By snoadmin
Cal State Long Beach students got a taste of what a triathlon might feel like on Friday without having to pull through the traditional distances of a mile-long swim, six-mile run and 24-mile bike ride.
Thirty-five students participated in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center’s first triathlon, taking on the challenge of running two miles on a treadmill, biking five miles on recumbent bikes and swimming two laps in the SRWC pool. The event was organized by SRWC fitness coordinator Maureen MacRae, who said that she wanted to create an innovative event for students that would also introduce them to triathlons.
“I wanted to create something inside our facility at a beginner level so that people aren’t intimidated,” MacRae said. “It’s a good start, and the increments are small enough for everybody, and it’s fun.”
The first place winner, senior industrial design major John Scott Lee, completed the triathlon in 30 minutes and six seconds. Lee said he had wanted to beat a time he had set for himself after training for duathlons, or a race that consists of running and cycling, in the past few months.
“It’s really as competitive as you want to make it,” Lee said. “It’s a great start into competitive racing while still being a challenge for both first timers and people that have been training.”
Lee biked home, a five-mile trip, on his grand prize of a 3G Bike after the race.
The second place prize, a Timex watch, was awarded to Brandon Brewer, who completed the triathlon in 31 minutes and 41 seconds. Tyler Morand, a senior philosophy major, came in third with a time of 33 minutes, winning $20 in U-Bucks to spend on campus.
The event also had a winning category for females. Senior theatre arts major Michelle Fenn was the fastest female finisher with a time of 37 minutes and 39 seconds. Fenn’s prizes included a Timex watch, T-shirt and yoga mat.
Kim Vidal, a junior Spanish major, said the event was a good experience. Although she regularly works out at the SRWC, she said the triathlon was more of a challenge.
“It was vigorous, but I’ve always wanted to try it,” Vidal said. “It’s everything combined and a fast pace. I’d definitely do it again.”
Juan Amozoco, a senior mechanical engineer major, found that swimming was the most challenging leg of the triathlon.
“I don’t usually swim, but it was fun,” he said. “It’s a good start at entry level for beginners.”
MacRae said she expects that the SRWC will host the event again.
“I anticipate this to be an annual event that will continue to grow and encourage students to do other triathlon events in Long Beach,” she said. “I want it to be a good start for students and not a scary thing.”
