“Dear John Letter to Ironman” – Still Applies

It seems that we can’t have more than a month or two pass by without some “issue” relating to an M-Dot race.  Well, at least the past year has been interesting, to say the least.  Races have been shortened, venues have closed, the Ironman Passport program, and most recently, issues with the IMNYC race – including a death during the swim, logistics issues, and, as a capstone, a huge price increase (and subsequent cancellation of registrations) for the 2013 race.

Of course, no race company is fully inoculated from missteps or errors.  Most likely, every company makes mistakes.  Just some seem more glaring than others, and some companies seem to make more of them than others. 

Now, like many of you I’ve done a bunch of M-Dot races.  At one time, I pined to hear the phrase, “You are an Ironman.”  I’ve spent plenty of hard-earned money to gain entry to Ironman brand races.  I won’t spend another dime with them.  Last year, I decided to vote with my wallet.

Below is a post that originally appeared on TriMadness in November, 2011.  At the time I posted the message below, I had just capped off my season at Rev3 South Carolina.  The differences between Rev3 and Ironman are so huge – I knew at the time I’d found my new “race home”.  (and yes, I am sponsored by Rev3 - so I get certain perks associated with that relationship….but my opinions WILL NOT CHANGE even after I’m no longer on Team Rev3).

After M-Dot initially offering up the 2013 IMNYC race at close to $1300 for a standard entry (and $1700 for a VIP entry), I’m even more convinced that they are more concerned about profit margin than racers.  Revenue over rewards.  I knew that the letter below still applies…

A Dear John Letter to Ironman

Dear Ironman,

You and I, we have a history.

I’ve sweated and swam, biked miles upon miles, and ran like Forrest Gump. All in an effort to overcome the races you’ve lain in front of me. Not just once, but several times.

Orlando. Panama City Beach. Louisville. They are familiar territory. A few good memories have come from my pursuits there. More of them have been ho-hum.

Once I was pleased to hear Mike Reilly proclaim that I was an “Ironman”.

But I’m over you.

It’s not you…..it’s all me.

I’m tired of swimming with two thousand friends. I don’t like drafting when I’m supposed to be racing. I don’t like feeling like a customer.

Triathlon isn’t about those things. At least for me, it’s not. Triathlon is about the challenge. Feeling like you belong at a race – regardless of whether you’re the first finisher or the last. I like spectacle and boisterous finish lines as much as the next guy, and while you’re good at that, others are equally good – if not better – at it than you are. I want to feel valued as an athlete. Part of the family. Cared about. Loved.

And you, well, you don’t do that anymore for me.

I’m just a tick mark on your headboard. Another zero on the balance sheet. Another person to sell logo’d merchandise to for too high a price.

We’re done. I know you’ll find others. People will constantly clamor for the “notoriety” that comes from doing one of your races. Good for them.

I’m in this for something more now. Good riddance.

I’ve got a new sweetheart. She may be a little younger than you, but she’s better in oh so many ways. Her name even sounds cooler……Revolution3. Change. New. She’s all that.

So we’re breaking up. Have a nice life.