Borrowing from my favorite athlete Rickey Henderson (who borrowed from Ali), “I am the greatest [triathlete of La Grande]!” I had no idea. I found that out today at the local La Grande sprint. This result has me inspired to take up triathlon. After all, what else could be better than an enjoyable bike ride, but to sandwich it between getting drenched before mounting and jack hammering your legs after?
The last time I swam was when the university pool was still open, 2.5 years ago. I underestimated what 10 laps can do. It made the bike leg surprisingly difficult, and the run even more. Maybe I should include some running in my training too. I was mostly satisfied with my overall performance, but I definitely can improve on some things for the next time I tri (in a year or two).
Oh, and I didn’t win. Baker took home the prize. He put in an impressive bike leg too. I figured that to win I had to pass everyone by the turnaround, and I didn’t. Foothill was up to no good, as usual. She was killing me, even without much wind. Coming through town was an adventure. I was dodging bystandards, missing turns, shooting 3 foot gaps between erratic drivers, and stopping for a rider who hit the deck right in front of me. I’m sure I would have gone a bit faster on my triathlon (err, time trial) bike but, in retrospect, I definitely made the right decision to go with the road bike to stay safe. I’m sure that was my record for most traffic violations on a bike in one ride, with some of them right in front of cops.
I fully intended to do this triathlon last year, as I am dedicated to participating in local competitions (revisit the snub). Unfortunately, I had to skip it because I was coughing with pertussis for 4 months. I had a lot of fun doing it this year. Thanks Joe for the work putting it on.
I’m still not getting triathlon though. I fully respect triathletes and their dedication to training. I admire any athlete that dedicates to a sport. But the sport itself is inherently off. It is called multi-sport, but there isn’t much variety in the selection of sports. If it were a truly multi-sport it should include a variety of sports like ones that emphasize hand-eye coordination, quickness, striking, strategy, climbing, skating, catching, and throwing in addition to endurance. That would a good test of all-around multi-sport talent. I would undoubtedly be world class at that kind of competition.
At least a sport like decathlon has military practicality with the selection of events. I know triathlon was also developed by military, but it makes no practical sense. After you swim accross the river, why would there be a bicycle on the other side waiting for you along with your gear. At least you should have to raft with your bike across the river, then bike, and dump it in the bushes to finish off the escape on foot. Why are people so fascinated with this sport, especially women? I have been told multiple times that if I did one, I would catch the bug. I guess I’m immune to that bug.
This is the first year I have been in race shape at this time of the year. The riding in the heat has been fun. I’m gearing up for leaving to Australia in November. Things are getting busier and busier for me, and life is good (especially without the cough).
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