I think you should run some ultras!
Who hasn't felt like this, please raise your hand.
Just what I thought.... Believe it or not 7 years in a sport is a long time...there are so many people who jump in do some races and disappear never to be seen again.
Sometimes we need a break...do different things...experience something new. Sounds like YOU need a break.
The running rule is that it takes 7 to 10 years for someone to hit their peak, but many don't get that far, because they feel they are not getting the results they want.
Your results, are your results. Not everyone can be the best in their AG. But it's ok to be Grumpy about it...it's part of this sport from time to time.
This year I haven't done a single tri. Will next year...already bought and paid for. Am I still a triathlete?
Yup. Just backed off for a year to recharge batteries and try some new things.
Racing is not the be all and end all...Yes, it's a test that can lead you to other things, but it's not the place we are forged...that happens in training.
Branch out try some new stuff, Volunteer and give back...always a great thing to do, do ultras, bike racing, ultra cycling, Long distance swimming or do nothing but 5K's...if next year the spirit moves, jump in a tri or two...only you'll know when you are ready.
I going to pull an "old Guy" card here: In all the years I've done stuff and had to take a break for my sanity or was forced too...I always came back stronger.

Yeah ultras helped me, too ;) Honestly. I think because it is just something a bit different and with much less of a focus on a time or place or technology, and more on the location and the experience of the race. And because it was something a bit different, and not the same old same old.

But rest can be fine -- even if it is from just racing, or racing and training. We do this for fun... so if you need a break, you know you need it and listen. We often talk about listening to our bodies for the physical, but the same applies to the mental aspects of it sometimes.

Why not just going out and try having fun. We all seem so focused on "racing" that we forget that most of us got into this sport to have fun and try something new. I know i'm not racing anyone but myself and the clock most of the time, but i've felt burnt out as well after doing nothing but training for one event after another and then not achieving the goal i set for myself. I lost the fact that this was supposed to be a fun hobby, and it sounds like you lost the fun aspect of triathlon as well. See the thread about starting em young and look at the pics. They are having fun. Go on a ride without a heartrate monitor, or a cyclometer, and see what a difference it is.
Just my .02 though.

My suggestion is to put your energy into something completely seperate from triathlon. Focus on work, enjoy allll of your free time and plan a life-changer of a vacation. People have a tendancy to think that after so many years they've seen what life has to offer and perhaps believe they have become who they will become. I say, take the next 6 months and plan a 3-week vacation, doing something you only hear about other people doing and have no personal connection to anyone who has done it. I'll give you 2 examples:

A guy I used to work with recently took a vacation ( voyage imo ) and had what alcoholics refer to as, 'a moment of clarity' a life changing experience. Over a span of 3 weeks of toil, pain, frustration and in several cases, conflict and fear, he took a boat up the amazon river, climbed the mountain from which it originates, and returned with a new look in his eye and zest for life. Yeah. Pretty aweXome. He's a 32yr old computer guy. If he can do something like that, anyone can.

Person number 2 took a contract (something he probly wasn't completely prepared to do) to deliver a small(ish) boat from Minnesota, allllll the way down the mighty Mississippi and into the Gulf of Mexico, then continued on to Daytona beach FL.

Two experiences. Same underlying experience.

Thanks for all of your comments and thoughts - you've all got valuable perspectives.

I have indeed lost a bit of the fun and I think I may also have lost some of the challenge. Maybe the two are linked. I think there is more excitement and fun in working toward a challenge with all of its mysteries and unknowns. Which sort of gets at the point that mdd makes above. When you get over those and achieve the challenge the excitement and thrill are unparalleled. Not to mention when the challenges are new and huge we are probably more forgiving of ourselves.

I will definitely try to get in touch with Coach Joy. I imagine that it will take me a few attempts to actually link up and get connected with her.

I think some things I can start with is getting back to trail running. and maybe hiking (or running) more of our fabulous 14K foot peaks. Haven't done one of those since before 2006 because of triathlon...that's pathetic. And I think I will go to that Bikram yoga class that I've been interested in trying. I can also try mountain biking again. I suck at it, and have had some not so great injuries from it, but heck it will give me something else to think about (i.e. not falling down into that ravine to the left) outside of the time clock.

try something else for a year...
don't volunteer, just get away!
learn bouldering/climbing or paddling, something else that is humbling and challenging
and then come back when you're fresh!

Take the entire winter off from serious training and become a ski bum. Strengthen your legs and have a blast at the same time. When the snow melts you might feel like getting competitive again or not. Mt. biking, hiking, rock climbing, volunteering, trail running, etc. are all possibilities for next spring.

I took 6 months off from running programs, watches, and logs years ago. Best thing I could have done for recharging my batteries and my body responded positively. Pre break - 0 Boston qualifying times in 6 tries. Post break - 6 BQ times in 8 marathons.

Nope...never expect anything.
Look...as I read once, "Specialization is for insects." If you go banging around in tri's, and that's all you do...yeah, after a while, you'll be on your way out the door. Doing different things keeps it fresh and new and not the same 'ol, same 'ol. I've met so many runners ,bikies, tri-heads that hammer away at their given sport only to get stale,injured,burned out. Being diverse means you'll be around longer.

I agree with the general consensus. Switch it up a little, do some stuff for fun, Take off the watch, the HRM and don't worry about the numbers. Volunteering will give you a view that may get you kick started too.

In the big picture you have to remeber this is all about living a healthy sporting lifestyle. All your hardware will someday be in a box and your kids or grandkids will look at it, but being around to tell the the stories of those events is the real endurance event. Outliving many of those in your age group ;-)

Me too. I've been struggling with the same problem. I feel like I really want t take time off too but the fear is that I will lose so much (fitness). But on the other hand, I've lost the important piece that this should be fun. Thanks for posting this, ht001. These responses have really helped me as well. I hope you find your mojo again....

I love it! Great list :)

Wow Ironmom,
You inspired me and I'm not even burned out..... :)