How to Be Tri-suasive

How do we persuade others to come play triathlon with us?

Post-race story time with friends!

For those of us that regularly participate in triathlon, we wonder why more don’t do it, because we love it so much and and can all share a tale of how our lives are better for it.  The very next thought is a knowing sigh, because we understand many of the barriers to starting or staying in the sport. Cost. Time. Injury. Lonely training.

Yet, for those who continue to tri, we’ve found ways around these barriers, or at least ways to minimize the impacts.

Let’s face it, we need more people to tri.  Participants yield opportunities, growth and fun!  If the triathlete market shrinks, we’ll see fewer races, less innovation, reduced community support and less sponsorship all-around.  It’s really in your and my best interests to help others break through the barriers to triathlon.  And here’s the best part, you’ll feel better too!

What pre-race jitters? Team mates ready to GO!

So what can we do?

1.  Mentor new folks.  It can be a formal program through your coach or local triathlon club, or it can be informal, but simply checking on the first-year triathletes, or those reaching for the next level, is huge.  Remember your fears and never-ending questions?  They have them too.  Lend an ear.  Lend a helmet.  Lend your bike mechanic’s name and favorite microbrew.  And cheer them across the next finish line.

2.  Encourage relay teams.  Know someone who’s still afraid of open water, but is confident to bike and run?  Modify your training plan and swim on their race relay team!  You can also match up those not ready to take on the whole event.  This is also a great way to get a dedicated runner or a cyclist to the event, and once they get a taste, they want to come back for more!  Race Directors should also take note and offer relays at all race distances.

3.  Keep it positive.  That five-hour brick on Saturday sucked; it was hot, your legs hurt and you had to fix two flat tires, all on four hours of sleep.  Is THAT really the story you want to share with your non-tri friends and co-workers?  And an hour later you suggest they should sign up for next month’s local sprint?  Perhaps share how much you enjoyed riding your bike along the countryside with a good friend and how refreshing the chocolate milkshake was afterward!

Rain and cold on race day? No problems with friends there too!

4. Volunteer.  And bring a non-triathlon friend.  It might not even be a triathlon; it could be a local 10K or cyclocross race.  Get out and support others in their endeavors.  Cheering, smiling and high-fiving while handing out water is a wonderful way to give back, show the love and get inspired.

5.  Smile and wave!  My personal favorite.  Don’t go “Beauty Queen”; be genuine.  This is the most effective way to share with others on the go.  Whether it’s athletes rolling along an out-and-back run, or cars passing me on the shoulder, I want to connect with everyone.  Even if you’re dying through a tough interval, throw up a hand and show them your teeth (nicely!).  Convey joy, gratitude and humanity in the most universally acceptable way possible.

Sprinkle in a little friendly peer-pressure and gentle arm-twisting,  and we'll have a whole new group enjoying the sport we already love!  Go out and be tri-suasive!!