I have been trying off and on now for 4 months to train for a triathlon. I get really excited and do well the first few weeks, but then I lose it. I just can't get into the swimming and cycling. I love being active so it's really fun for me to do those sports, but I don't enjoy them both enough to train and do them alllllll the time. I just don't have the desire for them like I do for running. When it comes to running, I feel sad when I have to give up running to go biking or swimming. I look more forward to running races throughout my triathlon training than swim and cycle training. I'm just not having fun with it and find myself longing to run instead. I also LOVE the fact that with running, I can travel all over the place. It's so simple to pack the family of 5 and my running shoes and just go. The first week in April, we're heading to Lake Havasu in Arizona for a run race. Just GO. I'm finding myself harboring a desire to go from my 5k to a 1/2 marathon by summer. I think I;d rather do a triathlon to say I;ve done one. To have it on my resume of life, but running...running just seems to be in my blood. I think about it all the time. It's my true desire.
hello! Doing a triathlon is a GREAT accomplishment, but certainly takes work and dedication. The reason to do just to say you did it is valid, but does not sounds like it is holding your motivation.
Are you still going for the tri? When is it. If so, Good Luck and try and make training as much fun as possible - anything that will increase motivation. Is there someone who will do one with you that you can train with?
I started out a runner and got into this crazy tri thing still don't love cycling or swimming as much but they hve grown on me. not sure to tellyou I think if you gave a shot you may really like them but then again if it isn't fun I don't think it's worth doing. agree w/ above post find some fun training partners and your outlook may change. either way - good luck and have fun
I too thought that sticking with it would help it grow on me. What I'm really realizing is that I walk away from a swim or a bike feeling worse, but I walk away form a run, no matter if it's 2 miles or 5, feeling amazing.
There's a little min tri in NJ in july. Maybe when we go on vacation back home I'll just do that one because I can already do those distances. I just don't feel the reward with triathlon training like I do with running. There's something for everyone I guess.
I'm going to continue swimming and cycling for fun, but not for training. I like the activity but don't enjoy the distance training like I do with running.
which one in NJ are you looking at?
Sorry to hear your decision, but if its not fun, don't do it. Nothing wrong with running. Good luck with your training.
Hey there,
Don't worry about it. You've potentially got decades to experience triathlon of any distance. A few decades down the road, you may come back to triathlon for the cross-training and lower impact.
And, from what I remember about your swim/bike instructors, you don't have the most encouraging training setup going on right now. That wouldn't encourage me to stick with it either.
I hope your running and vacation etc are refreshing and fun this summer as a family.
Sara
Don't force yourself to do something you don't enjoy doing, you will not succeed. If you you would like to compete in a triathlon because it interests you, then I think you will find it very rewarding. I have raced in stand alone events for both bicycling and running. For me, the energy level at a triathlon is a much greater high than the other races. In a triathlon, even though everyone is competing against each other, everyone is also helping each other and feeding off each other.
Like you mentioned, maybe try the sprint triathlon in your area and see how it works for you.
I feel you on the running.
It takes time to really get comfortable in the water and on the bike, so that it feels more natural (like running). Once you reach that point, you start to get attached. The added benefits of the cross training - the effects it has on the body - are motivation for me to alternate between the three. But if running is your strength, build on it, and use it to your advantage when other triathletes are struggling to complete the run, and you're in your element.
The Jersey triathlon I was thinking of doing is this one:
http://www.cgievents.com/cgiracing/njst/index.html
.31 mile swim, 11.5 mile bike, 5k run
"running just seems to be in my blood. I think about it all the time. It's my true desire."
I believe your quote there says it all. You have found a passion and that is a step ahead of most people in this world. Now, set your goals and challenge yourself in your passion. Throw it out there - a full Marathon. It may sound crazy but aim high. Work your way up to it patiently and celebrate the victories. 5K, 10K, 1/2 M, Full M. All achievable in baby steps and the feeling of crossing that line in your ultimate goal can't be put into words. Stay focused on the goal during training and you will be fine.
As for the Triathlon - you are going to do one. It may not be this year, next year or the next, but it will happen. It is in your mind and it will not go away until you know. When it happens you may be like the rest of us and need therapy for your addiction or you may not. At least at that point you will know and you can stick with your running. Passion is passion, just be glad you have found one.
The thing about finding your sport is that you are supposed to like it. Maybe you're a runner, which is a pretty cool thing to be. Not everybody can be a triathlete or who would keep all those baseball bats from falling into the hands of thugs?
It takes a lot of training to make it in this field of sport. Biking is not easy, but training and discipline will accomplish anything.
I'm kind of feeling the same thing - I actually strated with triathlons and have been moving more towards just running. I actually love the running and I like the biking. I even like the swimming a little but when I finish with a swimming training session I don't feel as good as when I finish a run (plus I'm always having to fight for a lane at the pool, which might have something to do with not enjoying it). And the biking us fun too. But lately I've found myself planning my runs in the week and then just biking as an alternative, not really looking forward to it. not sure what to do
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