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Triathlon is saving me money and making me smarter

deepbluex's picture
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954 days
started by deepbluex on September 10, 2007

No, really.

I know myself - at least the pre-triathlon self - and I used to enjoy buying electronic toys, DVDs, eat out a lot, drink socially, soclialize a lot, go out often. This was my roaring 20s. I lived it up. I enjoyed it.

In my early 30s, I began to see that this lifestyle had consequences. My body stopped absorbing the rich fun life. I got bigger. I was always tired. I ate a lot and often.

I started doing tris. I embraced its lifestyle and adopted it for my own.

Looking back on the 3 years I've been doing sprints and olys, I'm 30 pounds lighter, and if you add up the things I no longer buy for myself because I'm too busy training, then the cost of a nice bike and wetsuit and race entry fees are nothing compared to my savings.

I don't buy fancy 12-yr old scotch and eat at $90/person restaurants, spend 5 hrs a night playing Warcraft, buy computer gadgets.

Instead, it's mostly a couple of running shoes a year, inner tubes, gym membership, race fees. I go to bed at a decent hour and I spend my time on the bike instead of meandering through the aisles of Bevmo or Best Buy.

Star's picture
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Star posted 35 weeks ago.

Isn't it fascinating how sports can literally transform a life? I bet the majority of us have similar stories to tell. I could go on and on about the positive effects sports have had on me, but in this season especially, I've had lots of mental and emotional growth. However, I think I spend more $$$...on toys like bikes, clothing, nutrition, etc ;)

PrinceofClydes's picture
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PrinceofClydes posted 35 weeks ago.

I recall considering the economic advantages of running, biking, swimming, over SlowPitch and playing in the Basketball league.

Bats, spikes, uniforms, tournament fees just got ridiculous.
Same with BB league fees, shoes, uniforms, travel.

Swimming in the lake is free.
Biking costs very little - if you can patch a flat.
Running shoes last me quite a while and there are always the Boxing Day sales.

I enjoy the 7-15 hours of training as a time to think, but I can always listen to "Learn Spanish" audio tapes while I bike/run.

PoC

"Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory is forever." - Shane Falco.

stewarba's picture
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stewarba posted 35 weeks ago.

PrinceofClydes;79016 wrote:
I enjoy the 7-15 hours of training as a time to think, but I can always listen to "Learn Spanish" audio tapes while I bike/run.

PoC

When I started working out about three years ago, I couldn't run 1/4 mile, so I started off walking. I could listen to audio books while I walked, but once the tempo picked up and I started running further and further, I found that I would be finished and think "what the hell was I just listening to?" - I have been listening to music ever since. :)

Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines – Brian Tracy

2008 Sprint Tri A race goals
S: 500m in 10:00 – FS Stroke only
B: 22mph avg over course
R: 5K <= 25:00
Place top 50% for my age group

Iron Dan's picture
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Iron Dan posted 35 weeks ago.

It is funny how triathlon can transform lives. It has taken me from an extremely overweight 22 year old who used a bum knee as an excuse for not working out, to a person who can't wait to get up early and go for a 2000 yard swim in the morning and come home from work and go for a 3 hour bike ride. I can't comment on the saving money aspect. I am a bit of a geek when it comes to cool gadgets, so I think I am out a considerable amount of cash after getting hooked, but I view it as money well spent.

Anton's picture
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Anton posted 35 weeks ago.

PrinceofClydes;79016 wrote:
I recall considering the economic advantages of running, biking, swimming, over SlowPitch and playing in the Basketball league.

Bats, spikes, uniforms, tournament fees just got ridiculous.
Same with BB league fees, shoes, uniforms, travel.

PoC


Not to mention Doctor bills from busted up knees!

"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"
- Vincent Van Gogh

My Blog: http://anton.trifuel.net

mdittfurth's picture
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mdittfurth posted 35 weeks ago.

I have been doing endurance sports since 1982 and each year I seem to get leaner in the living out of this lifestyle. I haven't had a cold in many years; never have the flu, seldom take an aspirin. Imagine the money I haven't spent on doctor bills, medications, cigarettes, and booze. Sometimes endurance sports can seemingly get expensive but the big picture tells a different story.

Seems I read recently that by 2015 75 percent of Americans will be obese. In contrast, we are involved in more than a sport but a lifesyle which provides an example and stands as an alternative for a healthier and better life.

TryScott's picture
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TryScott posted 35 weeks ago.

There's a reason smokers pay more for health insurance than non-smokers. I recall seeing an ad in a running magazine about giving a break to runners. It sounded like a good idea to me.