A Year of Mistakes

My first year in triathlon
By Mark Pinckard

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
--Albert Einstein

Well Mr. Einstein, I have definitely tried something new. During the Summer of 2002, I got it in my head that I was going to race in a triathlon. Sure I could swim, and I had a bike and well I had done some 5K’s. Shortly thereafter I signed up for the Splash Triathlon at Sea World in October 2002. If making a mistake is the measure of trying something new, I tried something new over and over and over. I finished the swim … no one said you couldn’t backstroke for 800 meters. The bike went well, I rolled through the small hills of San Antonio (yeah I said small), and well the run, well I finished the run too. I had never run a 5K with lead wrapped around my legs and someone on my back … after a stint on the bike that’s what it felt like. Man I loved it.

Well Mr. Einstien, I tried something new this October too. I entered the Texas Iron Star, a half iron distance triathlon. Yes, that was half iron distance … 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. I did mention the 13.1 mile run didn’t I?

My backstroke improved so much that I was able to do it on my stomach more like everyone else this time. It sure makes it easier to spot those cones bobbing in the water. No mistakes, so this couldn’t be new.

The ride was beautiful cruising the piney woods of East Texas. Cows on either side of the road wondering why in the world would someone pay to do this. Only one mistake here, make sure all of your water bottle cages are tight or else the rough roads will rattle them loose, so this could be new. Also know how much water to carry. Luckily I had more than enough so I was able to toss my extra bottle to someone who didn’t … hydration mistakes are not good mistakes.

I came into the transition area feeling great, better than I had at any of the shorter races I ran this past summer. I was actually looking forward to a 13.1 mile run. I grabbed my trusty cowboy hat, and off I bolted at my blazing 10 minute per mile pace. Mile 1: feeling good and strong, everyone loves the hat. Mile 3: still marching along at my consistent pace, the hat is still a favorite with the fans along the roadside. Mile 5: what a great race, the sun is out but not overbearing, a breeze keeps the air feeling great, and don’t forget the hat. Mile 6: HOLY COW!! What just happened? My legs, where are my legs and who replaced them with these trunks of steel under me, but at least I still have the hat. Mile 7: throw out that blazing pace, I think that was a three-toed sloth that just passed me. Mile 10: I think that three-toed sloth’s grandmother just passed me, but she didn’t have a cool hat. Mile 12: one more mile and then some, the pace picked back up and I recall my new favorite slogan – the faster you run, the sooner you’re done. With the finish line in view I straightened my posture and picked up the pace … no one has to know my horrible run (it’ll be just between us). Yes I definitely did something new … and I loved it.

One year full year as a triathlete and I have successfully completed seven triathlons and three different distances … sprint, Olympic and half iron. Which is the best? Each of them. Spints are great tests of speed and you ability to push. I love going fast. I love seeing all the different types of people at these races. People who have bodies of steel right next to the rest of us love-handled mortals. Olympic distance races are more about pushing and you still get that great mix of people. This distance lets you settle in to a stride and actually get to know the other racers. The half iron distance was all about pushing. I felt I was competing with the best of the best, the bodies and the bikes and even the fancy wetsuits. What a great motivator. I met so many people while I was on the bike and running, although I admittedly use that term loosely. All of us in this race together cheering everyone to the finish. So what am I looking forward to … you bet I’ve got at least one more mistake left and it’s called an ironman.

Some people think I’m crazy, pushing myself like this. Some people think I’m inspirational, pushing myself like this. I think I’m just like everyone else. I just like the experience of making mistakes because I love new things. So to borrow from a great inspiration used by Danksin – "when’s the last time you tried something for the first time" – I might say, "when’s the last time you dared to make a mistake … and love it."