February 15, 2016

Ironman Challenge underway at recreation center

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The challenge is on. The second annual Indoor Ironman Challenge is underway at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Recreation Center and it’s not too late to start. 

It works like this: Either individually or as part of a three-person team, the goal is to swim two miles, run 26 miles and bicycle 112 miles by Feb. 28. The start date was Feb. 8 and already 92 individuals and 21 team members have taken the challenge. About 65 percent are women. 

But, there’s still time to sign up. The cost is $5 per participant, or pay $10 to take part individually and as a team member. The registration is open to any SIU student or recreation center member. Sign up at the Personal Fitness and Wellness Studio on the lower level of the Student Recreation Center. People who are not students/members can contact Stephanie Punda, fitness graduate assistant, at pundasa05@siu.edu regarding participation. 

Those who complete the challenge will receive special 2016 Ironman shirts – team competitors get short-sleeve shirts and individual finishers receive long-sleeve shirts. The challenge is undertaken at the recreation center and self-reported on provided log sheets using the honor system. There is no deadline to sign up but the sooner you do so, the longer you have to reach your goal. 

All mileage must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28 to be counted. Log sheets will be tallied and shirts awarded after spring break 2016. 

For more information, call 618/453-1272 or visit www.reccenter.siu.edu