NMITF makes triathlon enticing

Last month, the Northern Marianas Islands Triathlon Federation continued their search for new members by offering an entry-level triathlon aimed at getting people off of the couch and into the saddle.

On Saturday, Dec 11, the NMITF is hosting the second of a series of races aimed at getting first timers who want to do a triathlon over their nervousness and onto a course.

With two weeks until the actual event, those on the verge of competing will have plenty of time to ready for the race, which is much shorter than an average triathlon.

The crowd of rookies will be joined by a contingent of cagey veterans to help with the 300 meter swim in the Pau Pau Beach lagoon, 9 kilometer bicycle ride north to the waste recycling center, and the 2K run from the beach to the Marianas Resort and Spa and back.

For a little added confidence in the water, first time participants in the Enticer be allowed to use any type of device to help them get thru the swim, such as a kick board, fins and/or a snorkel. While the added equipment is optional, bike helmets are mandatory.

For those who are more advanced and still want to compete, there will also be a double distance sprint race held on Saturday morning.

The race will begin at the same place and will be held before the Enticer Race. Participants will swim 600M, bike approximately 15 K, and run 4K. Those looking to qualify as a member of the Mini South Pacific Games triathlon team must do the sprint.

According to NMITF race director Sue Knecht, the organization would like to help the general public in their battle with exercise boredom, and de-bunk the myth that you have to be made of steel to do a triathlon. Knecht continued that learning a new sport and training for three different sports at once has incredible benefits.

“You will never get board in training because you can always change what you do and where go. Swimming can be done just about anywhere in the lagoon. Running is the fastest way to loose weight, and it can be done almost anywhere, as well. Cycling is bit expensive if you are new to the sport, or do not already have a bicycle, but once you have a bike, you can train and ride anywhere, at any time!”

The events are designed to increase distances a little each month, leading athletes to the ultimate race in February—the Tinian Turquoise Blue Triathlon. This is an Olympic distance race consisting of a 1500M swim, 40K bike rice, and 10K run.

Registration for the enticer triathlon will begin at 7:30am at Pau Pau beach in Marpi, followed by an 8am start. It is recommended that racers plane to get there by 7am in order to set up their bikes, gear, and have a small warm-up. Registration for the sprint triathlon will begin at 6am with the race start at 6:30am.

The cost to enter is $5 for NMITF members and $10 for non-members. The annual fee to become a member of the NMITF is $25.If you are not ready to try the whole triathlon, just show up and do the part in which you feel most confident. NMITF can also use volunteers to help set up the course, time, and man water stations. The NMITF is also looking for sponsors for the series of races. For more information about the NMITF, contact sueknecht1@yahoo.com.