Why are Triathletes so in love with themselves?

OldXCguy wrote:

Funny coincidence, because I was just at a triathlon in northern NJ yesterday. Any chance that was the one you're referring to? I hadn't noticed what the OP referred to, but on reflection, I guess there were some competitors who fit that description. Regarding cyclists, I frequently smile watching them go by when I recall a thread someone started a couple of years ago titled something like, "Why do bicyclists always have to dress up like super heroes to go out for a ride?" Thank you to whoever posted that, because it always cracks me up.

And why do runners wear short shorts? It limits chaffing and is generally more comfortable. Cyclists wear lycra for the same reason... it doesn't catch the wind, and stays in place so as not to cause irritation. Sure there are people out there just to look the part, but it's the same with runners. I was at our local "chase corporate challenge" recently, and there were countless runners dressed as "superheroes" for a measly 5k.

As for triathletes... there is some truth to the stereotype. And it has nothing to do with the gear they buy, because the $2000 bike doesn't make them that much faster. Ask any cyclist, it's the engine, not the bike. A $200 craigslist bike that is fit properly and with some aerobars and clipless pedals thrown on and anyone can be competitive at almost any level of triathlon if they work hard. Fancier gear helps, I think more than anything else from the mental aspect (more excited to train on a nicer bike, think you will do well, etc.), although there is of course some actual benefits as well, but it doesn't make the triathlete. The problem comes when (and this is true of triathletes more than any group I know) they buy gear to have it, and to say they have it, but don't use it properly. How many people do you see head down with an aero helmet (a great, cost effective way to get free time if used properly), which makes the tail act like a sail. How many people do every ride with a powertap, but don't know how to use the power data to effectively tweak their workouts? What about those who buy Newtons and heel strike? It's this "gear as a status" and not "get the best gear to help me actually go faster" that irritates some people about triathletes.

I work at a running/triathlon/cycling store that caters to all, not just the high end triathlete and can tell you from experience that there are many completely novice triathletes out there who are getting involved because they want to be a part of something. They typically like one aspect of the sport (run, bike, or swim) and have either been challenged by someone or feel the desire to try something different, and they come on to a triathlon.

Granted many spend a ton of money on all the high end equipment because it will help them, but quite a few go the recommend way and get what they need to see how they will like it.

Tri's are like running races, you can get all you can out of the low end equipment. For a runner is it cheap shoes, clothing, etc. and for a tri it is a hybrid bike, cheap shoes and couple sessions in the pool. Of course there are the others who opt to go for the high end shoes, garmin, and high tech moisture wicking gear for a runner and the aero bike, with the "best" racing shoes, and the wetsuit for triathletes...

What matters the most is that people are getting outside, are active and are living (as they see it) fulfilling lives...Cut triathletes a break, they are just like runners, but either way they want to try something different, they don't just like just running or want the challenge...

For what its worth, I've never done a tri!

You act like it's somehow a noble choice between the allegedly naturally paired options of do a tri or sit on the couch. I see dumbasses do this regarding slowpoke marathoners, too. It's simplistic and thus basically false.

people we're straying from the original point...it's not about the cost of the sport or any of that shit. Tri people (with obviously some exceptions) just love to pretend like their training is sooo intense and nobody else has any idea.

I work with a woman who is this to a T. She walks around giving people advice about running even though she cant break 30 for a 5k. She brings her bike to work every now and then just to have it seen, and won't shut up about the rigorous nutritional demands of training even though SHE LOOKS NOTHING LIKE AN ATHLETE. I overhear her giving people advice on workouts and it makes me want to throw up because shes been "in the sport" for maybe 2 years and now she's god's gift to the world. Real athletes go about their training day in and day out without having to validate everything with other people. They do something that the talkers can't do...produce good results.

I agree, it is by far the worst thing about triathlons. I believe they are called triassletes. Between the tattos and a triathlon stickers on every side of their car it makes me sick. The 30 and under crowd is usually cool, but over that the people need to get something else in their life. I also hate the ripped mommy groups. They prob have nannys so they can train.

Track Fan wrote:

I was watching my wife at a tri today. Good god, the # of tri tools who strut around thinking they are some sort of super hero in their wet suits and on their bikes was almost too much for me to take. I know runners have their own quirks about them, but man if you've never been to a triathlon in person, you are missing out on some drama.

