1. What inspired you to start running triathlons?

Last summer I actually decided to stop playing all the other sports I had been involved with and still wanted something to do to stay in shape. I had heard about a triathalon training group at Lifetime Fitness, where I work out, and thought, that’s it, that’s what I am going to do. I began it then and have been hooked since.

2. Do other people in your family run triathlons, as well?

No, I am the only one so far, but I am hoping to encourage them to at least try one out.

3. What kind of training goes into this?

For the first triatholon that I did, I trained with a group at Lifetime Fitness. We would meet once a week and have to work on our own in between training sessions. When we were all together we would generally swim for 30 minutes, bike for 30, and run for another 20 or 30 minutes. Each time we would set different goals for that amount of time and vary the intensity. In between meetings, we were expected to do each of these activites on our own time. We ended up training for 12 weeks.

4. What gear do you need in order to compete in a triathlon?

Well, as far as beginners go, all you need is a bike that works, a helmet, a swimsuit, good running shoes, and clothes to thrown on over your suit to begin the biking and running portion of the event. As people get more into the events though, there are special biking shoes, biking gloves, and specific triathalon outfits. Also, there are really nice bikes and upgrades for all of the equiptment. For me though, I just kept it simple.

5. What sports do you do at school and how does affect your performance, good or bad, in triathlons?

I use to play volleyball, softball, and tennis, but I actually stopped these and decided to take up triathlons instead. I would think that the sports would only help with the triathalons though, simply by building up endurance and keeping fit.

6. What have you participated in and what do you plan on in the future?

I have participated in The Mighty Mississinewa Triathalon, as well as the Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathalon. This upcoming triathalon season I hope to participate in the Carmel Triathalon, as well as a few down at Eagle Creek.

7. What, mentally, does it take to compete?

Mentally, it just takes the will to finish. When you are at that point of exaustion and you just want to stop, you just have to remind yourself how big of an accomplishment you are making for yourself. I think that alone always keeps me going.

8. What type of people do you think would enjoy doing these events?

I think really anyone could do triathalons. I think everyone gets the idea in there head that they are these huge, really difficult events. I’m not saying they are really easy or anything, but with a little effort anyone could do it. People who are willing to work and like to be active would probably be best qualified, but i honestly believe that anyone do it.

9. How has doing triathlons affected the rest of your life?

Well, I think it is one of those life-long sports that I can keep with me at any age. It will be a nice way of staying healthy for the rest of my life.

10. What is it about triathlons that you like?

I like the finish. The running is alright, the biking is okay, and the swimming can be fun, but nothing beats the feeling of running across that finish line, knowing what you have just accopmlished. Also knowing that you can rest at that point is pretty nice too. Also, I am a very competitive person, so I really like it when I pass people during the race, knowing that I am just that much faster.

11. What is a triathlon?

A triathalon is a race of swimming, biking, and running in that order.

12. Do you have any sort of mantra for before a race? Or something you use for good luck?

Well, I do actually have a lucky penny that I stick in my back pocket. I like to think it helps.

13. Anything you would like to say that you think readers should know?

The first triathalon I ran was a 500m swim, a 16.5 mile bike, and a 4 mile run. Also, I recieved a plaque for placing second at my first one.
Also, I participate in the Sprint triathalons, which are generally shorter and quicker ones, unlike the Ironman’s and Olympic level triathalons.