No Wahine, you weren't negative. It's true, triathlon and specifically IM's are very pricey. It kind of makes me sad to think that some people may literally be priced out of the sport. Actually it doesn't "kind of makes me sad" it DOES make me sad!
Back when we lived in nor cal I had Spencer in private swim lessons at the Y. His instructor was a student at the local junior college and she REALLY wanted to get into triathlon. She was struggling on her own and didn't have a bike. I gave her my Giant road bike as I had just bought a new one. The bike was in near new condition and my husband wanted me to sell it. But I just couldn't take money for it when I knew there was someone out there that would really appreciate it. She was soooo happy when I handed it over to her. I don't know if she ever got into tri's, but I hope she did.
I really don't know why I just shared that story?? But I guess it's my way of saying we should pay it forward so others can enjoyt the sport as much as we do.