Nancy Whitlock (l) begins her training for the triathlon with Stefanie Glatz. When we think of a triathlon, many of us think of buffed men and nimble women donned in tank tops and running shorts who have probably never had a glass of wine or a nibble of a potato chip.

But in the upcoming months, Still Hopes is preparing to train a team of beginners to participate in a triathlon that will actually let the sippers of adult beverages and cheeseburger lovers participate, according to trainer Stefanie Glatz who will be coordinating the triathlon training.

“This event is geared for people 55 and older, and we will start training in late February,” Glatz said. “If a person can do a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes, they will be able to do this triathlon training.”

Glatz said that she isn’t looking for solid athletes as much as the average person who just wants to get in shape, maybe lose a few pounds and wants a challenge.

A triathlon is an athletic event that consists of three sports including swimming, bicycling, and running ( in that order). Each of these events is performed in a continuous fashion without stopping. Triathlons are considered to be an endurance sport; although, there are varying race lengths

The Still Hopes triathlon is no different except that the mileage will be shorter. The event is set for July 28 at the Northwest Family YMCA in Irmo, Glatz Participants will be nurtured along the way, and no one expects them to initially be able to run the marathon race.

“ The training will start out slowly, and we will progressively build strength and endurance as we go along. The schedule will, of course, be flexible as life does happen and people will be going on vacation and such. We can work around their schedules.”

Participants will train at the Still Hopes gym and must buy a six- month membership for $260. The cost of the training will be an additional $150, but that will include advice from dieticians, nutritionists, and numerous experts in the health field.

“We will have all sorts of counseling for the people that will include everything from diet and exercise to the right shoes to wear for the walking /running part of the race and even people from bike shops to discuss the best sort of wheels and speeds to use for the biking part.

Other than a can-do attitude, Glatz said racers will need a swimsuit, goggles, swim cap (optional), a bicycle, helmet, running shoes, and a large water bottle.

“We will discuss race apparel in detail, so you can decide what you will be most comfortable wearing during our event,” she said.

Opt iona l / re commended items include cycling gloves, biking shoes, bike shorts, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Training without proper safety equipment is prohibited.

While the actual race will begin in the pool at the Irmo YMCA with a 350- yard swim, (about 14 laps) then a 13- mile bike ride and a 3.1-mile run, Glatz emphasizes that the event isn’t so much a competition as it is a way for people to experience healthy competition while doing something good for themselves.

“ This will of course involve dedication and discipline but completing the triathlon will be so rewarding,” she said.

During week one, Glatz said the racers will be swimming only eight laps of the Still Hopes facility pool which is only about a 20-yard pool.

“And you can do the laps any way you feel comfortable,” she smiled. “Some people will do the traditional racing stroke, but you can do the breast stroke or even dog paddle if you want.”

And the running part doesn’t necessarily mean you have to run.

“ Lots of people in this age group have bad knees or problems that won’t allow them to run, but they can walk. They can even team up with another person and let that person do the running part of the race. That goes for each of the events. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, but you think you can do the biking part, you can have a buddy doing the swimming for you. People can definitely do the race as a relay team.”

Racers will train twice a week but will be given “homework” to do at home or in their own gyms, Glatz said.

“ This is a doable event for just about anyone,” she said. “That’s our objective. To make it an event that anyone who might want to participate and try to reach a higher goal for themselves can do it. If a person is eating an unhealthy diet and not getting exercise that would strengthen their bodies, this is their chance to make a change for the better. It’s a chance to commit to something that is bigger than them. And it’s going to be fun. Everyone will meet new friends and do new things and enjoy the effort and team spirit of the competition.”

To sign up or for more information call (803) 223-6180 or go to the Still Hopes web page.