What Makes You a Triathlete?
Last week when I went for my paratriathlon assessment, I had to sign forms. I signed above the line that said "Athlete".
Hm. I have never really thought of myself as an "athlete".
I mentioned this to my coach on Sunday.
That evolved rather quickly into a discussion about when someone can be considered a "triathlete". "It's not like an Ironman - no one announces "You are an Triathlete" and definitely that's it..." I quipped.
He turned it back around. "At what stage are you considered a negotiator?" he asked. That is my job - I flippantly replied "One deal doesn't make you a negotiator. Maybe 10 does."
"So then you need to have 10 triathlons under your belt to call yourself a triathlete," he said.
Really? At what distance? 10 sprints? 10 Olympics? Or is the process that matters (e.g. the training) rather than the number of races completed? So 10 seasons of training?
A rather quick exchange illustrated a much discussed point... How do you define a triathlete?
What do you think?
I found your blog!!! hmmm-10? really? if I equate that to running-you're not a runner until you run 10 races-I disagree! I think if you put in the training and time then you are that athlete!
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If you've completed a triathlon and continue to train for triathlons that you're going to complete then you're a triathlete. My opinion.
Having said this, I am confident that those of us who have completed full Ironman events may be to differ. I guess at the end of the day, YOU are the only one who can answer the question.
All the best!
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I considered myself a Triathlete only a year ago when I started to take the swimming more seriously - got some coaching, started drilling, breaking swims down into sets rather than just swimming length after length etc.
I had done a number of Olympic and Sprint distance Tri's but just 'survived' the swim knowing that I was a strong cyclist and above average runner but when I entered Ironman I decided I wasn't going to finish unless my swimming improved dramatically.
It wasn't finishing IM that made me think I was a triathlete it was several months before with all that time in the pool and when one of the lifeguards, who organises a small local Tri, approached me at the pool with the opening line "you're a Triathlete right?".
Stephen
(mr_fast)
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It is largely determined by the intersection of attitude and action.
Having the mindset that you are an athlete--and then following up with all the hard work that an athlete's lifestyle requires, makes you an athlete.
But if you take away one of these two factors, I believe your claims of athleticism are greatly undermined.
"Training" with no mental focus or goal; or having the right mindset and plan, but little or no follow-through disqualify you from the title of athlete.
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What makes you a triathlete?
Well I have just completed my first season, competing in 5 triathlons; 3 sprints and 2 olympics. I continue to swim, bike & run in my weekly training routine and I fully intend to compete again in 2010. In my mind that makes me a triathlete!
Brett from Zen Triathlon said in one of his podcasts "If you think, then you are". I may have mis-quoted but in essence; If you think like a triathlete, then you are one. That maxim has helped me in my quest for health and fitness. When I make decisions, mostly on whether I should have some chocoloate or not, I ask myself, what would a triathlete do?
Unfortunately most of the time I have to go without the chocolate! However that's one of the joys of being a triathlete
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Like many who have already posted, I think a "triathlete" is someone who is focused on the training for the sport, and has a commitment to that training and racing. I don't believe there is a magic number of races--or length of race--that makes you a triathlete. Your focus, commitment makes you the athlete. Good post! Provocative.
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I'm seeing a theme emerging...
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