Doing tri's purely for the fun it....

I definitely do tri's (and train for them) because I enjoy it -- if I didn't, I wouldn't do it. But I also do try to better my times over last season. YOu know, get faster. I know that the time will come when the number on my life's chronometer is going to catch up with me, and "hoe to get faster" is going to become "how not to slow down so much"... And I hope when that time comes, I'll be able to mentally deal with that fact, and keep the genuinely "fun" part of the sport in mind.

Here's a tale I was told by the wife of a very accomplished karate master. He had a couple black belts in his closet -- one he used every day, that was old and worn and faded, and one that he'd won in a tournament, that was still new and almost unused. Well, one day when she was in a particularly aggressively cleaning mood, she threw out the old ratty one... When he found out, he didn't scream and yell, but he hung his head in disappointment.

YOu see, the idea is that when the karate master uses that black belt every day, it fades and gets worn, eventually becoming white... And that symbolizes the master coming full circle.

I hope that I can always have at least some of that "newbie" wonder and joy of movement.

I remind myself that this is a hobby.  If I'm not having fun then I should be spending time elsewhere.  I celebrate my improvements...even the "small" ones. 

Speaking of which, I'm still waiting for my "haz fanclub" t-shirt to arrive...

Being better than/faster than other people is fun . Putting in all the hard work to make yourself faster/better is fun. To me, being competitive and having fun is all the same thing.

I race as motivation to train. I train for my health and well being.

I do race myself every time out. Bettering myself is the goal.

i keep racing against myself or my previous time - that way i'll have a fighting chance and only have myself to blame if i'm not happy with my performance.

also triathlons have sort of permiated into my family circle, so having people to share it all with makes it fun - i recommend finding friends or family who'll be able to enjoy the sport with you.

SSMinnow - 2007-10-19 5:59 PM

Does any do tris or other events just for the fun of it? not so wrapped up in finishing time? being  better than the year before? first in your AG?

I just finished my third season.  I'd better be doing this for fun 'cuz I sure don't seem to be in it for the glory!  But?!?  I had so much fun this year!  My best moment was my last race this past September.  I made the race cut off by 11 minutes and that finishers medal is the sweetest piece of jewelry I own.

This year, my competency in all three sports improved so much!  And, I learned I still have so much to learn!  I've come to tri late (mid-40's) so who knows.  But, I do look forward to still ponying up those race fees well into my 70's! 

Next year, I'll work/race to beat my times from this years races.  I'll be happy with small improvements.  Check out KathyG's blog, she's phenomenal at discoursing on race/training perspective.  With 5 kids, I guess you can get philosophic.

Peeked at your logs - can't wait to see you and Betsy run at Boston together.    I'd go home to watch that race.

Keep having fun!  And I like your swimming mantra!

I do tri for the fun of it - to hang out with BTers pre and post race. 

Next year will be my 4th season.  I have made a point to train JUST ENOUGH to finish the races, don't care if I beat my old time, and have no goal.  The main purpose for me to do triathlons is to keep me healthy.  I figure swimming/biking/running a few times a week is already keeping me healthy.  Racing is to give me something to look forward to.  Improving my time is not going affect anyone in any way, but only adding to my own mental burden.  So I am not going to think about it. 

I like foolproof's perspective.  I do it just for fun... but it's fun to see what I can do!

Personally, the fact that I have absolutely no "natural" athletic ability also helps a lot.  There's no pressure to actually be GOOD at this stuff.    Then again... NEVER rule out the possibility of an AG win!  (See my other thread today...)

I qualify as one of those..."Just in it to complete, not compete".

I like to challenge myself, but I couldn't give a flying fark how I stack up to others.
(Unless their name is Lauren or Morey, or 3558, or _______).