Triathlon kicks off fitness month, brings families together

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amanda Dick
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community participated in the second annual FitFactor Triathlon May 2 at the Aquatic Center here.

Approximately 70 participants swam, biked and ran their way to the finish line where family, friends and spectators cheered them on.

The event, held mainly for youth to get out and exercise, brought families together to raise awareness for fitness.

Youth programs hosted the event "to support a healthy lifestyle and provide recreational and fitness outlets for youth and families that support fun and resiliency," said Dorothy Choate, 86th Services Squadron family member programs flight chief. "In support of the Year of the Air Force Family and the Air Force's newest initiative FitFamily, we focused on the total family by offering a family category."

The event also raised awareness for another service-wide focus ... May's Air Force Fitness Month.

"This was our kick-off event to put focus on fitness month, Air Force FitFactor and the FitFamily program, plus our newest program, Club Fit, which is a collaboration between the Ramstein Health and Wellness Center and Youth Programs," Ms. Choate said. "Club Fit is designed to support healthy choices and lifestyles with families."

The event was also a chance for families to participate together, families like "Team FIT" (family in training) -- Laura Mitvalsky, U.S. Army Public Health Command, and her two children, Eric and Lindsey Echtermeyer, 6 and 11 respectively -- who competed in the Mini Sprint course.

"My mom swam [200 meters], my brother ran one mile, and I biked three miles," Lindsey said . "It was tiring, but it was fun."

Those 9 to 14 years old and families competed in the Mini Sprint course. Those over 18 competed in the Sprint course which consisted of a 500-meter swim, 11-mile bike and one-mile run. Those 15-to-17-years old could compete in the course of their choice.

In January, the FitFamily program was started to help establish healthier lifestyle choices for Airmen and their families. The triathlon was one example of how families could get out and exercise together.

"One of the most important reasons to [exercise together] is because we're so busy in the Air Force, whether it's serving here at Ramstein or deployed, it's important to maximize the family time you do have," said 3rd Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Vannorsdall who was supporting his 17-year-old son Lucas a Ramstein High School junior. "Everybody needs to be fit. We make it a point to work out together several times a week ... we swim, we run, we lift weights. Today is a chance to support Lucas and his endeavors to be as fit as he can be."

Various events are planned throughout the KMC to help celebrate fitness month. Stop by your local fitness center or the Ramstein Health and Wellness Center for a listing of events. Youth Programs will also be hosting their annual "America's Kids Run" May 15. For more information on this or other youth programs, call 480-6444.

For more information on the FitFamily program, visit http://www.usaffitfamily.com or the FitFactor program, visit http://www.afgetfit.com/Home.aspx.