Class sculpts students into race-ready athletes

Running, swimming and cycling … oh crap!
If you were looking for something to whip you into shape besides the traditional physical education classes UNM offers, then this class may be for you.

Trevor Gillum, the class instructor of UNM’s triathlon class, has been whipping 35 lucky, or unlucky based on your preference, students into triathlon shape over this semester, but they do not seem to mind.

Student Alyssa Martinez said the class is a great supplement to her own training as well as a good social outlet.
“It is nice when I am forced to run intervals and swim at a harder pace than I normally would because it is something I need to do in order to do well in my races,” she said. “The class atmosphere adds to the motivation of wanting to work hard and push yourself.”

A triathlon is an event that incorporates three sports into one successive event. Athletes swim, cycle and run various distances consecutively and compete for the fastest overall time. Triathlons are a test in power, strength and endurance and showcase athletes with all-around physical prowess.

This semester is the first time that Gillum taught the class. He said he has participated in a handful of multi-sport events, but comes from a running background primarily. Martinez said he is the right instructor for the course.

“Trevor is a great instructor because he really knows what he is talking about when it comes to endurance training,” she said. “He used to run for University of Montana, so he really is knowledgeable about information when it comes to running, such as how to set up a program, sports, nutrition and proper training to prevent injuries. He makes the class enjoyable for people who are training for races, or those who are just taking the class to stay active.”

Gillum said that the levels of athleticism in the class vary, like any fitness class.

If Jennifer Lopez can do it, so can you, Gillum said and he hopes to see more students get involved in the program.
“Hopefully students get interested in racing tri’s and get fit along the way,” Gillum said.

If the class seems like a good fit, check out the fall semester triathlon class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. According to LoboWeb on Tuesday, there were eight slots in the class left.