Today it is not irrational or outlandish to thing about swimming, bicycling, and running outdoors for exercise and fun. This combination of sport when done in sequence is called a triathlon. On Saturday, June 15, 2024 the 11th annual Big Fish and Little Fish Triathlon will be held in Mayville Park on Chautauqua Lake. The Little Fish event is considered a spring, consisting of a .4 mile swim, a 10-12 mile bike, and a 3 mile run. The Big Fish is double each distance and is considered an Olympic or Intermediate distance. Of all people who regularly exercise in one sport, those who chose the challenge of swimming, biking and running at one time are few, exceptional, and motivated athletes. Triathlon participation develops leg, arm, and core muscles as well as the cardiovascular system and typically leads to fewer injuries than doing just one sport.

Today, I encourage you, the reader, to accept this personal challenge of literally “getting your feet wet” and starting easy by participating in the 14th Kick Cabin Fever Indoor Triathlon on Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Turner Fitness Center at Chautauqua Institution. This event benefits the Chautauqua County Alliance for Suicide Prevention. What makes this event so inviting to complete beginners is the indoor setting. Participants swim as many lengths of the pool as they can in 15 minutes, then bike as many miles on a stationary bike as they can, followed by a run/walk on a treadmill for 15 minutes. All the distances are tallied to determine age group winners. All participants receive a souvenir long sleeve shirt, the satisfaction of donating to suicide prevention, meeting other first timers and seasoned athletes, and accomplishing 45 minutes of exercise at ones own pace. Swimmers can use a kick board, swim buoy or wet suit and walking in the shallow end is permitted. Cycling and running are done at ones own pace. Register online at the Kick Cabin Fever on Facebook or on the website.

If triathlon sports might be appealing to you but you are not able to participate in the upcoming indoor triathlon, consider starting your own workouts to prepare for the Big/Little Fish Triathlon mentioned above. Lap swimming is available at the downtown YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Jamestown Community College, and Turner Fitness Center. All likely charge a fee. Most local high schools with pools offer community swim hours where they welcome their local taxpayers. Stationary bicycles and treadmills are available at most fitness centers throughout the area. As the weather improves you can run almost anywhere outside, including high school tracks. Biking opportunities are endless and include Allegany State Park and many country roads either alone or with a biking group. Triathlon Clubs in Buffalo, Erie and Cassadaga can teach training technique while encouraging group outings.

In writing this article, I consulted with local triathlete Cheryl Burns. Ms. Burns is a local, national, and international competitor. She is internationally ranked and will soon join an elite group of local athletes inducted into the Chautauqua County. She notes that everyone begins their triathlon journey as a beginner but it is a sport that embraces everyone, not matter your current skill level.

Future articles leading up to the Big/Little Fish Triathlon in June will address such subjects as nutrition for sports and life, training routines for sprint and Olympic distances and the physiology of exercise.