Triathlete Magazine published January 2000

Every year at the Hawaii Ironman awards ceremony, a video is played detailing the week's highlights. I am always amazed at the race morning montage of unsmiling faces. It is reminiscent of people going off to battle or waiting for their execution. This is ironic to me, because Ironman is supposed to be FUN. We anticipate the race all year; we train hard for it, we talk about it, we dream about, we are it. So why all the fear? Too much emphasis has been placed on performance, not whether we enjoyed the experience. We need to focus on having fun! We must have fun while we train, and while we race. Remember, we choose to do this, nobody forces us. We all suffer and experience disappointment at one time or another, which is why in between we must enjoy ourselves. Last year I was fortunate enough to: travel, make new friends, bond with old ones, and test the limits of my mind and body. These are the things that make triathlon such a fun and unique sport.

Triathlon is a way of life. Most of us identify ourselves, or are identified as, triathletes. When I am introduced to people, they usually say, “This is Joanna Zeiger, the Triathlete.” Not once have I heard, “This is Joanna Zeiger, the Scientist.” (I hope this is not a reflection on my ability to do research!). So, I have devised some ideas to help you put the FUN back into Swim, Bike, Run.

1. Make your training and racing social.
   • Plan a meal to coincide with your workout. Triathletes are notorious eaters, use it to your advantage! After swim practice on Saturday mornings, a group of us infiltrate Starbucks for our caffeine fix, bagels, and a few laughs.
   • Workout with friends. With busy schedules it is often difficult to coordinate workout times, but it is imperative to do at least one workout with others. It will keep you fresh and the conversation will make the workout flow more quickly.
   • Travel to races with friends. Whether it is a long trip in the car, or a flight across country, traveling with a buddy is always more fun.
2. Develop new routes
   • When I ride and run the same roads too often, monotony settles in. Doing a familiar route backwards sheds a new perspective onto the surroundings. You will be surprised at how different a road looks from the opposite direction. You will notice houses, different trees, and new potholes to avoid.
   • Drive somewhere to ride or run. Grab a map, compass, or GPS and play Magellan. Starting a workout in a new location adds variety to your training, and gives you the opportunity to explore your city.
   • Run or ride on trails. Running on the softer surface helps prevent injuries and training in the woods can be very peaceful. An added bonus, you don't have to worry about road rage.

3. Travel somewhere new for a race - With limited time and budgets, races must be chosen carefully. However, with proper planning, traveling to an exotic place does not have to weigh heavily on the wallet. The race does not have to fit into your proscribed race schedule; it just has to be fun.
   • Choose a race in a location you have always wanted to visit, but never had the time to get there.
   • Pick a race you have always wanted to compete in. Sign up for that mountain bike race or adventure race your friends have been trying to coerce you into.
4. Use your workout time productively - Even though workouts are usually the time to unwind, it is also a great opportunity to generate ideas for work or plan the next day. I have studied for exams, written papers, and composed nasty letters to the phone company while out on the road.
5. Attend camps - Camps are a great way to meet new people with comparable goals, polish up on techniques, pick up new tips, and train in a different environment.
6. Enter a single sport event - This is a perfect opportunity to find other people with common interests.
   • Swim in a Masters meet. Most Masters swim meets are low key and non-competitive and constitute the perfect way to gauge your swimming improvement.
   • Participate in a charity event. Whether it is a 5K or a triathlon, for the Leukemia Society or for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, charity races are exciting to participate in and for worthwhile causes.
   • Run a marathon or complete an organized century. This is a golden opportunity to test your endurance. It does not have to be competitive, especially if this is your first time. This is also great for Ironman preparation.
7. Create nontraditional goals
   • One of my goals for the 2000 season is not to become familiar with the medical tent at every race. Last year I found myself in the M*A*S*H unit at way too many races; I could come up with a rough estimate, but it is too embarrassing to mention. If anyone needs medical tent recommendations though, come see me.
   • Another reasonable goal is to have the cleanest bike in the transition area. What could be more intimidating than a shiny bike with a sparkling chain?
   • Paint your fingernails and toenails to match your bike (yes, the men too) to get psyched up for the big race.
   • I also think it would be great to finish a season with all ten toenails. This one speaks for itself.
   • Make time for non-triathlon related activities

It is really easy to get caught up in the training/racing cycle and neglect other past times. Some suggestions: go see a movie, read the book that has been collecting dust on your shelf, rent a video, go to a tourist attraction in your town. Engaging in other activities will keep you fresh and eager to start another day.

With these tips in hand, race hard, have fun, and cross the finish line with a smile.

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