Triathlon Club defines goals

IU graduate student Adam Drake runs triathlons. He also swims and bikes.

In June, he started the Triathlon Club at IU. He wanted to continue running, swimming and biking but needed a friend to help motivate him.

Now, he estimates about 35 people have committed to the club.

“The primary goal is to take people who are already competing in triathlons and help them reach their next goal,” Drake said.

A triathlon is a multi-sport event that involves running, swimming and biking. The distance of each event depends on the race.

Drake recently completed his first Olympic Triathlon, which consists of a .93-mile swim, 25-mile bike ride and 6.2-mile run.

He said the hardest part was pacing.

By the time he had completed the swimming and biking portions of the race, he said he was running 10-minute miles.

Normally, he runs at about a 6-minute pace.

But Drake said the strength of this club lies in its flexibility.

Individuals that specialize in each exercise can compete in a race. Goals will be determined on an individual basis.

Incoming freshman Katie Burkhart said she joined the Triathlon Club to help get in shape for a half-Iron Man race.

She recently completed her first Olympic Triathlon with Drake.

“I just try and focus on each stage one at a time,” Burkhart said.

Want to join the Triathlon Club?

Visit: http://www.facebook.com/IUTriathlonClub