Adrenaline and a healthy breakfast will propel 20 students to the finish line of the Caveman Triathlon April 25. But they have a lot of work to do before the big day.
 

These tri-athletes recognize that they have found a unique opportunity in the Beginning Triathlon Wellness Choices II course.  They spend the semester training for a sprint distance triathlon (the Iron Man race is considered either intermediate or ultra level).  The Caveman Triathlon they will participate in includes a 275-yd swim, an 11-mile bike and a 5-km run.  The selling points are simple—you get a training group, a disciplined schedule and a motivating coach.
 

First-year Darragh Mallon expected a difficult semester when he signed up for the course.  But he had a motivating factor.  “I wanted to get in good shape,” he said. Two-and-a-half weeks into the semester, Mallon has determined that he will do just that. “It is difficult,” he reflected, “but you feel good afterwards.”
 

The class’s instructor, David Bertrand, is a self-proclaimed avid tri-athlete and an experienced coach. He also coaches with Playtri, a community-training program.  According to the Playtri Web site, Bertrand has “…the highest standard in coaching excellence demonstrated by experience, education and involvement.” Bertrand says that the students should,  “expect to get fit and have fun… past that? To endure the event and finish the race.”  
 

The main course requirement is to have fun.  Attendance the Tuesday after the race is mandatory so the class can celebrate their achievement together. Bertrand realizes that many students may shy away from the prospect of participating in a triathlon and stresses that anyone can do it.  As a coach, he works to reach every level of competitor.  “All you have to do is commit,” Bertrand said.
 

However, there are other expectations of the course.  Beginning tri-athletes may unknowingly wander into the most expensive sport in the world.  Minimum requirements for the class include goggles, a swimsuit, a bike, a helmet and running shoes.  These items will serve their purpose until the finish line, but competitors may bring more equipment to the race.  Bertand admits the newest and most impressive gadgets and tools attract him, but he believes they should not intimidate or discourage a beginner.
 

Mallon is not put off.  As an experienced soccer and rugby player, tough workouts are familiar, and he looks forward to the challenges of biking, swimming and running.