Moraine Valley Community College wants people break out of their winter — not too mention pandemic — doldrums and revel in the joys of wellness and community through two upcoming athletic events that will take place simultaneously.
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Holding their annual triathlon and duathlon together means participants can choose their adventure at the college’s Health, Fitness and Recreation Center. The triathlon involves a 10-minute swim, 20-minute bike and 15-minute run while the duathlon includes a 15-minute run, 20-minute bike and 15-minute run for the latter. Beginners, amateurs and elite athletes will be competing, but only against themselves because winning is based on individual time.
The event is scheduled from 8 to 1 p.m. Feb. 27.
The triathlon has several age categories, including “Masters,” while the duathlon event is for everyone, and medals in each will be awarded to the top finishers.
“It’s great for newcomers because they learn what it takes,” said Ellen Papan, an assistant director at the facility who also teaches yoga and other fitness courses. “Elite athletes are offered a change of pace in an indoor training facility.”
“I like that it creates a challenge for people to try something different because if it’s their first time they’re competing against themselves in regards to what they can accomplish,” she said.
The community college held their first such event in 2019 and then 2020, right before the pandemic broke in the U.S.
“Our facility was conducive to do something indoors in the wintertime in Chicago, and we had that indoor pool and gym space, so wanted to offer some kind of unique indoor event,” said Papan. “We put it out there this year to encourage people to stay healthy and strong, to bring them together again in a safe, clean space and allow them to come back to the social part of things as well.”
The large size of the facility also allows for social distancing. Papan said participants need to wear masks but can decide if they want to keep them on when exercising.
For Erin Stevenson, who is participating for the third year, the event is a great way to start the new year. Stevenson is a yoga teacher at the center and used to teach spin, as well as a physical education course in the college.
“I also enjoy the Fitness & Recreation Center and community they have there and participating with people I know from classes,” she said.
Stevenson, who also runs Cycle for a Cause through the center to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said she also liked that the event was for everyone.
“You don’t have to be training for an iron man, it can be a good way to kind of tiptoe your feet into the water,” she said. “I have MS, so that’s a reason to stay as active as I do … as a way to help manage my disease.”
The cost for the event is $30 for fitness center members, $45 for nonmembers and $25 for MVCC employees, students and staff. Information is at https://www.morainevalley.edu/fitrec/news-story/indoor-triathlon-duathlon-2022/.
Other upcoming events at the Health, Fitness & Recreation Center include a Bench Press Competition on March 24 and Cycle for a Cause (to support MS) on April 30.
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.