Triathlon meets the classroom

Locals start class to train people for triathlons

MOSES LAKE — The classroom has become a viable training facility for those interested in learning and training for triathlons.

Deb Miller and Pamela Clasen, both experienced triathlon athletes, have opened the classroom doors at the Moses Lake Fire Department to locals interested in experiencing the triathlon challenge.

The class, which is already two weeks into the session, has had about 33 people sign up through the Moses Lake Parks and Rec department, doubling the interest both Miller and Clasen saw last year.

"The interest we saw last year showed us there was an interest in the community, so we chose to partner with Park and Rec this year … because … it was easier to get the word out," Miller said.

Miller and Clasen, along with Sandy Cheek, started a rise in interest among women in Moses Lake interested in competing in the Danskin, an all-woman triathlon, last year.

The class has slowly immersed the students into the triathlon lifestyle by first introducing them to the various aspects of the race. Miller, Clasen and Cheek have shared expertise and information on swimming, running and biking to help the students prepare for their first triathlon.

The purpose has been to prepare and train the class to compete in their first triathlon, which, after Tuesday's Moses Lake City Council session, will be June 11 and 12.

"This one is geared to first-timers and it is called 'My First Try' and that one is for beginners only," Clasen said. "The next one will be called 'My Next Try' and that is for everyone else."

The company that handles the Lake Chelan triathlons will put on Moses Lake's. Miller said Lake Chelan saw more than 500 athletes at its inaugural triathlon and now host three per year with more than a 1,000 competitors at each event.

"We figure that everyone who did it last year and all the people who are doing git this year, we should have more than 70 people without promoting it," Clasen said.

The sport, which has taken a resounding interest in Moses Lake has been more about overcoming fears, rather than the actual competition, David Miller, Deb Miller's husband said, pointing out that the water portion of the event steers most beginners away.

But Cory Clasen, Pamela Clasen's husband, said the reward makes it worthwhile. Cory Clasen added that the competitive nature of the triathlon is proving to yourself that you can accomplish the three events.

"No matter how fast or slow you are, when you cross the finish line, you finished and that is huge," he said. "That is something people may have never done before."