for any after event food provided -> I can carry someone else's broken bike while riding mine -> I get every penny out of the elasticity of spandex gear -> When I don't come in first place, it's no surprise -> When training and I'm headed towards a group of people on my bike/run, they move out of the way .. and all the cool positive stuff everyone else thoughtfully mentioned already

Me too! I found myself nodding and laughing out load with each point. Well put Jay.