This thread is filled with gross generalizations. You guys don't realize how hard top triathletes train. I am not even a pro triathlete, and my training is so much harder than when I was running 100mpw. Instead of 2-3 hard workouts, I do 6-8. I think runners just don't realize how hard good triathletes work. I do 3 hard swims, 2 hard bikes, and two hard runs on top of a lot of base training, with a training volume of about 18-22 hours. Mentally it is very taxing. I thought training for running was hard, but this is definitely a whole different level. Now, the races themselves are a little easier, but you have to be mentally aware of what you are doing because there are so many things to remember while you are transitioning. When I was runner, I would have given that training schedule a lot of respect. Now, you get more than your fair share of tools in triathlon, more so than in running. However, don't group me or other serious triathletes with those people. We probably like them less than you do because they give us a bad name, and we have to see them strutting around at races. Also, no one on here understands aerodynamics. A road bike to tri bike frame with aerobars will give you 3 minutes in a 40k. A aero helmet will give you another 45 seconds. Racing wheels another 1-2 minutes. A skinsuit versus loose clothing is 1-2 minutes Hell, even shaving your legs gives you 20 seconds. If you could cut 6-7 minutes off your half marathon time without any training, you know you would spend whatever money you had. Runners are just as obsessed as triathletes, its just that gear does not help them as much.

freaking sheeple wrote:

I see dumba**sses do this regarding slowpoke marathoners, too. It's simplistic and thus basically false.

absolutely! because it would be great if more of those slow marathoners would just sit on the couch and get fat.

you're hard core man. rad.

BREAKING NEWS

Most people are in love with themselves.

Source:

www.letsrun.com

Great, along with the ultra bashing thread my day is complete.

Thank you, Letsrun.com

We need PRs to take you seriously.

Mr. Obvious wrote:

Great, along with the ultra bashing thread my day is complete.

Thank you, Letsrun.com

Not quite complete, somebody please start a thread bashing race-walkers, too.

I think I know that chic.

The beauty of triathlon is there are special categories for fatties, and all sorts of sob stories about fatties who lost a ton of weight and then did an Ironman. Why is it impressive for a fatty to lose weight?

Yeah, triathletes like to tell everyone what they do, what others should do.

I should know...

OK in the 1st degree wrote:

Tommy B wrote:

Having to get new shoes all the time gets expensive.

Not if you're smart, but maybe you're not.

And your statement about anyone can run/walk 100 miles is incorrecct. 100 miles is incredibly far to run/walk and is harder than you actually think. Don't hate on the ultra-marathoners. And no, I am not an ultra-marathoner.

Learn some history sometime, study "forced marches."

Ok, you need to learn some history. Why do you think they were called forced/DEATH marches? Uh duh, because not everyone could do it and the ones that could not were killed. I guarantee I could easily find people who could not finish the task of 100 miles. Just give me one minute.

Oh, and I guess you don't run enough. Being smart is changing your shoes enough so you do not get hurt. Or I guess you have a crap load of money, because dropping around 100 bucks for shoes is not cheap for most people.

Can Slowman delete my post here?

Not sure. Did he remember to put on his moustache and toupee today? http://trifathlete.blogspot.com/2009/06/blog-moderatorserrr-nazis.html

Tommy B wrote:

Oh, and I guess you don't run enough. Being smart is changing your shoes enough so you do not get hurt. Or I guess you have a crap load of money, because dropping around 100 bucks for shoes is not cheap for most people.

Not to get involved in a slap fight here, but the argument about shoes costing a lot of money is a lost cause.

If you bought 7 pairs of shoes, one for each day of the week, and did 100 mile weeks every week for the entire year you would put on about 750miles on each shoe... while this is the top end of what you would idealy put on a shoe it is still possible. Now let's say you paid 100 dollars each for these shoes thats only 700 dollars... compare that to the price of a bike, a gym membership (for the pool you need to swim) and all the rest of the triathlon gear you need and running is still way cheaper. Let's face it 100 mile weeks every week of the year is probably a unrealistic amount of training for the average runner even the higher end competitive runner.

Even if you compare that cost to the overall costs some people put towards satying fit or getting fit. Weight watchers memberships, gym fees, aerobics classes, yoga, Wii fit's, boflex whatever. The point is arguing that running isn't cheap is a superious argument at best because in comparison to nearly any other activity it is extremily cheap.

It's been fun, but there is just too much negative energy here and too many new assholes who post bullshit and lots of great people who used to post all the time who have left or gone underground. I'm out. Life is too short. I'll be in kona. Hope to see some of you there. Paulo knows how to find me.

For what it's worth, and in case anyone is still following this thread, you might find this entertaining:

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat

;post=2385524;page=1;mh=-1;;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC

I agree with you 100%. Especially about the majority of triathletes hating the snobby ones because they give the rest of us a bad name, but it's like that in any sport. The first couple of people I met at my first triathlon were pricks so I figured they all were, but that wasn't the case at all. I've had the same thing happen at everything from 5k's to marathons as well. I think the majority of the people in both sports are pretty friendly, but their will always be bad apples in every group. Now concerning the cycling gear, I offer no defense. We do look like idiots and we know it (unless we're standing next to a guy in a pink leotard). The padded shorts are a a must, but the jerserys do look a little silly. They do have pockets in the back which is useful for carrying a cell phone, money, gel, anything that could come in handy if you break down 40 miles from home. Concerning the little european cycling caps, I'll personally cast the first stone if I see someone wearing one of those...we look ridiculous enough as it is. The triathlon community is divided on the tatoos, but personally I'm damn proud of mine. It's my only tatoo, but I always said I would get one if I finished a full ironman.