the big ?
the BiG
Question:
hoW has the
eConoMy
affeCteD your
MultisPort
lifestyle?
I think it has definitely affected the multisport
After being an NCAA basketball scholarship
The economy hasn’t affected my racing as
world but in the opposite way. Even though
athlete, I picked up triathlon and training
much as the change in pricing of events. I think
everyone is cutting back on spending, it was
three years ago. I competed in my first two
some of the people who put on events just do
a perfect time to buy that Kuota with the
sprint events and was immediately addicted.
it to make money. In the past, events were
company’s rebate on tax-free day along with
I finished in the top 12 in my age groups in my
put on to pull in the local athletes. Entry fees
the year-end closeout price on the new pair of
first tries therefore making me more hungry
were made to cover cost and maybe have a bit
Zoot racing shoes. Like my father always said:
to compete and succeed. However, with
left over. Now, people put on events instead
“you will never pay full price for any one item
the turn of the economy and the particular
of having a job. I’m a certified USA Triathlon
but will buy three if it’s on sale and spend
profession I was in, I was forced to lose my job,
Coach, and I volunteer my services charge every
twice as much!”
file bankruptcy, go through a divorce, and quit
now and then, but I have a real job. I’m just
— Jason Casso, DonalDsonville, la.
competing. The training aspect of our beloved
returning something to the sport.
sport however, has helped me to endure the
— Bryan Meyers, 49, Myrtle BeaCh, s.C.
With 2 kids in college I ’ve curtailed my
hardships of the past 2.5 years. I hope to get
traveling to races and postponed purchasing
back to my competing days in triathlon and
I lost my job and could not afford to keep my
my dream bike. Belonging to the local tri club
continue to grow as an endurance athlete.
car. I only had a bicycle given to me as a prank
(Triathlon Club of San Diego) makes training
— toDD Collins, 41, franKlin, tenn.
Christmas gift by my former employer. My small
and racing much more economical with the
North Carolina mountain town was a difficult
free races and training, as well as sponsor
This year seems particularly tough. I chose to
place to learn how to ride a bike as an adult.
discounts but the overall enjoyment and
participate in the most economical (reasonably
Four years later I ran the Pacific Grove Triathlon,
health benefits far outweigh what I spend on
priced races) and closest proximity – that
sponsored by POLAR!
the sport.
meant forgoing the branded “Half-Iron” events
— Steve WilliamS, 40, mountain vieW,
— anDy ConCors, 48, enCinitas, Calif.
and attending the lesser known events – at the
Calif.
possible expense of maybe qualifying for an
I have resorted to standing on street corners
age group slot. I decided also not to purchase Unemployed since December and no tris on
holding a sign that says “Homeless...will work
a desperately needed new bike due to lack of my calendar, I was getting the itch to race by
for Ironman entry fee.” I am even selling my
extra “fun” funds. Instead, I paid my health July. Despite a disconnected home phone and
used socks and underwear on eBay to satisfy
insurance deductible for my children’s health my cable/internet just being shut off I signed up
my GU and Gatorade habit.
visits. I may limit participation in the spring for the Chisago Lakes Triathlon the day before
— Corey MCKenna, 39, BaKersfielD, Calif.
and summer of 2010 to only one big race – the race. Not my fastest race but my best time
again due to high race entry fees at half-iron ever and that, as they say, is priceless.
The economic downturn has fueled my passion
events. Honestly – the fees to participate — KriStine Heilman, 38, PlymoutH, minn.
for the sport, and even validated some of
in half-iron or iron distance events are too
my otherwise strange regimented habits. I
expensive to enter unless you are wealthy, so Just joining the sport in August, I hired a trainer,
prepare my own food to maximize my nutrition
I’ve decided to run my own race, time myself bought a bike, and ran in three races. I have
or use protein shakes instead of going out to
and cheer for myself as I cross my imaginary very ambitious plans to run in three half-
eat. While my friends are going on weekend
finish line. I also plan to do winter triathlon as Ironman races in 2010, assuming I still have a
getaways, out to expensive dinners, spa trips,
the entry fees are within reason. job. I’ll know within a month if it is “all ahead
shopping sprees, etc. - my recreational time
— laura C., n.h. full” or “all stop.”
consists of swim, cycle, run, refuel, relax and
— arnie laCHner, 50, HouSton, texaS
repeat. Saves me a heck of a lot of money!!
— MiChelle Kruse, riversiDe, Calif.
What’s your seCret to stayinG inJury-free in MultisPort traininG/raCinG?
the next big ?
Send your response (60 words or less) to
communications@usatriathlon.org by February 19. Remember to include
your name, age and hometown and “Big Question” in the subject line.
128 USA TriAThlon winter 10
USATTriwinter10pgs102-129.indd 128 12/9/09 4:40:24 PM
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