Well, here goes. My first attempt at blogging. I wouldn't normally do this, but figured the chance for cathartic introspection in a public forum couldn't be ignored any longer.

The intent of this blog is to comment on the state of multisport endurance events, the gear and technology utilized, and poke fun at myself and other participants in the process. Besides, everyone's blogging these days, aren't they?

So, here's a little about me as blog #1. I've been participating in triathlon and other multisport events since 1985, when a friend talked me into doing one of the old Bud Light Triahtlon series races held here in the Portland, Oregon area. I had never swum in the open water, didn't own a bike, and am genetically indisposed when it comes to the run. However, I figured I couldn't absolutely suck at all three events and took up the challenge. Besides, if I did all that working out, I could drink all the Mountain Dew I wanted, right? Yes, balance in all things. I do races of every length from sprints up to Ironman distance, and even got the chance to do Ironman Hawaii in 2003 (no, I didn't qualify, I got in the hard way, through the lottery and creative writing... more on the 'lottery' for Ironman later). Over the 20+ years I've participated, notice I didn't say 'competed', I've seen plenty of changes. I nailed the cleats to the wooden bottoms of my first cycling shoes, for example. In my real life, I work for a high tech company and enjoy the merging of sports, fitness and technology. Well, that's probably enough for today, as my chamois is starting to bunch up and that's bad.

Until next time, stay balanced and eat a piece of chocolate cake.

-The Tri-Oldie