Having fun during a tri? (Page 2)

I think the fun (pleasure) comes from months of preparation, planning, and then giving it your best effort to carry out the plan.  It hurts while doing it, but oh the feeling of having carried it out.  It is why I enjoy the longer stuff.  It requires more time and preparation but for me provides a greater feeling of accomplishment. 

During the race, the look on my face may reflect a lot of pain but inside there is usually a greater amount of joy - hurts so good. 

When asked why do you hit yourself in the head with a hammer?    I usually reply, because it feels so good when I stop... 

For me its fun because I can do it.  

There was a time in my life when I thought I might not be able to do this becasue of health issues.  So the fact that I'm racing triathlons, and recently became an Ironman, is just so cool. I enjoy pushing my self physically and mentally and love the rush when you finally cross the finish line.    I always find people to talk to before races, I thank the volunteers, wave to the crowds and high five little kids along the run.  I try to have a great time even when I'm hurtin bad.  At IMWI I was lapped by the leader going up a hill.  The crowd was going wild and as the guy flew past me I began to ham it up for the crowd, thanking them for cheering "for me".  which after my performance, they were.  When people ask me about my IM experince I say it was AMAZING and FUN.  And believe me, I was definitely NOT feeling good by the run (tummy troubles big time) but the overall experience of the race and feelings after are what it is all about.

When I stop saying I had fun, it will be time to stop racing.

I don't think that there is anyone on BT that can say that I don't have fun when I race. Unless you are trying to make a living at this sport why NOT have fun. Interestingly enough, when you're having fun and relaxing while you race you might find that PR's come anyway.

I cannot think of a race that I didn't have a blast in. Hell, at IMKY I had to walk most of the run with GI issues and visited seventeen porta johns and I'm still joking around with the volunteers and smiling in every picture. (I would have been doing the same thing if everything went as planned and I was in the top 20!) I was leading a sprint race this year and only had the pace car in front of me on a long strait away when I saw a train coming, at 30 mph I reached up and gave the HONK sign to make the train blow his horn! That was great!

This is all about having fun and doing this for a long time. If you take this too serious, it will burn you out.

I think the best advice is to HAVE FUN and FINISH!!

There is no place for fun when you're racing! Seriously, I am NOT having fun!!

I love racing!  Here are some of the things that make it fun for me:

-the early-morning craziness of 100s of triathletes, up before dark, to get out and do something the majority of people would never even dream of

-to be able to see all different shapes and sizes of people pushing themselves to the limit-you can see where you came from and where you are going

-to be grateful that I can even do this and to call myself an athlete

-the thrill of running across the line and knowing you did your best and pushed your hardest.

Did I remember to say how much I love racing?

if your not having fun triathlon isn't the sport for you.

Very well put!!

Very well put!!

I had this very same thought during my last race.

And honestly?   The more it hurts (the "less fun, I guess), the better at the end