I will get on a soap box and rant on about the concept of what is an acceptable level of fitness to partake a triathlon with also I would add to the mix what does consist of an acceptable body shape and size.
Now I can hear a few howls all ready “what are you saying if we don’t weigh a certain amount we can’t compete” .
Well it might be more visually appealing than some of the sights I have seen around the race courses of people carrying far to much body fat to cart around a race track on a summer day.
So yes I still would say get off the triathlon track until you are conditioned enough to compete safely.
Look the obvious fact body image does play a role in our feeling good, acceptance of our self and our relationship with the world and others.
Hey at 190cm and 90kg i do not fit any good criteria for runner, or biker, I may fall in as a swimmer but the water is a great leveller for body shape ( if you are flexible )
I am not saying to avoid certain activities because of your body shape.
Many people who are self-conscious about their body do often avoid activities they love.
Many individuals may avoid certain sports, fitness classes, dating and even social gatherings because of the way they feel about your body.
That in its self is not bad ,have a reality check, remind yourself that ostracising yourself from the people and activities your love is not going to change your body or make you feel better.
In fact, the opposite is true.taking charge of the who that you are and by establishing goals and directions, engender a greater possibility of success for the LONG term
Doing activities you are interested in can make you feel more secure and confident. By creating a supportive community of friends and family, and that can be by being involved in a triathlon or multi sport club.
Helping others can make you feel better about yourself. Why am I commenting on body shape and possibly eating paterns
A desire to be part of something out side our everyday exsistence,that gives us a spark to put up with the boss, take care of the kids during the week ,or deal with that really difficult customer is a motivating force that many people strive to find or hold onto why not get attached to an exciting sport such as triathlon, run a trail, or bike a mountain.
If you try to be involved before you are ready, it dimminishes a dream and sets up a dissapointment that can have a negative impact on you.
Consider participating in some kind of volunteer work as a way to help others and feel better about yourself.
Volunteer work at an aid station can help put you in touch with those who need help, and helping others is a proactive and positive way to raise your self-esteem.and connection to your end goal
I have seen sucssesful triathletes boardering on having an Eating disorder by often externalizing their own bodies, viewing it as something outside of themselves that they must battle and subdue.
Instead, think of your body as a best friend. if you have not yet got a body form that can SAFELY get around a race track would you criticize or even despise your own best friend?
Would you support and nurture a good friend, or treat them poorly?.
When you think of your body as your best friend, it makes sense to treat it with a sense of respect, love, patience and acceptance.
Make a list of all the things you love about your body. Write down everything that comes to mind, even things that seem insignificant to you at first.
Read your list daily and add to it at all times, get the reality check happening of where you are, start your list of goals.
This list can serve as a powerful reminder of your inner strength, beauty and health.
Keeping you balanced with your sense of need for involment with a demanding sport
Having the ultimate goal of being able to compeate well will see the desired result of a
physical body shape that is up to the task of the rigours of the demands placed on it.
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