Triathlons not just for athletes

Joanne Cogle says you don't have to be some kind of iron man to compete in a triathlon.

"Some people think they could never do something like a triathlon, but they are stronger than they think they are," Cogle said.

Cogle has competed in numerous such events, and through her association with two local organizations, Multisport Athletics and the Chattahoochee Triathlon Club, she coaches those who are serious competitors and those who are just looking for another way to stay fit.

Cogle is a USA Triathlon certified coach and the USA Triathlon certified race director.

She was race director for the Chattahoochee Challenge this past Saturday in Columbus.

The organizations promote the sport and offer an opportunity for those interested in triathlons to compete.

"Really, you don't have to be an athlete," she said.

Cogle said the Chattahoochee Triathlon Club has members from beginner to elite and a training program that can take someone from couch to triathlon in six weeks.

To get involved in triathlon locally, people can visit the websites www.multisportathletics.com and www.tricolumbusga.com

A triathlon is a race consisting of three events, usually swimming, cycling and running. Different contests consist of different lengths and terrains.

"It is not as intimidating as it sounds," Cogle said.

When someone begins, she often has to assure them, "you're going to be just fine."

"We have people of all shapes and sizes, young and old," she said.

Cogle said she has seen competitors as young as 8 compete. Entire families get involved.

She said the thought of cycling scares some people who have not been on a bike since they were a child, but that it really isn't that difficult to get started again.

"They are excited when they do," she said.

According to Cogle, training could begin with something as simple as swimming a couple of laps in a pool one day and cycling a mile the next. Trying something different every day can keep training from getting boring.

"You don't have to even start running. You can just walk," she said.

Swimming is often the event with which the most people have difficulty.

"You don't have to be an Olympic swimmer. You can dog paddle if you want to," she said.

If someone just can't handle the water, they can compete in a duathon.

She said keeping fit this way is a lot different from working in a

gym, and she feels more fun.

Cogle said it is a pleasure to watch any of the triathletes make progress but especially the ones who are just beginning.

"They get a child-like thrill when they realize this is something they can do," she said. "Some people have competing in a triathlon as something to scratch off of bucket list, but it turns into something awesome: a new lifestyle that improves their quality of life."

She said that during a competition such as this last one here, there are safety rules from keeping cyclists from crashing into one another and numerous lifeguards to protect swimmers in the river. It's safe.

"Swimming is the first event because we don't want people to be too tired when they get in the water," she explained.

Cogle writes a blog for Ride On Bikes and also designs and manages a website for the business.

She is 35 and got interested in triathlon when she was about 15.

"I saw it and just fell in love with it. I was a self starter. I have played other sports but this is special."

This story was originally published August 17, 2015 at 11:06 PM with the headline "Triathlons not just for athletes ."