What's the big deal? (Page 2)

OP said he was in high school - junior or senior, I think.

"You're also in High School. I had time to do whatever I wanted when I was in school. Trying doing that whole list after you have a job, spouse and family. Then it's an accomplishment to get anything done. ..."

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Yes

And I realize everyday that I'm not the best.  I get smoked by freinds in XC, Can barely hang on for the weekend ride, and the 75 year old in the next lane with horrible form is going faster than me.  I just realize that people put a larger emphasis on " ooo a triathalon" than as read earlier "two a days for full foot ball all season long.  And I realize that everybody has different body ttypes so some activites are harder than others.  Also, I'm not trying to sound like an or make my way "prickdom".

First, I think I big part of it is the swimming. I grew up going to the pool every day but never really swam and distance. I'd have died if I tried to swim 50 yds straight the first time I started training. That's probably hard for someone who comes from a competitive swimming background.

Second, all my friends road bikes growing up but we road to the end of the street and then stopped and hung out. Or, we road around on some trails and tried jumping a ramp then then stopped. Rarely, if ever, did we ride for 10-112 miles

Third, how many people do you know who run? Seriously, look at all the people you know (not just athletes) and how many could run a mile let alone a 5k?

Now put that all together in a row on the same day.  Take a lesson from this site and realize you're lucky to be fit...and try to stay that way.

Btw....I played football in HS when I was young and in shape. 2 a-days were very tiring and hard but they only last a couple weeks long before the season started. Meanwhile my first sprint training plan was 20 weeks long.

I was a lot slower when I was younger (swimming) a was always made of so I quit.

And I made this thread to ask what other people thought o this topic.  I was not trying to say i was the best (That's why i showed my times).  I want to be the best and will train everyday to be the best I can be but if I have a bad race theres always next time.

I think djluscher hit it with his response. In terms of the OP it seems it is a valid question regardless of how the question was asked or its content. I’ve played other sports through my life and I can see why the OP wonders why triathlons causes a reaction from people that often are impress by it. I believe it is a simple as people are not familiar with our sport or equate triathlons to IM (which is unfortunate but expected) hence the reaction is often of amazement of some sort.

Often when I am asked about triathlons I personally encourage them to try it by stating it is “not that difficult”. Of course it is not intended to diminish the accomplishment of any triathlete, but the reality is that any person who chooses to do one and dedicate some time and do some train he/she will be able to complete a sprint race. If you don’t believe me just surf around the logs on this site or go to any sprint and watch the race. You’ll see people from different shapes, ages, colors and backgrounds finishing the race. Is it special? Yes! But it is very doable for most anyone who chooses to do so.

Triathlon can be a fun sport, recreational sport, challenging sport, competitive sport....or just a sport you participate in to improve fitness for other sports......Sometimes it is a big deal when you complete a triathlon in a certain amount of time, or rediculously long distances.....

Im not exactly sure what this thread is entirely based on, but i have read a few peoples posts and its following other people's veiws of triathlon.

Depending on what you want to do triathlon can be a walk in the park if your not rediculously out of shape, or it can be the hardest experience of your life. I havent even done an ironman yet (only 19yo), but during my last triathlon i almost cried because i pushed myself so hard on the 1990 peugeot for the 30k bike segment, my legs were 1500 degrees celcius i swear.....

triathlon can be a big deal, if you fullfill your goals whether in distance or time...... or  it can just be a fun walk in the park with some beers along the way....... everyone should tri.

I grew up playing hockey, never swam biked or ran competitively..... but im 100% triathlon focused. XCrunner how old are you, i want to race you!!

This has turned into an interesting thread.   I don't think that the OP was out of line in any way.    In my opinion, part of the mystique surrounding triathlon involves the open water.  Most people are absolutely terrified at the thought of swimming in the ocean.  Can't stand?  Waves?  Sharks?  We all know experienced pool swimmers who still freaked out during their first tri or open water swim.  If you ask your friends and family why they don't do triathlons, 9/10 times they will answer because of the swim.  So far as not "getting"  the big deal about tris, I feel the same way about professional football.  I just do not see the allure of it, and can't imagine why thousands of people would sit out in the heat/rain/snow just to watch a bunch of guys either throw, run or kick a ball around for 3 hours.  To each their own.

Cheryl

I agree.  It is a big deal.  It is an accomplishment.  It is equipment intensive and skill intensive (although you certianly do not need  expensive equipment or a high skill level).  And the first one you do, at least the first one I did, is scary as all hell for a variety of reason (concerns about skill level, equipment, fitness etc.). 

I understand it is seen as crazy or nuts.  It is a hobby that many of us devote in excess of 10 hours a week training for.  We choose racing and training over staying up late, eating and drinking, time with our families and add your own.  We spend our money on clothes and wet suits and bikes. 

Most of us do it without a hope of placing and even if we do with no real award other than a job well done and a buff bod.

Then again, I think people who play video games are nuts or crazy.

 Im 16 already told you 1k week ago in a differnt thread -- you said you should stick to the sprint distance races.

 I guess I started this thread so someone could explain the "wow factor".  I guess everybody "the population" (not people on bt) thinks a triatholon is a IM triatholon.

I come back to my original answer to the OP's question: triathlons are hard.  I have participated in all kinds of sports and to do your best (and BTW "your best" may be a DFL finish) you must work hard.  Jorge- your use of the phrase  "dedicate some time and do some train he/she will be able to complete a sprint " is right on.  If you dedicate yourself to something you will be afforded the opportunity for success.

Yes you did.  You said "what's the big deal".  You may just now be realizing you spoke too precipitously.  Nothing wrong with being wrong.  You are young and will learn that life is full of making mistakes. I make about 20,000 a day.  Now go train some. 

spelling, my tragic flaw. Aww 

 One person brought up the point that I should ask all the people i know, not just athletes and see who could run a mile or a 5k.  Many can not but the same people could never go play an entire soccer game or a game of basketball.

 I think there should be a an extra "o" in the middle --adds an extra syllable and sounds better triatholon, yes

 btw: 1000 views