Tantalus not so tantalizing

As a competitive sport, triathlons are for the serious, dedicated athletes whose physical abilities have yet to decline.

As a pastime, triathlons are for people who have the luxury of time and money. Time to do the hours of workouts per week to get ready for the events. Money to afford the toys.

Bicycles can cost in the thousands of dollars. And entry fees can go up to $200 for the longer races. Today's sprint triathlon in Lanikai cost $65.

The median age of the individual finishers of last year's Honolulu Triathlon was 38. That's when most people are settled into their careers.

Participating in a training group is an even greater commitment in time and money. The training sessions are on specific days at set times. And there is a fee for the coaching.

The median age for my training group is 51. Boca Hawaii director Raul Torres says the people who sign up for his masters training groups are generally older than people who would sign up for beginner training. They're mostly professionals like attorneys, nurses and Realtors, and a few own their own business. Only two mention having young children. They're in their 20s.

Most of the people in the group went through the same training last year and took part in other training groups before then. Some said they would never dream of entering a multisport event without professional coaching and never had. And even though the training might be the same every year, "There's no way you're going to do this on your own," said one.

After a recent swim session, I have to agree. One of the coaches assured us, "This is a great workout."

I don't know anyone who would do 10 consecutive 100-meter sprints, with only a minute rest in between, on their own. And based on that day's turnout, I know four others who would do it under instruction.

Even though they know they need the push of coaches to do the training, many members of the group know where to draw the line. Bad weather is a good predictor of a low turnout.

On the morning we were to ride our bicycles up to the top of Tantalus Drive, the weather was cold, wet and windy. One woman showed up, saw the conditions, then turned around and went home. The rain was really heavy on the 30-minute run afterward.

The day of the 100-meter sprints was particularly cold and windy. At least 10 people showed up and went through the run portion of the workout, 10 uphill sprints. But when the workout moved to the swimming pool, the group had shrunk to five.

Three coaches for five swimmers. The good thing about that situation is that you can get more individual attention. The bad thing is that you do get more individual attention.

After the sprints, Torres pointed out a defect in my form and wanted me to correct it.

"I want you to swim two more laps and don't let your hands cross your center line," he said.

And if I didn't correct that defect, he said he was going to make me swim more laps until I got it right.

I got it right the first time.