By Mark Winholtz
It all started when I turned 50, eight years ago. My three girls were grown and I had spent 12 happy years coaching them through slo-pitch softball. We had three shelves full of trophies from various tournaments and I was SO envious. I played football, basketball and baseball in high school but was average and never won anything. What I wouldn’t give for a trophy!
But what to do? Bowling? Yuk! Track and field? Full of ex-olympians (as was swimming). Maybe a multisport event… I could be average in all three and maybe still excel…
September 2003 – my first triathlon – I died (another story!). Two months later I did the now-defunct AARP Tri in Florida and lo and behold, what came in the mail a few weeks later but a plaque for 3rd place in the First Timer Division. I was hooked!
Seven years and 142 events later, I do have my share of what my wife calls “trinkets”. My favorite is a 3″ high sea shell from the Conchman. There are plates, cups and ribbons, all of which motivate me to add to the collection. For years I have coveted the miniature fort from Fort De Soto and the slab of granite from Minnesota’s Graniteman, but look out – I turn USAT 60 next year!

Triathlon Bike: – Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.
Triathlon Run : – Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3135″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” el_class=”display_1024″]
“First Triathlon” Stories
Read stories written by people like YOU who talk about their first triathlon.
“Triathlete Profile
Read interviews of people like YOU who give advice on training, balance and much more.
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Pennsylvania Triathlon – Connellsville Parks and Recreation Triathlon –-Great sprint triathlon for beginners!
New York Triathlon – Brooklyn Sports Club Mini Indoor Triathlon – This unique indoor event is perfect for first-timers
Is My Bike Ready for a Triathlon? …My concern is I will start ramping up my training and my bike won’t last…
Buying a Triathlon Bike– Learn how to buy the right bike without breaking the bank from experts in the field
Running: Good for the Body and the Brain – Could running make you smarter? The answer may surprise you.
Triathlon QuestionWalking Instead of Running in a Triathlon –– The race promoters presented an award to a 69 year old female who had had 2 knee replacements…
New York Triathlon – Brooklyn Sports Club Mini Indoor Triathlon –This unique indoor event is perfect for first-timers
Georgia Triathlon – Tri for the Shelter Sprint Triathlon – USAT sanctioned, This triathlon takes place in the gorgeous Rocky Mountain Recreation..
My First Triathlon, Nicholas D’Angelo – It was the end of my life as I knew it and the beginning of the beginning. I decided that I wanted to live. I wanted to be a better husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend…
First Triathlon Story – Greg H. from Texas – just to raise your arms at the finish line and know that you accomplished a triathlon is such a great feeling.
Age Groups – Can you tell me why the age groups are 25 to 34 … while most races use 20 to 29, 30 to 39, and 40 to 49?
Triathlon ResourceWhat to Wear for a Triathlon – Is it insane to think I can bike/run in shorts and a sports bra that I swam in?