The realization of an active junky

I use to think the word “fartlek” was amusing, and bonking had sexual connotations written all over it. That was before I began training for Triathlons.

Don’t get me wrong, I have always loved the outdoors, as well as enjoyed almost every sport under the sun, but it wasn’t until recently that I began referring to the front hall in my house as the Transition area.

I grew up in Nelson B.C Canada where my back yard was my adventure land. I spent my winters on the slopes, and summers in fresh water lakes windsurfing, rowing, water skiing, and diving. I played tennis, golfed, rock climbed, and later took up surfing, kayaking, and a number of other adventure sports. In retrospect I suppose I have always been an exercise junky, but growing up it was hard to spot when my family reunions consisted of setting up Dexathon relay races as our “fun” family day long activity.

Recently, while riding my bike, a car was fallowing me too closely, I immediately I accused him of Drafting. It was then that it hit me; sports had completely become my way of life. My friends look forward to the day when I slow down, and wish I would floss at night not to simply get the bugs out of my teeth. Many people wouldn’t know I have blond hair because, now, its most often tucked under a swim cap or bike helmet.

The person who sees me the most is the 19-year-old kid that works at the bike shop down the street, and I am now quite friendly with the mailman, who I run into every morning when I get back from my swim. After dinner, I sneak to my room to journal about my training sessions, and spend hours researching the best and most effective gear as well as training and health tips. When I finally make my self go to sleep, I often am woken to my legs suspended in the air…. Peddling. And I laugh to my self, and think.. good job, your maximizing even your sleep time.