Those looking at a traditional triathlon as impossible may want to take a closer look at Indoor Ironman.
In its fourth year, the Indoor Ironman challenge — aptly named to reflect exercising during a typical Indiana winter — is an event designed to improve long-term health while achieving a goal most consider unimaginable.
“The numbers are big but it’s totally doable for even someone with an average exercise lifestyle,” Tyler Steward, office manager at the Crawfordsville Community Center, said. “We give you a tracking sheet and you just record what you’ve done.
“And you’ve got 30 days to do it.”
Taking place throughout February, Indoor Ironman allows participants to experience the riggers of a traditional triathlon on their own terms. While the “numbers” are common (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run), the execution is not. Participants may use all 29 days of 2020’s February to complete the challenge.
The event was created for members of the Community Center, but non-members may also register. Current member registration is set at $20; non-members may register for $30.
And athletes of all ages participate each year.
“It does get a lot of attention,” Steward said. “It’s consistently had about a dozen people each year ... I’ve had people under the age of 18 all the way up to people in their 60s.”
Participants will have the use of the Community Center and the Crawfordsville Aquatic Center during open- and lap-swim hours.
However, as it is honor based, participants may utilize any venue they like to complete their triathlon.
“The other option would be if you had your own indoor pool, but not a lot of people have that,” Steward added. “It’s doesn’t matter if it’s indoor or outdoor — we call it the ‘Indoor’ Ironman because it’s February and it’s cold.”
Registration must be completed in person at the Community Center. Fees include a long-sleeved, complementary T-shirt and three free group-fitness classes.
The challenge is the result of a partnership between the Crawfordsville Parks and Recreation Department and the Crawfordsville Aquatics Center. For more information, call the Community Center at 765-364-5175.
