SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 50th Force Support Squadron will host an inaugural dry triathlon Sept. 6 in the indoor running track at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.
The event will consist of a 2,000 meter row, 300 body squats and a 5K run.
Seth Cannello, 50th FSS fitness center director, said the fitness center offers monthly competitions designed to boost esprit de corps, increase resiliency and motivate people to push themselves physically.
“I was looking for a way to offer a challenging workout that was similar to a sprint triathlon and I found a ‘dry triathlon’ online,” he said.
Cannello said a sprint triathlon is a short-distance triathlon (swim, bike and run) ideal for those competitors who are new to the sport.
“We used to host a sprint triathlon annually here on base; however, we no longer have access to the Tierra Vista Community pool,” he said. “The Dry Tri is a modification of a sprint triathlon. Instead of swimming, participants will start the event by rowing 2,000 meters on a Concept II Rower (level 10). Instead of bicycling, after rowing, the participants will perform 300 body squats. Then, to end the event, participants are required to run a 5K.”
Cannello said the feeling you have after rowing and starting the squats is similar to the transition you make from swimming to cycling in a triathlon.
“It’s uncomfortable and it really taxes your lungs and legs,” he said. “The next transition is even worse…after doing 300 body squats your legs are very heavy and it’s hard to get into a rhythm as you begin to run.”
For Yesinia Padilla, 4th Space Operations Squadron, the competition is an opportunity to participate in another fitness-based event.
“As someone who grew up running and playing soccer, I love anything fitness, especially if it’s going to be challenging,” she said. “I’m a runner by heart, but the idea of combining that along with rowing and squats is definitely going to put my endurance to the test, so I want to push myself to see how I’m going to handle that, and if it means doing that on behalf of 4th SOPS, even better.”
Cannello added the Dry Tri is also something Airmen can easily incorporate into their workout routines.
“You don’t have to be registered in order to attempt a Dry Tri,” he said. “Anyone can read how to perform a Dry Triathlon and do it on their own. You can even change the exercises to fit your specific workout needs.”
Although the Dry Tri is full, anyone interested in registering will have to sign up for next year’s competition.
The next fitness center event is the annual half marathon scheduled for Oct. 4.
For more information about upcoming fitness center events, email Cannello at seth.cannello@us.af.mil or call 567-6628.