If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to add the movie TRI to your list. It has everything you want in an inspiring triathlon movie that combines both life lessons and tips on completing your first triathlon.
Spoiler Alert: In TRI, ultrasound tech Natalie is captivated by the recommendation of Candice, a cancer patient, to consider participating in a triathlon. Natalie, notorious for “never finishing what she starts,” checks it out with best friend Skyler and the two decide to go for it. The nearby Nationals Triathlon in Washington, DC is just 16 weeks away. Their training begins. Natalie and Skyler join a triathlon team and create friendships with a variety of members, some dealing with their own issues. Throughout their training, the two women feel the highs and lows of working hard toward what may be an unachievable goal, and bear witness to the struggles, even tragic events, that follow others in the triathlon world.
Side Note: An interesting reason I really enjoyed this movie is I met the actor Rex (Jaylen Moore) on a cruise ship with my wife before I ever even thought about doing a race.
After watching the movie TRI, I walked (or swam… or biked… or even ran) away with 10 lessons it taught me.
1) Be open to trying something new
Training for a triathlon is just as much of an experience as completing one. Whether you are doing your first sprint or going for your fifth Ironman, being open to trying something new can be scary but also very rewarding.
2) Finish what you start
Quitting when life gets tough can quickly become a habit. That bad habit can be passed down from generation to generation. Always finish what you start because the process is just as important as the end result.
3) A good friend is the best motivator
If you are training for a triathlon, it won’t be easy and being your own motivator can be exhausting. Find a friend who will push you when you need it and that will always keep you accountable.
4) Step 1: Show up, Step 2: Enjoy yourself
Whether it’s a triathlon or a marathon, the first step is always show up. Even when you don’t want to. The second step is to enjoy yourself and to remember to have fun. The process is part of the journey.
5) Find a triathlete that inspires you
One of my favorite triathletes to follow for motivation is Jan Frodeno. He sets the bar high when it comes to consistent quality training and that is someone I look up to in triathlons. Finding a triathlete that motivates you during tough training sessions can be beneficial.
6) Strength comes in many forms
Being strong doesn’t always mean you are the fastest or the toughest. Strength comes in many forms such as having a big heart and supporting those around you. If you find yourself struggling, know that your strength is you still showed up today.
7) Finishing a triathlon will transform you, like a butterfly
If you haven’t ever tried a triathlon, consider yourself to be in a cocoon in the beginning stage of a butterfly. The harder you fight and the more you work hard, you will transform yourself into a butterfly.
8) Never listen to your inner voice
We all have it, that inner voice that tries to convince you that your bed is too cozy and that it’s too early to get up. Don’t let that inner voice control you. Remember what your goals are and that you are bigger and better than that inner voice.
9) Drink the soup (or water)
In the movie, they suggest to “drink the soup” but really they are referring to drinking water. Always remember to hydrate before, during and after your training sessions as well as your race.
10) Run if you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must (never give up)
It might not feel like it sometimes, but baby steps forward are still steps forward. Your training will decide for you if you are going to finish the race running, walking or crawling. The most important thing is that you never give up!
Have you seen this movie? What did you think?