Keokuk 
Triathlon

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Enough about these Ironman Triathlons! At 60 years old, the thought of biking 100 miles and running 26, after swimming two, is, well, incomprehensible. Most people, even the ones in good condition, find these distances improbable or impossible.

Now, the triathlon in Keokuk is more to my style (and ability.) In Keokuk, at the Hoerner Y, they take a more rational approach. Keokuk’s tri has you swimming 350 yards (.2 mi) in the indoor pool, biking 14 miles outdoors, and running a 5k (3.1 mi), also outdoors. Most people in reasonable condition can do these distances and, here’s the key, have fun!

I found the 350 yard swim in the indoor pool to be a little convoluted. In order to accomplish the swim, and get all participants through the course in a reasonable amount of time, the Y has you zigzagging back and forth across the pool, and swimming under the ropes to change lanes. This is awkward at best. I scraped my head a few times but, hey, in Keokuk, do as the Kuks do. Right?

Then the 14 mile bike ride which, for me, was the fun part of the triathlon. The bike route is an out-and-back course along the beautiful Mississippi River. It’s easy to forget that this is a race, and just kick back and enjoy the scenery. But then you get passed and snap back to reality. On an out-and-back course, you actually get to see the lead contender coming at you. Cool. However, the bike course has a nasty hill; I think maybe the worst hill I have ever climbed on a bike. But once again, it’s the same hill for everyone. If you can make it up this bugger without walking, that’s an accomplishment in itself.

Then the dreaded run. I’m convinced; man is not built to run after biking. My legs felt like stumps. With temperatures in the nineties and high humidity, what is normally an easy 5k run, turned into, for me, a brutal test of body and mind. I’ll admit this here, but please don’t tell anyone — I had to walk the hills. Yes. This is the first time in thirty-plus years of running, that I was forced to walk. Blame it on the heat. Blame it on age. But, yes, I had to walk some. Oh, the embarrassment. However, I made sure I was running for the finish, to the applause of thousands. Well, maybe two or three people.

I was pretty down in the dumps over having to walk, and no amount of consolation and back slapping from friends would suffice. But when it came to the awards, and I received a trophy for second place in my age division (there were three of us 60-plus geezers), my spirits soared. In my entire running career, I have never received a trophy — plenty of medals, yes—but never a trophy. Let’s see, that makes two firsts in one race — having to walk, AND receiving a trophy. Hmmm.

I’d give the Keokuk Tri and the folks of the Hoerner Y an A plus-plus, for a job well done. Their triathlon is an event that a lot of people can participate in, have fun doing, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mighty Mississip. For the health of it!

Have a good story? Call Curt Swarm in Mt. Pleasant toll-free at 1-866-385-3955 or email him at cswarm@humana.com.