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You can’t call yourself a triathlete unless you’ve …

If you really want to call yourself a triathlete, finishing a swim, bike and run isn't enough

Photo by: Kevin Mackinnon

It’s a weird time of year in much of North America. For some we’re heading into the tail-end of the triathlon season. For others it’s time to get ready for the biggest races of the year. The pros are gearing up for a number of different championship events, while elite age-group competitors are getting ready for one of two Ironman World Championship races coming this fall, not to mention the World Triathlon Standard Distance World Championships in Spain and lots of other big races.

For those who may be winding down the season, though, we got to wondering how many of you have truly earned the right to call yourself a triathlete. Sure, officially, all you have to do is finish a swim, bike and run, but we all know there’s a lot more to it than just that. Which is why we came up with a list of things all self-respecting triathletes have done at some point in their multisport careers:

Pee’d in your wetsuit.

Don’t even try to pretend you haven’t – there is no way that you can be even remotely hydrated enough for a race and not have to go during the last few minutes before the start. And we all know that once all that neoprene goes on, it is not coming off until you’re running to T1.

Had friends wonder if you still lived in the country

You know the crew you used to hang out with before you became an endurance junkie. The ones you’d see out on Friday and Saturday nights, before those became crucial “hit the sack early because I have to train early in the morning” days.

Rearranged trips to ensure you can get to a pool or a gym

 

Some trips are cut short so you can get back to work out. Others are rearranged so you can spend a night at a hotel that has either a decent pool or gym. OK, who are we trying to kid – ideally the hotel has both.

5 Reasons triathlon couples work

Seriously thought about selling your car to purchase a new bike

And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with this idea. A fast bike that fits really well is more comfortable to ride and, since you spend way more time on your bike than in your car, it totally makes sense to spend more money on the two-wheeled speedster.

Been on a “see food” diet for much of the summer

You know, during that time you ramped up your training for that half- or full-distance. Everything you see, you eat.

Smirked at that person you met at the party last week who was “only” training for a marathon

How easy is that. Only one sport to worry about. Never have to worry about finding a pool. “Luxury!”

Been told by a partner that you’re going to have to choose between triathlon and them …

There is, of course, a third option – they could become triathletes, too.

5 Reasons triathlon is better than cycling

Thrown up during a workout or a race …

Photo: Nick Iwanyshyn

And just kept going. It’s only a workout when someone from the group throws up, right?