Tri Haters (Page 2)

I haven't encountered too much. But there was time when I was talking about a local park with a  co-worker in my who happened to live in my neighbourhood and and another co-worker joined in.  I mentioned that I was always running around this particular park in my area when she looked up and said "Oh yeah, you're out there pretending to be an athlete."

 It was a bit like a punch in the stomach.  It was sensitive because i've struggled with the idea of being an athlete - but, seriously, from her?!! I'd already done a marathon or two and she can barely get up the stairs! Anyway, I brushed it off at the time because it might well be true and no need to get upset about it.  It's funny how that little comment has stayed with me.  But i still remember it and just remember where it comes from.  Her comment certainly hasn't deterred me in any way and now I use her to remember that she's not the person I want to be in 20 years - would i rather be out there as she said "pretending to be an athlete" and keeping myself fit or be a sedentary victim who doesn't encourage and support people.

First, I did IronGirl up in Maryland and it was fantastic - I am sure you will have an awesome time!!

I think a lot of naysaying comes from folks who can't even imagine trying to do something like this anytime past being college-aged.  There's probably some insecurity in the mix, too.

Honestly, just ignore them.

Most of my friends will tell me I'm nuts, but it is in a supportive way, and they're all happy to see I've survived my races.

Tis' normal.  I have to watch how much I talk about all this to people who just aren't interested in it.  I get bored when people talk about a TV show I don't watch, and yes, I even make comments about how dumb it is.  Or even someone going on and on and on about their kids.  Same deal in a way.

As people see the commitment, they come around.  Though they still won't entertain you by listening to you endlessly go on and on about triathlon, it can get better.  A lot of my co-workers have gone from the "you're crazy" attitude to asking me when my next race is or what I did on the bike or running over the weekend.  I'll answer, then ask them how their weekend was.  Typical office chat.

The people saying these things are just trying to douse your light to try to make theirs seem less dim.  They're just giving voice to their own insecurities and self-hatred. It actually has very little to do with you.

I have two standard responses to this sort of thing depending on my mood: 

"Of course I can do a triathlon (marathon, ironman...). You could too! It's just a matter of putting in the training."

or

" If you had any idea what this has done for my sex life, you'd be training 2 times a day starting this afternoon." 

OK, please, everyone, don't get mad at me but just posting a different point of view.  And I am not a hater -- I think everyone can do a tri if they set their mind to it and I think its great that the poster is learning to swim and setting goals like this.  I give her 100% support!

But, as a long-time runner, I have seen many people get really excited about doing a marathon in the first couple weeks of training.  Its all they talk about.  IMHO, they are living the glory of completing it before they do the work.  Its a different story when its time to get up at 6am and run 15+ miles.   The race is the reward for all the training that you do for months beforehand.

 As the poster said, "I've been telling anyone who will listen that I'm going to complete a triathlon."  My opinion is - less talk and more action.  Yes, tell a couple friends who will support you.  It definitely helps keep you accountable during your training if you have your friends ask about it.  But for everyone else, save the talk for when you can be proud of what you have done, and not what you are going to do. 

Welcome to BT Mai.   

Keep your positive attitude going, do not let others negativity get your down.  Like others said,  they are jealous/envious of your determination and desires.  

Keep us informed on your progress, and if you need to talk/ask questions/vent/rant, come here to BT,  Most of us know what you are talking about and can resond with positive reinforment.

Happy Tri Training.

Really?

I don't. F them.

Jeffy_101 has a great point.  Stick to it!

I am big on quotes for motivation, and I like Mark Twain for this topic:

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

This site is filled with a lot of great people.  I have been lucky that my life is too!  While I'm sure they think I'm crazy, they totally support me.

When I owned my business, my attorney would say that anytime someone chooses to stick their head above the crowd, there are any number of people who are happy to try to chop it off.

In this super-sized fast food, electric bike, segway, extra sugar, extra fat, buy it online so you don't have to go to the store, don't walk when you can ride in a car world, people who choose to live a healthy lifestyle and challenge themselves physically are sticking their heads above the crowd.