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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
The life of a 'Pro'

R10C

Nov 3, 09 22:35

Post #1 of 9 (1412 views)

The life of a 'Pro'	Can't Post

I have had the honor to host more than one Pro IM stud in my home in the years, often for weeks at a time. It is a huge uphill struggle for most if not all of them - their families and educations do not care about the fire that they have burning in their souls. The fact is that most of the AG folks have bikes that would put the every day Pro Tri guy/gal to shame...they are great at what they do and use the tools that are given to them - often second hand. The guy in the link is not far off from other folks I know who are not at the top...but if they jump high enough their fingernails can just just touch it.

http://sports.yahoo.com/...ore-U?urn=mma,199656

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f.k.a - Record9, Record9ti Record10, Record10ti, Record10Carbon, but not SuperRecord11 as there are no bar ends.

CaptainCanada

Nov 3, 09 22:45

Post #2 of 9 (1397 views)

Re: The life of a 'Pro' [Record10Carbon] [In reply to]	Can't Post

That was an awesome fight too. He is a rock star.

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Oliver Half, IMLP, IMC

lhogben

Nov 3, 09 22:48

Post #3 of 9 (1395 views)

Re: The life of a 'Pro' [Record10Carbon] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Nice article, reminds me of Cinderella Man but the guy is single lol. I think that guy pretty much epitomizes the philosophy of 'do what you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life' but you also might not get paid... but he did get paid so the story has a happy ending! Just like Cinderella Man.

R10C

Nov 3, 09 22:50

Post #4 of 9 (1392 views)

Re: The life of a 'Pro' [CaptainCanada] [In reply to]	Can't Post

You happen to have a link to see the fight? I have been a fan of TapOut for a bit...and the loss of one of the founders was tragic (granted in a Ferrari)...they all seemed like good people - at least on TV.

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f.k.a - Record9, Record9ti Record10, Record10ti, Record10Carbon, but not SuperRecord11 as there are no bar ends.

furiousferret

Nov 3, 09 22:59

Post #5 of 9 (1383 views)

Re: The life of a 'Pro' [Record10Carbon] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Most athletes don't make much money. They sacrifice years to pursue the dream, I know 4 former pros in sports and all but one is struggling, one was in the English Football system (Wolverhampton) and another was a Triple AAA player for the A's. 2 are NFL players with very limited play.

While we are pretty apt to be harsh to AG'ers about thier lifestyles and their decisions, athletes make some pretty boneheaded life decisions as well. Most of them are basically throwing a hail mary pass to riches, then have to get a job at 35-40, where others have a 20 year head start on them. While I envy the fact of what they are doing, many just don't have enough forethought to do well outside of the sport. I do think many triathletes don't follow this mold, many (TJ Tollakson comes to mind) have a degree with a career waiting for them. Most others don't. Look at some of the Domestic cyclists, making 30k a year only to get spit out at 30 with no college or work experience. While I have deep admirition for those guys, I also worry about them.

CaptainCanada

Nov 3, 09 23:05

Post #6 of 9 (1376 views)

Re: The life of a 'Pro' [Record10Carbon] [In reply to]	Can't Post

No link. UFC scours the youtube stuff pretty well. There is a few links onsome bit torrent sites but I have no idea how to use that stuff. Usually heavyweight MMA fights are not that entertaining, but he manhandled Hardonk. it was fun to watch.

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Oliver Half, IMLP, IMC

Mito Chondria

Nov 3, 09 23:35

Post #7 of 9 (1332 views)

Re: The life of a 'Pro' [furiousferret] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

I do think many triathletes don't follow this mold, many (TJ Tollakson comes to mind) have a degree with a career waiting for them. Most others don't. Look at some of the Domestic cyclists, making 30k a year only to get spit out at 30 with no college or work experience.

Yeah, but while the one guy was inside studying the other guy was outside riding his bike. Choices...

�The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.� -Michelangelo

MoodBoost Drink : Mood Support + Energy.

MarkyV

Nov 4, 09 7:10

Post #8 of 9 (820 views)

Re: The life of a 'Pro' [furiousferret] [In reply to]	Can't Post

others to think about... at least for the forward thinker "businessman athletes"

1) jobs in the industry (be a mover and shaker not _just_ an athlete while you are racing and things will come to you)
2) i ain't EVER going back to finance (and pretty sure TJ ain't ever going back to traditional engineering)
3) adapt on the fly
4) (if you are passionate about it and understand it) coaching
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MarkyV Racing & MVA Coaching
@MarkyV
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iainbanks1

Nov 4, 09 8:39

Post #9 of 9 (571 views)

Re: The life of a 'Pro' [MarkyV] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Michael Lovato seems to be a great example of the "businessman athlete". He appears to be doing lots of work for IM and puts himself out there in order to set things up for when the pro racing finishes. Apart from the top guys in the sport I would imagine that most will be going into a regular job when they are done racing.

A couple of former cycling pro's that I know are just working the 9-5 and still racing in the local races on weekends. How many of us would trade places??

http://theramblingsofanendurancejunkie.blogspot.com