YMCA Wraps Up Lazyman Triathlon

For the past month, 120 contestants have competed in the Huntington YMCA’s Lazyman Triathlon. As the event ended on March 20, our two contestants, Kate Kane and Joy Frohlich, reflect on how they have improved their fitness.

For anyone who has always wanted to do an Ironman Triathlon but found the intense training program intimidating, the YMCA’s Lazyman has created an Ironman that is accessible to everyone. Participants have one month to complete the entire distance of what an Ironman triathlete does in one day: a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run. In addition, Lazyman participants can make modifications to the program, depending on their fitness level. Instead of swimming, contestants can also water walk. They can use any form of bike, bike on the road or take a spin class. Additionally, the can run, walk, use the elliptical or take a fitness class to complete the running portion of the race.

Frohlich, a 40-year-old Northport resident and corporate food service owner, went above and beyond the Lazyman’s requirements. She said she managed to go over the mileage needed for both the bike and the swim.

“I actually accomplished it sooner than I thought I would,” she said.

Frohlich used the Lazyman as a springboard for her triathlon training routine. She plans to run the Great South Bay Triathlon this June and the Mighty Montauk Triathlon in October. She hopes to complete a full Ironman in 2012.

“One day I don’t want to be a Lazyman,” she said with a laugh. “I want to do a full Ironman.”

Kane, a 74-year-old social worker and Centerport resident, initially undertook the challenge to kick herself into shape for her son’s upcoming wedding. Since the start of the Lazyman, Kane has discovered both new fitness interests and an improvement in her fitness level.

“It’s nice to use the pool and I realized that I enjoyed it. I’m going to continue to swim,” she said. “I also notice that I have a lot more stamina.”

The Lazyman also introduced her to new classes. She said she now takes both Fitness I and II, which are a mix of aerobics and weights, a water walking class and the popular Zumba dance fitness class.

Kane also thought that the Lazyman might consider getting a new name.

“As far as the name, I wouldn’t call it ‘lazy,’” she said. “You definitely have to be persistent.”