The Big Question
The Big Question:
What is the biggest lifestyle change you’ve made since becoming a triathlete?
To summarize in one word: everything. I had gained 40 pounds in two years after college, and my health was quickly spiraling down. I started working in a new office that included three Ironman finishers. That motivated me to pick up the sport. Four years and 40 pounds later I’m happier/ healthier than ever!
— Jason Stierman, 30, Des Moines, Iowa
Total lifestyle change. The doctors tell me I need a knee replacement. I decided to keep my knee healthy as long as possible. I started slow with walking then jogging. I dusted off my bike and started riding, too. Then I joined the local swim team. I’m signed up for three triathlons.
— Lori Sanders-Miller, 39, Shorewood, Ill.
Becoming a triathlete has involved many lifestyle changes, but the most significant change has been free time. My wife and I canceled our dish subscription to help pay for the higher cost of a gym with lap pools and triathlon coaches. Now even our 3-year-old son runs around “racing” all the time. The lifestyle really trickles down.
— Jace Raney, 30, New Orleans, La.
I started training for my first Ironman three and a half years ago at the same time I quit drinking. On weekends it was out with friends at the bars, or weekends at the river with a drink in my hand. Now, my weekends are spent putting in a couple hundred miles on the bike. In three and a half years I have done six Ironmans, including my first ever trip to IM Kona last October. Six Ironmans, three years, zero drinks.
— Kevin Sullivan, 48, Redondo Beach, Calif.
My 11-year-old responded: “We eat better. Anyone can work out but good nutrition is even more important.” Thanks to my involvement in triathlon, we’ve experienced a whole family lifestyle change. The kids understand the importance of eating whole foods and the joy of moving their bodies! I feel like a much better mom now.
— Cortney Martin, Blacksburg, Va.
I had forgotten what it was like to compete so I had been taking things for granted. I am a better husband, father and friend since I started running triathlons. And I will be better a year from now than I am today.
— Dan Hestad, 39, Brookline, N.H.
The biggest change I have made since becoming a triathlete is my growth with my self-confidence. I had three panic attacks last season in open water swims for my first three races. As time passed, my confidence grew and I finished my season doing my first half-Ironman. Now I’m training for my first Ironman.
— Pamela Beckwith, 43, Lowell, Mass.
The biggest change is my happy hour went from 2 for 1’s to tempo runs!
— Michael Gagliardo, 30, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Without a doubt, the biggest change in my life has been my diet. The change came really out of necessity. Once I started training longer distances, I realized that junk food didn’t pay nearly as many dividends when I was on mile 12 of a run.
— Kevin Meyer, 24, Port Charlotte, Fla.
Being from Texas and a long history of meat eaters, the life change I have made since becoming a triathlete is becoming a vegetarian. Not to mention I’m a firefighter and a professional boxer. Life-changing!
— James R DuBois III, 31, San Antonio, Texas
The biggest lifestyle change I have made since I became a triathlete is that I give as much as I can to others every day. I give financial and fundraising support a cancer charity, I give mentoring and support to people just starting in triathlon and I give smiles and positivity to everyone I encounter in my daily life.
— Rusty Carter, 36, San Jose, Calif.
Wow, where do I begin? I’m now a triathlete coach and boxing fitness instructor. My whole approach to fitness and taking care of myself had changed. At 45, I’m certain I’m in the best shape of my life. I’ve got relapsing-remitting MS and I’m certain that the whole triathlon/fitness lifestyle has helped keep that in check.
— Patrick Garrett, 45, Derry, N.H.
The biggest change I’ve made since becoming a triathlete in 2010 is giving up alcohol. I have the same amount of fun, with fewer calories and more morning workouts!
— Kirsten Miller, 31,Chicago, Ill.
THE NEXT BIG QUESTION:
If you could go back and change one thing about your first multisport race, what would it be? Send your response (60 words or fewer) to
communications@usatriathlon.org by August 8, 2011. Remember to include your name, age, hometown and put “Big Question” in the subject line.
110 USA TRIATHLON SUMMER 2011
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