Triathlon - Get Physically Fit - And So Much More!

Participating in a triathlon is a physically demanding endeavor.

The effort needed in even one of the three events is considerable and to put that with two other physically demanding activities stretches the limits of our physical capabilities.

Whether we're talking about a traditionally put together triathlon, i.e. swimming, cycling, running, or one the many varietals that have sprung up in recent years let's agree that to complete one of these is physically demanding and an exhausting undertaking.

That enormous physical effort and the manner in which triathletes stretch their physical limitations is also the very thing that makes it such a fun and rewarding experience to participate in.

The physical benefits of training for and participating in triathlons are numerous and, really, kind of obvious, if you think about it.

Here are a few:

1) Increasing your metabolism thus triggering significant weight loss.

2) Less risk and, actually, prevention of injuries as you are cross-training among three varied disciplines and not just pounding away day after day in one routine.

3) An increase in your overall strength. Just because you're not pumping iron during every workout doesn't mean that you're not getting vastly stronger with each workout.

4) Developing a great looking bod! How about those toned abs! How about those sleek, muscular looking legs! How about that butt! Oops!

Well, you get the idea.

And there's much, much more!

So, if training for one of these things can do so much for you physically, it stands to reason that there might be some other benefits, mental and, dare I say it, spiritual.

I fully believe that there are and I would like to talk a little about them.

When we train or compete in triathlon, our minds are constantly at work, or play, just as much as our bodies are.

How do you think we are able to push our bodies beyond what they indicate to us they are able to tolerate?

When our legs begin to cramp or our feet hurt so much we know that those shoes have to come off - right now - our minds kick into gear and work with our body to push it a little further still.

It encourages the body not to give up, that it is stronger than it feels at that particular moment.

Slowly, with all this encouragement, the body acquiesces to the mind's suggestions and continues on to the finish line.

We thus gain mentally in these ways:

1) We gain in self-confidence. When we finish a particularly hard training session or cross the finish line of an event, we add that significant accomplishment to our mental self image.

2) We gain discipline. During our training schedule, whether it's one we made or we are following another's, it takes discipline to see that program through to its conclusion - the successful completion of a race.

3) Because we are more self confident, because we are disciplined in our training schedule, our mood becomes brighter and, not insignificantly, more stable.

4) We are better able to deal with stress, both in our triathlon life and our daily life.

Finally, by becoming involved in the triathlon lifestyle and community of fellow triathletes our spiritual selves receive some remarkable benefits.

1) I find it incredibly motivating and uplifting being around such remarkable athletes at events, milling around in the transition area or after race at the food tent.

2) There is no more positive atmosphere that I have found than, again, at a triathlon event pre-race, post-race. During the race we may not all be feeling that positive but believe me, that feeling is lurking just below the surface, waiting for a bottle of water and a deep massage!

3) Have you ever noticed on your long runs or long rides just how clear your thinking can be? Yes that's a mental benefit too but I swear, my spirit can just soar when I'm in the middle of a long run or ride, sometimes even during a long open water swim.

4) Spiritually - not religiously - but spiritually, the benefits of the concerted physical and mental effort involved in triathlon training and competing come to us in ways that maybe we do not totally comprehend but we certainly feel in our souls are very real!

Those of us who participate at any level in the sport of triathlon know that there are a multitude of benefits that we receive.

It is a sport unlike no other.

It is a sport where those of us who are fathers, mothers, slightly overweight, not as fast as we once were 20 years ago, not A-list athletes, but revel in athletic accomplishment nonetheless can compete right along side (figuratively speaking) elite, professional studs and studettes who do this for a living.

It is a sport where anyone, young or old or in between, can participate and from that group participation there develops a community of like- minded people, inspired by others and by themselves to be as healthy as they can possibly be physically, mentally and spiritually.

Being a part of that community is, I think, the biggest benefit of all!

Art Bradley is a writer of many personal growth articles. He accesses his experience in the sport of Triathlon in much of his writing. Art has finished two Ironman triathlons, many shorter distance tri's and much of what he brings to his writing comes from the adventure of training and participating in those events. "It is a huge part of my Journey, teaching discipline and patience and most definitely, humility," he says.

Art is currently working on the development of a personal growth program called One Hope Future, that focuses on the journey of rediscovering and reconnecting with a unique Life Journey that he believes each and every one of us began on the day we were born but, through the course of our busy lives, may have lost sight of. You can visit One Hope Future and learn more about it and the seven principles at http://www.onehopefuture.com You can also read more of Art's writing on his blog at http://www.cabradleywriter.com
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