My Triathlon Journey (So Far)

A Story of Going Too Hard and Refusing to Take Good Advice

I recently recorded my 200th bike ride on Strava and decided to reflect on the journey over the past few years. Inspired by my friend Taylor’s race report of his recent Half Everest, I wanted to write down my own experience.

A Little About Me

Growing up, I was terrible at all sports. I could barely put one foot in front of the other without falling over. However, I am extremely competitive and very good at tolerating physical and mental pain, which allows me to push my body to its limits. Years ago, I tried running on a treadmill once. I ran a 12-minute mile and nearly collapsed—it was all I had. I concluded that treadmills were torture devices and turned to bodybuilding instead.

The Turning Point

A couple of years into the COVID-19 lockdown, I finally caught the virus. I got pretty sick, and when I felt well enough to get out of bed, I looked into a mirror. I was wearing a shirt but no pants, and my stomach extended so far out that the shirt couldn’t cover it completely. I called my wife, who was downstairs, and complained that I looked like Winnie the Pooh. At that moment, I realized I wanted to be healthy and decided to make a change.

I started walking around the neighborhood and riding my bike a few miles at a time. On October 3rd, 2021, I convinced a friend to go on a 15-mile bike ride with me. We climbed about 500 feet and struggled to finish.

Starting the Triathlon Journey

Over the next year, I continued biking and started jogging a little. I don’t remember how I first heard of triathlons, but I decided to sign up for the Ventura Triathlon. Finding training partners among my existing friends was challenging. I talked to some people at the gym pool and googled Simi Valley triathlon teams, eventually finding the Conejo Valley Triathlon Team. I remembered seeing their banner on the Cal Tri website and sent them an email. Eric, a team member, invited me to one of their runs at a local shoe store on October 5th, 2022. That’s where I met Karen. She told me I could run five miles, and for some reason, I believed her. We ran the full five-mile route together. I could barely breathe, and I overshared personal stuff with a complete stranger, but I made it, thanks to Karen’s encouragement.

Joining the Cycling Community

After that, I was hooked. I joined the team, and they suggested I ride with the local bike club, Conejo Valley Cyclists. On October 22nd, 2022, I joined the ‘Mellow Yellow’ group in Ventura for a ride to Ojai. I rode about 30 miles, and it was surprisingly easy—I was starting to have fun. I did that ride several times.

Pushing Limits and Learning Lessons

On November 6th, 2022, I ran my first 5K, finishing in just over 28 minutes. It was an incredible experience, and due to low turnout, I placed 2nd in my age group.

A couple of months later, Taylor, who would become my mentor, convinced me to ride with the ‘Orange Light’ cycling group. We did the ‘Three Valley Tour’—56 miles with a 3,300-foot climb. Before we left, our team captain Jennifer advised me to eat properly. Ignoring this advice, I barely made it back. I bonked somewhere in the San Fernando Valley but kept turning the pedals and eventually made it. The group was supportive and waited for me. I felt invincible.

Over the next year, I continued training and building fitness. On June 3rd, 2023, Taylor convinced me to ride with the fastest group, the red group. He assured me he would help me make it back, and I believed him. We climbed Deer Creek and Encinal. It took me a long time, but I made it, with Taylor by my side. Deer Creek is a hill some cyclists climb once in their lives, while Taylor can do it eleven times in one day. Talking with my friend Jason during the ride, he told me I belonged with that group, boosting my confidence—perhaps too much.

Injury and Recovery

While training for the Ventura Triathlon, I aimed to win, ignoring warning signs and advice. I tore my adductor magnus, sidelining me for almost a year, but I continued cycling with the red group. I completed challenging rides like the Nosco and my first century. I realized I enjoyed being good at cycling, even though I was the slowest in the red group.

I resumed running in December 2023, training for the Ventura Half Marathon. After an intense week, my heart felt like it was skipping beats. A trip to the emergency room revealed the stress of overtraining. I was advised to stop exercising until I saw a cardiologist, which took months.

A New Perspective

During those months, I reflected on why I was always injured. With a baby on the way and numerous injuries, I decided not to compete this year or next. I would ride and run with friends, maybe swim if necessary, and learn to enjoy the sport without competing. I would support my teammates without chasing personal records or Strava segments. By the time I race again, I’ll likely be in the 40-45 age group, potentially missing opportunities to set records. But that’s okay. All I really want now is to do what I loved as a kid—ride my bike with my friends.