Three’s a Charm
Two Club Members explain why one sport just isn’t enough.
Triathlon might inspire images of toned athletes swimming, biking and running their way to Olympic glory, but the sport is drawing growing numbers of older amateurs.
The TAC Triathlon Club’s own members represent a range of ages and ability levels. With the group looking to recruit more members and take up the challenge of competing in August’s Kisarazu Triathlon, two Club triathletes, Mario Stein (pictured) and Thibaut Revert, discuss the joys of open water and roads.
Why did you decide to join the TAC Triathlon Club?
Stein: I did triathlon many years ago and was interested in getting back into the sport. I thought it would be fun to join a group of likeminded individuals who could do it together and share experiences.
Revert: When I joined the Club two years ago, I decided to learn how to swim properly and joined the stroke development lessons. There, I met Ken Merner, a member of the TAC Triathlon Club, who convinced me to give triathlon a shot.
What’s the attraction of triathlon?
Stein: I like that pretty much anyone can compete and that you compete against yourself. Beginners and pros compete on the same course. That’s pretty cool. I think training for three sports gives me a balanced fitness profile.
Revert: What is rewarding is making progress in one sport, which makes you better in the other two. When I started lessons two years ago, I couldn’t swim more than 50 meters without taking a break. Now I am not satisfied if I don’t swim at least 2 to 3 kilometers.
What is the toughest part of the training?
Stein: It’s hard to do training every day. Being part of a club pushes me to train even on the days when I feel a little lazy. I don’t want to be left behind and that makes me push a little harder.
Revert: I was a beginner in cycling, so I joined the weekend sessions before my first triathlon. I got a lot of advice on setting up my bike and preparing for the race.
How do you balance training with other commitments?
Stein: I tell all of my partners that I am going to compete. By announcing it to the world, it makes it a little easier to prioritize and get support for. Also, I try to get most of my training done early morning. This makes it easier to still engage with family and get the miles in.
Revert: I have several slots in my weekly schedule that are allocated for training, and I try to stick to them. Having two kids, if you don’t plan in advance, you never find time to exercise.
Any advice for Members interested in triathlon?
Stein: It’s a great sport to start, regardless of your age or experience. Just go for it!
Revert: People usually shy away from triathlon because they don’t feel at ease in one of the three disciplines. But after joining the club, you realize that nobody is confident in all three. Some are better at running, others at swimming, but everybody ends up crossing the finish line.
Visit the TAC Triathlon Club page to learn more.
Words: Nick Jones
