What's in a name?

What's in a name?

Actually, quite a bit.

I had the opportunity to do some group training last weekend with a great gang of triathletes.  Some of us were from Winnipeg, others were from Minneapolis, and we all shared a passion for the sport.  We had meals together, swam together, biked together, and unfortunately due to the weather, not all of us were brave enough to go out running together (way to go Elaine!), but overall, we had a great time.  We took over the pool at the hotel and even got kicked out of the hotel bar - but not for reasons that you would think.  It seems that triathletes dress a bit different than regular folks.

At the end of the weekend, Glinda (my bike) and Squirrel (me) felt like we had accomplished a lot.  Sure we could have trained alone at home, but there is something about being with a group that pushes you physically as well as supports you mentally.  I know a lot of us name our bikes, and we do it because... well.... I'm not sure why we do it other than we spend so much time on the thing that it just seems to make sense to give it a name.  It also represents what or how our bikes feel, or how we feel when we're on them.  You have to give the bikes' name considerable thought.  Nicknames however emerge from the group.  You don't get to name yourself.  It's how your peer group sees you and thinks of you, which can be quite meaningful and powerful.  These are the people that you will spend much of your training with, every good and/or agonizing mile.  Once the physical part of you is exhausted, it's the mental part that takes over and gets your training finished or gets you across the finish line.  Yes, there is a lot that goes on in your own head, but the support of others can takes you miles further than you thought you could ever go.

If you haven't already, have a look at your bike and give it a name that means a lot to you.  Even if you don't like your bike and haven't named it, consider naming it.  Who knows? It might change how you feel about it.  Take a look at your peers and think of what kind of nickname represents them.  Note: more than one person has to agree on the name, including the person who is getting named.  I know I have said it before, but your peers are a tremendous support and can make all the difference in your training and in your races.