I was recently reminded of another bar conversation I had with someone last week.  A coworker of mine was interested in trying a triathlon, and was asking me some questions.  Interestingly enough, he's married, but commented that "I bet that saying you're a triathlete really impresses the ladies".  I had to laugh because here is how that conversation typically goes:

Fine Looking Lady: So what sort of things do you do when you're not working?
Me: Well, I spend some of my time training to do triathlons.
FLL: Wow, so you do Ironmans?  That's incredible!
Me: Well... no.  I do sprint triathlons, though I'm working up to longer distances this year.  I'd like to do an Olympic distance.
FLL: Oh.  Well that's good too.  So how long is a sprint?
Me: A typical sprint is 1/4 mile swim, and a 15 mile bike leg, followed by 3.1 mile run.
FLL: Yeah... ummm... that's really nice.

Nothing deflates you more than hearing the "So you do Ironman?" question after saying you're a triathlete, and then hearing the excitement ramp down when you say you don't do Ironman, but shorter distances.  It's very audible.  This happens every damn time.  Frankly, I just don't bother any more.