General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Do you call yourself a triathlete? Rss Feed  
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2005-11-08 7:25 AM

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Subject: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
I was in college one night last week, a very good friend heard me tell some people that I was a triathlete. He felt compelled to point out that I was not really a triathlete, but I was a guy who did triathlons.

Am I the only one who is not chisseled muscle but claiming to be a triathlete? Is there a body fat% level that determines your status (hey Stu! you're above 12% body fat so sorry you can't tell people you're a triathlete)

Any thoughts, let me know. I'd love to tell my good friend to stick it!
Stu


2005-11-08 7:29 AM
in reply to: #280260

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Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
do triathlons=triathlete to me.
2005-11-08 7:33 AM
in reply to: #280260

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Master
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
I agree with Comet. You ride cycling events you are a cyclist, you run 5ks your a runner, you do triathlons your a triathlete.

It's your reward for the hard work you put into your sport.

2005-11-08 7:35 AM
in reply to: #280260

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Giver
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
Irish Stu - 2005-11-08 7:25 AM He felt compelled to point out that I was not really a triathlete, but I was a guy who did triathlons.


That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard (second dumbest, I guess. Insert favorite Bushism for dumbest).

I guess you could have told him he wasn't really an @sshole, just a guy who's hole smells like @ss. Or something.

2005-11-08 7:40 AM
in reply to: #280260

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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
i had this very same discussion with my friends...because they watched me finish my first one and were quite compelled to call me that, but now that they're on the brink of becoming the same, a couple of them had a hard time thinking of themselves that way...It really is a mental block. Its like just because i can play the guitar, does that make me a musician?

Be a triathlete man...

Then when people laugh, kick their butts at it.

Just dont call yourself pro, or elite...hehe
2005-11-08 7:43 AM
in reply to: #280260

Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?

Maybe it is stupid, but I feel the same way. I get uncomfortable when my friends call me a triathlete. Just such a newbie, and have so far to go. Not sure when I will cross that line into feeling right about calling myself that: but probably when I do my first OLY? It just seems too easy to be a BOP sprint guy like me...just can't take on the serious moniker!



2005-11-08 8:09 AM
in reply to: #280260

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Master
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
ahh fewie, just ignore him. if you have done one, and you are training for another you can call yourself a triathlete. I have a freind that is a lady chaser, and he calls himself a ladies man..... i dont judge (i just laugh when he gets slapped!)
2005-11-08 8:09 AM
in reply to: #280260

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
Finishing a tri of any distance=triathlete...counts if you are a newbie or not.
2005-11-08 8:19 AM
in reply to: #280295

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Master
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
Rocket Man - 2005-11-08 9:09 AM

Finishing a tri of any distance=triathlete...counts if you are a newbie or not.


I disagree with just finishing a single tri of any distance = triathlete. I think that the label suggests a dedication to the sport and to training for multiple event, not just a one time thing.

For example, I've climbed a 5.8 route up a rock wall on a lark (almost on a bet), but would never call myself a rock climber because I am not dedicated to the sport of climbing or to becoming a better climber. I think a lot of people try out triathlons in a similar way. They then either jump into the sport or walk away saying I did a Tri!

Those who stay and train and become dedicated to the sport are triathletes.
And yes, that includes the OP and anyone like him, regardless of bf%, speed at the finish line, etc.

Cheers, -Sunny
2005-11-08 8:24 AM
in reply to: #280260

Subject: ...
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2005-11-08 8:27 AM
in reply to: #280315

Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?

Alright, I'm done.

(kidding)

I think if you train in all 3 disciplines, do a race or 20, youre a triathlete. If you do one on a whim and its not something you regularly engage in then no.

JeepFleeb - 2005-11-08 9:24 AM

If I'm not mistaken, the official rules say that you must complete one triathlon per year to call yourself a triathlete.  Once you've done an Ironman, you're a triathlete for life.



2005-11-08 8:27 AM
in reply to: #280315

Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
If you participate in the sport, you can call yourself the "name."

