Swim, Bike, Run. What do they have in common? They are the three elements in the equation for a triathlon and the foundation for SMU’s Triathlon Club.
The SMU Triathlon Club started in the fall 2006 semester and is on track to begin training activities for members.
The club participates in various training programs, group workouts and social activities. They also receive discounts at bicycle and nutrition shops in the Dallas area. The club is open to undergrads, grad students, faculty, staff and alumni. Anyone affiliated with SMU is welcome to join to train, participate, or even volunteer for a triathlon.
No matter your fitness level, SMU Triathlon offers something for everyone. If a member is not quite ready for a triathlon yet, they can gain assistance through training to improve, or volunteer for community service by helping at one of the races.
“When you do your first race, you’re addicted for life,” says club founder and President Tatiana Vertiz-Moran.
Races consist of various lengths of swimming, biking, and running. A sprint-distance triathlon includes a half-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. An Olympic race is a 1500-meter swim, 25-mile bike ride and a 10K run. A Half Ironman contains a 1.2 mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and half marathon run, while the ultimate Ironman doubles the distances of the half iron man.
Since triathlon is an individual sport, club members are not expected to jump into their first Ironman right away. The club offers coaching programs through PlayTri to gain personal experience. PlayTri has clinics in each sport and lectures on nutrition, transitioning, and basic race strategies.
“We offer something for everybody. It’s a great way for someone to accomplish their goals and to push the human body,” says Vertiz-Moran.
Vertiz-Moran is in the process of accomplishing her personal goal of qualifying for the Ironman in Hawaii. She participated in a Half Ironman last September and is currently training 18 to 25 hours a week to win her age group in another Half Ironman and become eligible to participate in Hawaii.
“Triathlon is a lifestyle. If you put your mind to it, and you train your body, you can finish an Ironman. You can go from coach potato to Ironman – it is possible,” says Vertiz-Moran. “It keeps you active and keeps you healthy and is a great way to work out and be involved in the community”
SMU currently has 22 members on the roster, with about 10 or 12 active members. Vertiz-Moran is hopeful the club can grow to higher numbers to compete at the collegiate national level.
PlayTri will host a triathlon festival from April 21-22 in Los Colinas. The festival will include races in assorted triathlon distances. Participants will be able to take on an entire triathlon, or simply compete in a single run, a single bike ride, or a combination of choice.
