The Triathlon Culture

Culture:

Culture (Latin: cultura, lit. "cultivation")^[1] is a modern concept based on a term first used in classical antiquity by the Roman orator, Cicero: "cultura animi". The term "culture" appeared first in its current sense in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, to connote a process of cultivation or improvement, as in agriculture or horticulture. In the 19th century, the term developed to refer first to the betterment or refinement of the individual, especially through education, and then to the fulfillment of national aspirations or ideals. In the mid-19th century, some scientists used the term "culture" to refer to a universal human capacity. For the German nonpositivist sociologist Georg Simmel, culture referred to "the cultivation of individuals through the agency of external forms which have been objectified in the course of history".^[2]

Wikipedia

The triathlete is now a fast growing and readily recognized but diverse group of people. Still not so large it is a mainstream sport but what it lacks in popular sports culture it makes up with a core of dedication that will rival the religious jihadist .As Crowie says in the video clip it is dominated by Type A people so much so that if they were told if you eat 20 jellybeans you will go faster , lots will do it. Pure stupidity or unquestioning search for improvement.

The Triathlon culture is out there in the community , a group of like minded individuals who seem to embrace a complete lifestyle with a unique language and dress code. No different to the Amish . 

To some it borders on obsessive and extreme behaviour but no different to your ardent train or plane enthusiast or AFL Footy supporter . We thrive in the collective of our ideas and shared values. Sometimes it is ridiculous and sometimes very country or regional centric with the speedo issue the butt of ribbing in Kona each year with many Europeans walking around in speedo's which has launched the underpants run in Kona.

Tattoos are another reasonable sub group in the Triathlon Culture. IM is one of a handful of Brands on skin.It shows the depth and commitment of the following to Ironman a large subset of the Triathlon Culture. I haven't see Coke or Pepsi on any one's skin yet.

And yet for all the compulsiveness that seems to exude in this sport , it is for a lack of a better word , probably better to be in this culture mix of swim , bike and run then any other . Sure at the the extreme end , Ironman racing ,  it takes its toll on the body and literary shaves cells from your heart tissue , but it beats being a couch potato .

It transcends all ages . With the World Ironman Championship next weekend , there will be the usual  celebration of the many and especially the masters such as Theo Carroll at age 68 .Not quite the oldest but still as inspiring ( Preparing for her 7th Ironman .By Billy Cox Herald- Tribune)

I for one admit I am in this small but growing group of  Lycra wearing athletes .

Passionate Spain

Yesterday , I spent another day sightseeing in Barcelona. The legs are much better and whilst still sore , I am able to tolerate the walking . We ended the day watching a Flamenco concert at the Palau Musica Catalana which is a beautiful ornate Theatre .

Palau Musica Catalana (pic from the Palau website) Built between 1905 and 1908 by the architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, as a headquarters for the Orfeó Català and funded by popular donations, it constitutes a symbolic and sentimental heritage of an entire city that identifies with its history. In addition, the Concert Hall - one of the most unique ones in the world - has been the privileged stage for the national and international concert life of the city of Barcelona for one hundred years.

The music and acoustics in the theater was exquisite.The audience was attentive and the 1.5 hours passed in a moment .There was not only skill in the performance of dance , music and singing.there was real passion which was reciprocated by the appreciative audience.

Earlier in the day , we went to Guell Park created by Antoni Gaudi who died in Barcelona in 1926 .He started building the Cathedral in Barcelona which is still under construction and hopefully will be finished in 2026, the anniversary of his death.( article on Gaudi's grand cathedral by Stephen Sparrow)

The gardens and ornate structures may not be to everyones taste .But again there was beauty and color and passion in the structure.( Guell Park)

My trip to Spain is nearly at an end. After a short break , its back to training with the next race IM Busselton .

I take away the great memories of this trip and the passion in the sport which is shared by many.Without 

passion there is life but no joy , without passion there is function but no beauty. Passion is what sustains.

A fast Saturday

The rather wet week has culminated in a brick session this morning .The weather was perfect for such a ride .

The group met up at the Narrows and we headed off at 6.30am The brick session was a 90km ride and a 45min run. Once the group passed Mt Henry Bridge , the fast group took off and I could not keep up .I settled down to ride by myself and soon caught up with Katy who then followed me to the turn around along with a few of the girls.My computer wasn't working too well but I believe I was averaging at least 35kph. Ob the way back Katy took a turn in front twice but i managed to drag the group back and we caught up with the stragglers in the lead group which was great .My computer had the average at 34.8kph .A new PB for the freeway ride.

I did a 40 minute run straight off but I struggled a bit on the run and should have had a little more nutrition.I had consumed about 150 gms of Carbohydrates and that was probably sufficient for the ride but not quite the run.

I was happy with the workout overall.If I can come out of the swim not too tired I will be able to improve on my bike time at Busso.

The rest of the week was pretty ordinary I did the Wednesday and Friday evening swim sessions .Both were hard sessions .Friday consisted of a 500m warm up and then a1km swim , 500m swim ,200m swim and then 3 x 100m swim .I managed it within the hour . I feel more comfortable in the water at least. I ran on Thursday and Friday as I could not ride on the Thursday given the weather. But I got caught in the rain during the lunch time run.On Friday , I ran round the river and got to watch the acrobatic planes flying in formation ,part of the RedBull Airrace being staged in Perth over the weekend.

This week the total training time has been:

Bike : 5 hrs (all hard)
swim : 2 hrs
run: 3.5hrs

Busselton Half is 2 weeks away and Iam feeling reasonably comfortable with the training . Its putting it together which remains the great mystery.