I'm a Triathlete !! (WTF does that MEAN??)

CLICK HERE (ITS FUNNY)

Ok, we are only into week 3.  There are 9 to go and some of you are probably already thinking you're over hearing about me, my training and how awesome I am.  You're probably thinking "Bloody Hell !  Doesn't she talk about anything else ??!!"

Well, not right now..... No.

Why?

Because I'M A TRIATHLETE!!

*crickets*

(anyone who really knows me, will also know that I have my tongue planted firmly in my cheek)

But its become a little bit of a joke between me and my friends and I got to thinking today what being a Triathlete actually means.

To me.

And, so here it is in a nutshell.

Being a triathlete, (or just someone who trains hard and challenges themselves physically) to me, gives me a sense of purpose.  I am a Mother. I'm an employee. I'm a friend. I'm currently not anyone's partner, so that's one less "thing" I have to be, but still, I am many things.  And most of those 'things' that I am involve a certain amount of giving of myself (no complaints, I love all of these roles and get a mountain of satisfaction, love and friendship in return).  

The point I'm trying to make is that being a triathlete is the one thing that requires me to give nothing of myself to anyone or anything but me.  I put in, and I get the rewards.  No one else benefits or suffers from my efforts but me.  I answer only to me.  If I don't get up in the morning and train, I'm the only one responsible.  If I don't get a PB in a race, its me that holds the answers as to why.  

It gives me a reason to get up in the morning, it gives me focus, it gives me drive.  It removes me from mediocrity.  It makes me proud.  It keeps me removed from the person I used to be (fat, unfit, unmotivated and miserable).  It makes me feel independent and strong.  It fuels my self belief.  Its gives me a sense of belonging to a group that gives me friendships and training partners who share in each others achievements.  When I'm focused and training and feeling strong and fit, my resilience to everyday stresses is stronger.  I challenge myself mentally in every race and most training sessions involve a certain amount of "you can do it" type of internal dialogue.

There have been tears and triumphs.  There have been successes and failures.  All of which, without triathlon, there would have been none of. 

Triathlon means different things to different people.  To me, its just become a part of who I am.  Right now, its a massive part of my lifestyle and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I AM a triathlete.......