A Love Affair with Triathlon

Ironman Ohio 70.3 Finish Line, 2018

It’s no secret that my true love is Running. Every now and again we fight over an injury or hot, humid weather. But, there is one time in my life when I truly hated Running and it scared me because I didn’t know why.

It all started after I jumped in bed with Triathlon so I could empathize with my triathlete patients. Call me crazy and a little nerdy, but I wanted to experience the mental and physical demands of the sport and intimately understand the biomechanics.

Triathlon did not disappoint! I got the full monty and loved every glorifying and terrifying minute of it. I fell head over heels. But Triathlon is needy; he gives, but he also takes. Could I keep up with Running, working, family and Triathlon? The answer to that question came soon enough.

A few years into this love triangle and I felt physically sick, bedraggled and burnt out. The mere thought of swimming, biking and even running stirred up feelings of anger, defiance and hate. That was when my coach told me to put on the brakes. To save my future in sport from irreparable damage, I broke it off with Triathlon and Running and entered a phase of convalescence, free of scheduled workouts and demands; the only goal to heal.

During that time, I wrote a A Dear John Letter to Triathlon in my journal as a part of the healing process (see below). Drafts of the letter evolved in sync with the stages of my recuperation. Bitter words were cathartic and at times a bit hysterical. Eventually, with every degree that my love of running returned, my anger for Triathlon weakened. Eventually I added a postscript to leave a window open, just a wee crack, that maybe one day Triathlon and I will rekindle our friendship. But, make no mistake, I will never again toss my true love aside.

A Dear Triathlon Letter from my journal inspired by Jean Shepard and Ferlin Husky's song “A Dear John Letter".”

A Dear Triathlon Letter

by Amy Parkerson-Mitchell

Dear Triathlon, how you make me cry;

Dear Triathlon, I must let you know why

My love for you has dried up like a post ride sweaty chin;

See, sometimes you make me sick, Dear Run-Bike-Swim.

I was glowing with glory at our 70.3

Beat up and sore, I was just as happy as can be

For the fighting was all over and the battle was won

But then you begged me do it again, Dear Triathlon.

Dear Triathlon, how you make me cry;

Dear Triathlon, I must let you know why

My love for you has crusted up like a post run blister on a limb;

See, sometimes you make me sick, Dear Run-Bike-Swim.

Will you please send back the time you took, my family wants it now;

When I tell you what I'm doing, you won't care, dear anyhow

Now the training has started and I choose your cousin, Run

Will you please wish us happiness forever, dear Triathlon?

P.S.

Dear Triathlon, I love you nonetheless;

Dear Triathlon, I just need some rest

My love for you’ll grow back in time like chaffing twixt the thighs

Only then will I come back and ask myself - WHY!?

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