Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Team Rev3 & My Tri Status

For the past year I've been honored to be a part of Team Trakkers.  These people have become nothing short of family to me as far as their support and encouragement goes.  And that family vibe extends all the way to the top, with the "folks in charge" being our fiercest and most loyal supporters of all.   Unfortunately, my year didn't pan out exactly as I had planned when it comes to racing and training, but that's how life goes. It would be boring if predictable and easy right?  Regardless, my teammates always made me feel like I was a part of the team, even if I was the least "tri-ing" triathlete in the bunch, haha.

2012 marks the year where Team Trakkers will be evolving into Team Rev3.  If you haven't heard of Revolution3 Triathlon Series, you need to get your head out of the sand, as they are the next big thing in the triathlon world.  Top notch races with distances from sprint all the way to a full 140.6 iron and everything in between, Rev3 treats ALL of their participants like family, and not just as numbers or dollar signs like some OTHER triathlon race series out there.

AND...Rev3 is now accepting applications for their 2012 Age Group team!  (click here to apply)  I am not sure I can put into words the amazing opportunity this is, so I'll just say, if you've ever thought "hey that looks awesome, I wish I had a kick butt team and killer sponsors" APPLY!  Because seriously, they ARE the best triathlon team in the world, and will welcome you with open arms.  You won't regret it, that I promise you.

As for me...I have made the decision that I will not be returning to the 2012 team. This of course has ZERO to do with Team Trakkers/Rev3, as I still 1000% support them and their awesomeness. Instead, it has more to do with me finally realizing that triathlon, right now, causes me more anxiety than fun. It's certainly not the support and love surrounding me, because I can assure you I have plenty of that, especially thanks to my teammates.   But I've tried and tried and "tri-ed" all year to find that spark for triathlon that I've always had for running, and it's just not there.  Yeah, I like my bike. Sure swimming laps in the pool is alright.  But I've found myself dreading races.  Open water swims, for me,  are currently comparable to getting a cavity filled at the dentist.  Riding my bike is just "OK" (once we got past that chaffing issue, hahahaha) but to be honest, all I can think as I ride is "I'd rather be running".   It pains me to take even more of my precious, limited time with my kids to voluntarily do something I dread.  Makes no sense really.

If being on the most kick butt triathlon team in the WORLD doesn't motivate me to love swimming and biking, then I'm not sure what will.  So for now, I've finally thrown my hands in the air and said "You know what? Right now...triathlon isn't for me.  And I'm OK with that".  And, coincidentally, this realization has made my running that much more exciting and enjoyable.   I have not written off my triathlon dreams forever...I still aspire to one day do the big 140.6 (and when I do, you can bet it will be a Rev3 race).

I am forever grateful for the opportunity that was given to me by Charlie, Carole, and the rest of the AG & Pro team, and all of our sponsors. I am forever grateful that they believed in me enough to include ME among their stellar athletes.  But at the end of the day my mantra is: life is short, do what you LOVE.  Hopefully one day, that will include triathlon, but today just isn't that day.

But...enough about me.  If you DO love the swim , bike , and run, and would like to be a part of an amazing team/family, with kick butt sponsors and free entry into all Rev3 races....you should apply to be a part of the 2012 Rev3 Age Group Team.  If you are considering applying but have any questions or concerns, I'm more than happy to give you my honest opinion (though I'll tell you right now, I have nothing negative to say about these people, they truly are amazing!)  Here's the link http://rev3tri.com/news/rev3-is-now-accepting-applications-for-our-age-group-team/

And now...I'm off to enjoy the sunrise as I run. Have a great day my friends!

4 comments:

fancy nancy said...

Oh I don't think I'm the tri type of girl....just not so certain about the water and chaffing and all that jazz! I'll stick to running for now! I'm sorry that things haven't gone as planned this year. I'm certain that one day you'll be crossing that finish line of an Iron Man!!! The team sounds great though!

Lisa said...

I'm definitely not serious enough about tri to join a team, but it sounds like a great opportunity for someone!

And as I tell my kids as they ponder what it is that they want to be when they grow up (and its relevant since one is in college and one heads to college next year) - finding out what you don't like to do is just as important as finding out what you do like to do. So figuring out that tri doesn't light your fire like running does is fine!

Katie @ Will Race for Carbs said...

Thanks for the info! I love tri's and I would love to not have to pay entry fees!! I am sorry that it didn't work out for you, but glad that you will now focus on what you really love!

Junk Food Runner said...

I really appreciate this post! I was in the same place a few months ago. I was training for a triathlon but not really enjoying it. I LOVE running, but biking and swimming, not so much. Finally I just had to give it up. I realized I liked the IDEA of being a triathlete much more than actually being one. Since then my love of running has been revitalized and I am enjoying it even more. So you are not alone!