Support

Triathlon is often considered to be an individual sport. For the most part it's everyone for themselves. We're penalized for drafting and we're penalized if a friend runs with us to give us a boost. And yet despite this there are multiple levels of support that for most of us are key factors in getting through an event.

There's the support we get from our family. Believe me - without the complete support of my family I wouldn't be able to do triathlons. Period. While I do everything possible to minimize the impact my training has on family time there are still areas where it infringes. Weekends away for races and "training camps". Long bike rides on Saturday mornings to build base. Club bike rides during the week to build handling skills and threshold capacity. Without my family's support and understanding I wouldn't be able to do any of this. Instead triathlon would become a negative force in my life, driving a wedge between the things that I love and the people that I love.

There's the support we get from our friends and coworkers. The amazed looks when we detail our accomplishments or our training routines. The "Good luck this weekend!" and "How did it go?" comments. The "Because of you I started running/swimming/biking/exercising" admissions.

There's the support we get from strangers who come to watch our events. The stressed out mom with the screaming baby who still manages to smile and get out a "looking strong!". The little kids with hoses and squirt guns that hold out their hands hoping to get high fives as we go by. It makes us feel like super heroes. It gives us energy to get through the rough spots.

Then there's the support we give to each other. It's found in the act of high fiving the guy next to you just before the gun goes off. It's found in the "Hell of a hill!" comment as you pass or get passed on a tough hill. It's found in the chatter with your rackmates while setting up before a race. There's a camaraderie that comes from that shared individual experience that forms an instant bond. Knowing that others are suffering along side you blunts the negativity that sometimes bubbles up. It makes us feel that although we're individuals we're a part of something much bigger.

These things allow us to see the real tangible, positive impact we have on others as the result of what we do. For me it gives me the sense that it's something greater than an individual pursuit. It touches and affects people in ways that transcend individuality. It makes you a source of positive energy. And that is way cool.

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Workout Summary (Thursday)

45 minute S&D swim

45 minute spin class

5 mile LSD run

Workout Summary (Friday)

2700yd swim - LSD

Workout Summary (Saturday)

45 mile bike - LSD