Nice observation. I agree. For me part of it is spending time with myself and thinking, slowing down, and enjoying the moment.

Yes, it's not just you - I've found the same. If only we could bottle that effect we could make a killing.

Hey Tribro & wannakona - any chance you two were separated at birth? Your avatars make you look like sibs!

I've really taken on a "I don't give a pooh" attitude about alot of things that I generally attribute to the stess level / workout balance. I've noticed that the "sheep" of the world are usually running around like a chicken with their head cut off. I call them Dust Busters because they keep so frantic that they kick up alot of dust and then hide in the cloud hoping noone notices that they're useless. The leaders are always relaxed and calm and don't get overexcited about the immaterial things that go on around them.

I think sport teaches us this balance. I have always thought that someone with an athletic background is as usefull as an MBA. I question the thinking of someone that spends tens of thousand of dollars to get a designation simular to hundreds of thousands of people. They're a dime a dozen nowadays. Sport teaches time management, endurance, teamwork and puts you in touch with your flaws/positives. Triathletes are just the kings/queens of this benefit. That's PROBABLY why our average salary is so high really.

yes, absolutely! I am totally mellow for a couple hours after a good workout, however, the opposite (inverse, converse...?) is true for me, too. When I don't get in a workout for a couple days, I become a mega-bitch and freak out over stupid crap, at which point, my astute husband says, "I think it's time for you to go for a run."

[quote=snail_male]Yes, it's not just you - I've found the same. If only we could bottle that effect we could make a killing.

Hey Tribro & wannakona - any chance you two were separated at birth? Your avatars make you look like sibs![/quote]

That bottle is called Smirnoff :)

[quote=Maks Tri][quote=snail_male]Yes, it's not just you - I've found the same. If only we could bottle that effect we could make a killing.
[/quote]

That bottle is called Smirnoff :)[/quote]

One day my hubby came home and saw my Camelbak bladder inverted and pulled down over the neck of a half full wine bottle sitting on the counter (this my preferred method of drying it out after I wash it) and he said, "is that what you've been filling that thing with? this explains a lot about your devotion to triathlon." ; ) (it's not helping my bike handling skills either.)

[quote=snail_male]Hey Tribro & wannakona - any chance you two were separated at birth? Your avatars make you look like sibs![/quote]

HA! I was thinking the exact same thing.

Just add a little dark chocolate to that, and I am in heaven!

i agree completely humans are set up for exercise naturally. the best way to mange stress is an intense fitness program. the body releases good chemicals adrenaline,endorphins and norepinephrine druing exercise that flush out all the bad chemicals that build up. its also a feeling of accomplishemnt as well, work, and other external stressors bring the body and mind out of balance, working out yoga and meditation bring things all back to equilibrim.

[quote=ironmind35]i agree completely humans are set up for exercise naturally. the best way to mange stress is an intense fitness program. the body releases good chemicals adrenaline,endorphins and norepinephrine druing exercise that flush out all the bad chemicals that build up. its also a feeling of accomplishemnt as well, work, and other external stressors bring the body and mind out of balance, working out yoga and meditation bring things all back to equilibrim.[/quote]

Except that for many folks the intense fitness program becomes the stressor. I've seen it for years...folks getting so wrapped in "being fit" that it trashes their life, leads to huge amounts of stress and usually leads to injury which totally sends them over the edge. A fitness program, done right, which includes periods of easy activity and days off is best. And I mean days off..no yoga, no sitting in zazen, no easy workouts. no running around. Just hanging out, relaxing catching up on the DVD stack or spending time with loved ones...really spending time with them...pay dividends in a fit life.

Workouts are like meditation. When I get a good one in I do not feel tired but refreshed and ready for anything the day may bring. Like jtrimom, I feel out of balance and do feel myself getting upset more readily when I miss a few days. Lucky that doesn't happen too often.

I usually feel like dying after a hard workout...

Definitely the mental aspect is a big part of the triathlon life for me too. Can't count the number of times I've been moved to tears out on a run or bike ride or swim in the lake, just so happy I'm crying. It makes you sad for people who don't get to experience that. Often it's the workout that's hardest to get out the door and get going that end up feeling that way too.

[quote=Ironmom]Definitely the mental aspect is a big part of the triathlon life for me too. Can't count the number of times I've been moved to tears out on a run or bike ride or swim in the lake, just so happy I'm crying. It makes you sad for people who don't get to experience that. Often it's the workout that's hardest to get out the door and get going that end up feeling that way too.[/quote]
I couldn't agree more Ironmom. Those early morning runs in the cold when you (almost) just can't get yourself out of bed and out the door... those occasions when they turn into "perfect" runs is really something special.

I agree with much of the above but add to it that I think I have learned patience. I am, by nature an impatience person (read ADD). Because of this, patience and focus do not come easily but I truly believe that starting tris have really helped in many areas because of what the exercise does for me but also the variety helps to keep me from getting so bored. There are certain aspects that I struggle with and hopefully with time and practice I will be able to handle those aspects better. I believe also triathlons are teaching me to not be so hard on myself...doesn't mean I don't want to but I certainly have to show restraint and not get down on myself because improvement takes time.

[quote=wannakona]Have you noticed, after started doing triathlons (and this may apply to other sports too, i don't know) and after a hard workout, you feel really at peace with yourself and the world around you... And everyone around you just seems like they are in a rush for something that is not really important... and getting agitated and panicky about something that doesn't really matter or matters but is not worth being so worried about it...

Maybe it's just me and i inhaled something accidentally while riding the train this morning...[/quote]

Shhhhh.. don't let our dirty little secret get out or everybody will be doing this.

Anton, even satori is addictive.

Ommmmmm....

PoC