You keep running and running and running, going and going…when does it end? When do you stop? This time, you can’t. You’ll lose.
Arizona State University’s triathlon and cycling club realizes this. If they let up, game over. Their extensive preparation then amounts to nothing.
“You’re pushing your body to the max for a long distance,” says cycling captain Andrew Tierney, a junior marketing major. “The club enables people to maximize their potential.”
The team trains separately but races as one. In preparation for races, they focus on either the triathlon portion of the race or the cycling aspect; they individualize training techniques because technique is needed for an overall better performance. They need the anaerobic workout to compete at their best. Endurance is key.
Team ASU usually competes locally and in neighboring states like New Mexico and Utah. They look to broaden their competition though and, according to Tierney, “represent ASU” by expanding into California. The team looks to also expand within the group. Members usually comprise of high school cross-country runners. With a lot of members “really not having a lot of experience,” teaching is a major component to their training.
To the majority of cross country runners, there is more than all-terrain running in store.
Traditionally, the races consist of swimming, biking and running—usually in that order. Teams race against each other as one, looking to have the best time on the course. With teammates alongside, communication can be a major benefactor to strategy and moreover winning.
“It’s a team race. You listen. There’s a methodical way of staying on the same page. There are a lot of team tactics. You operate as one big group…,” says Tierney. “…but you split with advantages and disadvantages. You’re racing your own race.”
When time is of the essence, mental strength kicks in. Competition does not only derive from opponents but from the timer. This is the mentality of a triathlete. Time by standard goes up but time is ticking nevertheless. It’s a team race but you race for your own gain.
To live up to expectations and the total endurance factor, it all starts with training.
“It is a very regimented sport. It’s intense. There’s a way of doing things. You work,” says Tierney.
With training directly translating over to races, work is what they will have to do.
Any sports stories? Contact me at bcapria@asu.edu.
