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Great Gifts That Totally Suck...

Wednesday, 21 December 2016 23:10

ED. Pro triathlete Jesse Thomas is a HOOT!

By Jesse Thomas (triathlete.com)

Just say no to the puppy.

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or just doing a gift exchange at your office party, chances are at some point this holiday season, you’re going to be opening presents in front of the people who bought them for you. And as we all know, doing that is pretty much the worst thing imaginable. Unless you are an Oscar-, Emmy- or Tony-nominated actor, you too loathe the idea of trying to convincingly pretend you really do like the kickstand uncle Tommy got you for your TT bike....

There are so many things during the holiday season that clearly expose the disconnect between you and your non-triathlete family, from your cousin’s “how’s your decathlon going?” to your grandpa’s disapproving head shake as you stroll out to ride in head-to-toe Lycra. Receiving presents is no different. Remember that time your mom bought you an XXL cycling kit because she was sure the medium you asked for looked like something a baby would wear to sleep? She tried. She’s disappointed too. She honestly wants to understand and support you and your decathlon goals. Small gifts like the kickstand and the wrong size cycling kit are easily fixable, and in reality, no big deal. Even those of us who aren’t classically trained performers can fake our way through an appreciative thank you and hug before deflecting awkwardness by asking for an eggnog refill.  READ MORE