Ironman to ride down Wall Street??

In case you didn't see it, Bloomberg released a story yesterday that the World Triathlon Corporation is close to "bringing an Ironman race to New York City as it seeks to capitalize on the growth of endurance sports among financial professionals."  It goes on to discuss the high demographics of triathletes, as well as the growth of our sport over the past 10 years.  Since this was posted, i have seen a lot of negativity about having an Ironman in NYC; especially as it relates to "affluent competitors."  I believe the problem (if there was one) was the source of the news story: Bloomberg.  Obviously a high profile publication such as Bloomberg is going to position the story around Wall Street and affluent individuals vs if this story was published by SI.  


But regardless of who wrote the story, i'm confused...why is having an Ironman in NYC a bad thing?? Last i checked, WTC was a FOR-profit company. Now they want to bring one of the fastest growing sports to one of the world's biggest cities with some of the highest demographics?? The only people that should be bitching are the pros who don't make squat from their 50+ hour a week commitment...As this trend continues, and WTC (and other race organizations such as REV3) continue to bring these races to bigger venues/cities, it will hopefully encourage larger corporations to step up sponsorship dollars to our sport.  Then maybe that will trickle down to the men and women who make tremendous sacrifices every day of their lives to try and scrape together a living off this sport...the professional triathletes!!!  


I'm sick of hearing about "corporate America ruining the purity of our sport."  Every sport that is played at the highest levels are all controlled by, and center around, MONEY.  This is a fact.  The irony is that a lot of people who are bitching are the same people who are attracted to the high demographics of our sport.  (IE, they sell their services to people with $$).  I have one thing to say: if you're an AG'er and don't like it, THEN DON'T SIGN UP...but i guarantee this venue will sell out in minutes.

You really get to know someone when wearing spandex.

My wardrobe consists of 3 things: business suits (with shirts and ties), jeans & t-shirts, and various tri-gear made of spandex and other moisture-wicking material.  That's it.  I'm not a "clothes" guy, in that i'm either dressed very professionally in a modern cut suit or i'm wearing shorts.  I have no casual clothes, and am not into fashion...but i'm always cognizant of how i look in certain company, and try not to "offend" anyone with my various tattoos.  This was always an issue when i would meet clients to play golf: there is no way to explain why you're wearing long-sleeves on a 95 degree day or why your legs are silky smooth.  Fortunately, that changed when i refocused my business development to the world of triathlon: there is just no way to hide ANYTHING when you're wearing spandex!

I have to say that the best relationships i have formed or are in the process of forming, have come from people i have trained & raced with.  It is at that point...when you strip down to your "speedos", that you are fully exposed for anyone to see.  But it is at that point, that your level of comfort with someone is solidified.  There is no judging, no assumptions, no guessing...your true-self is wide open.  Whether you're a high powered attorney, a ceo of a fortune 500 company, or a stay-at-home mom, there is no where to hide in spandex.  Triathletes come in all different shapes, sizes, and ages, but at the end of the day, we're all working just as hard at training and at life, regardless of how we look.

Our sport doesn't require collared-shirts or long pants or jackets to be a part.  We are a sport where uniqueness is not only welcome, it is encouraged!  The crazier the colors, the better.  Fluorescent green and hot pink are our uniform.  But regardless, there is no judgement and no shame.  We are all equal and all are welcome.  I believe it is the bond of seeing 98% of someone's body that makes the business relationships i have ones that will last forever.  Next time you're sharing a swim lane with your speedo-brethren, take a guess at what that person does for a living...i guarantee that you'll have no idea b/c on the course, we're all equal.  Don't be shy...strip down to your spandex...show us your true-self; you'll be surprised who you meet and the relationships you form!