Why Even Tri?

Upon reading my posts, you may have gathered that I am a highly motivated, goal-oriented person.  My friends and loved ones will attest to the contagiousness of my energy and enthusiastic spirit.  My positive attitude combined with strong ambition fuel my ability to accomplish my goals and dreams.

 

This past weekend, my family and I went to my nephew’s 2nd birthday party.  An old friend of my SIL’s also attended the party.  She has been training for triathlons some time and I was excited to pick her brain about our shared interest in the sport.

 

I proudly told her about my latest endeavors and she snidely remarks, “Those aren’t real triathlons.  If you aren’t swimming 2 miles and feel like you are going to die, then you’ve not done a real tri.”

 

Talk about crushing someone’s spirit!  That’s like telling someone who runs 5K, “You’re not a real runner unless you run a marathon.”

 

Even in my shock, I scripted a pretty decent rebuttal.  “I believe a triathlon is defined by completing 3 physical activities: swim, bike and run.  If we went around the room and polled everyone, I think you would find everyone’s response to include those three things.  And, yes, technically it is only a sprint, but it feels like a REAL triathlon to me.  And despite what you may think, I do feel like I am going to die during and after, but I love it!  It’s not about the distance for me, but the challenge and trying to compete against my own time.”

 

With a stunned expression, she replied “Well, I compete against myself as well, but I don’t event like triathlons.”

 

“Then, why do you even do them?”

 

“I do them because my friends convinced me to do it, but I don’t like them.”

 

“So, you caved to peer pressure?  Interesting.”

 

The longer I spoke with her, the more my blood began to boil.  I realize I am no Hollie Kenney, but I do best and I am damn proud of what I do!  The other athletes I have met at the various races have been so supportive and encouraging.  My friends and family applaud my achievements and in turn, I celebrate their hard-work too.  Where did this chick come off?

 

To avoid an ugly scene turning even uglier, I took a few deep cleansing breaths and escaped to the patio to discuss politics with my BIL.  Discussing Obama over a beer would make me feel better.

6 comments

  1. Michele says:

    WHATEVER!!!!!!

    Tell her to tell the 450 people that next week. I believe it’s called the Longleaf Triathlon. Right???

    Some people just aren’t happy unless they are making someone else feel miserable.
    No need to let her get you down…your a machine! 😉

  2. Julie Ellis says:

    She can go to hell. Competing in anything in this day and age of lazy people is worth the applause. I know how hard we work to do what we do and if she does not feel the same way than get out of the sport.
    I think you went a little easy on her. Sounds to me like she has never finished one.

  3. Tiffany says:

    I was in absolute shock by that woman! And with that attitude, “Girrrl, she does not even to deserve to wear a cut up man’s shirt” from her last “real” triathalon!

    I, for one, think you are so courageous to compete in any variation of a triathalon, especially one that does not involve a freshly chlorinated pool (i.e., man-made lakes and such). There are so many people that cannot even run, let alone all three events. You are so awesome! Keep it up!

  4. Hollie Kenney says:

    I just found this (a friend directed me to your site after googling my name or something) and I was horrified to see my name associated in this because I thought you were talking about me. But, I know words like that have never come out of my mouth and I have not been to a 2 year old’s b-day party in probably 4 years.

    Regardless, a triathlon is a triathlon no matter what the distance is and finishing is nothing short of a huge accomplishment. Anyone that “tris” to tell you otherwise has confidence issues within themselves.

    I have been doing triathlons for over 18 years and have been running for 23 years. I ran 24 versity season of cross country and track (high school through college) and even coached running at JHU for several years. I’d love for her to be able to tell me I am not a runner…… (I’ve never run a marathon 😉

  5. Nickey Ezell says:

    I have know Hollie Kenney personally for years and I know for a fact that was not her at that party! To the writer of this blog, I am sure that you where only using her name as an example of who you might not be but make sure you always clarify your intentions. Hollie Kenny is a wonderful, very positive member of her community and does not deserve for her name to be associated with a negative blog. She is at times the first to cross a finish line but often at times one of the few left at the finish line encouraging and cheering the last athletes out on the course!! Have a wonderful day and keep running!!!

  6. Run DMT says:

    WOW! First of all I would like to say that I am completely honored that THE Hollie Kenney has left a comment on my blog. However, I am truly sorry that my name dropping combined with a misunderstood remark led you here.

    Hollie Kenney is an outstanding professional athlete. The intent of my post was not to slander her, but simply make the comparison that I am not her, just like I am no Lance Armstrong. I am just an average runner trying to cross the finish line.

    To clarify, the remarks in the above post were NOT made by Hollie! The above post was merely a rant about my encounter with my SIL’s negative, petty friend (NOT HOLLIE) who tried to squash my spirits. I have met several athletes who only encourage and support my efforts and it was hurtful and frustrating to be faced with such negativity.

    Although a misunderstanding may have led Nickey and Hollie to this post, the comments that they left are supportive and encouraging, just like all the other athletes (professional and amateur) I have met.

    Again, I apologize for any confusion my post may have caused. I am honored that you have visited my blog and I hope you visit again.

    Denise

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