WHY YOU ARE ONE?
I decided to write an essay on “WHY I
AM ONE?”, not to win a free entry to a 70.3 race because last year
I did win an entry (which reminds me, I need to cash in on that) by
dressing in team colors and acting a little crazy in front of a group
of triathletes that I had only known for only a few months. I don't
think a triathlete should be entitled to win more then ONE 70.3,
although I have won one free entry after another just for showing up
and being the LUCKY ONE! If you think I am deserving, I would defer
my entry to another ONE as I think everyONE should have the
opportunity to win at least ONEce. I am writing this essay to answer
the question because you asked.
What is really lucky is that I found
ONE Multisport after falling in love with triathlons a number of
years ago. It was love at first sight (or love at first race). I
fell in love with more then the sport, but the people and the
community. It is a contagious sport that once you are exposed, you
risk it comsuming a big part of your life. Prior to finding ONE, I
joined another group, trained, and completed my first Ironman in
2012. There are a lot of stressors involved in preparing for a 140.6
miles race and after I achieved my goal, I needed to take a break.
With a void to fill, I had to find another way to keep the love going
without the cost of time, money, and travel that my family and I
sacrificed during my freshman year Class of 2012 AZ Ironman.
During my training in 2012, I started
seeing Orange Jerseys pop up on my bike rides near my house and at
the local races. I learned the orange ligthening strikes whooshing
by me were from my “HOOD” and belong to a club open to every ONE.
When I found out I could join for 80 dollars for the whole year I
got over my fear of not being fast and furious and signed up. I got
my road ID, team shirt, and started going to meetings and winning
lots of cool prizes....mainly race entries. I wanted to slack off on
my racing, but I kept winning free entries. I wondered when someONE
was going to catch on and stop me from winning more free entries.
I felt pretty special to be “sponsored”
by such a big club being a middle of the pack or closer to the back
age grouper. I got so much more then I bargained for as I was just
searching for casual group workouts without paid coaching and
triathletes to network with, but the perks keep coming. I love
meeting more and more triathletes at meetings, ONE Master's Swim,
Open Water Swim, Bike Rides and Races. I love talking triathlon and
belonging to the “Ironman Club”. We get each other. I love
talking to new athletes who want to take up the sport. Most people
that choose this lifestyle have a story to share. I feel good when I
am with my people. If I am sad and blue, I always feel better after
attending a ONE event. Talking triathlon feels almost as energizing
as doing it. I love that the group does community service paying it
forward and backwards. I love the support and the positivity of a
group that is there for you when you want them to be and even
sometimes when you want to be left alone. 300 people is a lot of
friends to acquire. I am a rich triathlete in every sense of the
word.
I always wondered what I was going to
do when I grew old. Would I join bridge club, travel club or a movie
club, where would I fit in? And now I know, I will belong to a
triathlon club and just keep tri-ing. I envision growing old with my
fellow triathletes. There will be potlucks, swim, bike and runs,
road trips, and meetings galore. I will leave this world happy
knowing that I tri-ed!
It takes a Village to Raise a
Triathlete. ONE is my village. Triathletes that will stand by your
side, offer you assistance and encouragement as needed, pick you up
when you are down, make sure you are safe, cheer for you when you
race, support you through injuries and illnesses, celebrate your
accomplishments, lend an needed ear, share information, make
recommendations, provide love, hugs and good cheer. IT IS ALWAYS
NICE TO SEE ONE AND EVEN NICER TO BE ONE! Xo, Beth
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