About Me

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Austin, Texas, United States
I'll make you laugh, or break my neck trying. This is usually accomplished with daily bouts of swimming, biking and running. A former "chub-a-holic," I got fit and healthy the good old fashioned way and went from a mid-pack athlete to top age group runner and triathlete. I'm a Writer and USAT Level 1 Certified Triathlon Coach. I guess that makes me part Tina Fey and part Jillian Michaels. Visit my coaching site at www.fomotraining.com

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Am I Breaking the Cardinal Rule of Racing?


Last month, Ironman Event Stores held a big sale on their Ironman merchandise. I couldn't help it. I proceeded to the Ironman Arizona page and perused the goods. A lot of it was 2007 Finisher Gear, which I am NOT. However, there were a couple of items that I couldn't resist--an Ironman Arizona cool-max shirt and visor. Neither has a year on it and neither says, "Finisher." Therefore, neither are off limits to this 2008 participant.


Now I ask:

Am I breaking the cardinal rule of racing by wearing a shirt or donning a visor prior to an event I haven't yet completed? Am I disrespecting the sport or jinxing myself? I'm torn...


I mean, c'mon...look how many people push their kids in Ironman strollers along the trail. I'm sure a great majority of those parents don't even know what an Ironman is. Plenty of people wear their Ironman Brand watches and probably can't even walk a mile, let alone complete an Ironman. Ironman has branded itself on body scales, coffee, cars and other items with no law saying you have to be a Finisher to use.


So, really, am I breaking the law if I sport my shirt or am I just overly confident?


6 comments:

Fe-lady said...

Looks good on ya! I say wear it proudly to spur you on to the finish!

Anonymous said...

i couldn't do it. ironman watches are different. they aren't a specific race.

i've been wearing DB's London Marathon sweatshirt. i'm hesitant everytime.

what if someone asks me about it?

knowing i won't be running it is the only way i can were it guilt free.

p.s. nice kitchen

j

Anonymous said...

Hmmm. I bought racing wheels which means I have to do the race. So you bought a shirt, so you have to finish, right?

logic from your buddy,

kd

TRI TO BE FUNNY said...

oh yeah--I'm finishing that race FOR SURE!! (with or without the shirt!) :-)

Anonymous said...

I dunno. I think it is a great motivator. If you wear the gear to prep for the race, you will be training even more with a mindset for that race day. I say go for it, and if people ask, tell them you are gearing up for the big day. Besides, 99% of the people who might ask could never finish a half marathon, even less an Ironman.

triguyjt said...

we won;'t tell if you won't tell.

may julie moss strike us all dead.