Youths gain the endurance for sprint triathlons through YMCA

Small is mighty in one corner of the triathlon scene in Las Vegas.

IronKids is a monthly fitness program for athletes ages 9-13 offered by the YMCA of Southern Nevada.

The youngsters learn the running, cycling and swimming skills necessary to complete a sprint triathlon, a timed race in the three fields.

About 15 Las Vegas kids have participated in the program, which meets for one hour three days a week. The fee is $109 a month, and participants receive one-on-one direction and technique from instructor and personal trainer Taylor Holloway.

"I try to meet each child's needs as best I can," he said. "We have fun, but they work hard. I don't think they realize how hard they are working."

Each day of instruction is reserved for one event of a triathlon. Holloway conducts timed events on an exercise bike and treadmill as well as boot camp endurance drills and swimming training.

Holloway, a lifelong runner who has competed in many triathlons, draws from his time in the military to motivate the kids.

"I have some kids who come in here and think they can't -- I hate that word, 'can't,' " he said. "I instill in their mind they can and build that relationship."

Holloway said he hopes introducing youngsters to the discipline of triathlon training sets a lifelong standard.

His philosophy falls in line with that of the YMCA of Southern Nevada, said senior fitness director Sandy Doherty.

"We're focused on people forming healthy habits at an early age," she said. "Kids don't like the word 'exercise' because it doesn't sound like fun. This approach can help kids learn skills, gain confidence, make friends and burn calories."

The triathlon events are modified to be age-appropriate, Holloway said.

He said he has watched participants tackle personal goals and apply their skills in IronKids to future plans.

"One girl wants to be a collegiate swimmer now," he said.

The program was started three years ago as adult triathlons gained momentum as a fitness trend, Doherty said.

"We wanted to emphasize fun and variety, yet have a program that would explore cycling, swimming and running," she said.

For more information, call 476-6742 or email sdoherty@lasvegasymca.org.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.