A cursory glance at recent news in the sporting world might reveal a new and exciting phenomenon: triathlon. While there are many "intro to triathlon" style articles out there, one might ask: why do one? Why splurge on a bike, sign up at the local pool, and then slog through the summer sun? Well, if the powers that be seem to have decreed that thou art not fit for exercise and that "physical fitness" is an unattainable state of divinity, then strangely enough, triathlon is for thee.

Yes, triathlon is a difficult event with three sports done consecutively without rest, and yes, it is also an expensive sport considering the money invested in a bike, trisuit, running shoes, and pool membership. But, the process of committing to doing and then training and completing triathlon is a life-changing process and the best thing about it is that it is completely within the reach of anyone willing to go out there and shake things up and release a bit of that inner fire that perhaps went out when the last great cause ended in disillusionment.

First-time triathletes, especially those from non-athletic backgrounds, consistently testify that finishing their first triathlon brought with it some of the greatest feelings in their lives. In addition, the triathlon is also a family and community event. There are so many beautiful small town triathlons that benefit from the business brought by commuting triathletes while providing a rare opportunity for urbanites to get back in touch with mother nature.

What does it actually take to be a triathlete? Finishing a triathlon takes an incredible amount of drive and dedication to a training schedule that at a minimum will drain 8 hours a week from one's life. For some this could mean 8 hours out of valuable and necessary time reserved for important tasks, but for many 8 hours could be easily eeked out of all the wasted time we spend sitting around or watching television. The truth is, the committment to doing a triathlon puts one in a special class of people already. It symbolizes the committment to a balanced mind, body and soul and a desire to transcend our sedentary life-styles and achieve the physical fitness that nature intended for us.

So whether you are a couch-potato or avid athlete triathlon truly has it all. It is a growing sport in terms of competitiveness while remaining very amateur friendly. Once again, the feeling of accomplishment and possibly life-changing experience really gives you no reason not to tri.

Learn more about this author, Kevin Hu.
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