On Feb. 17-21, State High Fitness Club held its annual Dri-Tri event. The Dri-Tri is an event in which a competitor or team can complete a series of events that simulate a triathlon while keeping their complete body dry.
The exercises are split into three sections. The first exercise is a mile run. The second exercise is a 2000 meter row to substitute the swimming portion of a triathlon. The third exercise is a three-mile bike ride where the biker must remain above 60 rotations per minute or higher. Participants can complete the components in the order of their choice.
Prizes were offered as a reward for completing the Dri-Tri. All participants were entered in a raffle to earn a 30 oz travel mug, and one male and one female winner were chosen. Additionally, the male and female winners received $25 gift card to DICK’S Sporting Goods.
The goal of the Dri-Tri is to encourage athletes of all levels to exercise no matter their skill level. State High Fitness Club President, Eloise Allen described the Dri-Tri as “I think it’s really challenging, but in, like, a really fun way. And I think it’s cool to see your classmates kind of struggle in that way, but then it’s really rewarding when you finish,” Allen said. She encouraged people to get out of their comfort zone and participate in this event.
State High Fitness Club Advisor Diane Swauger agreed with Allen, explaining her favorite part. “Just watching their joy or seeing them push themselves, and it’s the melting pot of different people that do it,” Swauger said.
The Fitness Club continues to host the Dri-Tri due to its growth over the past few years. Each officer team makes small changes in hopes of continuing engagement. This year, Allen decided to allow gym classes to compete during class.
The Dri-Tri added the option to compete as a team last year, which caused the participation numbers to elevate exponentially. Competitors can squad up with another participant or two and split up the events in whichever way they want. Allen and Swauger both pointed to this as one of the key factors for the current and future of the Dri-Tri continuing to grow.
The event offers a different challenge for all. State High sophomore Shane Markowski noted the mental aspect as the hardest part. “Probably just wanting to keep quitting, because I suck at cardio,” Markowski said.
Markowski has competed in the Dri-Tri both of his years in high school. Markowski enjoys the event for pushing him to do something out of the norm. “It is the only time in the calendar year that I will go for a long run,” Markowski said.
Swauger mentioned that one of her personal goals for the event was to get people who are not on a sports team out to the gym. Participants may discover that they have an interest in a new form of exercise. “I’ve heard students say maybe I should go out for the rowing team… that’s my favorite part,” Swauger said
Despite the change in leadership of the Fitness Club as seniors graduate year to year, the Dri-Tri has continued to grow and evolve over the past years. The event will be held again next year with a goal of growth in competitors.
