From The CEO
TO TRI IS TO INSPIRE
By Rob Urbach
Many of you came to the sport of triathlon with a specific goal in mind. Perhaps it was a New Year’s resolution to try a new sport, to lose weight or to get stronger. Sure, those are worthy goals, but the essence of our sport is more than that.
Those physical improvements manifest into a broader emotional benefit, a feeling of well-being, a renewed confidence, self-esteem, energy and engagement. But that’s not enough. The migration up a version of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid drives toward something even higher than an emotional benefit. The aspirational benefit of our sport. The feeling one gets from achievement. The spine-tingling moments from crossing the finish line. The elation. But that’s not enough and that’s not entirely it. What “it” is, is the ability to inspire others.
As you’ve grown in the sport, think about how you’ve communicated your experiences as a triathlete to those around you. Think about the example you set by getting up early to get your workout in. Think about how you have served as a role model for others. Think about how the transformation in your own life has multiplied. This is “it.”
People change and transform. Overcome inertia. Commit. Break through. Because somehow, in some way, they were inspired. You did that. It’s powerful. It’s positively contagious. You may do it without even knowing it.
Others are uber multipliers. These are the club or workout leaders. Those who are back out on the course encouraging others long after they’ve crossed the finish line. These are coaches and race directors. And each of these people receives a massive psychic benefit from being a multiplier. Perhaps you’re one of them or aspire to be.
We at USA Triathlon are striving to enable you, our members, to inspire just like our uber multipliers. We are building a number of programs and initiatives designed to help you engage neighbors, acquaintances, friends and family through the power of our community and the benefits of the multisport lifestyle.
For example, our USATri60 series features indoor triathlons across the country where participants swim in a pool for 10 minutes, ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes and run on a treadmill for 20 minutes. This series was designed to eliminate psychological and physical barriers to entry that we often hear as reasons people don’t want to do a triathlon. This program continues to grow, especially among women. While our membership is close to 63 percent male and 37 percent female, the USATri60 participants are 58 percent female.
There are a number of other programs and initiatives our staff and volunteers are putting in place for 2017 and beyond. Many of you will be part of our Ambassador Program, where we will ask passionate USA Triathlon members to speak to various community groups and provide a pathway, mentorship and motivation for potential triathletes.
We’re also working on a microsite geared toward newbies as part of our upcoming marketing campaign. We’re focused on providing resources and tools for those who are interested in multisport but don’t know where to start. We as triathletes sometimes fail to see how intimidating and difficult our sport could seem from a newbie’s perspective and this microsite allows us to tailor the sport to each individual.
While we at USA Triathlon are excited to welcome in the next wave of triathlon enthusiasts, I’d be remiss to not acknowledge the outstanding athletes featured in this issue, our Athletes of the Year and Rankings edition. Our sport is hard and it takes dedication, support from friends and family and a zest for life and racing to be represented in this issue. Congratulations on your 2016 accomplishments, athletes!
16 | USA TRIATHLON | SPRING 2017
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