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"That said, I think that triathlon has some serious, serious drawbacks beyond just the money and elitism, the main one being the insufferable narcissism and selfishness that the sport encourages and promotes under the banner of taking on the challenge of triathlon or IM."
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The triathlon isn't selfish or narcissistic, you are. The Ironman didn't make you miss spending time with your family or daughter, you did. Any sport can be this way, you of all people should know this. I have been at a high level in swimming, running, cycling, XC skiing, and rowing at different times in my life and you just can't blame the sport for you opting to do what you did. Afterall, you were an All-American and obviously pursued Triathlon at a high level. Anything you do well is going to take a lot of time.
Are you one of those people I meet who asks me if I still do "those crazy races"?
Me: What?
"You know those crazy Endurance races on your bike?"
Me: Yes, I still race my bike. I am trying to get a RAAM qualifier.
"What? What the hell is that? I can't see how anyone past 22 can have time to ride their bike anymore. That's just not for adults who are serious about their careers."
Me: Actually, I know a lot of professionals who still like to train like I do. Some in their 30s, some 40s, some 50s. You would be ...
"Well that is just crazy. I can't believe that a grown man wears those outfits and rides around in public!"
Me: [Shrugging] [thinking in my head that I should just always walk away from these turds right when they bring this up]. [now walking away while they talk to whoever it was that is listening and they were trying to impress by putting me down]
On another note1:
That guy who wrote that blog is way off base. The bikes cost $2000 for an entry-level one and about $8000 is the practical limit for a triathlete with means. Is this a LOT? Yes, if it was not a durable good that is important to your sport. Do people live in $700,000 houses? Do people buy $65,000 cars? Sure, lots of regular people do. The tri bike will last almost as long as the car will before you want to replace. The difference is that it will be worth something in 5 yrs and 10. The rest of the bike gear is significant but no big deal. helmet, shoes, gloves, shorts. Cold weather gear can get expensive, but most triathletes do not seem to be winter cyclists or runners.
The swim stuff is cheap except for the wetsuit. I don't think the wetsuits all cost $400, but I don't know how much it is for the kind that you want to have if you are good. Don't good running shoes cost $100?
The running stuff is fairly cheap, no different than for runners. Probably require quite a bit less over the year too.
On another note2:
That guy is an idiot. I have no love for triathletes, but I don't have this irrational hatred of them that Letsrun seems to have either. Regardless of how you feel about triathlon or Ironman, I am really surprised that you guys aren't ripping this guy apart. HE is NOT A WRITER, what exactly does he write? His blog is terrible ... objectively terrible. Adding credence to his argument with movie clips and Xtranormal videos? Get serious.
If he had any real experience in triathlon (like Johnny Rotten) or any real experience in sports I would take what he says more seriously, but he is clearly not any good at his chosen sport and clearly he is threatened by people who make a good salary.
I don't begrudge people in America that got more education than average and turned it into a high-paying career. Is that NOT the American way?
You guys do realize that he has spouted nothing new and ANYONE with a computer can have a Blog ... you don't actually have to have something to say.