Runner Leana

...sometimes with a little swimming and biking thrown in...

How triathlon has enriched my life

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On Tuesday Tri Equal announced a new initiative called Equally Inspiring.  Equally Inspiring aims to encourage women and remove the barriers they may face to encourage more female participation in triathlons.  It is such an exciting program!  Forty women will be selected for three months of free one on one coaching from some pretty spectacular coaches.  It doesn’t matter what distance of triathlon you want to race or what your goal is.

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I raced my first triathlon in 2008.  I had so many questions before my first race!  What do I wear?  Will I be really stinky from my deodorant washing off in the water?  Do I really go commando under bike shorts?  What on earth do I need in transition?

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Racing a triathlon can seem really intimidating.  Everyone is wearing spandex and seems like they know what they are doing.  What if every other bike is fancier?  The truth is it doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to swim or if you ride a mountain bike.  Everyone starts somewhere.  If you have ever thought about doing a triathlon someday then this could be your opportunity.

Triathlon has enriched my life in more ways than I ever thought possible.  In case you need a push to take that leap I thought I would share more.

Triathlon is for every person, at every size.

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If you have followed my blog for any length of time you know that I have struggled with my weight.  I have raced at 190 lbs and I have raced at less than that.  You see so many different body types at a triathlon.  Everyone belongs and everyone has their own strengths.

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The community is incredibly friendly.

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The majority of triathletes are really friendly and encouraging people.  I remember at my first duathlon I have never received so much encouragement from fellow competitors before.  I can guarantee that if you talk to someone next to you in transition and ask for tips on how to set up your space they will be more than happy to help.

Triathlon has helped me to discover the athlete I didn’t know I was.

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As someone who preferred band over sports growing up, I never thought I would be this athletic someday.  I hated to run the mile.  I never thought I would want to willingly move my body towards a finish line for almost 17 hours…in one day…with no breaks!  Next year I will be racing my fourth Ironman and I am continuously motivated and inspired to dig deeper and to dream bigger.

I have made incredible friends for life.

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I moved to Calgary nine years ago and didn’t know anyone.  Moving to a brand new city as an adult can be really hard as you try to figure out how to make friends.  I feel fortunate to have met some wonderful women through this sport.

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We encourage each other and motivate one another to get our workouts done when we don’t want to.  We go for tacos on Tuesdays and catch up on life.  We sometimes encourage each other to sign up for races..!

I have discovered that I have some amazing cheerleaders.

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I feel incredibly lucky to have a spouse who understands what triathlon brings to my life and encourages me to dream big.  None of this would be possible without Neil.  My parents are also extremely supportive and have been at each and every Ironman race to cheer me on.

I have a pretty amazing family.

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Triathlon has made me dream bigger.

Triathlon has made me redefine what I am capable of.  I am stronger than I believe.

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You are stronger than you believe.  All of this might seem like a crazy idea and you are partially right.  It is a bit crazy.

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Fred DeVito said “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”

Challenge yourself.  Apply here.

more from Runner Leana

Comments

  2. 3

    What a great post! I”m just getting back to the gym this morning to start fitness from scratch after finally knowing what’s wrong with my knees-this is great inspiration!

  7. 13

    Awesome post! You are very inspiring. It’s very easy for me to come up with excuses about not doing a triathlon (I look like a drowning monkey when I swim, I don’t own a bike)–but all those can be easily addressed. I’m not there yet, but soonish!
    Wendy recently posted…{week 6} Recovery happensMy Profile

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