The real problem with doing triathlon if you’re not a “Type A” personality: Triathlon for dreamers. Seven Layers Deep.
From what I’ve seen, I would ballpark that 90% of the people who do triathlon are “Type A” personalities. I’m friends with Type A’s, they mentor me, I admire them, and they teach me so much. They also make me worry that I don’t belong in triathlon. Is it even possible to do this sport without being “competitive, highly organized, ambitious, impatient, highly aware of time management and/or aggressive”?* Obviously yes. But I’m here to tell you that the real problem for us non-Type-As is not really disorganization or lack or competitiveness — it’s that without organization and competitive drive, your personal motivation becomes everything.
*(Wikipedia definition 😉)
I would describe myself as a dreamer. My husband describes me as a “schemer.” Sometimes this looks deceptively like being Type A. I always have a vision, a passion. I can make lists and put in the time and effort to make dreams (my “schemes”) become a reality. Sometimes I’m super focused and detail-oriented, but it’s always the big picture that’s driving. I’m searching for knowledge and a love of life. A lot of times these traits play to my advantage in tri. I am generally easy-going, curious to try new things, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
But the daily tri stuff is hard for me as a non-Type-A — my bag is hardly ever packed the night before, I’m late about 50% of the time, and my tri life is full of minor catastrophes. I’m “that friend” who’s forgotten something, having bike problems, etc. My cycling group has turned around and picked me up when they saw me pulling into the parking lot late. (You ladies are the best! I am the worst.)
Lack of competitiveness is also a deficiency in tri. Someone breathing down my neck is never going to push me to go harder. In fact, I’m more likely to feel like letting them go ahead — they must be having a really good day.
Finding Your “Why” — Seven Layers Deep
So if you’re not super organized and competitive, some deeper motivation has to drive you every day. There are lots of great ways to figure out what motivates you. Write in a journal, meditate, or simply leave the headphones at home for your next run and spend some time with yourself. Here’s a quick exercised I picked up from Amanda Leibovitz on Pursuit of the Perfect Race Episode 224. It’s called “Seven Layers Deep.” Ask yourself a question followed by “why?” seven times and you will get to your deeper motivation.
Why do I do triathlon?
1. Because it makes me feel good. Why?
2. Because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Why?
3. Because ever since I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I’ve worried it would hold me back from doing hard things. Why?
4. Because I’m afraid sometimes. Why?
5. All kinds of things — management eats up my time, high blood sugars cause long term damage, low blood sugars can be life threatening. Why?
6. It’s just the nature of having diabetes. I want to learn to deal with it mentally and physically even in impossible circumstances. Why?
7. Because if I see how far I can go, if I can overcome as I push myself to my limit, I can handle anything in everyday life.
There you have it. Hit the nail on the head. Putting this one on a post-it next to my bike.
This was a fun reflection for my “spring break.” I put that term in quotes because, much like being self-employed, there’s not really such a thing as a “break” if you’re in academia. I frame it as time that it’s easier to intentionally step back if you choose to do so. Anyway, hope you enjoyed. Leave me a comment.
