I'm a dork...

I read Triathlete magazine cover to cover. I have copies that date back to last year littered about in a few areas around the house, just so I can get in a quick read when I get a quiet moment to myself… With kids, those quiet moments are few and far between and usually only happen in the restroom… Well, this week I was able to get a few moments outside of a restroom to actually poke through a few pages. I was reading an article by a pro that talked about globe-trotting during the season and keeping up with family and friends through email or Facebook. The seemingly frank answers on life as a pro endurance athlete made them suddenly seem human to me… normal… everyday people. Yes, I know, we’re all human… but usually people with any form of fame seem a little less ordinary. People that grace magazines seem a world away, so as a huge fan of the sport of triathlon or long distance running, I see the athletes I read about as superstars…  but this article allowed me to peak into a life that is similar to so many lives… to my life. They suddenly became so normal to me that I thought, I’m going to write them on Facebook… better yet, I’m going to friend them… after all, I’m a sort-of triathlete… So that’s what I did… started sending Facebook friend requests to some of my favorite athletes… because maybe some of what they have will rub off… so I sent out my requests…

I sent a friend request to Mirinda Carfrae (Kona Ironman World Champ and Oceanside Half Ironman Champ)... nothing yet…

I sent a facebook friend request to Paula Findlay of Canada, who was just newly crowned ITU World Champion… still waiting for that confirmation…

I sent a request to Chrissie Wellington… a 3X Ironman World champ and what most consider the best triathlete we’ve seen in years…. No answer…

I sent one in to one of my favorite Ironman champs, Craig Alexander… he must be away from his computer though, because I haven’t seen him on my list of friends…

I sent one to Chris Lieto, thinking we have something in common… he likes Team World Vision and I’m part of Team World Vision…  still waiting for his okay…

Okay… I’m lame! I obviously gained a little sense this week… logic was forced to seep in after a few days of thinking, “where’s my friend confirmation?” As far as they know, I’m some creepy guy that wants to infiltrate their inner-circle… So instead, I opted to like their Facebook pages like a normal person... I opted to just become a fan… because that’s really what I am… a fan of amazing athletes… of people that have to juggle life with training…

But I did get in contact with one athlete… sort of… Heather Jackson, a newer triathlete that gets closer and closer to winning… I posted on her Facebook fan site… and she responded with a “Thanks John!”… so I guess it’s not all for not…

I know... I'm lame… but at the very least, I am passionate... a little obsessed yes, but passionate with something that makes me healthy and happy... bu the friend requests may have been a little much...