Triathlon training changed my life

While never a gifted childhood athlete, and after two decades of sedentary adulthood, I committed to run a 5k in my first triathlon.

It was a slow process.

I wanted to do a triathlon since my dad gave me a copy of Outside magazine when I was fifteen. The magazine featured the then-new annual Ironman triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

Then, like so many other priorities of childhood, the idea was abandoned, dormant for the first 20 years of my adulthood.

Later, prophesying a later adult life with strokes and heart attacks as a probable future, I resolved to cut fat and create a fitness plan.

My fitness plan has included triathlon training and clean diet.

In the process, I’ve overcome shin splints, knee pain, and twisted ankles.

In response, I’ve endured physical therapy, resistance training, orthotics, posture correction, neuromuscular re-education (no kidding!), stretching, Triggerpoint therapy, Active Release Therapy, massage therapy, and running form training.

With assistance from coaches, I’ve completed dozens of races, including several triathlons, 5 marathons, and a handful of obstacle course races. I’ve even been on my age group’s podium twice!

I’m just warming up.

Certainly, no one needs to commit what I’ve committed to triathlon training. On the other hand, I’ve gotten a lot back.

I’m in the best shape of my life, and I can do anything I want.

Furthermore, as a former sedentary, fat, alcoholic, non-athlete, I know anyone can do it.

You can enjoy triathlon training and change your life, too.