Come on, you know you’ve thought about it! You even said you would give it a tri (pun intended) next year if the event was still held. Well folks, next year is here and you need to get off the couch and get prepared for the mini-sprint triathlon.

But “wait”, you say, “I’m not ready”, or “I can’t swim”, or “I weigh too much”…….blah, blah, blah. Well, I’m here to tell you that you can and I’m going to give you a training plan that even the most unfit person can use to make it through the event and to the finish line.

The Family Fitness Triathlon is a 100-yard swim – in the YMCA pool (you can probably even walk it the water-it’s that shallow), four-mile bike ride – heck, if you ride a bike at all, four miles is a walk in the park, and a two-mile run – again, you know you can walk, shuffle, jog or run two miles-you walk that far at Disney or Universal!

Yes, you’ll need some equipment.  A bike of any type; a helmet, which is mandatory for safety reasons; a swim suit of any type; goggles for swimming, and a pair of running or walking shoes. Chances are if you look in your closet and clean out the cob webs, all this stuff is probably already stored under the gathering dust.

OK, now that you’re motivated what do you do now? First, fill out the application for the event which you can find at http://www.runningzone.com/calendar/. By filling out the application you’re making a commitment to yourself and others that you’re going to do this event. The emphasis of this event is “Family” so recruit family members to do the event or consider doing it as a family relay.

Next, figure out where you want to train. Yes, you’ll need to find a pool near you preferably one that’s long enough – usually 25yards. A backyard pool is not the best but if that’s all you have, go for it. If you’re in Titusville or close by, join the YMCA and use the pool that the event uses.

For cycling and running, most anywhere will do so long as it’s safe and remember, when cycling, wear a helmet. Additionally, while cycling on the road you’re considered to be just another vehicle and you have to obey all the rules of the road including riding in the same direction as the traffic and stopping at stop signs and stop lights.

Well, so much for the highlights, what about specifics? OK, the following calendar has your training plan. It is developed for someone who has little if any fitness but is willing to accept the challenge. For some, it may appear to be very easy but I’d suggest staying with the plan. Remember, the purpose is to get you started on a fitness program that will get you to the Starting Line and allow you to finish this event and really enjoy it.

Lastly, as with any fitness program, make sure you get the blessing from your doctor that you can participate in an endurance sport.