Road Trippin Triathlete: It’s Time To Roll

I’m going on a road trip. Over the next 11 days I’ll be driving cross-country in search of cool triathletes and interesting triathlon-related stuff throughout the nation. It started Friday with a 10 p.m. red-eye to Philadelphia (oh, that doesn’t sound appealing? Note that I was also in a middle seat) and ends with my return to San Diego.

I wouldn’t say “Go on an epic road trip” has ever been a top bullet on my bucket list—hours behind the wheel in the middle of nowhere didn’t used to strike me as “fun”—but I couldn’t be more excited to start the trek. Since I started planning this trip, I have been pleasantly surprised by how many opportunities there are for triathletes in every part of the country. Triathlon hotspots like Boulder, Tucson, San Diego, etc. get lots of attention, but sometimes it’s the lesser-talked-about spots that have the most unique tri shops or enthusiastic local clubs. I’m excited to give the middle of America some Triathlete love.

No, I won’t be running like Dean or doing my own personal Race Across America (although that does need to happen…). And while I’m sure big balls of twine or quirky museums are fun for photo opps, I prefer my roadside attractions in the form of a yoga for triathletes class, a visit to a big-time race’s headquarters, pizza with a college triathlon club or a stop at a brand new all-women’s tri shop. I’ve got an (overly?) ambitious schedule of activities lined up with fantastic triathletes to meet along the way.

Be sure to stay posted on Triathlete.com as well as our Facebook and Twitter feed to check out my stops along the way and give me advice if I’m coming to a town near you!

The Honda Fit is clean, tapered and ready for some endurance work.

–The Road Trippin’ Triathlete/Jené Shaw

See the planned route below: