The 6 things you must do to call yourself a triathlete
You might do things differently than other people, but that doesn't mean you're any less of a triathlete than they are

There is no single right way to be a triathlete, just as there is no wrong way to be one. Some people think you have to do certain things to earn the title of triathlete, but in reality, there’s no checklist of requirements or rulebook that comes with being a member of this sport. If you’ve done a triathlon, you’re a triathlete—simple as that. Everything else that people tell you is a “must-do” for your triathlete card is actually just a suggestion.
You have to race
Sure, to become a triathlete you have to complete one race, but if you do that and think, “Huh, I’ll train to stay fit, but I don’t feel the need to race ever again,” that’s fine. You did your race, and that means you’re just as much a triathlete as the person next to you in the pool who has completed 50 of them.

You’re not a triathlete until you’ve completed an Ironman
This is false. A lot of people think that Ironman is the be-all and end-all of triathlon, but it’s a race distance that a large chunk of the triathlon community doesn’t ever consider tackling. Maybe you’ve only finished sprints, but remember that those races still feature a swim, a bike, and a run. You’re a triathlete, no matter what distance you prefer to race.
Always be improving
For many triathletes, the goal is to get faster. This is a great goal to chase, but it doesn’t mean it’s the “right” way to train. Some people simply want to keep fit and healthy, and triathlon training is a great way to do that. Just because someone isn’t aiming to go faster tomorrow than they did yesterday doesn’t mean they’re any less of a triathlete than you are.
Never take time off
A lot of triathletes have a go, go, go mindset. They want to always be moving, but it’s perfectly fine to take time off. Whether you take a few weeks off or a few months—even a few years—you’re still a triathlete. Do what’s right for you and take all the time you need, because you’re not going to lose your title of “triathlete” while you’re on a break from the sport.
You must own certain gear
The only requirements when it comes to gear in triathlon is that you must own a pair of goggles, a bike, and some form of shoes. It doesn’t matter if you have the nicest, newest, or most expensive gear—you just need something to help get you from the start line to the finish. Your gear doesn’t make you a triathlete, your drive and abilities do.
You need to love the sport
You might love the sport now and you might always love it, but it’s possible that you’ll fall out of love with it at some point. That’s fine. You’re allowed to lose motivation and lose your passion for it. Maybe you’ll rediscover that love later on and maybe you won’t, but that’s not important. Do what makes you happy and know that once a triathlete, always a triathlete. There’s no expiration date.