I have finally discovered something more satisfying that completing your first triathlon; being a mentor to a first time triathlete.

I have been involved in the sport for about 2 and a half years. In that time I went from being a 293-pound couch potato, to a 204-pound triathlete. To say that my life has changed for the better is a huge understatement. I feel better, look better, and am healthier than ever before. The primary reason this change was possible was the love and support that my wife Leigh gave through out the long process of changing my lifestyle. There was never a complaint about all the time that training took away from her. She was always there for me in every way.

About one year ago, after our beautiful daughter was born, Leigh voiced an interest in starting to exercise. I realized that I finally had the opportunity to repay all the support and kindness that my wife had shown me on my journey to fitness.

Leigh had not exercised for many years and could not imagine doing a tri. It took many weeks of discussion, but I finally convinced her to sign up for the Central Park Tri. I suggested this because to get her through the tough path back to fitness she needed a goal.

Over the next ten months we set up a training program for her and put it into action. I won't lie to you and say the beginning was easy. There were many times when she did not want to get out there and exercise. Despite this, she fought thru her doubts each and every time and did what she needed to do. She started with very short workouts, but as the months passed, they got longer, and she started to gain confidence. By the time the event arrived, she was ready.

The race turned out to be a smashing success for my Leigh. We did the whole event side by side. She completed the race without any problems. You have never seen a smile as big as hers when she crossed the finish line. On second thought, there was one smile bigger than hers, the one on my face. I knew just how hard what she just did was, and I could not have been any prouder. I was also so very happy to have been able to help Leigh reach this goal.

This brings me to the reason that I am writing this essay. This is really written for the person who is already a triathlete. You already know how wonderful the tri lifestyle is. I am sure that you know somebody who is interested in the sport, or just in getting healthier. It could be a friend, spouse, child or parent. It will take some effort on your part, but why not offer your services as a mentor to a first timer. Share the knowledge that you have built up on your own path to becoming a triathlete. Not only will this benefit your protégé, but it will also be time you can share doing something you love with a person you care about.

If you are like me, you will find that helping someone finish their first tri is one of the most satisfying things you have ever done. The triathlon lifestyle is too good to keep a secret. Get out there and share it with someoneI

Brad Gansberg, [Husband, Father, Internet Businessman & Mentor]
SBR Triathlon Team Member 2006