Photo By Sgt. Ryan Twist | Approximately 70 Joint Task Force Guantanamo Troopers and residents of U.S. Naval...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Joint Task Force Guantanamo and U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Troopers and residents participated in the biannual Sprint Triathlon held by the Morale, Welfare & Recreation Feb. 27.
The competition consisted of three events: a 750 meter swim, a 20K bike ride and a 5K run. Participants had the option to form three person teams or compete in all three events individually.
“I did all three events,” said Tiffany M. Topper, a participant who took third place in the female individual race. “I had a very good time. I like the triathlons [the MWR does]. It’s a good, productive use of my time.”
Troopers can be intimidated when taking on triathlons, but there is nothing to be afraid of, said Topper. Service members just have to get out there and compete because most of the race is a mental game. The triathlon began at Ferry Landing Beach with the swim.
“I am not an open water guy,” said Sean R. Nazar, who participated as a swimmer for the first place all-male team. “I’m more pool, collegiate. I just like doing sprints and having that lane line to follow. I felt extremely good. The water is warmer than the pool so that is weird.”
Upon entering the water, Nazar said he started out strong and was in the lead at the first buoy. Another competitor made a perfect turn at the buoy and significantly sped up. Additionally, the waves were angled against the swimmers, making it more of a challenge on the way back.
Nazar came in second, saying the other swimmer ended up being faster than him in the end. Luckily, his teammates were able to put up great times in their events and cement their overall first place.
As the swim event ended, those who participated as individuals geared up for the 20K cycling event, while those in teams had to tag their teammates. The bike event began at Ferry Landing Beach, competitors turned around at Cable Beach, and then rode hard up Sherman Avenue to the veterinary clinic where they turned around and sped to their cycling finish at the Downtown Lyceum.
“I feel very tired,” said Edgar A. Camacho, who participated as a cyclist for the second place all-male team and also trains twice a week, 20-30 miles each time. “The hardest part, is there are too many hills at the last six miles.”
At the Downtown Lyceum, runners waited for their teammates before beginning the final stretch of the race. The run went from the lyceum to the golf park and back completing the 5K route.
For service members looking for a challenge, the MWR is sponsoring an Olympic Triathlon, which consists of three events: a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride and a 10K run April 23.
Topper encourages others to sign up and not think twice about it.
“The worst that could happen is you have to walk a little bit or you have to stop and take a break,” said Topper.
The events held by the Morale, Welfare & Recreation program are available for JTF Troopers and residents of NAVSTA. The events give service members variety of options to choose from while deployed or stationed at GTMO. For more information on upcoming events contact the G.J. Denich Gym at x77262.
| Date Taken: | 03.04.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.07.2016 15:21 |
| Story ID: | 191446 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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