SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 18th annual Schriever Lazyman Triathlon kicked off Feb. 1, and Seth Cannello, 50th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports director, warns, “Don’t let the name fool you.”
Though Cannello said this triathlon is considered a “lazy” approach to completing an Ironman –participants have 29 days to complete the challenge as opposed to the traditional 17 hours – there is nothing lazy about the people who finish the event.
To complete the month-long competition, participants must swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles before March 1. According to Cannello, the key to being among the 50 percent of people who complete the challenge is to have a plan.
“Most people who fail to finish the event don’t have good strategies,” he said. “The best advice I can offer is to have a plan, stay consistent throughout the month and finish your goal – you’ll be glad you did.”
Currently, more than 120 people are signed up, including Charles Thornton, 50th FSS recreation assistant.
“This will be my fifth year doing the lazyman,” Thornton said. “I keep signing up to challenge myself, because staying active gives me the energy to play with my kids after work.”
Cannello continues to host the triathlon because it’s popular and a good motivator.
“People know it’s coming every February,” Cannello said. “Those who recognize they are falling behind on new health goals use this event as a chance to refocus on their commitment to fitness.”
This year, Col. James Smith, 50th Space Wing commander, signed up for the challenge to help meet his annual fitness requirements and to inspire healthy competition among his office staff.
“Events such as this offer Team Schriever members another opportunity to connect over common health goals and encourage teamwork,” Smith said. “We have some amazing athletes here and seeing others committed to improving their overall health certainly helps keep me motivated.”
The event follows the honor system and individuals are responsible for reporting their progress. However, they don’t have to figure it all out on their own. Cannello developed a calculator and sample training plans he sends out to those who register.
For those overachievers or more experienced athletes, Cannello created monthly add-on challenges to help people continue their physical fitness goals after February. For example, in March 2019 the challenge included the previously mentioned lazyman requirements and an additional 26.2 miles on an elliptical. Because people continue to request them, Cannello plans to develop monthly add-ons again this year.
“You will never know what you are capable of doing unless you give it a try,” Thornton said. “And finishing is an amazing feeling!”
For those interested in signing up for the 2020 Lazyman Triathlon, registration closes at noon Feb. 7. Register by emailing Cannello at seth.cannello@us.af.mil. For more event information or help creating a plan, call the base fitness center at 567-6658.