Take Triathlon Indoors

Photo grabbed from Mickey B. at flickr.com

Sick of mindless workouts at the gym? Too cold or icy to run outside? Missing the hectic summer event season? Fight the winter blues and work on triathlon in the off season by taking it indoors. Yep, that's right. Swimming, biking and running at the health club and for timed intervals to see how far you can go in the pool, on the stationary bike and on the treadmill or track.

The first of the Fitness Formula Clubs Indoor Triathlon series kicked off this past weekend, but it's not too late to join the fun. Chicago's Fitness Formula Clubs still has three more races in its series before the start of spring. The next indoor tri kicks off February 7 at FFC Gold Coast, followed by a March 7 race at Union Station and a March 21 race at East Lakeview. The challenge? Test yourself in a 10-minute swim, 20-minute bike and 15-minute run and see how far you can go. Check out the registration site for more details.

Fitness Formula isn't the only gym in the area serving up indoor tris in the off-season. Set your scope outside Chicago's city limits and you'll find a selection of other events. The Midwest Indoor Triathlon Series takes place at four suburban Chicago fitness centers and raises money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The dates are January 25, February 8, February 22 and March 8. Read more about the suburban Chicago locations on the event website.

Or combine a trip to the outlets at Pleasant Prairie, Wis., with some exercise at LakeView RecPlex. RecPlex's first indoor triathlon is set for Sunday, January 25, with the second installment on March 1. The indoor events consist of a 10-minute swim, 10-minute transition, 20-minute spin bike, 5-minute transition, 15-minute treadmill run. Read more about it at 3-Fitness Triathlon or register with RecPlex.

Last but not least is a triathlon series that's not just for triathletes living in the Chicago area. If you have a Life Time Fitness in your area then you can indoor tri. The clubs offer an indoor challenge consisting of a 10-minute swim, 30-minute bike in the Cycle Studio and 20-minute treadmill run. Find dates and registration information for a club near you at Life Time's site.

So are you ready to race indoors? Posted by Kate