By David Freeze
For the Salisbury Post
On Friday morning at the Saleeby Fisher YMCA East Rowan Branch, 11 determined kids took on a challenge that seemed exceptional to those of any age. They competed in a triathlon that climaxed their week of training in the Y Kidís Triathlon Camp.
With ages ranging from 8-15, three girls and eight boys swam 150 yards in the pool, biked 2 miles and ran 1 mile. The participants all received individual instruction from swimmer Sarah Zander, triathlete and biker Richard Snider and runner David Freeze. Topics such as sleep habits, nutrition, hydration and stretching were covered as the miles passed by during the week. Bike maintenance was done by Windsong, and volunteers were provided by the Kohlís A-Team.
Laurel Julian was the day camp counselor for this program.
All participants received a dri-fit shirt and speed laces and were rewarded with a finisherís medal and refreshments at the end of the grueling course.
As they finished, each runner broke the tape and had a photo made. Yet most importantly, all left with the satisfaction and confidence of a challenge accepted and completed.
Audra Perry watched as her son Cole, one of the youngest participants, improved on each activity throughout the week. Audra is an accomplished runner herself, but now is interested in trying triathlons in the future.
Camper Joseph Ward had earlier participated in the first camp session.
He told the other kids that the triathlon is a lot harder than they thought it would be, but he encouraged the other young athletes throughout the week.
A fitting end to the competition occurred when all the triathletes came back out to complete the run with the last finisher.
This was the second in a series of weeklong Triathlon camps.
The third session will be held during the week of August 10-14.
For more information, contact the East Rowan YMCA at 704-279-1742