Swimming, cycling and running are what make up a typical outdoor triathlon, but local gym Team Complete made their own spin on this structure, creating their first ever “driathlon” on Saturday.
A “driathlon” swaps out the swimming of a triathlon and substitutes in rowing, eliminating the water element, hence the “dry” portion of the name. Team Complete also condensed the event to be contained inside the gym.
“Folks go from the water rowers to the bikes to the treadmill and it’s all indoors, we don’t have to fight the weather, so it’s a unique event that way,” said Alison Bickel, a Team Complete coach and race director.
Bickel said that the driathlon is a niche activity in the community, she was pleased with how the event turned out and has high hopes for the future.
“This our first one, so looking to have this twice a year, again in the fall and maybe get a little bit larger draw,” said Bickel.
While it’s taken months to plan for this event it’s also taken took months of training for mother and son duo Chris and Ryan Stungis.
“At least three hours every couple of days, you know just putting time in on the rower, doing a lot of different speed exercises,” said participant Ryan Stungis.
Ryan and Chris both said they have actively participated together in marathons and 5K’s pushing each other to compete to the best of their ability. Chris said she got her son into running with her about six year ago.
“We both got into running to lose weight, she did it first, she lost a bunch of weight and I saw the success that she had, so I started running too and dropped about 80 pounds,” said Ryan.
When competing, Ryan said he remembers his bullies from middle school who used to make fun of his lack of athletic ability in running the mile and uses that for his fuel for motivation.
“I remember the gym teachers actually took bets on how many laps that I’d be able to do without stopping,” said Ryan.
All of the participants have varying degrees of athletic backgrounds and Bickel said that she believes this event can be for anyone no matter their ability.
“You don’t just have to be a runner, you can be cyclist, or you can someone who just enjoys challenging yourself,” said Bickel.
Other coaches along with Bickel were full of cheers as the event clock hit zero, signaling the end of the first driathlon, when those challenges were met.
“I’m just super excited that I stuck with it and I’m really proud of myself,” said Chris.
