It only seems correct that at this holiday time of the year I take stock and give thanks (of course from a triathlete’s point of view).
I’m thankful for Chlorine
Now that I spend countless hours at the local pool, swimming back and forth like some caged and deranged zoo animal, I give thanks to modern chemistry. For without it the local youngsters would quickly turn my beloved pool into what the ancient Greeks called the Urinarium.
I’m thankful for Lycra
This wonderful modern stretchy fabric allows all triathletes (men and women) to wear comfortable yet snug and tight fitting clothes over raced tuned bodies.
I’m thankful for Sunglasses
Not only do they shade my eyes from the sun but they allow all triathletes to anonymously observe the wonders of tight fitting Lycra over race tuned bodies.
I’m thankful for Carbon Fiber
My old biking buddy in high school used to like to say that bike racing is not about the chassis but about the engine…as he kicked my butt on the way back home. Well Mark, thanks to the wonders of carbon fiber it’s now all about the chassis. After all, it is so much easier for my bike to shed a few pounds than for me to loose weight
I’m thankful for Pull Buoys
Or as I like to call them during an especially rigors masters workout in the pool: the poor man’s wet suit. They provide all the buoyancy at just a fraction of the cost.
I’m thankful for Big Girls on Mountain Bikes
They keep me honest and grounded and in touch with what’s real and what’s not. Just when I think that I’m the next Lance, one of these gals will fly by me like I’m standing still and give me big helping of reality.
I’m thankful for Fast Food
There’s nothing better than a 1500 plus calorie super-sized meal after an especial hard and long workout. Training for an Ironman not only makes you fit but also it makes for pure guilt free fast food dinning enjoyment.
I’m thankful for GU.
Not only is it a great quick and fast energy food boost supplement, but it also provides that added hand stickiness that makes for superior bike handling through better handlebar grip.
I’m thankful for OLN
The Out Door Life Network now broadcast most Ironman races as well as many of the ITU races. Much of the time the production values of these broadcast are so poor that their goofy race coverage will certainly keep our sport a small and well hidden treasure.
I’m thankful for the Finish Line
I don’t really need to explain this one, do I?
I’m thankful for Body Glide
I don’t really need to explain this one, do I?
I’m thankful for Beer
I don’t really need to explain this one, do I?
I’m thankful for Aero Bars
Aero Bars have become the surest and quickest way to identify fellow triathletes on a training ride.
I’m thankful for traditional Water Bottle Holders
The new water bottle holders, located behind the seat that are now all the rage, have almost cost me my life twice. Why…because they also double as missile launchers when the guy in front hits a bump.
I’m thankful for the Swim
It keeps the run weasels honest.
I’m thankful for the Run
It keeps the swim weasels honest.
I’m thankful for the Bike
It’s a great way to dry off before the run.
Finally I’m thankful for the sport of Triathlon
It’s a great way to be alive.
If you are thankful for the sport of triathlon like me, and want to spread some of the joy at this holiday time of the year, I would recommend the Active Awareness Fund.
The Active Awareness Fund is a non-profit that allows you to race and at the same time raise money for your favorite charity. It is a great organization that’s building a community of like minded triathletes. Please visit their web site to get an early start on spreading the joy.