The Fitness Activities Department holds three “Try-a-Tri” competitions each semester. The first one for this semester was held on Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Hart Building.
Each Try-a-Tri is only a portion of a real triathlon, and each one is longer than the last. This first triathlon included a 200 yard swim, four mile bike ride, and one mile run.
Students had the choice to complete the mini-triathlon individually or on a team with two other athletes.
Katelyn Nauman, a sophomore studying elementary education, Ali Harmon, a sophomore studying child development, and Elizabeth McKinney, a freshman studying physical education competed as a team in the Try-a-Tri.
“This is my first time doing it as a team,” Nauman said. This was her fourth triathlon. “I like doing it by myself because it’s more of an accomplished feeling, but either way it’s fun.”
The girls enjoyed their experience as a team.
“I actually had to ask Liz to push me ’cause when someone pushes me I push myself,” Harmon said.
There were also several students who completed the Try-a-Tri alone.
“It feels good to finish,” said Brent Cline, a sophomore studying hospital administration. “I’m not really in it to compete as much [as] to tell myself I can do it.” 
The benefit of the Try-a-Tri competitions is that students at any level can try it.
“I probably never would’ve done one or know[n] where to start without these Try-a-Tri [competitions],” said Cline.
The swimming portion took place in the Hart pool, the biking was in the Fitness Center and the running was on the field house track.
Fans came to support their friends and followed them throughout the
three courses.
“I like it because it incorporates multiple exercises,” said Rebecca Butler, a freshman going into dental hygiene.
Butler was there with some other friends sporting posters to support their friends competing.
“I think it’s awesome and a good way for people to get involved,” said Sarah Smith, a junior studying elementary education.
The next Try-a-Tri will be longer, and the sign up will start on February 26. For more information, visit activities.byui.edu/fitness/.