Once Upon a Timing Mat

My first triathlon was in Gaylord, Michigan, in early August, of 1995. We didn't have timing chips...(insert scratchy, grumpy old man voice here)...And we liked it that way. When we wanted splits we had to keep track of them ourseleve on our latest Casio,or if we were really cool,Timex wristwatches (or on roadside abacus's...abaci?). Upon finishing we would receive a tongue depressor indicating our place and we would return the sticker we had received prior to the start which would be stuck on a "leader board" of sorts. These stickers were contained in plastic baby bottle liners to keep the stickers free from sweat and stray Gatorade spillage, and pinned to our clothes. We knew where we stood in the race right away...arguably faster than if we had worn timing chips. This was common practice at all events in the early days, and I began just as the sport was starting to really boom. Now we have timing chips...And we like it this way.

Another interesting feature of the earlier days was the limited number of events being offered to athletes. Basically whichever event you attended you saw the "usual suspects" and you were either poised to go after your closest age-group rival, or relieved when he didn't show up.
I recall being really happy about being in the top 15 in my age group. Over time I was happy to be in the top 10 in my age group. Then when events expanded all over the state and across the country, the depth of field seemed to thin out a bit, but at the same time I was improving. This allowed me to shoot for being in the top 10 overall! Heck, I was even winning events occasionally. Today triathlon has gone to yet another level. Now there are many events with good depth of fields. I still aim for top 10 overall, but it depends on the size of the event and who shows up. Some days I can be a big fish in a small pond, while other days I am just...well...filler. Both roles are important.

Times have changed and technology has changed, and mostly for the better. However, I might have made a mistake when I bought my bike. I believe it was 2000 when I bought my Litespeed. When I saw it I loved. I still love it. It is built to last. Of course this is a good thing and a bad thing. Newer and wicked-cool bikes are always coming out. They are sleeker, lighter, shinier, and have more carbon fiber. So, when do I get my new ride? Well, maybe never. As I mentioned, my bike is very well built. It's all good though. I still enjoy my dinsosaur, especially when I have the chance to pass the newer, wicked-cooler bikes that are always coming out.

Ahh, did I mention that when I started in triathlon the average sprint or Olympic distance race fee was around $35-$45? A 1/2 Ironman averaged around $85.

Whatever. Let's just be honest. Things change, people change, tires get changed, but I don't feel short changed, once upon a timing mat at the start of my next adventure. What can I say? I love this sport.

Swim...Bike...Run.

Peace,
~Sam