Let’s face it........Triathlon is about winning. If it weren’t, we wouldn’t bother keeping times. Athletes would line up whenever they wished...........take off (with no chorus of beeps from run timers and heart rate monitors) and finish as they pleased.

That’s not our sport.

Our sport is about winning. Don’t get me wrong........it’s about much more than that., but the primary focus of holding a triathlon is determining the winner.

With that said, what constitutes a winner? In the recent Milkman Triathlon the overall male winner finished the event is some 57 minutes, yet as the age group winners were announced, times of 1:30, 1:45 and beyond were called to the podium. So who is the winner?

Many of our region’s athletes are heading to Provo this week to compete in the inaugural Ironman Utah. Chances are slim that anyone from our state (save perhaps for Mary Uhl) can win the overall title. Some of our athletes will finish anywhere from an hour to 7 or 8 hours after the fastest man crosses the line. Again I wonder.......who is the winner?

I’ve not come close to an age group medal this season since making the switch from the Clydesdales to the men’s 35-39. I knew the competition was going to be much tougher (and faster) but I was determined to become a better, fitter triathlete. The irony of this is that I’ve set a PR on every course that I’ve raced this year............most by 10 minutes or more, but if you’re looking for my name in the age group rankings you’d better look well down the list. So am I racing against the likes of Reimond Heep and Alberto Lugo or some slower version of myself? As I’m not likely to ever beat Heep or Lugo...........I’ll take on the Michael G of old any day of the week. Does this make me a winner?

I’ve come to a decision on this matter. It’s only my opinion of course but it rings true to me.

Every time you wake up before the sun to train...you’re a winner

Every time you push your body to go on when your mind says stop...you’re a winner

Every time you make the smart decision to take a day off (when you know you need it)...you’re a winner

Every time you choose a turkey on wheat over a bacon and cheddar on beef...you’re a winner

Every time you smile during a race...you’re a winner

Every time you rinse chlorine off of your swim goggles...you’re a winner

Every time you thank your family and friends for their support...you’re a winner

And finally, whether it be in your racing, training, professional or family life, every time you give your all.....everything you have.........leaving nothing but a hollow feeling where your will used to be.......throwing down the gauntlet at life because you’ve spent every ounce of yourself.........you’re a winner.

In retrospect I realize that every person who makes it to the starting line has already won. They’re all winners..........just like me...........and just like all of you.

No one needs a medal to prove that kind of victory.

RACE HARD