During my nearly 17-hour Ironman triathlon, I remember the athletes who smiled. Seriously.A smile during an event is powerful:
- If I'm in a foggy zone, a smile helps me wake up.
- If I'm barely moving, a smile helps me move a little faster.
- If I'm tense, a smile helps me relax and bike/run more naturally.
- If I'm annoyed, a smile helps me shake it off.
- If I'm happy, a smile makes it all even better.
Triathlon is known for its camaraderie. Triathletes encourage well. I think it's part of triathlon's massive appeal.
A study recently published by a British medical journal shows happiness is contagious, and that being around other happy people is a major boost! I agree, a smile on the bike or run segment of a race certainly helps carry me to the finish.
Tell me:
- As you swim, bike and run, do you smile? Or are you too serious?
- Do other athletes smile back?
- Are triathletes happy people?
My smile is biggest when I'm reading your comments.
Picture: Me, on a bridge near our village. I'm smiling as I almost bike right into my husband, who is taking my picture. Look out!
8 comments:
I certainly agree, triathlons are an awesome environment. Not only are the triathletes fun and encouraging, but the volunteers and spectators are equally awesome. I have never been part of a better group of people. I always smile during an event,no matter how much pain is underneath that smile. LOL.
Boy, I do all sorts of things. SOmetimes I cry, then I smile, then I curse and swear. It depends on where I'm at in the triathlon. I love the wind behind me, I hate it in front of me, and I might cuss or smile or sing depending!
Nice post! I am always smiling when I'm riding my bike. I love to ride my bike!
Ironman- I think so too. Triathlons and triathletes are uplifting!
Iron GeekGirl Misty- Yep, I get that. I've had a strange mix of smile/swear/cry going on.
Triblog Carol- Thanks! I need to love my bike more.
Borsch- Thanks! I/we love taking pictures. This bridge is beautiful.
The athletes have always been encouraging. I just stepped up to a long event and had a bit of a struggle. But all the other athletes were cheering my on.
Hello again happy triathletes!
Several people responded on my active.com thread "Is Smiling for Sissies?" Read at http://community.active.com/message/538493.
Enjoy!
Sara
Absooluuutely! A quick smile between grimaces does it for me!
Big Easy
Big Easy, thanks for stopping by & for responding.
Keep smiling!
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