Lazyman triathlon kicks off, inspires participants

SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The start of February brings another opportunity for Schriever Air Force Base members to participate in the annual Lazyman Triathlon.

Similar to a traditional Ironman Triathlon, athletes are encouraged to complete a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and a 26.2-mile run. Participants are given the entire month of February to complete the events.

“The name is deceiving,” said Seth Cannello, 50th Force Support Squadron Fitness and Sports manager. “You hear the word lazy and people assume it’s an easy event. However, the goal is to push people harder and for them to do more activities during the month. Another reason this event is good for people is to show how difficult an Ironman triathlon really is.”

The 2017 triathlon marks the 15th consecutive February the fitness center has hosted the event.

“Previously, I had worked at a YMCA that did this program, and I thought it would be a good fit for the base,” Cannello said. “Typically in most fitness centers, you see a rush of people come in after the New Year’s, and about two weeks later they stop showing up. I thought February would be a good month to try offer this program as additional motivation for people.”

Approximately 200 Schriever members signed up to complete the challenge. Participants are provided calculators in order to track their workouts.

“We can never know if people stay true to calculations; it’s impossible to monitor everybody,” Cannello said. “For the most part, what I’ve seen is that people are honest about not finishing or they would send the calculator back and it would only have half of the miles on it. Everything is recorded on the honor system.”

Bing Hack, Fitness Center recreation assistant, is the event coordinator.

“Participants can break up events and distances however they want, but the best way to do it is formulate a plan and stick with it,” Hack said. “The best way to do this is start with your weakest point and work from there. Once they start, it will get easier.”

Hack shared a story of an Airman who expressed her concern about the swimming portion, as a first-time Lazyman participant.

“At least once a week I see her working out and I give her pointers from my past experience doing this,” Hack said. “Once she is finished I will be happy for her. It’s always a good feeling to see people accomplish their goals.”

In the past, the fitness center coordinators noticed some of the athletes do not finish the triathlon in time. To address this issue, if someone signs up and does not finish, penalty points will be taken away from their unit. However, five points are awarded for those who complete it.

“What I love about this triathlon is the accountability and having others in the workplace who share the same goal,” said Autumn Gray, 50th Contracting Squadron, who is participating for the fourth time. “It is very motivating.”

Trackers must be turned in by March 3. Every participant who finishes the event and turns their tracker in on time will also receive a free shirt.

Team Schriever may look forward to a collaborative tri-wing triathlon taking place this summer presented by the 10th, 21st, and 50th FSS.

“The concept is for each base to host a component of a triathlon similar to a Lazyman Triathlon where one doesn’t have to finish the entire thing in one day,” Cannello said. “Racers can sign up for any event or register for all three.”

For more information on the Lazyman Triathlon contact the base fitness center at 567-6628.