Barely Athletes to Triathletes

Tina Badofsky and Stephanie Brashear, two ladies with no formal training, have completed the Danskin Short Distance Triathlon twice. On Monday, they told others how to do the same with a presentation called “Barely Athlete to Triathlete!” at the .

 The two recounted their previous experiences with good-natured humor. “We were really annoying and obsessed when we first started,” Brashear said. Badofsky added, “When we’d go out with our friends they’d say, ‘we’re not talking triathlons today.’”

Brashear and Badofsky decided to share their experiences to alleviate any trepidations first time participants might have.

 The presentation was conceived in response to patron interest in fitness and wellness programming. It focused on how to prepare for the short distance or sprint triathlon, which consists of a half- mile of swimming, 12-15 miles of biking, and a 5K or 3.1 miles of running.

“I don’t want to sound cliché,” Badofsky said, “But if I can do a race like this, anyone can do a race like this.” The secret is preparation. A twelve week training plan was distributed. “A plan like this is great because you don’t get bored. You’re doing something new everyday,” Badofsky said.

Brashear led the portion of the presentation about the swim portion, assuring audiences that the swim portion of the race was very safe. “Nothing’s going to happen; No one cares what your technique is,” she said. She recommended Oakwood Hills and the Cary pool as places to train, with the caveat that it’s important to train in a lake or natural water source before the event. “The sensation is so different.” She said.

Both ladies advocated using what you can find around your home when training for your first triathlon. Badofsky used her 20 year old cross-training bicycle her first year – Brashear used a mountain bike. Using equipment from around the house helps keep training costs for a major race low.

The most important piece of equipment is a pair of good running shoes. Both suggested getting fitted for running shoes.

They also stressed preparing for race transitions. “Going from biking to running is awkward,” Badofsky said. When training for a triathlon, it’s important to go running for a block or two after biking to get used to the transition. Shaving time off of your transitions will help your final race time, as racers are timed for the entire duration of the race.

It’s uplifting to have the support of family and friends during the race itself – and sometimes family members can be surprising. The first triathalon the ladies ran took place the summer before the 2008 Presidential Election. Brashear’s “very republican” sister made her a sign that said “Yes You Can!” fashioned after the Obama posters.