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Printer-Friendly ModePhysical, mental preparation for triathlon
November 1, 2010 —
As the sun rose over the Ryder, a group of SVSU students gathered.
Despite the week’s blustering winds, the Triathlon Club pushed through with a morning jog.
A group of SVSU freshmen students started the club this fall to work on fitness and looking for others to join. The organization is for all ages, interests and fitness levels.
“I wanted to find other people who are interested in running, biking and swimming,” said secondary education freshman and club founder Josh Rivard. “I ran cross-country in high school and I need motivation to keep in shape, stay healthy and kick butt.”
The club meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays outside of the Ryder Center at 8 a.m. Members began their organized training with a running week last Monday.
“The club is geared at being more fun than competitive; members shouldn’t feel compelled to race,” said Rivard.
A traditional triathlon consists of completing a section of swimming, cycling and running consecutively. However, it is not necessary to partake in all three to join.
“The organization is designed to be three clubs in one; running, biking, and swimming. Members do not have to do all, but to compete in a triathlon they must,” Rivard said.
“It’s a good way to get into shape or stay in shape and meet new people,” said freshman biology major Jake Carlisle. Carlisle also serves as club vice president.
“I joined to meet new people and stay active; I did a lot of sports in high school,” said membaer Scarlett Simancek an undecided freshman.
Some members joined to become more proficient in one or all three areas of a triathlon in hopes of competing in one.
“I am fairly new at running, cycling and swimming ,and I’m hoping that the club will give me an opportunity to become more skilled in these areas,” said member Dalton Jager, a freshmen computer information systems major.
“A triathlon is on my bucket list, so I thought, why not?” said sophomore biology major and club member Olivia Nixon.
The organization eventually hopes to compete in a triathlon and become accredited to the Collegiate Triathlon Series.
“Next year we want to enter the Michigan State triathlon, and compete against other collegiate triathlon teams,” Rivard said.
To enter the collegiate series, the group needs to gain a solid base of members and complete an application.
For information about the club, contact Josh Rivard via email, jrivard@svsu.edu.