PMS and Danskin Despair

[Running Mommy]

I'm sorry, but I have to take issue with what tri4him said about "other" races. I have done a TON of "other" races in many different locales, and only ONCE did I encounter a rude person- and it was a GIRL!! I've always gotten TONS of support, and god knows I'm a BOP'er!! Even at Ironman, where I would almost expect to get "attitude" it was the total opposite!! In fact I think people at that race were MORE supportive than at any other race I've ever done!! Even the pro women were giving me words of encouragement!! So please ladies, don't shy away from other races just because you assume that they must be for the "experienced" or "fast" or "super fit" or "elite" or whatever you want to call them.
Personally when I look into a race I look at the course to see if it's something I can handle, and I also look to see if there are cut off times. There are certain marathons I can't run because I'm a slow runner, but there are plenty of others out there that welcome us slowbies. So do your homework and go out there and have fun!! And for goodness sakes... DONT WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE THINKING!! Race YOUR race and have fun!!! THATS what it's all about!!
Denise

[Lise]

My experience is the same as Running Mommy's. I've always felt great camaraderie and support at the tris I've done. Once, at a "super sprint", a guy blazed by me and my friend on the run, and muttered, "Joggers!" Sad to say, that stuck with me. Isn't it sad how one negative comment lodges itself in your heart like shrapnel? Took me awhile to stop saying "jogger!" (contemptuously) to myself when I'd run. I imagine that doing the MARATHON last year probably got that out of my system!

Other than that, the fast people are so eager to get out there and race that they don't bother with me. Pre- and post-race, people have always been nice when I've asked questions, admired their bikes, etc.

I think it's so cool that RM got encouragement from the pros at IMAZ. Last night I watched a webcast of a SF newscaster (woman) talking with Peter Reid (sigh...he's so cute). She had done IM Canada, and was so excited to be talking with PR. He was so nice, and is appearantly pretty shy. He was very sweet to her. My experience is that triathlon is a very friendly sport.

[KSH]

Once, at a "super sprint", a guy blazed by me and my friend on the run, and muttered, "Joggers!" Sad to say, that stuck with me. Isn't it sad how one negative comment lodges itself in your heart like shrapnel? Took me awhile to stop saying "jogger!" (contemptuously) to myself when I'd run. I imagine that doing the MARATHON last year probably got that out of my system!

HOW RUDE!!!!!!

What did he care anyways... he was passing you.... what goes through a person's head to think that it's COOL to say something like that as they are running past someone?

Those overly competitive types can be SO RUDE sometimes.

[KnottedYet]

Just got a call from Danskin... I am registered, there's just such a backlog that the survivor group hasn't been entered into the Timberline website yet.

Hoooray, that means I'm in!

Oh, no, that means I really have to do this!

[Lise]

Hoooray, that means I'm in!

Oh, no, that means I really have to do this!

HA!!! I know exactly how you feel! Glad to hear you've got that question resolved, though. L.

[tri4Him]

Apparently, I hit a nerve in saying some tri's dont have the same feel as a Danskin....By no means am I implying the rest are all unfriendly, just that Danskin is something special. It is a wonderful first time experience to enter the tri-world and build confidence. But let's be honest...some tri's out there are pretty dog eat dog! When Mark Allen in Triathlon Magazine encourages athletes to thank "one volunteer" while racing to make "your" race better, I think there is a definite problem with the focus. We should be out there thanking THEM ALL! Touching the lives of others is much more the reward than winning the race, and makes the "victory" all the more sweet. Have FUN ladies!

[Lise]

Hi, t4h--I wouldn't want any woman to be discouraged to try *any* triathlon she sets her sights on. My experience is that the volunteers and race organizers are generally very friendly and supportive. Some of the other competitors may not be--OK. I stay at the back of the pack anyway! Back there we're pretty encouraging of each other. I always enjoy thanking volunteers along the way. They pour out the encouragement.

I was considering volunteering at IM Wisconsin next month, just to be a part of all the excitement. Then I realized it might take more than one 3 hr drive to Madison, and nixxed that idea. If I don't do Accenture next year, I may volunteer for the kids' tri the day before. So great to be a part of all the energy without the anxiety of competing.