However .... I still think of myself as a cyclist who took a hiatus to run again, and now want to throw something more challenging on my plate so I'm going the IM route ........ but I'll still always consider myself a cyclist! Triathlons are a nice side bar to put on my life's resume .....
2005-11-08 8:33 AM
in reply to: #280260

Crystal Lake, IL
Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
I think the one event question is simply answered by the passage of time. Example: 8 years ago was my last skydive. I've done 31. I USED TO BE a skydiver. When I was doing them I was a skydiver.

If I did a triathlon or several 8 years ago I would say I used to be a triathlete. At the time I did it/them I was a triathlete. Any who cares what people think? I haven't even done a triathlon yet. I tell people I'm training to do a triathlon. (Sometimes I just say I'm in training and when they ask for what I say "to be hot!" That seem to get a lot of laughs, not sure why.) I'm still in better shape than, oh, all of them and I've only been training for several months.

Stand proud, call yourself whatever you damn well please and tell him after you swim your going to run a few miles would he like to come with? No? Ok then SHUT THE H*@$ UP!
2005-11-08 8:36 AM
in reply to: #280306

Giver
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
SunnyS - 2005-11-08 8:19 AM
Rocket Man - 2005-11-08 9:09 AMFinishing a tri of any distance=triathlete...counts if you are a newbie or not.


I'm a triathlete because I'm actively training for triathlons. I used to be a surfer, but don't call myself one anymore because i haven't surfed in years.
2005-11-08 8:39 AM
in reply to: #280260

Buttercup
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?

Let's try your friend's logic on for size:

  • You're not a runner, you just run.
  • You're not a cyclist, you just cycle.
  • You're not a swimmer, you just swim.
  • You're not a construction worker, you just work in construction.

Heh. Doesn't work for me. Anyway, why care about your friend's opinion?

To answer your question, I call myself a Chickiepoo, One Hot Stud Muffin, One Tough Bitch, a Goober or Goofball. Depends on my mood.

2005-11-08 8:43 AM
in reply to: #280260

Expert
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
I have been thinking about this too. I have three sprints under my belt but can't justify calling myself a triathlete, yet. Once the new season hits and HIMs and OLYs are the norm for me then I might be able to get used to it but when people ask what I do it usually goes this way:

"So what do you do?"
"I work in a crappy machine shop and coach swimming... oh, I also train for triathlons."
"So when is your next race?"
"June"
"But it's cold out. June is 8 months away."
"Yea I know but it's a big race."
Then it usually commences to what a triathlon is, leg distances and then getting called crazy.

Once I would like to say, "I'm a triathlete and a swimming coach... oh I also have this job in a crappy machine shop."

However, I bet there are people out there who play regular pickup football games on Sunday who call themselves football players.


2005-11-08 8:44 AM
in reply to: #280338

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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
Renee - 2005-11-08 9:39 AM

Let's try your friend's logic on for size:

  • You're not a runner, you just run.
  • You're not a cyclist, you just cycle.
  • You're not a swimmer, you just swim.
  • You're not a construction worker, you just work in construction.

Heh. Doesn't work for me. Anyway, why care about your friend's opinion?

To answer your question, I call myself a Chickiepoo, One Hot Stud Muffin, One Tough Bitch, a Goober or Goofball. Depends on my mood.



excellent
2005-11-08 8:45 AM
in reply to: #280260

Expert
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
In the end, you can choose to call yourself a triathlete or not. Just understand that not everyone will agree with your assessment. It would be arrogant not to expect/accept this. I find, most people, don't give it much thought.

We all do lots of things without seeking to attain the label, not sure why triathlon would be any different. I'm a little old-school, and prefer to keep the label reserved for those that dedicate their life to it. I'm perfectly happy being someone that "does triathlons", instead of a triathlete. Doesn't make feel like less of a participant.

Strangely, the only time I think about this is when these threads come up. A label is simply that ... a label. Doesn't earn you anything. Don't get too concerned over it. No matter what you decide, someone will disagree.

He felt compelled to point out that I was not really a triathlete, but I was a guy who did triathlons.

