I've received some very nice comments from fellow bloggers, inquiring as to why I still call myself an amateur. Even though I've been doing triathlon for 4 (short) years, I'm still an amateur. I will always be an amateur. I want to emphasize that I still have a lot to learn and am continually humbled by other great triathletes around me who serve as role models.
I don't do triathlons because I want to win. If that was the case, I would have quit as soon as I moved to San Diego. Let's face it, I'm a goldfish swimming with the sharks in a big ocean out here...I don't have a prayer. But I'm quite happy to be a solid, middle-of-the pack, age grouper. I dare say we even have more fun back there. I do triathlon because I love it. The training, the racing, the people I meet, the experiences I have, all of it. I love learning new things about myself and my body and constantly striving for personal improvement--physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I have come a long way since my first 5k. I hope that the experiences I write about on my blog can help teach and motivate others out there who were like me 4 years ago, believing it was impossible that they could ever do a triathlon. That they would never, never, ever, do an Ironman. One thing I have learned is certain: nothing is impossible.
10 comments:
Hi Rachel! In the process of trying to turn myself into a triathlete, I came across your blog. I can't even begin to tell you what an inspiration you are to me... and a lot of that is b/c I have found that I can really relate to you 'as' an amateur. My triathlon goals are about pushing my 'own' limits... not about 'beating' the next person. My first tri is this May (Danskin Orlando) and right now, I'm just all about finsihing the race. Thank you for maintaining such a motivational blog that appeals to both newbies (like me) and to all of those other awesome "middle of the pack-ers" out there (like you).
thats quite inspirational!! and very true, nothing is impossible, and you are a great example with all that you do!
Rachel,
U did tri for 4 years? I only did it for 3. I guess i am a newbie triathlete :)
There is always so mcuh to learn about training and tri. The fun never stops!
You hope to motivate? Done and done. Thank You.
You definately have inspired and motivated me to believe that I CAN complete my first Triathlon this year. Thank you!
Amen on all that.
I've been having tons of fun with triathlon for 4 years also.
Woot woot for us middle pack age groupers.
Kindred spirits, girlfriend... I think I'd like San Diego :-)
Great post Rachel. Sorry I haven't been around in a while, but this is the kind of post that gets many of us back into the spirit!
Thanks for your inspiration.
rachel
been racing for 23 years. I am still an amateur.
I am surrounded by professional sports.. This is my statement.
enjoy your blog. tracked it ever since you went Wall Street Journal on us :-)
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