I remember the sport when things like lace locks for running shoes were cutting edge. Disc wheels were out there but about 1 in every, what 75 bikes had them. I think back and I love the time when it was more rough edge, with not so many refined gadgets. A good bike, running shoes, of course your Speedo which I always felt comfortable in since my background was swimming. It's just what you were so used to seeing people in.
Sure you always had those people who where 100% into the culture of "being a triathlete" as they were the racing. Now though, just coming back from the expo at Columbia, where I had the opportunity to catch up with some old friends, I just feel a bit at odds when I see those certain athletes who reeeaaaalllly like to be noticed as a triathlete. You know what I mean, that slick racing bike on top of their car, running shoes, sport sunglasses, you can spot them a mile away. Their stand out attire is usually accompanied by multiple stickers on the windows of their car indicating the races they have done, complete with the distances spelled out. If it's not, swim 2.4, bike 112 etc etc, it's 70.3 or something like that. Then the products stickers. They look like support vehicles for a pro stage race. My question is, what are they saying? Do they just want to let people around them know, "hey if my car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, I "me" can get myself to civilization no matter what separates me, be it water, a road to bike on or maybe just sub 7 minute per mile foot travel...?" (Actually, I used to love to think about it that way.)
I know, I'm not going to get on people who proudly display the badges of their physical conquests and the products and races they love to use and do. When it all comes down to it, I do love the idea of people getting out there, pushing their limits mentally and physically. I just want for each and every one of them to feel unique in their triathlon pursuit(s) and enjoy the discovery of what they are made of as they embark on every multi-sport challenge. That is the meaning of cool in my opinion. Way cooler than any product or sticker or killer equipment they can purchase.
So, I hope everyone has a great race, safe race and feels like at least at one moment that they are not sure if they can make it, or can maintain their pace, or struggles with maintaining the high output of stroke tempo, wattage output or stride frequency, but then for some reason or another, finds the strength and reaches down deep and comes through for him or herself and finds that personal victory.
Have fun! Coach Dave
