Triathlon group looking for a few good couch potatoes

AARP prepares for Tri-Umph Classic

The second AARP Tri-Umph Classic Triathlon is aimed at couch potatoes 50 and older.

Despite many indications that middle-aged people are leading more active lives than ever, studies show people of all ages aren't getting enough exercise in the United States. The Surgeon General has said people older than 50 represent the most sedentary segment of the adult population.

The Centers for Disease Control say only 28 percent of adults over 55 are doing the recommended amount of daily activity. Nearly 34 percent of adults over 55 are physically inactive.

The AARP's triathlon was started last year with the idea of encouraging those over 50 to become more active. The event is a smaller version of a regular triathlon and includes an eight-week training period led by a certified triathlon coach. The price of the training is included in the race entry fee of $30 per person or $15 per person on a three-person relay team.

"This is a series that if you get up off the couch, you win," said Jody Olsen, AARP's Nevada associate director of communications.

A triathlon is a race with three athletic components. AARP's event has running, biking and swimming components. Individuals can choose to do all segments or join a relay team. The event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon, a national agency that governs the multi-sports of triathlon and duathlons.

The event is comprised of a 400 meter, or quarter mile, swim; a 20 kilometer, about 12.4 mile, bike ride; and a five kilometer, or 3.1 mile, run/walk. For those who are interested in the eight-week training provided by AARP it starts today.

"People walked across the finish line hand in hand," Olsen said of last year's race in Hawaii.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas senior Tom Reymer is the local USA Triathlon certified coach leading the training this year. He is nearly finished with a degree in physical education and is looking forward to working with those in the race this year.

"Being in the fitness department at UNLV, it's one of our goals to get people back active," Reymer said. He said he is excited to work with people over 50 because it is a generation that's overlooked in terms of physical fitness.

Aside from his own expertise, Reymer plans to bring in dietitians and local athletes to help his trainees. All of the training will be at the Anthem Center on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. so trainees can get comfortable with the race site. People can register for the race up to the day of the event and join in the training at any time as long as they have their registration confirmation number.

"I'm just giving them the tools for how to work," he said.

Last year the event was held in seven cities. This year they are being held in 15, including Henderson. It is scheduled for May 5 at the Anthem Center, 2450 Hampton Road, and is open to the public.

"We're excited, especially because this is a 50-plus event," Anthem Fitness Manager Charlene Denzer said. "I think it gets the members more involved and thinking 'I can do that.' "

AARP's Olsen said in the future the group is planning to take the event nationwide. Those interested in more information can call (866) 812-2277 (AARP) or on the Internet at www.aarp.com/triumph.

Retired California educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded the AARP in 1958. It was formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons and today represents more than 34 million members.


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