Feb 12, 2014 By C.J. Biedka for The Yellow Jacket 2 min read

The Students Activities Board hosted the first leg of a triathlon called “Try the Tri” on Monday.

The triathlon will last four weeks and be grueling for all who compete. It will include running 26 miles, biking 112 miles and rowing for 100 minutes.

“Enjoy every minute and have fun,” said Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee. “That’s how you get through it. You have to persevere.”

There are 95 students and a few faculty members registered to try the triathlon. However, the university was hoping for a slightly better turnout.

“For most triathlon type of events, we usually get around 100 people. I wanted to see us try and get that,” said Chris Hardie, assistant dean of student services.

A small committee, including university professors Dr. James Bush, Bryan Hamilton, Hardie and Student Senate member Alyssa Daniel, created Try the Tri.

“The triathlon is designed for students who aren’t necessarily exercising constantly,” said Daniel.

All who finish within the four weeks will be awarded a t-shirt. Students will design the t-shirt.

“I love free t-shirts, plus it was a good way to get in shape,” said sophomore Mary Hoffman.

The lone rowing machine will be put to full use. Also, the elliptical machines will be used to alleviate crowds around the fitness center.

“The key to succeeding at anything in life is patience and perseverance,” said sophomore Derrion May on whether there will be fighting over the machines.

The running portion of the triathlon can be run either on the treadmill or outside.

Due to weather, some may choose to stay indoors.

The most dreaded leg for most is the running.

The triathlon is the start of a build up for President Lee’s inauguration in late March.

President Lee has competed in six marathons and three triathlons.

Hardie said that the triathlon, added with the buildup to President Lee’s inauguration, will get the campus more focused on fitness.

“For 28 days it will hopefully kick start a fitness initiative,” said Hardie.

President Lee has competed in six marathons and three triathlons.

Senior Daniel Czajkowski hopes to use this triathlon to help him complete another marathon.

“I am always looking for ways to enhance my fitness routine,” said Czajkowski.

For most, the triathlon will be something they can use to prove to themselves that it can be done.

“Dedication will be how a lot of us will finish the ‘tri,'” May said.