Archive: April 2007

You can TRY a tri!

Mental roadblocks tend to be the setback for these popular events

Kenny Krell knows a few things about triathlons. Krell has competed in more than 250 triathlons in his career, and is the founder of 3Disciplines Racing, a company that hosts dozens of triathlons throughout Michigan, and the United States. Check out the listing for the Lansing Legislator event Krell is hosting.

This year 3Disciplines is about to host its 200th event, proving that triathlons are one of the hottest fitness-related events around. His events in Michigan boast an average of between 250 and 500 participants per race.

“We find that we have to change everybody’s idea of what a triathlon was,” he said. “Most times people think of the Ironman when they think triathlon. That’s not the case. The average sprint triathlon is a great event for the average athlete.”

The Ironman Triathlon is based in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and involves a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26-mile marathon. In contrast, sprint triathlons feature a 500-meter swim, 12-mile bike course, and then a 5K (3.1 mile) run.

He said beginners are welcome at just about every triathlon hosted in Michigan. Those people who have completed half- or full marathons in the past, could do a sprint triathlon if they wanted.

“Everybody is freaked out about the swim,” he said. “Once you get past that, anyone can bike 12 miles, so then you come to the 5K run, you can walk the three miles if you have to. It really is a doable event and almost everyone who signs up for a triathlon, trains for it."

Here’s what he tells groups, or athletes who are unsure if they can do a triathlon:

• You can do it. “A sprint race is doable for anyone,” he said.
• Don’t be intimidated. “A lot of times, when people get into sports they see the guy with the $5,000 bike and become worried,” he said. “You don’t need the fancy equipment to compete. At sprint races, we have racers on mountain bikes.
• Have a good time. “A sprint triathlon is comparable to a 10K run. It’s more of a mental thing than a training thing.”