What does "Pro" mean to YOU?

I think the growth of triathlon is great. Getting people active and engaging them in something they are passionate about is so important for general health and overall balance in life. Everybody has different goals: some to get fit, some to STAY fit, some to just be competitive and find that energy that they used to have. Others want to be the best, be that in their age-group or as an elite athlete.

On a personal level, I endeavoured on my journey at the beginning of 2009 with a lot of **unrealistic** goals. Sure, they were goals, but totally out of reach for time and the amount of work I needed to put in. After meeting my coach and understanding over the course of months how my goals would have to change, I revisited where I was in the sport and how I needed to **realistically** get to the end result (whatever that may be...). I can't say how much being humbled by the best in the sport makes you realise how much work you really have to do.

I think that there is such an elitist view from many athletes that are new to any sport, and I am finding moreso that triathlon is no different. Some feel the need to say they are "Pro" and set themselves apart from everybody else by putting themselves on a pedestal or associating themselves with big names in this sport.

I find it disgusting looking at an athlete tell tales about who they are and what they are doing. It shows a level of disrespect for all the people that have already put in years and years of hard work, money (or lack of), and have endured ups and downs in this sport. To be successful you have to be realistic. Just don't lie, to yourself and to those that are highly impressionable by you.

I hope I can go through the years of trials and tribulations to reach that dim light at the end of the tunnel.