KRISTV.com
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS | CONTINUOUS NEWS COVERAGE
Sports
Triathlon Classes Target Kids to Fight Obesity and Diabetes
Posted: Jun 19, 2011 11:32 PM by Jason Notoras - jnotoras@kristv.com
Updated: Jun 19, 2011 11:37 PM
CORPUS CHRISTI -- STARRS is targeting children with issues of obesity and diabetes, and giving them a cost-effective option to fight for a healthier lifestyle. The local triathlon club is putting on weekly clinics for both kids and adults in the area. The training course is designed to prepare the students for a mini triathlon on August 13 at West Guth Park.
"I'm ready," says 7 year-old Tess. "I've been wanting to do a triathlon my whole life. Now I can train for one, because my mom finally said I could."
Tess is part of the youth class that meets each Thursday night from 6:30-8:00 outside the Natatorium. STARRS said the first few classes are free and you don't have to be a member to participate. They hope to get people involved without making it cost a lot of money or take months and months of training.
"This is designed for the average person," said STARRS President Freddy Rodriguez. "It's not a lot of swimming, biking, and running, but it gets you motivated to get started in this lifestyle."
Rodriguez first ran the STARR Trek (mini-triathlon) five years ago, saying it changed his habits.
"It's a beginner triathlon for adults and for kids. I ran it, and now I'm hooked."
The August 13 triathlon begins at 7 o'clock in the morning with the children. They will swim 100 meters, bike 3 miles, and run a 0.6 mile course. The adults will follow by swimming 200 meters, riding 6 miles on a bike, then running 1.2 miles.
"Watching the kids on the day of the triathlon is the best experience. These children don't understand how difficult it is to do what they are doing. They just go swim, bike, and run to the finish line. Kids are so resilient and happy at the end of the day."
Ramirez adds that each kid who has taken the STARRS pre-triathlon training classes has completed the STARR Trek race.
"That's because we're brave enough to come out here and do it," said Tess.
A member of her class, 10 year-old Abby, said,"I'm going to try to spread the word."
Abby is adamant about seeing a chance in the classroom.
"I feel child obesity is wrong. I see kids in school and they eat wrong. They need to make healthier choices. I see them eating chips, but they could easily substitute that for an apple or fruit."
An adult taking the class for the first time agrees. Debbie Linares adds that just because you lead a healthy lifestyle as a child, doesn't guarantee it will carry over into your adult life.
"Over the years it's easy to get lazy and busy with your everyday schedule. With training like (these classes), it helps me get into a healthy and active mindset."
Linares also has added incentive to take part in the adult clinic.
"Diabetes does run in my family. For me it's in my best interest to stay active to prevent that from happening to me."
"We believe that fitness and the understanding of fitness will help kids and adults control diabetes and weight issues," said Ramirez. "Then they'll believe in fitness, which is all part of being a good, whole human being."
For more information on the August 13 STARR Trek mini-triathlon, visit their webpage at www.starrscc.com
-- To see what Jason's up to, you can follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
-- Jason would love to hear from you, whether you just want to talk sports or have a story idea. Send him an e-mail at jnotoras@kristv.com
Video On Demand
Most Popular
KRISTV.COM is Social!
Click the icons above to receive News, Weather, and Sports alerts from KRISTV.COM!
Inside KRISTV.COM
 |
Photo Central Look at photos and videos and share them! |
 |
KRISTV.COM Mobile Website Get KRISTV.com on your mobile or PDA! |
 |
KRISTV.COM Mobile Apps Get our mobile apps on your mobile or PDA! |
 |
Texas Lottery See the latest winning numbers! |
 |
6 News Team Read about your favorite KRIS-TV personalities! |
Comments