"Y U No Tri?"

Since getting up off of my couch in June 2010, I've done a lot of things I never thought I would. From Obstacle Challenges to Relays to Marathons, I've taught myself to say "Yes!" to whatever new opportunity presents itself.

It was only a matter of time, then, before this question presented itself to me:

Yep, it was inevitable. Friends think it's time for me to go all in and compete in a triathlon.

And I thought about it. I really did. It would be a new challenge, certainly, and it would require a big step outside of my comfort zone. It's the perfect next step.

Still, I resisted. I couldn't quite get myself to the point where taking part in a triathlon sounded like something I wanted to do.

Finally, I understood why I was pushing back against the idea.

I don't want to.

What, you were expecting something earth-shattering and brilliantly insightful? Sorry, not this time. It really is as simple as that.

I enjoy running. Not every day and not every run, but overall. I love how it makes me feel. And I enjoy the different types of runs, too. Marathons are a very different challenge than a weekend relay race, for example. But it's still running.

Biking annoys me. I don't like relying on a piece of equipment to get me from Start to Finish. If my legs hurt, I can press on. But if my tires go flat, I'm screwed. It's that dependence on something other than myself that bothers me.

Swimming? Meh. I like being above the water when boating and I enjoy being under the water scuba-diving, but swimming? No, thanks. It just doesn't appeal to me.

And here's the weird part. I'm okay with saying "no." I don't feel like I'm missing out, or wimping out, or somehow less of an athlete because I don't want to compete in a full triathlon. I'm comfortable watching from the sidelines, cheering on my amazing TRI friends, and enjoying my runs.