Dear Triathlons,
Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I want to take some time and let you know how much you mean to me. 🥰😂
It’s been quite the journey.
I remember the first time I first heard about you. I had just graduated and was searching for a new sport to love. And you came into my life through a challenge from my father-in-law. It didn’t matter that I didn’t know how to swim or bike too well.
So I started training.
I remember our first few interactions. Like when I tried to ride a road bike with clipped in pedals and fell off the driveway and hurt my thumb. 👍🏻 Or how during the first few laps in the pool, I was coughing up water and just trying to stay afloat.
But I finished that first race and have been hooked on you ever since.🙌🏻 I trained, and trained, and trained some more, finally building up the confidence to take our relationship to the next level… with the the Olympic and half-Ironman distance.
And that first half Ironman date didn’t go so smoothly.
I got dehydrated, tired, and ended up projectile vomiting all over your beautiful half Ironman course. Like 10 times! I was reduced to a slow, depressed walk while my family cheered me on.🤮🤮
But you taught me that I could overcome and continue on.
You didn’t even laugh at me when I decided to sign up for the full Ironman after that. All you did was bring me closer to the people that I love. There was Emily, who kayaked while I swam, biked while I ran, and fed me constantly. My mentors and friends trained with me and coached me on all things leading up to the race. And there was my race day support crew, who was with me the whole way.
Crossing the finish line at Ironman Wisconsin a few years ago was one of the best feelings and life-changing.
Now I’m at the point where I just want to come out and say it… I love you, triathlons. I love you!!😂😆😘
What do you love about triathlons? Comment below!