New student organization trains for, competes in triathlons
Running, biking and swimming — the three sports essential to any triathlon.
The Triathlon Club at Central Michigan University began this fall, providing those who enjoy swimming, biking and running a team of support and encouragement all the way to race day.
“I love training with people — it helps you motivate yourself,” said Frankenmuth graduate student Renee Auernhamer.
Auernhamer said she participated in eight triathlons last summer, and said she has done about 15 altogether.
Though the group is young, it has a group of veterans and young athletes.
“We practice together as a team five days a week,” said Williamston junior James Slider, president of the Triathlon Club.
Triple threat
The registered student organization began about four weeks into this semester with the help of Sturgis graduate student Nancy Boyd, who participated in triathlon club at Michigan State University during her undergraduate work.
There was an initial interest of about 25 students, which turned into a core group of about 10 dedicated members. But the group welcomes any who are interested, Slider said.
“I think lots of people like the idea of doing a triathlon, but don’t always follow through with the commitment,” Slider said.
This semester, the team participated in two triathlon events. Two team members, Slider and Boyd, raced the Boilerman Triathlon at Purdue University in September while the whole team participated in the Spartan Sprint Triathlon in October on MSU’s campus.
Saginaw junior Ryan Iles, vice president of Triathlon Club, said for many members of the club, the Spartan Sprint Triathlon was their first triathlon race.
“It was miserable with temperatures in the 20s,” he said. “It was a baptism by ice.”
Indoor event coming soon?
Since most organized triathlon events occur outside with swimming in open water, the team does not plan on doing another big race until later in the spring or into the summer. However, Slider said the team does plan on organizing an indoor triathlon at CMU this coming February.
“We want to do it as a New Year’s resolution thing for people,” Slider said.
Since the team just began this year, the club has not had much time to raise money for uniforms or transportation to events. The team hopes to be able to go to nationals next school year to compete against collegiate club teams from around the country.
Auernhamer said she really enjoys the Triathlon Club. But even she knows the toughest part for herself.
“Definitely the swim. Initially I wasn’t a swimmer,” she said. “It helps to have the team.”
