Mailbag
What am I?
As we slip into the fog laden lake I wonder if I truly belong, am I equal to the task?
My catch and pull are clumsy like that of an adolescent boy
I roll to and fro wondering if my direction is true
I fight the paralysis of fear brought on by the darkness and unknown before my eyes
The relief of my exit is matched by that of fear left behind
Now I listen to the rhythmic dance of music between rubber and pavement
The blur of the farmer’s fence posts satisfies as my legs are strained with the unending pressure of feigned exuberance
The scent of lilacs flees through my nose as my lungs explode with the painful expansion of question…what do you want? The answer is simple…speeeeeed!
The war between mind and body has well commenced
I will not abide loss and failure to the not so subtle pounding of my structure
The cheers of the crowd inspire my perseverance as do the unending fantasies of success
As the end becomes clear and the line is crossed, the answer is true, I do belong, I now know what I am:
I AM A TRIATHLETE!
— Troy Smith, Willard, Mo.


 


What Happened to Hawaii?
Dear Editor,
My children know about the benefits of regular exercise, and they are interested in participating in triathlons. They have been reading my issues of USA Triathlon Life. However, it took quite a bit of “splainin” to reassure them that yes, we are indeed a part of the United States (see the maps in “USA Triathlon Life”, Winter Edition, Pages 82 and 87). Could you please amend the maps to include Hawaii in the maps of the Pacific Northwest Region? Thank you!
— Richard, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.


Editor’s note: Please see page 65, Richard. Hawaii has re-joined the Union. Aloha.


 


CORRECTION
Amy Marsh of Austin, Texas, placed 11th at the Ironman World Championship with a time of 9:28:19. She was omitted from the results on page 78 of the winter 2011 issue.

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