No biggie, he's likely equating "triathlete" with someone that makes their living in triathlon. Like when you hear "baseball player", you likely think of someone that makes their living doing it ... like teacher, doctor, counselor, etc. We've all done similar tasks as these, but w/o seeking to acquire the label. Not a big deal.

If one of my friends was telling the ladies "I'm a basketball player", would it be wrong for me to say, "Dude, you signed up for and participated in the Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournament"?

As I said above, I choose (out of respect for the distinction) to reserve the label of "Triathlete" for those that make their living or dedicate their life to it. I also don't see any shame in being someone that "does triathlons". I do lots of different things. I've hung drywall and built structures, w/o wanting to be called a carpenter. I've painted many walls, w/o ever being wanted to be called a paniter, etc.

Labels? Who needs em?
2005-11-08 8:59 AM
in reply to: #280260

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
I have the oposite problem.... my boyfriend keeps telling everyone I am a triathlete but I am not sure I am... not yet.... People look at me and wonder if I am telling them the truth, I really do not look like an endurance athlete (and it has to do with the fat% LOL)
It is the end of my first year of training and I am considering next years options. I found a trainer that I like and I think I can afford. I have to make a choice soon. Should I train for a HIM next year?.... Maybe next year I can consider myself a triathlete. In the meantime I think I am just a regular person that tri...
2005-11-08 9:03 AM
in reply to: #280260

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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
Irish Stu - 2005-11-08 8:25 AM

I was in college one night last week, a very good friend heard me tell some people that I was a triathlete. He felt compelled to point out that I was not really a triathlete, but I was a guy who did triathlons.

Any thoughts, let me know. I'd love to tell my good friend to stick it!
Stu


Tell him, "You're not really intelligent either, even though you slept at a Holiday Inn last night."

2005-11-08 9:08 AM
in reply to: #280260

Master
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Newbury Park, CA
Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?

Just get a new friend.

I remember getting a wristband for one of my first races and them telling me you need to wear this to get into the "Athletes" only areas.  I was stoked - I'm an athlete!!!!



2005-11-08 9:12 AM
in reply to: #280260

Champion
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?

The Miriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines triathlete as

"an athlete who competes in a triathlon"

Dictionary.com defines triathlete as:
"One who competes in a triathlon"

This is not "beginnerpersonwhodoestriathlons.com"
It is beginnertriathlete.com


If you've competed in a triathlon, you are a triathlete.

One of the reasons we do triathlon is to overcome mental/emotional barriers. For some, one of those barriers is duly recognizing and acknowledging their own strengths and accomplishments.

Sometimes, in some ways, we're more than we give ourselves credit for. Triathlon can be a path to humility, to seeing ourselves as we truly are and accepting it, the negative and the positive. This can intimidate some who don't see themselves in a positive light or need to tear down others for fear of having what they think are their own inadequecies exposed.

When people don't like what they see in the mirror, sometimes instead of changing themselves, they just tear down the mirror.

The best way to get your friend to stop trying to dismiss your accomplishments is probably to reply: "Yes I am a triathlete. And you may not think so, but you could be one too."

2005-11-08 9:13 AM
in reply to: #280260

Elite
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San Diego
Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?

Once again, I agree with Triple Threat. I don't even think about this until this thread comes up  every month or so. I don't consider myself a triathlete, but someone that does triathlons.

I am and always will be an Ironman though

2005-11-08 9:29 AM
in reply to: #280260

Veteran
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The Emerald City
Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?

If you're not comfortable with calling yourself a "triathlete", (like me) call yourself a "triathloner". 

If you swim, then you are a swimmer.  Ride a bike? Then biker (ok,ok cyclist). How about running? Then you're a runner.  Are marathon runners called marathoners? 

Then I can live with triathloner.

I



Edited by kepola 2005-11-08 9:35 AM
2005-11-08 9:32 AM
in reply to: #280396

Giver
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Subject: RE: Do you call yourself a triathlete?
kepola - 2005-11-08 9:29 AM

Are marathon runners called marathoners?

Then I can live with triathoner.



Sure. Triathloner sounds weird, though.
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