VALLONIA
A triathlon consists of three events, completed in sequence and without breaks, with varying distances.
For some, a super sprint consists of a one-quarter mile swim, a 6.2 mile bike race, and a 1.5 mile run.
A sprint triathlon consists of a one-half mile swim, a 12.4-mile bike segment, and a 3.1-mile run. An Olympic triathlon is twice the distance of a full sprint, and an Ironman is four times longer.
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Greg Reasoner, president of the Seymour MultiSport Club, felt he had a good mix at Sunday’s Mock Triathlon conducted at Starve Hallow Lake.
“Three athletes today are competing for the first time,” said Reasoner. “This is a good practice for the Columbus Triathlon.”
Reasoner said he believed that all of the athletes competing are signed up for the Columbus Challenge on Aug. 8.
Sunday’s mock triathlon consisted of a one-half mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run to the finish.
The only difference between Sunday’s event to the Columbus Challenge is that the bike stage will be 17 miles, instead of the 12 miles the athletes rode.
The club consists of many veteran athletes such as Travis Fittro and Michael S. Smith.
One new member, Abby Vorthmann finished first among the female athletes.
Vorthmann ran a half-marathon last summer and is working on the swimming and biking aspects of the triathlon.
To become a good triathlete, an athlete must overcome their fears, Vorthmann said. The most common fear is the fear of swimming.
Also, experts suggest that a potential triathlete follow a strict training program and start training around 12 weeks before competing.
The triathlete needs to acquire the necessary gear: a racing bike and swimming/biking/running attire and sign up for a future race, which motivates the athlete to train.
Reasoner, who is a 15-year veteran of triathlons, has suggestions for beginners.
“Start small,” he said. “The swim always seems to be intimidating for people. That’s why we do it out here (Starve Hallow) because the water is chest deep. If someone gets nervous they can stand up and breathe.”
Elizabeth Eaken, another competitor, said this is practice for upcoming triathlons.
On top of the Columbus Challenge in two weeks, many athletes are training for the Camp Lakeview Triathlon which is on Labor Day.
“We have all skill levels here today, like first triathletes to people who have completed Ironman,” Eaken said. “It’s fun to get together and have a triathlon.”
If you are interested in learning more about Seymour’s MultiSport Club or would like to become a member visit seymourmultisport.com or contact them through Facebook.