Is it weird that I get super grossed out when I see a puddle under a urinal but I'm totally ok with starting a triathlon knowing I'm probably swimming (hopefully not swallowing) someones pee. I thought I'd share 5 points about triathlon that you might not know.
1.
Peeing yourself in your wetsuit while in the water is normal! I know it sounds gross, but it's not so bad. Triathletes spend all morning hydrating and making bathroom stops (lineups are usually outrageous) and once you get into your wetsuit and head down to the water, a porta potty is usually not worth it if you have to go #1. If the water is cold it really does help to warm you up too! Writing this down does make me feel like us triathletes are all a little odd! At least the ones that pee ourselves.
2.
Peeing yourself on the bike: I figure I might as well keep this theme going. It's not uncommon at all (especially in longer races) to see someone slow down or pull over and let the golden stream flow! It's courteous to make sure no one is behind you and easier to do if going a little faster as to not let it run down your leg into your shoe.
3.
Guys shaving their legs: Pretty normal for a guy to shave his legs during a triathlon season. There are a couple reasons for this. It makes road rash not quite so bad. Having hairy legs when you crash can trap in dirt and lead to infection. Another reason is that it makes massage much easier. Triathletes usually care a lot about taking care of their legs and having no hair makes it easier for the massage therapist. Lastly and the most important reason is that it looks good! You gotta show off those legs you worked so hard for.
4.
I never thought I'd be excited to try on spandex: When I took up triathlon a few years ago I tried on my first pair of spandex cycling shorts and did not dare to walk out of the changing room. I hoped wearing them around in the privacy of my house I would eventually become comfortable in them. Fast forward a few years and I'm proud to wear my spandex with my shaved legs and have peed in them multiple times (only on race mornings of course).
5.
Triathletes spend thousands of dollars to save hundreds of seconds: Many triathletes will spend large amounts of money just to save anywhere from 30seconds to 10min for a race depending on how long it is. We wear funny shaped helmets that help with aerodynamics and cost usually under a few hundred dollars. I would say that is probably the cheapest thing you could buy to help save time during a race. Racing wheels is where it starts to get pretty pricey. You can be looking at anywhere from $2000-$5000 depending on which models/brand you want. The actual bike itself is where most people will spend most of their money (unless you're like me- my racing wheels are worth more than my bike) and can spend anywhere from 2-12 thousand dollars. Those are the biggest money eaters, but don't forget, sunglasses, running shoes, cycling shoes, wetsuit, spandex and energy gels!
Despite all this, triathlon is a great sport. The people are great, the lifestyle is great. I enjoy training for my races and being able to see myself getting faster and stronger and best of all smarter. Everytime I race I find out more about myself and what I'm capable of. Even training, especially during long bike rides, it's usually just me and my thoughts. I have a lot of time to think about life while I'm getting fit and faster. Triathlon has defiantly made me a better person and will continue to.
Team Legend Camp in Penticton preparing for Ironman Canada. Great group of people!
