What REALLY goes on in your head when you see someone walking a tri?

In a sport where men shave their legs and wear silver unitards most people are too self absorbed to care about someone walking.  THose that think you are somehow lesser for walking are not worth the time of day.  Personally, when I see someone walking, I ask if they are okay and if they are I move on.  race your race however your body allows you to but make sure you can play soccer with your kids. 

I fell apart during the run in my first triathlon so I understand what it's like to have to walk the run. I guess what I think is "Glad I don't have to walk this one!"

To Thomas Demerly: Personally, I'm all for giving encouragement, but *I* wouldn't want someone touching me during the race without my permission.

Right now I'm doing the run/walk thing.  I actually do feel a little weird doing runs and walking during them.  But then I just remind myself that I'm out here doing the same thing that those people sprinting past me are.  It just takes them 50 mins and me 1:15  

I did a run on Sat where I came in last in my AG.  I really didn't think I was moving that slowly (and I wasn't, for me), but it was kind of the wake up call that, hey, its ok to be last.  I biked up Mt. Lemmon this summer (same place Lance A. would train) and it took me over 5 hours to make it to the top (ave speed of less than 5 mph).  But even though all those snazzy matching bike kit people passed me like I was standing still, I'm still on that same road, biking up that same mountain.  So who cares if you walk?  You're out there on the same course as that person who just passed you.  As long as you are having fun and doing something you enjoy.  Tri is for you, no one else.

haha, when I see someone walking I usually think

I WILL NOT WALK!!!

It's good motivation :P

I guess I'll respond from the flip side: what did other people think of me as I walked a portion of my first tri a couple weeks ago (due to severe stomach cramps... due to my own stupidity, unfortunately).

For the most part, everyone there was really supportive.  I'd say 60% of the people who passed me made positive and encouraging comments.  I remember one gal that slowed down so she could say, "You can do this.  You trained for it, and there's no rush.  The 1st place finisher already crossed the line.  Just run your race and enjoy it."  I mentioned my cramps and she said to walk/run until they subsided and then run my race... and enjoy it.

Two things struck me about that conversation.  First, she slowed down and jogged next to me in order to encourage me.  She didn't care about her time or her placement... just about helping another athlete.  Second, she specifically told me twice to simply enjoy the race.

So no matter what people thought as they raced by me, I know that I did the best I could considering the circumstances... and next time, my pre-race diet would be much improved. 

-Joel

PS - If the racer who said those kind things is out there on BT, I just want to say THANK YOU!!!!

Last race I did (yes it was a while ago) I was a walker for a lot of it... I got terrible heat stroke.

Back of the race is one of the most fun places to be... most people will cheer you on, offer support, give you a 'way to go' or a 'you can do it' - FWIW if you can walk and you want to race walking... (and the docs say thats cool) then I dont see why you shouldnt do it!

How on Earth do you manage to make it through the swim portion of the race? 

"They're having as rough of a race as I am."

I have yet to be able to run the full distance during a tri.  I always end up walking some.  I think I just thought of a goal for next year.   

I have just finished my second ever triathlon yesterday and I did walk most of both races.  I get horrible shin and calf cramping coming off the bike that it just hurts to walk, much less run.  I was never physically active until about 2 years ago.  I do have to say that my experience at both races was absolutely positive from other triathletes as well as spectators and volunteers.  At my first race,  one triathlete stopped to make sure I was okay and tons of others offered encouragement to keep me going.  The only people that offered no words of encouragement were the guys going all out on the olympic course who were so focused on their race that I am not even sure they saw me.  It would have been nice to get a thumbs up or a nod or something but I did get enough support that their lack of response just spurred me on to get moving just a little faster so that they did not finish in front of me. 

At my most recent race, two volunteers were cheering me on and telling me that I was doing great and to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and that I can make it.   They kept me going for a bit more until I got to another volunteer who thanked me for being there since the triathlon was a fundraiser to help build a skate park for the town.  I had a triathlete that had clearly finished and was heading home tell me that I was doing great and to just think about all those people sitting at home.  I did almost quit this race at the start of the run because I was in that much pain but the volunteers and other competitors offered such words of encouragement that I did make it through and even was able to walk/run after a while.

I honestly don't care if someone thinks less of me for walking most if not all of my race. Shame on them if they do.  How do they really know what demons I am battling to get through this race.    Good luck with your knee and don't worry about what others think of what your doing as long as you are proud of what you are doing and doing it to the best of your ability.

 I think the one thing we've established is LOTS of people walk. Many who have fine knees and bodies! If you love doing this, then love doing it! What anyone thinks about it is their deal, but the ones that know you will surely respect you for it.

To the gentleman who touches people he thinks need a little uplifting on the shoulder: Super Cool...and your reasoning behind it is even cooler.  People like you are why I love triathlon!

 Keep it up! and thanks.

As a walker this last Sunday, I just think when I see others, "Wow, someone else is feeling the pain."    I got one nice "keep on going" from a lady with a M-dot tattoo, and I got a "c'mon, get running" tough love statment from another guy.  Both worked for awhile.  I actually only feel bad when I see people walking their bike, because I know they're probably going to DNF.  Hopefully the guy I gave a spare to on Sunday finished.  I gave him my spare, when he said he didn't have one, and I didn't stop long enough to ask if he had a pump (I did).  Oh, and I love my Armadillos.  They gave me confidence to give up my one spare.