When most people hear the term “student athlete” they think of football, soccer, or any other team sport. I indeed play team sports, like swimming and tennis. But I think the term student athlete means something beyond that.

I recently decided to undertake racing triathlons. That’s not something school-sponsored, but I would deem it quite the athletic activity. I won’t get recognized as a varsity athlete for training every day. I’m not forced to practice, like I am for other sports, but I do because I love being a triathlete. After I completed my first race, I decided I like them more than the sports I play at school (but don’t tell my coaches).

Now, the only problem is the cost. At around $100 per race, it’s quite the expensive hobby. Yet, I deem it worth the money. I would encourage anyone at Bel Air High School to consider entering triathlons. At first, it’s scary, and a lot of work. After training every single day and working your hardest, you realize it’s the best decision you’ve ever made! You become stronger, more agile, and more focused. You don’t have to be the most athletic person to participate, as long as you try your best, you’ll succeed. It’s a goal that’s clear-cut, and different from the usual academic goal. Usually my goals are “get an A in this class”, so it’s refreshing to work towards something different.

The most difficult part of completing a triathlon for most is the swimming for most people. Many athletes aren’t avid swimmers, especially in rough ocean water. I’m a swimmer, so I assumed the swimming portion of the race would be easy for me. When I ran into the Atlantic Ocean for the first time, the frigid water and choppy waves made me rethink this reasoning. I couldn’t get a good breath of air without swallowing mass quantities of salt water. Swimming being the first part of a triathlon, I instantly developed a deep sense of dread for the rest of the race. Luckily, after I made it past the break, I started to get a hang of ocean swimming, and actually enjoyed it. Swimming in a pool is monotonous and boring. Swimming in open water is exhilarating.

Next, biking. Most races are in beautiful areas like a beach or national park, so the ride is beautiful. That distracts from the immense amount of pain one must endure. After that a 5k, which sounds more terrible than it actually is. With all the adrenaline, excitement, and spectators, the run zooms by. It’s relatively low pressure, because everyone is at different levels on the athletic plane. Some run, some jog, and some walk.

In my first race I finished just 2 minutes shy of first place in my age group. I was highly disappointed, because I knew I could have pushed a little harder to take home gold. Regardless, I was proud of my accomplishment. Next race, I’ll try a little harder, and hopefully take first place. And maybe see some fellow bobcats in the meantime!