Body Image and Ironman (Page 2)

Bopper - I think that's what's so special about the triathlon community.  It doesn't cost the front-of-the-pack crowd anything but a bit of time to wish the BOP crowd well.  If any triathlete's time was impacted by a slower person's, attitudes might be different.

Seriously, I've never seen such a supportive athletic community.  Even my tee-ball team when I was seven wasn't this inclusive.  I wasn't the last racer through the chute at mine, but I was near the back.  I was very touched by the number of cheers and high fives offered as I was coming in.

When any @sshat feels the need to make fun of someone else who is trying to better themselves I laugh because I know what those losers do when they go home -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2qV8SuDdxg&feature=related (Language not for children, but funny as heck and you know it's true).  Come on you know those guys just finished up a long conversation on how much better nair is over shaving.  The best part is when you leave the race with the same exact finisher medal as them.  That should make them get all huffed up and jump into their H1 (a measure of compensation for something) and speed off to make up some story about a badger, a barracudda and the Hulk as their reason for yet again being off the podium.  

Like chirunner said "if I finish in the time alloted I deserve to be there" 

There are so many insensitive and some out and out rude people out there; especially the ones who yell stuff or throw stuff at cyclists and runners.  For some, it doesn't matter whether you're overweight or not.  But, I think when you're overweight it stings more.  The thing you have to remember with these types is that they could not go out tomorrow and accomplish what we are accomplishing.  Some people are just never happy or comfortable with themselves unless they are tearing someone else down.

As several people have said, and I agree, the Triathlon community is unbelievably supportive, encouraging and motivating.  I think it's thanks to this community that so many of us accomplish goals that we never thought were possible.  Therefore, it does make me sad when I see a little bit of the stereotyping going on within the sport.  For example, the comment to the OP that she couldn't pick up the packet for someone else, or the fact that they don't always make race T-Shirts in sizes for Clydes and Athenas.  For my first race last year, which was a women's only race, at packet pick up it was very discouraging that they did not make the T-Shirts in XL.  I think my nerves got the best of me when I got back to the hotel room because I started crying.  I felt a little angry too like they were telling me they didn't think I could do it or that I didn't deserve to be "in the club" or didn't deserve to be there.  This might have been on my mind when I pushed myself harder than I ever thought possible the next day and finished a very tough course.  I was the last finisher.  DFL!!  It took me 3 hours 18 minutes and 51 seconds.  And I was proud.  But, I could not wear the T-Shirt they gave me because it was too small.

Well, that was last year.  This year, I just finished my second race a little over a week ago.  I was not last and I finished in 2 hours 1 minute and 8 seconds.  Woo Hoo!!  I've lost 20 pounds since last year's race, I'm down to 187 pounds, and I'm looking forward to my next race.  BTW, that shirt that was too small last year would probably fit now but I don't think I want to promote them.  This year's race, by a different organizer, had larger sized shirts.  Even though I no longer need it, I was glad to see them.  

It's too bad that they don't collect T-Shirt sizes with registrations so that they can have the proper sizes for everyone so that no one has to feel left out, singled out or excluded. 

Lisa

Very inspiring and I'm glad you shared your story!  I'm too proud to do an IM while taking the full 17 hours, but have real respect for those who do step up and take the full challenge, no matter how long it takes them.  Maybe when I get to the point where I can do half-IM's in just 6hrs, not 6.5hrs...hmmm...anyway, thanks for the inspiration! 

Cheers, -Sunny 

I'm thinking I will volunteer for IMFL this year so I can scope it out and be there to sign up for 2009. I hope I get to meet some of you there

Yes, seriously.  I don't cover the Ironman moniker so that non-triathletes can ooh and ahh over my having covered the distance, even if very slowly.  I don't want to be one who just barely makes cutoff times, or finishes at midnight. For me, that'd be too stressful. 

Call me crazy, but I would want my Ironman (perhaps my ONLY Ironman) to be done in a time I could be proud of, and I'm just very content to get faster at the Half-Ironman distance first.  I don't particularly like the idea of run/walking a marathon after a century ride either, but maybe in a few more years...we'll see.