Weeks of training paid off for three Creighton youth as they recently completed their second Kids of Steel triathlon.
Siblings Carson, Kiara and Christin Straile were in Clear Lake, Manitoba, earlier this month for the three-part endurance challenge of swimming, biking and running.
In his age group, Carson, 8, finished a 100-metre swim, a five-kilometre bike ride and a one-kilometre run. He improved on his time from last year by four seconds.
Kiara, 11, swam 200 metres, biked five kilometres and ran two kilometres. She improved on
her 2013 time by seven seconds.
Christin, 13, joined the adult circuit of the triathlon as she competed in the Try a Tri event. She faced a 300-metre swim, 10-kilometre bike ride and a three-kilometre run. She finished in 1:00.44.
“It was better than last year, so it was good,” said Christin.
Dedication
The Straile siblings trained for roughly two months before the start of their marathons.
They follow in dad Jason’s footsteps as he competed in a triathlon the same day, swimming 750 metres, biking 20 kilometres and running five kilometres.
The family trains together as they prepare for the events, utilizing the outdoors – including the lake – as much as possible.
On average, Carson, Kiara and Christin spent 20 to 60 minutes a day, up to six days a week, training for their triathlons.
Christin admits she would much rather race than train, but says the training is still fun.
“And without the race it wouldn’t be as much fun,” added Jason.
The satisfaction of training and finishing triathlons isn’t the only benefit for the Strailes.
“It’s good family building and bonding to do something along the same lines,” Jason said, pleased with the success they have seen.
“The most important thing in this sport is that it’s a competition against yourself and that you’re always doing better. And to have fun.”
All three Straile children crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces as both Jason and mom Stephanie cheered them on.
