I'm An Addict

Hi My name is Heather and I'm an Addict. Yup. There I said it. I'm addicted to triathlons. The problem started 3 years ago in June when a co-worker suggested we put a team together for an Ironteam race; a local fundraiser for Big Brother Big Sister. Sure! Why not. I can run. I chose the 10K the 6th and final leg of the race. I started my training, participating in the towns weekly 5k, steadily improving my time. I would take to the streets with my hot pink ipod shuffle 3 to 4 times a week increasing my distance each time. The desire was growing with each lacing up of the sneakers.

Race day finally arrived and I waited till my time arrived to head out to my exchange point. I waited anxiously for a girl I had just met that morning to arrive on her bike (after a 20 mile ride) and hand off the chip. The butterflies were fluttering and the constant urge to pee occupied my mind. There she was! I recognized the purple and white she had said she'd be wearing. The team leader was there to help with the exchange of the ankle chip and I frantically tried to get my ipod on. Then it was time. I'm up. Its my turn. Off I go! The adrenaline is coursing through me and my legs try to find their rhythm.

The excitement heightens as we (my friend rides along side me on her bike) near the finish line. I can hear the loud speaker and the music blaring. Neighbors and friends line the street cheering the runners in. I turn the corner and see the finish line and kick it into gear flying up the hill and under the time clock- good enough for 3rd place! We go on to compete in the next 2 years races finishing 2nd and then becoming the reigning champs! We have all agreed to tackle the event solo next year. Gimme more!

I had become an addict. Signing up for races fast and furious. Now I'm what you call an "age grouper" I compete against others in my age bracket. We use lingo that had at one time been a foreign language but is now part of my vernacular. Tempo run. Time Trial. At the top.... My magazine rack is full of triathlon specific reads and catalogues for bikes parts and lycra apparel. My friends are triathletes (thats what we call ourselves) and we swim, bike and run together in our spare time. Its what we choose to do. Its what we live to do. Its what we love to do.

Because we are all addicts.