Local triathletes started PTC as a way to support this lifestyle: organizing training events such as bike rides and runs, encouraging friendships, supporting athletes competing at races, and providing access to trusted, professional fitness experts (such as physical therapists or endurance coaches).
"The PTC was created because local athletes wanted an organization that supported their love of the outdoors and their commitment to leading a healthy and fun way of life, in this age when so many forces are pushing people to be inactive.
The club is eager to introduce new athletes to endurance sports as a lifestyle, not just a hobby," said Roberto Crespo, PTC president.
Although triathlon is an individual sport, club members have uniforms and feel like part of a team, Crespo added.
Members cheer each other at triathlons, teach new athletes the unique skills required to compete in three sports, and encourage the progress of others, which makes pursuing fitness goals more fun and meaningful.
PTC members compete in triathlons ranging from sprint distance--about a 400-yard swim, 12-mile bike and 5K run--to the Ironman, a grueling event covering more than 140 miles.
"When I first joined, I'd just learned how to swim and could barely ride a bike. The only thing I'd mastered was running," said M. Lucy Tan, a lawyer from Sierra Madre.
"Through perseverance and a great deal of help from my teammates, within my first year of starting triathlon, I managed to complete six races, including an Olympic-distance event."
To introduce local residents to their club and to the sport, PTC members are inviting community members to attend one of their weekly workouts.
The workout is a "brick," a bike ride followed by a run (distances vary depending on the needs and fitness of the athlete.)
These workouts begin in front of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
No RSVP is required to attend.
PTC members also have begun offering monthly "Intro to Tri" informational sessions at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center.
The workshops aim to introduce the public to the sport of triathlon, and sessions run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every first Thursday of the month. The sessions are free and no RSVP is necessary.
For more information about the Pasadena Triathlon Club, visit the group's Web site at www.pasadenatriclub.com.
Initial cost of membership is $65, and an annual renewal is $50.
