Meet Mark Hill, Lakeshore member and triathlete-in-training, who has been getting ready for the “Tri It Your Way” Triathlon. Mark has already earned the Olympian ranking by completing the triathlon training distances over three times! In addition to earning this ranking as an individual, he has participated in team training, serving as the designated swimmer for each team. To complete the distances required for the triathlon training, Mark has participated in several different types of physical activity including Krank class, biking, handcycling, walking on a track and treadmill, and swimming in an indoor pool. The triathlon training has not only improved Mark’s fitness level, but also helped him regain the ability to do things he used to enjoy, such as hiking. In addition, Mark has Type I diabetes and, due to his increase in activity through triathlon training, his insulin intake has dropped by 20 percent and his body weight by five pounds. Mark says he is blessed to be involved in the 10-week triathlon training program and to share his success by trying new types of physical activity.

Mark’s experience is a perfect example that regardless of your current fitness and ability level you can incorporate some triathlon-based events to switch up your physical activity routine. You may even have success similar to his. Pick a distance and goal to accomplish yourself, or start training for a triathlon event near you. The following are some basic “Getting Started” tips for each triathlon component.