Well, tri doesn't have to equal HIM. Why not back off your distance to oly or sprint? It's less of a time commitment and not so hard on you physically.

It does seem like the majority of folks who post here are doing the longer distances. But I'd be willing to bet good money that there are a lot more lurkers who are more like me - that is fair to middling sprint folks.

Anyhow, you might be happier about your tri career if you had a bit more life/tri balance. If you don't want to feel like you are "going backwards" by going to the shorter distances (not that I think you would be) you could always work on speed on the sprint/oly distance.

Or maybe just do a local 5K? After all your HIM training I bet you'll feel like a superstar at the 5K. I am decidedly pokey, but I won my AG at a local 5K and it was nice for the old ego.

Anyhow, best of luck to you!

Hi ...

I guess since you're asking about this on a triathlon forum, you have more positive feelings about the sport than negative. And, there are apt to be all sorts of positive replys to your post in this forum.

I, on the other hand, feel a bit like you about triathlons. I've thought that after only three years of doing them, I might give it up this year for the same reasons you mention. It's not exactly an activity non-athletes really understand or society really values. It's easy for athletes in the sport to become self-centered and narcisistic ... I mean, if you get in shape and stay healthy, why the need to prove yourself or compete? Or stress out about training and spend loads of cash on bikes, wetsuits, and running shoes? Or worse, lust for "sexy" equipment ... and brag about it to those jealous of your purchase, and then realize it didn't make you much faster, or if it did, you didn't feel happier anyway. I don't think these kinds of feelings while participating in triathlon (or in any sport, for that matter) are actually healthy.

Yet, like you, I love doing them. I've learned a lot about biking and swimming and how they complement running (which is how I started), and I think that's not all bad. I've done a lot of commuting to work and that has a nice feel and practical element to it. And being really fit is a boost to overall well-being that just "maintenance" running I had been doing didn't really achieve.

So, I don't know what will work for you, but I've gradually reduced my races from maybe 10 in 2007 to only 5 in 2008 (only two tri's), and that seemed to help. I've also found some nice woods I love to bike to and run in. It's solitary, but so much more soothing and economical than doing a tri, yet I get a nice interdisciplinary workout. Yoga is something I've tried too (despite being the only guy in the classes) that takes a little stress out of triathloning while still giving some physical (and spiritual) benefits.

I'm not sure if I helped, but maybe it gives you some ideas. In the end, if you don't feel without doubt that what you're doing is more good than bad, you ought to at least reduce how much you participate (either do shorter tri's or fewer - or both) ... or take 6 months off. You can decide to do a late season tri in May or so and still have time to get in shape, assuming you maintain a little and aren't planning to do an HIM or IM distance race.

Good luck!

I think overtraining and burnout are common in many many sports and it sounds like that's what's going on with you. It seems to me that the best way to avoid this is to focus on what brings you joy in the sport, and to avoid what brings you stress (although sometimes its hard to separate what challenges you from what is stressing you). Remember its all about doing something good for your body, and if worrying about getting in the next workout or hitting a PR or finishing a certain distance is causing you to think, feel, or act in unhealthy ways then you can always re-evaluate your goals, or toss them out altogether.

I wrote this blog post about Coach Joy - I don't know if that will help with what you're feeling, but I know a lot of people who have been in your position and wrote that maybe to help out.

One thing that I think helps focus on the joy is to take each race and really connect with yourself, your environment, and with your competitors. Cheer on each and every person you pass or who passes you, chat with new folks before the race, encouraging them and sharing any little tips that can help them relax and have a fun race, take a look around at the sun shining on the lake or the wind blowing the grasses in the field.

All the best to you, it sounds like your dream is telling you something about your true feelings about the sport. I hope you can find and keep your joy in triathlon!

I keep pushing forward. I should've taken time off after my HIM in November, but I had to (almost immediately) start training for my marathon in Mid January, and I am feeling somewhat burnt out (although, I must say that I am enjoying my different swim workouts complete with different strokes...besides freestyle, and today I was practically drooling to get out on my bike for a ride) I know that after my marathon, I will take off time at Disney, which I wouldn't have felt "happy" about unless it was forced on me. The whole "lifestyle" of triathlon can mess with your mind if it takes over your idea of who you are. I have to admit I had neglected, and still sometimes do, certain aspects of my life; many of my friendships have changed, not lost, just different. It can wear you down, but like others have said, just change the focus to something shorter that won't take over and will bring the joy back to training. No guilt necessary...keep us posted

thanks everyone for your comments! I really just need to chill out and not worry so much about it, and just do what I love, instead of what I feel like I should do.
Ironmom-Your post about Coach Joy is awesome!