Racing and Social Media

Times have changed and technology has enhanced all aspects of our lives. Technology in relation to endurance sports is overwhelming, but I am not talking minimalist shoes (a smarter, reverse-technology), carbon fiber bikes or GPS data.

Social Media

How has Twitter, Blogspot and Facebook enhanced our fitnessing? For me, the biggest impact has been the new friendships gained through racing. Connecting with athletes before, during and after races is great. We have similar interests, similar ideals and at the finish line, you recognize similar speeds!

My first multi-sport race was a sprint triathlon in 1997. I was nineteen years old, dating the greatest girlfriend and finishing my freshman year of college. I loved these events and the camaraderie that the sport provided for all of the competitors. You raced together in a freezing lake, insanely hot temperatures and traded war stories for a fleeting moment, then we went our separate ways. A week later, the official results were sent to each person in the mail and if you were lucky you may run into a race-mate the next weekend or the next year. Even if you lived in the same town, meeting up was by chance.

Fast forward to the present. "Who was that guy I pass while he was tying his shoe?" "Who finished right in front of me?" "New training friend?"

Two hours after the race, hop online, check race results, he's from Denver, search the Google, (are they on Twitter, Facebook or one of the thousands of ultra-runner blogs?) and now we are friends and can plan a ride up Golden Gate or run at Wash Park. May be a little awkward at first, but who cares.

This obviously did not happen 15 years ago and the new form of friendship building is fantastic. We all love checking in on old schoolmates, but isn't it more important to utilize social media to foster new relationships. It is also really helpful to find new and different ways to stay motivated, get out and try new routes and have a new competitor to train with to keep you on your toes.

I am fine with 80% of my training being solo miles on the road or trails. But holy crap does the time fly when discussing race experiences, school for your kids, family, food and politics. All while climbing up a majestic road route for over an hour; best ride in Denver. High Grade