Competitive triathlon challenges athletes, promotes fitness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  More than 35 Gunfighters participated in the MHAFB Second Annual Triathlon July 7.

The event, which was hosted by the base fitness center, consisted of three events - a 400-meter (.25 mile) swim, a 20-kilometer (12.4 miles) bike portion, and a 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) run. Participants competed individually or in three-person teams.

The winner of the men's individual was 1st Lt. Ryan Hoff, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron, with a time of 55:57.

The winner of the women's individual was Capt. Tracy Mayfield, 366th Medical Operations Squadron, with a time of 1:28:08.

The group winners were Senior Master Sgt. Andy Croft, Master Sgt. Juli Croft, both from the 366th Communications Squadron, and their son Dallas, with a time of 1:05:00.

"The purpose of hosting a triathlon is to assist Gunfighters in testing their physical endurance and push their bodies to the next level," stated Senior Airman Jeremy Dwyer, 366th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist. "This is very important to our mission because it keeps Gunfighters fit to fight year round.

"Also, this novice triathlon is a perfect way to encourage members to compete in something new and different," he continued.

The large turn-out caused the racers to participate in heats. The swim portion was first, allowing the participants an individual lane in the pool, followed by biking and finally running a set course around base.

"I felt the run was the most competitive and grueling part of the triathlon," said Dwyer. "After swimming and then cycling the body will be physically exhausted and want to stop. It is breaking that barrier which results in the participants finishing the race."

Many participants were back to beat their times from the previous year.

"Triathlons are really a mental game and I am in much better shape than last year," said Staff Sgt. Davis Nguyen, 366th MDOS resiliency noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "I had a new bike this year and beat my previous time by approximately 17 minutes."

Airman Dwyer also wants to thank all the volunteers who helped the competitors and made the day's events run safely and smoothly.

For more information on base activities contact the base fitness center at (208) 828-2381.