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You’ve been working out every day, as much as 15 hours or more each week.
Rain or shine, through sickness and in health. And you are sick of it. You
might have quit by now but your triathlon “support group” won’t let you.
Your new friends help you climb out of motivation troughs and get you back
on the road to event day.
Triathlons aren’t a team sport, you might say. But most triathletes will
tell you that it’s hard to succeed at “the solo social sport” without the
support of your friends and training partners. It doesn’t matter if you're a serious
competitor, a first-time triathlete, or just training for the fun of it. The social
possibilities are endless.
Training in a Group
Training is best when done in a group. This allows you learn from your partners’
strengths and them from yours. Form a group for these practical reasons and
you will soon find you've made a whole new circle of friends.
Tri Clubs and Organizations
If it’s a formal group you’re looking for there are plenty. Triathlon
clubs and organizations not only provide the motivation, discipline, and
structured training expertise to get you across the finish line, but will
also introduce you to hundreds of people who share your athletic enthusiasm,
lifestyle, values, and your competitive goals. In the San Francisco Bay area,
an exemplary mecca for triathlon clubs, there’s the Golden Gate Triathlon
Club, Team in Training, the Silicon Valley Triathlon Club, and many more.
Check out your local sports magazines or the Web to find a club near you.
The Event Itself
Then there is the triathlon itself. Sharing individual achievements and
epic stories with your training partners at the finish line is a great
bonding experience. Get a flat tire right out of the transition area? Maybe
you tripped on your wet suit. Nobody will understand your trials and
tribulations better than your fellow triathletes, your new friends (in
fact, they may be the only ones who want to hear them!).
The Tri Circuit
The triathlon circuit is a community. Whether you’re a novice
participating for fun or a honed athlete vying for a medal, participate
in a few events throughout the season and you’ll start to see familiar
faces at every turn. Chances are you have a lot in common with each
and every one of people you recognize.
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