Living in the Netherlands quietly nudges expats toward endurance sports — and sometimes all the way to Ironman. Here's why it happens, and what nobody tells you before you start.

Every January, the same question comes up: “What’s my New Year’s resolution going to be this year?”

Lose weight. Get fitter. Be healthier. Try something new. All great goals — but also the same ones that often fade by February.

For many beginners and mid-pack athletes, triathlon quietly checks every one of those boxes. But like any resolution worth keeping, it comes with both rewards and challenges. Let’s talk honestly about why triathlon can be an incredible New Year’s goal — and what you should know before committing.