Welcome to this sport. It's entirely lonely and the entire thing is a gamble and expensive. Also, you'll never be happy with your result. Why are we even here?

My job won't approve military vacation "leave" until 60 days out. Every big race I book is a gamble. Book'em early to be cheap, since the fancy races sell out quick...then, we go on deployment. I eat the cost. If it doesn't happen, then the hotels cost triple, or I stay in the shittiest roach motel wherever...or, I have to book a place 2-3 hours away since everything is full. Waking up at midnight to drive to your race isn't exactly ideal. Don't even ask if I would consider international flights 2 months in advance...because I've done it. Eat the cost if I can't go. This is my sacrifice. This is my life, since I'm not an oral surgeon/silicon valley fuck boi. Also, my fitness is shit because I have no normal schedule, but keep training...even if it is the offseason.

My life, fitness, and triathlon is that shitty football game between military teams that suck balls if they actually played a real college. ...eh, but I guess I have healthcare.

Welcome to the shitty world of "Ironman" branded long course triathlon, where China will market your story if you have one leg or your father rules Saudi Arabia and you have $4,000 for the Executive Package and your own security detail at Kona. Or, lose 400lbs....they want YOUR story.

Welcome to the expensive world of triathlon.

If you can't afford it. Call yourself a runner.