COMPETITORS in punishing triathlons are at a loss to explain why they would ever take part in them, it has emerged.
Extreme sportsmen and women have admitted they put themselves through challenges that take months of training and exhaust them in body and mind for no real reward at all.
Nikki Hollis, who is entered for a full iron-distance triathlon later this month, said: “It’s for the challenge? But that doesn’t explain why this and not a hot-dog eating contest.
“I’m not doing it for the camaraderie because there isn’t any, I’m not doing it to impress people because the universal reaction to my swimming two miles, then cycling 112, then running a marathon is first horror and second concern for my mental health.
“They say it releases the same endorphins as hard drugs. But at this stage, hard drugs would be preferable both in terms of physical strain and time invested.”
Triathlete Susan Traherne said: “For me, it reinforces that I’m Susan Traherne, a unique individual and free spirit, challenges Susan Traherne to be the best Susan Traherne I can be, and when I’m the best Susan Traherne to be a Susan Traherne that’s even better.
“Does that mean anything? They were definitely all words.”
