~I wanted a new challenge.
~Knowing that many people don't do tris, I wanted to push myself to do what most don't ever even think of doing.
~I admire triathletes.

Because it is an individual sport. I can push myself way harder then anyone else can. Its all about you on race day. Do you have what it takes? Can you push your body as far or further then it can go? At least that is why I got started. Then I had a 2 year break. Then my best friend Scott Clarkson died from lung cancer. He was an avid slalom skier, pilot, community volunteer, and the person who got me started in Triathlons. Every minute of his life he exibited a passion for whatever he did. I envied the dedication he showed to everything he did. So I stopped making excuses about time and have started doing triathlons again. I find it incredibly fullfilling to push myself each day, and to remember a close friend in such a tangible manner.

Once upon a time, there was a boy drinking at a party. The next morning he woke up and felt miserable. Like really miserable, like pucking and stuff.
But I had to visit my grandparents that day. So I sat on their couch, totally worn out. And we turned the TV on. Guess what was on... right: Hawaii!!!!!!
Feeling that terrible, at the end of my first relationship, kind of aimless, I decided:
I want to be so fit that I can do Hawaii.
After a short while I added: I want to win Hawaii. That is what has brought me to the point I am at.
Lance is thinking about yellow, I have Kona on my mind. Every moment I train, it is all about becoming the best triathlete in the world. It is not about winning against the competitors nor about the reputation. I like to win and I like triathlon, any questions?
PS: Yeah, you need not tell me the chances I have. A lot of people already did that, but I am not going to believe them.
inlovewithcervelo, who believes in Anything is possible

"If what you did yesterday still looks good, then you haven't done anything today."

Good post.

I do them to try and live a healthy lifestyle.
To challenge myself.
For the feeling you get after a good workout or crossing the finish line - a true sense of accomplishment.
To be a part of the mafia type family of triathletes, once you're in you can never leave :) It's like having an extended family and triathletes are generally just really down to earth, helpful, cool people.

I do them to win. I do them to understand why i put twenty hours a week into something. I do them to become stronger mentally as well as physically. I do them for the glory of the finish line sprint. al,l or nothing there is no compromise.

Two years ago, the most athletic thing I'd ever done was play little league baseball and elementary school football. One day I started running just because, and have not looked back since. I watched a good friend of mine do a sprint and moved into tris to combat the boredom of just running.

I do them for pure love of the sport and the sports involved.
I do them because there is nothing more beautiful than the site of a lake framing the transition area as the sun comes up.
I do them because I've never felt as good about myself or the shape I'm in since I started doing tris.
I do them to continually disprove to my mind that yes I can go a little farther and a little faster the next time.
I do them because of the people involved. You won't meet a better crowd anywhere.

Matt

I did it to challenge myself it was always a dream, to do a tri and run a marathon, but now it gives me a reason to train! I can get lazy because I have a naturally high metabolism and can stay in fair shape with little effort, but I wanted more, this gave me more!

I do them now because I love the challenge to challenge myself and to compete with others! I love being in shape and I love how triathlon training fitness tranfers to all aspects of your life, endurance to do sooo much! It ROCKS!

Keep on tri-ing,
Eric

Some of the reasons are outlined above but I can add a few more:

There is an immediate reward (endorphines);
a long term reward (fitness, heath etc.);
I love the outdoors;
if you train on one thing for a while and ou get bored, you can change and work on another;
goals can be immediate or long term and YOU have total control
a good example for the kids;
makes me eat well;
makes me feel good;
execise is like brushing your teeth, if you don't do it, you feel gross;
you don't have to be the best;
pain, sometimes I like pain :D
working out is an excuse to get out of things you don't want to do (hehe);
it makes you the best you can be;
people think your nuts! :) and
the people at races are great.

My venture into this sport was started to first raise money for a non-profit. It’s been a great experience and I've really enjoyed it.

That said it really comes down to the challenge that a triathlon brings. (Or any endurance sport for that matter) It's all about pushing yourself and overcoming the hurdles you come across on the way. For me it has been one big hurdle know as the swim. :)

Mike

I tri because it gives me goals, plus I feel like I'm part of something bigger, like a huge team.

for me, it is all about the training. I could never do a race and be content. I love to run, love to ride, love to swim. There is something inherently spiritual about finding your physical limits and pushing them to a higher level. My time training is my time to really get to know what I am made of, what I am becoming. Nothing feels better than legs burning, sun beating down on you, and still knowing you can shave 10 seconds off mile 8.

lol, we wish

First of all, Triathlons just seem like fun (though, I haven't acutally done one). Then, I like the prospect of enjoying optimal health as a Triathlete, well into my golden years. Thirdly, I've enjoyed being welcomed into a community of people that have common interests (I could use more friends in my life). While losing some weight around my midsection is a goal, Triathlon training has been the best motivation for getting there. Finally, Trialthletes have some of the sexiest bodies on the planet and I want to be considered to be one. When I'm 50 and 60 years old (and beyond), I would still want to be considered sexy. :D

I unfortunately have a slower metabolism(I guess it balances out against my lightning wit!), so I get a little chubby if I don't get regular exercise. That being said, I've tried lots of different exercise programs and training for triathlons has proven to be the easiest to stick to, not only because of the variety, but also because of the camraderie. I also enjoy people's reactions when I say I'm training for triathlons, especially since most people who aren't acquainted with the sport assume that I'm doing the Ironman until I tell them otherwise. And, as if that weren't enough already, it's just friggin' fun.

Jason

I do triathlons for the same reason I ran a marathon. For me its all about transferring physical achievement into mental confidence. I wanted to open my own business and stop working for someone else, but there sure was a lot involved. Could I really handle all that? So I decided to run a marathon...at a point when 2 miles would leave me sore for a week. Its easy for me to break down a difficult physical challenge and do the steps necessary to achieve it. Then at the end, I can look at something that once seemed daunting that I had just been able to complete. Then the mental challenge of opening my business was way more manageable. Now its time to take said business (and therefore life experience) to the next level. I'm planning the Duke IM distance race this October as my catalyst....