Support

Having a great crew really helps, although the athlete is the one out there on race day there was a lot more people involved in race day prep than you think. Family members play a huge part in some people's race, helping with meals, dealing with grumpy tired triathletes, putting there own goals and dreams aside while the triathlete goes after theirs, many things the family does to get their athlete through the good and the bad and trust me it goes up and down like a bouncing ball!

Some people have a coach or a group of coaches that help plan their goals for them, and help them through hard times, give them that little push they need.

A triathletes friends need to be understanding also because triathlon training for long distance races takes you away from some friends, most of the time it's just due to the fact there is not enough time in the day to spread out to fit in all activities or you can't stay up because your tired or you have to get up at 430 am for a date with your running shoes.  

Some people belong to a club (like myself) the Durham region triathlon club) its a huge part of some people's team there is no shortage of motivation in our group, from rookie to seasoned veteran they have it all ! The Rookies share their excitement of the sport and believe it or not the rookies offer something to the veterans, they offer that spark! Rookies have that little spark in their eyes you can see burning away, they don't quite see it yet themselves or understand what they are feeling yet but they know something's up. 

That is my most favourite thing I witness In our club is the rookies spark when they listen to a veteran talking of a hard fought battle on race day or an epic training ride or when they go out for a 40 km race and a group of veterans are going out for a quick 120 km then maybe attending a wedding after ( I used to fall asleep after anything over 100 km) that's what I call the rookie spark!

So many things that help an athlete cross that line I could go on for hours !