You know, I've been meaning to post on this very subject, except the other way around. A funny thing happened to me a couple weeks ago. My neighbor introduced me and my wife to his date and said "they're both runners." I'm used to that, but what was strange is that the first thought that flashed through my mind was "I'm not a runner, I'm a triathlete." Not that one is better than the other, they're just different. I didn't say anything, of course. Mostly I was just too stunned by that thought to even know what to say. I've always considered myself a runner, even during the years I wasn't running. It's a state of mind. And apparently my state of mind has changed. I'm not a swimmer, though I love swimming. I'm not a cyclist, though I love that, too. And I guess I'm not a runner anymore, even though I totally get what you're saying about "just running." I'm none of those things. I'm a triathlete.

I would never have predicted this would happen. Never.

------------------
Running To My Future
Me[/URL" target="_blank"> and My Log[/URL" target="_blank">
The Newbie Wiki[/URL" target="_blank">

This subject is timely. The other night driving home from work I was thinking about this. I thought to myself and gauged how I felt as I asked these four questions:

1. Am I a runner?
2. Am I a cyclist?
3. Am I a swimmer?
4. Am I a triathlete

For #1, runer, the feeling was definitely yes. I run 3-4x/week and I run in road races. I love the feeling of going out for a run and it's a natural part of my life now that I would miss terribly. I am a runner.

For #2, cyclist, the feeling was definitely no. I love to cycle and it's my strongest discipline of the three but I am not a cyclist. I don't race, I don't group ride, I don't live the lifestyle. I've never changed a tire, I've never built a bike, I'd get dropped on the first hill. The barriers for entry in to the world of cycling are higher than running, swimming or triathlon and I don't feel like I could hold my own there.

For #3, swimming, the feeling was no though not as strong as #2 despite it being my weakest discipline. I don't look forward to going to the pool though after I am done I feel like I've accomplished something and I have enjoyed myself. That is progress and reminds me of how running was for me 2 years ago. It's not a natural part of my life (yet). I think I am close though. If I joined a masters swim program I would answer yes.

For #4, the feeling was yes. Triathlon is part of my life. I wouldn't be happy just running and just doing running races. I like doing all three disciplines. I like the challenge. I like the way it makes me feel. I look forward to next summer when I try more than just Timberman. I broke through this summer and became a triathlete when I trained as hard as I could and raced as hard as I could, not just survived it. I look forward to doing the next 25 Timbermans and beyond. I am a triathlete.

So, as I said to someone that I recently go back in touch with through email, "I am a triathlete and a runner."

Kristine and Carrie, whatever you call yourself on any given day, you're part of the CRMS family, so definitely post here.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by mbannon:
Absolutely. You could be a bowler for all I care, you're still part of our little group.<HR>

1!

I've got connections. If you stop frequenting here, I'll have some of my peeps whack your knees out so that you have to get in the pool and have swimming as a main focus -- and by extension post back here for tips.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Dougie Fresh:
This subject is timely. The other night driving home from work I was thinking about this. I thought to myself and gauged how I felt as I asked these four questions:

1. Am I a runner?
2. Am I a cyclist?
3. Am I a swimmer?
4. Am I a triathlete

For #1, runer, the feeling was definitely yes. I run 3-4x/week and I run in road races. I love the feeling of going out for a run and it's a natural part of my life now that I would miss terribly. I am a runner.

For #2, cyclist, the feeling was definitely no. I love to cycle and it's my strongest discipline of the three but I am not a cyclist. I don't race, I don't group ride, I don't live the lifestyle. I've never changed a tire, I've never built a bike, I'd get dropped on the first hill. The barriers for entry in to the world of cycling are higher than running, swimming or triathlon and I don't feel like I could hold my own there.

For #3, swimming, the feeling was no though not as strong as #2 despite it being my weakest discipline. I don't look forward to going to the pool though after I am done I feel like I've accomplished something and I have enjoyed myself. That is progress and reminds me of how running was for me 2 years ago. It's not a natural part of my life (yet). I think I am close though. If I joined a masters swim program I would answer yes.

For #4, the feeling was yes. Triathlon is part of my life. I wouldn't be happy just running and just doing running races. I like doing all three disciplines. I like the challenge. I like the way it makes me feel. I look forward to next summer when I try more than just Timberman. I broke through this summer and became a triathlete when I trained as hard as I could and raced as hard as I could, not just survived it. I look forward to doing the next 25 Timbermans and beyond. I am a triathlete.

So, as I said to someone that I recently go back in touch with through email, "I am a triathlete and a runner."<HR>

Dude. Totally.

I'm definietly a runner. A slow one, but a runner. I am much better, naturally, at cycling but I don't see myself as a biker.

But I'm also definitely a triathlete, too. Weird, huh?

Right now I'm mostly a runner since I'm training for a HM (no I in there, just a half mary ). But I'm trying to bike at least one day a week, and hit a spin class if I can. In fact, I should get my arse out there right now and get in a ride before the Broncos come on TV. 'Cause I am sure as heck not going then!

I'm a runner...
I can get through triathlons because of the endurance I get from my run training. I can definitely relate to all of the earlier posts though. I do feel like a poser sometimes in this forum where everyone trains so much more than I do. I feel like I'm lacking the degree of motivation that some of you have that I would need to be able to train for 3 disciplines seriously.
So for now I'm just a runner who loves to do her one or two triathlons each year.

And since my one tri is over this year and I am now just running with a couple bike days a week, I'm back to MS lurker for the inspiration I get from reading everyone's posts. Hopefully I'll find the motivation to be able to be a triathlete someday.....

I started out as a "runner"...but now I am definitely a "triathlete".......even now training for my first marathon, I feel like this focus on the run will make me better for next season.....even when I am doing my strength training, it's making me stronger for Triathlon. Sure, I love running, especially this time of year with the nice cool temps, but in my heart I am a triathlete