The triathlon world offers a social place for athletes to share in each other’s passion for the multi-sport. They train together, encourage one another. Stand next to triathletes moments before they begin the race, and you will sometimes hear them sharing information about the latest equipment or the results from a previous competition. Some of them are co-workers and friends; others are family members. The race will be their first or their one-hundredth.
In the large crowd of wetsuits, toes touching the ocean, these people blend with professional athletes and Olympic hopefuls. This is one aspect of triathlon that is so rare—being able to stand next to and talk to some of the best athletes in the world. The mood is spirited, yet light-hearted. The competition is fierce, but friendly.
Throughout the race, you might notice athletes, although exhausted or in last place, occasionally grin with satisfaction and pride. At the finish line, they embrace and congratulate each other on a job well done—for the sport has built friendships.
This is especially true for Ron, who moved from San Diego to Orange County and wanted to meet people locally.
“The social aspects of the sport are definitely important,” said Ron. “Because each person brings his own strengths and weaknesses, you don’t get caught in that crazy competitive atmosphere where people hurt each other just to get ahead. Everybody is actually really nice. We support each other.”
Darrow agrees. “I like the feeling of comradeship. Even though we are athletically different from each other, we share that same drive, the same passion.”
In fact, it was this passion for the sport that brought Ron and Darrow together. The two men worked in the same office building for years yet had never spoken to each other. It was only when a fellow co-worker told Ron that Darrow competed in triathlons, that the two met. Now, they ride bikes together during office lunch breaks.
“We cycle about 15 miles or so a couple days a week,” said Darrow. “Training with other people who are serious about reaching their goals inspires me to push myself.”