Triathlon tests Gunfighters physical, mental fortitude

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Twenty five Gunfighters competed in the MHAFB novice distance triathlon June 25.

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. The event was open to individuals and three person teams.

The winner of the men's individual was 2nd Lt. Ryan M. Hoff, 366th Civil Engineering Squadron, with a time of 58:54.

The winner of the women's individual was Lt. Col. Julie R. Ostrand, 366th Medical Group, with a time of 1:15:36.

The group winners were Airmen 1st Class Mick J. McNaughton, Scott A. Mendenhall and Zachary W. Roller, all from the 366th Force Support Squadron, with a time of 1:11:59.
The event was held as another way to promote fitness to the base populace.

"I wanted to bring a different event to the MHAFB population," explained Airman 1st Class Nicholas L. Behr, 366th FSS fitness specialist. "So to encourage participation, we decided to go with a novice distance triathlon because it would be significantly shorter than an olympic or iron-man distance triathlon."

The turn-out for the novice distance triathlon was greater than expected causing 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.

"Fortunately for us, we have lanes to swim in and are not in a big clump or mass of people out in open water," said Lieutenant Hoff. "This is the fifth triathlon I have participated in and there is a fair amount of mental trepidation when faced with open water, especially for a first-time triathlon contestant."

According to www.triathlon.org, meeting individual goals as well as having a fitness plan will help first-time participants as well as triathlon veterans succeed and most importantly avoid injury. Most participants are racing the clock as opposed to the other athletes.

"It has been 10 years since I participated in a triathlon, and I was here to prove to myself that I could do it," said Tech. Sgt. Mark R. Benjamin, 366th CES project and equipments craftsman. "I enjoy the bike portion the most because it tends to be the easiest as well as the most enjoyable portion for me."

Airman Behr wants to congratulate the participants on completing the triathlon and thank all 30 of the volunteers who helped make the day safe and run smoothly.

Gunfighter Videos

ACC News

Air Force News

 

What to See More Photos? Check Them Out Here!

How to Download Photos:

The best place to download hi-res photos and videos from Mountain Home AFB is the 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs page on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
An account is required to download any photos and videos!

Another source to download hi-res photos from the Mountain Home PA is the 366th Fighter Wing Flickr Page
No account is needed to download content.

Spacer. Do not delete