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upper-body workout, but throw swimming into the mix and you balance a full-body workout. Switching exercise regularly minimizes the risk of injury from repetitive movement on joints, Bernhardt says. It's harder to get bored because you get to switch up your workout every day, if you want to. You get a chance to get out of the gym and still get a good workout, Elliot, Olathe senior, prefers this because he doesn't like lifting weights, he says. He loves being outside running and biking because it gives him a chance to work out and clear his head.
Free your mind
If you're a student who gets stressed out, working out helps keep the stress mongers at bay, says Bernhardt, Olympic triathlon coach. Andreas, St. Louis senior, agrees that training helps keep stress from clouding her brain. She started doing triathlons three years ago and just returned this September from triathlon world championships in Switzerland. Swimming competitively was stressful for Andreas, and she used to freak out before races. But because triathlons are longer events, you stretch out the competition and can relax when you're doing it, she savs.
"I like doing races because
it gives me something to work out for," Andreas says. "I like staying in shape. It's hard during school, but when I have something to work toward, it gives me motivation."
When you're stressed out with a project, or just with life in general, it's good to know that you can complete something like a triathlon. Even though her half iron triathlon experience was painful, Andreas says that just knowing she can finish something like that helps her through tough times.
Choose some chow
Even if living with a keg- orator in the kitchen has left you with a less-than perfect
WHEN YOU'RE STRESSED OUT WITH A PROJECT, OR JUST LIFE IN GENERAL, IT'S GOOD TO KNOW THAT YOU CAN COMPLETE SOMETHING LIKE A TRIATHLON" ASHLEY ANDREAS, ST.LOUIS SENIOR
physique, you can train for a triathlon in less time than you might think. Although Bernhardt recommends taking at least 12 weeks to get ready, Kapsner did her first race with
barely any training.
You don't have to be a perfect eater and you can still have dessert when you're training for a race, Anoreas says. Eat a balanced diet, sticking to lean protein like chicken, fish, black beans or vegetables, says Colin Thomasset, Shawnee graduate student. Thomasset is in training now.
Hoyt tries to eat healthily when he's training because he can tell a difference in his performance. When he eats well,he is able to run longer and faster, without feeling lethargic he says.
Before a race, go carb-crazy so you have energy during the race. Stick to foods like pasta and potatoes,which are stocked
with carbs. Andreas drinks lots of water to stay hydrated and usually eats a baked potato and chicken the day before a race.
Just do it
Although, Kapsner's emotions ranged from nervousness and nausea to excitement and exhaustion, the Minneapolis, Minn., junior, has since competed in another triathlon and looks forward to more. She loves the feeling of accomplishing something of that level.
So if you're feeling sluggish and need something to strengthen your abs and your pride, try a triathlon. You too can swim, bike and test your limits while you're kicking your own ass.
THE RACES
Crazy fun
Sprint triathlon — 500-yard swim, 11 to 16-mile bike, 5-kilometer run
Just crazy
Olympic, or international triathlon 0-9.1 mile swim,
24.8-mile bike,6.2-mile run
Crazier
Half iron — 1.2-mile swim,
56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run,
or a half-marathon.
F-ing Insane
Iron Man — 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run, equivalent to a marathon.No big deal.
Dustin Elliot, Olathe senior, stretches to loosen his muscles before training.
Lindsey Brooks, Chesterfield, Mo., senior, swims laps to stay in shape. Swimming is the first event participants complete in during a triathlon.
10> JAYPLAY 11.16.2006